ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20898, 13 June 1931, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CIVIC THEATRE. A brilliant young actress who made one talking picture and was immediately famous, Miss Marilyn Miller, has scored another great success in " Sunny," her second film, which was presented before a large audience at the Civic 'I lieatre last evening. Known tho world over for her charming personality, clever dancing and finished acting, Miss Miller displays new skill in her latest film, which should prove even more popular than her former success, "Sally." Many actresses can sing and many others can dance, but it is rarely that there appears one who is at the same time an accomplished vocalist, ii dancer of exceptional merit, and a most pleasing figure in every scene. Miss Miller is given ample opportunity to display Iter skill as a dancer in " Sunny and also sings duets in most enjoyable stylo with. Lawrence Gray, who is the leading man. The secret of her charm lies in her personality, and she is the dominant figure in every scene in which she appears. Mr. Cray can always be relied upon for a finished performance. The popular stage play, from which the film was adapted, and in which Miss Miller had the principal part, had definite limitations in spile of its immediate success, but the screen version is on an altogether larger scale. Tho director, Mr. William A. Seitcr, lias worked in some fine scenic pictures without in any way breaking the continuity or detracting from the interest 'if tlie film as a whole. A particularly clever comedian is doe Donahue, who appears with Miss Miller in a series of neat tap-dances, and also maintains a running lire of caustic comment at Ihe expense of the other characters. He is cast as a spineless youth who, although iii love with one girl, consents to marry another to oblige his friend, and his glum i expression and droll phrases caught (ho fancy of last evening's audience. Miss Inez Courtney, Mr. Mackenzie Ward and Mr O P. Heggic also contribute, largely toward the success of the lighter scenes. I On the stage, Mr. Gordon Cole and his j Wintergarden Band were given a most enthusiastic reception for clever items, and Mr. Colo also produced amazing effects j from his xvlophone. Among the shorter films is one entitled " A Holiday in Story--1 land." in which a troupe of clever juveniles interpret some of the well-known iiui- ; serv rhymes. Tho famous American baii- ! lone. Mr. John Charles Thomas, sings the. | stirring prologue from " I Pagliacci, an | operatic excerpt which is deservedly popular, and his acting is in keeping with the | exceptional quality of his voice. In addition there are two ncwsreols. the j Pal he Gazette and the Fox Movietone 1 News, affording glimpses of items of inter- | est in every part of the world. There is I a view of the annual boatrace on the | River Yarra between (ho principal Melbourne colleges, and tho film concludes with a picture showing the Dutch air liner Abel Tasmari landing at Sydney with mail from Holland. A final touch is provided bv Mr. Howard Moody, who plays on the grand organ a novel arrangement of " In a Persian Market." STRAND THEATRE. "Not-Exactly Gentlemen," which commenced a week's season at the Strand Theatre yesterday, is an excellent example of the outdoor picture with dialogue, the possibilities of which are just beginning to bo realised by producers. The story is based on ono of the most colourful periods in American history, the opening of Dakota to settlement by President Grant in 1877. and concerns the efforts of a girl whose father has been shot by bandits to stake a claim in the rich new area. In her attempts she is aided by three lawbreakers who are fleeing from justice. These three are soon involved in a desperate struggle with other desperadoes, who are trying to find the site of a gold-bearing property which is known to the girl, and which will bo thrown open for selection. Unusually exciting action is provided throughout tho production, which is liberally interspersed with comedy interludes, while the commencement of the land rush forms a spectacular sceno which grips the audience. Victor McLaglen, Lew Cody and Eddie Gribbon are seen as the three adventurers, whoso characteristics form tho basis of the title, their performances in their varied roles being splendid. Fay Wray is both charming and convincing as the girl. Owing to the length of the main attraction, only a short supporting programme is- screened, comprising the latest Fox .Movietone News and an hilarious comedy. CAPITOL THEATRE. Two splendid full-length films will bo shown at tho Capitol Theatre this evening. " The Texan " is a fast-moving ad-venture-romance in which I'av Wray and Gary Cooper appear. Betty Compson is the leading lady in " Woman to Woman," the second picture. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. One of the best of the pioneering films to have reached the screen, " Cimarron," will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. Richard Dix gives a vivid characterisation of the steadfast at-torney-editor, Yancey Cravat. Irene Dunne is a charming heroine. EMPRESS THEATRE. " The Last Parade." a story of newspapers and the underworld, to head tho programme at the Empress 'lheatro today, has Jack Holt in tho leading role. A second film is " Shadow Ranch, ' with Buck Jones. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. "The Big Trail," to be shown at the Epsom Regent Theatre to-day, is a pioneering epic'depict ing the stupendous trek over the Oregon Trail moro than 100 years neo. El Brendcl provides the comic relief. / PAPAKURA STAR THEATRE. The thrilling melodrama, "I ho Cat Creeps," is (o bo (ho main film at the Papakura Star Theatre this evening. On Wednesday Maurice Chevalier will be seen in " The Playboy of Paris." ONEHUNGA THEATRES. "Way for a Sailor" and "Enter Sir John" will be shown at the Onehunga Strand Theatre, and "Tin Gods" at the Foresters' Theatre, Onehunga, to-day. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. a Will Rogers has the part of an American oil magnate in "So This is London,' the film at the Picturedrome Theatre today. The evening performance will be followed by dancing. EMPIRE THEATRE. "The Perfect Alibi," the English film at the Empire Theatre to-day, is the scroon adaptation of A. A. Milne's "The Fourth Wall." TUDOR THEATRE. Busier Keaton appears in " Forward March," a hilarious comedy, to bo shown at the Tudor Theatre this evening. AVONDALE TOWN HALL. Ruth Chatterton appears with a number of important players in " The Lady of Scandal," which will be screened at the Avondalo Town Hall this evening. A dance will be held from 10.20 to 12. SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT. < The comedy " College," with Busier Keaton, will be shown with selected supporting pictures at a programme to be given at tin Rialto Theatre to-morrow evoning in aid of the unemployed. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. " Men of' tho North," with Gilbert Roland and Barbara Leonard, and " The Runaway Bride " are the. main films at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day..

REGENT THEATRE. Marlene Dietrich, a new star in the screen firmament, scored a dynamic sueccss in Her fust Auckland uppcflitinco in tlio picture, " Morocco," which was screened before a large audience at the Regent Theatre last evening. One of tlio most strikingly beautiful women the screen has yet presented, Miss Dietrich possesses in addition a fascinating personality which exercised a most poculiar magnetism over last ovening's audience. The picture, " Morocco," possesses just the necessary touch of the bizarre and the picturesquo to make an excellent background for this talented German actress. Gary Cooper plays tlio main supporting role as a private in the French Foreign Legion whose cynical ideas of womanhood receive - a severe shock when ho meets Marlene Dietrich, a vaudeville artist appearing in a Moroccan cafe. Between this strange paii—the man witli no faith in women, and the woman distrustful and suspicious of every man she meets—there springs up a romance which blossoms into a deep and enduring love. Adolphe Mcnjou is seen as a wealthy cosmopolitan who fall a victim to the fascinating charm of (ho cafe entertainer, whose past is shrouded in impenetrable mystery. Finding in the legionary a man whoso innate chivalry triumphs over the cavalier attitude in which he has wrapped himself, the girl offers him her friendship and trust and eventually falls in love with him. The legionary, for his part, is in love with (lie girl, hut discovering that she is friendly with the millionaire Frenchman, and not understanding the circumstances, he throws away his chance of happiness and returns to (ho legion disillusioned. The girl meanwhile accepts I lie hospitality of her admirer, and tries (o forget the legionary without success. Hearing that he has been wounded she realises her true feelings and goes to him. The conclusion of the picture is unexpected, but very finely presented. Miss Dietrich's voice is not the least feature of her tremendous charm. It is lowpitched and resonant, and while her English is exccllenl, she has a careful clarity of utterance which makes for greater attractiveness. The supporting programme is an excellent one. A Paramount sound news reel presents a number of interesting topical subjects, including the speech of the Prince of Wales at the opening of the recent Trade Exhibition in Argentina. A comedy feature, " I'm Telling You," presents two patter artists, Eugene and Willie Howard. The former gives a very clever burlesque of the French comedian, Maurice Chevalier. A song novelty of unusual merit is entitled " By tlio Beautiful Sea," and the comic effects obtained are particularly good. The programme is completed by an amusing short comedy, with Tom Howard, a drawling comedian, whoso greatest gift is that of saying the wrong thing, and causing endless worry to his friends. In this picture his wellmeaning efforts to assist a friend in the selling of a used motor-car are productive of much merriment. NATIONAL THEATRE. Those who appreciate the superior type of musical romance will fully enjoy "Follow Thru'," the distinctive film version of the stage success, which was received with enthusiasm at the National Theatre yesterday. Nancy Carroll and Charles Rogers, who made such a delightfully romantic pair in "Close Harmony," are the principal players in a story which is embellished with entrancing songs and entertaining comedy interludes. Others in the cast arc Zelma O'Neal and Jack Haley, both of whom played similar rolos in the stage version. Although "Follow Thru' " is essentially a comedy, in which golf is an important feature, four songs are intorduced at appropriate intervals in the well-defined plot. ST. JAMES* THEATRE. "Within the Law," now in the second week of its season at St. James' Theatre, has strong claims to being one of the most convincing pieces of drama to have reached the talking screen. In addition to the impelling nature of the plot and the forceful dialogue, it is notable for the uniformly good acting of a cast of accomplished players. Joan Crawford, in her portrayal of a woman sent to prison by her harsh employer for a crime she did not commit, brings to the part a sincerity and depth of feeling which make an immediate appeal. Kent Douglas, a young English actor, acts well in the romantic lead. Excellent sketches of various types of "racketeers" are contributed by Marie Prevost, Robert Armstrong, Tyrell Davis, William Bakewcll and George Cooper. The supporting items cater for a wide variety of tastes. "EAST LYNNE." Mrs. Henry Wood's immortal love drama, "East Lynne," produced by FoxFilms with a particularly accomplished cast of artists, will head the next programme to be shown at St. James' Theatre. The story, which appeared as a novel many years ago and has been played on the stage in almost every Eng-lish-speaking country, is almost too wellknown to bear reiteration. It is a touching story of love, intolerance, deceit, misunderstanding and final reconciliation which makes a wide appeal. It is tlio excellence of the acting of tlio talented principal artists, however, which lifts the production to great heights. Miss Ann Harding, the gifted emotional actress of | "Condemned" and "Holiday," imparts to the character of Lady Isabel Carlyle a dignity and poise which make her a living figure. No less polished are the portrayals by Clivo Brook, remembered for his many'characterisations opposite Ruth Chattel-ton; Conrad Nagel, who has a long list of successes (o his credit ; Beryl MeiI eer, whoso inimitable mother portrayals [ in "Seven Days' Leave" and "Common ' Clay" have won her many admirers; and Cecilia Loftus, an eminent American stage actress. Writing of the film, one critic says: " 'East Lynne' is a film winch evervone should see, not only for the poignant appeal of the story itself but on account of the exceptionally fino players who comprise the cast." LONDON THEATRE. A mythical kingdom in Central Europo is the picturesque setting for the operetta, "The Lovo Parade," which is enjoying a return Auckland season at the London Theatre. It is distinguished by the excellence of the acting and the singing of the principal artists, Jeanette MacDonald and Maurico Chevalier, both of whom sinco their appearance together in this film have achieved the pinnacle of fame as screen players. The story recounts the efforts of the Queen of Sylvania to disillusion the dashing Count of Paris, a inan-of-fashion with _ a remarkable reputation as a "lady-killer." BRITANNIA THEATRE. A satire on life 50 years hence, " Just Imagine," heads the programme at the Britannia Theatre to-day. VICTORIA THEATRE. Kay Francis, Lewis Stone and Zasu Pitts arc the leading players in " Passion Flower," to bo shown at the Victoria Theatre to-day. LYRIC THEATRE. Two full-length pictures will be shown at the Lyric Theatre this afternoon and this evening. Ruth Chatterton and Clive Brook are the principal players in " The Better Wife " and Charles Ruggles leads an important* cast in an amusing comedy " Queen High." BACH SOCIETY'S CONCERT. The newly-formed Bach Society will give a concert of the composer's works on Wednesday evening at the Unitarian Church, Ponsonby Road. The church cantata, "God's Time is the Best," will be given by tlio choir, with organ and string accompaniment, . land t)ie;rp will be instrumental and vocal numbers. Mr. John Tail will be the conductor.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. In "Men Call it Love," the chief film now being screened at the Majestic Theatre, the audience, in spite of itself, is drawn into intimate contact with the characters portrayed. As the picture unfolds one finds oneself sharing their hopes, d&bts and fears in a degree that only the best of good acting can arouse. The story concerns tlio matrimonial relations of a young couple who, owing to misunderstanding of each other, nearly wreck their own happiness by drifting j apart. Born into and moving in the circle J of the "smart set," their environment! operates against them from the start, j They see among their friends and j acquaintances an almost wholesale disre-; gard of the solemnity of the marriage vows, and when their own first serious misunderstanding occurs it seems but natural that they should follow the precedents set by those whoso social life thoy share. Fortunately, however, for j bof'h of them, their love proves too strong and they are saved from the mistakes which others have made. In this salva- j tion they are aided by tlio man who would have made the breach irreparably wide had he not been of finer calibre than the audience at first is induced to believe. The part of the young wife is portrayed by Leila Hyams. The finished talent she brings to her work and the restraint wit.l*. which she plays her part arouse from the commencement a whole-hearted sympathy, j One is forced to sympathise even if ono , cannot condone. As the young husband, Norman Foster gives a performance that convinces by its naturalness. He plays a difficult part with outstanding success, for though, in his role, he may be said to bo more blameworthy than his wife, one feels that the contrary is (he case. The role of conqueror of women's hearts is taken once again by Adolphe Menjou, that polished actor who has no peer in such a part. Of his performance it can bo , said that it is Menjou at his best. By his own subtle method he weaves around J a questionable character an air of sympathy and understanding, and the audience is relieved at last to find that its sympathies have not been misplaced. A splendid supporting programme is i shown. Comedy predominates, and unrestrained laughter is evoked by the adventures of Laurel and Hardy, two comedians who strike a novel note. A colour film and a topical budget complete the programme. PLAZA THEATRE. Helen Twelvctrees, who will be remembered for her accomplished characterisations in "Her Man" and "The Gat Creeps," gives a splendid performance in "Millie," the tragedy of a woman's life which is proving popular at the Plaza Theatre. She has the part of a young woman who becomes infatuated with a college youth, son of a wealthy family, only later to be disillusioned by his riotous modo of living. Having obtained her divorce slio marries another man, with similar consequences. The scene shifts forward many years. Her daughter becomes involved in similar circumstances but the mother adopts extreme measures successfully to prevent a repetition of the tragedy of her own life. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES. "Charley's Aunt," which was one of the most popular comedies of the stage and ! silent screen, is ideally suitable for adaptation to the talking screen. The film version, with Charles Ruggles, the noted comedian, in the title-role, has opened a season at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The ludicrous adventures of an ingenious university student who impersonates an j eccentric and mythical aunt from Brazil |in order to provide a chaperone at a | party are almost too well known to bear ' reiteration. It is sufficient to say that ! Charles Ruggles exploits to the full the splendid opportunities the part affords him. He is equally as effective as Syd, Chaplin was in the, silent film. COMMUNITY SINGING. ! Miss Ethel Morrison, the Now Zealand j actress who. is appearing with distinction ! in tho J. C. Williamson comedies, toI gether with other members of the comI pany, will be present at (he community singing gathering to be held in the I own Hall during the lunch-hour on Wednesj day. They will lead some of the numbers. Humour will bo contributed by Mr. Alan McElwain. Tho song-leader will be Mr. M. Guthrie, and Mrs. Barrington Snow will play the accompaniments. . ' MUNICIPAL CHOIR. | The Auckland Municipal Choir will give a performance in the lown Hall next Sati urday evening. ORGAN RECITAL. Mr. Maughan Barnett, the city organist, will give a recital in tho Town Hall tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock. He will plav works by Handel, Bach and Vierne, Wolstenholme's "Scrcnata" and Paderewski's "Minuet." MUSICIANS' UNION CONCERT. A concert organised by the Auckland Musicians' LTnion will be held St. James' Theatre to-morrow evening. There will be a picture entertainment and a programme of orchestral and vocal items. Tho proceeds will be devoted to the fund for unemployed musicians.