ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21518, 15 June 1933, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Realistic scenes of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 are incorporated in "Frisco Jenny," the current film afc the Civic Theatre. Ruth Chatterton plays tho title role in the production, which will be shown finally to-day. "ZOO IN BUDAPEST" i> ■ Perhaps the outstanding feature of "Zoo in Budapest," to open a season, at tho Civic Theatre to-morrow, is the photography, which is graphic, unusual and of extraordinary beauty. By the art of the camera man, the dramatic moments of tho film —and there are many—have been intensified. Leo Garmes "was the photographer, and to him, as well as to tho director, Roland V. Leo, is due tho credit for tho success which "Zoo in Budapest" will undoubtedly enjoy in Auckland. Tho film is as novel as its title and dramatises a charming romance between an orphan boy, who is befriended by tho keepers of the Budapest Zoo, and an orphan girl. Tho drama is played against a primitive and beautiful background, and progresses to a thrilling climax when the animals run amok. The realism is splendid. Loretta Young, tho actress of "Big Business" and "They Call it Sin," contributes a charming portrayal as the orphan girl, while Gene Raymond, who appeared in "Ladies of' the Big House," is convincing as tho girl's sweetheart. ST. JAMES' THEATRE "Topaze" (John Barrvmore) will be. screened for the last time at St. .Tames' Theatre to-day. There is a talented supporting cast, including Myrna Loy. "OUT ALL NIGHT" Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts ("They Just Had to Get Married") give an hilarious performance together in "Gut All Night," which will begin " a season at St. James' Theatre to-mor-row. It is a splendid coinedv. A critic writes: "In 'Out All Night' Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts score a laugh record which eclipses even their success in 'They Just Had to Get Married.' Thrown together in the nursery of a, department storo where Zasu is in charge of a roomful of squalling children, they decide to renew the acquaintance and immediately become faced with an almost insurmountable obstacle in the person of Slim's mother. Pampered from birth, Slim is entirely under the maternal thumb and suffers from innumerable ills no more serious than his mother's power of suggestion. Even when the pair nro allowed to marry their troubles are not ended, for Zasu's mother-in-law follows them on their honeymoon trip to Niagara Falls." John, Ethel and Lionel Barrymore appear in "Rasputin and the Empress," which will be screened at St. James' Theatre on Juno 23. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two films, " 20,000 Years in Sing Sing " and " Soul of the Slums," were screened for tho first time at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres yesterday. They were accorded an enthusiastic reception, which was well merited, for each film is an outstanding production of its type. " 20,000 Years in Sing Sing," based on the well-known book by Lewis E. Lawes, is an enthralling drama of prison life. It is both tragic and humorous and each characterisation is convincingly done. The humour of the production is supplied by Spencer Tracy, whose pomedy throws into relief the more serious aspects of tho drama. He is inimitable as Tom Connors, n conceited and vainglorious " gangster." Betto Davis and Lyle Talbot arc responsible for clever interpretations. The film ends on a dramatic note. The other attraction, " Soul of the Slums," is a sincere drama of modern lifo. REGENT THEATRE Clark Gable appears with distinction as a suave and dashing gambler in "No Man of Her Own," which will be screened for tho last time at tho Regent Theatre to-day. It is ideal film entertainment, the dialogue is racy and brilliant, and the acting clever. Carole Lombard makes a fascinating heroine. Selections rendered on the grand organ by Knight Barnett are a feature of the supporting items. PLAZA THEATRE Based on the story by E. Temple Thurston, "Sally Bishop," the British film now enjoying great popularity at the Plaza Theatre, has been described by critics in' England and America as one of the best romantic dramas of the year. The cast is headed by such well-known players as Harold Huthj Joan Barry, Benita Hume and Kay Hammond. STRAND THEATRE "Service for Ladies," the splendid British comedy which has been delighting audiences at the Strand Theatre, will be shown for the last time to-day. The cast, includes Leslie Howard, George Grossmith, Cyril Ritchard, Benita Hume and Elizabeth Allan. A remarkable film of the world's greatest city, entitled "Mighty London," is also being shown. "Russia at Work" will open a season at the theatre tomorrow. NATIONAL THEATRE "Hot Saturday," in which Nancy Carroll and Cary Grant appear, and Zane Grey's exciting Western romance, "Mysterious Rider," will bo shown at the National Theatre for the last time to-day. Another excellent doublefeature programme, will bo presented at tho theatre to-morrow, when "Pardon My Gun" and "Red Haired Alibi" (Mcrna Kennedy) will be shown. BRITANNIA THEATRE Marleno Dietrich acts with distinction in "Blonde Venus," which is being screened with "Round tho World in 80 Minutes" at the Britannia Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE The "guest night" entertainment at the Capitol Theatre this evening comprises "Bovond Victory" (Lew Cody) and "Night Work." CRYSTAL PALACE "AND RIALTO Intrigues on board a luxurious liner form the motif of "Pleasure Cruise," the main film at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Roland Young, Genevieve Tobin and Herbert Muudin are the players. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE Winifred Shotter and Owen Nares make a charming pair in "Tho Love Contract," now being shown at the Nuw Regent Theatre, Epsom. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "Horse Feathers" (tho Marx Brothers) and "Dancers in tho Dark" are the films at the Prince Edward Theatre. TUDOR CINEMA "The Old Dark House" (Charles Laughton) heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema. LONDON THEATRE Conrad Nagel and Catherine Dalo Owen aro tho principals in "To-day," tho curront attraction at tho London Theatro.

MAJESTIC THEATRE The final presentation will be given nt the Majestic Theatre to-day of "The World, the Flesh and the Devil" (Harold Huth) and "Goldie Gets Along" (Lili Damita). "What! No Beer?" will begin a season at the theatre to-morrow. It is a riotous comedy with Buster Keaton, of "Parlour, Bedroom and Bath," and Jimmy Durante ("The Phantom President") in the leading roles. Buster Keaton is cast as a barber and Jimmy Durante appears .is a taxidermist. Victims of circumstance, the pair unwittingly find themselves the proprietors of an illicit brewery, and the film chronicles their subsequent comical and breath-taking adventures. A notable member of the cast is Phyllis ; Barry, the demure actress of "Cynara." It is her first important role. The main film will be preceded by an excellent supporting programme. There will bo a travel talk, "Romantic Argentina," an "Our Gang" comedy, a Metrotone News and a novel film entitled "Snow Birds." AMBULANCE ORCHESTRA In aid of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, tho St. John Ambulance symphony orchestra will give a concert in Scots Hall this evening. The performance will commence at eight o'clock.