ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20640, 12 August 1930, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. A graphic story of tho horrors of war is unjjoldod in tho screen talking vorsion of Rernarquo's much-discussed novel "All Quiet on tho Western Front," which is meeting with a successful season at tho Civic Theatre. The battle scenes are remarkable as they give an adequate idea, of modern warfare. Tho thunder of the guns and tho snip of bullets add to tho realistic nature of the picture. The strong cast is headed by Lewis Ayres and Louis Wolheim. As the youthful Cerman soldier, Paul, who is suddenly thrust,into the arena of war, Ayres gives an outstanding portrayal. Paul's death is tho most pathetic incident in the story. During a lull in tho offensive lie sees a butterfly alight on the parapet' and stretches forth his arm (o capture tho incongruous thing of beauty. Tho snip of <1 sniper's bullet is heard and thoUioy's life is ended. Tho picture is preceded by ati enjoyablo concert by Mr. Howard Moody's orchestra.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. In point of witty dialogue and hilarious situations " Rookery Nook," the film version of Bon Travers' uproarious farce, which is in tho fourth and final week of a successful season at St. James' Theatre, easily outstrips any previous picture ot a similar type. Not only does the talking film version retain all the ingenuous humour which made the stage play such a success, but it is interpreted by tho identical English cast which appeared the original for 409 performances at tho Aldwych Theatre, London. Henco it is that the players arc completely at easo in their roles and do full justice to tho subtleties of the many farcical situations. To see Ralph Lynn, who plays the part of a wearied young husband who repairs to " Rookery Nook " in search of a rest cure, flounder through a maze of abstruso explanation in an attempt to account for the presence of a pretty young girl in her night attire when /his wife appears, is to sample fnrro at its best. On Friday the all-colour musical comedy-romance, " Sally " will commence a season.

REGENT THEATRE. Although " Journey's End," the wellknown war play which is enjoying great popularity at the Regent Theatre, defies motion-picturo conventions in that it does not include a woman in tho cast, it has an appeal far more general than any love interest could give it. His lovo for a beautiful woman " back there," which Stanhope, tho principal character,' holds always before him, lends the picture the requisite touch of romance which in no way dominates the action. Tho story is essentially a character study; the author has taken several typical Englishmen and made of each, not an imaginary character, but a lively prototype of every class of soldier. In tho film version, produced by Tiffany, capable English players show a fine understanding of the requirements of the rather difficult roles they aro called upon to play. STRAND THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is provided in the technicolour production " Paramount on Parade," which is being screened at tho Strand Theatre. Nearly all the most notable artists on tho screen appear In the picture, which takes tho form of a revue. One of the best numbers is a burlesque on mystery plays. Pleasing portrayals are given by Maurice Chevalier, Ruth Chatterton, Charles Rogers, Nancy Carroll and other well-known players. A sound cartoon and a gazette are also presented. A film of the fourth and final Rugbv test between Britain and New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday will also bo shown.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Richard Arlon and Mary Brian are the principals in " Burning Up," which is being presented af, the Majestic Theatre. The story is one of the motor-racing track and some exciting races are included in the film. Tho shorter pictures comprise a Tiffany colour production, " The Hawaiian Love Song "; fi comedy, "Sweethearts"; a film describing th.c laying of deep-sea cables; a screen song and a gazette. In addition a film of the fourth Rugby test match between Britain and New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday will be shown. RT ALTO THEATRE. The efforts of a daughter of a proud, but impoverished, Virginian family to save it from financial ruin provide many amusing situations in " Honey," which is being shown at the Rialto Theatre. Based 011 the stage success, "Come Out of the Kitchen," the picturo has Nancy Carroll in the principal role. " The Isle of Lost Ships," a story of mystery and adventure in the Sargasso Sea, will also be shown. - TIVOLI THEATRE. Tho popular actress Nancy Carroll appears to advantage in " Honey," the Paramount comedy-romance which heads tho attractive programme at the Tivoli Theatre. Miss Carroll is cast as tho daughter of aristocratic parents, who takes a position as a domestic to aid her people. An exciting story of mystery and adventure is unfolded in the second attraction " The Isle of Lost Ships." LYRIC THEATRE. Set amid tho Pacific Islands and filmed in a manner which takes full advantage of the possibilities of tho camera, "Dangerous Paradise." which is being shown at (lie Lyric Theatre, incorporates some striking scenic effects. Nancy Carroll, Richard Arlen and Warner Oland aro tho principals in this story of tho regeneration of a girl musician in a Southern Pacific port.

PLAZA THEATRE. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, two popular artists who have appeared together in many delightful pictures, are the principals in "Sunny Side Up," an entertaining comedy-drama which is being shown at the Plaza Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " Troopers Three " is tho principal attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. NEW REGENT THEATRE. Tho programme at tho New Regent Theatre, Epsom, is headed by " Skinner Steps Out."