AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 207, 2 September 1936, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE

The drama in the lives of two people separated by their devotion for their countries is thrivingly brought to the screen in the Regent Theatre attraction, "Till We Meet Again," whieli will open on Friday. Although the plot is rather a familiar one, there is promise of thrilling entertainment, since the theme is one that never seems to lack action. The plot presents Herbert Marshall, a loyal Englishman, and Gertrude Michael, his Viennese sweetheart, as two theatre players, who are playing in London and intend to be married. Their wedding plans are wrecked by the declaration of war, and Marshall joins his colours, while Miss Michael, who, unknown to her fiance, is a member of the German Secret Service, places herself under the orders of her commanding officer. Marshall is assigned to the British Intelligence Department, and because of his knowledge of German, is sent into the enemy country disguised as a German soldier. Miss Michael is also stationed in Germany, and when she meets Marshall feels that she cannot betray him. Their adventures in trying to get out of the country without arousing suspicion, provide the basis of a series of breath-taking adventures. The performances of Herbert Marshall are already well known, and Miss Michael has justified her promotion to stellar rank to play opposite him many times over. The supporting cast includes that fine actor Lionel Atwill, who plays the part of a German Secret Service chief, Rod La Roque and Guy Bates Post. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Despite weaknesses that can only be expected through technical difficulties, the Auckland-made film "On the Friendly Road," now heading the bill of the Majestic Theatre, is a production of real merit that is worthy of the highest praise. Mr. Rudall Hayward, the producer, is to be congratulated on the excellence of the photography and the fine cast that has obviously been picked by an expert judge. The attraction of the film for local audiences seems to lie in the _ different impression it leaves on the mind from the pictures of England and America that people have become accustomed to seeing. The story concerns New Zealand everyday life and shows country of the type that everybody has seen. The struggles of a family after its head has been in gaol for an offence he did not commit form the basis of the action. The influence of the "Friendly Road" and "Uncle Scrim" gives him a new start and he wins through to something really worth while. The cast is headed by John Mackie and Jean Hamilton, both seasoned players, while others include Stanley Knight, Alan Leonard, James Swan, Neville Goodwin and James Martin. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The conflict between a wife and a secretary for the afi'ections-of a millionaire publisher forms the theme of "Wife Versus Secretary," now heading the programme at the St. James' Theatre. For those who search for real modern entertainment the picture can be recommended as something that should be seen. Gable in the polished role of Van Sanford, a millionaire publisher, is as brilliant as ever and shows his versatility to audiences which have been used to seeing him in such vigorous parts as Fletcher Christian and Captain Gaskell. the latter part being taken in "China Seas," when he was said to give the finest portrayal of his career. Clarence Brown, who directed "Wife Versus Secretary," is the man who was responsible for the Greta Garbo attraction "Anna Karenina" and the film version of Eugene O'Neill's "Ah, Wilderness." As for Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy, it is hard to decide which is the better actress of the two, but in view of the more sympathetic role she has been given, the honours 6eem to lie with Miss Loy.

EMBASSY THEATRE. It is a long time since Auckland saw Anna Sten. After "Nana" and "The Wedding Night" she seemed to disappear, but now she emerges'from her retreat in "A Woman Alone," which will commence to-morrow at the Embassy Theatre. Playing opposite Henry Wilcoxon, who will be remembered for his great performance in "The Crusades," the Russian girl has a role that should be particularly suitable for her talents. She takes the part of a Russian peasant girl, and since she is of that nationality herself she should be very convincing. Recently she has been creating quite a stir on the Continent by her splendid acting. This time she will be able to be her real self, for it cannot be denied that her previous roles in America were over-glamourised. Her part in "A Woman Alone" is that of a little peasant girl who falls in love with an officer in the Imperial Guard when she is dancing at his wedding. When the officer's son is born the peasant girl is called in as nurse. Henry Wilcoxon, who is seen as the officer, is said to give another of his solid, realistic portrayals. The film promises to be strangely stirring and the final scenes, when Wilcoxon is conrt-martialled, should provide some tense drama. Also in the cast are John Garrick, Viola Keats and Esme Percy.

LITTLE THEATRE PRODUCTION. "The Great Broxopp," which the Auckland Little Theatre Society intends to stage on September 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10, is said to be A. A. Milne's most entertaining play. When it was produced in London, Edmund Gwenn and Mary Jerrold, who played Mr. and Mrs. Broxopp, said that they found it one of the most enjoyable plays they had had the pleasure oE presenting. In the company that Mr. Kenneth Brampton lias assembled many new faces appear. With the exceptions of Elthelwyn Geddes, Anne Lane, Ronald Bowie and Dan Flood, he has brought an entirely new cast in bearing. Several of the new players have never been on the stage before, but under careful tuition are now giving good performances. Mr. Brampton thinks that it is time some of the younger players were given an opportunity to make good and he has therefore cast them in important roles. The cast, apart from those already mentioned, includes James Lovatt, Betty Carr-Rollett, Yvonne Locke, Brian Fisher-Betts and Robert Spragg.

"ARCHES OF THE YEARS." A thousand women and girls and the IYA orchestra will take part in a spectacular pageant, "The Arches of the Years," which will be presented in the Town Hall on September 9 and 10 by Mrs. Zoe Bartley-Baxter to culminate the jubilee of the Y.W.C.A. The production has been built up on the symbol of the blue triangle, which stands for spirit, mind and body, and in the seven scenes all of the 1000 women and girls will take part. The programme shows that a period of enjoyment is due for those who attend, for the series of scenes promise entertainment of a kind that is seldom seen in Auckland. The final scene, representing international friendship, should be the highlight of the performance. ROUSHWORTHS' SKATING. George Court's team, winners of the 1934-35 Atta Shield club championships, will play the Auckland representatives in the match of the season at Roushworths Skating Rink, Khyber Pass, this evening. A special programme has been arranged for the entertainment of patrons and a night of real enjoyment is promised. ORPHANAGE DEMONSTRATION. To-night in the Town Hall several Auckland children's homes and orphanages will combine in producing a spectacular demonstration. Good entertainment is promised in action songs, playettes, poi songs, folk dances, a physical display and a number of recitations and song numbers. One of the best items should be provided by the humorous selection, "The Nigger Minstrels," which will be staged by the boys of the Epworth Home, Mount Albert. In view of the worthy cause there should be a large attendance of the public. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. TOWN HALL —Amateur Wrestling:. PICTURE THEATRES. LONDON —Cary Grant and Sylvia Sidney in "30 Day Princess." MAJESTIC —Uncle Scrim and Jean Hamilton In "On the Friendly Road." REGENT—Mae West and Victor McLaglen in "Klondike Annie." EMBASSY —Margaret Sullavan and Henry Foijda in "The Moon's Our Home." ST. JAMES'—Clark Gable and Myrna Loy in "Wire Versus Secretary." AMBASSADOR—Guest Night. ASTOR —Guest Night. BIRKENHEAD —"Here Comes the Band." BRITANNIA —"Strike Me Pink." CAPITOL —Guest Night. GAIETY—"The Calling: or Dan Matthews." GREY LYNN—"Mary Bums, Fugitive." KINGSLAND —Guest Night. MAYFAIR —Guest Night. PICTUREDROME—Guest Night. PRINCE EDWARD—Guest Night. STAR (Newton) —Edmund Gwenn and Sir Cedrlc Hardwlcke in "Laburnum Grove." STATE (Symonds Street) —"These Three." STRAND (Onehunga)—Guest Night. TUDOR —"In Person." VICTORIA—Guest Night.