CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21577, 13 September 1935, Page 7

CITY THEATRES

REGENT

"ALL THE KING»S HORSES'* TO-DAY

"All the King's Horses" is the Intriguing title ef the film which will ooen a season at the Regent today Carl Brisson plays' a double role bearded and otherwise, as the ruler of a small kingdom and as a C: matinee idol who lives in perpetual T persecution from feminine .autograph mnters. Elaine (Mary Ellis), queen of her kingdom, beautiful•■; and unhappy, finds that the first anniversary of her wedding is just another day of state affairs for her husband, and besides his beard annoys her. So*the oueen leaves the palace and seeks ?omance. A year passes, and King Rudolf invites Carlo, the film star, to the castle, to consult him as to ways of winning back the queen. Under Carlo's direction he shaves off his beard becomes possessed of adventurous ambitions, and changes identities with the film star, who makes an impressive job of his. sovereignty. Then comes trouble. The queen returns, enraptured by a beardless photograph of the king, and a inpst entertaining climax is reached.. Box plans are now open at the DJ.C.

NOEL COWARD IN "THE SCOUNDREL'*-

Preferential reservations may be made now at the Regent Tneatre office, for the gala performance of "The Scoundrel," to be screened there on Saturday, September 28. Mr Noel Coward, author, composer, actor, and one of the world's most versatile geniuses, makes his long-awaited screen debut in this film. !

MAJESTIC

(WCOWBOY MILLIONAIRE" AND «565 DAYS IN HOLLYWOOD"

Something entirely new and refreshing in outdoor stories is provided in "Cowboy .Millionaire," . featuring George O'Brien and Evalyn Bostock, Which will begin a season at the Majestic Theatre to-dt?. ' Western atories are usually of; the, one type, with plenty of action and thrills, but "Cowboy Millionaire" supplies more than this. All the characters are of the type generally associated, with the West, but in this instance the hero is called on to leave his native country and go to New York and England in search of the girl, he loves and his partner in a gold mine. George O'Brien gives another fine char-' acterisation in this 'film; and he is ably supported by Evalyn Bostock, the English actress, who : makes' her first appearance in an American, film. Edgar Kennedy and Alden Chase head a good supporting cast l • > The second attraction on,the Majestic programme is entitled "365 - Nights in Hollywood," starring James Dunn and Alice Faye.. Dunn, a prominent film director who is "ba the rScks" forms the idea of establishing a dramatic school in Hollywood- To the school comes Miss Faye, hopeful but awkward. Many are the amusing situa-

tions created by Dunn, endeavouring to make Miss Faye act naturally. The Mr comedy roles are ably handled by j\ Mitchell and Durante, the dancing sailors. Box plans are now open at the DJ.C.

««NIGHT LIFE OF THE GODS" What would happen to the world at the present time if the ancient Greek gods and goddesses were suddenly to ' come to life and live as human be-

tags? This question is answered in I ihe film versioni of Thorne Smith's ex- '' inordinary novel; "Night. Life of the «3ods," which will be screened at thg Majestic Theatre on. Friday next. This production is very colourful, and contains many hilarious situations which provide excellent entertainment for all types of theatregoers. ntvau "VAGABOND LADY»» AND H. J SCOTT-LESLIE ON STAGE * Action, comedy; beautiful settings, gorgeous gowns, and splendid acting make 'Tagabond Lady," the- Hal Roach Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature, coming to the Tivolr Theatre today, one of the best motion pictures of recent months. . , Robert Young, as the irresponsible •Tony, son of a millionaire department (Store owner, provides delightful comedy and considerable romance to. the plot of the story, which revolves round | the beautiful daughter-of .the stores janitor, "Spiggs," Evelyn Venable as the daughter, "Miss Spiggins," gives one of the best performances of her screen career. A difficult role An the film, John, the dignified brother of Tony, is portrayed by Reginald Denny. The supporting players are Berton Churchill, Frank. Craven,-^ Forester Harvey, Dan Crimmins, and Ferdinand Gottschalk. . „ In addition to "Vagabond Lady there will appear on the stage the brilliant entertainer, Mr ScottLeslie. Mr Scott-Leslie is noted for his clever impersonations, burlesques, and character studies. The art of telling a story well is certainly one which Mr Scott-Leslie has mastered. As an actor of the most versatile kind, Mr Scott-Leslie gives excellent entertainment in his brief character sketches. _--_ Box plans are now open at tnejj.i.u. LIBERTY i "FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH" [ "Friday, the Thirteenth," an^out- ' standing production from the Gau-mont-British Picture Corporations studios, will be the chief attraction at the Liberty Theatre to-day. and euriously the ooening date is Friday, September 13! * Overseas critics state that this unusual picture is delightfully in- | triguing and entertaining.- The leading feminine role is taken by the vivacious Jessie Matthews (of "Good Companions" fame) and she is supported by Gordon Harker, whose • Cockney comedy characterisations are : )•».' World-famous; Edmund Gwenn, an acV tor whose work is always a delight; ; tJrsula Jeans, Donald Calthrop, and ■ Robertson Hare. I ■* . i GRAND J 'INTERNATIONAL HOUSE" AND 1 "NIGHT AFTER NIGHT" ] _ t In "International House," a bright < ftiusical-comedy romance, Peggy Hopkins Joyce, W.C. Fields, and Ruddy- Vallee, and "Night After Night," with George Raft, Constance i Cinnmings, and Mae West m-the lead- i ing roles, the management of tne i Grand Theatre will present two fea- £ tures to-day that should hold a wide r appeal. "International House has < been described as one of the most s lavish, most tuneful and most amustru, t musical comedies ever to come trom t Hollywood. In addition to the prin cipals, Burns and Allen are featured t in a number of specialty songs. s .Romance thrills, and, mystery have r been cleverly, blended-in "MwM After 2 -. Night," the supporting film, wj™* aJso r boasts of an alf-star cast. c l we £ r s£; * s ■ logue, excellent acting, and hngot c m t msuai «U help to make this film a | HsWccest. :■ -' - -

STATE "GEORGE WHITE'S 1935 SCANDALS" "George White's 1935 Scandals," a spectacular production, will begin a season, at the State Theatre to-day. A.cast that includes such prominent A^i 018 ,. 88 James Dunn, Ned Sparks, Alice Faye, Lyda Roberti, and others, ajtery with a strong human interest, written by {.am Hellman and Gladys Lehman, gay music and many beautirm dances—these are someof the fac-tors:-that make the film outstanding of Ite kind. The entire production was produced and directed by George .White himself, who has a main part 8 White's 1935 fjffii^fi- 1 F °xVfum that offersP^ ntL< ! llght entertainment. *j£\* to ??i tekes George White away, J£Si V* s Broadway (appropriately known as "the gay white sway") ™LV£ c ? ti9 £ te the south - °n his way to Palm Beach he stops at a small town in Georgia and there sees" a poster announcing in colourful fashion entitled 'White's Scandal*" tatrigued, he stays to see the show,and meets the producer (Ned Sparks), who becomes angry when he hears that Broadway too,has its "White's Scandals. He considers that someone has fPP*?P ri ated his name and reputation in the show business. George White Is impressed by the performance of some of the stars., particularly that of Ahce Faye and James Dunn: He decides to take over the production, cast, producer and all, as the nucleus for his nest New York show. "Alice Faye and James Dunn are in love, but when the success that .c6mes to them on Broadway has gone" to their heads they become involved in other affairs of the heart. Much confusion and mirth follow, until George White restores the two to common sense—and to each other. He is sometimes" assisted and at others frustrated in this by the hilarie^? Tfs ot L'Yte Roberti and by Cliff Edwards. . . ..-/.■

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

MAYFAIR

JAN KIEPURA IN «MY HEART

IS CALLING"

Films with music are the most popular type of screen entertainment at the moment—pictures that present the enchantment of. romance with its natural accompaniment of tuneful melodies, and beautiful backgrounds. "My Heart is Calling," which will begin a season at the Mayfair Theatre to-day, ideally 'fills those conditions. Whether rendering operatic aria or lilting popular melodies, Kiepura, the famous Polish tenor, is wholly delightful No male-screen singer has a larger or, more devoted following than this great artist, whose magnetic personality so exactly harmonises with the clever comedy of Sbnnie Hale that their scenes together are irresistible. And there .is yet another outstanding personality in "My Heart is Calling," Marta Eggerth, young, glamorous, and very beautiful, brings sweetness and sympathy, to her important role, and gives more than a hint of her powers as a dancer and vocalist The engrossing story is told against impressive backgrounds, and the big sets include representations of a luxury liner at sea and scenes in Monte Carlo. -Factors which make certain the success of "My Heart is Calling," are Jan Kiepura's brilliant successes in "Tell Me To-night" and "My Song For You"; the exuberance of Sonnie Hale's excellent comedy in both those productions; and fhe delicate artistry of the beautifuj Hungarian. Marta Eggerth. ther, there is the wealth of entrancing melodies, several of them specially composed for this picture, as well as the lavish scale of production. Kiepura's song numbers include "My Heart is Calling You," "You, Me, and Love," and many excerpts from opera, notable among them being selections from Tosca."

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

THEATRE ROYAL

"KANSAS CITY PRINCESS" AND "MURDER AT MONTE CARLO"

-An uproarious comedy, "Kansas City Princess," and a baffling mystery drama, "Murder at Monte Carlo," will comprise the new programme to be offered to-day. Based on the screen play by Sy Bartlett and Manuel Seff, "Kansas City Princess" is the story of the love complications of two.manicurists in Kansas City. .' ' ~ » . The cast includes some of the finest comedians of the screen. Joan BlondeU and Glen'da Farrell. as the two gold digging manicurists, have never acted better in their careers. Others in the cast include Robert Armstrong as the gangster, and lover of Miss Blondell, Oigood. Perkins, a doublecX Vince Barnett, Ivan Lebedeff Arthur Hoyt, .Hugh. Herbert, Hobart Cavanaugh, and T, Roy Barns. ._■ Th" second attraction,, "Murder at Monte Carlo." contains many thrills Ed cleverly with drama. The story ■g* a doctor who, broken-hearted at the suicide of his son following heavy gambling debts, devotes the rest ofhis We in perfecting a alette system which he intends to publish that he may ruin the casinos. The doctS dead from a revolver wound AUhough circumstances point to suicide, a young reporter eventually speeds in clearing up the mystery and bring the murderer to lig Tn'pre is an excellent cast, headed by Gabriel Toyne, Errol Flynn, Eve Gray, and Paul. Graetz. Box plans are now open at the m.v~

PLAZA DOLORES DEL RIO IN "IN? ■ CALIENTE" ■. "In Caliente," a musical film starring Dolores del Rio and Pat O'Brien, which will be the new film /at the Plaza Theatre to-day; contains; three new song and dance numbers which will prove very popular .with theatre-goers. Scores of beautiful Hollywood chorus girls appear -in numbers created and directed by Busby Berkeley, who staged the big hits in "Gold Diggers of 1935," "Wonder Bar," "42nd Street," and a score of other film musicals.

Ballroom dancing should also be enriched by the "Mexicano," which is exhibited in this production. Like the "Carica," the "Continental," and. other 'popular dances which had their origin in screen productions, the "Mexicano" is built around a special song. The "Mexicano" is rather a strange rhythmatic cross between a waltz and a rhumba. The steps were created by Busby Berkeley, dance director for the picture. There are several other beautiful dance numbers in the picture, as well as exhibitions by'the de Marcos, famous team of ballroom dancers.

The story tells about a magazine editor who, so that he may escape his troubles, is sent to Caliente by his employer. There he meets Miss del Rio, in the role of a famous dancer, and falls in love, both with her "and her dancing, forgetting that he had once written a vicious review about the girl; The supporting cast includes Leo Carrillo, Edward Everett .Horton, Glehda Farrell, Phil Regan, Dorothy Dare, and Winifred Shaw. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

CRYSTAL PALACE ««G-MEN" Gangsters had to be suppressed, It was obvious to everyone in America, and yet the Federal agents whose job it was to check the nation's crime went unprotected. Finally, with unarmed men shot in, the line of duty, policy changed as it must change. The Government agents, better known as the "G-Men," were armed, and the ruthless war against all gangsters, and particularly the "public enemies" began. Anyone who is interested in a page of modern history, rather than a milestone in the history of police work, should see "G-Men," a-film which will enter to-day, its ;second week at the Crystal Palace Theatre. For sheer speed of action, and for realism, "G-Men" is remarkable. The scenes are nothing short of" amazing, and yet the film sounds right through it the note of sincerity. Excellent acting—so good that one forgets the merits of the actors in the interest of the story—is a great aid to the success of the film, as it is with any production, but "G-Men" is remarkable in its very plot and story. Also on the programme is a newsreel showing Senator Huey Long, who was killed on Tuesday, announcing his plans for bis attempt to be elected President ,

AVON

"THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL"

There are few more colourful pages in history- than the French Revolution, and to many people all the impressions of the social upheaval that changed the face of Europe are epitomised by novels—"A Tale of Two Cities" .in the last century, and the excellent novels x>f Baroness' Orczy in this. "The Scarlet Pimpernel," now in its third week at the Avon Theatre, brings to the screen the very life and spirit of the debonair English hero, whose elusive progress on errands of rescue from cells and tum-

I brils has given such pleasure to novel I readers. .__ _ ~-,.'.' The acting in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is equal to the story, and beyond that there is little that need be said. Such names as Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, Raymond Massey, and Anthony Bushell need no . written guarantee as surety of the entertainment they will provide in any .film* and when to their ability is added a story of the quality of "The Scarlet Pimpernel," picturegoers are assured of sparkling entertainment. And The Scarlet Pimpernel" does sparkle,, with cleverly amusing dialogue, colourful costumes, and historical backgrounds that are. as accurate as they are full of interest.

CIVIC

"ESCAPE ME NEVER"

That Ghrlstchurch theatregoers fully 1 appreciate something outstanding an i Aim entertainment is clearly shownjjy the large audiences that have crowded to the Civic All-British Theatre for the last two weeks to see Elisabeth Bergner in: the British Dominions production, "Escape Me Never." This remarkable production is a revelation of what acting can be- The settings, especially .the scenes in the wonderful Dolomites, i<nd on the canals of .Venice, are another feature of what is truly a memorable film. Elisabeth Bergner plays the part of Gemma-Jones, the young wife, Hugh Sinclair, who played opposite M jjer. during the London season of the play, is a Sebastian who is no pale reflection of the brilliance of his principaL An excellent supporting cast: includes Irene Vanbrugh, beloved-of many in New Zealand. There is a strong supporting programme, three excellent supports preceding the main feature. .Box plans are at the theatre, where seats may be reserved at.no' extol cost.'