ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21279, 5 September 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

STRAND THEATRE All the resources of the RKO organisation were utilised for the making of " Westward Passage," which opened a season at the Strand Theatre on Satur day. The glamorous " star " of " Prestige," Ann Harding, has the principal role, opposite Laurence Olivier, and Bhe adds considerably to the reputation she has gained for convincing emotional acting. The film is notable for tho imposing settings, which include a Swiss chalet, a Paris chateau, a New York art studio, a New England inn and a transatlantic liner. Against these backgrounds is an intensely moving story of a woman torn between two loves. Miss Harding is seen as a woman who tests tho theory that a woman's first love is the dominant passion of her life. With one romance on the rocks of divorce, the heroine gambles for happiness in a second marriage and meets the problems that to-day confront hundreds of thousands of women. Tho supporting cast of players includes such wellknown artists as Irving Pichel, Juliette Compton, Zasu Pitts and Irene Purcell. In " Ghost Valley," the film in support of the main picture, Tom Keene gives another characteristic performance in a mystery film of the American " West." The attention of the audience is held throughout by the many thrilling scenes. CIVIC THEATRE First produced as a stage play in 1914. then as a silent film in 1919, the ultimato presentation of Frank Packard's story, " The Miracle Man," in talking picture form, opened a season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. The story concerns tho efforts of a gang of criminals to defraud an aged patriarch, a faith-healer, and the ultimate conversion of the criminals when they see a truly crippled boy cured by the powers of prayer. Tho leader of the gang is admirably played by Chester Morris, who will be remembered for his fine work In "Corsair" lately. The main feminine role is capably taken by Sylvia Sidney. Perhaps the outstanding characterisation in the film, however, comes from Hobart Bosworih, as the faithhealer. Irving Pichel, John Wray, Ned Sparks and Lloyd Hughes are other players of note in the production. . REGENT THEATRE No better tribute could bo paid to Sinclair Lewis than to say that the talking picture version of his book, " Martin Arrowsmith," which opened a season at the Regent Theatre on Friday, is a triumph both for tho writer and the wonderful talent that has been brought to bear on its translation to the screen. A combination of infinite beauty is provided by Ronald Colman and Helen Hayes in tho principal roles. The story traces the hopes and ideals of Martin Arrowsmith through his childhood days, student days, as a struggling country medical practitioner, a research worker, and, finally in his struggle to overcome the terrible plague that ravishes the West Indies. Poignant touches aro introduced into the film when the scientist who has accompanied him to tho islands is stricken with the plague and when his wife eventually falls a vie* im. Thero is a fine programme of supporting pictures.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Somo unusual and sinister quarters of Paris are presented in the enthralling dramatic film. " While Paris Sleeps," which heads the programme at the St. James* Theatre this week. The principal role, of a life-sentence convict, is played by the virile actor, Victor McLaglen, with his customary power and conviction. The" story concerns his eEcapo from tho French penal settlement and his efforts to help his motherless daughter, who is thrown, penniless, among the apaches of the underworld. She, however, does not know that he is her father, whoip she believes was killed in the| war. Tho part of the daughter is well done by Helen Mack, an actress new to the talking screeD. Mr. William Baikewell appears to advantage as tho lover of the girl, and Mr. Jack La Rue makes a sinister apache. NATIONAL THEATRE A touching tale of an old man's neglect is unfolded in " The Expert," which is delighting patrons of the National Theatre. The main character, " Old Man Minick," is taken by the young man who specialises in portraying old men, " Chic " Sale, appearing as an aged country yokel, who comes to spend his declining years with his son and his daughter-in-law. Wellintentioned, but meddlesome, he unwittingly makes himself unwelcome by his pitiful efforts to " reform" the household. His character is not tragic, however, the comedy element being stressed. As tho young boy next door, who forms a firm friendship with " Grandpa," Dickie Moore is splendid. The pair are eventually admitted to the home for gentlemen under 90. MAJESTIC THEATRE Better known in Auckland for his portrayals of sophisticated characters, William Powell takes an entirely different type of role in the comedy production, " High Pressure," which is proving popular at the Majestic Theatre. Ho appears as a company-promoter, who obtains the help of a financi-er for the formation of a company for tho manufacture of rubber from sewage. It is not until they are ready to start manufacturing that inquiries are set afoot, and it is realised that tiio inventor of the process is deranged. A travel film of South America, a Vitapliono comedy, " Naggers Go Shopping," a Fox Moviotonc' News and a Merry Melodies cartoon complete tho excellent programme. LONDON THEATRE The story of a lodging-house family who strivo to bo " better class " because their daughter aspires high in matrimonial circles, " Tilly of Bloorasburj'," at the London Theatre, presents the inimitable wit of Sydney Howard at its best. Phyllis Konstam appears as " Tilly." RIALTO THEATRE " The Chinese Puzzle," in which Austin Trevor has tho rolo of an astute detective, and " Old Soldiers Never Die," with Leslie Fuller, are tho two main films to be presented at the Rialto Theatre this evening. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Tho Swedish character actor, Warner Oland, and Anna May Wong appear in " Daughter of the Dragon " to be shown at tho Crystal Palace Theatre this evening. NEW REGENT THEATRE A story of the Scfuth Seas. " Aloha," with Ben Lyon and Raqtiel Torres, will bo screened at tho New Regent Theatre this evening with " Drums of Jeopardy" (Warner Oland). TUDOR THEATRE " The Cheat " (Tnllulah Bankhead) is tho Tudor Theatre film. v ' LYRIC THEATRE Marlene Dietrich and Clivo Brook appear'in "Shanghai Express," to bo shown at the Lyric Theatre this evening. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE " Private Lives," with Norma Shearer, and " Girls About Town " are the main attractions at the Princo Edward Theatre this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE " Tho Trial of Vivienne Ware" and " Tho Lash " comprise the major entertainment at tho Britannia Theatre this evening.

PLAZA THEATRE Ono of the most powerful emotional films to be shown in Auckland, "Symphony of Six Million," at the Plaza Theatre, well merits the patronage of the film-goers of the city. Adapted from the appealing hovel by Fannie Hurst, all the poignant drama of the original has been retained. A superlative cast lias been assembled that does full justice to the fine tljemo. Felix, a young man of the slums, becomes a great surgeon, famous among the notables of (he city. His heart, however, is with his people in the slums. After an unsuccessful operation on his own father he loses his faith in man and his nerve goes with it. Ho is eventually brought back to his idealism by the faith and sacrifice of a crippled girl, who proves that he can still servo mankind by making him perform a most dangerous operation on her. The chief appeal of the production lies in the human and realistic way in which it is acted. Ricardo Cortez and Ireno Dunne have the main roles, as the doctor and the crippled git'l respectively. Noel Madison, Anna Appel and Gregory Hutoff are others of note in the cast.