ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21293, 21 September 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE "Tho Sign of Four," ono of the most thrilling of the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books, is being presented in its screen form at the Plaza Theatre. Arthur Wontner takes the part of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, while lan Hunter appears as Dr. Wntson. "The Lame Dog Inn," another mystery story, is also on the programme. A delightful story, almost perfect, acting, really convincing settings and clever and sympathetic direction combine to make "Michael and Mary," which heads tho next change of programme at tho Plaza, a. truly appealing entertainment. A critic writes: "A. A. Milne's story of a love which lasts—so far as the film is concerned — for 20 years and gives promise of lasting for ever, is 50 so charming and so full of sentiment, but with never a touch of sentimentality—that its successful appeal to film-goers cannot be in doubt. From tho first moment when wc see a girl, young and inexperienced, deserted by hor worthless husband, to the final sceno 20 years later, when we leave her happy with her true lover and worthy son, 'Michael and Mary' enthralls and delights." ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two actors who have numerous fine characterisations to their credit, Ralph Graves and Jack Holt, are the principals in "War Correspondent," which will open a season at tho Roxy and Tivoli Theatres this evening. It will bo remembered that these two vigorous actors took tho parts of rivals in the productions "Flight," "Submarine" and "Dirigible," and the capabilities of Mr. Holt havo been further displayed by his performances in outdoor dramas of the American West. "War Correspondent" is built round tho recent strife and bloodshed in China. A new and novel angle is given the production in that the story is woven about the adventures of a newspaper representative whoso work is to chroniclo tho events of tho fighting in all its grimncss. Mr. Holt, in "the role of news-galherer, is brought into touch with many unusual aspects of the life of the warring factions. CIVIC THEATRE The story of the adventures of threo companions, the members of a "stunt" aerial circus, is told in "Sky Bride," which will conclude its season at the Civic Theatre to-morrow evening. Richard Arlen portrays tho leader, who accidentally causes the death of his best friend, which results in the loss of his nerve. The film is ono that holds a universal appeal, possessing a generous sprinkling of comedy, introduced by Jack Oakie. Virginia Bruco is the heroine. On Friday "Million Dollar Legs" will open a season. The film is notablo for the number of first-class comedians in the cast. These include Jack Oakie, W. C. Fields, Andy Clyde, Ben Turpin and Hank Mann. The hilariously funny story is woven around the republic of "Klopstokia," whpro all tho men are named George and all the women Angela and the president is tho best weight-lifter in the country. REGENT THEATRE Marian Marsh, who Ifrst appeared in "Svengali," without doubt wins numerous fresh, admirers by her sterling performance in "Beauty and tho Boss," which will conclude its season at tho Regent Theatre to-morrow evening. This captivating actress, as tho "church mouse" secretary and stenographer, who blossoms forth into a thoroughly delightful and intriguing young lady, very much sought after, is responsible for a portrayal that is nothing short of perfect. Great interest is being displayed in the progress of the Regent Beauty Contest. Richard Barthelmess, who has been seen in some splendid characterisations, is tho principal in "Alias the Doctor," to open a season at the theatre on Friday. Marian Marsh and Norman Foster are in support. STRAND THEATRE A film that should prove entertaining from every aspect, "Tho Impassive Footman," will commence a season at tho Strand Theatre to-day. Owen Nares, who gave such a good account of himself in his earlier films, "The Woman Between" and "Frail # Women," takes the principal role, being* ably supported by Betty Stockfield. The performance of Miss Stockfield in "City of Song." in which she appeared opposite Jan Kiepura, distinguished her as an actress above the ordinary in talent, and her work in this production will be looked forward to with interest. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The intensely moving story of a young doctor, who earns tho title of tho surgeon with "the million-dollar hands," is unfolded in. "Symphony of Six Millions," which is being screened -at tho Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Ricardo Cortez is superb in the principal role, while Irene Dunne acts charmingly as the cripple girl who brings him to the realisation that he can still servo humanity after he had performed an unsuccessful operation on his father. Anna Appel and Gragory Ratoff are in support. MAJESTIC THEATRE "Week Ends Only," with Ben Lyon and Joan Bennett, will conclude its season at the Majestic Theatre this evening. A fine performance is given by Joan Bennett as the hostess in a night club. Tho story was written by Warner Fabian, author of "Flaming Youth." LONDON THEATRE The genius of Leslie Fuller has never been displayed to better advantage than in the hilarious farce "Old Soldiers Never Die," which opened a season with "Children of Chance" at tho London Theatre yesterday. Elissa Landi is the principal in the latter film. NEW REGENT THEATRE "Out of the Blue," with tho comedian of "My Wife's Family," Gone Gerrard, is tho principal attraction at the New Regent Theatre this evening. Jessie Matthews makes a charming heroine. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A fino portrayal is given by Walter Huston in "The Ruling Voice," which will bo screened this evening at the Prince Edward Theatre with "Mystery Ranch." TUDOR THEATRE An appealing talo of brotherly lovo and sacrifice is told iu "In a Monastery Garden," to be screened at tho Tudor Theatro this evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE "Alexander Hamilton," with George Arliss, and Richard Arlin in "Touchdown," head the programme this evening at tho Britannia Theatre. LYRIC THEATRE Robert Montgomery is well cast in "Lovers Courageous," which heads this evening's programme at tho Lyric Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE A brilliant satire on the "divorce mart" of the United States, "Peach o* Reno," heads this evening's programma at th® Capitol Theatre.

ST, JAMES* THEATRE "Tho County Hospital," which is delighting patrons of the St. James' Theatre, is one of the most humorous productions that the two inimitable comedians Laurel and Hardy have produced. This picture, with "Unashamed," with Helen Twelvetrees, wjll conclude its season to-morrow evening. The next programme will be headed by "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," a fine emotional story, with Marian Nixon and Ralph Bellamy in the principal roles. It is said that in heart appeal, the sweeping grandeur of backgrounds and settings, in supporting cast and immensity of production. this presentation stirs and stimulates. Alfred Santell, who directed "Daddy Long Legs," directed this version of Kate Douglas Wiggins' and Charlotte Thompson's masterpiece, which has thrilled and inspired millions in literature and on the stage. NATIONAL THEATRE Set against the glamorous background of Venice, with its colourful night life, "This is tihe Night," a brilliant film of adroit situations and misunderstandings, is ncaring the end of its season at the National Theatre. Roland Young, Charles Ruggles and Lily Damita have the main parts, the performance of each being flawless. ''Dostry Rides Again" is the theatre's next attraction. DEVONPORT BAND CONCERT A concert was given by the Devonport United Band at the Mental" Hospital on Sunday, and it was greatly appreciated by the patients. Tho band gives each institution at least one concert a year.