CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21422, 14 March 1935, Page 10

CITY THEATRES

PLAZA -M\I)AMK Dl' BARRY" • • . ■ ..;•-; Barry.- a masterly r . u . -res. depicting the inti- .•"",•• !,,- c- oi the famous '.. : '•"•■■ !,-(.• thv court of Kins ' -"•'"■■• :>• ]).;loies del Rio giv- " .;".■•.'. " >•■;, -. ance in the title .'"."■■/ ■;;; .hown at the Plaza "••;'. '.-.-Air- have been spared i" ; ij>c picture, which is '.".•■'•■-. ..: c::-:ablv acted, and "-. " -;■'":■,-a'i fr-eiing and histori- ! '..".."■•' I"- ui'ic'icl Owen plays '; r \ ••. ■;■■': Rio as King Louis "•. ,' ■ :-.■!•..•. in the cast inO. eoud Perkins, .. .;■..•; ; i, CINDERS" . ... ;r of the brightest ..; :, a in Whiter Cinders." :. : ; J r:t : -h musical comedy :C a<i the new programme • ■ , Theatre on Saturday. : ■'";;■•■ popular stage play ■'.-,■,(_■ the film c. to '. .■■:■.. narody of the Cmder- , ■■ " ■■' follows no strict rules. . •'•• p. iii farce, unci the per- ' ,-; ; ; ;v jrrepressible Clifford -•' :,,.r{ ii K . vivacious Zelma ;;- ; ■••■'",,. freshing for their sheer - '■ ' ■ ...at and cicver comedy. ( ■ ■" Mi.ii-on is seen at his best ,-"'■' . ~i Jim. a modern masculine ', ■ ■' i'i v-'eo is required to do all - ..' , v v.oik in the household of his - ■ , ■•:.:..otiier and his two broth- ■; <-Vrothers, the counterpart of '. ■" ;i:-:ers in "Cinderella," are • ■ '• ,v \'-.r,ic incomparable conied- '.;■ •■■,':.-tii and George Western. ■ '•■ :■'.:•.• . ii'.;inal performers have • v.vk known as gramophone ; - : •>:.■•:• sorms can scarcely fail ..j' Oi; of their best numbers •k'tal People. Aren't We All?" _ : j- =aid. is alone worth twice ":,-.'- : S inii money to hear. To v . ;..■•; c.jpcs Jill Kemp, daugh- ■: ■'. ' an American millionaire, posing i - :.::: maid in the Lancaster house- ' ■ ; ■', avoid unpleasantness following ' :.: ~t'*..n:; encounter with a local .■: 'n.an. Sharing their labours, the ; •... ii.nd a mutual attraction, and when a r,' lamily prevent him from going ■■> •■•.'- ball (held to celebrate Jill's ; a■■.ni--ol'-agej. she persuades him to ■ .■" c'ad in a full suit of armour, as ■:■■ Laid of Ditcham. In this role, - t ■ v a: ci amazing are the things that ;.ra,;'cn tv him. The Earl of Ditcham, as'cvervbociv knows, is a famous ex- ] •■■:-■: and Jim Ims many an awkward ,'.':'!: jircd at him about South '.:•.<.:::.:> rmd other remote countries. "• ; •- climax is finally reached after a ;"... ..;' hilarious incidents, in which I'.a .■ -pnaticns of his aunt are com- ) ;. :.):■ cTinosvd. and his romance with i.. vmi: ;L J .American heiress is ful-i'.-h.na O'Neal plays opposite Molli- ■ •■ ■-• Jiil and this is the third time t • - tiiov have been teen together. Zelma (/;,':. I *.s f:.si becoming one of the mean's most popular comedians, and i.r n.rio-mance in "Mister Cinders" : ■'•'■ r adds to her reputation. Renee .Lou;:';.:: had a special part written to tv.it her own personality, and the famfas comedian is seen as a postmis-T-e-s who takes a prominent part in villa-v theatricals. W. H. Berry, one of the best of stage comedians, has th" role of the village policeman, and m -.Mister Cinders," which, incidentai'v. is his film debut, he excels him- ;,;■:':. Edmcnd Breon, Finlay Currie, F;..-:r.o Church. Lorna Storm, Edward Cnaemm. Sybil Grove, and Henry Mol-<'..-at'i ak.o have important roles. Among -.-a- -ana' hits introduced are "Spread a j .:•.:■■ Haumness." "Where's Jim?" "f Ceuid'Ge' Used To You," and 'J:::-, a Blue Skv."

CRYSTAL PALACE

"LONDON SPEAKS"

The London in "London Speaks," the film which has entered a second week at the Crystal Palace, is the real London, the great metropolis throbbing v.i'h life and bright with a million lights. Greater Australasian Films liav offered it on the screen, not as the setting for an entertainment, but as an entertainment itself. For London is always before us—in history, in literature, in the news of the day—and New Zealanders attach a certain sentiment to it. In fact, everything that one has imagined one would do and see if a trip to London became a possibility is in the film. "GRANDAD RUDD" THEATRE ROYAL AND CRYSTAL PALACE Rarely are picturegoers given the opportunity of enjoying such a fine entertainment as the Australian comedy, "Grandad Rudd," which will be shown at both Theatre Royal and Crystal Palace on Saturday. Based en the famous series of Steele Rudd stories and centred around the bighenrted Rudd family, it is full of laughs, romance, and drama. Entirely different in settings from "On Our Selection," in which the Rudds were thown' in humble circumstances, a family of struggling farmers, "Grandad Rudd" presents them, with troubles and hardships now things of ihc past, as prosperous citizens with one of the biggest farms in the country, a palatial homestead, and cottages for each individual family. "Grandad Rudd," played by Bert Bailey, is still the same cantankerous, humorous old man, and still barks at the "boys," Dave, Dan, Joe, and the rest, as he orders them about the farm. But "Grandad Rudd" has a big worry on his mind. Betty (played by the charming New Zealand girl, Elaine Hamill), his lovely granddaughter, is in love with Henry Cook, a young agent of a rather shady character. While not hesitating to take advantage of Henry's love for Betty by getting a good "price for his hay, "Grandad" puts his head together with Tom Dally, a young selector (played by another New Zealander), who is also in love with Betty. Fate takes a hand in their game and sends to the village a person who can give them the needed information about Henry. This is Shirley Sanderson, a theatrical player, whose show is playing in the town. In the meantime Dan has been making love to the simple Amelia. In this Dave sees an opportunity to get rid of Dan, and so stages a party to "celebrate" the engagement while "Grandad" is away. Into the scene of the secret, of boisterous merriment walks "Grandad," breaking up the party. This and many other hilarious scenes contribute to the enjoyment of the picture. Excellent photography which does justice to the beauty of Australian landscape is a further praiseworthy feature of the film.

A feature of the picture will be the appearance on the stage at both theatres each evening of Colin and Jock, the Campbell Boys, who will give a selection of concertina items.

CIVIC "ARE YOU A MASON?" After an exceptionally successful season of two and a half weeks at the Civic Theatre, the last three nights of "Are You a Mason" and "Passing Shadows" are now announced. This very popular programme will definitely finish to-morrow night. "THE BROKEN ROSARY" The British love of vocal music, proved by the persistence with which our popular ballads live year after vear. without losing a fraction of their appeal, is fully exploited in the musical romance, "The Broken Rosary," which will commence at the Civic All-British Theatre on Saturday next. Music is in fact the keynote of the story, which has been ingeniously constructed to offer natural and unforced opportunities to express the varied situations in song. All the music introduced is of a tvpe that has firmly established il=elf in public favour, and the ballads selected add to the picture's charm. Derek Oldham, the celebrated English tenor, is the star, and he is supported by the charming stage actress and finger, Jean Adrienne. With pleasing personalities, these stars are given full opportunity to show both their acting and singing ability in a charming story based on Gounod's immortal "Ave Maria." Other well-known songs included in the film, are "Summer Night," "Speak to Me of Love," "Sally in Our Alley," and "Somewhere a Voice is Calling," whilst in vivid contrast to these in sentiment and character is the old vaudeville ditty, "Waiting at the Church." sung by the popular comedienne, Vesta Victoria. Plans are now open at the theatre, where seats may be reserved at no extra cost.

REGENT

"CHAINED"

"Cleopatra" will finish at the Regent Theatre to-night.

Two of the most popular players on the American screen, Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, appear together for the first time since their memorable performances in "Dancing Lady," in the sophisticated drama, "Chained, which will start at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Joan Crawford also appeared with great success in "Grand Hotel," "Letty Lynton," "Possessed, and "Sadie McKee," and her'many admirers should find excellent entertainment in this modern psychological study. In general treatment the film bears the stamp of the Noel Coward influence. This is particularly evident in the final scene, in which the three principal characters discuss a decision which is profoundly to change their lives. The dialogue is always smart and polished, and the Picture abounds in dramatic incidents The story deals with a beautiful girl who is fascinated by one man, but cannot sacrifice the happiness of her husband, to whom she is deeply indebted. Following the new trend of fast-moving pictures, the background against which the action takes place is as swift changing as the emotions of the players themselves. The role taken by Joan Crawford is similar to those in which she has scored her recent triumphs, and she should add considerably to her laurels by her inspired portrayal. Clark Gable is also seen at his 'best as a dashing South American rancher. Other prominent members of the cast are Otto Kruger, Stuart Erwin, and Una O'Connor Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. TIVOLI

"CLEOPATRA"

"Man of Aran" and "The Battle" will be shown finally to-night at the Tivoli Theatre.

Surely the ultimate in screen spectacles is Cecil B. de Mille's "Cleopatra." which will be presented tomorrow at the Tivoli Theatre. Lavishly produced, .fraught with colour and movement, the picture sweeps onwards through startling effects and gorgeous incidents. But the human element is not dwarfed into insignificance by the magnificent settings and atmospheric, backgrounds; the famous love story of Antony and Cleopatra has been deftly woven from history and legend. The beauty of Claudette Colbert, enhanced by regal robes and scenes of Oriental splendour, makes understandable the successive conquests of the Egyptian queen. Henry Wilcoxcn, taken from England to Hollywood especially for the role of Marc Antony, makes him a powerful and virile figure. Warren William's Julius Ca;sar is proud and scornful The acting of these three principals is faultless. It is felt throughout the dazzling array, but whether the picture is de Mille or history does not matter so long as it is good entertainment. And it is always that, from the opening scene to the final one, in which the Roman soldiers break into the palace. Interesting supports complete a fine programme. The box plans are now open at the D.I.C. majestic' "CHARLIE CHAN IN LONDON" "The Captain Hates the Sea" will conclude its season at the Majestic Theatre to-night. Warner Oland will be seen at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow in "Charlie Chan in London," the sixth film of the popular series. This time the suave Oriental detective comes to the aid of a young English girl whose brother has been convicted of murder. When Chan sets out to prove the young man's innocence, only 65 hours remain before the young man is to mount the gallows. The trail leads Chan to a manor house not far from London. There the threads of the story meet in an intricate maze of plot and counterplot, leading finally to a great climax. There is a fox hunt, packed with suspense, in which Charlie pursues his human quarry across the countryside, and a desperate dash to save the life of still another victim of the mysterious murderer. Drue Leyton, a fascinating new star, and Raymond Milland supply the romantic interest, and delicious comedy is provided by E. E. Clive, as a bucolic detective-sergeant, and Elsa Buchanan, as a very British maid-ser-vant. Philip Mac Donald, the wellknown British novelist, has based this newest exploit of the wily Hawaiian criminologist on the novels of the late Earl Derr Biggers, and has created a story which, for suspense swift action, and mounting excitement, heads all other films of the series. In addition, Fred Argyle will present on the stage "Blossom Time" (the songs of Schubert), featuring Rae Foster. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. PROGRAMMES TO BE CHANGED ON FRIDAYS Beginning this week, the five theatres controlled by Christchurch Cinemas, Ltd.—the Regent, Tivoli, Majestic, Liberty, and Grand—will change their programmes on Friday, instead of Saturday. The change will be a permanent one.