FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 17

FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

"THE BIG BROADCAST OF 1937." REGENT. .Tack Carson Jack Benny Mr. and Mrs. I'lntt Hums nnil Allen Hob Black Bob I'.iirna Petsy Martha Haye Owen Holmes Shirley Rosa Frank Itossmnn Frank Forest liob Miller Kay Milland Selected variety artists Director: Mitchell Lclsen. Paramount. It must be admitted that "The Big Broadcast of 1937," -which opened its Auckland season at the Kegent Theatre last evening does not depend for its success on the originality or forcefulness o£ ,its story The plot is decidedly slender, tut is bright from end to end. With the imposing list of star names featured in the cast it would be hard to imagine the picture failing to be an outstanding success, however, and an outstanding success it is. "The Big Broadcast" may be set down as one of the pictures that should not be missed in 1937.

Actually the film is in the form of a glorified vaudeville show, with the performers some of the best artists in the •world to-day. The cast is a long list of names that people in >Te-v Zealand know well, dancers, singers, comedians (and Although many of them do not enter the actual plot their items combine to provide an hour and a half of sheer enjoyment. There are, for instance, solo items by such famous artists as Larry Adler, known all over the world as "the mouth-organ virtuoso"; Elcanore Whitney, practically the fastest dancer on the screen to-day and a charming, young lady; Louis Dapron, eccentric dancer; Shirley Boss and Frank Forest, and Bob Burns and Martha Ray.

The story is merely a comic treatment of the broadcasting business. Jack Benny, giving an hilarious performance as the head of the broadcasting station, bns the unenviable ' task of keeping scatterbrained Gracie Allen satisfied because she is the sponsor of his biggest programme. He is also responsible for keeping Shirley Ross off the air at her little countrv station in order that she will not annoy' Frank Forest, his biggest star. But Miss'Ross gets on the air—teaming with Forest to provide delightful entertainment for the audience. She and Ray Milland provide the romantic interest.

To describe the turns of the programme would be impossible. It is sufficient to say that there is not a single dull spot— the whole picture is excellent because it caters for every taste. The contrast between two orchestras in the film is really amusing. It would be difficult to conceive a band rendering "hotter" music than that of Benny Goodman—lovers of modern music are in for a treat—and to find a more "high brow" orchestra than that of Leopold Stokowski. Baeh's Fugue in G Minor played by the Philharmonic Orchestra is magnificent. Bob Burns and Martha Kaye, the twn people who made '■Rhythm on the Range" a success, deserve congratulations for their comedy roles, particularly Miss Raye. a real artist.

On the supporting programme is a masterpiece of its kind, "Popeye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor," by far the funniest "Popeye" cartoon that has yet been produced. Made entirely in colour, it is much longer than the- usual run and in a queer, outlandish fashion is rather impressive.

"THE RETURN OF SOPHIE LANG." MAJESTIC. Sophie Lans Gertrude Michael .lames Dawsoii Itay Millaml Mnxlinllllnn liiTnaril . Sir Guy Stamliny Aroiulntn Scdlcy . Elizabeth Patterson I-urser Colin Tnipli-y Inspector Parr Paul Harvey Mr. Chadwick Furnell Pratt Also: "Expert's Opinion," featuring Leslie Pcrrlns. An ingenious jewel robbery at sea is the central episode in "The Return of Sophie Lang," which opened at the Majestic Theatre last night. A thrilling police chase results when the liner arrives at New York—but the wrong person is pursued. Max Bernhard, the real thief, informs the police that the companion of Mrs. Sedlcy, the victim of the robbery, is reallv the notorious jewel thiet Sophie Lang, reputed to have been , dead five years. Gertrude Michael's lively charm fits to perfection the part of Sophie, who has given up her former way of life. With the help of Ray Milland, taking the part of James Dawson, the reporter and her lover, she outwits the police after a series of hairbreadth escapes, and eventually fixes the blame on the real thief. This part is taken by Sir Guy Standing, and his cunning intrigues keep the fate of Sophie in the balance till the climax of the story, when he is surrounded by police with the goods in his possession. Colin Taplcy* the New Zealander, puts in an appearance as the purser of the liner. "Expert's Opinion," a fast-moving murder drama, is the supporting feature. Lucille Lisle. Leslie Perrina, Molly Fisher and Franklyn Bellamy take the leading parts.

CAPITOL, BALMORAL. The Capitol Thentre, Balmoral, features Herbert Marshall and Gertrude Michael in "Till We Meet Again" as its principal feature for the week-end. The picture is a drama of the emotional type that should gain the popular approval. Also showing is "Klondyke Annie." starring the popular Mae West and Victor McLaglen. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. The wise-cracking comedy-drama, "Big Brown Eyes," is featured on the prolamine of the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, Joan Bennett and Cary Grant filling the important rcles Miss Bennett is a manicurist and Grant is her detective friend. "Absolute Quiet," the co-feature, stars Trouc Ifarvey and Lionel Atwiil and is said to belie its name. GREY LYNN CINEMA. "San Francisco" has reached the Grey Lynn Cinema and over the week-end patrons are to be entertained by the glorious voice of Jeanette MacDonaid and the virile acting of Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. In all centres "San Francisco" has established record attendances. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL. A fine programme lias been arranged by the management of the Municipal Theatre. Avondale, in the two attractions "Uittle Loid Fauntleroy" and "The Robin Hood of El Dorado."' The stars of the first production are Freddie Bartholomew iiiul Doioivs Cost olio, {Wei in tlio pccontl the principal parts are taken by Ann Loring, Warner Baxter. Bruce Cabot and Margo. RIALTO, SUNDAY. Another popular Sunday night programme has been arranged for the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. To-morrow evening Edgar Wallace's mystery story. "The Green Pack," and "Without You," starring .Wendy Barrie, will be screened.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. tainment is well catered for in the main attraction on the bill of the St. James' Theatre, the screen's version of a popular novel by a popular author, "Piccadilly Jim." The picture, which is an M.G.M. production, does not follow the book closely, but it has a true Wodehouse flavour and is cosmopolitan enough to appeal to all tastes. The acting is excellent and the comedy is bright anil entertaining at all stages. Kobcrt Montgomery, who plays the part of Piccadilly .lim. is extraordinarily likeable, and gives the impression that he is the man Wodehouse had in mind when he wrote the book. Piccadilly Jim. the cartoonist, makes the mistake of picturing the family of the

girl lie loves as the "Richswitch Family" of his cartoons, and the picture reveals how he faced up to the situation after discovering his mistake. Erie Wore, Frank Morgan. Robert Benchley, Madge Evans and Billy Burke arc others in the cast. EMBASSY THEATRE. "Sweet Aloes," which is continuing to show to large audiences at the Embassy Theatre, is based on the famous stage play of the same name by Jay Mallory. The intensely emotional situations of the play offer Kay _ Francis the finest dramatic opportunity of her career, and she rises to them with all the artistry for which she-is famous. There is a remarkably strong supporting cast, which includes such famous players of stage and screen as George Brent, Roland Young, Patrie Knowles, Henry Stephenson. Frieda Inescort, Helen Flint. Halliwell Hobbcs, ZcfKo Tnlbury and Elspeth Dudgeon. The story moves from England to America in telling the romance of a young Englishwoman and a nobleman, whose strangely involved lives are simplified only through the intervention of a mutual friend (played by Roland Young). KAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. The sparkling dialogue and fast-moving plot of "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" should meet with the approval of the majority of patrons of the Mayfair Theatre. Sandriiighain. where the modern mysterycomedy i« advertised as the main attraction. "The Bride Walks Out," with Gene Raymond and Barbara Stanwyck, is the second film. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. Two films of a widely different type are featured on the current programme of the State Theatre. Symonds Street, in "Anna Karenina" and "Moonlight Murder." The first has Greta Garbo in the principal role with Basil R.ithbone. Freddie Bartholomew and Fredric March supporting. The film is a fine adaptation of the wellknown novel. The co-feature is a murder-mystery story of the most exciting type, with the principal parts tilled with distinction by Chester Morris and Madge Evans. STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. The Star Theatre, Karangahape Road, has secured ns its principal feature the drama, "Anna Karenina, an excellent screen version of the famous novel by Leo Tolstoy. Heading a cast of wellknown plavers are Greta Garbo. Fredric March Basil Rathbone and Freddie Bartholomew. The story is heavy drama, with slight comedy relief by Reginald Owen. Also showing at the Star is a story of the American fishing coast. "Riff Raff." in which Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy are starred.

STRAND, SUNDAY. Following an address by Mr. F. S. Morton on "England To-day." a picture programme headed by "A By-pass to Happiness" will be screened. The big picture has a good cast headed by Molly Lamont. The address will deal with social and economic conditions in. England to-day.

AMALGAMATED THEATRES. Programmes at theatres controlled by Amalgamated Theatres, Limited, are as follow:- -Civic. Sllirley Temple ill "Dimples"; Plaza. Jane Wither in "Pepper"; Strand. "Conlliet." with John Wayne and Je.m lingers, and "The Man I Marry." with Doris Xolan and Mieiael Whaleli: National. •' Tlw Cirl on the Front I'agc." fealurin..' ICdimiml l.nwc ami f.lnriii Stuart, and "On.- Kxciting Advcutun:": lioxy and Tivoli. "Il.it .\l..uey" anil "California Mail": Regent and Alexandra. "Show Boat": Princess. "The Klyin- Doctor" and "Karthworiu Tractors ; State. Onchnnga. "The lli.ad to Clory" and "Thank You. Jeeves"; Crystal Palace and Rialto. "Ramona": State. Devonport, "My Man (i.nlfrey" and "Charlie Chan at tho' Racetrack ,, ; King's. "Walking on Air , ' and "Bengal Tiger"; Kmpnvs. "The White An K el" and "Girls , dormitory"; Korbl. "The White Aukcl" and "White Vans;": Adclphi, "Swing Time" and "Wliito Fans"; Be Luxe. "It's Love Again" and "Satan Met a Lady." AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. In the main picture on the bill of the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. "Tho Garden Murder Case." Edmund Lowe and Virginia Bruce fill the roles of importance. Lowe playing the part of the famous detective of fiction. Philo Vance. Warner Olaml stars in the second film. ''Charlie Chan's Secret." LONDON, QUEEN STREET. The great negro singer Paul Roboson takes the most important role in "Sanders of the River." an African drama written by the late Edgar Wallace. The film, which is currently screening at the London Theatre. Queen Street, has also in its cast the outstanding British player. Leslie Banks, and the negro actress, Nina Mae McKinney. KINGSLAND TALKIES. There arc two fast-moving stories screening at the Kingsland Talkies. "She Couldn't Take It" and "Half Ansel." Joan Bennett, and George Raft are seen in the first and Frances Dee and Brian Donlcvy in the second. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. In the fine action film now screening at the Astor Theatre. Dominion Road. "The Legion of Valour," Richard Arlen is assisted in making the film an outstanding success by Virginia Bruce, Alice Brady and Bruce Cabot. Also showing is "The Voice of Bugle Ann," with Eric Linden. Maureen o'Sullivan and Lionel Barrymore. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullaran, ex-hiigb'and and wife, are featured in "The Moon's Our Home," first attraction on the current bill of the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. Fonda is an autlior and Miss Sullavan an actress, and the pair have hated one another for years without meeting. When they meet under assumed names the result is highly diverting. TUDOR, REMUERA. The music of the latest Grace Moore film, "The King Steps Out," was written bv one of the outstanding violinists of the day, Fritz Kreisler. Supporting the singer are Franchot Tone and AValter Connelly. It is claimed that Miss Moore has never had a role so satisfying to her admirers, while Franchot Tone is also admirably cast. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. R. L. Stevenson's story "The Suicide Club" is the major feature on the programme of the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, where it is .showing in conjunction with "The Charm School." Tn "The Suicide Club" the principal roles are filled by Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell, and in the second attraction Joe Pcnner, Frances Langford and Jack Oakie are starred.

PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. '•Small Town Girl," currently screeni.i" at the Prince Edward Theatre, Karangabape Road, is the story o£ a country girl "ho falls in love and is married to a young city doctor. Then she is forced to struggle for his ail'cctions 'against serious i-oinpetilioli. Janet Uaynor plays the name part and mnUca a -real success of it. With her are linhi-rt Tnvlor and Uiiinie Hal-lie*. James Stewart is ineludcd in the cast and is also resiiiiiisilile for a good acting performance. Also showing is "Fatal Lady," with Mary Ellis and John Halliday. . BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. The western drama that has. perhaps, proved the most popular ever written, "The Last of the Mohicans." by Fcnitlie Britannia Theatre, Pousonby, by a line cast headed by Randolph Scott, Ilinnie Barnes and Heather Ansrel. Also sliowimr is "She Shall Have Music," with Jack Hylton's band. DANCING. Peter Pan. modern dancing; Thco W.iltcrs' Personality Band. Pirate Sliippe. Milford, old-time carnival. "The Mikado": Pirate Shippc band. Bown Owl Kondhoiiee. Social Club's dance; items by Rita Xaylor (tap dancer). Sir. Frean (baritone) and Syd Blauchlield (violin). Druids' Hall, Xewton: Old-time danciug; Premier dance band. Arts Hall, Kitchener Street: Old-time; Jack Ronton's band. Zcalandia Hall, Balmoril: Ralph's Astorians. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. MISSION BAY — Miller and Davey's Carnival. PICTURE THEATRES. LONDON —Paul nobeson ana Leslie Banks in "Sanders ot the niver." REGENT—Jack nenny and Burns and Allen In "The Big- Broadcast or 1037." EMBASSY—Kay Francis and George Brent in "Sweet Aloes." ST. JAMES , — Robert Montgomery and Madge Evans In "Piccadilly Jim." MAJESTIC —Gertrude Michael and Sir Guy Standing: In "Tho naturn or SopUle Lang-." AMBASSADOR — "Tlio Garden Murder Case." ASTOR— "The Legion or Valour." AVONDALE —"Little Lord Fauntleroy." BIRKENHEAD—"TImotny's Quest." BRITANNIA—"TIie Last or tho Monlcans." CAPITOL—"TiII Wo Meet Again." DELTA —"Happiness Anoad." GAIETY—"Tho Moon's Our Home." GAIETY (Otahuhu) —"Mary or Scotland." GREY LYNN—"San Francisco." KINGSLAND —"Sne Couldn't Taio It." MAYFAIR—"Tine Ex Mrs. Bradford." ORPHEUS (Otahuhu) —"Three Wise Guys." PICTUREDROME—"TIio Last Days or Pompeii." PRINCE EDWARD —"Small Town Girl" and "Fatal Lady." SOUTHERN CROSS —"TIICSC Three." STAR (Newton) —"Anna Karenlna" and "Rlir Raff." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Anni KareSTRAND (Onehunga) —"Big Brown Eyes." TUDOR —"Tlio King- Steps Out." VICTORIA—, u Suioklo-£luSs,'S