ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21515, 12 June 1933, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE 1 A deft and convincing characterisation is contributed by John lJarrymore in " Topaze," the 11.K.0. Radio production, which heads the current programme at St. James 1 Theatre. It should enjoy a very successful season. In a distinctly new role John Barrvmore gives a splendid characterisation. He appears as Professor Topane, an unworldly teacher at a French academy, whose philosophy is purely idealistic. Dismissed from the school because of his honesty, the professor secures a position as chief chemist to a bogus firm. Gradually his philosophy changes until he becomes a cynical " man-of-the-world," who lives by his wits. John Barrymore accomplishes the, transition with a sure dramatic touch. Mvrna Lov is fascinating in a supporting part, while other players include Reginald Mason and Albert Conti. An interesting supporting programme is screened. •' OUT ALL NIGHT " Zasu Pitts and Slim Summerville, the comical pair of " They .Just Had to Get Married," appear together again in " Out All Night," which will begin a season at St. James' Theatre 011 Friday. It has been well received by overseas critics and is stated to be even funnier than " They Just Had to Get Married," splendid comedy as it was. On June 23 the initial presentation will be given at the theatre of " Rasputin and the Empress " (John, Lionel and Ethel Barrymore). PLAZA THEATRE All the dramatic quality of Temple Thurston's novel has been captured in " Sally Bishop," the outstanding British film which is entertaining patrons of the Plaza Theatre. The principal players are the winsome Joan Barry and Harold Hutli, who were seen in " The Outsider," while minor parts are enacted by Anthony Bushell and Elmyn Williams. Kay Hammond and Benita Hume (" Lord Camber's Ladies ") complete the cast. Harold Huth contributes a characteristic portrayal as a barrister and " man about town." He falls in love with Joan Barry but refuses to marry her and from this point the film progresses to a dramatic climax. In " Sally Bishop," the director, Herbert Wilcox, has excelled himself. The photography is a definite advance in film technique. The shorter attractions include a nature study film, a scenic and an interesting news-reel. REGENT THEATRE Comedy, drama and pathos are the ingredients of "No Mart of Her Own," the current attraction at the Regent Theatre. It is one of the most entertaining films come from the Paramount studios. The dialogue is clever, and the production is interpreted by a talented cast, headed by Clark Gable, the popular principal of "Red Dust," in he appeared with Jean Harlow, "HeM Divers" and numerous other talking play successes. In "No Man of Her Own" he appears as a cynical "card-sharper" with a gift for repartee. He marries a girl who is unaware of his gambling activities and a crisis develops when she discovers his "profession." There is a surprising denouement. The splendid minor programme includes selections on the grand organ by Knight Barnett. MAJESTIC THEATRE Lili Damita and Charles Morton are the principals of "Goldie Gets Along," which is being screened with "The World, the Flesh and the Devil" at the Majestic Theatre. "Goldie Gets Along" is a.satire 011 Hollywood and provides splendid entertainment. It is perhaps the first film to deal adequately with the heart-breaking existence in Hollywood of the "extras." Lili Damita is very fascinating as a girl with an allconsuming ambition to become a film actress. To attain her purpose she refuses to marry her lover (Charles Morton), and works her way to Hollywood by Winning a series of beauty competitions. . Harold Huth appears in the second attraction, "The World, the Flesh, and the Devil." CIVIC THEATRE Ruth Chatterton, who was seen recently in "To-morrow and To-morrow" and "The Rich Are Always With Us," is responsible fo» a performance of real dramatic quality in '"Frisco Jenny," the First National film which is attracting large audiences to the Civic Theatre. In this, her latest, and probably best, film, Ruth Chatterton appears as a young, girl, whose father, . a saloon keeper, is killed in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. By sheer force of personality, the girl. Jenny, becomes a leading figure in the San Francisco underworld, and her subsequent career is as dramatic as it is chequered. There is an interesting supporting programme. NATIONAL THEATRE An entertaining and well-balanced programme is being presented at the National Theatre, where "Hot Saturday" and "The Mysterious Rider" are the main attractions. "Hot Saturday" is notable for the accomplished acting of Nancy Carroll, the demure actress of "The Broken Lullaby" and "Sin Takes a Holiday." It is an absorbing film dealing with problems of modern youth. Cary Grant plays opposite Nancy Carroll. The principals in "The Mysterious Rider" are Kent Taylor and Lola Andre. The production is the film version of Zane GreV's exciting novel of the American West, and is thrilling J entertainment. STRAND THEATRE Leslie Howard, who was responsible for an excellent performance in " Siniliu' Through," is the leading player in " Service for Ladies," which will begin a season at the Strand Theatre to-day. The other attraction on the programme is " Mighty London," a graphic film of life in the capital of the Empire. Other players in the cast of " Service for Ladies " are George (irossmith, of " Wedding Rehearsal," and Cyril Ritehard. The skilful direction of Alexander Korda is evident throughout the production, which is characterised by scintillating dialogue and faultless acting. LONDON THEATRE Ideal entertainment is provided at the London Theatre, where " The Love Race " (Stanley Lupino) is being screened? CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Edgar Wallace's splendid novel, "The Flying Squad," has been cleverly translated to the screen in the film of the same name, which is now being screened at the "Crystal Palace and llialto Theatres. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE The attractions at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, are "State Trooper" (Regis Toomey) and "Smoke Lightning." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "Sea Devils" and "Borrowed Partners" are the films at . the Prince Edward Theatre. BRITANNIA THEATRE Edmund Lowe heads the east in " Guilty as Charged," which is being presented with " Ebb J idc " (Joan Barry) at tlio Britannia Theatre.