ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES* THEATRE The two favourite comedians, Latirel and Hardy, whose films, both long and short, have invariably appealed to picture-lovers, have never appeared to greater advantage than in their latest effort, "Pack Up Your Troubles," which commenced a season at St. .James' Theatre on Thursday. The dazed-looking Laurel, with his moments of tearful surprise and utter bewilderment, and the portly Hardy, pompous and self-assured even when most grievously at fault, are a strangely-assorted couple, who wander aimlessly into a series of hdarious adventures. The two comedians first appear as a pair of perfectly, fit civilians who endeavour, without success, to pose as unfortunate cripples for the benefit of a recruiting sergeant. Their ruse is discovered, however, as a result of the stupidity of Laurel, and the two newest and dceiclely most unwilling recruits in the regiment find themselves in a training camp. Their activities in camp include the dumping of a vast quantity of kitchen refuse in the general's breakfast room, and the two worthies are sent to the front as promptly as possible. Once again they are the despair of their superiors, but manage, quite by accident, to capture an enemy tank and a number of prisoners, and their military careers, that had promised to be disastrous, end in a blaze of glory. Once again in civilian life the doubtful heroes set themselves the task of caring for the child of one of their comrades, who was killed in battle, and locating her grandparents. Their only clue is that the name is Smith and many weeks of weary searching results in a further series of amusing escapades. Reduced to desperation they attempt to raise a loan on their "business," a luncheon cart, and when laughed to scorn by the banker they commit a daring robbery to secure funds to send the child to better quarters. The elusive grandparents aro eventually found unexpectedly, but the final scene shows the two companions running for their lives from one of the many enemies they have made in the course of their disastrous careers. There is not a dull moment in the picture, from the amusing little air that introduces the film to the concluding scene. A variety of short films of exceptional interest completes the programme. The prominent billiards player, Willis lloppo, demonstrates some intricate shots, in which he displays remarkable skill and control, while there are two newsreels. One of the Traveltalk series, "World Dancers," shows a number of the national dances of various countries, including the Cuban rumba, the Hawaiian hula, the Japanese cherry-blossom dance, devil dancing in Ceylon, graceful Bnlinese dances and the Highland fling. There is also an amusing comedy, "Readin* and Writin'," in which clever juvenile players have the leading parts. MAJESTIC THEATRE Set among the myriad perils of the African jungles, " Nagana," the unusual Universal film which opened a season at the Majestic Theatre on Thursday, transports audiences into an atmosphere of adventure and danger. Few films have shown so dramatically the ceaseless struggle for life in the primitive forests. " Nagana," however, although full of exciting incidents, deals primarily with the fight of science against a foe far more deadly than any jungle beast —the tsc-tse flv, carrier of' the dreaded sleeping sickness, known as "nagana" to the natives. Around the efforts of a young scientist to save a native village and to overcome the | fierce opposition of superstition fostered by the insidious " medicine-men,' a I stirring drama has been woven. Melvvn Douglas, seen in "As You Desire Me" and "The Old Dark House," takes the part of Dr. Walter Radnor, in charge of a medical base on the outskirts of civilisation. Braving all the difficulties in the way the Countess Sandra Lubeska arrives to rejoin her lover the very day that he is called away to a stricken village. Here the forces of prejudice and superstition, intensified by the terrors of the unknown plague, have resulted in a revival of the " medicine-men's " prestige. Dr. Radnor faces the danger and asks to be given a certain time in which to show his power over the disease, on the understanding that if he fails, he will be at the mercy of the medicine men's revenge. Aided by his heroic Japanese assistant, he works desperately in an effort to discover an efficacious serum. The arrival of the Countess Sandra in the village where she has followed him, makes his position far more difficult, and gradually the intrigues of his enemies begin to foment opinion against him. The story works up to a climax which has seldom been excelled in suspense. Tala Birrell. the brilliant and exotic Continental actress, plays the part of the countess. The supporting programme includes " Room Mates." a comedy dealing with the well-established but always amusing theme of mistaken rooms in a hotel, an Oswald the Rabbit comedy and interestings news reels. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE An appealing story of a young girl's struggle against harsh circumstance is told in "Tess of the Storm Country," the main film on the programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre. Charles Farrell plays the pant of the hero. ALEXANDRA THEATRE Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell appear in what will probably be their last picture together in "Tess of the Storm Country," which heads the programme at the Alexandra Theatre. It is a touching story of tho young daughter of a sea captain. i r CAPITOL THEATRE' Richard Dix and Gwili Andre aro tho principals in " Roar of the Dragon," the thrilling story of the Chinese civil war, now at the Capitol Theatre. "Unashamed," a sincerely acted drama of modern city life, will be the second attraction. HENDERSON PICTURES Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts play typically ludicrous roles in "Racing Youth" at the Henderson Municipal Picture Theatre this evening. On Monday, "Rich and Strange" will be shown. TUDOR THEATRE At a special children's matinee at the Tudor Theatre to-day Easter eggs will be given to the children. "Cynara" will be the evening attraction. BRITANNIA THEATRE "Sinners in the Sun" and "Tho lender foot" will be the attractions at the Britannia Theatre this evening. A special children's matinee will bo given. EMPIRE THEATRE Forceful and sincere acting is a feature of "Arrowsmith," at the Empire Theatre this evening. DELTA THEATRE "Riders of the Purple Sage" and "But the Flesh is Weak" will offer varied entertainment at the Delta Theatre this evening. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE The travel picture "Bring 'Em Back Alive" will be screened at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day.

REGENT THEATRE By the sheer Beauty of its story and the magnificence of. its backgrounds, " The Sign of the Cross," which will have* its initial presentation in New Zealand at the Urgent Theatre to-day, is in the direct line of succession to "The Ten Commandments" and "King of Kings." It is another spectacular triumph for Cecil B. de Mille. r Lhe prpduction is interpreted by one of the most imposing casts assembled on the screen. The leading players include Fredric March, Elissa Landi, Claudette Colbert, Charles Laugh ton, lan Keith," Vivian Tobin, Harry Beresford and Harold Healy. The " mob scenes ' are on a scale that only Cecil de Mule could conceive. Nearly 8000 "extras were employed. A typical Roman hoh" dav is faithfully represented in the film, with all its brutality and coarseness. Forty gladiators are seen engaged in mortal combat, fifty Amazons battle to the death with forty dwarfs, boxers engage in combat with spiked gloves, while fortv Nubian lions await the sacrifice of 100 virgins. The talking film is based on the well-known stage play by Wilson Barrett. Successful as a play, it is eminently successful as a film. "The Sign of the Cross." opens on a spectacular note, which is sustained until the tremendous climax. Rome is burning. The half-mad Emperor, Nero, gleefully watches the stricken populace, and, with the city in flames, works himself into a frenzy, playing on the lyre. It is here that the genius of Charles Laughton comes into its own. His interpretation of the vicious ruler makes screen history. With the enraged Roman citizens eager for scapegoats, the blame for the fire is placed on the Christians, and a wave of anti-Chris-tian feeling sweeps over Rome. Every Christian is open to persecution. Spies are everywhere. Summoned to a street brawl, in which two Christians are being attacked. Marcus Superbus, the Prefect of Rome (Fredric March), clears the street with his soldiery and meets, in dramatic circumstances, the Christian girl, Mercia (Elissa Landi). A romance gradually develops between the pair, arouses the jealousy of the Empress Poppaea (Claudette Colbert) and culminates in the arrest for conspiracy of Mercia. Marcus begs Nero to save the girl, and the Emperor agrees—if .she will renounce her faith. The final scenes are impressive and will leave an everlasting impression. PLAZA THEATRE Music, love and laughter are the ingredients of " Marry Me," which will begin a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. A critic comments 011 the film as foilows: " Renate Muller, sonsie lass of ' Sunshine Susie,' brings her famous smile to the theatre in ' Marry Me,' the lightest, brightest bit of fun to come from the Gainsborough Studios. Renate sings ' Will Somebody, Somebody, Marry Me-' ' and she. means it, for it takes all her wiles to make lan Hunter realise that he loves her. Renate radiates joy in life. One reason for her charm is to be found in the fact that she gives audiences the impression that here is the girl herself, a creature .of sunlight and spontaneous laughter. ' Marry Me ' is pure comedy, set to tuneful music and danced along by lan Hunter, Maurice Evans, young Charles ( Hawtrev, and., of course, Renate. It.has George Robey making his first " talkie." George is Aloysius Novak, an amorous gentleman who finds his way from the country to the matrimonial agency of Harry Green, j George wants a wife, but he is in a j hurry, because he cannot leave his beI loved pigs, especially ' that dear little ! one, Eric.' But even the famous Robey ] touch does not wipe other people out | of the picture. For everyone is excelI lent in ' Marry Me,' and the picture j itself is filled with effective business that is absolutely new. England understands the art of making these ideal pieces of genuine entertainment. Nobody takes themselves seriously in ' Marry Me,' least of all Renate Midler. She and the three brothers, played by Hunter, Evans and Hawtrey, are simply healthy young people having a gorgeously funny time together. Audiences are privileged to share the clever jokes, and to join in the catchy music." Another writer comments: " Blent together are the jolly tunes of Willie Thiele, and rich comedy, with a touch of the romantic and the sentimental to please all tastes. In gaiety, novelty and speed the plot loses nothing." A feature of the splendid supports will be a colourful stage presentation. The Plaza Theatre programme should enjoy an extended season. CIVIC THEATRE The appearance of George Arliss in a talking film is guarantee of splendid entertainment, and " The King's Vacation," which will be screened for the first time at the Civic Theatre to-dav. is 110 exception to the rule. It is easily the best film that Mr. ArlisS has made. That is praise indeed. Even such excellent films as " Old English," " Alexander Hamilton," " Disraeli," " The Millionaire " and "A Successful Calamity," all Arliss productions, do not compare with " The King's Vacation." Sympathetically directed and cleverly acted, it deals with the experiences of a king, who tires of pomp and power and takes a holiday among his people. The principal actor is fortunate in the calibre of the supporting cast. The high standard of the main attraction is adequately maintained by the shorter films. Included in the supporting programme are a news reel showing Sir Malcolm Campbell breaking his own speed record at Davtona, a travelogue and a musical film. In short, an ideal holiday programme. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two splendid full-length films, "Three on a Match" and "Smoke Lightning," are enjoying deserved popularity at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The notable cast which interprets "Three on a Match" comprises Warren William, seen recently i:i "Beauty and the Boss" and "The Match King"; Joan Blondell, of "Big City Blues" and "The Crowd Roars"; Ann Dvorak, also seen in "The Crowd Roars" as well as "Sky Devils'; and Bette Davis, promising young actress of "The Man Who Played God." "Smoke Lightning," the film version of Zane Grey's latest novel, "Canyon Walls," is an invigorating story of the West. George O Brien is the principal. STRAND THEATRE Bright entertainment will be provided by the Easter programme which opens at the Strand Theatre to-day. In Putting on the Ritz," the principal feature, Joan Bennett, Harry Richman and Lilvan Tnshman present a sparkling musical-comedv revue of New York 'de. The story deals with a poor family's sudden rise to wealth. For the children, a delightful pantomime, "Alice 111 \Yonderland " will be given, while " News of the World " will add to the interest of the programme. NATIONAL THEATRE By special arrangement, " The Kid from Spain," and the entire supporting programme which in the past fortnight has played to packed houses at the Regent Theatre, r will open a week's season at the National Theatre to-day. In " The Kid from Spain," Eddie Cantor takes the part of an unwilling toreador, and engages in a series o'f ludicrous adventures. Spectacular settings and a clever ballet are features of the film. As well as interesting short pictures, the programme includes selections by tho talented Roland Sextette. LONDON THEATRE Julian Eltinge, a noted female impersonator, appears in "Maid to Order, which will open a season at tho London Theatre to-day. The clever way in which he masquerades as a woman enables him to take a prominent part in bringing to justice a dangerous band of criminals. An interesting selection of shorter films completes the holiday programme.