ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20977, 14 September 1931, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. The clever English comedian Ralph Lynn, who achieved popularity with local audiences by his brilliant work in " Rookery Nook" and other British films, has scored a marked success in " The Chance of a Night-time," the Ben Travers' farce which is now showing for an extended season at the Regent Theatre. Mr. Lynn's many previous successes are completely eclipsed by his latest picture, which gives him ample scope to display his ready wit and his flair for extracting amusement from conversational trivialities. The comedian is cast as an awkward solicitor who sets out to extract a professional dancer from a difficulty she has fallen into. The girl's partner has failed to put in an appearance at a country house party and the turn is about to fail when " Henry" appears on the scene. The incidents that follow are ludfcrously funny. As the young dancer, Miss Winifred Shotter makes an appealing heroine, and the minor supporting roles are all well cast. An interesting selection of shorter items, including newsreels and a comedy, precedes the main picture. CIVIC THEATRE. "The Woman Between," an English screen drama of modern politics, is proving a popular attraction at the Civic Theatre. It, is a remarkable triumph for Adrianne Allen, in the role of a pampered society heiress, whose idealism finds an outlet in the interests of Socialism. In the role of a tattered and down-at-heel, but brilliant former Cambridge University man who becomes a Socialist candidate to be reckoned with, Owen Nares give 3 a sensitive and balanced portrayal. He will be remembered for his previous performances in " Loose Ends and Ihe Middle Watch." The conflict between the divergent traditions of the Conservative Party rind the Labour Party in England has been ablv presented under the adept direction of Miles Mander. " The Womnn Between" has been described by an impartial Australian critic as another wellproduced and entertaining British film. In addition, there is an enjoyable supporting programme, including a jubilee issue of the Pathe Gazette. " VIENNESE NIGHTS." The enchanting screen operetta by Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein TT. " Viennese Nights,' continues to delight audiences at St. James Theatre. It would be well-nigh impossible not to be captivated by the entracing music, the infinitely pathetic story of thwarted love, and the artistic settings amid the glamour and charm of olden Vienna. Ihe piece is admirably acted. Vivienno Secal is supei b as a voung woman forced by ner grasping father (Jean Hersholt) to marry a man she does not love, and there is a talented supporting cast. Besides the wonderful music of "Viennese Nights." there is a wistfully appealing story of blighted love, which blossoms anew in the happy romance of a later generation, delightful relieving touches of humour and acting which reaches a high plane of excellence. Realising that it is a film to be seen not once, but several times, the St. James managenJfnt has replaced the previous supporting programme with new items.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Two humorous films of different types, each of which is claimed to be the best of its particular style yet made, will commence a season at St. James Iheatre next Friday. The two American comedians, Laurel and Hardy, who have won universal approval in a series of short pictures, will appear in their first full-length film, "Pardon Us," which has been hailed bv critics everywhere as the best thing the comic pair have yet done. The rotund Hardy, with his boisterous good humour, and the tired-looking Laurel, always undecided between laughter and tears, are a strangely assorted couple, and their latest film should be well up to standard. The second picture will be " Shipmates." a romantic comedy of navy life, with Robert Montgomery in the principal role. The supporting cast includes Cliff Edwards, Dorothy Jordan and Ernest Torrence. MAJESTIC THEATRE. | " Hush Money," with Joan Bennett in the leading role, is at present being shown at the Majestic Theatre. Miss Bennett is called upon to interpret an exacting part as a young woman whose happy married life is threatened by an unscrupulous blackmailer with knowledge of her chequered past. A splendid study of a young husband blissfully ignorant of the fact that his wife formerly was an accomplice of criminals is contributed by Hardie Albright, of "Young Sinners." Owen Moore makes a sinister blackmailer, and Myrna Loy is appropriately seductive as an alluring " siren." In addition, there is a splendid supporting programme, including a newsreel, a scenic and a bright comedy. STRAND THEATRE. A film which combines humour and more serious action in a subtle manner, "Many a Slip," heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. Tt deals with a clever scheme devised by a. young woman to attract a man with whom she has fallen in love. Joan Bennett and Lew Avres have the leading roles, and the humour is supplied by Slim Summerville. LONDON THEATRE. The English comedian who appeared in "Not So Quiet on the Western Front." Leslie Fuller, has the principal role in "Why Sailors Leave Home," which is now being shown at the London 1 heatre. The programme includes a detailed account of the Grand National, with a bright commentary by Geoffrey Gilbey, the prominent English racing authority and a thrilling screen version of Rex Bench's "The Silver Horde." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. The screen version of the successful stage play, " New Moon, ' heads tJie current programme at the Prince Edward Theatre. Lawrence libbett, the Metropolitan Opera House baritone, and Grace Moore have the principal roles. In addition there is Loretta Young's successful film,' "The Road To Paradise," and an amusing Laurel and Hardy comedy. TIVOLI THEATRE. The celebrated Irish tenor. John McCormack, sings 11 songs in the course of "Song o' My Heart," which is now being presented at the Tivoli Theatre. The items chosen by the great singer range from simple country airs to operatic arias, and include some of the songs which helped to make him famous. There j 3 also a full supporting programme of shorter pictures of exceptional interest. LYRIC THEATRE. Two interesting films of different types. "Follow Thru" and "Santa Fe Trail, comprise the programme at present being provided at the Lyric Theatre. Both pictures are pleasingly novel.

VICTORIA THEATRE

"The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," an intensely human film, should provide good entertainment at the Victoria iheatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE. The adventures of three friends in a large citv form the plot of "Three Girls Lost," which is now being shown at the Britannia Theatre. TUDOR THEATRE. An extremely clever comedy, "Whoopee," will be screened at the Tudor Theatre this evening. Eddie Cantor, in the role of a neurasthenic invalid, is responsible for most of the humour.

NATIONAL THEATRE.

Mr. Gary Cooper, who has become a favourite with picture-goers on account of his splendid work in a series of out-of-door films, has another suitable role in "The Spoilers," which is now being shown at the National Theatre. Adapted from the story by Rex Beach, the film deals with a thrilling quest for gold, and provides Mr. Cooper with ample opportunity to display his skill. Mr. Cooper is exceedingly fortunate in his supporting artists. Kay Johnson, the dramatic actress of "Madam Satan," acts splendidly as the heroine, and a delightful performance comes from Betty Compson. Harry Green, the rotund comedian of "Ihe Kibitzer," lends numerous relieving touches of humour and James Kirkwood is suitably sinister as the villain. PLAZA THEATRE. The appearance on the stage of a hypnotist, Raymond the Great, who demonstrates the more humorous aspects of his profession, is one of the principal attractions of the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. The hypnotist's powers are said to be out of the ordinary, and his work has aroused keen interest among patrons of the theatre. In there are two bright films, "June Moon" and "It Pays to Advertise." Jack Oakie and Frances Dee head the cast of "June Moon." The other picture is a comedy dealing with the startling career of a soap manufacturer. The whole programme provides pleasing entertainment. M AUG HE RITA ZELANDA. Described as "New Zealand's prima donna," Margherita Zelanda, the possessor of a rich coloratura soprano voice, will give recitals in the Town Hall concert chamber on September 24, 26 and 29. Zelanda received her training from several of Italy's most eminent masters, being a student of the famous Bel Canto School. Her recent debut as the foremost artist at the last Radio Exhibition is so fresh in the minds of the people that she is assured of a tremendous reception when she again appears in Auckland this month. She' recently made a tour of the radio broadcasting stations in the Dominion's chief centres aDd delighted many thousands of listeners. Booking arrangements are advertised. ORGAN RECITAL. Another attractive programme of classical music was rendered by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Barnett, in the Town Hall yesterday afternoon. The selections comprised the overture "Samson" (Handel), Bach's "Chorale Prelude," "In the Convent" (Rebikcff), Sullivan's "Henry VTTI." march, and works by Wolstenholme, Delibes and Widor. CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY. The Auckland Chamber Music Society will give its third concert of the season in the Lewis Eady Hall this evening. A varied programme has been arranged, including works by Schumann, Ireland and Hurlstone. H YPN OTIC ENTERTAIN ME NT. Some of the humorous aspects of hypnotism will be demonstrated by Mr Kimbel in Scots Hall this evening. Ho will also give demonstrations of hypnotherapy, snowing how ailments may be cured by the power of suggestion. Mr. Kimbel's entertainment was thoroughly successful on Saturday evening. MAORI MUSIC. An enjoyable programme of Maori music will be given by 30 artists in the Town Hall on Thursday evening. Items will include native songs, poi dances and liakas, while a string band will be heard in a series of numbers. The concert promises to be one of exceptional interest, and should attract a large audience. BENEFIT CONCERT. The Neville Carlsen Revue Company gave an enjoyable variety entertainment, in All Saints'" Hall on Saturday evening for the benefit of a family in distress. Miss Sybil Ellsmore made her initial appearance with the troupe, her series of soprano songs being greatly appreciated. Other performers were Madame V. Paskeil and her "Maori Warriors," Mesdames George Davies and J. de Pose, Misses Lorna Skinner, Mavis Ward, Joan Tucker, Loloma Kay and Gladys Anderson, and Messrs. George Wilkinson, Ernest Pooley. James O'Knne, George Davies, Jack De Rose, Roy Skinner and Neville Carlsen. The accompanists were Miss Buffett and Mr. O'Kane.