ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21249, 1 August 1932, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE The refreshing English comedian Billy Merson, who wa s last seen in Auckland in Rose Marie, ' has another congenial pait in Bill and Coo," which is being screened at the Plaza Theatre. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the fact that the audience is given an opportunity of going behind the scenes of a small touring theatrical company, to which Merson is attached as " Bendo," the strong man. " Bendo" contrives to get in the way of others at awkward moments, and his popularity is not increased when he falls in love with the leading lady. To impress her, " Bendo" attempts to take the part of the tenor who usually sings opposite her, and his effort to render a sentimental ballad does not please the audience. His aspirations to marry the leading lady and "live happily ever after" are revealed in a dream, but he wakes to carry on his insignificant role as a strong man. The programme also includes an interesting picture of family life, " Many Waters," in which tho leading players are Lilian Ilall Davis and Arthur Margetson. MAJESTIC THEATRE Two excellent films dealing with mysterious crimes, "Tho Trial of Vivienne Ware" and "Black Coffee," are now being presented at the Majestic Theatre. In "The Trial of Vivienno Ware" tho plot deals with the trial of a beautiful young society girl on a charge of murdering her fiance. There are many dramatic scenes and the work of the large cast is exemplary. Joan Bennett has the principal part, and she is ably supported by Zasu Pitts, Herbert Mundin, Maude Eburne and Donald Cook. Tho picture is based on the highly successful radio play which caused nation-wide interest when broadcast in America, each of tho thousands of listeners acting as one of the jury. Tho programme also includes an English mystery drama, "Black Coffee." Next Thursday there will commence a return season of "Tho Love Parade," one of tho earliest and most enjoyable of Maurice Chevalier's films. Jeanette Macdonald and Lil lian Roth are included in the cast. The picture includes some lino music, and the popular song, "Dream Lover," is sung by Jeanette Macdonald.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The inimitable Greta Garbo gives a performance of rare merit; in her latest film, "As You Desire Me." The picture, which heads the current programme at St. James' Theatre, is remarkable in itself, quito apart from the fine work of the leading player. Convincing drama, rarely found in motion pictures, is predominant in "As You Desire Me," and Garbo, with her superb artistry, makes tho film one of outstanding interest. Based on one of the finest plays by Pirandello, the national dramatist of "Italy, the story opens with the discovery by a young man in Buda Pest of his friend's wife, who had disappeared during the war. Iler former life forgotten, tho girl suffers the friend to tako her back to her husband, but untoward situations arise when a former lover attempts to question her identity. There is also an interesting supporting programme. Next Friday Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery will be seen together in "Letty Lynton."

CIVIC THEATRE A thrilling picture dealing principally with American newspaper work and a transatlantic flight that ended in disaster, "Scandal For Sale," is now being screened at the Civic Theatre. Although the film is highly dramatic, relief is provided by a bright comedy element, and at no time does the interest wane. The picture is also notable for some extremely clever and unusual pictures of the. production of a great newspaper. Excellent work is done by each member of the large cast, which is headed by Charles Bickford, as the ruthless editor, and Pat O'Brien as his "star" reporter. The supporting programme includes a series of interesting films, one of which shows Charles Paddock, the famous sprinter, in action. NATIONAL THEATRE There is plenty of action in "Radio Patrol," a thrilling picture of police life in a great city, which is the current attrattion at the National Theatre. The story moves extremely quickly, and a series of exciting incidents hold the interest throughout. The efforts of the police to maintain law and order, the methods they employ, and the stirring adventures in their war against crime, are vividly depicted, and form an interesting plot. The cast, which has been carefully chosen, includes Robert Armstrong, Lila Lee, June Clyde and Andy Devine. The .supporting programme includes one of tho Bobby Jones golf series, and several newsreels. STRAND THEATRE "A Woman Commands," the talking picture made by Pola Negri, is attracting interest at the Strand Theatre. One of the most talented players on the silent screen, Pola Negri has nob been seen for a considerable time, and her return is welcome. The story is set in a mythical European kingdom, in the ruling of which the leading actress plays a large part. Included in the supporting cast are Roland Young, Basil Rathbone and H. B. Warner.

LONDON THEATRE The current programme at the London Theatre includes two full-length films, "Blackmail" and "Hot Curves." In the second film the popular comedian, Benny Rubin, is featured. Both pictures provide good entertainment. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE Jack Buchanan is an engaging character in the musical romance "Good-night Vienna," to head the programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre this evening. Anna Neagle is the heroine. RIALTO THEATRE " Lady With a Past," a witty,, sophisticated comedy-drama, with Constance Bennett, Ben Lyon and David Manners, will he shown with "Murder at Covent Garden" at the Rialto Theatre this evening. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Constance Bennett gives a brilliant light comedy performance in "Lady With a Past," which heads the programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Ben Lyon and David Manners are also in the cast. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE An astounding aviation film " Hell Divers," with Wallace Beery and Clark Gable, heads the Prince Edward Theatre programme. LYRIC THEATRE Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper are an appealing pair in "Hie Champ at the Lyric Theatre. TUDOR CINEMA Joan Crawford and Clark Gable appear in "Possessed" at the Tudor Cinema. BRITANNIA THEATRE " The Devil's Lottery," with Elissa Landi, and Clive Brook's "Twenty-four Hours" are the Britannia Theatre films.