Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 280, 26 November 1938, Page 18

Amusements Reviewed

"LETTER OF INTRODUCTION. * I . .1 AM !•>•'. •'"'"i "lug .... Adolpli- M. hi..11 K ».» Miirl in \ nil ri ji 1..-..1-i-jl-'ar i-jl-'ar 11. ru'.n Mini ( 1,.i rl ii' M . « ji fl liy I'll..ni». h Unrrx I'. 11 l; • • I .furu'r Mi.i-i.t.t ,l " 1 " 1 Hi< ;l Jmlii... I. I'J'li.i Ann 5i11.m1..11 I ilrcclnr : .1 "Ii n M Stall] |In I versa I). ■V MM I il> am.i oi (In* stage spiceil w.t j i t "in in.-r. i "illl >i 1 \ .mil pathos. " A Lett.-i ..| lii I M >■ lint inn, xx Inch mi a lie a biir hit in I's A m kl.iinl premiere pieseiitat i■.it ,il St .l imes' I hiMlie l.ist. night, is one ..| timsc lan pi "'ln. lions (hat, in.ike one toilet all .ii'iiul. I lie si.lis ,»| (lie cast m -tlu'i'i enj"» "I the sto;y. It goes ic.'lii t" I "i,in.in ne,in. iii ex ery pn.iso, ,ni.| \x;li 1'I"• I"I .1 ill c l s i 11'. [ 111 ell 11 it j \\ 1I 11 pi. I 11: I-' I " I"".' ■I i lei II I, lie pi el I'll I inns ami spei • I"11 la i |milin es have I icon lin got t .'h. l-'.u \ l.ellel ..I I 111 Iml 11, (lull ' lias tile "I* ' v '. " i I s Ihe li"pe and despair "i a'l |• ■<■ ■ •I'll ei" ■I' I•' p'lixexois lII' Minis a 11. I Ihe |.n "• i; ■ ■ 111 e 111 pulilic. Tins ill am.ll ii in j i 1 ". 111 ■ 1111 o 111. nei mil pa n led iix sup lea I niell es up to the St. ./.lines' t "«l inn.ii x standard, makes a lull i>t laic II jie.it at tract Inn which xvill prolnililx ei'ju.y a protracted season of popularity. Hue has to think back for many yea is to retail Adolphe Menjou in a major role in vx Inch ho appears to such advantage. \ Imost like an epitome of Menjou's own e.\pel icnces, the part of John Mannering tils him like a glove. In it one has the ageing actor who gallantly holds I he giant"'ii' • i nil elm nil of Ui* former greatness against. the lorees of his own diminishing powers and of increasing rivalry until a seeming 11 it I isc re t ion throws him into 'injusi .mil iiniuerited disgrace. All the ill.iin,i and pathos of a man s miirtxrilom in I lie cause of protecting a woman is pow el 1 ully porti aveil. anil the story takes an ailded i oTour ami colivii tinn through the ,ii list iy xx ilh which Andrea Leeds invests the role of Maniiering's piotege. Willi smiml support troin the cast these two pi ovule vixitl anil moving ilrama xxitli a meat linale and intervening periods of tender romance. But that is only part ot eptional magnetism of the show, for it. lias periods of glorious comedy when Edgar Hei gen comes into the picture xxitli his lanioiis "Charlie McCarthy" speaking dummy, anil Charlie's new friend "Moiturior." who stutters about in the guise of a shy. silly farm hand. Actually all three appear to be living characters, ami they tit. neatly into the action of the play . incidentally telling the story of Bergen's own tight for recognition in the entertainment world. 'this comedy could be • show in itself, but as presented here it is an iiuitirgettable part of a highly distinctive drama-comedy.

A series of air-muil news apecials, ineluding several from the Canton war front, unit the landing in Australia of the British bombers after a record Might, are feature* of the supporting prolamine. It includes a New Zealand study of Nelson Province's natural beauties and resource*, and a most entertaining variety show film. STRAND. How three sisters net out to find i rich husband for the eidt.at, aad finish up in a way far different fiom whut they had ar.ti( ipated, tor mil the tnei; c of the "plot (,i "Three Blind Mice," the comedy-romance that enterej ita second week in Auckland yesterday at the Strand 'lheutre, after a successful week at the (J'viC. Loretta Youn„ is casi as the eldest or the three girla, whom M.irjorie Weaver and I'auUne Moore, the two younger ones, fit out so an to make tempting bait for a wealthy man. Joel McCrea m cast a" the apparently rich but u'tm.lly poor young fellow, who finally wins the hand of the lovely Loretta, while David Nivtn is the actually wealthy chap who, does not. Stuart Erwin is cast as another young man with plenty oI the right stuff, whose pone as a barman bluffs all concerned until the last lew ncencs. Aa may be realiaed, it ia largely a comedy of errors, and the delightfully deft and capable way in which the whole production is handled makes it unusually pleasant entertainment. The amuaing comedy, "Live Wire." with Bernard Nedell and Jean Gillie, ia on tha aame programme. PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. Akim Tatniroff, the roistering pirate of "The Buccaneer," is cast an a powerful gangster, racketeer and political boss in "Dangerous to Know," main attraction on the programme at the Prince Edward Theatre. Newton, this evening. The versatility of this tine actor is building up a great reputation for him in Hollywood, and he haa an important role in the muchpubliciaed "Spawn of the North," coming to Auckland soon. Gail Patrick plays the part of the proud aocialite with whom, the racketeer falls in love, while Anna May Wong ia caat as his Chinese mistress, who cat (sea his eventual downfall, just as he ia within an ace of forcing Misa Patrick to marry him. The popular English radid comedian. Sandy Powell, is the star of the associate feature, "Leave It To Me." STATE, SYMONDS STREET. Few actors have auch a reputation for consistently tine performances aa has burly Wallace Beery, whoae portrayals in "Viva Villa," "Bad Man From Brimstone" and hia other triumphs, will long be remembered by those fortunate enough to have soon them. He fully nraintana his prestige in his latest film, "Port at Seven Sens," which heads thia evening's programme at the State Theatre, Symonds Street. As a loud-mouthed, hard-flsted, but warmhearted saloonkeeper on the Marseilles waterfront, he gives an outstanding cxhibi-| tion of acting, and hia personality abso-1 lutoly dominates the film. Frank Morgan, John Beat, Maureen O'Sullivan and Jessie .Ralph are prominently cast. The first episode of a new aerial, "The Mysterious Pilot." featuring Captafh Hawkea, heads tho supporting programme. TUDOR, REMUERA. The spicy Parisian comedy, "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife," which heitds this evening's programme at the Tudor Theatre, Kejnuera, hits Gary Cooper and Claudette ( oiliert in the leading roles. Guarantee as to the tilin n quality is that it was directed "nil produced by the famous I'lrnst J.ubltsch. Selected shorts complete the progrumine. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. The thrilling spy drama, "Knight Without Armour, is featured on the (intent programme at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. Robert Donat arid Marlene Dietrich are the stars. A coloured Walt Disney •illv symphony heads the gramme of fenturettea. PRINCESS. DOMINION ROAD. Action is the kevnote of "Knur Men mid a I'layer." the cxntmg melodrama whi. h heads t his evening's bill of tine at. t lie Print i'kh Tliontrr*. Dominion Hoikl, "A Tup to I'iiiih. lon tin In if thr Jnvira Knmilv, im I'll tin; HIIIIM' proufi Minmo, »unl a *\Vhm li of 'I mi" nhoi t ik in<-liiflftfl in the mipportintf JiliiiM. HANDEL'S "MESSIAH."

A festival performance of Handel's " Messiah" xx ill bo given by a combination nt the Auckland (hoial Society and the Hox >il Auckland Male Choir, iii the Town Hall on Satunlax, December 17. Mr. Trevor Spin ling will bn at the (•rami organ, and the conductor will be Mr. • nlin Muston. Assisting artists include Miss Ada Lvnne, Madame Irene Ainsley, Mr. Stanley Moekfortl and Mr. Kussell J. Laiirenson The box plan xvill be open lit the record shop, Queen's Arcade, on 1 Jet •ember 13. "THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS" Kolloxx nig the great success that all elided its efforts in the recent, prodm--111 hi of "Alice iii Wonderland," the Children's Thelitis has decided to stamc the I nltlier inlventui es ot Mice in "Through the Looking Class. Ibis will lie produced on Friilai ami Saturday, December 'J ami n. 111 St. A lit 11 exx s Hall, lauxei iMontls Stieet. The box plan is to I,ewis Ka.l.x , Ltd.

" KICKING THE MOON ABOUT." MAYFAIK. Ambrose H Nil self I epper Ma rt lii Kvelyn Da 11 J|" ri'X II I'll ma ii Himself I' 1" II"'" x 1 Klnrenee Desmond Itot.l.ie ll.mki's Hal Thumps.,n Mark Itrown xDenler Wirren 1 >irector : Walter l't.rde (U.H.D.I. Also, "Time Out for Murder." Willi i.l'.ria Stuart Michael Whalen anil Chick Chandler. Headed by a bright musical comedy, "Kicking the Moon Around." the current l enteit ai ii iii en t at the Maytair Theatre is one to satisfy each and every type of audience. I here is another pietuie, a 'lian I tin ills. "Time Out For Minder." in xx Int Ii a woman is murdered in the | a p.ll t men I. nml an innocent friend | -led. But oi that iiioi e anon. | "Kicking the Moon Around" centres | 11>1111' 1 the singing of txxo artists, one of I I- a "find." and whose self-| ! -I|■ |"'lll1 e.I agent is iletei iiinietl to get her an audition and a contract xx 1111 a star 'ouipany. I Ins is accomplished, but all, i- not smooth sailing, and tlieic is many a slip lit'ltire the girl is finally placet! and signed up. Incidentally she marries ( 111 • i manager whom she thought was "In oke. 1 int who is really one of the richest young men in London. The picture is full of highlights of musical comedy, and features Evelyn Hall, a pretty blonde crooner, who is a delightful singer as well as a clever actress. Florence Desmond is another dainty at trei.s, who is excellently suited to her rule as a girl who threw awuy her chances because of her love for money. Harry Kichuiond sings well, and excellent music is provided by Ambrose and his oi chesll a. • Time Out For Murdet" is an exciting Ia ma and murder mystery. Suspicion I.ills on three men. one of whom is ." i este.l. hut his innocence is proved when die lii o "t hers clash, and in an exchange of shooting both are killed. Gloria Stu.iit. Michael Whalen and Chick ChandI ler aie the principals, and Whalen and ( handler are a pair of roving reporters who butt in on the polic-e when the murder is discovered anil get a hint of the likelv iii in tlei er xx hen (iloria Stuart, as a debt collector, calls to collect a little account nl l.i dollars. She then becomes a partv to the sleuthing by the reporters, and while assisting to solve the crime falls 'inpelessly in love with Whalen. It is a **tory of thrills, well acted. Scream in jflv funny is a short, in which a magician engages a fool of an assistant who can do nothing right much to the discomfiture of the magician, but to the delight of the audience, who go into hysterical laughter jat what they believe to be the clever clowning of the assistant. The whole entertainment is most enjoyable. ROXY-TIVOLI. Laraine Johnson is co-starred with husky George O'Brien, for the second time, in "Painted Desert," now showing at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. O'Brien, veteran of many a "horse opera," is as good as ever he was, and gives a typically virile performance as a fast-shooting rancher. Pretty brown-haired Miss Johnson confirms the high opinion formed of her in her previous appearance with O'Brien, in "Border G-Man." and gives an entertaining portrayal. Another rising young Western player, Ray Whitley, is also prominent in the cast. The story centres round the struggle for possession of a rich tungsten mine between a rascally promoter and a well-to-do young rancher. Th?re are some unusually spectacular scenes included, the most effective being that in which an entire mountainaide is dynamited. Barton Mac Lane. Ann Sheridan and Dick Purcell are the principals of the second attraction. "Wine, Women and Horses," a thrilling comedydrama set amidst the glamour and excitement of the greatest race tracks in America. AMBASSADOR. POINT CHEVALIER. The amusing romantic comedy, "Breakfast For Two," with Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall, heads the programme at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier, this evening. Joe E. Brown is starred in the second feature, "Wide Open Faces." SEGAL, PONSONBY ROAD. Kathwine Hepburn turns from her usual dramatic roleß to some crazy comedy in "Bringing Up Baby," main feature on the current programme at the Regal Theatre, Ponsonby. • She is co-starred with Cury Grant, while May Robson heads the supporting cast. "One Wild Night." with Lyle Talbot and June Lang, is alao showing. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Jane Withers is at her boisterous best in "Checkers," the comedy built up round horse-racing in America, which heads this evening's bill of fare at the New Regent Theatre, Kpsom. Victor McLaglen and Brian Donlevy continue their long-standing feud in "Battle of Broadway," on the sunfe programme. ADELPHI, RICHMOND ROAD. One of the funniest comedies of the year is "Kentucky Moonshine," featuring the Rita Brothers, which heads this evening's programme at the Adelphi Theatre, Richmond Road. "The Divorce Lady X," with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, rounds off a fine programme. DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Newspaper columnist Walter Wincbell I fights with band-leader Ben Bernie, and Simone Simon sings for Dick Baldwin, in "Love and Hisses, ' now at the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. "International Settlement " with Dolores Del Rio and George Sanders, is aJso showing. , BERKELEY, MISSION BAY. Pat; oils at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, thin evening will wee the popular English comedienne and dancer, Jessie Matthews, at her best in "Sailing Along," in which she appears with Roland Young. Selected featurettea make up the balance of the programme, PETES PAN CABARET. The usual ideal conditions for dancing may be enjoyed at the Peter Pan Cabaret this evening, when Lauri Paddi's band will be in attendance from 8 p.m. until midnight. Dress is optional, and intending patrons are advised to book cubicles early, as reservations are heavy. PIRATE SHIPPE CABARET. The Pirate Shippe orchestra will provnle music tor dancing on both spacious floors of the Pirate Shippe Cabaret, Millonl Beach, this evening, when the usual Saturday night old-time carnival will be held. The customary special privileges for vehicular patrons will operate. NEW ROYAL. KINGSLAND. Lorctta oung. Warner Baxter ond Virginia Hruee form the three corners of a romantic triangle in "Wife. Doctor and Nurse." now showing at the New Royal I lieiiti e. Kingslantl. "Charlie Chan at Montf (ailo, with Warner Oland, is also showing. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Hav Milium! and Dorothy Lamour are the principals in "Her Jungle Love." the unusual romance, filmed in effective tecliiti our, now at the Strand Theatre. One--1.", V."' et M M,,ke a N'itfht of It." with lSu.ltlx- Hogers ami June Civile, makes up tn»» balance of the programme. STATE, DEVONPORT. The impressive- drama, laid amidst the turmoil nt war-torn Spain, "Blockade," with Henry Fonda. Madeleine Carroll and ' jPO Curnllo. heads the current programme at the State Theatre, Devonport. "I'm I rotn the City, starring Joe Penner, 1 omuls oil a xr ell-l)iihi need programme. STATE (ONEHUNGA)-EMPRESS. Alice I aye. I ony Martin nntl .loan Davis head an unusually strong east in "Sally, , Irene nntl Mary. ' which heads the progi amine nt the State Theatre. Onehunga, I and the Kin press Theatre. Newton, thin |ex cuing. "Saint in New York," starring Louis Ha> ward, is also showing.

"CAREFREE" CIVIC. Tony Klagg Kt<ml Astaire Amanda Cooper Cinger Rogers Stephen Arden Kalph Bellamy Aunt Cora I.ouella Ceiir Connors Jack Carson Judge Travern Clarence Kolb Director: Mark Sandrlch (K.K.0.-Katlio). Bringing the famous dancing stars, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, together again in their newest, tunetul screen romance, "Carefree, ' the R.K.O. Radio production started what should be a record-breaking season at the Civic Theatre .yesterday. In this film is revealed a ripening of the costais' talents. "Carefree" is bubbling with romance and comedy, also with Irving Berlin's catchiest songs, and the production as a whole is no doubt the most delightful screen vehicle of tire stars' career. Brightly modern in theme and treatment, the story concerns the triangular romance between a popular arti (-so. a distinguished psychiatrist and a successful lawyer. Fred Astaire portrays tlu- medical mail and Kalph Bellamy is the lawyer, whose uncertain love affair xxitli (linger Hogers leads him to call on Astaire I'nr help. From this innocent beginning stems the joyous complications of the story. Fred Astaire gives Miss Hogers a course of treatment which leads her to (all in love with him instead of Bellamy, and which involves her in a series of wild escapades, this leading to a hilarious climax.

"Carefree" sparkles with charming melodien and arresting dances. In the picture the Astaire-Rogem duo do one of their ballroom dances in slow motion, a device employed to show "that it happens in a dream. Irving Berlin adds new lustre to his already celebrated name by way of music that ia neither in the "Alexander" vein nor out of the known Berlin ballad druwer. His numerous numbers for this range from the breakneck "Yam," sung by Miss Rogers and danced by both stars and a setful of followers, to delicate sentimentalities written just below chamber music standard. Next to the stars in screen importance is Ralph Bellamy, who gives a fine performance. Jack Carson in a real "find" in this picture. Many other well-known screen people are in and out of the picture, all very distinctly belonging. "Carefree" Ts honestly one of the best pictures of its kind screened here for a long time. The secondary subjects include a rollicking comedy, the latest issue of "The March of Time" and a most amusing Walt Disney animated cartoon, "Mickey's Trailer." STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Irene Dunne and Grant set a new standard for comedy in their film, "The Awful Truth," which is enjoying a successful return Auckland season at the Star Theatre. Karangahape Road. Brimful with wisecracks, clever dialogue and hilarious situations, the picture provided one of the biggest laugh of the year when first shown here, the entertainment never flagging for a moment from beginning to end. Another player, who is little inferior to the principals, but whose opportunities are somewhat more limited, is Asta, the pup which achieved fame in "The Thin Man" series. In some of his scenes indeed he steals the limelight from his two-legged contemporaries, and seems destined for even higher honours. The story of matrimonial turmoil is too well known to need repeating. The first episode of a new serial, "The Mysterious Pilot," is featured on the supporting cast. PEERLESS, ST. HELIER'S. Suave William Powell and fascinating Myrna Loy give typically polished performances in "Double Wedding." chief current attraction at the Peerless Theatre, St. Helier's Bay. An "Our Gang" comedy is featured in the supporting programme. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Robert Taylor and Eleanor Powell are the principals of "Broadway Melody of 1038," which heads this evening's programme at the Mayfair Theatre. Sandriugham. "The Black Doll," with Nan Grey, Donald Wood and Edgar Kennedy, completes the programme. STAR, PAPAKURA. The spectacular film dealing with the great fire that razed Chicago to the ground, "In Old Chicago," heads a double-feature programme at the Star Theatre, Papakura, this evening. Alice Faye, Don Ameche and Tyrone Power are the stars. "Passport Husband," with Stuart Erwin and Pauline Moore, is also showing. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert are the principals of the amusing Parisian comedy, "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife," now showing at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. "Laughing Irish Eyes," with Phil Regan and Evalyn Knapp, is on the same programme. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Charles Bo.ver, in wonderful make-up, is co-starred with Greta Garbo in "Marie Walewska," main attraction at the Astor Theatre, Dominion Road. "The Jury's Secret," with Kent Taylor and Fay Wray, is the associate feature. AVONDALE CINEMA. Cecil B. de Mille'a impressive production dealing with the adventures of the famous American pirate-patriot, Jean Lafitte, "The Buccaneer," ia tne main current attraction at the Avondale Cinema. Fredric March, Akim Tamiroff and Franciska Gael are the principals. Selected featurettea complete the programme. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Sylvia Sidney, Joel McCrea and the "dead-end kids," are the principals of "Dead End," now showing at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. "Arsene Lupin Returns," with Melvyn Douglas, Warren William and Virginia Bruce, is the second main feature. CRYSTAL PALACE-RIALTO. An almost impossibly perfect young man is portrayed by handsome Errol Flynn in "The Perfect Specimen," main current attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. This film marks Flynn's first notable departure from roles of the storybook hero variety, and he takes full advantage of his opportunities. Fascinating Joun Blondell is cast as the young lady with two definite sides to her character, who lures the "perfect mental, moral and physical specimen" away from the cloisterlike seclusion of his vast Pennsylvania estate out of the domination of his tyrannical grandmother into the outer world, with devastating and amusing results. "Young and Innocent," with pretty little Nova Pilbeam and Derrick De Marney, is on the same programme. LONDON, CITY. Buck Jones has a typically red-blooded role in "Fighting Ranger," main feature on the programme at the London Theatre, City. "The Crime of Dr. Forbes," co-star-ring Gloria Stuart and Robert Kent, makes up the other half of the programme. SKATEWAYS. The final night of the 1938 season at the Skatewa.v skating rink, top of Khyber Pass, will be celebrated this evening by a special farewell programme. Play suits and beach shorts will be the standard uniform, and' the feature of the evening will be a skate hockey match between Waihi representatives and Auckland representatives. THE GLIDE. Special sessions will be held every day for both primary and secondary school children at the Glide Skating Rink, corner of Park Road and Khyber Pass, during the coining Christmas holidays. Concession cards may be obtained at the rink, and details as to the sessions are advertised. DELTA, NEW LYNN. Theodora Goes Wild," the hilarious romantic comedy featuring Irene Dunne ' and Melvyn Douglas, heads the programme at the Delta Theatre, New Lynn, this evening. James Dunn is the star of the second attraction, "Living on Love." GREY LYNN CINEMA. Jeanette Mac Donald, Allan Jones and Warren William are the stars of "Firev musical romance which proved such a success when showing in Queen Street, now at the Grey Lynn Cinema. A Laurel and Hardy short, "Blotto," is featured on the supporting programme

"WEST OF SHANGHAI." MAJESTIC. (ieiieral Wu Yen Fang . . Boris Karloff Oortltui Creed Kicanln Cnrten Jane Creed Beverly -Roberta James Hallett Gordon Oliver (ialt. Sheila Rnunle.v Fu Shan Vladimir Sukoloff Director : John-farrow (First National). Also, "Hollywood Hotel." With Dick I'owell. L.ola Lane and Ted Hen iy. As merciless antl as implacable as Fate itself, yet, for the time at least, absolute master of the lives anil destinies of those about him; totally unscrupulous, ambitious of becoming the supreme xvar lord of China. Such is the character taken by Boris Karloff, who has the leading role in "Went of Shanghai,"' the first oi two "top of the bill" features which opened their Auckland season at the -Majestic Theatre last evening. Promotion in the ljcbel army was an easy matter for Karlott. Kirst one otiicer dietl suddenly ami mysteriously, then another, antl as they died si> \Vu Yen Fang rose in rank till at last lie bit-am.-war lord. The self-styled "most daring man in Chinl," he was. hoxvevcr. not beyond falling in love xxitli a pretty European. Boris Karloff gives an excellent character study- of the st hemim: egotistical war lord, and plays a part refreshingly different from, his usual "horror" roles. The egotism of the general is at times amusing, and his Oriental impassiveness when portraying the most brutal ami coldblooded parts of his role gives a queer twist of humour to otherwise sinister actions. Ricardo Cortez. as a young oil magnate who Is estranged from his wife, and who Karloff first plays with, then kills, also givea a fine performance. The part of the eatranged wife is taken by Beverly Roberts, who has no hesitation whatever about telling her husband that she is in love with (iottlon Oliver. Oliver has the part of owner of a local oil field which Cortez would like to gain.

Then the general, with his rebel army, arrives and makes his hi-nhpi. liters it'the village. The Europeans fall into his hands and are virtual prisoners. The tangled affairs of the European party become even more tangled and <pictd xvth added danger. Cortez makes the fatal mistake of trying to stir up trouble in the general's army. He dies, suddenly. The story, however, moves on swiftly and smoothly to a satisfactory conclusion with the arrival of the regular .limy of China and the demise of the ger.eral. The supporting feature is "Hollywood Hotel." a fine musical comedy, which, as is not usually the case with this type of picture, is built round a welltold and distinctly original story. A long list of well known radio and screen stars make*; the cast a good one. xxitli the honours pretty evenly distributed, A number of new song hits are f-aturcd. antl musical prodigies are performed by Benny Goodman and his bantl. Perhaps the most outstanding personality is Dick Powell, the old Dick Poxvcll. singing his way up from obscurity to fame in his own inimitable engagingly modest manner. Other well known names are Rosemary and Lola Lane. Hugh Herbert. Johnnie Davis antl Alan Moxvbr.iy. The background is Hollywood, and from start to finish the whole production moves at a high tempo. REGENT. The Swiss Tyrol forms the spectacular background to the latest Laurel and Hardy mirth-provoker, "Sxviss Mitts," which entered its second week at the Regent Theatre yesterday. With public patronage for the last one or two films featuring the crazy pairs not finite us large as it was some years ago. it appeared to many that porcine Oliver anil skinnyStan were lotting their grip. Any such opinions have hardly been substantiated by the reception accorded their latest film. The Regent has been consistently well filled for almost every performance, and the roars of applause that have greeted the sallies between the two can leave no doubt as to their popularity. They are cast a« a couple of mouse-trap Dalesmen who, thinking moune-traps would be at a premium in a country holding as much cheese as Switzerland, take themselves off to the Swiss Alps to ply their trade—with dire result*. Musical interludes are provided by Delia Lind, a vivacious soprano from Vienna, and Walter Woolf King.

EMBASSY. The unique situation of a New York Superior Court judge awarding a husbuinl 400 dollars a month alir.-.ony from a wife who earns more than he, provider one of the highlights of "Int First Hundied Years," now shoxving at the Embassy Theatre. Presenting for the first time as a comedy team, Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce, stars of the dramatic "Yellow Jack." "The First Hundred Years" is notable for its .smooth running and the way in which' interest is held throughout, due to the capable direction of Richard Thorpe, one of Hollywood's finest directors. Montgomery is seen as a young boat designer, vhose xvif,- (Miss I'nicel is a highly successful Nexv York theatrical agent, partner of suave Warren William. The couple separates when the wife refuses to gve up her career in i niir to joii> her l-..sbanl at Xew Betiiord. where he has bein male superii:t. udeiit of a shipyard. 111-? unusual t. i ins of their separation ii'd the incii;i lit* that occur before th -y are finally reconciled, constitute the balance of the str'.x . With Warren William in the suiipoi ting cast are Binnir Barnes. Ahin Dim-hart. Harry Davenport and Nydia Westnian. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. H.M. THEATRE —The Great Nicola. PICTURE THEATRES. ST. JAMES'—Andrea i.eeds and Adolphe Menjou in "I.etter of introduction." EMBASSY —Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce in "The First 100 Years." MAYFAIR—EveIvn Dall and Ambrose and his orchestra in "Kicking the Moon Around" and Gloria Stewart and Michael Whalen in "Time Out For Murder." STRAND —Loretta Young and Joel McCrea In "Three Bllntl Mice." ROXY — George O'Brien In "Painted Desert" and Barton McLane and Ann Sheridan In "Wine, Women and Horses." REGENT—LaureI and Hardy In "Swiss CIVIC—Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in "Carefree." MAJESTIC —Boris' KarlolT in "West of Shanghai" and nick Powell and Rosemary I.ane in "Hollywood Hotel." LONDON—Buck Jones in "A Fighting Ranger" and (iloria Stewart in "The Crime of 1 >r. Forbes." ADELPHl—"Kentucky Moonshine" "The Divorce of I-ady X." ALEXANDRA —"Checkers" and "Joseitte." AMBABSADOR—"Breakrast For Two" amd "Wide Open Faces." ASTOR—"Marie Walewska" and "The Judy's Secrett." AVONDALE —"The Buccaneer." BERKELEY (Mission Bay) — "Sailing Along." BIRKENHEAD—"Radio City Revels" and "Partners of the Plains.'• BRITANNIA—"Dead End" and "Arsene l.upin Returns." CAPITOL—"London Melody" and "Wise iiirl." CRYSTAL PALACE—"The Perfect Specimen" and "Young and innocent." DELTA—"Theodora Ooes Wild'' and "Living on Love." DE LUXE—"Love and Hisses" and "International Settlement." EMPRESS —Guest Night. GAlETY—"Knight Without Armour." GREY LYNN —"Firefly." KINQBLAND—"Wife, Doctor and Nurse." and "Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo." LIBERTY —".Midnight Menace'' and "Everybody's Doing It." MAYFAlß—"Broadway Melody or 11)38" aiKl "The Black Doll." PEERLEBS—"DoubIe Wedding.'' PICTUREDROME—"The Westland Case." PRINCE EDWARD—"Dangerous to Know"' and "Leave It To Me." PRINCEBS —-"Four Men and a Prayer" and "A Trip to Paris." REQAL—"Bringing I p Baby" and "One Wild .Nigllt.'' REGENT (Epsom) — "Checkers" and "Battle of Broadway." RIALTO—"The Perfect Specimen'' and "Young and Innocent." BTAR (Newton) —"The .Mysterious Pilot" and "The Awful Truth."' STAR (Papanura)—"in old Chicago" and "Passport Husband." BTATE (Davonport)—"Blockade" and "I'm From the City." STATE (Bymonds StrMt) —"Port of Seven seas." BTATE (Onehunga)—" S .111 y. Irene and Mary" and "Sairrt Jn New York." BTRAND (Onehunga)—"Her Jungle Love" and "Let's Make a Niigbt or It." TlVOLl—"Painted Desert" and "Wine, Women and Horses." TUDOR—"Bluebeard's Eighth Wife." VlCTOßlA—"Bluebeard's Kighth Wife" and "Laughing Irish Eyes."

" THE GONDOLIERS." The popular Gilbert and Sullivan lipht opera, "The Gondoliers," wiH be presented by the Auckland Teachers' Training College Music Club in the college hall, Lpsom Avenue, on Saturday, .Monday and luesday, December 3, 5 and 6. ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. "Checkers," the amusing comedy featuring JcMie Withers, I na ]Vlerkel And Stuart Erwin, heads this evening's programme at the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane. Simone Simon, Don Ameche, Robert Young, Bert Lahr ana Joan Davis are the principal* of "Josette," also showing. RIALTO, SUNDAY. Robertson Hare and Alfred Drayton are the principals of "Aren't Men Beasts,' which heads a double-feature programme at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow- evening, the proceeds from which will go to aid' local charities. "Sunset Range."' with Hoot Gibson, is the second attraction. AERO CLUB rfISPLAY. * An exhibition of aerobatics will be a feature of the Auckland Aero Club's display at the Mangere aerodrome to-morrow afternoon. Passenger flights in the closedcabin Beechcraft aeroplane will be available. while flights in open 'planes and stunt flights may be 4iad on request. A further feature of the display will be two parachute descents by Mr. Ij. K. A. Hayward, using the new-type lrvin parachutes.

CAPITOL, BALMORAL. The tuneful "London Melody," co-star-ring Tullio Carminati and Anna Xeagle, is the main feature on the current programme at the Capitol Jheatre Balmoial. "Wise Girl, with Kay Milland and Ann Sothern, is also showing, while a "March of Time" fllm is another attraction. HAWAIIAN CLUB CONCERT. Atwater's Hawaiian and string bands, Miss June Barson, Mr. Rex Yates and the Mounce sisters are some of the artists featured on the programme for the Atwater's Hawaiian Club annual concert, to be held in Lewis Kady s Hall on luesday. Xovemb&r 29. The box plan is open at Lewie Eady, Ltd. DANCE AND SONG RECITAL. Madame Francesca Mayall will present her .pupile in a recital of playettes. songs and fancy dances in the Town Hall cert Chamber on Tuesday next at < 4.) p.m. Proceeds will ko to aid the .North Shore Happiness Club. STRAND, SUNDAY. "The Life of -Madame Curie" is the subject of a lecture to be given by Mrs. M B. Soljak, under the auspices of the Auckland Rationalist Association, in the Strand Theatre to-morrow evening. "I üblic Nuisance Number 1," with Arthur Roscoe and Frances Dee, heads the supporting picture programme.

PLUNKET SOCIETY FETE. The Ellerslie racecourse will bp the scene of a carnival next Saturday, opening at 2 .p.m.. proceeds from which will go to aid J'lunket Society funds. The children will he especially catered for at the fete, which is to be officially opened by the Mayoress, Lady Davis, and Xeddo will he (.here to entertain them. Music will he supplied by the Auckland Artillery Band, and pupils of Miss Millicent Ward's " Health and Beauty Movement" will give a demonstration . "PILGRIM'S PROGRESS." A dramatic performance, in costume, of John Banyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" will be presented in the Beresford Street Congregational Church to-morrow evening at 7 p.m. The .performance will be interspersed with incidental music. ARTILLERY- BAND. The Auckland Artillery Band will present a recital in Albert I'ark to-morrow evening at 8 o'clock. DANCING. Peter Pan, popular dancing; Lauri Paddi's Band. Pirate Shippe. old-time dancing; Pirate Shippe Orchestra. Arte Hall. Kitchener Street, old-time dancing: Norm Crowder's Silvertone Band M asonic Hall. Xewton. old-time dancing; Operatic Quintette Orchestra. Cabaret Metropoie, modern dancing; Art Larkin's Band.