ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21297, 26 September 1932, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE In a part made memorable on the silent screen by Mary Pickford, Marion Nixon gives a performance of pure delight in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," which is assured of exceptional popularity at St. James' Theatre. Tho film was originally chosen for Janeb Gaynor, but she declined to continue her succession of unsophisticated characterisations. Miss Nixon promises, however, to become a second Janet Gaynor. ITer acting in "Amateur Daddy", was a study of unaffected charm.

REGENT THEATRE Richard Bartlielmcss, one of the screen's most likeable actors, gives an impressive portrayal in "Alias the Doctor," which heads tho present splendid programme at the Regent Theatre. It is a vital drama of a young man's usurpation of his step-brother's name and position when ho is killed in a motor accident. Film-goers who saw Marian Marsh in "Boauty and tho Boss" will welcomo her reappearance in "Alias tho Doctor."

PLAZA THEATRE A simple story is beautifully told in "No Greater Lovo," the intensely human drama which is enjoying merited success at the Plaza Theatre. Thero is a particularly fine cast of artists, including Beryl Mercer, whose portrayals of motherly roles are among the screen's fondest memories; Hobart Bosworth, remembered particularly for his acting in "Tho Miracle Man"; Richard Bennett, Alexander Carr and Dickio Moore. CIVIC THEATRE Th& Olympic Games aro burlesqued in "Million Dollar Legs," tho delightful comedy now being shown at the Civic Theatre. The experienced comedians who appear include W. C. Fields, Ben Turpin, Andy Clyde, Jack Oakio and Hank Mann. The perfectly ridiculous story concerns the successful efforts of a tooth-brush salesman to save a mythical Ruritanian kingdom from bankruptcy by entering all tha inhabitants in the games. MAJESTIC THEATRE Remarkable realism characterises "Congorilla," tho unusually interesting film of life among the tiny pygmies and huge gorillas of Central Africa, which is enjoying phenomenal success at the Majestic Theatre. From first to last the film is entirely authentic. For the first time the strange sounds of the jungle have been recorded during the filming of "the picture. In addition, there is a particularly fine supporting programme. NATIONAL THEATRE Tom Mix and his horse Tony again revel in sharp shooting and hard riding in "Destry Rides Again," tho invigorating adventure-romance of the open spacos of the United States, which is being shown at the National Theatre. Stanley Fields is suitably* boastful as a shady sheriff, and Earle Fox is a particularly sly and epecious character. STRAND THEATRE Owen Nares, accomplished English actor of "The Middle Watch" and "Frail Women," and Betty Stockfield, beautiful Australian actress of "City of Song" and "Money for Nothing," form a delightful pair in "The Impassive Footman," which heads the present procramme at the Strand Theatre. It is a story by "Sapper." ' LONDON THEATRE Eddie Quillan, 'one of the few likeable actors of cocksure roles, gives a typically jaunty performance in "Night Work," which is being presented at tho London Theatre. Sally Starr is the heroine. Tho picture is a delightful comedy.

ROXY AND TIVOL! THEATRES The recent Sino-Japanese conflict forms the theme of " War Correspondent," ,which heads the present programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The principal roles are interpreted by Jack Holt and Ralph Graves. The pace of the story is unusually brisk from the opening scene. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Vital drama is the keynote of "Frail Women," the splendid English film, which heads the programmes at tho Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Mary Newcomb and Owen Nares are the leading players. "Radio Patrol," with Robert Armstrong, is a second film at tho Rialto.

EPSOM REGENT THEATRE "Ambassador Bill," with Will Rogers in the title-role, and "Heart-break," in which Charles Farrell is an engaging hero, comprise the entertainment at tho Epsom Regent Theatre.

LYRIC THEATRE " Alexander Hamilton " (George Arliss) is the main film at the Lyric Theatre.

TUDOR CINEMA "Service for Ladies," with Leslie Howard and Elizabeth Allan, heads the Tudor Cinema programme. BRITANNIA THEATRE Leslie Howard's " Servico for Ladies " and " Sundown Trail " are the Brittania Theatre films. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE " The Easiest Way," with Constance Bennett and Robert Montgomery, and " The False Madonna " (Kay Francis) are tho Prince Edward Theatre films. SCHOOL CONCERT The annual concert of tho Mount Albert Grammar School will bo held in the' Town Hall to-morrow evening and on Wednesday evening. It is hoped that the proceeds will enable work under No. 5 scheme to bo resumed in tho school grounds. Thero will be massed singing by 600-boys in unison and in parts, as well as special items by a choir of 60, and dramatic numbers. AMATEUR COMPETITIONS Many entries are being received for the amateur competitions, which aro being organised by Mr. Nevillo Carlsen, with the support of Amalgamated Theatres, Limited. In responso to requests tho closing date has been extended until October 14. The National Dancing Society is lending its co-operation. The competition will be held- at tho Empress and West End Theatres, and the judging will be done by ballot among members of the audience in addition to ordinary judging.

NARROW NECK. ENTERTAINMENT " Tho Better Companions," a group of young people at Narrow Neck interested in dramatic art, presented their first dramatic and musical evening in the Narrow Neck Hall on Saturday evening. The outstanding success of the evening was the presentation of a Now Zealand one-act play by Mary Scott, " Still Waters." With a swift-moving plot and good dialogue, tho play made a strong appeal to tho audience. The proceeds will benefit tho Y.W.C.A„ fund for unemployed girls*

MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERT

A delightful and varied programme was presented by the Municipal Band, supported by soloists, in the Town Hall on Saturday evening to a fairly large audience. While every one of the band's items proved popular, probably the finest wa3 its rendering of two movem'ents from Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which drew long-sustained applause at tho finish. Another brilliant offering was the Raymond overture, while a selection from the works of Offenbach was also appreciated. Two sprightly flute solos were given by Mr. H. C. McLennan, who was compelled to give an encore after each performance, while a clarionet quartet, drawn from members of tho band, also proved a success. Mr. F. Bowes contributed two cornet solos, and was recalled on each occasion. Songs by Mrs. Laetitia Parry, who received an enthusiastic reception, and two tenor solos by Mr. S. Wilbraham, who showed distinct promise, comprised tho remainder of the programme.