ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21496, 20 May 1933, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE Ono of tho gayest productions yet released from an English studio, "Wedding Rehearsal," was the main feature of the excellent programing which commenced a short season a™tho Regent Theatre last evening. The story is concerned with the determination of the Dowager Marchioness of Buckmmster to seo her grandson, " a handsome guardsman, married. Many times the grandson has acted as best man, but has shown an equal determination never to bo a bridegroom. The dowager draws up a list of eligible young London society women, and in a last endeavour to maintain his liberty, tho grandson sets out on a career of matchmaking to ensure that all tho girls are provided with husbands. The first two lie commences with are the famous Roxbury twins, and his efforts to bring their romances to a successful conclusion lead him into a series of complications, which are not eased when first the grooms and then the brides threaten to desert at the last moment before the wedding. In addition to engineering thfcso matches, he also plans other efforts at the home of the twins, where tho double wedding on a grand scale is to take place. Every time as plans seem to be about to succeed, a further hitch occurs, until all is satisfactorily settled, and tho grandson in tho process finds a bride. Roland Young, who was specially brought to England from America for the role of the guardsman, is given free rein for his humour in the principal role and contributes what is probably tho finest performance of his career. Little behind him is George Grossmith, tho noted London comedian, who gives a sterling portrayal as the choleric father of the irrepressible twins, being ably assisted by Lady Tree as the girls' mother. Wendy Barrio and Joan Gardner, who boar a remarkable resemblance, are charming as tho twins, while another English actress who has not been seen here before and whose next appearance will be waited with interest, Merle Oberon, gives a sympathetic characterisation as tho dowager's secretary. Edmund Breon, who has been cast in a number of other English comedies, is again at his best,, while splendid performances are given by Kato Cutler, John Loder and Maurice Evans. This week's Paramount News shows the inauguration of President Roosevelt at Washington, and includes an explanation by Sir Walter Layton, the prominent English economist, of the banking situation in America. A British Pathe News and a Cinesound News are also screened, while comedy is provided by Robert Benchlev, one of America's leading humorists. A Mickey the Mouse cartoon concludes the picture programme, which is supplemented by organ selections by Mr. Knight Barnott. MAJESTIC THEATRE George Sidney and Charlie Murray are more amusing than ever in "Tho Cohens and Kcllys in Trouble," which seems assured of great popularity at the Majestic Theatre, if the enthusiastic reception accorded the film by last evening's audience can be taken as an indication. Once again they become involved in a laughable series of misunderstandings—with a revenue officer, with two tenacious women, a party of "rum-runners" and various qj.hor difficulties. It is safe to say this film is the best of the successful Cohen-Kelly series. One has seen them in Scotland, Paris, Africa and Hollywood. Now, as ever, they are in trouble. But the picture does nob rely entirely upon the resourcefulness of these two inimitable comedians. There are also Jobyna Howland, seen in several successes; - Maude Fulton, well known on ~the New York stage; ! Andy Devine, another accomplished comedian; and Maureen O'Sullivan and Frank Albertson, the delightful romantic pair of "So This is London," "A Yankee at King Arthur's Court" and "Just Imagine." Besides the rollicking comedy in which it abounds, the film is notable for some breathlessly exciting scenes, particularly those showing patrol craft pursuing "rum-runners" off the San Pedro coast. A scene in which the two "heroes" are seen in a high-powered speed-boat careering wildly across a harbour dotted with scores of boats, while they endeavour frantically to. find a means of stopping it, is a masterpiece of comedy allied with action. There is a worthy supporting programme, including "A Radio Revel," a pot-pourri of musical items, and a Pooch the Pup cartoon. The latest issue of tho Universal News covers a wide range of world interest, including n notablo' talk by President Roosevelt on the: new currency legislation in the United States. EMPIRE THEATRE "A Bill of Divorcement," with John Barrymore and Katherino Hepburn, and Richard Bartheliness' "Cabin in the Cotton" are tho Empire Theatre films. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE "Infernal Machine," with Chester Morris and ,Genevieve < Tobin, and "Second-hand Wifo" (Sally Filers and Ralph Bellamy) are the Epsom Regent Theatre films. ONEHUNGA PICTURES Charles Laughton is tho principal of "Tho Old Dark House," which is the main attraction at the Onchunga Pictures. CAPITOL THEATRE ' Tho attractions at the Capitol Theatre are "Tho Rasp'/, and "His Royal Highness," with Georgo Wallace in the leading part. GREY LYNN CINEMA "Bring 'cm Back Alive" and the four Marx brothers' "Horscfoathcrs" are tho films at tho Grey Lynn Cinema. TUDOR CINEMA Tallulah Bankhead gives a fascinating performance in "Faithless," tho Tudor Cinema attraction. LYRIC THEATRE The films at the Lyric Theatre are "Scarlet Dawn" and "The Most Dangerous Game" (Joel McCrea). BRITANNIA THEATRE "The Devil and the Deep" (Charles I Laughton) and "Tho Road to.Singa- ' poro" comprise the programme at the Britannia Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A delightful musical score is incorporated in "The Maid of the Mountains," which is enjoying a successful season at' tho Crystal Palace and Rial to Theatres. Nancy Brown is appealing in tho title role.

SUNDAY PICTURES Two attractive films will bo screened at the Ttialto Theatre to-morrow evening, when a film entertainment in aicl of charity will be given. The productions nro " The Miracle Woman (Barbara Stanwyck) and " Three Wiso Girls," with Mao Clarke and Mario Prevost.

PLAZA THEATRE Interesting and exciting episodes in tho air, together with scenes of varied types of machines taking part in tho world-famous air race of the title name of the film, were shown at the Plaza Theatre last evening, when "The King's Cup" commenced a season. Delicately blended in the story concerning the entry into aviation circles of a young and charming girl is a romance between the pupil, Betty Conway, and the instructor, Dick, with attempts to frustrate fulfilment of the happy situation by Richards, the chiel instructor of the flying club. The settings include some of the well-known aerodromes near London, >and there are realistic views of the ordinary routine life of a club which caters for the instruction of tho private individual. A large number of different types of aeroplanes are introduced into tlje story, and .a wealth of interesting detail is shown at the start of the famous race from Brooklands aerodrome. The wellknown Moth aeroplane, familiar to Aucklanders, is used during the early stages of the story, and a stirring incident occurs when there is a collision between an instructional machine, flown by Dick, and an autogyro. Although there is sufficient height at the time of tho collision, the pupil refuses to use his parachute and has to bo pulled out of the cockpit by Dick before he dives overboard. Consequently, Dick's parachute has barely opened before he hits the ground, but the injury does not prove fatal. The aeroplane strikes one of tho buildings on the aerodrome and bursts into flames. When Dick recovers from his injuries ho finds that his nerves have been affected by tho crash and his judgment is at fault.' Betty, in the meanwhile, is anxious to obtain her licence quickly so that she can enter for the King's Cup. race, and continues her lessons with the chief instructor. Dick is developing a variable-pitch propeller, and it is important that this should be given its trial in the race, so when Betty succeeds in qualifying and borrowing an aeroplane for tho i;ace she takes Dick as her navigator. The thrilling neck and neck struggle of Betty's "Tomtit" aeroplane, equipped with tho variable pitch propeller, and tMfe faster Puss Moth flown by the chief instructor, introduces an element of intense excitement, which reaches its zenith as the two machines near tho finishing line racing over the sea only a few feet above the level of the water. In the supporting programme there is a visual education film depicting tho various stages of transition between the caterpillar and butterfly. An item, "Musical Gems of Wales," shows the rugged contour of the country, with glimpses taken from unfrequented places. Interesting sights in the city of London are pieced together under the title "A Day in June."' The fish hatcheries in Australia, as well as some diverting views of different types of snakes in that country, are well brought out in Wriggly Things, and an Ideal Sound cinemagazine records interesting happenings from near and far. , CIVIC THEATRE An exceedingly gay picture with a plenitude of mirth-provoking action, "Sailor's Luck," the Fox Studio production which had its initial screening at the Civic Theatre yesterday, possesses all the essential qualities of first-class entertainment. Sprightly to a degree, it leavens a lavish humour with a wellstudied, if occasional dramatic,-merit, and is by no means lacking in romantic interest. James Dunn and Sally Eilors, in the leading roles, give it a first claim to popularity on the score of their individual reputations and they romp delightfully through a succession of diverting situations, hinged, perhaps, on a somewhat slender construction, but imbued with a spirit -of clever and .enthusiastic jollity. They extract the full essence of comedy' from the fruitful source provided by a story of sailors ashore; they make a vital thing of a romance which has its genesis in a casual, inadvertent introduction, and they show, when occasion warrants, a nice ability to temper boisterous hilarity with more sombre incident and bright humour with dignified drama. Ihej- are supported through all by a cast of outstanding talent. Sammy Cohen, appearing as shipmate and bosom pal of Dunn, proves himself a comedian of genuine merit and is most frequently responsible for the laughter-raising element of the piece. His eccentric diving in a riotous swimming pool scene stands out as one of the most .entertaining episodes of the film. Associated with him is Frank Moran, rejoicing in the salt-smacking appellation' of "Bilge"—apparently borrowed from the idiom of Leacock —who is hardly less successful as the rough, ready and dour companion of the other two sailors. Victor Jory introduces a deft touch of sophistry as the dance promoter whose machinations against tho girl bring down a vigorous vengeance from Dunn and his nautical cohorts. -W ill Stanton's performance is notable for the manner in which he sustains an habitual state of intoxication. The two preliminary films constitute a worthy addition to a, particularly fine programme. Few topical pictures seen in Auckland in recent times have had the vital interest of the current Fox Movietone News. The vigour of the Nazi movement in Germany is splendidly illustrated by means of recoil t celebrations in which Hitler and Hindenburg, the latter resplendent in field marshal's regalia, combine; George Bernard Shaw makes a speech in characteristic vein; and Mr. Ramsay Mac Donald is heard in an impassioned appeal for disarmament to delegates at Geneva. 'lhe remaining item, "A Taxi to Paradise," is an excellent example of British enterprise in comedy production. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A popular reception is still .being accorded the two Western dramas now being screened at the Iloxy and livoli Theatres. They are and "The Cheyenno Kid," and each is an entertainment in itself. "Treason" is one of the most exciting Western productions of the year and is notablo for the acting of Buck Jones, who has appeared in many similar talking plays recently. ' Ho plays tho role of a courageous and resourceful army scout in tho pioneer days immediately following the American civil war. Other members of the cast arc Shirley Grey, Robert Ellis, Ivar McFadden and Edwin Stanley. "Treason" was directed by George B. Seitz. Tom Keeno appears to advantage in "The Cheyenne Kid," and in tho same film a congenial role has been allotted to lioscoe Ates.

" HUMANITY "

Vital drama of human emotions has seldom been so admirably presented as in "Humanity," which will commence a season at the Iloxy #nd Tivoli Theatres on Wednesday. It is a picture few will be able to resist. It deals with the sacrifices demanded of a doctor who places duty above any desire to acquire riches. In the part of the physician Ralph Morgan contributes a characterisation which will remain long in the .memory of those who see his performance. Other members of the distinguished cast which interprets the film are Boots Mallory, '} charming actress who is coming steadily to the fore: Alexander Kirkland, who lias several successes to his credit] and Irene Ware, another newcomer with a promising future. But the individual artists are subordinated to the touching pathos of the story, itself. From first to last it is a drama of very real power. ''Humanity" is adapted from "The Road to Heaven," novel by <Tolin I3ric?d, and has been skilfully directed for the rox studios by John Francis Dillon.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Undoubtedly" one of the greatest achievements in film history, the longawaited screen version of Vicki Baum s famous novel "Grand Hotel" was presented to an enraptured audience m St. James' Theatre last evening. Every seat *in the. theatre was occupied long before the screening commenced, such was the public's keenness to see how the studio had ~treated . this literarymasterpiece, and the audience was rewarded with an -entertainment that it will remember for -a very long time. The wonderful cast assembled to make this picture was a prior indication that the production would be of an unusually high order, but the success achieved must surely be greater than oven the most optimistic had hoped for. The superb character acting is something worth going a very long way to see, and this, allied to a story,, or stories, charged with the drama,humour and pathos of life in its many phases, has resulted in a masterpiece of entertainment. "Qrand Hotel" tells of a brief space in the lives of many diverse characters assembled in a luxurious Berlin Hotel. Outwardly the coming and going is in the normal, monotonous manner of everyday life, but tho scenes are changed when" the spectator glimpses behind the locked doors. Passions and striving..; then become revealed; the battle with ambition, love, death and circumstance. One sees the play of emotion that overwhelms the famous ballerina Grusinskaya; the mental wrestlings of the debonair baron who has turned thief and then found love; the urge that inspires a commercial magnate to stave oil ruin by dishonesty; and the frenzied grasping for the good things of life which obsesses. a little, elderly book-keeper with only a few days to live and a life's sayings to spend. • Swiftly the scenes move through the whole range of emotion, character acting and reacting on character and the whole interwoven with the thrust ' and parry of opposing personalities; Greta Garbo as Grusinskaya is again her wonderful self, mistress of tragedy and of tho whole art of living her part. John Barrymore, as the baron-thief, brings to his portrayal a mastery of restraint that wins a ready sympathy. As the war-scarred doctor Lewis Stone fills a lesser part with such outstand-r ing ability that too little is seen of him, but perhaps the laurels must go to Lionel Barrymore, as Kringelem, the book-keeper, and to Wallace Beery, as Preysing. Here, indeed, are two giants of their profession, whose every word and gesture bespeak the actor who absorbs a new personality with a new make-up. The role of the typist is filled by Joan Crawford in a manner a3 pleasing as it is novel, and one will laugh with her even as one sympa- . thises. An excellent supporting programme is shown, consisting of the latest newsreels and a humorous cartoon.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE „ The initial screening was given at the Prince Edward Theatre yesterday of "Hotel Continental," an enthralling drama which merited the excellent reception it received. The acting _ is almost flawless, the direction brilliant and the dialogue is never superfluous;. "Hotel Continental" will have a.universal appeal, for it contains all the elements of satisfying screen entertainment —romance, pathos and comedy. The cast is headed by J. Farrell Macdonald, the inimitable Scottish comedian, and the romantic interest is supplied by Peggy Shannon. Entertaining shorter attractions complete the programme. STRAND THEATRE Hilarious comedy and moments of pathos are contained in " Prosperity," the latest Marie Dressier comedy, which is enjoying a. successful season at the Strand* Theatre. Marie Dressier and Tolly Moran, the comediennes o£ " Caught Short," continue their bitter enmity in "Prosperity"—to the deliffht and satisfaction of picture patrons. The comedy is set in a little American town, *in which the chief financial institution is the banking house of Warren, of which Marie Dressier is president. * NATIONAL THEATRE 7 Two excellent full-length films. " Insult " ana " The Light of "Western Stars," are being presented at thp National Theatre. Elizabeth Allan, the gifted English actress, whose performance in " Service for Ladies " won for her a Hollywood contract, appears with Hugh Williams in " Insult," a thrilling .story of the French Foreign Legion. The leading players in . Zani Grey's adventure-romance are Richard Arlen and Mary Brian, both of whom have many admirers. LONDON THEATRE Breathless excitement is the keynote of " Sea Devils," which heads the prCfgramme at the London Theatre. Edmund Burns and Molly O'Day are the principals. > < ■ UNIVERSITY PLAY ! A chronicle play, "Jubilade," will be presented by the students of the Auckland University College in the Town Hall concert chamber for a season of six nights, commencing on Wed-, nesday. The play was written by Mr. ,T A. E. Mulgan and the producer is Mr. J. A. S. Coppard. "Jubilade" is an hilarious production and will be in* terpreted by a talented cast of players. COMMUNITY SINGING ,! The first mid-day community singin"' gathering of the season will be held at the Towrf Hall at 12.30 on Wednesday, The song leaders will be Mr William Garratt and "Uncle Tom," with Mrs. Barrington Snow at the piano. The sum of £3O was donated at last Wednesday's, gathering for the. metropolitan unemployed fund. It ha? been decided to give further collections to the .same object.. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR The Roval Auckland Choir will give its first concert of the season in the Town Hall on Thursday next. The assisting artists will bo Miss M. yaldow, Mr. Leu Barnes, Mr. Haydn Murray and Dr. T. de Clive Lowe. "THE VASE OF VENUS" V In aid of the Community Sunshine Association, the Zoe tartlev-Baxter Plavers will present "The Vase of Venus" at His Majesty's Theatre on Monday evening, the performance beginning o'clock. There JV be a full orchestra, conducted by Mr, Harold Baxter.