ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21247, 29 July 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE 'Tho incomparable artist, Billy Merison, known for his performance in "Hose Marie," ig seen for the first time in New Zealand in an aniusing fantasy, "Bill and Coo," which commenced a season before, a, large .audien.ce at tho Plaza Theatre last. evening. . In this film one is ,taken, "behind tho scenes," and all the • appurtenances of-a' 'small touring (<oinpany form' the • background' (or the comedy of this diminutive but. prominent actor. The story of'the' light and humorous entertainment surrounds Beodo, a strong man, played by Billy Merson, who has the knack of getting in everybody's way when "'fixing his stoof oopi"At the same timo he is hopelessly in ,love with the leading lady, with the result that ho has a strong tendency to build a number of castles in the air. When the tenor of the show does not appear Bendo, tries his hand at a sentimental song, but is shouted down, and his efforts in a comic number are little better. Disconsolate, ho falls asleep by his "props" to dream of an idyllic existence married to the leading lady, but after a • rude. awakening he finds that he has still to carry on the part of Bendo—the strong man! The whole production, is well up io the excellent standard of British International Pictures, and the show is one' which; shduW gain the appreciation of Auckland' audiences. The theme song, "Breezes thru' the Treeses," materially assists in keeping up tho happy tono bf tho fantasy., 'the programme includes a poignant drama of family life in" "Many Waters,"' which ingeniously discloses some of : tho tragedies lying behind the lives of a happy married couple and their daughter. To the unobservant outside world they have had no troubles, no sorrows or even discords to disturb the even plane of life, in fact, as is expressed by an acquaintance of theirs, who has no opportunity of knowing what has actually taken place, "they do not live, thoy merely exist. Effec tively produced, the drama shows the two sides of the question, the superficial :md the realistic. The coarse of true love, however, remains unaltered by bankruptcy, dishonour and the loss of then daughter, and the two are still able to preserve a mutual trust and happiness which helps them to "carry on. A Pathe Gazette completes the programme, depicting many topical features of interest gleaned from every part of the world. : ' MAJESTIC THEATRE . Two excellent mystery films, " Black Coffee" and "The Trial of. Vivienne Ware"—the first English and the other American—began a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. Both should provo exceedingly popular, judging from their, reception by last evening's crowded audience. Contrast is the esf nee of the programme. "Black Coffee," produced at the Fox Company's London studios' with typi; Cal English logic, is a somewhat leisurely affair which loses nothing, however, by the absence of hustle. The story, dealing with the astuteness of Hercule Poirot (Austin Trevor), Agatha Christies famous French detective, in tracing the murdel-er of an eccentric Englishman, the inventor of a particularly powerful ex- : plosive, is compressed into a period ot a few hours. But days pass as minutes m " The Trial of Vivienne Ware, a i>ox Hollvwood production, in which the director Mr. William K. Howard, has achieved a commendable briskness in the actiop, of tho plot by a swift succession of episodes. Joan Bennett acts with poise and charm as a disillusioned young woman standing trial for the murder of a specious man of the world, played by the English actor Jameson Thomas. Apart from the almost breathless pace of the story, and the brilliant direction of Mr. Howard, there are some delightful character sketches. For instance, there are "Skeets : Gallagher, an unconsciously comic radio announcer broadcasting a running de- | srription" of 'the murder trial; Zasu ! Pitts, still woebegone in the part of a t journalist who' broadcasts a' commentary ; on the frocking of the accused and principal feminine witnesses for her newspaper's radio station; Herbert Mundin, seen-in Auckland in "The Desert Song, a most amusing character as William ftoggs, butler; and Maude Eburne, as a gossiping neighbour of the murdered man. There, are alsd splendid studies of a Swedish • garage owner, and a gangster, " with a .sea* six , inches, loflg,. wrucn he did not get in. the war;". Donald Cook is an earnest hero as Vivienne Ware s ■faithful loVe't and a lawyer of penetrating perception: An alluring cabaret' entertainer entirely without scruples is. played ivith -facile charm by Lilian Bond, a young English actress. Any hint of ■ tecjium in the court scenes is cleverly relieved by tile humbur in the broadcasting room and views in the home of rapt list.eners-ir(. There is -no lack -of action. One' minute .we see radio patrol f cars scouring the. city -for an escaped man, then an' ice. Hockey game' played at a •furious rate, «t night club raided by police,- and, finally,. an exciting pursuit of the guilty person "by police officers. A' recent issue of the Fox Movietone News, including views of the giant fly-ing-boat DO-X in flight, and motor-racing at "Brooklands, completes a particularly entertaining and well-balanced programme. i i. • - . ■ •_ ;

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO; Set against the glamour of the Austrian aristocracy and its night life befoiferthe war, "Good-night Vienna" is the main film to be presented at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatre this evening. The' chief role is taken by Jack Buchanan. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE One of the most realistic* aviation pictures ever produced, "Hell's Angels, with Dorothy Jordan, Wallace Beery and Clark Gable, will be shown this evening at the Prince Edward Theatre. NEW REGENT THEATRE Robert Montgomery and Norma Shea/er could not' have" been better., cast than• in "Strangers May Kiss,"' which', will , bo screened this evening with "Beau Hunks" V. the New Regent Theatre.'- • : EMPRESS THEATRE Some delightful songs, are sung,'by Jack Buchanan and Anft?t Neagle in ' "Goodnight Vienna," which is the -main film to be screened at the Empress '■ Theatre this evening- > . BRITANNIA THEATRE Elissa Landi and Lewis Stone may be seen in "The Devil's Lottery,"', which, together with "Twenty-four Hours," will bo screened at the Britannia Theatre this evening. ' , ' TUDOR THEATRE Joan Crawford and Clark . Gable act with their customary polish in ''Possessed," which will be sliovfn . this evening at the Tudor Theatre with a Laurel and' Hardy comedy, "Never Weaken." . LYRIC THEATRE A, fine portrayal is given .by ; Wallace Beery .as. a degenerate prize-fighter in "The Champ," which will be screened this evening at the Ijyric 'Theatre with "Freighters of Destiny." • ' !*. LONDON-THEATRE' ; '•' . The British dramatic,,; production "Blackmail" and • a . riotously comedy, ■" Hot'/Curves,"; comprise the major entertainment at the London Theatre to-day. The mirth-provoking comedian, Benny Rubin, is funnier than ever in this comedy.

STRAND THEATRE Hie return to the screen of the talented actress,' Pola Negri, after a temporary retirement of more than two years, will be hailed with delight by numerous Auek-. land picture lovers. In her first •talking film, "A Woman Commands," which commenced a season before appreciative audiences at the.. Strand Theatre ".yesterday, Miss Negri undoubtedly scores one of the greatest triumphs of her colourful career. Possessing a* rich' speaking voice, ideally suited for reproduction purposes, she is destined to appear in many other productions and to win further laurels. The story of "A Woman Commands" is-essentially a romance, and has as a background la vish scenes in the Royal Court of a small European kingdom. Miss Negri plays the part of Madame Maria Drags, who, through force jflf circumstance, becomes the unwilling consort of the reigning Sovereign, a care-free, happy-go-lucky man who is ill; fitted for his high position^The Queens adventures and struggle against adversity to win, happiness and true love provide many highly entertaining scenes, which cannot fail to hold the attention of each succeeding audience. As the King, Roland Young, gives a sterling portrayal and is responsible for much humour. Basil Rathbone is seen as a dashing captain of the Royal Guard and the Queen's 1 secret lover, while other roles are' enacted by H. B. Warner, Anthony Bushell, May Boley and Reginald Owen. The photography is excellent throughout, especially in the glorious court scenes." Of exceptional merit, the supporting programme includes a clever cartoon and- the latest news gazettes from overseas. The latter show the arrival in Ireland of Mrs. Amelia Earhart Putnam, the American airwoman, at the conclusion of her transatlantic flight, and the Davis Cup lawn tennis contests between teams representing tho United States and Australia. • ; CIVIC THEATRE The film to -open a season at the Civic Theatre to-day, " Scandal Fsr Sale," is tho screen adaptation of the well known novel by Emile Gauvreau, " Hot News" It presents a new viewpoint on the transatlantic flights, so many of which have ended in disaster. With the' exposure of the ruthless methods of' the American " yellow " journals of gathering news as the background, a story that contains all the excitement, action and dramatic power that could be desired has been successfully brought to the talking screen. Auckland film-goers have previously witnessed films dealing with the methods of these journals, but this latest production is said to supersede all its predecessors in the realm of breath-taking thrills. A cast that possesses all the necessary qualifications for the film has- been chosen and each member acquits "himself admirably. The leading role of" the conscienceless journalist, who deals in cheap sensationalism, has been taken by Cnarles Bickford, who will be remembered for his fine and virile performances in " East of Borneo/' " River's End,'J and "Men in Her Life." The role of the heroine is charmingly portrayed by Rose Hobart, who appeared with the principal in "East of Borneo " >and -with Frednc March in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Pat O'Brien, of " The Front Page" and " Final Edition,"" is seen as a young reporter, who goes to his death in an aeroplane in order to provide a ".scoop" for his paper. Claudia Dell and J. Farrell„ Mac Donald are among the other players: ROXY AND TTVOU THEATRES The genius of the Swedish character actor Warner 01 and has never been seen to better advantage than in "The Drums of Jeopardy," which is to be screened at both the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres this evening. He takes the part of a demoniacal medical man who is determined to exterminate the whole family of the prince who was responsible for the death of his daughter. How he. himself is finally killed when he has nearly accomplished his sinister purpose forms, ''the climax of this thrilling picture. ,Another ".film, "Love Affair, whikti is; also presentedhas the leading roles in the hands_ of Humphrey Bogart and Dorqtliy Ma.ckaill. The picture is distinguished by some pxfremely fine aerial scenes.

; NATIONAL THEATRE A picture that should prove exceptionally popular with, Auckland filmgoers, " Radio Patrol," will open a season at the National Theatre to-day. Set against the drama and "sometimes tragedy of a great city, a vivid presentation of the various aspects of the daily tnrmoil is set before the audience. The cast of players interpreting the film includes such well-known and proficient artists as Robert Armstrong, Lila Lee, June Clyde and .Andy Devine. The action of the story never abates, the attention of the onlooker being held intently until the filial surprising scene, REGENT THEATRE The performance of the superb English artist George Arliss'in " The Man Who Played God,"'which is in -its second week at the Regent. Theatre, eclipses all his other portrtayals in the previous films in which he has been. .in .Auckland. He appears as a famous pianist, who is deprived of his music through being rendered deaf by a bomb explosion. After attempting to take his- life, he learns lip-reading and thus is able to play the part of the " Unknown God " to various "people and help them in their troubles. The picture has been magnificently produced and artistically directed. The supporting programme maintains the statnaard of the chief feature. STUDENTS' ENTERTAINMENT Variety was the keynote of the annnal musical entertainment presented by students of tho Auckland Training College before a large audience at the Town Hall concert chamber last evening. The success of the.evening was. due in no small measure to the enthusiasm of thd' singers aijd actors, who took their part in the wholehearted manner that has come to be associated with Training College functions. The programme was divided into three sections, an operatic burlesque, a series of part songs by members of the college glee club, and Gilbert and Sullivan's popular cantata, "Trial by Jury." As'there was such a marked difference in stylo between* the three main items it would be difficult to select the best, but each was well received. The operatic burlesque "Romeo and Juliet" consisted of parts of Shakespeare's play, unrecognisable in modern guise, accompanied by suitably farcical words set to popular airs. The cast included Messrs': C. A. Grossman, A. S. Batty, K. Potter,- G. Goldthorpe, F. J. Ness, J. W. Adams, B. H. Wakelin, D, E. Scott, D. W. Christie and a chorus of students. The next, item, part songs by tho glee slub, was in more serious vsin. Conducted by Mr. S. H. Johnson, the club opened with Rossini's "Carftival," and showed good restrained singing in "When Evening's Twilight." Other items were, "Let All the World*' and German's rollicking" "Rolling Down to Rio." What was lacking in vocal ability was more than compensated for in vehemence in "Trial by Jury," which concluded the programme. Principal members of the cast were Mr. A. F. Budd, as the Judge; Miss Alison Holmes, as plaintiff; Mr. A. S. Batty, as defendant; Mr. B. E. Wakelin, as counsel for the plaintiff; Mr. A. M. Baildon, as tlio usher; and Mr. N. R. C. Harris, as foreman of the jury. The, chorus of six bridesmaids included Misses Penelope J ,av^ s °"' Monica Gowef, Natalie Jacombs, Bet v Maxwell, Joan Maxwell and Elsie Tho cantata was well done, ■ and t maioritv of tho soloists, were encoird. Mr. Baildon. was ponderously humoioiu in the best stylo as befitted the ui»fier, •and Miss Holmes, after overcoming a preliminary nervousness, acted and s '™S. as the plaintiff. The entertainment will be repeated this evening.