ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21498, 23 May 1933, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Sally Eilers, tho charming principal of 'Quick Millions," "Tho Black ±1? ' Girl" and numerous other talking play successes, gives a performance of whimsical charm in Sailor s Luck," which is captivating patrons of tho Civic Theatre. With her is James Dunn, who appeared with the actress in " Bad Girl " and " Dance ieam, and he is suitably dashing and not a little charming as an American sailor, who comes ashore for an evening's entertainment, and falls in lovo, light-heartedly, and then seriously, with Sally Brent. Tho romance, however, runs far from smooth. But, after the usual misundeVstandings, a happy and satisfactory ending is reached. Interesting supporting features are screened. "STATE FAIR" . Fair," which will have its initial presentation at the Civic Tlieatro on Friday, ia a film of simplicity, sincerity and charm. A critic comments: State Fair ' is a splendid film. I don t think there are any reservations to be made about it, except that there ought to be an English picture on similar lines. It is a happy film. It is sentimental and it is amusing. It is and beautifully directed. . State 1< air 9 lias three parallel dramas m one." There is an excellent cast, including Janet Gaynor, Lew Ayres, Louise Dresser, Norman Foster, Sally Eilers and Will Rogers.

REGENT THEATRE The efforts of a handsome guardsman to avoid matrimony form tho motif of "Wedding Rehearsal," the gay and care-free British musical coim?dy which is now being screened at the • Regent Theatre. It is a film replete with intriguing situations and brilliant dialogue, and, allied with the polished English and stage presence of the talented principals, affords refreshing entertainment. Patrons of the Regent Theatre will not bo disappointed, for the film is an excellent production m all respects. Roland Young and Gcorgo Grossmith head the cast. Joan Crawford, the fascinating actress of "Dance Fools, Dance" and Grand Hotel," appears as Sadie Thompson in "Rain," which will commence a season at the Regent Theatre on Friday. It is a faithful talking play adaptation of Somerset Maugham's celebrated short story. Judging by the acclamation with which it was received overseas, " Rain," should enjoy an extended season in Auckland.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE " Grand Hotel," which is attracting large audiences to St. James' Theatre, is the most ambitious production to come from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. It is a splendid film' acLievement. Yicki Baum's novel, " Grand Hotel," created a sensation when it was published, and it made a very successful play. It has made an even more successful film. The acting is buperb, the direction almost flawless, and the film completely satisfying. So accomplished is the cast that it would be futile to attempt comparison. Lionel Barrymore makes a wistful and pathetic Kringelein; Greta Garbo is magnificent as the tragic dancer, Grusinskaya; John Barrymore is debonair as the baronthief; Joan Crawford is fascinating as the typist; and Wallace Beery gives a masterly characterisation of Preysing, the business man. Lewis Stone appears as the war-scarred doctor, who silently watches the moving drama of " Grand Hotel."

STRAND THEATRE Pathos, and a good measure of comedy, are the ingredients of "Prosperity," which heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. It maintains the high standard of former Marie Dressier productions, and, as before, the rift in the lute is Polly Moran. The most convincing performance comes from Marie Dressier, who is seen as the president of a small American bank which has to close its doors during the depression. Other players are Norman Foster and Anita Page.

NATIONAL THEATRE "Insult," a gripping film dealing with life in the French Foreign Legion, is being shown with "The Light of the Western Stars" at the National Theatre. Elizabeth Allen,_ the young English actress, is the _ principal player in "Insult" and she is capably supported by Hugh Williams. "The Light of the Western Stars," which is notable for the virile acting of Richard Arlen, is the picturisation of Zane Grey's popular novel. MAJESTIC THEATRE That comical pair, George Sidney and Charlie Murray, are responsible for some original and hilarious comedy in " The Gohens and Kellys in Trouble," the at the Majestic Theatre. It is their seventh production, and their best. Charlie Murray has a typical role as the captain of a tugboat who sails into San Pedro to welcome his old and wealthy friend, Nathan Cohen (George Sidney), and the pair are soon in trouble.

LONDON THEATRE Lilian Harvey and John Batten, a former Aucklander, appear together in " The Love Waltz," which will be presented for the 'first time at tho London Theatre to-day. TUDOR CINEMA Henry Edwards is tho principal of "The Flag Lieutenant," which heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema. BRITANNIA THEATRE " Lady and Gent " (George Bancroft), and "Igloo," a film of tho Frozen North, are now at the Britannia Theatre. LYRIC THEATRE Tho Lyric Theatre attractions are "Too Busy to Work," with Will Rogers, and "To-night's tho Night." EPSOM REGENT THEATRE The main attraction at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, is "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," with Marion Nixon in tho main rolo. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Warner Baxter gives an urbane performance in "Dangerously Yours, which heads tho current programme at the Crystal Palaco and Ilialto iheatres. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE An entrancing musical score is incorporated in "Viennese Nights,' the now film at tho Prince Edward Theatre. EMPIRE THEATRE "Tho Grand Parade" will be screened at the "guest niglit" entertainment at the Empire Theatre this evening. COMMUNITY SINGING Mr William Garratt and "Uncle Tom" will lead the community singing g»™or-. ing to be held in the Tovvn Hall tomorrow from 12.30 until 1.30 p.m. The proceeds will bo devoted to unemployment relief.. j

PLAZA THEATRE "Tho King's Cup," a film which should have a particular appeal to an air-minded, public, is tho main attraction on the entertaining programme being presented at tho Plaza Theatre. It is a splendid tribute to those who lly tho airways of Britain. As tho title suggests, tho production is based upon the. King's Cup air race, one of tho most keenly-contested aviation contests held in Great Britain. With tho aid of graphic camera work an impressive realism is attained in the film, which, retaining tho interest of the audience throughout, progresses to an exciting climax depicting a thrilling finish in the race for the King's Cup. A collision between an aeroplano and an autogyro provides one of tho most intensely dramatic moments of tho film. Dorothy Bouchier, of "Carnival" and "The Blue Danube," supplies tho romantic interest, Harry Milton appears as a young flying instructor, and William Kendall is his supercilious and sinister rival.

"THE MIDSHIPMAID" Her performance with Owen Nares in "Thero Goes tho Bride," gained for Jcssio Matthews, tho EnglisTi musicalcomedy actress, a permanent place in British films, and she makes a welcome reappearance on the screen in "The Midshipmaid," to open a season at tho Plaza Theatre on Friday. It is another successful talking play from tho Gainsborough Studios, which were responsible for "SunsTiine Susie" and "Marry Mo." Although there is an imposing cast, it is Jessie Matthews who dominates tho film, and her performance will satisfy the most critical filmgoor.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES "Humanity," ono of tho most enthralling dramas of the year, will be screened for the first time at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-morrow. It is a simple and sincere story from real life. There is no exaggeration for the sake of effect, and the players portray their roles with a charming simplicity, with the result that "Humanity" is an outstanding production. Tho play concerns tho romance between a young scientist and a girl, and their effort to achieve happiness. Tho cast is a splendid one. Ralph Morgan, veteran actor of stage and screen, is seen in a typical role, while Alexander Kirkland also appears with distinction. Then there are Boots Mallory, who has been in many recent films, and Irene Ware. The supporting artists are also accomplished and include Noel Madison, Betty Jane Graham and George Irving. "Humanity" is the talking picture version of Harry Field's "Tho Road to Heaven."

" JUBILADE " A witty and comical review of the fifty years of the Auckland University College's existence is provided in "Jubilade," the university students' play, which will begin a season of six nights in the Town Hall concert chamber to-morrow evening. The play was written by Mr. J. A. E. Mulgan and produced by Mr. J. A. S. Coppard.' It is replete with clever topical references and favourito music-hall ditties of a past generation. The players include Misses Shirley Roberts, Rose Perez, Phoebe Norris, Jean Alison and Itona Munro, Messrs. E. C. Laurie, K. P. Wilson, A. P. Postlewaite, W. M. Milliken, I. Moir, L. Restall, J. V. Hudson, L. Solon, R. F. Spragg, L. Rich, S. G. White, E. A. Stubbs, S. C. MacDiarmid and A. R. Hill.

" THE VASE OF VENUS" Light farce comedy met with an enthusiastic reception at His Majesty's Theatre last evening, when "The Vase of Venus" was produced by Mrs. Zoe Bartley-Baxter in aid of the Community Sunshine Association. It is the work of a well-known Auckland business man writing under the pen name of P. G. Cargo, and for a first production it has distinct merit. There is an intriguing plot, half a dozen delightful characters and a whole host of really bright lines. The play is short, the three acts altogether taking less than two hours to play. It was given an excellent performance last evening. In the leading roles both Miss Ysolinde McVeagh and Mr. Dick Hudson were responsible for somo accomplished work. Mr. Sidney Wilbraham handled a well-drawn character part with enthusiasm. Mr. Apsiey Bathurst made a most engaging figure as a juvenile "silly ass" and a small part was delightfully played by Connie Clark. Mr. Harold Sayers, as a new kind of silent policeman, evoked warm applause. Other parts were capably played by Juno Garland, Hamish Henderson, Hugh Wood, Jack Parsons and Norton Hammond. Mrs. Bartley-Bax-ter's production was fully in keeping with the spirit of the piece and' there was no mistaking Sistor Peggy Hovey's efficient organisation and stage management. Entr'actes were provided by a full orchestra under the accomplished baton of Mr. Harold Baxter.