ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20958, 22 August 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATER A picture to gladden the heart of every bey and bestow a cheering glow upon those who have left their youth behind them is the screen version of Mark Twain's famous book. "Torn Sawyer/' : which commenced a season at, Liic. Regent Theatre yesterday. For now than 50 years the book has been one of the classics of boyhood, and no finer compliment could be paid to the picture than to say that it preserves the spirit of the original in every possible way. Rarely have fictional characters been reproduced so faithfully or so brilliantly as by this ! splendid cast. Jackie Coogan, who makes his first appearance on the talking screen, achieves a success in the title role which almost eclipses any of his sensational triumphs in the days of silent films. As the bare-footed, freckle-faced boy who wants to be a kind and generous pirate, to save the world from wicked men, and to win the heart of the adorable Becky Thatcher, he gives a wonderful performance. His acting is of the type which comes from a sincere study of the char- ; acter, and in this particular case it is evident that the book has appealed to young Coogan as much as it appeals to any other healthy boy. As a result his characterisation is spontaneous and lively and possesses an infectious charm which is irresistible. The context of the book is followed in a very skilful manner by the director, John Cromwell. The graveyard scene, which introduces the villainous Injun Joe, is an outstanding feature of the film, and the photographic effects are extremely good. Another fine scene is that in the cave where Tom Sawyer is pursued by the vengeful Indian halfbreed, who meets his fate in an underground chasm. Ail the memorable episodes of the book have been preserved in the film, from the whitewashing of Aant Polly's fence, to the geography lesson and Tom's ardent wooing of Becky Thatcher. Of the other members of the cast, the most appealing character is Huckleberry Finn, played by Junior Durkin, who gives a sterling performance as the down-at-heel, tattered, but ever-cheaeM "bad boy." The part of Becky Thatcher is played by Mltzi Green, whose acting is on the same level of excellence as that of Jackie Coogan. Jackie Searl, as the objectionable, "goody-goody" small brother, Sid, and Dick Winslow. as Joe Harper, were also excellent. The two outstanding adult players are Clara Blanckk. who gives a thoroughly lifelike presentation of the role of Aur.t Folly, and Lucien Littlefield, who, as the teacher, realistically portrays the pedantic, hypocritical humbug of the village school. The supporting programme is well chosen. An interesting news reel and a Paramount Pictorial series present a variety of fine subjects, including views of modern whaling, the flight of the Dormer Do X fiying-boat, and some fine pictures of labour in India. A comedy, "Go Ahead and Eat," features the cadaverous comedian, Tom Howard, in a further series of droll situations. A vaudeville turn, "A Spot or Nonsense." is given by Miss Betty Weldon and Mr. Jack Bradshaw, two artists whose ready Sow of patter keeps the audience in good humour throughout their time on the stage. MAJESTIC THEATRE. James Oliver Cur wood's romances of the north-west of Canada have always commanded a wide public which has delighted in the descriptions they give of a" life so far removed from city routine. Their well-constructed plots and rapid incident have made the stories particularly well suited to the screen and "River's End." Use Warner Brothers film which opened a season to large audiences at, the Majestic Theatre yesterday, is one of the most- successful of the screen versions , yet made. Dealing with the inexorable justice of the North-west Mounted Police, who swear to "get their man, dead or alive," it abounds in tense scenes and fast ■ action. The picture depends for its success largely on the very dramatic and unusual plot unfolded and on the fine acting of all the principals. Charles Bickford, whose last talking picture role was opposite Greta Gar bo in "Anna Christie," plays a double role, enacting the parts of Sergeant, Conniston and of John Keith, the alleged murderer whom Conniston has sworn to bring to justice. At the time the story opens, Conniston succeeds in arresting the man at an outpost hundreds of miles from headquarters and he has to escort him over the lonely trail to civilisation. Conniston becomes seriously ill and an opportunity presents itself to Keith to break clear. He does this, but his innate honour forces him to return to save his captnrer. In spite of his efforts, however. Conniston dies. Keith, who was remarkably like Conniston in appearance, decides that his only hope of running the gauntlet to the coast is to masquerade as Conniston, wears the dead man's uniform and by presence of mind sustains the role before even Conniston's fiancee. Although similar in appearance, Keith has a happier and more lovable character than the man whose place he has taken, and the girl who was indifferent to Conniston falls in love with his successor. All the time, however, the deceit of his position is becoming more and more painful to Keith and a "tense emotional climax is reached. The final denouement is both satisfactory and unexpected. In supporting roles, J. Farrail McDonald and David Torrence give splendid characterisations and Junior Coghlan in a juvenile part is appealing. The supporting programme includes an amusing comedy dealing with the lighter side of hospital life, an Australian Fox news reel and a revue. PLAZA THEATRE. A novel plot and polished acting distinguish " White Shoulders " the telling drama of modern life which is assured of a successful season at the Plaza Theatre. Jack Holt, who excels in pOTtraying rugged characters, fills an exciting role with distinction. He appears as a steadfast husband who is shocked by the discover? that his marriage is null and void. His merciless plan for "forcing the woman to make amends for her heartless deception gives rise to a series of engrossing episodes. His scheme to expose the woman and her clandestine lover, a criminal sought by the police, is frustrated, however, bv the arrvial on the scene of the lawful husband, who throws an entirely new light on the whole position. The drama is well acted. Besides Holt, the cast includes Mary Astor, who shows marked dramatic talent, and Ricardo Cortez, who gives a clever study in a semi-villainous role. The settings and the photography are both excellent. GBEY LYNN CINEMA. "Way of All Men," a vivid drama, and "Big Boy" will comprise the main portion of the entertainment at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Marie Dressier and Polly Moran are both excellent in "Reducing," which heads the programme at the Prince Edward Theatre. "In the Headlines" is a second film. VICTORIA THEATRE. Tom Walls, Yvonne Arnacd. Edmund Breon and Winifred Shatter appear in j "On Approval," the - main film at the! Victoria Theatre this evening. STAR THEATRE, PAPAKURA. Nancy Carroll is an appealing leading ' lady in "Laughter," to be screened at j the Star Theatre, Papakura, this evening. "Little Accident" will head the programme on Wednesday.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The handling of a story of espionage in war time needs to be carefully and cleverly done in order to avoid an ap-, proach to absurdity. The interpretation of "Three Faces East," an absorbing drama of in.trigue in diplomatic circles, which: heads the programme at the St. James* Theatre this weeds:, definitely stands in a class by itself, because there j Is nothing overdrawn, in the story evolved j rr-'igh the direction of Mf. Roy del ] Bush. This is not the usual war picture, j It shuns all the clatter usually associated i with a tale which is essentially of the war. vet disclaims direct association with the" battlefield. It is not easy to discover which aspect of "Three Faces East" exerts the stronger appeal, the power of an ingenious plot or the ad- j mirabie acting of th© principal charac- j ters. The whole thing moves logically j and rationally through a particularly well- , knit schedule of episodes. Constance Bennett has won merited'esteem in many outstanding parts, but rarely,: if at all, has she filled a role so convincingly as in her portrayal of a beautiful spy employed in • international investigations. All that is read about a spy raises such a person to almost supernatural pinnacles. Hence a great deal was expected of Miss Bennett. Nor does she disappoint. Charm of speech, an irresistible femininity a vigor of personality fit her excellently for so exacting a role. Eric von Stroheim, who is cast in the part of a butler to the First Lord of the Admiralty in London, : could not have been given a more suitable role. And he did it excellently. First as the servant of the mansion, then as the jealous lover of the exquisite spy, he acted splendidly. Always there was the restraint that gave greatness to his real artistry. The story is set behind the German lines, moves on to the high seas, and develops in the inner circles of the British Admiralty. The man and the woman work together, are mutually distrustful, run into tense situations involving secret documents and revolver shots, and then conies a strange denouement. Anthony Bushell is good in the part of a young British officer, and William Conrtenay a.s a military man who has a nose for spies. The supporting programme includes a gay piece in technicolour, "The Court Jester?" setting forth the efforts of that functionary to entertain a Persian King. An interesting news reel showing the actual crash and death of a famous airman completes the programme. " VIENNESE NIGHTS." Those who enjoy an idyllic love story set- against colourful mid-European gaietv are eagerly awaiting the Auckland presentation of the distinctive screenoperetta " Viennese Nights," It will succeed " Three Faces East" at St. James' Theatre on Friday. Sigmand Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein 11., the eminent composers of many musical successes, notably " Rio Rita," wrote the entire musical score, which has the added appeal of freshness. The piece is admirably acted. Vivienne Segal, the gifted soprano, endows with considerable charm the part of a beautiful young woman seen at the end of the picture as an aged grandmother. Her glorious voice is flawlessly recorded, Other notable members of the cast are Alexander Gray, of "Sally," and "No, No, Nanette"Jean Hersholt, who makes a repulsive villain; Alice Day, Louise Fazenda and Bert, Roach. STRAND THEATRE. An excellent double-feature programme was presented at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Hie principal attraction was Winnie Li shiner in "She Couldn't Say | No," one of those bright productions for i which she is famed. "She Couldn't Say | No" is something in the nature of a tragicomedy. It is the story of a young man of criminal tendencies who breaks away from the past, only to find himself ini volved in a social problem which fast ! proves his undoing. Winnie Lightner is seen as the idol of the night club crowds 1 and ifc is her influence which saves the young man from further trouble after : he has found that" the social distinction he has sought is beyond his means. The night club life which forms the background for the greater part of the story has been produced to perfection and it is in i the midst of this life that iliss lightner is given that congenial atmosphere upon which her' success largely depends. Her | humour is never more pronounced than | as an offset to anything bordering on the ; dramatic and the two extremes, remarkable by contrast, provide splendid entertainment. Miss Lightner has never been : seen to better advantage. She is as bright as ever and sings a number of appealing songs, among them being "She's Got Monkey Glands" and "A Darn Fool Woman Like Me." Sung by anyone else these numbers might easily lose their effect, but they seem to have been composed for Winnie Lightner, and she certainly does them full justice. Chester Morris, Sally Eilers and Tolly Marshall are other prominent members of the cast. Another attraction is "The Other To-morrow," In which BiHie Dove is the principal player as the wife of an impetuous man whose jealousy eventually leads to his downfall. The drama is one which shows Mis 3 Dove at her best. NATIONAL THEATRE. Frank Capra, the noted director of "Flight" and "Submarine" has excelled his previous efforts in "Dirigible," the remarkable aviation film which is continuing a popular season at the National Theatre. With Jack Holt, Ralph Graves and Fay Wray in the principal roles, the entire picture has been filmed on a gigantic scale—in fact, nothing in time, expense or talent has been spared to make it a worthwhile contribution to th# screen. The opening scene shows the colourful Navy Day celebration at Lakehnrst Station, New Jersey, with balloons, lazily drifting "blimps" and the majestic dirigible filling the air, and high-speed aeroplanes darting swiftly in and out among the larger craft The" ever-changing scene depicts an intrepid aviator hooking on and releasing his aeroplane-from the bottom of the airship ; it shows the boisterous send-off accorded a South Polar expedition by the volatile crowds of New York; and it shows the dirigible crash into the storm-tossed waters of the Caribbean Sea. LYRIC THEATRE. There is an air of high spirits about " The Middle Watch," the English film version of the stage success by lan Hay and Stephen King-Hall, to be shown again at the Lyric Theatre this evening. Dealing with the hilarious adventures of two girls marooned on a warship, the comedy is splendidly acted. CAPITOL THEATBE. Two splendid comedy-romances, "Part Time Wife" and " Little Accident,"' will be shown at the Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road this evening. Edmund, Lowe and Leila Hyams and Anita Page and Douglas Fairbanks. Junr,, are the respective principals. EDENDALE CINEMA. Ideal entertainment is offered in the musical comedy "Follow Through," which heads the attractive programme at the Edendale Cinema. The supporting production is "The Middle Watch," and there are .excellent shorter films. ONEHUNGA STRAND THEATBE. "Bachelor Father," with Marion Dav.es, may be seen at the Onehunga Strand Theatre this evening PICTUREDRGME THEATRE. " The Big Pond," with Maurice Chevalier, will head the programme at the Pictisredrome Theatre this evening. There will also be dancing. BRITANNIA THEATBE. " The Spy" and "Way of All Men" will be presented at the Britannia Theatre this evening. : ;

_____ . _ -—- ' CIVIC TEEATSE. On the first ; appearand® on the screen in Auckland of Elissa Land! a few weeks ago she immediately waa a- host' of admirers. Her second film," "Always Cc&dBye," which opened a season at the . Civic Theatre last evening,, -attracted. a large audience. In a story in which romantic interest,' intrigue,: mystery anil humour all have their part. Miss Bsxudt reveals herself again as an actress of rare charm and ability, .her youthful freshness and beauty making an instant impression. j: Y.? is seen as Liia Banning, a young girl society, who has spent a year in Mayiur at the cost of a small * fortune bequeathed to her by an aunt. When her means are at an end, she - dreads sinking to a lower class, and when a noted criminal, whose real motives- » are unknown to her. suggests that she. should pose as his wife, ostensibly to impress a friend of bis father's, she quixotic- . aOy agrees on the spur of the moment. • The pair travel to Lake C-omo to the home of the friend. John Graham, but on arrival Lila is disillusioned and learns that the criminal is trying to steal a famous diamond. Grab am is captivated bv Lila, who in turn is attracted by his . sincerity, but feels -that she cannot accept his love on account of the circnm-" stances in which she is placed. She is soon further enmeshed in a network ©f mystery and crime, which is not finally cleared until the surprising denouement. Lewis Stone is seen as Graham, and gives a polished and sympathetic performance. Among other noted players whet fill important roles are Paul Cavanas.h. John Garrick and Lumsden Hare, all English actors. An English comedy, "The Wrong Mr. Perkins." which is given pride or place on the splendid supporting programme, provides 20 minutes of- brighS : entertainment, the chief .figure in the excellent cast being Herbert, Mnndin. Tha routine of life at. sea in the British Navy is portrayed in a "Magic Carpet" travelogue taken on board vessels of tha Mediterranean Fleet during a lengthy cruise, ail aspects of naval life being touched upon. Especially notable are • the scenes showing aeroplanes leaving from and alighting on the decks of an aircraft-carrier. The latest edition of "the Fox Movietone News shows spectacular massed aerial manoeuvres over the central portion of New York, and also includes a screen interview with Mahatma -Gandhi, who speaks on such problems in India's ■ development as abolition of the casta system, child marriage and civil disobedience. Mr! Howard Moody plays a selec- • tion of favourite airs from Gilbert and ! Sullivan operas, and an enjoyabio entr'acte. % LONDON THEATRE. Vividly clear is the portrayal of a young woman for whom love can ho id nothing but bitter . memory given by Constance Bennett, a gifted emotional actres, in " Common Clay," the convincing drama which is making a . wide appeal at the London Theatre- The actress has the part of a young woman who, convinced of the shallowness of her life as a hostess in a notorious night club,, accepts a position as maid in the Insurious Fullerton home. Although at first she repels the persistent advances of the youthful Hugh FuHerton (Lewis Ayres) she is finally convinced of his earnestness oniy to have her genuine lop fcr boy im- • posed upon by him. : -- ; HAYWARD'S THEATRE, A VONDAUB. ; Zane G rev's outdoor romance " The | Light of Western Stars," with Richard | Ar'ien as the principal, will be shown • at Havward's Theatre, Avondale, to-day., i Splendid, supporting items will be included I and a special children's" treat has been, j arranged lor the afternoon.. I TEVOLI THEATRE' • . t "Along Came Youth," an enchanting, i musical comedy, in which Charles Rogers 1 acts with his usual boyish charm, will i be shown with Harold Lloyd's comedy ! "Feet First" -at the Tivoli Theatre this } evening. The latter shows the-Thimitabls | Llovd as a forthright, shoe salesman, whose I infatuation for his manager's daughter I prompts him to delay too long his stay ion a departing liner. The ensuing inei- | dents are intensely funny. I•' : - \—rrr —- .:" .. - - TUDOE CINEMA. There will be a special children's matinee performance at the Tudor Theatre this afternoon. As .well as tha serial "The Spell of the. Circus" there will be a Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Be Big," and a sound cartoon. Marie Dressier. gifted tra gi-comed ienne, and Wallace . Beery are splendid in the title-roles of "Min and Bill," th« excellent. film to head the evening programme. "Be Big" wiil also be presented. BIALTO THEATRE. Two fine films will be shown at the i Rialto Theatre_th|s evening. In. "Chinese Bungalow." the eminent English actor : Matheson Lang portrays a sinister Oriental who conceals his innate jealousy beneath an inscrutable mask. "Paradise Island,'' the second film, is a romance of ! the' South' "Seas. I ■ CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. Warner Oland is seen, as a wily Chinese detective in Earl Derr Biggers' "Charlie Chan Carries On." to be. -shown with "Her Wedding Night" at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. In the latter Clara Bow acts with her customary vivacious charm as a young woman who is in a quandary on the eve of her wedding. There is a good supporting cast. CIVIC CABARET. An amusing comedy, "The Awfal Truth," with Ina Claire in the principal role, wiE be screened at the Civic cafe and cabaret to-morrow evening during the serving of supper. Dancing will be held at the cabaret this evening. EMPRESS THEATRE. "Kept Husbands," with Dorothy Mackail, and "Behind Office Doors," in which Mary Astor appears, are the main films to be shown at the Empress /Theatre today. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. "Not Exactly Gentlemen," with Victor McLagieu and Lew Codv, will be presented with "Behind Office Doors" at the Epsom Regent Theatre to-day. ' JUNIOR CONCERT ORCHESTRA. The first concert of the Auckland Junioif Concert Orchestra will be given in the Lewis Eady Hall this evening. ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY. ' . f ■ A Walter Scott anniversary programme will be presented bythe St. Andrew's Pipe Band in the Town. Hall concert chamber this evening. ORGAN RECITAL. The programme arranged by the city organist, Mr. Maughan BarhetL, for tha ; organ recital in'the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon will include works by Mendcls- j ! schn, Bach and Handel, Rabensteia'a ' : " Reve Angeliqus" and'' three movements ? from the "Faust". ballet music. ' . "I MUNICIPAL BAND. The Auckland Municipal Band will play a programme of well-chosen items in tba Town, Hall this evening. The assisting artists will be Mrs. J. H. Align (nee Miss Amy Eaton}, soprano gold medallist, and. Mr. Ernest. Thomas, English, bass. Tb» band itona-will include ,: Wagj2er*s ' fried Idyll," "Egmont," by Beethoven," . and.compositions of Sibelius, Strassa sag.-/. Svendsen. Soles will be gives:, by Masses.: McLennan and Bowes,