TALKING FILMS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21090, 15 February 1934, Page 6

TALKING FILMS

♦ CIVIC THEATRE "ROOKERY NOOK" "Rookery Nook," recognised as Ben Travers' best and funniest comedy, definitely finishes at the Civic Theatre to-morrow night. Bookings are already heavy for the two remaining nights and patrons are advised to make early application for seats. Box plans are at the theatre from 10 a.m. "AFTER THE BALL" "After the Ball," credited with being the finest production ever released by the Gainsborough Studios, will commence at the Civic Theatre on Saturday. Something fresh in the way of motion picture plots is to be found in this attraction. Actually the picture is a gentle satire on the League of Nations and on the people who make up that august body, and in laying the plot in the hall of the famous assembly at Geneva, the producers have struck a decidedly original note, which by superb direction, harmonises perfectly with the theme of the story. At the head of an outstanding cast are such favourites as Esther Ralston, Basil Rathbone, and Marie Burke (well remembered by Christchurch theatregoers for her charming performance in "Wildllower"). A merry comedy of errors commences when a young king's messenger delays the business of the league while he indulges in a harmless love affair. The non-arrival of the young courier disorganises the whole machinery of the league and, when finally he does reach his destination he finds himself involved in a set of circumstances which give rise to a most humorous and interesting story. "After the Ball" in addition to being a first-rate comedy-romance, is also fortunate in being supplied with some very catchy musical numbers, "A Night, A Dance, a Tune," and "In Santa Lucia" being among the tuneful songs introduced in the production. Box plans are now open at the Civic Theatre, where seats may be reserved at no extra charge.

Regent Theatre—"As Husbands Go," 2.30 and 8 p.m. Plaza Theatre—"Private Life of King Henry VIII," 11 a.m., 2.30 and t! p.m. Crystal Palace—"Early to Bed," 12, 2.30, and 8 p.m. Majestic Theatre—"Midnight Club," 12. 2.30, and 8 p.m. Liberty Theatre—"Baroud" and "Major of Hell." 2.15 and 7.45 p.m. Grand Theatre -"Guilty as Charged." continuous from 1) a.m.

CANTERBURY REPERTORY SOCIETY ♦ "< AI'TAIN UANM-iK" The Canterbury 1!( pertory Theatre Society will open its three-night season of "Captain Banner" in. the Radiant Hall on Saturday next. February 17. This play is one of particular merit and rcpri ■■onls a type of drama hitherto not prts'iited by this society. The author of the play, Ccoi-Kc K. Breed v. is actually a woman whose prcseiii name is MrsMargaret Lorn;. She also us.< s the pen-name, "Marjnrie l'.owiu," and probably as such her works arc b"s! known. Siie is n markable lor the iull-bloedid v:.';oin- of !•,. r eheiscti r; aiul her under, landme. <•' tin < motional promoting : < I human action in hisiorv. '1 hj" ploi oi "Cai.!am l:;i!!i,n'" a !.).•-■• d en hi h vy, although the actual play il.-eli ;,, the :'.:. velijpment of the plot i - licii'iuu The pi-isent production has a stront, cast headed by Professor .(. Shelley Captain Manner, v. ;lh ;\l< .Oaim :

Valeric liaslam, Alalia v Coin ia!l. Ml.s Mollie Fov has and M- , C E. Becbv. Harold Shaw and Kobuison K. ilall in ill" r< ausniag part;. The original intention was to produce this play uist year, but ow.na. lo the iiluiss of I'roie.ssor Shollov this w; >

111ji>-j:-.- ibif. Tlie ])lav, which is being produced by Profes-or Sin 11-y, -iwAiiu be a parl'tularly liiK.hid production, and Ihe tin inbeis will l;;ivi.- lost nollimg by having to wait until now for its presentation. The staging of the play has been specially designed and built lor the forthcoming season. The box plan lor reservation:, opens at the soeiely'., rooms, la lled!\;;fl Row. this momiie.;. Ml'SlC IN NEW ZKALANI) <► Tiie February number ol Music jn New Zealand contains much of interest to (he music lover. An article by Jess DulT on pictorial music, or "programme music" as it is sometimes, called, deals with the evolution of music crystallised round a definite picture in the composer's mind, while L. D. Austin contributes an article entitled, "Is Improvisation a Lost Art?" "Pizzicato's" article on "A Page for Strings" deals with Beethoven's violin concert in D major, while Trevor Fisher contributes an account of the Salzburg Festival. In addition there is a report of the summer school lor music teachers held last month at Palmcrston North, as well as details of the competition lor a song with pianoforte accompaniment composition which has been organised by the Wellington Competition Society.