AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 292, 10 December 1936, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS.

EMBASSY THEATRE. Although the mystery type of film may sound all too familiar, the theme of "The Preview Murder Mystery," which opens to-day at the Embassy Theatre, is somewhat original, in that the story centres around the mystery of a film studio where stars and directors are killed under

curious circumstances. The background of the studio, replete with shaded lights, strange "props" and darkened stages, should prove ideal for a mystery background. The makers claim that the

majority of audiences will be utterly battled, and despite the fact that they may arrive at a conclusion early in the progress of the story they will find that their calculations are entirely wrong. The story concerns the terrible happenings in a well-known studio after Rod La Roque, a front rank star, receives threatening notes that lie will not live to see the preview of his newest effort. He goes to the preview with a squad of detectives for protection, and when the lights go up he is found to be poisoned. Gail I atrick, his leading lady, and lan Keith, her husband, also receive threats, and soon Keith is killed. The murderer is unsuccessful in his efforts to get Miss I atrick. but a note is sent to the producer to warn liini that the studio is to be blown up the next evening. Reginald Denny, the publicity director, finally solves the case and discovers the murderer. The story is stated to be really ban ling, and the majority of audiences will think they have arrived at a solution long before the story is half way through. Among the supporting cast are I'rances Drake, George Barbier and Thomas Jackton. MAJ2STIC THEATRE. The character he likes best, that of a lovable old faker who glories in bamboozling the public, ibut who paves the way for the romance of a young couple, is given W. C. Fields, starring in Paramount's carnival film "Poppy," coming to-morrow to the Majestic Theatre. It is the part he played in his first stage success, years ago. Fields appears as a patent medicine man and tent show follower, who is the gjiardian of an 18-year-old girl, Rochelle Hudson. When the two are operating in a small town Rochelle meets and falls in love with Richard Cromwell, son of the town's Mayor. Fields, meanwhile, has eoncoctecLa scheme to have his ward identified as a missing heiress so she can take over an unclaimed fortune in the town. The scheme works for a time and then is exposed. Rochellc, heiress for a day, is faced with the breaking up of her love affair and relinquishing her new home. Then a sudden turn of the plot brings a happy ending. Cast members include such outstanding favourites as Lynn Overman, Catharine Doucet. Rosalind Keith and others. Taken from the first Fields stage triumph of years back, "Poppy" was directed by A. Edward Sutherland.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The attractive screen team of Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck, now playing at the St. .Tames' Theatre in the daring story. "His Brother's Wife," is proving highlv popular and the local reputations of both the leading players should be considerably enhanced as a result of the film. The play of human emotions under strain is said to be drawn in a fashion which has seldom been equalled 011 the screen before. Audiences are sure to be attracted by the power of the theme and the artistry of the pinvers. In another direction, too. the audience's approval should be met with, for the fine direction of W. S. Van Dyke should not be overlooked. Taylor, now generally admitted as the most popular young star in Hollywood, appears in the role "of a scientist about to embark on an expedition into the tropical jungle. On his final fling in New York he meets a red-headed girl and falls in love with her. His brother persuades him to carry on the expedition and when he leaves, the girl is so angry that she marries the brother. When the scientist returns, the girl finds she loves him just as much as before and th ey go back into the jungle together. After an emotional crisis tlie girl injects Vlertdly germs into her arm and in tin fight to restore her life Taylor finds the secret serum he lias been trying to discover in the jungle. Barbara Stanwyck is said to be outstanding in the part of the girl; there are few pictures in which her portrayals have not been of the highest standard.

REGENT THEATRE. A gripping drama of intrigue, romance and adventure, "The General Died at Dawn," is still attracting large audiences at the Regent Theatre. The picture brings Gary Cooper in another colourful soldier-of-fortune role. With modern China as its background, the plot of The General Died at Dawn" revolves around the awakening of China to the oppressions of her nredatory war lords and the beginning of a spirit of resistance. Cooper, as the champion of the down-trodden, is in the ranks of the new movement. Playing onposite him is beautiful Madeleine Carroll in the role of the lum held out by a war lord to lead Cooper to destruction. "The General Died at Dawn" is tiie thrilling story of a love that blooms between a man to whom danger is life and the girl who paid to get_ him out of the way. "Having trapped him she soon finds herself enmeshed in the same web. Remorse causes her to offer her life for the freedom of the man she loves. In a thrilling climax the pair snatch happiness and love from the very jaws of death and, save the cause to which the man had dedicated his life.

AMALGAMATED THEATRES. | Current entertainment at the. Amalgamated Theatres in the city comprises:— Civic: "Roar! to Glorv." Pl»™: ™! e . r , p There's a Will." Strand: The White Angel." National: "My American Wife and "Rhvthm on the Ranee. RoxyTivoli: "Bengal Tiger" and Love Begins At 20." AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S —Geo. Wallace and Company. PICTURE THEATRES. ST JAMES' —Robert Taylor and Baijbara ' Stanwyck: In "His Brother's wire." LONDON —George Bancroft anrj Roscoe Karnes in "Elmer and Elsie. 1 MAJESTIC —Lionel Barrymore and Maureen O'Sulllvan in "Devil Doll." REGENT —Gnrv Cooper and Madeleine Carroll in "Tne General Died at Dawn. EMBASSY —Reginald Danny in "The Preview Murder Mystery." AMBASSADOR —Guest Night. ASTOR —Bobby Breen In "Let's Sing Agaiin." BRITANNIA —"13 Hours By Air." CAPITOL—Grace Moore In "Love Me For Eveir." GAIETY— "Boys Will Be Boys." grey LYNN —Gladys Swartliout In "Give Us This Niglit." KINGSLAND —Guest Night. PRINCE EDWARD —Guest Night. STAR (Newton) —Walter Huston and Ruth Chatterton In "DodsWorth." STATE (Symonds Street) —"DodSWorth-" STRAND (Onehunga)—Guest Night. TUDOR—"Her Master's Voice." VICTORIA —Guest Night.