CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21376, 19 January 1935, Page 5

CITY THEATRES

PLAZA "THE LAST GENTLEMAN" Fresh from his large-scale explorations among the Rothschilds, and in an interval before he becomes the Iron Duke, George Arliss has made trie light and charming comedy, "The Last Gentleman," which will enter into its fourth week at the Plaza Theatre to-day. It is a comedy of modern times and modern manners, and it finds both Mr Arliss and his dialogue writers in admirable spirits. There is a good deal of novelty in the story; the acting is shrewd and refreshing. Some of the early scenes are uproariously funny, and the denouement is as exciting as a detective plot. "The Last Gentleman" tells of the fierce, ancient, and eccentric Cabot Barr, find hi.s efforts 1o choose an heir from his many relations. As Cabot Barr, Mr Arliss is crochely, severe, funny, and charmingly sentimental. His lines are good and he speaks them to perfection, giving each word and phrase its maximum meaning. Mr Arliss is supported by Edna May, Olliver, Charlotte Henry (the famous "Alice"), and Edward Ellis. "The Last Gentleman" is a neat, pleasant, and humorous photoplay. REGENT "TREASURE ISLAND" The producer of "Treasure island, which will enter its second week at the Regent Theatre to-day, lias been careful not to improve on the story. He has used his material effectively, and he has chosen players who fall naturally into the important parts. Those who see the film will in future think of Long John Silver in terms of Wallace Beery and Jim Hawkins will be nothing more to them than young Jackie Cooper. Beery was the obvious choice for the part of the cheerful old rogue, John Silver. As in his recent "Viva Villa," he can indulge his flair for looking evil and dirty and vile in every way, retaining, in spite of all, his simple charm and sly humour. He is really a nightmare pirate figure, exercising a powerful fascination over Jackie Cooper, who takes the part, of the boy Jim Hawkins. Jackie Cooper ha- a difficult part to play, but he does it competently. Others in the cast include Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone, Charles Sale, Nigel Bruce, and Otto Krugcr. The supporting programme to-day will include the official film of the funeral ceremony of Archbishop Redwood. "WALTZES FROM VIENNA" The enchanting melody of "The Blue- Danube" will never be forgotten, and throughout "Waltzes from Vienna," the musical romance which will commence at the Regent Theatre on Saturday next, the melodies of Strauss are predominant. The picture makes the most of the opportunities to present the music of Johann Strauss and that of hi.s son, who composed the "Blue Danube." The playing of this beautiful and never-to-be-forgotten waltz is a highlight of the introduction, and the skill and charm of its performance has earned much wellmerited applause. With a notable cast, romantic story, and delightful settings, the whole production strikes a different note in entertainment. Bessie Matthews, who was so successful in "Evergreen," has the leading role. Edmund Gwenn depicts the elder Strauss and Fay Compton is charming as an accomplished Countess. Box plans will open at the D.I.C. on Wednesday. MAJESTIC "THEIR BIG MOMENT" AND "A CUP OF KINDNESS" Slim Summervillc and Zasu Pitts are seen together once more in "Their Big Moment." the hilarious comedy-drama which will head the new programme at the Majestic Theatre to-day. In addition the Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn comedy. "A Cup of Kindness," which has been screened so successfully at the Tivoli Theatre during the last two weeks, will be shown in support. This film is a riot of fun from beginning to end. "Their Big Moment," which combines comedy, tense drama, and melodrama, is said >io offer something distinctly new in screen entertainment. It tells of a vaudeville magician and his two assistants who solve a murder mystery and expose the culprits by making contact with the spirit world. Zasu Pitts and Slim Surnmerville are seen as the magician's assistants. The magician is hired to perform a fake spiritualistic seance at the home of a wealthy widow who is trying to communicate with the spirit of her husband, who was killed in an aeroplane crash. When the medium prepares to simulate a trance and repeat carefully rehearsed speeches, she goes into a real trance, and thereby divulges that the aeroplane crash was not an accident as had been supposed, but the result of a carefully-planned and executed murder plot. "Their Big Moment" is the screen version of the highly successful play, "Afterwards," by Walter Hackott, which had a long run at the Whitehall Theatre in London last winter. Julie Haydon takes the part of the beautiful widow round whom the plot revolves, and Ralph Morgan appears as a scheming physician, William Gaxton plays the part of the magician, and others in the cast are Bruce Cabot, Kay Johnson, Tamara Gcva, J. Huntley Gordon, and Edward Brady.

Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

THEATRE ROYAL

"SONG OP THE PLOUGH" A picture of unique attraction —"Song of the Plough"—will be screened at the Theatre Royal to-day. "Song of the Plough" has had no predecessor that is in any way comparable. Universal praise has been given to the amazing beauty of its scenes of the English countryside, the unusual and interesting nature of its story, and the splendid acting of a very fine cast. Those whose taste and discernment make them appreciate a really artistic production will find the greatest pleasure in this picture. Heading the cast is Stewart Rome, as Farmer Freeland. Stewart Rome made his film debut in 1913 in "Justice," with the Hepworth Company, for whom he played many outstanding roles for a number of years. He is considered one of England's leading delineators of aristocratic and military roles, and has added experience for the part he plays in "Song of the Plough" in the period he spent sheep farming in Australia. Supporting him are Rosalind Fuller, who in 1932 played Ophelia to John Barrymore's Hamlet; Allan Jeayes, who has been seen in "The Ghost Train" and "The Impassive Footman"; Kenneth Cove, "The Perfect Fool," as he is known, who has appeared in "Mischief" and "Out of the Blue"; and Hay Petrie, who has made a great name for himself by his performances at the Old Vic. The cast is an outstandingly strong and wellbalanced one. The story deals with a dramatic event in the life of Farmer Freeland, who, with the task of supporting himself, his widowed daughter, and his little granddaughter, is faced in bad times with the necessity of raising money to pay his tithes. He decides to sell some of his livestock in the endeavour to raise the money, but they realise only a fraction of what he expects. Among his few remaining and greatly cherished possessions is his sheep-dog Glen, which his unscrupulous and hated neighbour, Joe Saxby, wishes to buy in order to win the sheep-dog trials, which are shortly to be held. Freeland, although sorely tempted to sell, eventually refuses. The trials form a thrilling climax to a very fine story. The supporting programme includes Andy Clyde and Shirley Temple in "Dora Dunking's Doughnuts," and Wallace Lupino and Renee Gadd in "Bad Companions." CRYSTAL PALACE "THE CIRCUS CLOWN" To-day the Crystal Palace Theatre, which, for the last three weeks has been undergoing extensive alterations and improvements, will be reopened under the management of J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation. The whole of the inside of the theatre has been redecorated and remodelled, and several structural alterations have also been carried out New seats, a larger screen, spacious lounges for the use of both dress circle and stalls patrons, and a much wider stairway are among the improvements effected. To mark the occasion "The Circus Clown," an hilarious comedy starring Joe E. Brown, the popular widemouthed comedian, will be screened. The circus is used throughout as a background for the amusing scenes in the picture, which, however, has a well-defined plot and romance. The film deals with the intimate life of the circus folk behind the scenes, and also during the actual presentation of a show. The tangled love affairs of the circus folk come into play, and the hero becomes so involved that his plight becomes ludicrous. One of the screen's most popular comedians, Joe Brown has actually lived the life he depicts in this picture, for, as a boy, he was a clever circus acrobat. In "The Circus Clown," he has been given opportunities to make the most of his marked talents, and he is supported by an exceptionally capable company. Patricia Ellis has the leading feminine role opposite Brown, while others in the cast include Dorothy Burgess, Donald Dilloway and Spencer Charters, in addition to a score or more of famous circus performers. "The Circus Clown" is a screamingly funny comedy that is replete with thrills, action, and love interest. At times it has touches of pathos that stop the laughter, and bring a hint of tears. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. TIVOLI "THIRTY-DAY PRINCESS" Bright and entertaining romance is the keynote of "Thirty Day Princess," starring Sylvia Sidney and Cary Grant, which will open at the Tivoli Theatre to-day. It is a delightful Ruritanian romance in which the essential difference from the style inaugurated by Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins, or, as he was better known. "Anthony Hope," is that the mythical European monarch and his lovely daughter are brought from the kingdom to the great world outside instead of being strangers from that world, making their presence felt in Ruritania. A lovely princess goes to America to aid in raising a loan for her poverty-stricken country, but on arrival has a disastrous attack of mumps. A substitute is found in an out-of-work chorus-girl, but inevitable complications arise when this deception is found out, as it had to be. How the "face" of the principals in the matter, to say nothing of their hearts and their dollars, is saved provides an engrossing tale. Sylvia Sidney is excellent in the dual part of the princess and the pseudoprincess, while Cary Grant is his usual excellent self as the unconvinced young journalist who nearly upsets the whole "apple cart." A good list of supports will include the official Fox Movietone film of the funeral of Archbishop Redwood.

Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

LIBERTY "HAVE A HEART" AND "THE GHOUL" "Have a Heart," an appealing romance, will head the new double programme at the Liberty Theatre today. "The Ghoul," an errie thriller, will be screened in support. Jean Parker ar . James Dunn are starred in "Have a Heart," and are ably supported by Una Merkel, Willard Robertson, Stuart Erwin, Paul Page, and Muriel Evans. "Have a Heart" is a finely-produced picture with a romantic story of compelling interest, and the photography is excellent. Jean Parker plays the part of Sally, a youthful dancing teacher, who becomes crippled, and after months in hospital turns to doll-making. The story is at first an intensely human one, and later develops into a delightful romance. "Have a Heart" is full of comedy and pathos. "The Ghoul" marks a further advance in the ability of British studios to provide screen thrills. Boris Karloff plays the title role in true Frankenstein manner, and his interpretation of a fanatical Egyptologist is nothing short of marvellous. The story concerns the stealing of a famous jewel from an Egyptian tomb. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. GRAND "HER SWEETHEART" Marie Dressier and Lionel Barrymore are co-starred in "Her Sweetheart," which will begin a return season at the Grand Theatre to-day. The plot of this, Marie Dressler's last film, is tensely dramatic, although amid its heart throbs and human touches are many delightful comedy interludes. The contrasting work of Marie Dressier and Barrymore is grippingly interesting in this tale of a country doctor who, under the lash of avarice, turns from an honest, kindly soul to a grasping schemer, only to be guided back to his lifelong path of honour by the faith of an old servant. Marie Dressier, as the servant Abby, has a role in which she rises to dramatic heights, while never losing her intense humanness. The supports will include chapter 5 of the thrilling serial, "Gordon of Ghost City," starring Buck Jones. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. ST. JAMES' "THE GAIETIES OF 1935" This afternoon at 2.30 a complete change of programme will be presented at St. James* Theatre by Mr Stanley McKay's "Gaieties of 1935." The new presentation will be "Happy Miss Revue." which, as its name suggests, radiates happiness. The delightful new song scenas include. The Old Dutch Mill" and "The Old Spinning Wheel," both of which were very successful in Sydney. Frank Perrin, who has made himself so popular in the initial production, will, be seen and heard in several screamingly-funny sketches, prominent among which are "The New Arrival," "Telephone the Wife," and "Lunch in the Open." The charming Irish melody, "The Hose of Tralee," and "Bonny Mary of Argyle" will be sung by Victor Burke, while Rae Foster will be heard in "I'll String Along With You." The speciality performers include Trampo, the genius of the wire, the French clowns. Ivy Ivel, as a mermaid.. Lee and Barrie. in new dancing numbers, the Yodelling Newtons. and Argyle, who will appear for the first time as a Dickens impersonator. His offerings are Uriah Heep from "David Copperfield" and Fagfn, from "Oliver Twist," and he makes up both characters in full view of the audience. At the matinee performance this afternoon at 2.30 the same programme will be staged as will be given to-night. Seats may be reserved at the D.I.C. until 10.30 a.m., the plan being then transferred to thetheatre sweet shop. Day sales are at Knight's Milk Bar and the theatre sweet shop.

CIVIC "BELLA DONNA" To-day at the Civic All-British Theatre British Dominioas Films will present for the first time in New Zealand the Twickenham Studios' success "Bella Donna." Written by Robert Hichens, the story in book form proved to be one of the most popular ever written, and as a stage play, with Mrs Patrick Campbell in the title role, it was a triumph. Its success was repeated in silent films, with Pola Negri and Pauline Frederick as the stars. For the talking version, Twickenham Studios gathered together a really remarkable cast. Mary Ellis, the famous English stage actress, was chosen for the part of Bella Donna after months of searching and tests, and as the great Egyptian lover, Conrad Veidt, is credited with eclipsing all his previous performances. Sir Cedric Hardwicke is seen in his greatest role as Dr. Isaacson, the medical man who saves the life of his friend Nigel Arminie, Bella Donna's husband, a role in which the popular John Stuart is seen at his best. Perfectly filmed and acted with artistry by such a sterling cast, "Bella Donna" is a film with irresistible appeal to men and women alike. Box plans are now open at the theatre, where seats may be reserved at no extra cost. JOYLAND THEATRE "LADY FOR A DAY" Few pictures have caused such widespread comment and general interest as "Lady For a Day," which will begin a three-night season to-day at the Joyland Theatre, New Brighton. Tha high standard of entertainment of this excellent film is due to clever acting and excellent directing by Frank Capra. The title ro' is played by May Robson, who at once becomes a serious rival for Marie Dressier. Miss Robson shines not only as a dramatic actress but as a clever comedienne, and no less important are Warren Williams, Guy Kibee, and Ned Sparks. The story concerns a New York appleseller, who is helped by a number of friends to assume the guise of a wealthy society woman in order to impress her daughter and the family into which the girl is to marry. The fun that arises out of this situation has been taken full advantage of. Clapham and Dwyer, the famous radio stars, will be seen in an uproarious comedy, "On the Air," which will commence r ree-days* season at the Joyland Theatre on Wednesday next. In this picture they try their hand at dealing with property, and their methods, involving much bother with keys, blue-prints, and everything else, give scope for hilarious comedy. The supporting cast is an excellent one, including Roy Fox and his band, David Burnaby. Reginald Purdell, Betty Asteli, Teddy Brown, Mario de iPietro, Anona Winn, Eve Becke, Hugh E. Wright, and Harry Champion. The second feature on this attractive programme is "Tembi." a thrilling story of crocodile hunting in Central Africa. PREMIER THEATRE "ONLY YESTERDAY" An absorbing love drama, "Only Yesterday," will commence at tha Premier 'Theatre, New Brighton tonight, and will be shown for two nights only. This remarkable picture is the crowning achievement nf Universal Pictures. "Only Yeslerdav" i; the story of that exciting period between the entrance of America into the World War and tho stock market crash of November, 1929. Against this panorama of American life is portrayed a poignant love story which has nevr been equalled for sheer emotional quality on the screen. The carl includes 93 featured nlnycrs at'd i-= by Margaret Sullavan. who clws a:< excellent performance, -'"hit Bolr>= ha-- :'<p lead nppoF't" th" "tar p"ri ■;;>■•- ■-;- usual polishd pprfr-i"inav:t:<\ R'->:: j>! ~"■ 7 are at. Hud=cn'<. ci-><»i]>l; i. '"T ;>t i : i* theatre, 'phtMie 37-117