ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. A swift drama from the pages of real life in New York is caught and carried to (he screen in "Street Scene," which was accorded an enthusiastic reception by a large audience last evening at the Regent Theatre. The film is adapted from tho stage play by Elmer Rice, which had a successful season in New York and throughout the principal cities of the United Stales. The play is concerned with a family living in an apartment house in the "west sixties" and the assortment of foreign tenants whose daily occupation is to gossip about the doings of other people. Tho cast includes an actress whose meteoric rise to fame in the screen world hns boon the talk of Hollywood, Sylvia Sidney, and opposite her is William Collier, one of the youngest principals in tho drama. Estello Taylor marks her return to the talking pictures by acting the. first sympathetic role of her long career. Miss Taylor's role is that of Mrs, Maurrant, the mother whose tragic lifo forms the subject of the poignant drama. David Landau takes the part of her husband, a man without feeling or sympathy for those with whom bo is living and whose actions are indirectly responsible for the tragedy which eventuates. Tho film is remarkable for the splendid production which has resulted from simplifying the photography and the scenes. For the first time in film history a picture is taken in its entirety within the confines of a single set. Following the stage outline, tho entire action takes' place on the street, mostly on the steps of one house. The theme touches on the reactions of human beings on one another and how a mother is driven to seek the company of another by the pitiless disregard for her feelings by her husband. The daughter is aware of the complications which have been brought about and in this way the tragedy which ensues when her father comes back unexpectedly one day is not so much of a sudden shock to her. Strength and character are given to the film by the many different lodgers who are portrayed gossiping about what the Maurrant family is doing and the words that were used by Mrs. So and So. "Street Scene" is a dramatic panorama of any street in any city in the world. It speaks the language of the heart and knows no difference in race, colour or breed. A pitiless story is told in this tragedy and -there is infinite pity in tho telling. In the supporting programme a Paramount sound news includes glimpses of an ice hockey match at Toronto and the sinking of the Nautilus. An excellent Australian Cine sound review shows the surf life-saving clubs on the Sydney beaches and many interesting facts are contained in the film "Strange As It Seems." There is also a comedy, entitled "The Sargie's Playmate," 'which is calculated' to amuse the most critical. NATION A L THEATRE. Nancy Carroll, who was such a success in " Smilin' Thru," and Pat O'Brien, recently seen in " The Front Page," further enhance their popularity in " Personal Maid," the brilliant comedy-drama which began a season at the National Theatre yesterday. Other members of the cast are George Fawcett, the well-known actor of the silent films, Gene Raymond and Mary Roland. Monta Bell supervised the direction. The story never drags and provides delightful entertainment. Yearning to escape from the bleak surroundings of poverty, the heroine becomes personal maid to a wealthy woman and immediately falls in love with the woman's wayward son. Financially embarrassed, the youth decamps with the girl's money and valuables, leaving a diamond rins in exchange. The young man's grandfather, a proud man of the old regime, orders his grandson's arrest. However, because,of her love for the boy, the girl sells the ring, banks sufficient money to cover a forgery that her lover has committed, and with the balance gratifies her taste for luxury. When the grandfather pleads with the girl to return to the family and marry the bov, the picture concludes pn an unexpected note. Excellent supports are offered. ROXY THEATRE. The well-known actor Jack ITolt gives a splendid performance in "Maker of Men," which heads the attractive programme at the Roxy Theatre. The story allows Holt ample scope for dramatic acting. Convincing portrayals are also given by Richard Cromwell nnd Joan Marsh. The supporting production is "The Silent Witness," in which William Collier, junr., Una Merkel and Zasu Pitts play the leading roles. Both these films are being screened for the first lime in New Zealand. TIVOLI AND EMPRESS. The outstanding British International production "Let's Love and Laugh" offers splendid entertainment nt the Tivoli and Empress Theatres. The talented English comedian, Gene. Gerrard, who plays the leading is largely responsible for the signal success of the picture. He is abl.y assisted by George Gee and a versatile cast. The film abounds in pleasing melodies, tuneful musical numbers nnd witty dialogue. LONDON THEATRE. Jeanette MacDonnld renders some delightful songs in " The Eottery Bride," which was shown for the first time at the London Theatre yesterday. John Garrick is splendid in the supporting role. Joe E. Brown is responsible for much refreshing humour, while Zasu Pitts is suitably cast. There are several fine supporting features. RI ALTO THEATRE. An absorbing murder-mystery drama, "Guilty Hands," in which Lionel Barrvmore is the principal, is the main picture at, the Rialto Theatre. "Transgression." with Kay Francis and Ricardo Cortez as the principals, is also being shown. There are special films for the matinee performance. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. There will be a special children's matinee at, the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. In tho evening "The Truth About Youth," in which Lore'.ta Young and Conway Tearle appear in sophisticated roles, will head the programme. Excellent entertainment will also be offered by Mary Astor and Grant Withers in "My Friend's Wife." It is a problem play. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Ideal entertainment is offered in "Son of India," which is being shown at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. Tho ctist includes Ramon Novarro, Madgo Evans and Conrad NagcL GREY LYNN CINEMA. Irene Purcell offers a rijnamic portrayal in "Dancing Partner," now at tho Grey Lynn Cinema. "Graft" (Sue Carol) is also on tho programme. AVONDALE PICTURES. Buster Kenton, tho "frozen-faced" comedian, enhances his reputation in "Parlour, Bedroom and Bath," to be screened to-day at the Avondale Town Hall. PICTURES FOR CHILDREN. Pictures suitable for children will be screened this afternoon at tho following theatresTivoli, Empress, Rialto, Crystal Palace, De Luxe, Epsom Regent, Alexandra, West End, Ambassador and Edendale Cinema.

CIVIC THEATRE. The four Marx brothers have never been more entertaining than in "Monkey Business," which ■ delighted large audiences at its opening sessions at the Civic Theatre yesterday. The four brothers set out to deliver as many jokes a minute as they are able to pack in, and , the usual rules of rhyme and reason are lightheartedly discarded whenever necessary. As a consequence the picture runs gaily along in an atmosphere of almost fantastic wit. There is never a dull moment from the time the four are discovered as stowaways in the hold of a great transatlantic liner to the final hilarious scene among the cows-ana hens in a dilapidated barn. During their adventurous sojourn on the ship all .their presence of mind is. required to evade pursuing stewards, the purser and the captain, and matters become somewhat involved when they are embroiled in a vendetta between rival "gangsters" on board. To eludo pursuit, Groucho poses as the captain, runs the ship and cats the captain's breakfast. Then lie threatens to put the captain in irons as a stowaway. His bluff at last breaks down and in his wild flight through the ship lie enters the cabin of a gang-leader. In an amusing scene he makes mock love to the. man's wife, and when the husband enters asks him what right lie has to intrude. Throughout the "picture Groucho maintains a level of quick wit which has never been equalled on the screen. All his puns and "wisecracks" are memorable, and he proves himself to be the prince of bluffers. In the meantime the three, other members of the party are having their own ludicrous and exciting adventures. Harpo, the actor who has never spoken a word on the screen, but depends entirely on pantomimic gesture for his humour, engages in a series of mad pursuits of pretty girls. The climax of his escapades occurs when he becomes mixed up with a Punch and Judy show, much to the amusement of the juvenile audience. Later he gives a rer markably fine performance on the harp, proving himself to be not only a comic actor, but also a real musician. His brother, Chico, similarly finds opportunities to give several piano solos with his inimitable " trigger-fingered" technique. The fourth brother, Zeppo, has not the abilities as a comedian of his brothers, but he supplies a certain amount of romantic interest to the film by his friendship with the juvenile lead, Ruth Hall. All who love laughter for sake will revel in the picture. The supporting programme includes a newsreel, a Paramount Pictorial, a sound cartoon, and, of special interest to women, a series of " Hollywood's Beauty Secrets." MAJESTIC THEATRE. Whimsical humour and grim drama are both represented in the two films, " Ambassador Bill " (Will Rogers), and "The Maltese Falcon," now being shown at the Majestic Theatre. The sly art of Mr. Rogers finds perfect expression, in the part of an American ambassador to a tiny and Gilbertian European monachy, where a petty revolution occurs regularly each week. Delightful satire of th*- true Roger s vintage enlivens the comedy from first to last. Greta Nissen is suitably alluring as a flirtatious queen and romantic roles are also played by Marguerite Churchill and Ray Milland. Ben Turpin is very funny in a comic role. One surprising incident follows another in " The Maltese Falcon," in which Bebe Daniels, Ricardo Cortez, Una Merkel, Thelma Todd and Dudley Digges all contribute excellent characterisations. "THE CHAMP." Writing of "The Champ," in which Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper appear together, to head the next programme at the Majestic Theatre, Michael Orme, noted English critic, says: "Every emotion (except Love with a capital letter) is touched upon in ' The Champ,' in which Wallace Beery, under the grimly realistic, trenchant direction of King Vidor, adds yet another to his gallery of inimitable screen portraits. As on* watches this picture it is impossible not to recall the partnership of Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan in ' The Kid.' For never since that large-eyed youngster startled and entranced the film-goers, of two continents has such a memorable piece of child-acting been seen as that of Jackie Cooper as the ' Champ's ' diminutive, staunch-hearted son and mentor. What this engagingly plain, so far entirely natural, prodigy may become time alone can tell." PLAZA THEATRE. From the facile pen of lan Hay and losing none of the original comedy in its tiansition to the talking screen, "Tilly of Bloomsbury," the British Dominion comedy which heads the current, progiammc at the Plaza Theatre, is already attracting large and appreciative audiences. The principals are Phyllis Konstam, who plays the title role, and Sydney Howard, the English comedian who scored such a signal success in " Splinters." The cast, which is wholly English, loses no opportunity in turning every comical situation to account. Jack Raymond, whp has many recent successes to his credit, was responsible for the direction. The attempt of the heroine, " Tilly of Bloomsbury," to impress the aristocratic connections of her fiance with entirely imaginative tales of private yachts, country houses, town residences and hunting lodges, gives rise to many hilarious situations. The fun reaches its peak when Sydney Howard, really a " broker's man who gets what ho comes for," assumes the position of family butler. However, a happy and novel denouement is reached. The subordinate programme is of a high standard. LYRIC THEATRE. Edmund Lowe is allotted a congenial role in "Transatlantic," which is now showing at the Lyric Theatre. "The Conquering Horde" (Richard Arlen and Fay Wrav) is also shown. TROUBADOUR CONCERT. Joan and Betty Ravner, the well-known "strolling players," will present a concert and variety programme in the Lewis Eadv Hall next Thursday and Saturday evenings. The programme will be given in the traditional manner of strolling players, in costume. TUDOR THEATRE. Joan Crawford's virile characterisation is a feature of "This Modern Age," which heads the current programme at the Tudor Theatre. She is ably supported by Neil Hamilton. " Riders of the Purple Sage " is included in the entertainment. CAPITOL THEATRE. The comedy-romance " Laughter," in which Nancy Carroll and Frederick March are the principals, is being sho-vn at the Capitol 1 heatre. The supporting attraction is " Sport of Kings." VICTORIA THEATRE A Free Soul" (Norma Shearer) is now showing at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. "The Phantom Of Paris" (John Gilbert) is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. CHARITY BROADCAST CONCERT. To augment the funds of the Auckland Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, a concert will be broadcast from station IZR on Tuesday evening. Donations should be sent to IZR. The following are among the contributors: —Miss Irene Frost, Mr. Garsden Fowler and Mr Trevor Sparling. The Savoy Quartette and St. Thomas' Oichestra will be in attendance.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE, ' In " Possessed," which commenced & season at St. James' Theatre last evening, Joan Crawfovcl portrays two distinct types. The story is all in her favour, and she is equally at home either as the factory girl in a small country town or as the sophisticated woman in New York. The transformation is sudden and complete, and it shows Miss Crawford at her best. Although the story is dramatic, ifc is not essential)y~so, and all through there is maintained an undercurrent of humour. There is nothing drab about the rise of this factory girl to her social position, precarious as it may be, in New York. The change comes suddenly, chiefly owing to ths impetuosity of her first lover, a man of her own class. Seeking relief from the oppression of surroundings the girl makes her way to the railway station, there to meet on a train a man who airily hands her his address in New York. The idea is sufficient to send her to the city. There follows a remarkable sequence of events leading to her meeting a man of standing in the city, who, although unwilling to marry her, claims her only as his lover. For about three years all is well, and the factory girl is seen as the charming and perfect hostess. Her position is brought home to her when there is introduced to one of her parties a woman of doubtful reputation. The former factory girl ponders over her situation, but is unable to break away from the life. The climax comes swiftly when her lover, who has now improved his position in New York to such an extent that lie is asked to stand as governor, has impressed upon hiin the fact that his association with the girl is likely to prejudice the people. There are many tense moments in the scenes which follow, moments in which Joan Crawford proves beyond doubt her ability. She learns of the handicap her presence is likely to cause her lover, and is willing to sacrifice all for the sake of his political career.When it appears to be too late she turns the tables with a dramatic touch which restores all she has sacrificed. Appearing as the lover is Clark Gabie, who is called upon to make the best of many a disagreeable scene, which he does with every success. Skeets Gallagher is the amusing reprobate who leads things on. and Wallace Ford, a popular New York stage player, appears as the rival lover. The amusing Laurel and Hardy are seen in one of their ever-bright comedies, " Come Clean," in which their domestic troubles are in danger of reaching a climax, and other items of the supporting programme are a Fox Movietone News, a Vitaphone variety, " The Matinee Idol." and a song number, " A Joyrney of Songs." STRAND THEATRE. Described by overseas critics as the best film of English life that American studios have produced, " Devotion." in which Ann Harding is featured, opened a, season at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Leslie Howard, in the role o! a young lawyer, gives a talented performance, perhaps the most brilliant of his career. He will be remembered for his acting in " Five and Ten " when he was supported by Marion Davies. The action of the story is laid in The Temple,. London, the particular haunt of the legal profession, and the camera catches with wonderful authenticity its dignified and austere atmosphere. The intensity of the story, which concerns the nopeless love of a woman for a young married lawyer, grips the audience throughout. As the woman, Ann Harding contributes a fine piece of restrained acting which loses nothing by the charm with which it is executed. Indeed, everything about the picture is charming, from its Cinderella motif to the acting of the smallest part. Redolent of lavender and old lace, the production is as English as old Devonshire, and patrons are assured of a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. The film was adapted from Pamela Wynn's successful novel, " A Little Flat in The Temple." The supports maintain the excellent standard of the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The comedy of manners, "Lonely Wives," is being shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Sparkling wit and adroit situations make this sophisticated comedy a riot of humour. And it is done full justice by the uncommonly fine cast of artists. There is Edward Everett Horton, remembered for a long list of inimitable "repressed ambition" roles, in the part of an ostensibly staid and prosaic attorney, who is nothing loth to turn his wife'* temporary absence from home to account, in spite of his vindictive mother-in-law's prying curiosity. The leading ladies are Esther Ralston, Laura La Plante and Patsy Ruth Miller. BRITANNIA THE ATE E. "Riders of the Purple Sage," an epic of the American West, and "Man of the World," in which William Powell is suitably urbane, comprise the entertainment at the Britannia Theatre.