ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21359, 7 December 1932, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE

Richard Dix lias a congenial vole in "Roar of the Dragon," which will have its final screening at the Majestic Theatre to-day. -It is splendid entertainment and affords an insight into the ravages of bandits in Manchuria. Richard Dix is seen as a river boat captain of the China Coast who rescues a Russian refugee (Gwili Andrec) from t.he clutches of a bandit chief. It is the heroine's first, appearance 011 the screen and she contributes a distinctive portrayal. One of the most cxeitin" episodes of the production is an attack by renegades on a hotel in remote Manchuria defended only by a few foreign residents.

" RED DUST" "Red Dust," a drama, of the tropics, will lie shown for the first time at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. It is one of the' best dramas to come from Hollywood. In the days of the silent screen, Ronald Colman and Vilma Hanky were the most' popular pair of screen lovers and until the coming of "Red Dust" their performances had never been equalled. Hut in this new attraction at the Majestic Theatre Clark Gable and Jean Harlow play the leading roles brilliantly. Their acting excels that of Ronald Colman and Vilma liankv and it is difficult to understand why the Gablc-Harlow combination has not bee: used by Hollywood directors before. Clark Gable has a virile role eminently suited to his personality, while Marv Astor, who was splendid in "Holiday," plays the part of his long-suffering wife. "Hell's Angels" provided an excellent vehicle for the talents of Mean Harlow, but she enhances her reputation in "Red Dust," in which she has a characteristic, if unsympathetic, role. It is a Motro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The Gainsborough Studios success " Michael and Mary,*' w ill commence a season at the Roxy and 'Jivoli llieatrus to-day. It is beginning a return Auckland season in deference to public demand. That is sufficient proof of the worth of the production, but if more evidence is needed one has only to consider the accomplished cast. Herbert Marshall and Edna Rest play the leading roles and their performance leaves nothing to bo desired. This is not. surprising, as they enacted the identical parts in the stage play, which received the acclamation of London and New York. A. A. Milne was responsible for the dialogue and all the subtlety and art of this accomplished writer is retained in the audible screen version. Frank Lawton. D. A. Clarke-Smith and Elizabeth Allen are in the supporting cast. Mr. Victor Saville was the director, while Leslie Rowson, the cameraman, has revealed great pictorial resource. Patrons are assured of splendid entertainment for the story is a delicate and simple romance with a tender appeal. It is an epic of the Rritish film industry.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RI ALTO

An enthusiastic reception was accorded " Sunshine Susie" Inst evening when it began a return Auckland season at the Crystal Palace and llialto Theatres. It is splendid entertainment. There are catchy songs throughout and they are delightfully rendered by Renato Muller, vivacious German actress. " Sunshine Susie" marks her first appearance on the talking screen and she achieves an outstanding success. Further laurels arc gained by Jack Huibert, prominent English comedian, in the role of the janitor of the bank where the heroine seeks a position as a typist. She speedily falls in love with the director of the bank, a part excellently portrayed by Owen Nares. Jack Huibert conducting a male choir in a typical German beer garden is one of the funniest episodes in an entertaining film. The denouement is surprising. REGENT THEATRE "Mayfair Nights" continues to captivate large audiences at the .Regent- Theatre. It provides startling revelations of the night life of London. Isobel Elsom, popular actress of tho London stage, gain? further acting laurels as a night club queen and she takes full opportunity of the greater scope offered by the audible screen. A feature of the production is the beautiful gowns displayed. The film will be shown for the last time to-morrow. Ann Dvorak and David Manners are the principals in "Crooner," which ivill head the new ptrogramme at the theatre on Friday. Refreshing comedy is the keynote and there is not a dull moment, throughout. Fascinating tunes enhance a delightful story in which ihe heroine falls in love with a wireless entertainer. Excellent entertainment is assured.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE "Chandu. the Magician," which will close a successful season at JSt. James' Theatr.e to-morrow, is another triumph for the Fox Films Coiporation. It is magnificently produced. Thrill follows thrill as the plot is unfolded and the machinations of the madman to gain possession of a death ray that will destroy the world make an absorbing film. Edmund Lowe is splendid in the title vole and he is supported by a capable minor cast. NATIONAL THEATRE All the glamour of the South Seas has been captured bv King Vidor in "Bird of Paradise." which is now showing at the National Theatre. While there is an enchanting musical score synchronised throughout, the film is notable, for the return of Dolores del Rio to the screen. She plays the part of the daughter of a native chief and her romance with a young white man (Joel McCrea) has to fight vcars of native tradition.

STRAND THEATRE "Sinners in I lie Sun" heads (he current programme* at the Strand Theatre. Chester .Morris and Carole Lombard are tho principals and each gives a polished performance. Delightful scenes of the south of France, are incorporated in the film. "Merrily We Go To—!" will l/egin a season on Friday. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE A benefit nighl in aid of the Tahnlinai J'.oy Scouts will he held at the New Repent Theatre, .Epsom, this evening, when " Local Boy .Makes Good" will be shown. ■ LONDON THEATRE James 1\ irk wood gives a splendid performance in "Worldly Goods," the London Theatre film. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE " Down to Earth " and " Side Show " (Winnie Lightner) comprise the entertainment at the Prince Edward Theatre. EMPIRE THEATRE Xane Grey's " li:ders of tlie Purple Sage " is the Empire Theatre attraction. " The .Man Who Played Gocl " will be shown to-morrow. TUDOR THEATRE The main attraction at the Tudor Theatre is the Efftcc production, "Un Our Selection. -1 CAPITOL THEATRE •Tacky Cooper is the principal in "Sooky,". which is the Capitol Theatre film.

PLAZA THEATRE The final screening will take place tomorrow of the entertaining Gainsborough production, "The Ghost Train," which has enjoyed a phenomenal season at the Plaza Theatre. It is one of the best English pictures presented in Auckland, and much of the credit is due to the performance of Jack Hulbcrt, the amusing janitor of "Sunshine Susie." A haunted railway station in Cornwall offers infinite possibilities for a thrilling film and no opportunity lias been lost by the Gainsborough company to achieve oeriness. Cicely Courtrfeidge enhances her reputation in the role of a Puritanical spinster who becomes intoxicated. " THE FRIGHTENED LADY " "The Frightened Lady," one of the most thrilling plays from the pen of the Into Edgar Wallace, will be shown for the first time at the Plaza Theatre on Friday. It marks the continuation of the policy of the Plaza Theatre to show only films from the British studios. So successful have the Gainsborough productions been that it. is not surprising that "The Frightened Lady" is more exciting on tho screen than it was when presented at Wyndham's Theatre, London, where it was received with acclamation. Perfect authenticity has been attained in the audible version as the cast is tho same as that of the stage ploy, ft comprises Norman McKinnel, Gordon Ilarker, Cathleen Nesbit, Emlyn Williams and Belle Chrystall. CIVIC THEATRE Jack Holt is the principal ju "This Sporting Aco," which, with Night Club Lady," comprises tho entertainment at the Civic Theatre. The programme will be screened for the last time to-morrow. Tho first film deals with the reactions of a famous polo pla.ver who is suddenly made the idol of smart American society. It affords an ideal role for Jack Holt, who is capably supported by Evelyn Knap]), Hardin Albright and Walter Byron. "Night Cltil) Lady" is an enthralling mystery drama with an ingenious plot. "Lily Christine" will begin a season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. It is notable if only for the return to tho screen of Corinne Griffith, glamorous star of the silent era. Thero is also a magnificent cast, including Colin Clive, who was such a success in "Journey's End" and "Frankenstein," and Margaret Bannerman, last seen in "Other Men's Wives." A Paramount British film, "Lily Christine" was produced by Paul Stein from the novel by Michael Aden, one of the best delineators of character in the English language. It is ono of the best films to coine from the Paramount British studios.

"ROPE" Seldom has the opportunity been given to Auckland theatre-goers to witness such sterling drama as " Rope," which will be presented by the Little Theatre Society at His Majesty's Theatre on Friday and Saturday next. Dealing with the subject of murder without apparent motive, the author has provided a play of intriguing situations, powerful dialogue and subtle humour. A matinee will be presented on Saturday, as it is anticipated that "Hope" will appeal to a very wide public. Patrons are asked to be punctual on account of the powerful scene which opens the play, SONG RECITAL An entertaining song rccitiil will be presented by Madame Irene Ainsley and her pupils in the Lewis Eady Hall next Wednesday evening. Selections from Handel's " Messiah " will be outstanding items, while vocal gems from the works of famous composers will be a feature. An excellent concert is assured.