ENTERTAINMENTS '

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21250, 2 August 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS '

ST. JAMES' THEATRE ' The screen' adaptation of one of tbfl plays of Pirandello, tho national dramatist of Italy, "As You Desire Me," with the noted nctress Greta Garbo in the principal role, will end. its season at thu St. James' Theatre on Thursday. The film is one of the best pictures in which '' tho popular Swedish artist has been seen for some time. She is given ample scope for her dramatic ability and in no scene is she in any way found wanting. The next attraction for the St. James' Theatre is "Letty Lynton," a. story of a pjirl (Joan Crawford) who, meeting her affinity (Robert Montgomery) on a liner,, narrowly misses the electric chair owing to her "past." Taken from a novel by Mrs. Belloc Eowndes, the entertaining nature of tho story has been considerably enhanced by the artistry of s cast of players whose work throughout is excellent. Besides the two principals there are Lewis Stone, Nils Asther and May Robson. The last-named will be remembered for her performance in "Mother's Millions."PLAZA THEATRE "Bill and Coo," a delightful comedy with the comedian Billy Merson in the chief role, is still proving popular at the' Plaza Theatre. Last seen in Auckland in "Rose Marie," Mr Merson adds to his. ~ laurels by his performance in this picture, which is set against the background of a small touring theatrical company. He takes the part of "Bendo," the strong; man, whose attempts to render a senti- - mental song are ridiculed by the audience. On the same programme is a drama of to-day, "Many Wateirs," the most prominent part in which is in the capable hands of Lillian Hall Davis. A drama of . America's divorce courts, "Attorney for tho Defence," is the next film to be screened at the Plaza Theatre. Edmund Lowe, Constance Cummings and Evelyn ' Brent are the principals. REGENT THEATRE - As the world-famous musician Mont"' gomery Royale, Sir. George Arliss gives what is undoubtedly the best performance of his amazingly successful career. There is probably no artist on the screen to-day , who can act with more naturalness and conviction than Sir. Arliss, and he brings all bis genius to play in "The Man Who Played God," which is enjoying an extended season at the Regent Theatre.' By the explosion of a bomb intended fpr . a king before whom he is about to play, he is rendered deaf and in tho bitterness of his grief he rails against .God and man. Eventually he learns lip-read-ing and thug finds a new interest in life/

MAJESTIC THEATRE "• The screen adaptation of the radio * mystery story "The Trial of Vivienne Ware," which created a furore when it was broadcast in the Unittc States, is attracting crowds to the Majestic Theatre. The talented cast includes! such celebrities as Joan Bennett, Donald Cook aiiJ Zasu > Pitts. Another mystery film, "Black Cof- . fee," produced by the British Fox company, completes the entertainment. The " . two pictures provide an interesting insight into two widely different means of, ». solving crimes. CIVIC THEATRE A most unusual aapect of the transatlantic flights that have ended in disaster is provided in "Scandal For Sale," which " v is delighting patrons of the Civic ' Theatre this week. As well as the flying side of the picture, however, there is aa interesting presentation of the method 3 employed by the American "yellow"' newspapers in gathering their news. The • ? part of an Unscrupulous editor is taken. admirably by Charles Bickford. There is an entertaining programme of supports. ' * '• ' STRAND THEATRE ; f ' Miss Pola Negri makes her first talk-, .v. ing picture appearance in "A Woman \ JL Commands," which patrons of the Strand ~?•••£ Theatre are enjoying at present. Disclos- - • ing a pleasing voice, which has been . excellently recorded, Miss Negri takes & • a role that is based on the dramatic career *•' of Queen Maria Draga, of Serbia. H. 8.Warner and Roland Young are in 6up- :-k> port. ' NATIONAL THEATRE Thi'ills in plenty are provided by ,s ßadio Patrol," which is the intensely dramaticproduction at present being shown at the National Theatre. The background of the film is provided by the incessant struggle that the police force of a large city haa to maintain law and order. Robert Armstrong and Lila Lee are among the more important of the players. LONDON THEATRE Two entertaining pictures axe being shown at the London Theatre. "Blackmail" is an English drama, and "Hot Curves," with Benny Rubin, is a comedy, of the most hilarious order. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Joan Bennett and John Boles act splendidly in "Careless Lady," which may be seen this evening with "Waterloo Bridge" at the Prince Edward Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Patrons of the Crystal Palace Theatre - this evening will be entertained by Con- , stance Bennett in " Lady With a Past, in which this popular actress appears with Ben Lyon and David Manners. RIALTO THEATRE •*' Constance Bennett and Ben Lyon are the principals in the sophisticated film, " " Lady With a Past," which will be shown this evening at the Rialto Theatra *• with "Murder at Covent Garden," 4 thrilling mystery 6tory. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE With the London matinee idol, Jack Buchanan in the chief role, "* Good-night?, Vienna" is the principal attraction at the Epsom Regent Theatre this evening. LYRIC THEATRE Joan Crawford and Clark Gable are th« principals in "Possessed," at the Lyris Theatre this evenifff. TUDOR THEATRE Ccorgo Bancroft acts with his cutomarv polish in "Rich Man's Folly," to b« v shown at tho Tudor Theatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE An amazing aerial picture, "Hell .- Divers," is the main attraction at the ;i> Britannia Theatre this evening. TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL ;* The pupils of tho Takapuna Grammai School held their annual concert, in th« . ? Gaietv Theatre, Takapuna, last evening, * there"being a large attendance. The pro- ■ gramme consisted of orchestral- selections, ...... vocal items by the different forms exlnbi- .1 tions of drill and character dancing, lvo. -• plays, exceptionally well produced, wew "Tho Maker of Dreams" and a comedy, ~. "Our Aunt From California." Both wera well acted and wero greatly appreciated. vr Tho sixth form girls contributed a 1/tH . ccnti.ry minuet. The concert will be repeated* this evening. UNIVERSITY ENTERTAINMENT - The Auckland .University Collegl :■ i Musical Society will present a of vocal;ahd instrumental items m college hall on Thursday, evening • ~ ±