ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20923, 13 July 1931, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

R&JENT THEATRE. Splendid entertainment is provided in " Scandal Sheet," an interesting story of American newspaper life, which heads the attractive programme at the Regent Theatre, The principal role, that of the editor of a "yellow" paper, is taken by George Bancroft, whose riame has become a by-word for dramatic and powerful acting. The leading feminine role is admirably played by Kay Francis, who appears as the editor's wife. The third important part, that of a prominent banker who is ruined by the newspaper, is played by Clive Brook. Bancroft appears as an editor whose policy has become an obses sion and he rushes his news into print regardless of the consequences. This unflinching attitude causes serious domestic complications. The supporting programme includes a scenic film, " The Ebony Shrine," which gives an interest-jug. insight into the lives and customs of the natives of Guatemala; a comedy, "Top Notes," in which Willie Robyn is heard in a number of pleasing songs; a Chester Conklin comedy, ant) comprehensive newsreels. " -

NATIONAL THEATRE. Romance and adventure - are cleverly blended in the British production, " The Gall of the Sea," which heads the programme'' at the National Theatre. The principal role of Lieutenant Good, R.N., who is sent to investigate mysterious happenings on a tropical island, is played by Henry Edwards, who won popularity in the " Flag Lieutenant" series of films. Bernard Nedell appears to advantage as the lawless half-caste Torres, deputygovernor of the island, and Chrissie White is convincing as his English wife. Good discovers that Torres is secretly operating a platinum mine, where two naval officers are imprisoned. The manner in which Cood rescues his friends and frees Torres' wife, who happens to be a sweetheart of his boyhood days in England, from her unhappy, environment makes a particularly intei'esting story. A scintillating comedydrama "Eye's Fall," takes pride of place on the splendid, supporting programme.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Witty comedy and clever acting are features of both tho British productions at present being screened before largo audiences at the Majestic Tlieatr t The first, "How He Lied to Her Hi; band," is one of George Bernard Shaw' - best-known lighter comedies and it is typ « cal of his suhtlo brilliance in satirising tlie social - conventions. Set in a London drawing room of tho 'nineties the plot recounts in a delightful manner the advances of a temperamental poet to the beautiful wife of a rather ponderous city magnate. Throughout the production, Shaw's wit- never ceases to provide laughter. The second feature on the programme, " Uneasy Virtue," is breezy, ultra-modern comedy, _ portraying the lighter moments of marriage. Fay Cornpton, Edmund Breon, Donald Calthorp and Francis Lister are jmong the cast of prominont London players in the leading roles. A newsreel completes the programme. •

STRAND THEATRE. - The efforts of an aristocratic Russian fairfily to protect life and property during the dark days of the Russian revolution form the- basis of an exciting story in " The Spy," which is being presented at the Strand Theatre. The cast includes Kay Johnson, who admirably plays the part of Anna Turina; Neil Hamilton, who gives a masterful performance as Anna's banished husband; John Halliday, who appears to advantage as a Tchekist soy; and Master Freddie Frederick, as the aristocrat's son. > Highly-diverting entertainment is provided in a comedy, " Leave It to Me." An unusually fine np.wsreol contains scenes of Miss Diana Fishwick, British golf champion; competing in the United States, and the visit of Prince Takamatsu, of Japan, to America. LONDON THEATRE. The dry humour of El Brendel, the genial Swede of "Just Imagine," enlivens "Mr. Lemon of Orange," the satire on modern American " racketeers," at the London Theatre. As an inoffensive dealer in toys and novelties whose remarkable resemblance to a notorious gangster inadvertently calls down upon him the wrath of a rival band of criminals, Brendel has a role especially designed to suit his particular accomplishments to perfection. He finds an admirable foil in Fift Dorsay, a vivaciously petulant French actress, in the part of a young womatf who dedicates life to av'cnging the death of her brother.

PLAZA THEATRE. An appealing comedy-drama of modern business life, "Behind Office Doors," will open a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Produced by the Radio Studios, the picture assembles an interesting cast of young players ; including Mary Astor, Robert Ames, Ricardo Cortez and Catherine Dale Owen. The story deals with the romance of a private secretary } who falls in love with her employer. Mingled with the appealing story _ of the girl's hopes and fears is a subsidiary plot concerning tho machinations of an unscrupulous business man. The picture moves at a rapid pace from the start and the interest of audiences is held throughout. TIVOLI THEATRE. Charles Chaplin's comedy, " City Lights," is enjoying a popular season at the Tivoli Thoatre. Supporting Chaplin in this production are Harry Myers, who plays tho part of an eccentric millionaire interested in life in the slums, and Virginia Chcrrill, who appears as a blind flower girl. Chaplin's characterisation is the one which has made him famous—that of a tramp bewildered by misfortune in the stern life of the city.

RI ALTO THEATRE. The inimitable comedians of tho screen Bert' Wheeler and Robert Woolsey are largely responsible for the outstanding success of "Cracked Nuts," which is the principal attraction at the Rialto Theatre. They are cast as two American friends, each of whom, unknown to the other,- is seeking the throne of a turbulent and mythical European kingdom. LYRIC THEATRE. Richard Arlen has a splendid role 111 Tho Sea God." which is being screened at the Lyric Theatre. A British production, " The Perfect Alibi," is also presented and there are excellent supports. VICTORIA THEATRE. " Let Up Be Gay" is the principal attraction at the Victoria Theatre, Dovouport. TUDOR THEATRE. ' Janet. Gnynor and Charles Earrell, appear in " High Society Blues," which is being shown at the 'Tudor Theatre, Remuera. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. " MiUio " and " Those Three French Girls " are being screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Bachelor Apartments" an< i "Mao From Wyoming ' head the programme at the Empress Theatre, Newton. NEW REGENT THEATRE. " Men of the North " and " Silent Endmy " are being shown at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom.

CIVIC THEATRE

An abundance of riotous comedy is provided in " Parlour, Bedroom and Bath," which is delighting patrons of the Civic Theatre. That such prominent comedians of the screen as Reginald Denny, Buster Keaton, Cliff Edwards and Chavlotta Greenwood appear is testimony to the excellence of the production. The pleasing story revolves round the attempts of Denny to marry a girl who determines to, remain single until the wedding of her sister. Denny despairs of winning the girl of his choice, but . fortune comes his way when ho knock- down Reginald Irving (Buster Keaton) while driving ..a motor-car. Irving is conveyed to the residence of Denny's fiancee, where her sister becomes infatuated with the victim of the accident. A series of complies* tions ensues and the climax is quite unusual. A novelty cartoon, " Flip the Frog," takeg pride of place on the supporting programme, and there 'is a comedy, " One of the Smiths,", in which Charlie Chase makes an irresistible appeal as a time-payment collector. Enjoyable numbers are played by Mr. Howard Moody on the Wurlitzer organ.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Witty dialogue and humorous situations abound in " A Virtuous Husband," the clever modern comedy which is attracting large audiences daily to St. James' Theatre. The story concerns the matrimonial affairs of an ultra-serious young man and a charming young woman, who little anticipato the cold atmosphere which is to mark their early married life. The husband, all his lfe, has been governed by an over-solicitous mother, who has even left him a number of letters giving him instructions to be acted upon at specific points in the process of his affairs. Even his courtship and marriage are governed by frequent references to his mother's instructions. The part of the young wife is played by Jean Arthur with outstanding success and in the role of the husband Elliott Nugent plays a difficult part in a convincing and humorous man-, nor. The supporting programme includes a sound cartoon, a Slim Summerville comedy and interesting news reels. MUNICIPAL RECITALS, Another enjoyable concert was given by the Municipal Band in the Town Hall on Saturday evening. The programme was suited to all tastes. Fletcher's fine march, . " Tho Crown of Chivalry," Aubor's overture, " La Sirene," Straußs' great work, " Der Rosenkavalier," and Massenet's suite " Alsaciennes " were all musical gems. Mr. Hal C. McLennan received a double encore for *his playing of his flute solo. Mr. Rowland Jackson s xylophone solos were as usual very , fine, encores being demanded. The cornet duet by Messrs. F. Bowes and J. Davies, and the clarinet trio by Messrs. E. Pheloung, M. J. McGregor and D. F. Cooper were each accorded well merited encores. A splendid programme was given by the band at the Zoological Park yesterday afternoon. An excellent recital was given by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, before an appreciative audience in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. The carefullyselected programme included compositions by Tombelle, Bach, Ilollins, Rhemberger, Grieg and Corelli. All the numbers were played in an artistic manner.

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY. Wodehouse's successful comedy "Good Morning, Bill" will be presented by the Little Theatre Society for a season of five evenings in the Town Hall concert chamber, commencing on July 21. The play was accorded an enthusiastic .reception when staged in London .last year and the society can be relied upon to do full justice to* its production of the delightful farce. The title role will be played by Mr. Lan Moir. The booking office will be opened on Wednesday. COSTUME CONCE RT PARTY. -• ; * The "Carnival Follies" concert party, under the direction of Miss Betty Weldon,- will give its first performance .in the Lewis Eady Hall to-morrow evening. Well known in London, Miss Weldon has successfully toured the_ Moss and Stoll circuits, when vaudeville was at its zenith, and also tho principal; concert halls throughout England. - A programme of concerted items, comedy and trios and solos has been arranged.