ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21471, 20 April 1933, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Tho dazed-looking Laurel and the dignified and pompous Hardy have rover been more ludicrous than in "Pack Up Your Troubles," which will conclude a successful season at St. James' Theatre to-day. The comical |; ir appear as raw recruits in the .American-Army., and, after an exciting time in training camp, they are sent li. I lie front, where they capture a ''(.Vniian tank and a platoon of prisoners—all bv mistake, of course. . " SMILIN' THROUGH "" "Smilin' Through,!' the latest Metro - Goldwvn - Mayer production, which will have its initial presentation lit St. James' Theatre to-morrow, is a tender romance, sincerely interpreted by a talented cast of screen players. It is the talking picture version of the silent film in which Norma Talmadge rjocared. Briefly, tlie talking play tells of a tragic romance which blossoms anew in another generation. Leslie Howard acts with distinction as fcir John Carta ret, whose bride is killed by a disappointed rival. Sir John forgets his sorrow in the adoption of his . niece, Kathleen, and the girl grows up in a remarkable likeness to Sir John's bride, only to fal! in love .With the sou of the murderer. Norma Shearer and Fredric March are splendid in dual roles. MAJESTIC THEATRE Splendid screen entertainment will !>c provided at the Majestic Theatre today, when "Fast Life," a film that does not. bel.io its title, will be lireson ted foV the first time. It is notable inr the return to the screen, after a short retirement, of William Haines, f iie debonair player of "Get-Rich-Quick "Wnllingford "■ He has been allotted a typical role as Sandy Nojuton, a sailor in tho United States navy, who has a genius for mechanical invention. However, as a result of a disastrous experiment with a new carburetter, handy .wrecks the - admiral's .barge and is dismissed, with his friend Bumpy, from the navy. The'pair find employment with a millionaire patron of spml : boat racing, who is interested in a racing engine designed by Sandy. But the ex-sailors are still dogged by misfortune. The craft which they intend to enter in an international speedboat contest is blown up on its first trial, their millionaire patron is injured, and refuses to advance further capital. There are sensational development.';.

REGENT THEATRE A remarkable characterisation by ■ Charles' Laughton, as Nero, the fiendish Roman Emperor) is perhaps the most outstanding feature of "The Sign of the Cross," the lavish Paramount production, which is enjoying a remarkably successful season at the /Regent Theatre. The film opens on a dramatic note. Rome is burning, and, while the people desperately battle with the fames, Nero plays the lyre, working" himself into a frenzy. It is an excellent piece of acting. As a sequel, the Christians are blamed for the outbreak, and a wave of Christian persecution sweeps over Rome. Against this spectacular background is played the romance between Mercia, a Christ- . ian girl, and the Prefect of Rome. The film sweeps on to a tremendous climax. There are excellent supporting attractions. . CIVIC THEATRE Y- In "The King's Vacation," the WarJrer Brothers and Vitaphone production which is attracting large audiences {to the Civic Theatre, George Arliss Sscores another triumph in a role which, in the hands of a less experienced player, might have been unconvincing. The actor plays the part of a 'lcing of a petty European kingdom. -Tired of the pomp and vanity of it all, Jj'i abdicates and returns to civil life <nnd, after a happy reunion with his wife and child,, whom he was forced to leave on his succession to the throne, prepares, to enjoy a comfortable retira»ment. The ex-king's plans miscarry, and the remainder of the film ktValfi. with his search for an elusive, •happiness. The series of pictures, "How fl Play Golf" 'Bobby Jones), are being •screened during the luncheon sessions. <at the; Civic Wintergarden. * ! ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES ! Aiv enthusiastic reception was accorded the initial screening at the Roxy 'i; jul Tholi Theatres yesterday of " Sil'v.'i' Dollar " and " The Viking," two 'Cutertaiiiinjr dramas of diverse appeal. 1 Edward G. Robinson, the dynamic actor {of " Tiger Shark " and " Letters of {]"7re," gives his best screen performance Jin " Silver Dollar " as Yates Martin, jn gambler and adventurer. The cast ini eludes Bebe Daniels, Aline McMahon land Jobyna Howland. Graphic photojgraphy and gripping realism are the •salient features of the other film, "The jViking." It is a tale of adventure off • the Newfoundland ice fields.

NATIONAL THEATRE , After a successful Auckland season of ithree weeks, " The Kid From Spain," jEddic Cantor's latest comedy, will bo screened finally at the National Theatre to-day. The comedian is even funnier .than he was in " Whoopee " and ,r' Palmy Days." The splendid supporting features include items by the Poland Sextette, and one of Walt Disney's coloured cartoons, entitled " iiabes in the Wood." CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Delicate secrets of diplomacy are revealed in " Leap Year," which heads tile current programme at the Crystal Palace and Pinlto Theatres. Tom Walls, the urbane Aldwych Theatre player, has a congenial role, and he is capably supported by Anne Grey. The dialogue is brilliant. STRAND THEATRE .Maurice Chevalier's Gallic charm is fully exploited in " The Smiling Lieutenant," the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. Included in the programme are wrestling pictures taken ill/ the Wellington Town Hall. LONDON THEATRE " The Sophomore," the current London Theatre attraction, will be succeeded 'to-morrow bv " Lena Rivers." EPSOM RECENT THEATRE '• Handle With Care" and "The Lodger " (Ivor Novello) are the films ay "the New Recent Theatre, Epsom. TUDOR CINEMA •Tanet Gaynor and Charles Farrell Tnake a captivating pair in " The First year," the Tudor Cinema. h- . BRITANNIA THEATRE The Britannia Theatre attractions firo " Disorderly Conduct " and " Play Girl.". • PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE " The Maid of the Mountains*" heads I i'mco Edward Theatre programme

PLAZA THEATRE Tho vivacious 15 en ate JMiiller makes another auspicious screen appearance in " Marry Me," which is captivating patrons of tho Plaza Sinco her appearance in ''Sunshine Susie," return to films has been eagerly awaited, and her performance fulfils every expectation. Her rendering of "Will Somebody Marry Me P," one of the tuneful songs with which the production is interspersed, is delightful. Tho film recounts the efforts of Ann Linden, a pretty recordist in a gramophone establishment, to attract the attentions of Robert Hart, a handsome young man with whom she is in love. Concerning the film, a critic writes: " The story of ' Marry Me ' is desperately wholesome. Lan Hunter is blind to the fact that, whatever the attractions wielded by more glamorous women, lie-is in love with his business colleague, Renate Muller. By way of making him jealous, she becomes betrothed, through a matrimonial agency, to George Robey." The colourful stage presentation, " Fashion-plato Review," precedes the screening of " Marry Me."