ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21274, 30 August 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE Some amazing aerial scenes are included in the entertaining film of military life, "Sky Devils," which heads the present programme at the Regent Theatre. Although the picture is laid against; the background of life in the Army and Air Force, it is not a war film, and, besides the thrills provided by the aerial manoeuvring, there is a goodly element of j comedy supplied by two life-savers, who, being unable to swim, become pilots in the Air Force and quite unable to fly. Spencer Tracy, William Boyd and Georgo Cooper are the principals, while charming feminine interest is given the production by Ann Dvorak. There is a fine programme of supporting features. The "Gulliver's Travels" pantomime is staged at the afternoon sessions. Concerning "Arrowsmith," with Ronald Colman, which will open a season at the Regent Theatre on Friday, an English critic writes:—"lt is not too much to say that 'Arrowsmith' is one of the most- distinguished films ever made. The Sinclair Lewis novel of the young doctor consumed by a noble passion for medical research has been reproduced by Mr. Samuel Goldwyn with admirable restraint and understanding. Mr. Colmap gives,, the best performance of his career." PLAZA THEATRE A story of cabaret life, "Dancers in the Dark," is proving popular at the Plaza Theatre, where it will conclude its season to-morrow evening. Jack Oakie and William Collier, junr., take the roles of two members of a jazz band, while Miriam Hopkins, of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," appears as a dancer in the cabaret where they play. The minor films include a Paramount newsreel, a song film, a comedy and a cartoon. "SYMPHONY OF SIX MILLION" Fannie Hurst, who created a sensation with her "Humor.esquo" some time ago, has never written anything better than "Symphony of Six Million," which is to follow "Dancers in the Dark" at the Plaza Theatre on Thursday. Another story of the people of the slums is unfolded in this film, which is distinguished by its powerful drama and the fidelity with which every character is portrayed. A critic writes: —"There are some; unusually powerful passages in the picture, notably the Jewish family-interiors and the surgery and hospital scenes. The operation on the hero's father has been handled, with fine dramatic instinct. Ricardo Cortez and Irene Dunne act splendidly, but are overshadowed by the excellence of Gregory Ratoff and Anna Appel as the Jewish father and mother."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The magnetic personality of Ramon Novarro is the outstanding feature of "Huddle," at the St. James' Theatre. It is an appealing story of college life, with fast-moving action and abundant humour and pathos. The atmosphere of schooldays has been vividly captured by tho producer. Mr. Novarro takes the role of an Italian mill-hand, who enters Yale University. His efforts to adapt himself to his new social environment and his prowess on the football field are traced in a fashion that presents the spirit of youth with subtle artistry. Madge Evans portrays the daughter of a steel magnate with whom the central figure falls in love. Ralph Graves and Henry Armetto are others in the cast. Scenes of the opening of the Olympic Games are included in the supporting programme.

NATIONAL THEATRE Directed by Mervyn Leßoy, the youngest of Hollywood's great directors, "The Heart of New York," at the National Theatre, presents the inimitable comedy combination of George Sidney, Joe Smith and Charles Dale. George Sidney plays the part of Mendel, the family head, who prefers inventing a dish-wash-ing machine to securing a livelihood for his family. STRAND THEATRE "Frail Women," with Owen Nares and Mary Newcomb, will conclude its season at the Strand Theatre on Thursday evening. Miss Newcomb makes a successful first film appearance in this production. "Westward Passage," with the glamorous Ann Harding, of "Prestige," will commence a season at the Strand on Friday. It is a drama of love and marriage, divorce and second marriage. Laurence Olivier, Irving Pichel and Zasu Pitts head the supporting artists. MAJESTIC THEATRE An action-filled drama of the American West, "Mystery Ranch," is entertaining patrons of the Majestic Theatre this week. The virile actor of outdoor roles, George O'Brien, has the principal role. The picture was based on the novel, "The Killer," by Stewart Edward White. At the afternoon sessions the delightful pantomime, "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe," will continue to be staged. At the evening sessions a second film, "Brown Sugar," is also .shown. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE "The Chinese Puzzle," with Austin Trevor and Jane Welsh, is the main picture to bo screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. A fine portrayal also comes from Leon M. Lion, as a Chinese mandarin. "Never Trouble Trouble" is the second film. LONDON THEATRE Adapted from the play by John Galsworthy, "The Skin Game" will open a season at the London Theatre to-day. There are many subtle touches of satire and i comedy. Jill Esmond, Edmund Gwenn, Phyllis Konstam and John Longden are the main players. NEW REGENT THEATRE Vivid scenes of the making of "stunt" flying pictures are given in "The Lost Squadron," to be presented this evening at the New Regent Theatre. Richard Dix is the central figure. RIALTO THEATRE A • melodramatic story with a strong romantic interest is unfolded in "The Road to Reno," the principal attraction this evening at the Rialto Theatre. EMPIRE THEATRE The genius of George Arliss is displayed to the best advantage in "Alexander Hamilton," ,the Empire Thoatre film.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "The Trial of Vivienne Ware," .a telling radio drama, and "Men in Her Life" head the programme at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening. LYRIO THEATRE The alluring .actress Tallulah Bankhead is the principal in "The Cheat," which heads this evening's programme at the Lyric Theatre. TUDOR THEATRE Ruth Chatterton and Ivor Novello are the two chief players in "Once a Lady," to bo shown this evening at the Tudor Theatre. BRITANNIA THEATRE "West of Broadway" and "Dangerous Years" comprise the major entertainment at the Britannia Theatre this evening.

CIVIC THEATRE A screamingly funny burlesque of the life of Chicago's "gangsters," "Innocents of Chicago," at the Civic Theatre, is attracting well-merited patronage. It comes as a refreshing change from the numerous "gangster" pictures that have been shown here. Tho leading figure in tho production is a young and fatuous Englishman, who inherits from his uncle a large milk business in Chicago, not knowing that it is but a cloak to cover an illicit liquor trade. He becomes the butt of two rival gang loaders, both bent on getting him forcibly out of the way. Thinking that he is tho centre of a social function, ho gently reprimands his "clients" and "board." He finally leaves the two gangs in the midst of a gang "war." Henry Kendall and Betty Norton are the principals. A thrilling vaudeville act, "The Globe of Death," performed by three daring motor-cyclists who ride inside a metal globe, is presented on tho stage. John Wray, Sylvia Sydney and Chester Morris appear in "Tho Miracle Man," to head the next change of programme at the theatre. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES William Boyd, as a young lumberman, aud Ginger Rogers, as the star of a carnival show-boat, form the principal phir in "Carnival Boat," tho first film of a doublo-featuro programme opening at both tho Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Mr. Boyd and Miss Rogers appoared together in "Suicide Fleet," but in this production tho romantic side of the story plays a more important part. His father's opposition to his affection for tho show-girl brings about some of the most dramatic scenes in tho picture. Tho romance is set against tho fast-moving background of action in a big logging camp. Thrills in plenty are provided by the breaking of a log-jamb, the wrecking of a heavilyloaded runaway train and many other breath-taking episodes. The cast includes Fred Kohler, Hobart Bosworth, Marie Provost and Edgar Kennedy. The romantic adventures of a glib-tonguod commercial traveller arc amusingly told in "Travelling Husbands," the second attraction at tho two theatres. A ceaseless parade of comic and dramatic situations distinguishes the film and the picture is borne along on a note of light and frivolous comedy. Evelyn Brent, Frank Albertson, Constance Cummings and Dorothy Peterson are among the fine cast of artists.

" BLUE ROSES" The crowded houses at His Majesty's Theatre on Saturday and again last evening, and the reception accorded the presentation of the London musical comedy success "Blue Roses," were eloquent testimonies to the popularity of the two leading players, Madge Elliott and Cyril Ilitchard. There will be a matinee tomorrow afternoon. SALVATION ARMY CONCERT The work carried out by the Salvation Army among the young people of Auckland received striking demonstration in the Scots Ilall last evening, when children and young men and women from the various districts united in presenting » fine programme of song, elocution and doscriptive tableaux. In spite of the heavy rain, the half was crowded, and Commissioner J. Cunningham, who presided, described the youth work of the Army as one of its most important activities, especially under present cpnditious. The" religious tableaux, presented by groups of boys and girls from Newton, Otahuhu, Eden, Onehunga, Grey Lynn, Newmarket, tho Congress Hall and the Grange Orphanage, were excellently arranged. Exhibitions of rod drill by girls from the Grange Orphanage and physical drill and calisthenics by groups from Avondale and Newton respectively were also admirably done. The massed singing by tho combined youth of the Army in Auckland was most effoctive, and the entire programme reflected great credit on th§ young artists and on Ensign Ilorsham and Captain A. Chandler, who were responsible for the production. During the evening; Commissioner Cunningham presented to Carman Baxter and Margaret Dowling the General's Tassel to Life Saving Guards. KNOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT The inmates of Knox Home, Panmure, were entertained by a concert party under the auspices of the Auckland City Mission last evening. Items were given by Mrs. K. King, Mrs. Bart Clark, Messrs. Norman Tate, A. Austin, H. G. Cbevis and Hindini.