Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 99, 29 April 1939, Page 18

Amusements Reviewed

" THE SHOPWORN ANGEL." KKCKNT. Remit .... Margaret Hullnvun Hill IVnitfrrxv Jii nifH Mtowurt Sam Mm I ley Walter I'idgeou .H* 1- " 1 :' Hattle Mcl>aiilel p Pendleton ill i n 1,1 |in .Mil n Curtis Pi rector: H. c. Potter .. (M.11.M.) staikly leu list ic drama gives place siidilenu to bubbling humour, which soiiict lines elm nut's just us rapidly back to r<" "I I 111 I liageil*. iii the Urgent, Theatre's liew lilin. "Sbopn inn Angel," which ope 11 I'd 1. Ist. Iliulit bel'iie n |>m house. It Is IliISs« il 1 1\ I hanging pattern of the plot tli.it ni.iUes tli" pictures charm. As the sudietiee settles down to watch what app".us on llie surlaee n straight-out jne lni| ih in ii, the scene changes with sti.inge -III'",! lines* tn „ moment of sheer and delight t■ 11 ...in<'<l\ . I lie older school ot theatre-goers will f"i i'iii i isc i n I lie it |c a picture that, delighled them 111 I lie old dm .", when the fiilknig 1111 it "as still sll ugg 11 uit foi popularity. 'I en '.eiiis Hgo it was piodueed with <lar> < noper ■. then struggling for recognition: Nanev I arroll. an established player: and the grave, polished I'aul l.ukas til the principal loles. Its simple, tragic story llii'M unii appreciation lioiu all types of and icnceii. I h it. beautiful element of simplicity has not. been eliminated troin the new version, produced alter the passage ot a decade. It tells ol the romance of a gawky Atnei nan I.id, Ircsli Itoin a distant provincial town, who persuaded a Broadway actress to marry him before lie sailed for France to light, in the Great War. This pint, once plawvl bv Cooper, has now fallen on I lie capable shouldern of a rising actor, .lames Stewart. The Broadway but t crll\., first, portrased by Nancy Carloll, is now enacted by Margaret Suihivan: Lucas's role, that of a sophisticated sponsor to the actress, is taken by Walter Pidueon. Simply, the story follows the romance of Miss Sullavan and Stewart, whom a chance street incident throws together. Despite the protests of Pidgeon. Miss Sullavan's backer, they marry. Stewart is killed in France, and his death brings realisation lo the actress that her love was really for Pidgeon. It sounds simple and it is simple. But behind the simplicity is an impressive directness and an indefinable quality that makes the story real and effective. All three stars make their parts alive and thoroughly human. Relieved of certain early crudities, probably induced by file limited technique of ten years ago, tne picture shows convincingly the extraordinary progress that has been made in motion picture production. For this reason alone many theatregoers may consider it sn historic document, worthy of inspection. They will find more than such prosaic interest in it. however; it is a littnian and pleasant tale, A Pa the Gazette, a news reel and an "Our Gang'' comedy are features of the supporting programme, th« highlight of which is ii remarkable "Passing Parade" short dealing with the IW# of Alfred Xobel. inventor of dynamite and founder of the famous trust fund providing annual universal prizes for the advartcemMJt of literature and science and the furtherance of the cause of peace. ST. JAMES'. Glorious music by Victor Herbert !» a feature of the latest .Teanette MacDonaidNo leoti Eddy co-starring vehicle, "Sweethearts." still enjoying a high measure of popularity in its extended iimob at the St. .Tames' Theatre. The song numbers are all go*]. with "On Parade," a rousing marching tune, and "Sweethearts," the theme song, being, outstanding. All sutix by Eddy and Ml«l Mac Donald at their best, they are right up to the standard moviegoers have come to expect from musicals featuring the famous song team.' The two principals are cast as the stars of a highly successful Broadway play, blissfully happy after six years of married life, How the producer of the play almost succeeds in parting them for good when they decide to go to Hollywood, and how their lovo for each other finally triumphs over his conspiracy, is the story of the production. Techtiicolour is used throughout and dome iintinmlly spectacular effect* are achieved, notably these featuring the Alhertina Rasch ballet. EMBASSY. High comedy, more eommonTy known in America as "screwball" comedy, is the keynote of "Fools for Scandal" at the Embassy Theatre. Chief funster* are Fernnnd Oravet, French star, whose like* ness to the Duke of Windsor in his last film. "King and Chorus Girl," caused something of a sensation, and Carole Lombard, who established a reputation for parts of this type in such successful productions as "Mr Man Godfrey" ' and "Nothing Sacred." Miss Lombard W a movie queen on holiday on the Continent, At a party ahe attends a young French baron, played by Gravet, acta as chef, for a joke. Struck by his efficiency, the actress engages him to cook for her when she go«H to London, and then promptly proceeds t* fall helplessly in love with him. The complications that arise are too delightfully amusing to be summed up adequately In brief. It is sufficient to say that audiences to date have been kept in • constant ripple of amusement, with sev•ral outbursts of uproarious laughter. Ralph Bellamy, Allen Jenkins and Isabel Jeans are also in the east. MAYVAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Mac Donald are seen at their colourful best in "The Girl of the Golden West," at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham. Buddy Ebsen •nd Leo LVrrillo are also In the east. An episode of the serial, "Flaming Frontiers," is fedturH on the supporting programme ©f nhort*. •TAX, PAPAXVRA. The musical score of "Everybody Sing," the enjoyable film at the Star Theatre, Papakura, should appeal to all tastes, as It ranged from ultra-modern swing to florlous classical numbers. "Service De tuxe," with Joan Bennett and Vincent Ptioe, round* qff • fine programme. OAJBTY, TAKAPUNA. One of the moat popular star* on the •oreen to-day, Deanna Durbin, is stsrred in "That Certain Age," at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. Melvyn Douglas and Jackie Cooper have Important aupporting roles. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Thrilling adventure in the Alan Sea aalmon fishing ground* ie featured in "Spawn of the North," at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. Henry Fonda, George Raft, Dorothy Lamour and Akim Tamiroff are the stars, "Exposed," irith Glenrla Farrell and Otto Kruger, ie also ■how tog. CAPITOL, BALMORAL. One of the most impressive musicals of the last year, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," is at, the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. Tyrone Power, Don Ameche and Alice Faye are the principle, "Living on Love," the associate attraction, features James Dunne end Whitney Bourne.

"CHARLIE CHAR IK HONOLULU." MAY FAIR. Charlie Chan Sidney Toler Jikl.v Hiiypjt Phyllis Brooks .Ilimes Chan Sen Yung A 1 Hi.gim Eddie Collins Randolph John King Mrs. I'iirol Wayne Claire Dodd IMreetor : H. Bruce Humberstone (20th Century-Fox) All the well-known characteristics of that suavely imperturbable Oriental lav out ite of the mystery film lover, Charlie | nan. are admirably portrayed by Sidney I oler in the latent Chan adventure, which opened it« Auckland season at the MayI *i'l* I heatre last evening. Chosen after exhaustive tests, 'J oler bears a remarkiihlc resemblance to the late Warner (Hand, who* "made" the present great popularity of the Chinese detective. In taking over the part of the old favourite. 1 oler does not try to impersonate the creator of Chan. He imbues the part with his own personality, his own interpretation. However, the old lanuliar clipped speech, the pithy witticisms with which lie meets every situation, the bland Oriental smile, all make that, interpretation an excellent one. Last night's audience plainly found the new Chan a good choice for the part. Alost o* the action takes piace aboard a steamer in Honolulu harbour, and there is no lack of action. A cargo of wild animals, a bewildered professor, who possesses a human brain preserved in alcohol; two desperate criminals already wanted by the police on a charge of murder -are some of the ingredients of the drama. But there is humour as well as thrills, and Kddie Collins, keeper of the wild animals, is responsible for some particularly fine comedy scenes. The young Chinese. Sen Yung, who replaces Key Luke as Chan's "Number Two Son,' gives a tine performance without copying the style or mannerisms of his predecessor. Kager to make hie own name on a par with that of his father as a detective, he decides "not to bother Pop" when news of the murder reaches him, and sets out to solve the crime himself. As usual, he makes a muddle of things, and is about to be thrown overboard by an irate crew when Chan himself takes •i hand. During the unravelling of the tangled threads of the story another murder occurs, and an attempt is made on the life of the sleuth. There are other complications, but Chan's »harp brain and cunning ruses lead to the solution of .the mystery and a surprise climax. A fine supporting programme includes two good comedy, features. "Cute Crime,'' and "Want to be a Model," together with in entertaining Terrytoon cartoon. "Mountain Romance." The latest Fox newsreela are also featured. STRAIVD. The thrilling and unusual adventures of a trader and his safari in darkest South Africa when they set out to solve the mystery of the alleged existence in the interior of a mysterious "white goddess" arn depicted in "Trader Horn," having a return season at the Strand Theatre. This film, one of the earliest "talkies-" dealing with life and adventures in the jungle, caused a tremendous impression when first shown in this city about six years ago. More than one critic then expressed the opinion that it could not be bettered, and some even that it could not be equalled. Whether that prophecy has been fulfilled or not is a question that can be decided only by going and seeing "Trader Horn" again. Be that as it inay, however, there ia no doubt that it is a magnificent film, with wide appeal for all types of filmgoers. Harry Carey has the title role, with Edwina Booth, Duncan Renaldo. Olive Oolden and a powerful native named Mutia in the other main parts. CKY3TAL PALACE—ALEXANDRA. Magnificently produced in superb techni- < colour, and crammed with thrilling action . from start to' finish, "The Adventures of Robin Hood," in its first suburban screening at the Crystal Palace and Alexandra Theatres, must be classed as one of the best films of the yeur. The story, based on a collection of the best-known stories of the doinfpt of the famous English out-law-noble, is laid in England in the middle ages, arid some of the scenes, notably those in the Xorman banqueting halls, are as spectacular as any ever depicted on the screen.. Errol Fiynn has the title role, Olivia de HaviHand is Maid Marion, and the supporting cast include* such competent players as Claude Rains, ! Basil Rathbone and the late Herbert Mundin. There is an excellent supporting programme of featurettes. STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Outstanding fare is offered to patrons of the Btar Theatre, Karangnhape Road, where "The Perfect Specimen" and "That Certain Womnn" constitute the doublefsature programme. Errol Flynn has the title role in the first film as a young man who is perfect mentally, morally, spiritually and physically, having been brought up in cloister-like seclusion on his Pennsylvania . estate by an elderly relative.The ultra-modern Ere who intrudes on his idyllic existence is portrayed perfectly by curvacious Joan Blondell, and the story tells how she entices him into the c:iter world, and of the strange things that happen when he gets there. Allen Jenkins and Edward Everett Horton are also in the cast. That great actress, Bette Davis, is co-starred with Henry Fonda in the second attraction, an impressive romantic drama. GREY LYNN CINEMA. The amusing story of a young girl's temporary infatuation for a cynical war correspondent of her father's newspaper is told in "That Certain Age," at the Grey Lynn Cinema. Dennna Durbin, Melryn Douglas and Jackie Cooper are the stars. "Think Fast Mr. Moto," with Peter Lone, is the second attraction. PRINCESS, DOMINION ROAD. Don Ameehe. Arleen Whelan, Binnie Barnes and Gilbert Roland are the featured placers in the comedy drama, "Gateway, ' at the Princess Theatre, Dominion Road. "Room Service," the associate attraction, stars the Marx Brothers, with Frank Albertson and Lucille Ball. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD.

Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce reveal dramatic talent of the first order in "Yellow Jack," at the Astor Theatre, Dominion Road. Lewis Stone is also in the cast. "Married Before Breakfast," with Roland Young and Florence Rice, is on the aame programme. STATE, DEVONPORT. The adventure* of a prominent socialite when she sets out to track down a dual murderer form the theme of "The Mad Mlse Manton," at the State Theatre, Devonport. Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda are the stare. "West of Shanghai," with Boris Karloff, is on the same programme. •TATE, OIVEHUNGA. One of the best British films shown in Auckland is "The Lady Vanishes," at the State Theatre, Onehunga. The principal* of this thrilling epy melodrama are Michael Redgrave and Margaret Lockwood. Sandy Powell is starred in "It's a Grand Old World," also showing.

"MR. CHEDWORTH STEPS OUT." MAJESTIC. George Chedworth ... Cecil Kellaway Brian Cajford- - James Raglan Gwen Chedworth Joan Deeriug Julia Chedworth Kita Fauncefort Arthur Chedworth I'eter Finch Fred Chedworth Kodney Jacolis Director: Ken G. Hall (Cinesounui Also: "THE TKKROK," with Wilfrid Lawnoii and linden Travers. Differing as widely as cinema productions can, "Mr. Chedwoitli Sieps Out and "The lerror,'I error,' comprise a memorable nig lit'n eutertaimnent on this week's bill at the Majestic Theatre. Following ou the success i>i the Judge Hardy and Jones Family) pictures lroin Hollywood and ou England's announcement to make a series ot films ou the doings ot Kichmal Crompton m " William' and his ianiily, Australia has produced a brilliant film depicting its own type ot family life. Cecil Kellaway returned tram Hollywood to play the lead in this picture and has justified his selection by thousands of fans as Australia's finest comic actor. The theme, comparatively slight in itself, provides Kellaway with a welter of tun-making opportunities A dismissed city clerk, he .picks up counterfeit money in the street and good money in betting, adding to his wealth by another of those worth less-goldmine-shares-that-suddenly-boom accidents. How he indulges his long-fancied whims and gratifies the ambitions of his strident wife, despite complications arising out of the counterfeit money, provides many amusing situations and sufficient suspense to bind the whole together into a first-rate piece ot screen fare. Kita Pauncefort is the wile, but the best of the supporting players is a genuine discovery—lo-year-old Jean Hatton, who sings delightfully. And for contrast—there's Ivdgar Wallace! One or his most popular tales, "The I error," has been turned into a brilliant mystery filrn by its English producers, who have succeeded in presenting excellent cinematic translations of a number of Wallace stories of late. This is one of the best of them; it will he strange if a definite \ogue in favour of Edgar Wallace mystery films is not created by it. The story is substantially the same as told by the master- sensational gold robbery from a liner; ghosts and ghostly doings in an ancient manor bouse; and a climatic struggle with a maniac in a vault under a tomb. The utmost has been made of the innumerable obvious opportunities for thrills and mystery, with the result that a real seat-gripper has come out of Elstree. Firt-rate photographic effects and clever directorial work, combined with intelligent use of settings, would make the proauction ncceptaljlo 6vpn 'if thp acting wore not as good as it is. Arthur Wentner, who was Sherlock Holmes in five films, is the most easily recognisable player. Then there is William Fred Law son (remember him «« Eliza Doolittle's father in "Pygmalion"?) in the principal role; Bernard Lee, a not-so-tipsy dipsomaniac: Alastair Sim, brilliant comic, who will some day be starring in his own right: and Linden Travers. a magnetic young beauty capable of great things if she is not forgotten by England's notoriously sliort-memoried producers. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. After her two-year lay-off from the screen following the death of her husband. the late Irving Thalberg, lovely Norma Shearer made an impressive return to the screen in "Marie Antoinette," the magnificently-produced film of the decline and fall of the French monarchy, at the State Theatre, Symonds Street. The performance of Miss Shearer, as the ill-fated queen, cannot be faulted, and she easily stands out above all other members of the cast, with the exception of Robert Motley, as King Louis. This is the first screen appearance of Morle.v, who manages a small repertory theatre in England, but the excellence of his performance almost matches that of Miss Shearer. Tyrone Power is good as the Count Axel de Person, the Queen's lover, while Lionel Barrvmore and Gladys George are outstanding among the other supporting players. There is the usual entertaining supporting programme of featurettes. * PLAZA. Probably the best film dealing with horse racing yet made, "Kentucky" continues to prove popular in its fourth week at the Plaza Theatre. A great deal of publicity preceded this picture, but, unlike many similarly treated, it has lived right up to expectations and proved really good entertainment. Richard Greene, Loretta Young and Walter Brennan are the principals and all give excellent performances. Greene has his best role since h» Hollywood debut. Miss Young acts up to standard, while Brennan, as a crusty, typical old Southern aristocrat, is superb—so good, in fact, that his performance won him an Academy award. The story is laid in the blue grass territory of Kentucky, home of the greatest thoroughbreds that have ever graced the American turf and deals with the lives of the people and the horses of that locality, with the horses enjoying most of the limelight. There is an excellent supporting programme. EMPRESS, NEWTON. Life in an American reformatory is starkly revealed in "Crime School" at the Empress Theatre, Newton. The "Dead End Kids" have the leading roles. "The Great Garrick," with Brian Aherne and Edward Everett Horton, is the associate feature. ADELPHI, RICHMOND AVENUE. Tyrone Power, Loretta Young and Annabella have the leading roles at the head of the huge cast of "Suez" at the Adelphi Theatre, Richmond Avenue. "Mr. Doodle Kicks Off," with the irrepressible Joe Penner, is also showing. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. One of the first successful Australianmade films, "On Our Selection." is at the Victoria Theatre. Fred Mat-Donald and Bert Bailey are the stars. "The Storm,'' with Charles Bickford and Xan Grey, heads the supporting programme. LONDON, CITY. The eerie murder mystery. "The Devil Doll." is at the London Theatre. City. Lionel_ Barrymore, Maureen O'Sullivan Frank Lawton are the principals. "General Spanky," with the popular juvenile actor, Spanky McFarland, is the associate feature. REGAL, PONSONBY ROAD. Ihe famous "Dead End Kids" are featured in "Crime School"' at the Regal Theatre, Ponsonby Road. The story is laid in a large boys' reformatory in America. The half-witted Marx Brothers head the cast of the associate attraction, "Poom Service." DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Sonja Henie is at her best in her latest vehicle. "My Lucky Star," at the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. Richard Greene, vesar Romero, Buddy Ebsen and Arthur are among the leading supporting players. "Strange Boarders, with Tom Walls, is also showing. THE GLIDE. A special programme of events has been arranged for this evening at the Glide skating rink, corner of Khyber Pass and Park Road, to inaugurate the season there. The Glide Rhythm Masters' band wilt be in attendance.

CIVIC. Lovers of heart-warm intr, rugged, redblooded action, flavoured by a leavening of wholesome humour and pleasant romantic interest, are well catered for at the Civic Theatre, where "Gunga Din" is drawing consistently big houses. Inspired by Kipling's immortal poem, the film is centred in India, where the British Imperial Forces are engaged in extending the influence of the virile and growing Empire. Three typical reckless hightempered British non-commiesioned officers Bhare the spotlight with the native water carrier. Gunga Din, and their adventures form the theme of the story. Victor McLaglen, Cary Grant and Douglas Fairbanks, jun.. who are ideally suited physically for their parts, portray the noncoms., with Sam Jaffe playing the part of Gunga Din, and *Toan Fontaine having the feminine lead. The film is "big" in every sense of the word and the actors play right up to the best of their abilities to always keep the interest of the audience. "COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO." One of the greatest films ever seen in Auckland, "The Count of Monte Cristo," will open a return reason at the Majestic Theatre next Friday. This film version of Alexandre Dumas' classic of the same name, co-stars Robert Donat and Elissa Landi. To mark the showing of the first episode of the new serin!, "The Lone Ranger," free gifts will be presented to patrons at a special children's matinee on Saturday morning. NEW ROYAL, KINGSLAND. Romance on the Marseilles waterfront is the keynote of "I'ort of Seven Seas" at the New Royal Theatre, Kingeland. Wallace Beery. Frank Morgan, John Beat and Maureen O'Sullivan are the principals. Bing Crosby croons in the associate attraction, "Double or Xothing." NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Anthony Hope's famous novel of* intrigue and romance in a mythical European kingdom, "The Prisoner of Zenda," is at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. Ronald Colman, Madeleine Carroll, Douglas Fairbanks, Jnnr., and Raymond Massey are in the supporting cast. Selected featurettes are also showing. PEERLESS, NEWTON. Warner Baxter, Marjorie Weaver, Peter Lorre and John Carradine are some of the leading j>la3 r ers in the amusing comedy of mistaken identity, "I'll (Jive a Million." at the Peerless Theatre. Newton. "Three Smart Girls."' Deanna Diirbin's first picture, is the associate attraction. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. "Letter of Introduction," at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier, contains a tasteful blending of romance, comedy and drama. Adolphe Menjou. Andrea Leeds and Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy are outstanding. "GayDesperado," with Nino Martini. Leo Carrillo and Ida Lupino rounds off the fine programme. PETER PAN CABARET. Music for popular dancing will be provided at the Peter Pan Cabaret this evening by the popular combination, .lohnnv Madden and his Swing Kings. As usual, booking of cubicles is heavy, and intending patrons are advised to reserve early. DELTA, NEW LYNN. The energetic little bundle of mischief. Jane Withers, is at her best in "Rascals," at the Delta Theatre. New Lynn. Borrah Minevitch and hie harmonica band are also in the cant. "Romance for Three," with Frank Morgan. Edna Mae Oliver, Robert Young anil Florence Rice, is also showing. TUDOR, REMUERA. One of the cleverest crook melodramas of the past few months. "Algiers," is at the Tudor Cinema. Remuera. Charlee Boyer, Hedy Lamarr and Sigrid Gurie, three notable foreign players now working in Hollywood, are the stars. Selected featurettes make up the balance of the programme. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Wallace Beery is at his roistering best in the title role of "The Bad Man From Brimstone" at the Strand Theatre. Orvehunga. "Professor Beware," Harold Lloyd's first film for some time, is on the same programme. ft is one of the most amusing he has made. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. i CIVIC SQUARE —Amusement Park. PICTURE THEATRES. MAJESTIC—CeciI Kellaway in "Mr. Chedworth Steps Out." and "The Terror." RECENT—Margaret Sullavan and Jaines Stewart in "The Shopworn Angel." EMBASSY —Carole Lombard and Fernand (rrav« In "Fools tor Scandal." MAVFAIR—-Sidney Toler in "Charlie Chan in Mononilu." STRAND —"Trader Horn." PLAZA—l.oretta Young and Richard Greene in "Kentucky." ROXV—Peter Lorre in "Mr. Moto's Last Warning." and Lloyd Hughes in "Numliered Women." LONDON —"The Devil Doll" and "General spanky." ClVlC—Victor McLaglen end Cary Granrt in "Gunga Pin." ST. JAMES' —Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MwDonabl In "Sweethearts" ADELPHI—"Suez"-and "Mr. Doodle Kicks Off." ALEXANDRA—"Robin Hood." AMBASSADOR —"Letter or Introduction" and "Gay Desperado." ASTOR—"Yellow Jack" and "Married Before Breakfast." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)—" Live, Love and Ijearn." BRITANNIA—"Spawn or the North." CAPlTOL—"Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Living on Love." CRYSTAL PALACE—"Robin Hood." DE LUXE—"My Lucky Star" and "65 Ranger Boarders." EMPRES8 —"Crime School" and "Tlie Great Garrick." GAIETY—"The Blonde Cheat." GREY LYNN—"That Certain Age." KINGSLAND —"Port or Seven Seas" and "Double or Nothing." PEERLESS—"I'II Give a Million" and "Three Smart Girls." PRINCE EDWARD—"It 1 Were King." PRINCESS—"Gateway" and "Room Service." REQAL—"Crime School" and "Room Service." REGENT (Epsom)—" Prisoner or Zenda." STAR (Nswton) —"The Perro3t Specimen" and "That Certain Woman." STATE (Davonport)—"The Mad Mtss Manton" and "West or Shanghai." STATE (Symonds Strset) —"Marie Antoinette." STATE (Onshungs)—"The l ady Vanishes" and "It's a Grand Old World." STRAND (Onehunga)—"The Bad Man or Brimstone" and "Proreosor Beware." TUDOR—'' A 1 giers.'' VICTORIA—"On Our Selection" and "The Storm." MAVFAIR—"The Girl of the Golden West." BIRKEHEAD—"The Texans." THE REX—"Bluebea'rd'i Eigirtti Wife." SOUTHERN CROSB—"Double Wedding" and "Little Tough Guy." LIBERTY—"Mother Carey's Chickens" and "Sinners in Paradise." DELTA—"Romance for Three." PICTUREDROME—"Borrowing Trouble'' and "Hunted Men."

ROXY-TTVOLI. How the cunning little Japanese eapereleroth, Mr. Moto, "conies back to IHe" after being believed to be dead, in order to track down and capture the leader of an international gaxtg of crooks, forms the themie of the plot of the thrilling actiondrama "Mr. Moto's Last Warning," drawing big crowds at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. As in all "Mr. Moto" pictures to date, J. P. Marquand/s famous detective character ia portrayed by that great little actor Peter Lorre, who the high standard he set himself in earlier films o£» the series. Ricardo Cortez portrays the villain of the piece, with the romantic interest being introduced by George Sanders and Virginia Field. John Carradine also has an important supporting role. When Mr. Moto, with the aid of two friends, learns the plans of the gang, his identity is revealed and another attempt made on his life. Again he is too clever for his enemies, however, and he finally brings the crooks to justice. "Numbered Woman," the associate attraction, deals with the adventures of a nurse in her attempts to expose a party of bond thieves. Sally Blane and Lloyd Hughes are the stars. PIRATE SHIPPE CABARET. The Pirate Shippe orchestra of six instruments will (provide music for dancers on both decks of the Pirate Shippe Cabaret, Milford Beach, this evening, where a grand old-time dance carnival will be held. Details of the special arrangements for vehicular patrons are advertised. CHEZ PAREE CABARET. Dancing can be enjoyed under ideal conditions at the Chez Paree Cabaret, Buckland's Beach, this evening, when the Chez Paree band will be in attendance to provide the Tuusic. Booking arrangements are advertised. SKATEWAYS. A balloon waltzing competition and a gliding competition are among the contests to be held at the Skateway skating rink, top of Khyber Pass, this evening. The splendid floor is in perfect condition this year, and will present a colourful scene next Wednesday, when the Skateways ballet will be presented for the first time.

PRINCE EDWARD. NEWTON. The atory of the brief hour of the swashbuckling leader of the Paris mob, when he holds the fate of France in the hollow of his hand for a few days, i* depicted in thrilling fashion in "If I Were King," which has been transferred directly to the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, after its successful Queen Street season. That long-standing favourite, Ronald Colman, in his element as the colourful rogue, Francois "Villon, and he shows his customary skill in appearing convincing both as a typical member of the city rabble, and as a smooth-tongued courier. FrancesDee is a]so impressive as the princess who becomes infatuated by him, with Ellen Drew, Basil Rathbone, and a strong supporting cast also contributing to the success of the film. "Flight into ■ Nowhere," with Jack Holt, .is on the same programme. WINDSOR, PAPAKURA. Fred Mac Murray and Bing Crosby have Heading roles in the merry musical comedy, "Sing You Sinners," at the Windsor Theatre, Papakura. "Daredevil Drivers," a thrilling story of adventures on the auto-racing track, is also showing. Beverly Roberts and Dick Purcell are starred. AVONDALE TOWN HALL. Wayne Morris, Dick Foran and Priscilla Lane have the principal roles in "Love, Honour and Behave," at the Avondale Town Hall. Another gay romantic comedy-drama, "Maids 7 "Xight Out," is che main supjporting feature. BERKELEY, MISSION BAY. Light-hearted fun is the keynote of the romantic comedy, "Live, Love and Learn," at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay. Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell have the leading roles. Specially selected featurettes make up the balance of the programme. STRAND, SUNDAY. "The Music of the Maori" is the subject of an address to be given in the Strand Theatre to-morrow evening by Mr. Alfred Hill, under the auspices of the Auckland Rationalist Association. "The Crimson Circle," with Xoah Beery, heads the supporting programme.

DANCING. Peter Pan Cabaret, popnlar dancing; Johnny Madden and his Swing Kings. Pirate Shippe Cabaret, Milford Beach, old-time dancing; Pirate Shippe orchestra. Chez Paree Cabaret, popnlar dancing; ■Chez Paree orchestra. St. Sepulchre's Hall, popular daneing; 'Re£ Gould and his band. Crystal Palace Ballroom, modern dancing; Epi Shalfoon's band. Orange Coronation Ballroom, popular danefng; Ted Croad and his band. Ambassador's Hall, old-time dancing; Parker's orchestra. Manchester Unity Hall, popular dancing; Art Larking and his band. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, old-time dancing. Columbia Hall, popular dancing; Grey Lynn R.SA. Club. Otahuhu Public Hall, popular dancing; Merrymakers' Dance Club. St. Mary's Hall, popular dancing; Connon's band. Arts Hall, old-tiime dancing; Norm Crowder's Silvertone band. Rialto Ballroom, popular dancing; Rhythm Rascals orchestra.