ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20930, 21 July 1931, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

, ST. JAMES'THEATBE. ..... It'would-'be'difficult'to find more completely satisfying entertainment than is offered in "The Prodigal," at St. James' Theatre. Lawrence Tibbett, the Metropolitan Opera singer of ' "The Rogue Song" and "New -Moon," has done nothing better than his portrayal of the reckless and improvident ne'er-do-well son of an aristocratic Southern family who' returns to his home, thero to fall in love with his resentful brother's wife. Ho cuts an engaging figure as one of a happy-go-lucky trio of swaggers, the other members of which are. a derelict doctor (Roland Young) and a tramp of the traditional order with a predilection for chickens and cutlery, inimitably-- played by Cliff Edwards. 'Esther Ralston -does, remarkably well in an exacting role and others who act Well are Hedcla Hopper and Puniell B. Pratt.

GALSWORTHY'S "THE SKIN GAME." Drama as only John Galsworthy can present it is offered in "The Skin Game, 1 ' the "'Elstrce film version of his famous play, to follow "The Prodigal" at. St. James' Theatre on Friday. The impelling story of tho ruthless encroachment of industrialism upon the quietude of rural England is interpreted by an imposing array of distinguished stage and screen players. They include Edmund Gwenn, the ponderous* husband in Bernard Shaw's "How He Lied to Her Husband," in the part of Hornblower, the progressive parvenu ; Phyllis Ivonstam, a gifted Dutch actress and fiancee of the accomplished English tennis player, H. W. Austin; Frank Lawton, of "Young Woodley"; Jill Esmond, now in Hollywood; John Longden, Helen Haye and C. I'ranee.

REGENT THEATRE. Amazing features characterise "Rango," the jungle film now at the Regent Theatre. Although it. .lacks some of the terrifying ferocity of "Cllang," Ernest B. Shoedsack's most recent epic has a shy, wild beauty, which is infinitely more persuasive. The everyday adventuros of Rango, the baby orang-outang—except for the oternal fear of marauding tigersmight be the chronicle of any small boy, with all its pathos and touching humour. Leon -Errol, the Australian comedian who so pleased Auckland lilru-goers in Evelyn Laye's picture, "One Heavenly Night," is at his best in . "Social Errors," a delightful film in which Richard Arlen and Mary Brian are the ' romantic players. Ruth Chatterton and Paul Lukas act the leading roles in "Unfaithful'', to, replace the present programme on ..Friday. CIVIC THEATRE. Much of the success of the present programme at the Civic Theatre can be attributed' to the remarkable performance of the ''Skating Aviators," Joy and Lazzeroni, whose "whirl of death" act is little short of marvellous. Of different type, but- no less satisfying, is the entertainment offered in "Sit Tight," a comedyV film in which Winnie Lightner and Joe E. Brown, of "Hold Everything," run riot again. Sheer farce from the very opening scene, the uproarious picture shows; 'Miss. Lightner at? her boisterous best as arf-holly confident and assertive woman aoctor whose dullwitted assistant (Mr. Brown) is per? suaded to enter the lists for the world's wrestling championship. The episode in which he is matched against a giant notorious for his vice-like grips is described as the wrestling counterpart of Charlie Chaplin's boxing bout in "City Lights." Brown has a reputation for clowning and in his latest success 'he reaches the summit of his artistry.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Borne along on a note of joyous hilarity, "Misbehaving Ladies,'' now at the Majestic Theatre, is a delightful satire on small-town provincialism. It 'f' J is played by an engaging cast of artists. Liia Lee makes a- charming character of the-village belle who returns home unrecognised after an unhappy romance abroad with a European prince. Finding that "our princess" is eagerly awaited, she leaves the town again, returning appropriately in the purple and gold expected of her and incidentally exposing the hypocrisy of certain of those who had despised her when she returned penniless. Louise Fazenda, Lucien Littlefield and Emily Fitzroy also appear.

NATIONAL .THEATRE. The effect of environment in moulding characters forms the dramatic theme of " Brothers," at the National Theatre, in which Bert Ly.tell portrays two men, identical in appearance, but entirely dif-' feren* in their outlook upon life.. Unleashed passion, jealousy and murder all find a place in this gripping melodrama.: Musical comedy is presented in its most entertaining form in " Heads Up," which is distinguished by the typically boyish acting of Charles Rogers, the popular romantic actor who appeared recently in " Follow Thru'." Tho lilting songs 'include " Sailing Without a Sail" and "My Man Is On the Make." v STRAND THEATRE. . Comedy and drama are skilfully bleuded in the programme of two English' 1 pictures at .the Strand Theatre. Tho broad humour of Leslie Fuller, the burlesque comedian of " Not So Quiet on the Western Front," finds riotously funny expression in " Kiss Me, Sergeant," a farcical recital of a "Tommy's" adventures in a Far Eastern city. " Night Birds," a second film, is an engrossing mystery melodrama. f mALTO THEATRE. Mary Nolan and Owen Moore give outstanding portrayals in the drama "Qutside the Law," which heads the attractive programme at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. The supporting picture is ''.lron Man," in which Lewis Ayres and Jean Ilarlow > appear to advantage. There are excellent shorter films.

. TIVOLI THEATRE. A powerful drama of modern life is unfolded in "Sin Takes a Holiday," which is being shown at the Tivoli Theatre this evening. Constance Bennett and Basil Rathbonc, both of whom have won screen reputations of no mean merit, head the strong cast. There is a pleasing array of subordinate pictures. LYRIC THEATRE. . - Drama and romance are excellently blended in "The W Plan," with Brian Aherne and .Madeleine Carroll as the "principals, at the Lyric Theatre. "Skinner Steps s Out" is also being shown. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. 'Follow. Thru'" and "Billy the Kid" provide pleasing entertainment at the Crystal Palace Theatre, Mount Eden. EMPRESS THEATRE. , "Sin Ship" and "Laugh And (Jet Rich" are. being presented at the Empress Theatre, Newton. ) v NEW REGENT, EPSOM, v Helen Twelvetrees and Lilyan Tashmanarc the principals in "Millie" at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Jeanette Mac Donald and Edmund Lowe appear in "Don't Bet on Women ' at tho Prince Edward Theatre, Ivarangahapo Rood. '