ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20792, 7 February 1931, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. For the unusual nature of the plot and the splendid characterisations given by the central players, "Scotland \ard, which was received with enthusiasm when it was shown for the first time at the Civic Theatre yesterday, must rank high among recent contributions to the talking screen. Edmund Lowe, who first achieved recognition as an actor by his splendid performance in "The Cock-eyed World," and who lias since appeared in numerous talking pictures, is at his best in the dual role of a notorious criminal who, by., a miracle 0/ plastic surgery performed at the war, is able to usurp the position of a prominont bank president. Pursued by the police Dakin ' Barrolles swims the Thames and clambers aboard the houseboat of Sir John Lasher and aj> pistol point forces the bank president's wife to bandage his wounded anklo. Departing with a locket of Sir John and his wife as a memento, the criminal is traced to a country inn with an accomplice and joins the Army in the hope of escaping detection. It is at this point that the plot takes an unexpected turn. Dakin's face is mutilated beyond recognition in battle and the plastic surgeon restores the man's features, using the photograph of Sir John Lasher contained in the locket as a model. Hitting upon an audacious scheme of masquerade, Dakin determines to impersonate * Sir John, since reported missing at the front, and from his decision a series of dramatic situations arise. In spite of the suspicions of a clever Scotland Yard detective, the impersonator returns to London and plans the theft of valuable securities from the bank of which he is ostensibly the president. The arrival of Xandia, Lady Lasher, and . the man's realisation of his love for her, leads to his resolve to renounce his criminal activities, but in attempting to dissuade his accomplice from the robbery he is captured by Scotland Yard detectives. He leaves for the "Yard" under escort, secure in the knowledge, however, that Lady Xandia is eagerly awaiting his release. Miss Joan Bennett, who won many admirers for her delightful portrayals in "Bulldog Drummond" and "Disraeli," invests the' part of the beautiful English girl with the samo unaffected sincerity and charm which marked her former performances. Other prominent members of the cast are Lumsden Hare, as the persistent and tenacious detective, Sir Clive Heathcote; David Torrence, who portrayed a similar role in "Raffles"; Donald Crisp and Georges Rencvaut. Apart from the interest which the story itself holds, the film is notable for the photographic effects of London during fog and for the atmosphere of refinement and culture which it so admirably conveys. Novelty is lent the entertainment by an original comedy entitled "The Little Covered Waggon," in which a troupe of monkeys interpret a romantic drama of virgin America with perfect naturalness.

PLAZA THEATRE. Noted for his performance in "The Singing Fool," an appealing picture, which first established the popularity of talking films, A 1 Jolson is seen and heard at his best in "Big Boy," which heads the splendid double-feature programme at the Plaza Theatre. He makes a likeable character of the Negro jockey, which ho portrays, and the part allows him ample opportunity to sing a number of entertaining songs, which he gives with his characteristic charm. In a rather less dramatic role than he was called upon to play in "The Singing Fool," the actor skilfully combines humour and pathos with telling,effect. Based on Henning Berger's European stage success, "The Way of All Men," the second picture, is a dramatic story, dealing with the reactions of people of various-walks of life in the face of almost certain death. The motley collection of human beings who are trapped underground in a Mississippi town through the collapse of the river levees include a minister, a former actor, a confidence man, a stockbroker, an attorney, a saloon-keeper, a bartender and a young millionaire. Prominent members of the capable cast are Noah Beery, Doug- i las Fairbanks, junr., and Dorothy Revier. ROXY THEATRE. Sophisticated comedy-drama is presented in its most entertaining form in "Dumbbells in Ermine," which is one of the two full-length pictures included in the programme at present being shown at the Roxy Theatre. Dealing with the efforts of a would-be social reformer, himself far from being above reproach, to prevent the marriage of a pretty society heiress to a handsome but impecunious prize-fighter, the story is a succession of hilarious episodes sparkling with witty dialogue. Of a more serious character but no less entertaining is "The Love Racket," a drama based on the stage success "The! Woman of the Jnry," in which Dorothy Mackaill gives a vivid portrayal of a woman made the victim of .circumstance. « ORPHEUS THEATRE. One of the finest English films yet produced, " On Approval, ' will be screened at the Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu, to-day. Based on one of Frederick Lonsdale's scintillating comedies, it provides endless amusement by its witty dialogue and unusual situations. The east includes Tom Walls, Yvonne Arnaud, Mary Brough and Winifred Shotter, some of the bestknown players on the London stage. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA. An interesting story, spectacular settings, bright comedy and a fine cast make " Dixiana," now being screened at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, and the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane, one of the most entertaining pictures made by the Radio studios. Bebe Daniels is in the leading role, while Robert Whoeler and Bert Woolsey supply abundant humour. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Two fine productions, " The Flirting Widow" and "Hold Everything," will be shown at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-day. TUDOR THEATRE. " So Long Letty" and " The Furies" will be screened at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera, to-day. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The powerful drama, " Holiday," and " What Men Want" will be the attractions at the Prince Edward Theatre today. VICTORIA THEATRE. . Comedy is the keynote of the two pictures, " In the Next Room" and " The Sap from 'Syracuse," at the Victoria Theatre to-day. ONEHUNGA THEATRE. The hilarious comedy " The Cuckoos" will be screened at the Onehunga Picture Theatre to day. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. " The Hate Ship," a thrilling ' story of mystery, will be screened at the PicUiredromo Theatre to-day. ADELPIII THEATRE. The bright comedy " Why Leave Home?" will be screened at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, to-day. EMPIRE THEATRE. " Hit the Deck," a spectacular musical comedy, heads the current programme at the Empire Theatre.

REGENT THEATRE. . Another striking example of the excellence of British films was seen at the Regent Theatre last evening, when the screen version of Frederick _ Lonsdale s play "Canaries Sometimes Sing, commenced a season before a large house. Memories of "On Approval" are still fresh in the minds of Auckland audiences and the scintillating wit- and satire of the author is of a type which can never tire. The story deals with the matrimonial troubles of two ill-assorted couples, and the many ludicrous situations, which ariso throughout the picture provide a constant source of merriment. Married to a woman of "high-brow" ideas, whose sole aim in life is to cultivate the acquaintance of celebrities, the life of her husband, a playwright, is supremely unhappy, although Mr. Tom Walls, as the husband, manages to convey an impression of quite humorous philosophy and resignation. Into the lives of the illassorted couple appear an old school friend, Ernest Melton, and his wife, the former a pompous and slow-witted man whose aim in life is to "carry on the traditions of an English gentleman," and the latter a one-time actress, whose habit of saying what she thinks irrespective of thoso whom she is addressing, causes her husband much distress and disturbance of mind. During their three weeks' visit Ernest Melton and Anne, recognising kindred spirits, fall in love with each other and the subtle endeavours of the other two to assist them provide the chief humour of the story. One comical situation loads to another yet more farcical, the supreme climax being reached when Ernest Melton confesses to his "outraged" friend that he finds he does not love Anno, whoso highbrow attitude ho has discovered to be a fake. Over a bottle of brandy, which disappears with alarming rapidity, the two school friends share their innermost feelings, and this provides one of the most comical interludes in the whole story. Mr. Tom Walls, who depends as much on his amazing facial, expressions as on his speaking, soars to still greater heights in his hilarious portrayal of the husband of Anne, while he is ably supported by Miss Yvonne Arnatid, who, as Melton's wife, gives a thoroughly refreshing performance, combining delightful naivete of manner with a splendid keenness in getting what she wants. Miss Kathleen Ncsbitfc sustains her difficult role with ease, and, as her faint-hearted lover, Mr. Athole Stewart gives one of the finest interpretations of misery and indecision which has yet appeared on the screen. Thcro is an excellent supporting programme, comprising a Fox Movietone News, a Paramount Sound News, and a Melody Comedy. To-day a special attraction will be the screening of a special film tnk#n of the earthquake disaster.

national "Theatre. A careful reconstruction of the conditions of the famous Crimean campaign is given in "Balaclava," the outstanding English production, which, after a most successful season at the Regent Theatre, will be screened at the National Theatre to-day. From the opening scene, in which a young officer of the 93rd Highlanders is provoked to a duel with the overbearing sergeant of the 15th Hussars through the latter's cruelty toward a private of his regiment, the action of the story gradually becomes more tense, culminating in the heroic Charge of the Light Brigade. Critics state that the charge, filmed under the active supervision of the British WatOffice; represents one of the most inspiring spectacles portrayed on the talking screen. The central characters are portrayed by accomplished English artists, prominent among whom are Cyril McLaglen, brother of the popular Victor McLaglen, and Miss Benita Hume, well known on the London stage.

LONDON THEATRE. The dramatic strength of the story as well as the restrained emotional acting of the talented Swedish artist,. Miss Greta: Garbo, entitle "Romance," at present being shown at the London Theatre, to rank high among recent screen dramas. In a role somewhat similar to her convincing portrayal of Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie," 'Hie actress is seen as a beautiful operatic principal, for whom love can hold nothing-but bitter memory. Her characterisation of the alluring Rita Cavallini' is in striking contrast to the drap sordidness in the life of Anna Christie. The picture opens with a prologue, in which a young man seeks the consent of his grandfather, a bishop, to his marriage with an actress, and in an attempt to dissuade the boy from what the old man considers will be a disastrous alliance, the grandfather relates a pathetic incident of his youth.

TIVOLI - AND RIALTO THEATRES. All'the wonders of sight and sound in the danger-infested interior of Africa are seen in " Africa Speaks," the authentic record of exploration in the Dark Continent," which will continue a most successful season at the 1 ivoli and Rialto Theatres to-day. During the 14 months the Colorado African Expedition, headed bv Paul Hoener, took to journey across equatorial Africa by motor-truck, an astounding pictorial record of the habits of the animals of veldt and jungle and the barbarities of the strange native tribes was secured. From the happy scene at the farewell dinner to the leader of the expedition and his fearless party the audience is soon plunged into the very heart of Africa. An exceptionally entertaining supporting pi'Ogramme is provided, including news reels, a- comedy cartoon, a " sportlight " comedy and ono of the fascinating "Vagabond Adventure" series. LYRIC THEATRE. Tho role of a debonair young man who adopts safe-breaking as a means of adding interest to life is taken by Ronald Colman in "Raffles," which will be shown at the Lyric Theatre to-day. The picture is based on E. W. Hornung's well-knoWn story and it is full of excitement and romance. Miss Kay Francis plays in the opposite role to Colman. The way in which tho " amateur cracksman " outwits the forces of Scotland Yard in order to help a friend provides many tense incidents. Clara Bow's latest film, " Love Among the Millionaires," a bright comedy romance, \jrill also bo shown. t CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. A thrilling railway drama, " Danger Lights," is the foremost feature on the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. The leading role, that of a divisional superintendent obsessed by his love for a young woman, and his passion to maintain his train schedule at any cost, is admirably portrayed by Louis Wolheim. "-The Sea Bat" and a number of short films are also screened. SANDRINGHAM CINEMA. One of E. W. Hornung's most thrilling novels is well produced on the talking screen in " Raffles," which will be shown at the Sandringham Cinema to-day. Tho dramatic events that follow tho " amateur crackman's " illegal efforts to help a friend maintain a high level of excitement. Ronald Colman and Kay Francis are the principals BRITANNIA THEATRE. Tho programme at tho Britannia Theatre to-day will include " Alias French Gertie" and the British production, " Elstree Calling." MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT. Tho Auckland City Municipal Band will play at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon and at Albert Park in the evening. Sullivan's "In Memoriam " and suitable hymns will be included in both programmes, out of sympathy with the sufferers in the recent earthquake.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. , In the screen version of John Van Druten's play, "Young Woodley, ( _ commenced a season at St. James Theatre yesterday, an artistic interpretation ot an unusual and difficult 'theme is given. The story of the idealistic and romantic youth (5f eighteen is presented with power and pathos. Simmons, the headmaster, is a man who has.,lost the., larger vision and he adopts a lofty and lrritatingly superior attitude, not only toward his pupils, but also toward his wife." lhe latter, who is as lovable and generous as her husband is autocratic _ and narrow, finds much in common with the young, unsophisticated Woodley, and a strong bond of sympathy springs up) _ between them. Carried away by his incurable romanticism, however, Woodley on one occasion is led to declare his love, but his avowal is interrupted by the sudden appearance of Simmons himself. The succeeding action is dignified and restrained. The whole picture is remarkable, both for the variety of life-like _ characters introduced and the exceptional _ pictorial values of the background. English public school life is admirably depicted against a setting of fine old-world quadrangles and cloisters and through the skilful introduction of house cricket matches and other school activities. Frank Lawton s portrayal of Young Woodley made the play when it first appeared; he translates the character to the screen ■ with_ even greater success. His work in difficult scenes is supremely natural and lie holds the sympathy of- the spectator from the start. Madeleine Carroll, as Laura Simmons, has an even more difficult part to play. Her beauty and talent are assets which stand her in good stead in her chosen vocation, and in "Young Woodley" she gives her best perf6rmance to date. Sam Livcsey portrays the conventional headmaster, of cant phrases and stock thought, with a touch of _ artistic exaggeration perhaps necessary ■in view of the fact that he stands for the public school system, of which the play is a criticism. The prefects of John Teed, George Rawlinson and Billy Milton arc altogether admirable, and Aubrey Mather, as Woodley, sen., completes a fine cast. The first motion pictures of the devastated earthquake area to be shown in are included on the programme. Graphic scenes taken shortly after the calamity convey a vivid impression of the dis aster and bring home forcibly the terrible plight of the afflicted area. In addition there is a Fox Movietone News and a delightful "Mickey the Mouse" cartoon, both of which add considerably to the enjoyment of the programme.

STRAND THEATRE.

It would be difficult to imagine more aids to sensation than are provided in the tense melodrama "Midnight Mystery," which was screened for the first' time at the Strand -Theatre yesterday. An old castle perched on a cliff above a stormtossed sea, an ill-assorted party of bizarre guests, strange lighting effects due to the recurrent flash of a lighthouse, all these, combined with a really well-conceived plot, make the picture exceptional entertainment for those who enjoy receiving unexpected thrill after thrill. The acting of LtSvell Sherman as the man who seizes the opportunity of turning an idle hoax into a cruel tragedy, is particularly good and adds further to the reputation that he has already gained by his acting of subtle roles in "General Crack," "He Knew Women," and several other productions. The leading feminine role is taken by Betty Compson, while Jean Clyde and Rita La Roy are included in the castHugh Trevor is seen a» Gregory Sloane, whose house party includes a talented young pianist, who has been carrying on an intrigue with • the wife of another guest, a young lady whose absorption in murder mysteries becomes an obsession, and a debonair lawyer who is willing to turn anyone's misfortune to his own advantage. Young Sloane, in order to cure the young woman's morbid flair for mystery, arranges a mock murder, with the connivance of the pianist, who is to pretend. to be killed by him. Ev»rything works well, but the cruel cunning of the lawyer him to see a way in which his desires can be furthered at the bitter expense of his host and friend. From this point oa the action of the story moves with rapidity. The second picture on the programme, "Love in the Rough," is of an entirely different kind. Based on the musical comedy "Spring Fever," it amused yesterday's audiences by its lighthearted comedy and the bright little songs included in the score. Robert Montgomery and Dorothy Jordan are in the leading roles, while Benny Rubin, Dorothy McNulty and J. C. Nugent provide many hilarious scenes.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. - A decidedly unusual situation is dealt with in Buddy Rogers' latest film, ''Safety In Numbers," which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening. William ButleiV played by Buddy Rogers, is about to come into a fortune of 25,000,000 dollars, so his uncle decides to "educate" lnni by sending him to New York, under 'the care of three chorus girls of his acquaintance. Buddy falls in love with each of the girls in turn, and is thus kept from the temptations of the city. One day, however, the company to which the girls belong comes to rehearse in fheir flat. Buddy sings a number called " The Pick Up " which he composed before coming to New York, and it is a great success. The situation now becomes beyond the control of the girls, for Buddy becomes the target of various " gold diggers." He is rescued from one notorious vamp with the aid of a friendly taxidriver, only to fall seriously in love with one of the girls, Jacqueline, who also falls in love with him. She knows she is breaking faith with Buddy's uncle, however, so arranges to leave for France, but Buddy learns of her design just in time. Helped by the taxi-man, who, incidentally, can only stop his car by bumping into something, he arrives just as the boat is leaving, and reclaims her amid the encouragements of a cheering crowd. Buddy Rogers gives his usual polished display and is outstanding in the singing of " 3\ly Future Just Passed." Katherine Crawford, Josephine Dunn and Carol Lombard are very attractive as the three girls, Jacqueline, Maxine and Paulino. Chief among the supporting items is an excellent film of-the area at Hawke's Bay devastated by the earthquake. It is a really remarkable film. A varied programme is completed by a newsreel, a particularly funny sound cartoon, "Flip the Frog," and an Our Gang comedy featuring the negro comedian, Stepin Fetcliit.

LUNA PARK, The farewell evening of entertainment at Luna Park will be held this evoning. The park, which for several years has been one of the most popular places of amusement in the city, will be closed as from Monday pending arrangements with Sydney interests. All the devices will be in full swing and extra attractions have been added to make the final night one of the brightest in the park's history. Prices remain the same. A matinee will be held in the afternoon. EMPRESS THEATRE. " Dumb-bells in Ermine," an amusing comedy of American life, together with " The Love Racket," will be screened at the Empress Theatre to-day.