ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21462, 8 April 1933, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE A succession of remarkably humorcus situations, acted with expert drollery by Sydney Howard, supported by Claude Hulbert, formed enjoyable entertainment at the Plaza Theatre yesterday, when "The Mayor's Nest" was shown to large audiences. The spirit of care-free comedy is maintained by several catchy melodies and choruses, and the theme of the film is aptly construed to allow full play to -the amusing talents of Sydney Howard. Claude. Hulbert, brother of the world-famed Jack Hulbert, is cast as Algernon Ashcroft, the rather simple son of Mrs. Ashcroft (Muriel Aked). Other players are Frank Harvey, a slum landlord, and lliles Matleson, a law court clerk. The scene opens with a band at practice rendering a good classical work. An untimely interruption from a trombone player displeases the conductor, who discovers that Sydney "Howard has no musical talents and dismisses him Finding himself without employment. Sydney Howard turns his ingenuity to conducting strangers across the street, as he reads in a newspaper that one unemployed man has been left a fortune for giving assistance in tlii? icspect to a wealthy man. Chance leads to his acquaintanceship with an eager social worker, Mrs. Ashcroft, and when he visits her later in the day to obtain a reward for seeing her safely over the road he creates an impression by an amusing denunciation of dreadful slum conditions in the neighbourhood. Luckily it happens to be her particular hobby to work for the clearing up of that slum, and she decides that his wonderful oratory will qualify him for the position of candidate in a forthcoming election. Bright comedy is provided in the campaign scenes, with Sydney Howard • canvassing for votes, remembering to "be nice to v the mothers and kiss the babies," and Claude Hulbert misdirecting the wives who go to the poll. The result of the election is favourable to Sydney Howard, and eventually he becomes Ma3"or of Bumbledon. As Judge he has several failings, but he is kind to his old friends in the dock, and not afraid to talk business with them, concluding with a sentence designed to meet his own needs. The show carries on to the opening of a modern garden suburb in place of the slum, and strikes a high note for the conclusion. In the supporting programme there is a Melbourne Herald newsreel, scenes of Rotorua, an educational visual picture of cold-blooded animals, and "Symphony of the River." The next attraction at the Plaza is "Marry Me," with Renate Muller, of "Sunshine Susie" fame. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Described as the "'Cavalcade' of America," " The Conquerors," a splendid Radio production, is attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to St. James' Theatre. It is a story of courage and devotion, interpreted with deep sinceritv by a talented cast of players. Richard Dix gives the most convincing performance of his distinguished career as Roger Standish, a young pioneer who settles " out West," establishes the great banking house of Standish, and combats a- wave of banditry that is sweeping the little frontier town of Fort Allen. The other players include Ann Harding, remembered for her performance in " East Lynne," Edna May Oliver, the austere comedian of " The Penguin Pool Murder," and Guy Kibbee, who appears as an old reprobate, Dr. Daniel Blake. The growth of the Standish bank keeps pace with the development of Fort Allen, and the talking play provides a graphic .picturisation of the growth of the United States. It is a splendid drama. That inimitable pair of comedians, Laurel and Hardy, appear together again in " Pack TTp Your Troubles," the forthcoming Easter attraction at St. James' Theatre. The film is said to surpass the entertaining " Beau Hunks," in which Laurel and Hardy scored signal success. MAJESTIC THEATRE A clever portrayal by Lee Tracy in the role of a .publicity expert is the salient feature of " The Half-naked Truth," which heads the current programme at the Majestic Theatre. So entertaining is he that Auckland filmgoers will await his second appearance in films with interest. Acting in conjunction with Lee Tracy are Lupe Velez, the dynamic Mexican actress, the comical and rotund Eugene Pallette, and .Frank Morgan, who appeared in " Secrets of the French Police." Lupe Velez, as a dancer who is raised to stardom by the efforts of the astute advertising man, has a role ideally suited to her temperament, and Eugene Pallette has never been funnier than as Achilles, the " strong man " of a variety show. There are entertaining shorter films. EMPRESS THEATRE Janet Gavnor and Charles Farrell appear together on the screen probably for the last time in "Tess of the Storm Country," which is being shown with Michael Arlen's "Lily Christirie" at the Empress Theatre. Corinne Griffith and Colin Clive are the principals in the second film. WEST END THEATRE Grace Miller's famous story "Tess of the Storm Country" is admirably en-

acted by Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in the film to be screened at the West End Theatre this • evening. The romance of a poster artist is told in "Face in the Sky," the second attraction. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE Clive Brook gives a fine performance in "The Man From Yesterday," which heads the programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre. "Thunder Below," in which Tallulah Bankhead and Paul Lukas appear, is also shown. ONEHUNGA THEATRE The mystery drama, " White Zombie," dealing with " voodooism," will bo shown at the Onehunga Theatre this evening. A splendid children's matinee programme will be given. LONDON THEATRE A now programmo at the London Theatre to-day will be headed by "The Perfect Ladv," a witty English comedy of errors. Betty Amann is the leading lady. GREY LYNN CINEMA "Divorce in the Family," with Lewis Stono and Jackie Cooper, and "The First Year" (Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell), are the Grey Lynn Cinema films. BRITANNIA THEATRE " Gentleman for a Day " (Douglas Fairbanks, jun.V and "The" Strange Case of Clara Dearie" are t'lio Britannia Theatre pictures. TUDOR CINEMA "Love Me To-night" (Maurice Chevalier) is being shown at the Tudor Cinema. LYRIC THEATRE "Ono Way Passage," in which Kay Francis appears, and "His Woman' (Claudette Colbert) comprise the films at the Lyric Theatre. EMPIRE THEATRE "Miss Pinkerton," with Joan Blondell and George Brent, is being shown at the Empire Theatre.

CIVIC THEATRE

' Romance and comedy are blended ad- ! mirabl.v to form the essence of "Dan- | gerousiy Yours," a new production from the Fox Studios, which commenced a iseason at the Civic Theatre last evening. A largo and appreciative audiience. was delighted not only with the story itself, but als6 with its interpretation by a distinguished cast of accomplished players. The principal part is raken by Warner Baxter, an established favourite with Auckland fil;ugoers, who will be remembered for Lis excellent portrayals in "Six Hours to Live," "Amateur Daddy",and "Daddy Long-Legs," while Miriam Jordan, charming young English actress, also of "Six Honrs to Live" fame, is the • feminine lead. In support of these two players, Herbert Maudin, the clever English comedian, who appeared on the Auckland stage some years with the "Desert Song" company, displays his rare comic abilities in a number of most entertaining and amusing scenes. The story of "Dangerously Yours" deals with the exploits of a finished jewel thief, Andrew Burke, played by Warner Baxter, and the romance that springs up between him and the charming oj)crative of an insurance company who is employed to trace valuable jewels stolen by Burke. The plot revolves around the plans of the girl to arrest the thief, who, however, outwits and kidnaps her. Complications arise when the two fall in love, and an intriguing situation develops. The story continues from this point to work up through swift-moving scenes to an unexpected and brilliantly conceived climax. The picture is an excellent romantic drama of modern society filmed in lavish settings, which include fashionable society haunts, pleasure' resorts and a luxurious yacht. Warner Baxter gives a masterly performance as ! the handsome, debonair and socially 'prominent jewel thief, and Miriam Jordan plays opposite him with convincing appeal and attractive artistry. Herbert Mundin gives a performance that for wit and comic resonrce leaves nothing to be desired, while there is a splendid supporting cast. Included in the programme arc two news reels and . an interesting travelogue, which presents in unusual manner a pot-pourri of scenes in Berlin. A n amusing Terry cartoon completes an excellent, entertainment. REGENT THEATRE Beautiful ballets and entrancing musical numbers make a joyous entertainment of " The Kid From Spain," which, although in the second week of \ its season, continues to attract large <• audiences to the Regent Eddie Cantor, the comedian of " Whoopee " and " Palmy Days," makes a welcome return to the screen as a college youth who is expelled from college as the result of a practical joke. He then embarks on a series of adventures (most of them are misadventures) and, involved accidentally in a bank robbery, he crosses the border into Mexico pur--sued by a tenacious detective. To escape his pursuer,' Eddie poses as Don Sebastain 11., a prominent bullfighter, and lie is feted by all Mexico. Prior to his appearance in the bull-fighting arena, the comedian rehearses with a tame bull. The remainder of the film is excruciatingly funnj'. However, Eddie triumphs over the ferocious animal he opposes in the bull-ring, and the way is paved for a happy ending. The supporting items include musical selections by the Roland Sextette and a coloured cartoon, " Babes in the Wood." ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Merited popularity is being enjoyed by two entertaining full-length films, "Central Park" and "Stranger in Town," now being presented at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The cast in the former includes Joan Blondell, who was seen recently in "Big City Blues," Wallace Ford,. appealing young.player,, and Guy Kibee, who has recently come to the fore as a character comedian of accomplishment. The film possesses all the ingredients which make for splendid entertainment, including a" lion at large. "Stranger in Town" boasts an equally talented array of principal players. There are Chic Sale, remembered for former "old man" cliaracteri-

sations, Ann -Dvorak, of "Sky Devils" and "The Crowd Roars," David Manners, seen in Arliss pictures, and Noah Beery, villain of countless films. Altogether the programme is one to be recommended. NATIONAL THEATRE Marlene Dietrich, the fascinating actress of " Shanghai- Express," scores another screen triumph in " Blonde Venus," which began a return Auckland season at the National Theatre yesterday. Embellished by the sympathetic direction of Josef von Sternberg, the film is a notable example of the value of clever camera-work, which enhances the inspired acting of the principals. Marlene Dietrich gives an accomplished interpretation -of a young wife, a former revue actress, who returns to vaudeville to earn money to pay for medical attention for her husband, a victim of radium poisoning. Herbert Marshall appears as the husband.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Joe E. Brown is at his funniest in the typical role he takes in "You Saida Mouthful," which will head the pro- ' gramme at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-day. He takes the part of a rather shy youth who is mistaken for a marathon swimmer and determines to live up to his new identitv. Joan Bennett and Spencer Tracy give pleasing and human portrayals in "Me and My Gal," the second attrac- _ tion. STRAND THEATRE George Arliss, of " Old English " The Millionaire," is an outstanding figure in "Alexander Hamilton," which / be< T an a season at the Strand Theatre yesterday. Doris Kenyon plays a leading role. PRINCE EpWARD THEATRE "The Sporting Widow" (Alison Skipworth) and "Big City Blues, with -, Joan Blondr.ll, are being presented at a the Prince Edward Theatro. CAPITOL THEATRE "Burnt Offering," with Elissa Landi ] and Warner Oland, and "Skyscraper Souls" (Warren William and Maureen v I O'Sullivan) are the Capitol theatre - films. SUNDAY PICTURES The stirring British epic film /'Tell England," together with Maid to Order," an unusual film featuring a famous female impersonator, will b© screened at a charity programme in the ;• Rial to Theatro to-morrow evening. ' GARRICK DRAMATIC SOCIETY Ibsen's powerful social drama, " A Doll's House," will be presented by the _ Garrick Dramatic Society in the Lewis Eady Hall on April 12 and IS. A strong cai-t has been assembled for the production.