ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 209, 1 June 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

Riotous Comedy at Majestic Theatre “Three Live Ghosts” may truly be called an evergreen comedy, and in its new talking picture form it is proving deservedly popular with Majestic Theatre audiences. Claude Allister is unforgettable and Beryl Mercer, who has never yet given a poor performance, again plays the role of Mrs. Gubbins, to whom gin is. the be-all and end-all of existence. It is a real laugh tonic, and the new picture should not be missed on this . account alone. In addition, however, it ranks high in acting value, Richard Arlen, Charles McNaughton and Dudley Digges also giving clear-cut performances. “Thoroughbred.” “Thoroughbred,” which opens at the Majestic Theatre on Friday next, is an exciting story of the Australian race track. Helen Twelvetrees, alluring blonde of the American screen, is at her best in the portrayal of Joan, characteristic Australian girl. It is a picture, to be remembered with its breath-taking incidents, thundering hooves, thrills and spills, Frank Leighton very ably takes the part of Tommy, to whom Joan is engaged, and John Langden the part of Bid Peel, also in love with Joan. “Little Lord Fauntleroy” at Regent Theatre Two outstanding performances are registered in “Little Lord Fauntleroy” at the Regent Theatre, and extreme youth and mellow old age share the acting honours. Freddie Bartholomew as Lord Fauntleroy, and Mr. C. Aubrey Smith as the Earl of Dorincourt, will stir the memory of many who in their youth saw the play in New Zealand, and came under the spell of its charm. “Little Lord Fauntleroy” is the story au elder son of the Earl of Dorincourt, who marries an American girl against his father’s wishes, and seeks his fortune in New York, where he dies, leaving only his wife, “Dearest,” and their son, Cedric. As time passes the Earl ages. He fecks that he must have an heir —must know the boy, his grandson, who is to succeed him 1 So Cedric comes to England. The English scenes are beautifully done, and the early Victorian dresses and costumes are carefully depicted. Dolores Costello Barrymore and Guy Kibbee are others who make strong appeal. “The Dark Angel” at Paramount Theatre “The Dark Augel” at the Paramount Theatre is a deeply moving story of the devotion of two cousins for their beautiful neighbour. The three stars in the production, Merle Oberon, Herbert Marshall, and Fredric March caeh give flawless performances which place the picture definitely in the “must-be-seen” category. Merle Oberou, whose rise to fame has been as rapid as it has been sensational, has her most human role to date. The story follows the life of Kitty Vane (Merle Oberpn), Alan Trent (Fredric March), and his cousin, Gerald ! Shannon (Herbert Marshall), Since childhood, Kitty has adored the indifferent Alan, and Gerald has adored her. The war takes both men. and in tbe trenches there comes to Alan a realisation of his love for Kitty. Home on leave, he tells her and they plan to marry at once. Alan’s leave is cancelled, and later he is reported killed. After the war Kitty resigns herself to an engagement to Gerald, but Fate steps in and provides a ) happy ending. '

“The Bride Comes Home” at the St. James Theatre

Claudette Colbert gives a thoroughly natural and sincere performance in “The Bride Comes Home,” which is at the St. James Theatre. She brightens the rather slender, story with touches of deft acting for which she is famous. Fred Mac Murray remembered for his work opposite Katharine Hepburn in “Alice Adams” gives another strong performance, and Robert Young makes an unsympathetic part almost appealing. Tbe acting honours, however, go to Claudette in her portrayal of the girl who prefers work to a loveless marriage and luxury. Young takes the part of a childhood sweetheart, who has just inherited three million dollars. and when her father’s finances become desperately straitened Claudette is strongly tempted to marry him. His obvious devotion tempts her to take the easy way out of her difficulties, but being an independent-minded young woman she decides that she would sooner get a job than marry , without love. She becomes assistant editor of a magazine published by Young, and immediately falls foul of the editor (Fred Mac Murray). There is an amusing climax.

“The Petrified Forest” at the i De Luxe Theatre “The Petrified Forest,” a compelling drama at; the De Luxe Theatre, stars Leslie Howard, who is supported by such well-known players as Bette Davis, Genevieve Tobin, and Humphrey Bogart. There is no forest in the picture, the title of which is. intended to show a civilisation which the playwright represented to be fossilised. “The Petrified Forest” is a most unusual picture, and differs from the ordinary run of films in many ways. It has a strong plot and one that grips the audience, esI pecially as the entire action, wilb the exception ,>£ about three or four minor ! scenes, takes place in the restaurant, room ' of a service station at the edge of the Ariaona desert, (

“Charlie Chan at the Circus” at State Theatre

That great actor. Warner Oland, lias been responsible for “Charlie Chan” becoming so popular with moving-picture fans throughout the world, and he has never been seen to better advantage than in “Charlie Chan at the Circus,” at the State Theatre. In this thrilling mystery drama. Warner Ohinil . appears as the friend of the proprietor of a big circus. It is Charlie Chan’s task to track down the mysterious killer of the circus proprietor, and the manner in which the clever Chinese sleuth at last unmasks the villain who has terrorised the whole circus company for mouths makes a gripping story.

“The Private Secretary” at Plaza Theatre

Now at the Pinza Theatre, “The Private Secretary” gives Edward Everett Horton an ideal opportunity to score in the particular type of humour which has made him famous. In the role of a longsuffering curnte, the Rev. Robert Spaulding, he flutters from absurdity to absurdity. By his own ingenuousness lie lands himself in situations which would embarrass any member of the cloth. It is a. bright and joyous comedy of the best type, and no happier choice than Edward Everett Horton could have been found for the name part.