ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21118, 27 February 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. Introducing to New Zealand audiences three new stars in Jan Kiepura, Betty Stockfield and Hugh Wakefield, "The Cifv of Song" was shown for the first time last evening at the Regent Theatre. The picture transports the spectator on the magic wings of romance to picturesque Naples, fo the far-famed beautiful lisle of Capri, and then to London, a? its story is unfolded. Jan Kiepura is fhe gcldci)voiced Viennese opera tenor whom all Europe hailed as the "new, handsome Caruso," an opinion which cannot be but endorsed when he is heard singing the charm-filled melodies of (lie production. Hefty Stockfield is undoubtedly the grand "find" in fhe history of the screen, and is responsible for a charming characterisation of a young English girl full of eagerness, for new adventures. Hugh Wakefield. one of the most, talented and popular West End character comedians, makes his talkie debut in "City of Song,' and gives a remarkably polished performance. I lis sense of humour is delightfully fresh and thoroughly English. He has a splendid voice and a most, infectious laugh. In a role which he. regards as ono of the best he has ever had to play, this brilliant. comedian found greater scope for his unique art and gay distinction in the new medium, and he is indeed one of the most important, discoveries for British pictures. Disregarding past precedents, Ihe producers have selected this story, not, alone for the opportunities it affords Kiepura for the display nf his matchless voico powers, but primarily for its strong dramatic situations, fascinating lovo interest, zestful comedy and appeal to all tastes. "City of Song" sets a new and a higher standard of enfertainment. The supporting programme is full of a variety of interests, and includes a news reel with the talking reporter portraying all the current events of any note, which have occurred in any part of the. world. There is a Krnzy. Kat sound cartoon which is a mirthful exposition of the adventures of these imaginary creatures, this time in a cafe. Curiosities from everywhere aro shown in a film of that name, including a minature of fho Dom Cathedral in Cologne built entirely nut of matches, and . also tho main street of a town where private tramrars are not uncommon. An Australian newsreel depicts many interesting glimpses taken from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and lines of railway engines being driven over it in order to test, its strength. Scenes from the recent- disastrous fires which wore attended with loss of life are also depicted, showing tho ruin left in their train. There is also a scene in which fhe Chinese in Sydney welcome the New Year. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, " The Champ," is captivating large audiences at tho Majestic Theatre. KingVidor, who came to the forefront with " Tho Big Parade," was responsible for tho direction, and overseas critics consider "Hie Champ" his most successful effort. It traverses the whole gamut of human emotion. It has laughter and tears, dark shadow, and a littlo sunshine. The cast is admirable. As the inveterate gambler and boxing champion who loves his son, Wallace Beery almost reaches immortality, while Jacky Cooper. of " Skippy" fame, gives a finished performance as fhe boy who idolises his father in spite of his palpable weaknesses. It is one of the best picltires of tho year. Irene Rich, famous actress of fhe silent, screen, contributes a finely restrained performance as the boy's mother. The supporting programme maintains the standard of tho entertainment. ST. JAMES* THEATRE. The popularity enjoyed by "Possessed," which is now at St. James' Theatre, needs littlo emphasis, for it is attracting largo audiences to an extended season. Joan Crawford is al'otted a role eminently suited to her dynamic personality. She is cast as a factory girl who rises from obscure poverty to social affluence and in tho transition the actress is given the opportunity to wear the latest Paris fashions. Some of tho frocks displayed are the " dernier cri" of fhe fashion salon. A feature of the entertainment is a delightful song rendered by Joan Crawford, who also sings an excerpt in German, Spanish and French. Clark Gable, who has enjoyed the most phenomenal rise to screen fame of recent years, is excellently cast as an ambitious young lawyer who is made the victim of an insidious political campaign because of a love affair with tho erstwhile factory girl. How he defeats the ends of the. propagandists makes for fino entertainment and the drama reaches great intensity when Joan Crawford makes an impassioned speech in a crowded auditorium fo clear her lover of a false charge. Laurel and Hardy sweep through a series of breathless episodes in their lalest comedy. TIVOLI THEATRE. Jack Holt has a congenial role in "Jlaker of Men," now at the Tivoli Theatre. It is stirring drama. The other film is "The Secret Witness," in which Una Merkel is tho principal. EPSOM REGENT. Fine entertainment is offered in "The Deceiver," which heads the current programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre. "Shanghaied Love" is also shown. JOAN AND BETTY RAYNER. Another troubadour programme will be given by tho Misses Joan and Betty Raylier, strolling players, at tho Lewis Eady Hall this evening. The performance will begin at 815. BRITANNIA THEATRE. "Gun Smoko" (Richard Arlen) and "Wicked" (Elissa Landi) form the major entertainment at the Britannia Theatre. GREY T/YNN CINEMA. Joan Crawford contributes a fine portrayal in "Laughing Sinners," now at the Grey Lynn Cinema. There are excellent, supports. AVONDALE PICTURES. Joe E. Brown and Winnie Lightner con. tribute their usual comic performance in "Sit Tight," which heads tho current, programme at fho Avondale Town Hall. LYRIC THEATRE. An excellent double-feature programme, "Tho Man in Possession," starring Robert Montgomery, and "No Limit," with Clara Bow in the leading role, is enjoying a successful season at the Lyric Theatre. There aro also several short films. TUDOR THEATRE. "The Phantom of Paris" will be presented at the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. this afternoon and this evening. John Gilbert and Leila Hyams appear in the leading parts. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "This Modern Age" (Joan Crawford), and "Virtuous Sin" (Kay Francis), are the main attractions at. the Crystal Palace Theatre. Thero will be a special matineo for the children to-day. EMPRESS THEATRE. Fine acting is a feature of "Maker of Men," which is showing at the Empress Theatre. "The Secret Witness," with Una Merkel, is also on the programme. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. " A Free Soul " (Norma Shearer) is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga..

CIVIC THEATRE. Tense drama that will thrill everyone of British blood is provided in "Men Like These," the principal picture now being screened at tlio Civic Theatre. Entombed in a submarine, men are seen battling for their lives, a battle against the slow menace of suffocation within flic sleel walls of a prison on the ocean bed, and in which their only hope lies in an almost, superhuman patience. But the true British grit which the Royal Navy typifies carries them through, and they escapo to breathe once more in the free air and sunshine. This remarkable picture, taken with the co-operation of the Admiralty, will have an added interest for Aticklanders in that one of fho principal roles is taken by John Batten, the Auckland-born actor, who makes a personal appearance on the stage prior to the screening of t.he film. It. is symbolic, too, of fhe glory of the British Navv and the stout hearts which it breeds. Unique glimpses are given of a submarine flotilla at sea and of the mighty ships of the line. The actual sinking of the submarine in which the central drama fakes place is so striking in effect as to induce a feeling almost of terror. The characters, too, have been chosen with such care for detail that they live as authentic types of British Naval men. Their conversation bears the true Navy stamp, which only flawless direction can ensure. The other main film on the programme is "Fascination," a modern drama of married life with a surprise ending. In (his picture it. would bo difficult to single out, any one of the principals for special commendation, since all of them give a performance of such high order. Madeleine Carroll, it may be. said, is truly fascinating and brings to her part that unique quality which makes her the success she is. The story is one of a marriage that is nearly wrecked, but in which love and not a little common sense win the day. A wife's valiant fight to retain her husband's, lovo while keeping a brave heart has never been more convincingly portrayed. An excellent news film completes the all-British programme. Striking scenes are shown of tho motorcycle trials in the Isle of Man, when .speeding machines flash in breathless fashion round hairpin bends. A Caledonina sports meeting provides the opportunity of seeing a full pipe band on the march and the pageantry of the Old World is seen in a ceremonial gathering of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. PLAZA THEATRE. Vital drama is the dominant motif of "The Rosary," the excellent English audible-film version of the famous silent picture, which began a season at tlie Plaza Theatre yesterday. There were large audiences at each session and they were not disappointed. Margaret Grahame, tho beautiful ingenue actress of "Glamour" and "The Love Habit," acquits herself well in the highly-dramatic role of a completely unselfish girl willing to sacrifice her all to ensure the happiness of her half-sister, .4*s the younger girl, who employs ever" means within a woman's power to retain the love of a man whose attitude toward her has undergone a groat change, Elizabeth Allen gives a performance which promises much for the future. Tho strange train of events which leads to tho tragic shooting of a blackmailer by the younger girl and her half-sister's subsequent self-sacrifice on her behalf, is deftly presented. Although the solace of the convent, which first tho ono and then the other girl, seeks, is persuasively advanced, it is not allowed to obscure the main trend of the plot. Tndeed, for tho most part, the film deals with the modern, workaday world. The supporting cast is good. An especially delightful study of a solemnly English butler is given by Leslio Perrins. Much of fhe credit for the film, however, must go to the director, Mr. Guy Newell, who has developed the intensely-moving drama logically and with conviction. His use of light and shade bear the touch of the master. And through it all there is the haunting charm of the accompanying music. The supporting pictures are interesting and varied. There is a riotously funny knockabout musical burlesque, "Aroma of the South Seas," being the. chronicle of the strange adventures and misadventures of a trio of Londoners among the savages of "Sago-Sago." NATIONAL THEATRE. " Viennese Nights," the gorgeous technicolour film which enjoyed such a successful season in Auckland recently, is now tho main attraction at the National Theatre. It is splendid entertainment. There is a glamour about the settings and an authenticity which only a film actually produced in Vienna could display, and fhe audience is enthralled with tho wonderful old-world beauty of tho Austrian capital. Tho entrancing musical score enhances the entertainment and the genius of Oscar Hammerstein 11. is discernible throughout. The haunting melodies will linger in the memory. Vivienno Segal gives a convincing portrayal of tho woman who marries a cavalry officer instead of the musician she loves. But. she lives to see her lost romance blossom in another generation when her daughter marries tho son of her erstwhile lover, the musicyin. Excellent supports are shown.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A special children's "birthday matinee" programme will be presented at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. A huge birthday cake will be a feature and every child will receive a piece of the cake. An entertainment specially adapted for children will bo screened. There will be an " Oswald the Rabbit " cartoon, while the main attraction will be " Senor Americano," an exciting drama of the American Wild West, produced in the true cinema tradition. Ken Maynard, a firm favourite of the children, contributes a virile performance and ho rides and shoots with . his customary skill. " Wicked " (Elissa LandiV and " The Offico Wife" (Dorothy Mackaill and Lewis Stone) compriso the excellent programme this evenmg. ROXY THEATRE. Julian Eltinge, noted woman impersonator, appears in "Maid to Order." which is being presented with "Keepers of Youth," a vivid English drama, nt the Roxy Theatre. The second film deals convincingly with a. certain type of English public school. Tho principals are Garry Marsh and Ann Todd. Robin Irvine and John Turnhull are also in the cast.. LONDON THEATRE. Excellent entertainment is provided in " One Heavenly Night," which heads tho current programme at tho London Theatre. John Boles, famous baritone, and Evelyn Laye, successful actress of tho London stage," are included in an excellent. cast. CAPITOL THEATRE. Will Rogers and Dorsay, vivacious actress, are the principals in " Young As You Feel," which heads the current programme at the Capital Theatre. " Iron Man " (Lew Ayres and Jean Harlow) is the other attraction. EIALTO THEATRE. Joan Crawford and Neil Hamilton aretho outstanding players in "This Modern Age." which is the main attraction at the Rialto Theatre. There is a fine supporting cast. The subordinate films maintain the standard of the entertainment. DUO PIANO RECITAL. A duo piano recital will he presented by Miss Marjorie Gully and Mr Cyril Towsey in the Lewis Eady Hall on Tuesday, March 15. Excellent entertainment, is promised.

STRAND THEATRE. How a scheme to capture a wealthy husband took an unexpected turn and ended in romance is the theme upon which "Gold Diggers of 1932," the featured picture which began a season at tho Strand Theatre last evening, is constructed. Although tho story lays no claim to originality, it is nevertheless treated with an engaging freshness. Added to a well-knit plot is the particularly successful employment of technicolour throughout the film. "Gold Diggers of 1932" lias tho additional merit, of really good acting. Mary Brian is cast to perfection as the beautiful chorus girl on Broadway who sets out, to lure into marriage Fred White, a young millionaire, played by Geoffrey Kerr, well known on file London and New York stage for his sophisticated acting of young-men-about-town parts. Marie PrevosF makes a successful return as fho companion of the ambitious Evelyn. Her laconic sentences are very good fun. The comedy element is carried further by Johnny Hines, who stages a mock wedding to avenge his chum, Fred, who had fallen a victim to a shameless artifice in which Joseph Cawthorn, as an elderly Dutchman, assists cleverly. "Gold Diggers of' 1932" reveals fine dramatic power in Mary Brian s handling of the part. It is excellent entertainment, splendidly acted and well screened. "Oh, Cleopatra! ' is the title of a most amusing farce in which the incomparable Wheeler and Woolsey make an excursion into history. Ihey are present at a party in which they are invited by a professor to swallow certain pills, which cause the mind to rove back through the ages and to re-enact historical characters. Tho pair become Anthony and Caesar, who contend in Cleopatra's court for her hand. A series of extremely amusing scenes are reeled off, one of the best being an hilarious chariot race in which the Roman noblemen dead-heat, then wake from their trance. A bright cartoon, news items and gazettes complete the programme. WIRTHS* CIRCUS. Brilliant performers from all over the world are included in the arresting array of talent that Wirths' Circus will present. The Auckland season of eight nights will begin next Wednesday on the old dock site. The Russian Cossacks will be seen in amazing feats of horsemanship and will introduce ail the tricks they performed when defeating riders of all nations at tho New York Rodeo in 1929. Other features will be "The Four Uesscms/ ' who defy the laws of gravitation; Miss Yvonne, versatile contortionist; "The Four Sylvesters," juvenile acrobats; " The Santev Duo," a whirlwind sensation; and " Les Quatre Hirondelles," an artistic aerial and musical novelty. Mr. Philip Worth, junr., will bo seen for the first time in an original jockey act, while Miss Gladys Wirth will present _ her splendidly-trained grey chargers. Wirths* Show comprises many more attractions. There is a wonderful show of wild animals which will be sure to interest children. To meet the times the price of admission has been reduced and children under ten years will be admitted at half-price to all parts. Wirths' Zoo of 14 cages of wild animals will bo on view daily from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., when the animals will be fed. There will be a charge for admission. Booking arrangements are advertised.