ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. A charming performance of conspicuous merit is given by Janet Gay nor in her newest picture, " Delicious," which commenced its season in Auckland before largo audiences at St. James' Theatre yesterday. Theatre patrons are accustomed to seeing Charles Farrell, who takes the next most prominent part in the production, appearing to a greater extent in his performances with Miss Gaynor than is the case in " Delicious," but the entertainment is by no means deprived of any value by the purpose of the director, David Butler, in giving Miss Gaynor a much greater share of the work. "Seventh Heaven" and "Sunnv Side Up," in which Miss Gaynor and i\lr. Farrell won such important reputations as a capable screen couple, afe still remembered by Auckland audiences. In those films Mr. Farrell was rather more prominently placed than Mr. Butler has elected to allow him to bo in the latest picture, but. " Delicious 1 ' may be ranked as a worthy successor to the former popular productions. Its story is piquant and well-sustained, the technical side gives evidence of the utmost skill, and there is the inevitable attraction associated with films in which Miss Gaynor and Mr. Farrell appear in the really excellent musical numbers composed by Mr. George Gershwin. The extent of music in talking pictures has been somewhat restricted in recent months, but " Delicious" clearly shows that directors are alive to the appeal of good numbers judiciously distributed through a production. For an American actress, Miss Gaynor is called upon to carry out a difficult part in that she appears as a Scottish immigrant. Considering every circumstance, her lowland Scots accent is impressive, and, apart from Miss Gaynor's accomplishments in this direction, there is necessarily a subtle appeal in the softness of the dialect. Taking the part of Heather Gordon, M:ss Gaynor appears as a steerage passenger among a group of emigrants of various nationalities bound for the United States on an Atlantic liner. Her unusual personality excites the attention of Lawrence Beaumont, played by Mr. Farrell, a socially-important young American in the first class. There are the beginnings_ of a romance on shipboard, but tho situation is abruptly disturbed when Miss Gaynor is prohibited from becoming an American citizen, and takes the desperate course of evading the Federal authorities. In New York she finds sanctuary with a family of Russian musicians, shipboard friends, and appears in a cabaret troupe. This leads to a reunion with Mr. Farrell, but tho passage of the romance is made increasingly difficult by the spite of Mr. Farrell's fiancee and the unflagging efforts of the Federal detectives to arrest the missing Scots girl. Largely through the assistance) of El Brendel, who is Mr. Farrell's valet, and provides a fund of clever humour throughout the film, the position is righted and the romance ends happily, again on shipboard. The supporting films are well chosen, and, apart from films dealing with topics of the day, there is a highly amusing R.K.O. comedy.

PLAZA THEATRE. The First night of a new Ben Trayers film comedy is something of an occasion, and the screening of "Mischief" at, the Plaza Theatre last evening drew a packed house. It was uproarious fun. Although lacking the immaculate and suave figure of Tom Walls, who was recuperating from an illness when the play was filmed, Ralph Lynn, true to nonsensical form, and aided and abetted by an efficient band of comedy players and half a dozen inimitable rustic types, sped the farce along at breakneck speed and kept the audience in a continuous state of convulsed mirth. These English farces appear to be getting better and better, leaving their foreign rivals well in the background. Apart, from the delicious comedy and brilliant repartee which seems to be almost the prerogative of English drama, this new film, meticulously produced by Jack Raymond, equals its American and German contemporaries in the matter of direction, photography and assembly. Primarily it is high farce, a succession of laughs induced by slick situations, smart dialogue and comic acting of a very high order, but those who recently have watched the slow progress made by the British film industry will observe with pleasure signs of a quickening interest in production technique in this picture. Watch, for instance, the rotating shaving brush cleverly dissolve into the rotating telephone dial, and the similar device that changes a washtub into the hub of a motor-car wheel. How refreshing, too, to be given a liberal measure of English country scenery, shady lanes and whitewashed cottages and the delightful reproduction of the taproom of a country inn. No need to enlarge upon the story. It is a fresh series of the Ralph Lynn adventures, in which that farcical person falls foul of some more busvbodics who ' misconstrue his actions. Those who see it will chuckle for works over his innocent endeavours to reconcile a suspicious husband and wife, his encounter with the village topers in (hp inn, his adventure with an idiot lad and a village horse, that, trots when told to stop and stops when told to trot, his accidental immersion in a rain-water tank, his encounter with the, lonely girl in the cottage (Winifred Shotter), and his miraculous escape in the garb of a lady of fashion from a horde of incensed relatives. One has a particularly warm feeling, too. for the idiot boy, for the appealing Miss Shotter, for Kenneth Kove. who possesses, surely, the most vacant countenance, of any of the human species, and for those sublime yokels gathered round pewter tankards, who enriched themselves at the expense of innocent gentlemen from town. There is a strong supporting programme, including a fine Australian newsreel, a dancing item and a Crazy Cat cartoon.

HI ALTO TJIEATRE. The adventures of a quick-witted confidence iuan supply the theme of " Get-Rick-Quick Wallingford," which, with tho thrilling newspaper drama, " Tho Final Edition," will ho shown at the Rialto Theatre this evening. LONDON* THEATRE. James Dunn and Sally Filers, who gave such sincere performances in Frank Borzage's film version of Vina Delmar's "Bad Girl," nro an appealing pair in "Dance Team," now being presented at tho Lonrlon Theatre. It. is another film of everyday people. BRITANNIA THEATRE. " These Charming People" (Cyril Maude and Nora Swinburne) and " Mother's Cry," with Dorothy Peterson, comprise the. films at the Britannia Theatre. TUDOR CINEMA. Lan Hay's " Tilly of Bloomsbury," with Phyllis Konstam and Sydney Howard, heads tho Tudor Cinema programme. LYRIC THEATRE. " City Streets." a vivid crime drama, with Sylvia Sydney and Gary Cooper, and " Many a Slip " are the films at the Lyric Theatre. ONEHUNGA STRAND THEATRE. " The Sin of Madelon Claudet " (Helen Hayes) will be the attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onchunga, to-day. AVONDALE THEATRE. " Bad Girl," the sincere modern drama at the Avondale Theatre this evening, will be followed by dancing until midnight.

CIVIC THEATRE. An intense drama, featuring cruelty and love, hatred and romance, "Twentyfour Hours," was accorded an enthusiastic reception at the Civic Theatre last evening. Clive Brook played the part of tlie wealthy scion of an honoured family, who had become a heavy drinker, and the role was one which gave him full scope for his powerful interpretation of a part calculated to win admiration from his most severe critic. In the opposite lead was Kay Francis, famous for her polished acting, as the wife of the drunkard, who finds that only the wreckage remains of her married life. Miriam Hopkins plays an important role, fresh from an outstanding triumph in "The Smiling Lieutenant." and her personal attraction as the cabaret singer who is claimed by the drunkard as his only friend, makes itself apparent from her first appearance. Her estranged husband is Regis Toomey, who is rapidly gaining recognition for his sincere, effective performances. "Twentyfour Hours" shows how several people, within that period on the clock, suddenly find themselves in a dangerous situation threatening some of their lives. From the moment they are introduced at a fashionable dinner party, to that tense second, almost a day later, when one of the men finds himself unjustly accused of murder, with only his estranged wife willing to believe him innocent, "Twentyfour Hours" creates and maintains suspense with compelling effect. Jim Towner (Clive Brook), the dissolute society man, tries to forget his unhappiness in the company of a woman whose occupation is singing at the cabaret. Later he goes to her apartments and while he lies in a stupor the climax of the film is reached in a scene of superb acting, in which Rosie, the singer, is murdered by her husband Tony in a fit of rage. He awakes, to find her dead, and then the newspapers tell of his arrest. His wife, faithful to him in his hour of need, comes to his aid and proclaims her unfaltering love, which is rewarded by the discovery of his "innocence. Their reunion on a liner bound for Europe gives suitable culmination to the sufferings each had endured. Items by the Civic Orchestra were warmly applauded by the audience, and the supporting programme assisted much toward tho splendid evening's entertainment. There was a Paramount news reel showing scenes following the loss of the submarine M2 in England, the successful attempt on the light-car speed record by Eyston on the Pendine sands, and scenes from the .Aldershot pageant. A story of Scotland Yard is portrayed in a film entitled "Detective Lloyd," and a Talßatoon, "Jack and the Beanstalk," provides an amusing diversion.

MAJESTIC THEATRE, . Will Rogers revels in the typical role of an Oklahoma razor-blade king in " Business and Pleasure," the delightful comedy which is being shown with " Cheaters at Play," an intriguing mystery-drama, at the Majestic Theatre. Mr. Rogers' performance is admirable and sparkles with wit and subtle satire. His adventures amid the distractions of Syria are most amusing. Jetta Goudal is appropriately alluring as a bewitching siren with designs upon the complaisant Mr. Tinker, and others who act well are Joel McCrea and Peggy Ross. The principals in " Cheaters at Play" are Charlotte Greenwood, Thomas Meighan, William Bakewell, Barbara Weeks, Linda Watkins and James Kirkwood. NATIONAL THEATRE. A pervading quality of eerieness characterises " Frankenstein," the amazing horror film now at the National Theatre. Colin Clive, Captain Stanhope in R. C. Sherriff's " Journey's End," is splendid in the part of Frankenstein, an overzealous scientist who creates a monster. This terrifying, cumbrous creature, which gradually develops from dull vnrHed, slowmoving inhuman monstrosity into a cunning criminal, is portrayed with remark able skill by Boris Karloff. Aided by a remarkable make-up he ' depicts the mental obtuseness, the bodily awkwardness and the fiendish cruelty of the monster with impressive power. There is an uncommonly fine supporting cast, including Frederick Kerr, who lends welcome touches of quiet humour, and Mae Clarke, who acts well as Frenkenstein's unhappy bride. ROXY THEATRE.

Unhesitating praise has been accorded " Forbidden," the present film at the Rosy Theatre, by overseas critics. The film correspondent of the London Morning Post says: " 'Forbidden' is a film of considerable importance. It is written and directed by Frank Copra. It is the best and most promising piece of work he has done. He has set out to portray ' a slice of life,' and he has done it. . . I have long thought that Barbara Stanwyck might become the biggest star in Hollywood. From ' Illicit ' to 'Ten Cents a Dance ' (that admirable film), she has steadily progressed, and in ' Forbidden ' one's hopes of her are justified."

STRAND THEATRE. "Consolation Marriage" is the title of the impressive drama of modern life now at tlie Strand Theatre. It is described as a film with a special appeal for women. Irene Dunne, who won many admirers for her work in " Cimarron," brings rare dignity and charm to the leading character, and Myrna Loy, Pat O'Brien, John Halliday and Matt. Moore, all popular players of accomplishment., also appear in prominent roles. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE. The original cast of " Splinters " appears again in the hilarious British comedy, " Splinters in the Navy," at the Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. Sydney Howard, " the frozen-faced comedian," Fred Bentley and Reg Stone appear. TE PAPAPA PICTURES. " Dishonoured " (Marlene Dietrich) and " Gun Smoke " are the films at the Te Papapa Pictures. The theatre, which is under new management, has been equipped with new apparatus. CAPITOL THEATRE. Ernst Lubitsch's " The Smiling Lieutenant " (Maurice Chevalier) and " Never the Twain Shall Meet," with Leslie Howard and Karen Morley, are being shown at the Capitol Theatre. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Powerful acting is a feature of " The Yellow Ticket" at the Grey Lynn Cinema. TIVOLI THEATRE. Ann Harding gives a fine characterisation in " Devotion," at the Tivoli Theatre. In addition, " The Menace," a thrilling drama, with H. B. Warner, Walter Byron and Natalie Moorhead, will be screened. EMPRESS THEATRE. " The Menace," a film version of Edgar Wallace's " The Feathered Serpent," will be screened at the Empress evening, together with " Devotion," in which Ann Harding, noted stage actress, gives a powerful portrayal. REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM. A charming Story of young love is told in " Merely Mary Ann," the screen version of Israel Zangwill's play, which will bo shown at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, this evening. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. «' The Girl Habit," with_ Charles Ruggles, and " Huckleberry Finn" are the two films on the present programme at the Prince Edward Theatre* J

REGENT THEATRE. While there has been a number of filnuj during the past two years depicting the Great War from various aspects, including the airman's point of view, the outlook of the infantryman and of the* spy, there has been as yet no attempt to portray the part taken by the artillery. This deficiency has been remedied by "Chances," the First National-Vitaphone picture which opened a short Auckland season at the Regent Theatre last evening to an appreciative audience. Based on a strong plot, this film gives an excellent idea of the work of the field and howitzer batteries during the war, the actual scenes of combat being among the finest ever screened. The story is from a novel by A. Hamilton Gibbs, a major of artillery in the British Forces during the war. At the outset of the picture two brothers, Jack and Tom Ingleside, are about to leave England for active service. On the eve of their departure both meet a girl, Molly Prescott, who is attracted by Jack, but on the other side is equally as strongly loved by Tom. The two brothers, who have been inseparable since their earliest years, serve in the same battery, but only one, Jack, is aware of the real position. While he feels a strong attraction for the girl, he is at the same time compelled by a sense of loyalty to his brother to mask his feelings, with the result that the brother believes that the girl's affections lie solely in his direction. Amid tha tragedy of warfare a drama is enacted in a ruined village, and the outcome provides a thrilling and unexpected denouement* Douglas Fairbanks, jun., whose appearance in several recent pictures has won him many admirers, does exceptionally good work as Tom Ingleside, his portrayal of a difficult role being remarkable. Combining dashing bravado with a conflict oi emotions, he provides the finest acting in the film. Anthony Bushell is well cast as the brother, proving an excellent foil for Fairbanks, while Rose Hobart is seen as the. girl who is the object of the brothers' divided affections. Holmes Herbert, as the commanding officer, Tyrell Davis, as a London fop, and Mary Forbes, as the mother of the two young men, are the principals in the splendid supporting cast. A departure from the usual type oi comedies is provided by "Running Hollywood," a breezy short feature in which not one or two but over a dozen noted screen actors and actresses are seen. Further humour is provided by a "Silly Symphony" cartoon by Writ Disney, while a novelty sketch, "Free and Easy,'* is also screened. In addition to an International Newsreel the comprehensive programme also includes a Cinesound Australian News, one of the items of interest included being a pictorial record of the recent Ngaruawahia regatta.