ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21153, 9 April 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CIVrC THEATRE. Based on Charles Dickens' famous "Dombey and Son," the film "Rich Man's Folly" was accorded a wellliicritcd reception by an enthusiastic audience at tlie Civic Theatre last evening. A distinguished cast was chosen by Paramount for tlio production, ficorgo Bancroft playing the load, and Frances Dee, Hubert Antes and Juliette G'omplon being tlie other featured players. George Bancroft, is an actor of an arresting type, forceful and driving, who c.xulLs in victory and does not, know the meaning of defeat. Of (he others, Frances Dee is a young actress of vibrant beauty, who has increased remarkably in ability and popularity with each picture. Robert Ames gained recognition as Ann Harding's lead in "Holiday," and Juliette Coinpton possesses three virtues in the eyes of her picture admirers—she is modern, beautiful and talented. The thenio of the story concerns a man who surrenders himself ruthlessly to the accomplishment of two desires. He wants money and the power that money brings, and lie wants to perpetuate the firm of "Trumbull and Son," for six generations the builders of a fine fleet of ships. Also interwoven into the story is a glimpse of the life of a girl who finds no affection in her father because of his obsession for his son, and therefore turns to his rival in business, who, years before, was his rival in courtship. The son, as a little boy, is told by his father that some day lie will make great sums of money and build ships, but he desires none of theso acquisitions in his appreciation of other things in life. When Trumbull's mad ambition for his son precipitates the child .into a situation which is responsible for his death, it is the daughter who enters into conflict with her own father, providing a climax of compelling dramatic intensity, which strikes deep into the hearts of the audience. A Paramount news film introduces tho supporting programme, showing views of the Mississippi floods, parachuting from an aeroplane at. 5000 ft., and the mutiny at Dartmoor. Then there is a special film of the kidnapping of Colonel Lindbergh's baby, depicting the intense interest aroused by the disappearance of the child of the popular airman. "Screen Souvenirs" takes one back to the early days of films and tho events which happened about the same time. An interesting Universal news reel with the talking reporter features on the programme, and Solly Ward in "More Gas" provides many amusing interludes.

NATIONAL THEATRE. Pure romance with an undercurrent of pathos is the motif of " Compromised," tho uncommonly well-acted film of modern life which was received with enthusiasm at its initial showings at the National Theatre yesterday. Rose Hohart brings wistful appeal to the part of a boarding house " slavey " who finally wins the love of a wealthy Prince Charming, played with engaging boyishness by Ben Lyon. There are some splendid character studies of characteristic village types —Emma Dunn, as a gossip; Bert Roach and Joe Donahue, as two happy-go-lucky tipplers; and Virginia Sale, as a spiteful maid-of-all-work. Other members of tho notable cast are Claude Gillingwater, as a millionaire who looks with disdfiin upon his son's love for Ann; Juliette Compton in the part of .a selfish society girl; Florence Brittou, and Edgar Norton. The supporting films include a screen interview with Captain do Groot, who cut the ribbon at the Sydney harbour bridge opening. ST. JAMES* THEATRE. Exceptional popularity continues to be enjoyed by " Mata Ilari," the impressive drama of war-time espionage now in the second and final week of its season at St. James 1 Theatre. The presence of such screen luminaries as Greta Garbo, Ramon Novarro, Lionel Barry more, Lewis Stone and Karen Morlov in the cast ensures the success of the film at tho outset. The story is based on the life of tho infamous Dutch-Javanese dancer and 'courtesan who was shot as a spy by the French in 1917. This Mala Hari, a name which in Hindustani means " Eye of the Dawn," was actually Margaret Zelle MacLeod, an alluringly beautiful and very intelligent woman whose guile led scores of men to their doom. No more bewitching actress than Greta Garbo could hare been chosen for the part of the enchanting, albeit tragic, Mata Hari. ROXY THEATRE. Two splendid full-length films, " Three Wise Girls" and " Confessions of a Collego Girl," are being shown at the Roxv Theatre. They are both being presented for the first time in New Zealand. The leading players in the first are Mae Clarke, of "Waterloo Bridge" and "The Front Page"; Jean Harlow, tho original platinum blonde of " Hell's Angels"; and Marie Prevost, vivacious comedienne. Others who appear are Walter Byron. Jameson Thomas, Lucy Beaumont and Natalie Moorhead. Sylvia Sydney and Phillips Holmes, seen together in "An American Tragedy," are the principals in " Confessions of a College Girl," a rather lighter film. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. An entire British cast appears in "Devotion," tho splendid film which is being shown at tho Crystal Palace Theatre. The leading roles are played by Ann Harding and Leslie Howard. There is an excel lent supporting programme.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" (Helen Haves), " Surrender," with Warner Baxter and Leila Mynms, and a film of I'har Lap arc being shown at the I'rinco Edward Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE. "Dishonoured" (Marlene Dietrich), a sp> drama, and " 'J'ho Virtuous Husband," a, witty comedy of manners, are tiie fiiiiit at the Capitol Theatre. RI ALTO THEATRE, "The Outsider," a British picture, in which Harold Hutli, .loan Harry and Norman MeK iunell appear, is beiiig presented at the. Rialto Theatre. 'J'ho supporting production is " Women Lovo Once." EPSOM RECENT THEATRE. " My Wile's Family" and " Not 80 Quiel <'n Hie Western Eront" comprise tlip main entertainnient at the Epsom Regent Theatre. LYRIC THEATRE. • " Riders of the Purple Sage" ami "The Phantom of Paris" arc heing screened at the Lyric Theatre. ON EI I UNO A STRAND THEATRE. " Ambassador Pill" (Will Rogers) heads 1110 programme at tho Onelmnga Strand Theatre. TUDOR THEATRE. " Gay Madrid " is the main attraction at the Tudor Theatre. BRITANNIA THEATRE. " Sunny " and " Ambassador Bill " are being shown at the Britannia Theatre. GREY LYNN CINEMA. "Mother's Millions " head? the programme at the Grey Lynn Cinema. AVONDALE THEATRE. The programme at the Avondale Theatre is headed by " The Smiling Lieutenant."

REGENT THEATRE; ! "Tho Road to Singapore," which opened a season at tho Regent Theatre last evening, is. assured of a successful season. Into the East comes an English girl to join her fiance, a doctor from London. On tho same boat returns to tile East a man whoso affairs had estranged him from tho society of while men—a philanderer and something of a drunkard, liyit a man with considerable powers of fascination. The girl is married and in incredibly short time her husband is revealed as ono of tho most insufferable bores that ever thrived in a restricted community. His conversation is confined to extremely medical "shop," and he is far too busy to be in love with his wife. Her interest turns to the other man, and their intrigue is discovered by the husband, who thinks more of his honour than his wife's happiness. The final scene is remarkably well done, but to reveal the actual manner of the- conclusion would be to rob future audiences of full enjoyment of some cynically clever acting. Of course, there is only one actor on the screen fitted by past triumphs to fill tho role of the philanderer. It is Mr. William Powell, and once again he gives a performance, suave and with an undercurrent of humour, but behind it all that noto of dramatic strength which is present in all his work. Debonair and ironical, he gives a typical Powell performance, and this is no mean praise for any film. In the leading feminine role, Miss Doris Kenyon acts adequately and at times with considerable emotional effect, while Mr. Louis Caihern, as her doctorhusband, deals admirably with a strongly written though unsympathetic part. The camera work is eminently satisfying; one impressionist scene, shot with a moving camera, is one of the best things in the film. The standard of entertainment is well maintained in the supporting programme. Occupying pride of place is the current issuo of the Ginesound news, giving glimpses of tho incomparable Thar Lap. One could not help but be touched by the tribute of applause which the audience paid last evening to the memory of the finest thoroughbred of the age. There are also some additional scenes of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, just as interesting a-s were the first. A pictorial presentation of ..the overture "Raymond," an African travel film and an excellent cartoon complete a most satisfying bill. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Tho unaffected sincerity and simple directness of " Dance Team," the present film at the Majestic Theatre, make it a worthy successor to " Bad Girl," which first introduced Sally Filers and James Dunn as screen lovers. This delightful pair will also be affectionately remembered for their more recent appearance in " Over the Hill." In " Dance Team " they appear as two ordinary young people seeking fame and a fortune on the Broadway stage. But when at last success does come it brings with it only disenchantment and unhappiness. The couple become estranged, ho to accept the proffered patronage of, a wealthy society girl and she to become engaged to a millionaire. They arc finally reunited, however. STRAND THEATRE. Ivan Lebedeff, " the new Valentino." acts with easy grace as a gay diplomat in " Kisses by Command," now being presented at the Strand Theatre. Finelydrawn portrayals arc also contributed by Genevieve Tobin, as a captivating woman suspected of being a . dangerous spy, Betty Compson, as an extremely seif-possessed baroness, and Ilka Chase, who is suitably tenacious as a lovelorn society woman. The film has been remarkably well directed by Richard Boleslavskv. * There is a splendid supporting programme. TIVOLI THEATRE. The hilarious comedy "My Wife's Family" is attracting large and appreciative audiences to the Tivoli Theatre. The major part of tho rich humour is provided by Jimmy Godden, who appeared in (he stage version in Auckland, and Geno Gerrard. Godden is seen as Dr. Knot, an itinerant pedlar and quack, who does not, accept "no" for a refusal, and Gerrard as the young husband, who is continually harassed by his .mother-in-law. EMPRESS THEATRE. Ideal entertainment is offered in the English comedy "My Wife's Family," which heads the fine programme at the Empress Theatre. The cast includes Jimmy Godden and Gene Gerrard. The second picture is "Caught," in which Richard Arlen, Louise Dresser and Frances Dee appear. LONDON THEATRE.. Maurice Chevalier cuts a dashing figure in " The Smiling Lieutenant," the Ernst Lubitsch production now being presented at tho London Theatre. There is lilting music by Oscar Strauss. Captivating performances also coino from Claudette Colbert and Milium Hopkins, the two leading ladies. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. " The Spider " and " Two Crowded Hours " are being shown at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna. GILBERT AND SULLIVAN. The- announcement that the popular J. C. Williamson Opera Company now touring the Dominion is to play a return season in Auckland will be welcomed by lovers of comic opera. The season will open at His Majesty's Theatre on Tuesday evening. April 26, with a revival of the popular comic opera, " Ruddigore," in which (he whole of tho Gilbert and Sullivan Company will appear, to bo followed by (lie favourite opera, " Dorothy," tho music of which was written by Alfred Collier and the libretto by B. C. Stephenson. It is some y<ar s since either of these old favourites has bean heard in Auckland. During the. season a selection of the favourite Gilbert and Sullivan operas will also bo given, and a plebiscite will be taken among theatregoers as to which they would like io see again. IJTTLE THEATRE SOCIKTV. Margaret Kennedy's " The. Constant Nymph." adapted to tho stage by the .in t hoi ess and Basil Dean,, will be pre srnled by the Little Theatre Society in His Majesty's Theatre on April 14, 15 and 16. There will bo a matinee performance on tho afternoon of tho last day, Saturday. "NOTHING BUT- THE TRUTH." A icint dialing comedy by James Montgomery, " Nothing But the Truth." will he staged by tho Zoo Bartley-Baxter players at His Majesty's Theatre.(bis evening. It is a succession of'adroitlyconceivefl situations in which brilliant dialogue adds point to the piquancy of the plot. PIANO RECITAL. A piano recital will be given by Mr. Gordon Bryan, noted English artist, in the Town Tla.ll concert chamber on Thursday evening. A Christchurch critic says: "He is a master of his instrument, and plays with fine understanding." GRAND CONCERT. A grand concert in aid of the unemployment, relief fund will take place- in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, April 21. Many gifted artists will appear. . - _ " EAST LYNNE " ON THE STAGE. " East Lynne," (he drama by Mrs. Henry Wood, will be presented in the Lewis Eady Hall on : Thursday evening.

PLAZA THEATRE. The* majestic/ beauty of Cecil B.' 3e Mille's glorious film of the life of Christ, "The Kins of. Kings," which opened a season at the Plaza Theatre makes it a picture which will linger in [he memory. It is a film to be seen not once but again and again. lhe revival of the picture which fired, the u '^S ln ation of film-goers the world over a few >eais ago is most welcome. Its emotional, appeal lias been enriched by the addition o persuasive music and appropriate sound effects. It is difficult to convey adequately the -immensity, the sheer bieadtl and power of what is Unquestionably one of the most distinctive masterpieces the resources of cinema art have given the screen. Wonderful fidelity of treatment and commendable restraint have characterised Mr. de Mille's- representation of all the crucial incidents in the lifes of Christ. Beginning with (he greater Galilean ministry of the lowly Nazarene carpenter and the brazen intervention of Mary Magdalene, who discards the seven deadly sins and straightway becomes a follower of Jesus, the .film, presents a series of compelling incidents in the life of Our Lord. There are the overturning of the money-changers' tables in the Temple; Judas' bargaining with Caiaphas the high priest, to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver; the children in the orange grove; the raising of Lazarus; the crowning with thorns of Jesus by derisive Romans; the trial before Pontius Pilate; the remorse and subsequent suicide of Judas; and then the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. Impressive dignity characterises the final scenes on Calvary, in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the Upper Room, where Christ appears before his disciples. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring scene is that of the storm and earthquake which follows the Crucifixion. The earth is rent in twain, engulfing scores of people and. sending Caiaphas and his sycophants. fleeing to the Temple, where lightning cleaves the Veil from top to bottom. The acting throughout is unusually fine. All the familiar characters' of the New Testament are quickened into life by .such notable artists as 11. B. Warner, in the part of the Saviour; Dorothy Cumming as the Madonna; Jacqueline - Logan as Mary Magdalene; Rudolph Schildkraut as Caiaphas; Victor Varconi as Pontius Pilate; William Bovd as Simon of Cvrene; Joseph Schiidkraut as Judas; and Ernest Torrence as Peter. An atmospheric prologue given at the evening session by Mr. L. Whittaker and a choir of 20 soloists is totally in accord with the tempo of the film. The arias include " Holy, Holy, Holy" (Gounod), Handel's "He Was .Despised," " Bread of Angels." by Franck, and "My Lord, My' God " (Dubois).