ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21136, 19 March 1932, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Scintillating humour and occasional drama of the most intense type were provided in the two Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films, "Strangers May Kiss" and "Beau Hunks," which commenced a season at St. James' Theatre last evening. There was considerable appeal in the fine comedy work of Stan. Laurel and Oliver Hardy, arid an equal attraction in the performances of Norma Shearer, assisted in the main by the rising actor, Robert Montgomery. Miss Shearer was called upon to play an exceedingly difficult part in "Strangers May Kiss," and her acting differed in many respects from that to which Auckland audiences have been accustomed from the popular Canadian actress. At the same time, it was apparent that the intricacies of the role presented small obstacle to Miss Shearer's talent, and she loft an impression of great versatility. The story opened in a social circle in New York, where Miss Shearer began a romance with a travelling newspaper correspondent, whose work took him frequently to far corners of the world. There were many brilliant cabaret scenes and glimpses of life on Broadway, and the scenes depicting Now York in the grip of Christmas jollification wero particularly well done. Mss Shearer eventually consented to travel to Mexico with the newspaper correspondent, a part played in a polished manner by Mr. Montgomery, but her romance there was brought to a sudden conclusion when ho was called to an assignment in a South American republic. His departure marked the beginning of a reckless phase in Miss Shearer's life, and she travelled from country to coun try in search of forget fulness. Eventually, the romance was ended in dance halls in Paris, the story being wound up in an unusual fashion. While Miss Shearer gave a finished performance, Mr. Montgomery impressed to a great extent by his dry humour, and Mr. Hamilton also acted well in a somewhat less prominent part. Marjorie Eambeau, Halo Hamilton, Irene Rich and Conchita Montenegro also appeared in important roles. "Beau Hunks," the Laurel and Hardy comedy of moro than ordinarv length, created great amusement. X burlesque on the P.O. Wren stories of "Beau Geste" and "Beau Ideal," it gave the two comedians exceptional scope for thoir fun-making. Mr. Hardy was concerned in a romance in the United States, and, upon being rebuffed by his intended bride, he decided to enlist in the French Foreign Legion to forget his disappointment, Mr. Laurel accompanying him for no sound reason. Upon reaching Morocco and. the training camp, Mr. Hardy found that most of tho volunteers had enlisted in the legion on account of his fiancee, and his efforts to get free from the military forces on this account were amusing in the extreme. The commandant, however, was a martinet of the worst type, and the comedians found themselves as members of a force troops intended to relieve Fort Arid, which was besieged by the Rifis. There was a humorous episode in a sandstorm, but the pitch of the story was attained when tho comedians saved the beleaguered fort by throwing tin-tacks under the° feet of the' barefooted Arabs. 'I ho dialogue in "Beau Hunks" was particularly clever, and the photography 111 all instances true to tho actual P. C. Wren type of film. A Fox Movietone News completed tho programme. CIVIC THEATRE. "Stamboul," Paramount's second British production, featuring Warwick Ward and Rosita Moreno, opened a season before a large audience at the Civic Theatre last evening. It is a story of mystery and intrigue in romantic old Constantinople, and the good choice in the cast of playeis assures the film a successful season in Auckland. Tho unusual setting forms a background which blends into the Oriental theme in the story, and tho polished acting depicting the life in diplomatic circles has completed a picture of arresting appeal. The plot concerns Colonel Andre Do Sevigne, the newly-ap-pointed military attache to the French Embassy at Stamboul, who meets and falls in" lovo with the beautiful Maria, wife of the Baron von Strick. Andre soon discovers that Karl von Strick is a brutal bully, and at the same time is carrving on an intrigue with his cousin, the Countess Elsa Talven, whom he lias installed in his house. Karl's companion is Prince Cernuwicz, a drunken gambler, over whom he exercises control by paying his debts. Andre is befriended by the powerful Mehmed Pasha, marshal of the Turkish Army, who remembers that the Frenchman once saved his lite. Subtle intrigues and complications follow, and all the time Karl is seeking to obtain sufficient evidence to divorce his wife and at the same time retain custody of his child. Andre and Maria meet at a. ball and fall in love with one another. Ihe climax is skilfully brought about, and the audience is left in ignorance of the possible solution until the closing scenes. This picture is a good example of the high standard in the filming and recording of British productions. In the supporting programme an interesting Paramount news reel records the recent destructive gales in the south of England, and among other interesting items are scenes from Manchuria. A highly amusing Talkatoon provides a pleasant interlude, and a Paramount comedy, featuring Karl Dane and George Arthur, was responsible for much laughter and applause from the audience. Forty talented players from the Auckland Girls' Band rendered items, and appreciation was evident from the insistent demands for encores. ROXY THEATRE. " The Vice Squad," in which Paul Lukas and Kay Francis are the principals, is being shown with " Honeymoon Lane at the Roxy Theatre. The first film is an impelling drama of modern city life. The leading players in " Honeymoon Lane," a delightful comedy-romance, arc Eddie Dowling and June Collyer. TIVOLI AND EMPRESS THEATRES. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey are at their best in "Caught Plastered," the uproariously funny comedy to head the programme at the I ivoli and Empress Theatres to-day. They appear as two tramps who come to the aid of an aged widow who owns a drug store. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. "The Rosary," the English film version of the classic drama, will be shown again with "The Fourth Alarm" at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. Margot Grahame and Elizabeth Allan are the principals. "The Fourth Alarm" is an exciting melodrama of fire-fiighting. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Cecil B. de Mille's third version of "The Squaw Man," with Warner Baxter and Lupe Velez in the chief roles, will head the programme at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. "The Hot Heiress" (Ona Munson) will also be shown. ONEHUNGA THEATRE. Sflllv Eilers and James Dunn appear in "Bad Girl," which heads tho programme at the Onehunga Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE. Two engrossing mystery films, " Dracula" (Bela Lugosi) and " Guilty Hands," with liionel Barrymore, are being shown at the Capitol Theatre. PICTUREDROME THEATRE. Adolphe Menjou acts suavely in " Men Call it love," at the Picturedrome Theatre this evening.

REGENT THEATRE.

In sharp contrast to his recent appearances in sophisticated comedies, Ronald Colman is seen in a thrilling story of adventure and intrigue in " The Unholy Garden," which opened a short Auckland season at the Regent Theatre last evening to a large audience. "The Unholy Garden," which in many ways is reminiscent of "Beau Geste" and "Condemned," two of Colman's earlier successes, is different in other respects from anything he lias attempted before, and serves to emphasise his versatility as an actor. He is seen as Barry Hunt, a gentleman adventurer who has seen better days and who lias barely managed lo elude the forces of the law in a mad dash for Algiers. In a small French town near the borders of Ihe Sahara, ho is almost trapped by the wiles of an Englishwoman who has also turned adventuress, but escapes by driving with her to Orage, an oasis in the middle of the desert, where there is a small colony of hunted men. Amid a number of outcasts lives an aged cripple, the Baron do Jonghe, who is reputed to possess a great sum of monov ns (he result of swindling operations many years previously. He lives a hermit-like existence with his daughter, knowing that all the time his life is in danger. On arrival Hunt is drawn into (he mesh of intrigue, meeting a former comrade and agreeing to take part in the robbery of the old man. After meeting the daughter he resolves to aid her and her father to escape, but soon finds the task one full of danger. With the exception of his one friend, ho learns that every man's hand is against him, while the old man does not trust him and the Englishwoman schemes against him. Plot and counter-plot follow in quick succession, Hunt being forced to use his wits at every turn lo evade death and at the same time effect his purpose. Unshaven and dishevelled. Colman is very different from his usual dapper self, hut succeeds admirably in conveying the spirit of the reckless outcast, who is not yet lost to decency and feeling. The part is one making heavy demands on any actor, but Colman never fails to maintain the right atmosphere. Fay Wray is appealing as the baron's daughter, while Estelle Taylor is ideally cast as the adventuress and 'fully Marshall is responsible for a remarkable character sketch as the baron. The latest issue of the Australian Cinesound News contains pictures of the arrival of the Mariposa at Sydney, with camera interviews with notable personages aboard, and a number of spectacular diving feats. A. fight to the death between a cobra and a moneoose forms the basis of a remarkable TT.F.A. nature film, while Slim Summerville and Eddie Gribbon are responsible for quarter of an hour's hilarity in a bright comedy which has China for its background. NATIONAL THEATRE. " Nice Women," which seems assured of merited sucess at the National Theatre, where it opened a season yesterday, is a film which may be unhesitatingly recommended to all those who enjoy a pleasant, romantic story, delightfully interpreted. It introduces a family of two girls, an oppressed father, and a mother who causes them to live beyond their income. An elderly bachelor of considerable wealth wishes to marry the elder daughter, who, to the consternation of the rest of the household, is in love with a penniless clerk. She decides to sacrifice herself for the benefit of the others, but finds it extremely difficult. The younger girl, who is more than capable of looking after herself, does her best to help things along; but it is the millionaire who secures happiness for everybody. Alan Mowbray plays the part of the bachelor with engaging ease and delightful performances are contributed by Frances Deo and Sidney Fox. Others in the cast are Lucille Gleason, Russell Gleason and Carmel Myers (the " siren " in " Ben Hur "). MAJESTIC THEATRE. Few moro deliciously subtle comedies have been seen in Aucklond than Ferenc Molnar's " The Guardsman," which is assured of great success at the Majestic Theatre. It is admirably interpreted by Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine, New York Theatre Guild idols Roland Young and Zasu Pitts. An English critic says: " The plav is exquisitely witty and subtle to a fine degree in repartee, innuendo and implication." " OVER THE HILL." " Over the Hill," one of the most memorable classics of the silent era, will bo presented in its modernised, audiblescreen version at the Majestic Theatre for a season commencing on Thursday. It is distinguished by the portrayal of the self-sacrificing mother anguished by her children's rejection of her given by Man Marsh. James Dunn and Sally Filers, of " Bad Girl," act with appealing sincerity in romantic roles. STRAND THEATRE. Two splendid films of differing type, "A Woman of Experience " (Helon Twelvetrees) and " High Stakes," with Lowell Sherman and Mae Murray, are at present being presentd at the Strand Theatre. The first is a glamorous tale of wartime espionage. William Bakewell, Lew Cody and H. B. Warner are other notable members of the cast. LONDON THEATRE. The majestic grandeur of the Grand Canyon, Colorado, forms the setting for Zane Grey's " Tho Rainbow Trail,'" now being shown at the London Theatre. George O'Brien plays the hero. PLAZA THEATRE. Anybody who lias seen " Carnival," the glorious English film at tho Plaza Theatre, will not be surprised that it is being shown for a second week. An English critic says: "This is probably the most glamorous British film that has yet been made. One is thrilled by the charm of the Venetian scenes, its spectacular settings, its magnificent photography, and not least by the beauty of Dorothy (formerly Chili) Bouchier, who brings an infinitely pleasing new personality to the screen. Few filmgoers will not find satisfaction in watching Miss Bouchier. Never has she appeared to such great persona! advantage, while her graceful and unforced acting gives promise of great things in the future." " SPLINTERS IN THE NAVY." Sydney Howard, Fred Bentley, Reg. Stone and all the others of tho famous concert party repeat the success of their first film in " Splinters in the Navy," to succeed " Carnival " at the Plaza Theatre on Thursday. It is excellent fun. It has all the ingredients of robust, knockabout English comedy, in which filmgoers delight. RIALTO THEATRE. The amusing antics of Sydney Howard are largely responsible for the outstanding success of the comedy "Up For tho Cup," which heads the attractive programme at the Rialto Theatre. There is not a dull moment in the picture. The supporting production is "Tho Fourth Alarm," a fastmoving drama-romance. Prominent members of the cast are Ann Christy, Nick Stuart, Ralf Lewis and J. Mac Donald. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE. Tho notable British production "Tilly of Bloomsbury" offers splendid entertainment at the Epsom Regent Theatre. The leading roles aro played by Sydney Howard, tho well-known English comedian, who appeared in "Splinters," and Phyllis Ivonstam, an actress of exceptional charm. There are excellent supports.