ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Ralph Lynn grins his inane way through ninny a bright interlude j in "Just My Luck" which loses nothing in comparison with any of the hilarious films in which he has previously appeared. A large audience viewed it at the Plaza Theatre last evening and found it good aiid satisfying. Ah vacuous as ever and equally as eccentric, he fills the role of a doleful music professor with a bad luck complex. He is as brimful of humour and idiosyncracy as could bo wished 'tend he by no means misses tbo accustomed company of the popular associate who appeared with him in such well-remembered farces as "The Cuckoo in the Nest," "Plunder" and others. Even if his performance did not compensate so adequately for the absence of familiar figures about linn, tho fact that Winifred Shotter plays opposite him undoubtedly would. This pert and dainty actress takes tho part of the girl who inspires the music master to take arms against misfortune and woo more determinedly tho goddess of luck. She gives a wholehearted performance and imparts a lively /est to the business of rousing tho musician from his chronic despondency. The two are excellently suited to the light-hearted frivolity which marks the action r.nd tlioy romp through many delightful situations with appropriate gaiety and merry abandon. There is ample scope for them to exploit their inherent ability for humorous acting. For bad luck does not always dog the spiritless steps of tho musician, and soon we find liini in the more domineering role of manager of a sumptuous hotel. He appears to he iiriply set in fortune's favour until the actions of an untrustworthy cashier threaten to dislodge him. His luck does not desert him entirely, however, for fortuitous circumstance enables him to restore certain defalcations, clear himself of complicity and win the girl into the | bargain. Robertson Hare is one mem- I her of the cast who lias appeared previously in Lynn films and he gives an excellent impersonation of the conscientious but stolid private secretary whose timely intervention helps to bring the absconding cashier to heel. Davy Burn- | aby and Vera Poarce play prominent \ parts with distinction, and Frederick Burtwell and Phyllis Clare successfully fill minor roles. The supporting programme is well balanced in interest and incident. The beauties of country, village and seaboard in North Devon are presented with exceptionally fine eifect in an issue of "This England" series; shrimp netting off Gravesend is well presented, and the story which provided Rachmaninoff with the motif for his famous Prelude makes a poetically impressive study and intensifies appreciation of the character of tho music. An Ideal Cineinagamne film, with the usual sequence of novel topics, completes an attractive programme. STRAND THEATRE A varied programme was screened at tho Strand Theatre for the first time yesterday. " Russia at Work " records some aspects of present-day conditions in Russia, and shows some remarkable scenes of the advance of modern i methods in backward and unfertile I country. It is a novel and interesting picture and is an excellent ex- j ample of Russian film technique, j while the photography is a revelation. " Sleepless Nights," in which Stanley Lupino gives an hilarious performance as a voung newspaper reporter who falls in love with a millionaire's daughter, also is being shown. A feature of the film is tho introduction of several catchy songs, including the popular number " I Don't Want to Go to lied." The supporting cast includes Polly Walker, Gerald Rawlinson, Frederick Lloyd and Charlotte Parry. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The splendid picture which heads the current programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres, " 20,000 Years in Sing Sing," is based on a book by Lewis E. Lawes, warden of Sing Sing prison. It gives a true and sympathetic -insight into prison life. Tho grim and tragic has not been emphasised to the exclusion of the more human, side, and the personal friendships that grow up among the prisoners, their relations with friends outside tho prison, and the many humorous incidents that occur daily are all faithfully recorded. The principal parts are taken by Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis, Warren Hymor and Arthur Bvron. "Soul of the Slums " is being shown 011 the same programme. e CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Refreshing entertainment is provided at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres, where "Pleasure Cruise" is j enjoying a successful season. The cast includes Roland Young, Herbert Mundin and Genevieve Tobin, the actress of "Seed." "Pleasure Cruise" is an amusing film of' matrimonial complications on board a liner. ADELPHI THEATRE Tho attractions at tho Adelphi Theatre are " There Goes the Bride," " State Trooper " and " Taxi to Paradise." WEST END THEATRE " The King's Vacation." " After Dark " and " Two Crowded Hours " are tho current films at the West End Theatre. EMPRESS THEAtRE Tho programme at tho Empress Theatre comprises " I Am a Fugitive," " After Dark " and " Two Crowded Hours." i SUNDAY PICTURES Gene Gerrard appears in " Lucky Girl," which, with " England Awake," will comprise- the charity picture entertainment to bo given at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow evening. NEW REGENT THEATRE "Hat Chock Girl" and "Bachelor Affairs" will bo shown at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, 'this evening. GREY LYNN CINEMA Charles Laughton and Boris Karloff givo brilliant interpretations in "The Old Dark House," which is being shown with "Guilty as Charged" at the Grey Lynn Cinema. CAPITOL THEATRE ' The double feature programme at the Capitol Theatre comprises " Vanity Street " and " Downstairs." GAIETY THEATRE " Silver Dollar " is boiiig shown with " Innocents of Chicago " at the Gaiety Theatre, Otahuhu. ORPHEUS THEATRE " The Cohens and Kellys in Trouble " heads the programme at the Orpheus Theatre, Otahuhu. EMPIRE THEATRE The Empire Theatre (ilius are "Two Against the World" and "Shanghai Express."

REGENT THEATRE

A rollicking spirit of care-freo adventure, with lilting music and delightful humour, pervades "Hallelujah, I'm a Tramp," the excellent film which commenced a season at the Regent Theatre last evening. A 1 Jolson, who made screen history in "The Singing Fool" a, few years ago, lias a rolo which suits him to perfection as the happy-go-luekv tramp, who is chief among the motley "guests" at Central Park. New York. His friendship with the Mayor of the city, admirably played by Frank Morgan, leads to a strange series of adventures. a Tramp" is interesting for many" reasons. It brings back to tho.screen the entertainer who was the principal in the first all-talking film produced; it has more of the rhythmic dialogue ! which wys so successful in "This is tho j Night" and "Love Mo To-night"; it j lias a theme which is entirely fresh and j novel; and it was directed by Lewis Milestone, whose work is always artis- ; tic and imaginative. The acting of tho j chief players is uniformly good. Be- | sides Mr. Jolson and Mr. Morgan, there j are Harry Lnngdon, as Egghead, a ; potential radical; Chester Conklin, j .complete with walrus moustache, as a ! somnolent cabby; Madge Evans, who ! interprets a difficult role with her cus- \ ternary disarming winxomeuess; Edgar Connor, as tho tramp's inseparable ! darkio "assistant"; Tyler Brooke, BertRoach and I/ouise Carver. Frum first to last tho picture moves easily in an ! atmosphere of carefree abandon. The i types among tho legion of tramps have j been cleverly drawn. As iir all United j Artists productions, the photography is j faultless. 111 addition to the excellence 1 ol tho main film, the supporting pro- j gramme has everything to commend it. I "I here is another of those delightful I Walt Disney Silly Symphonies 111 tech- I iii'-olour, "Birds in the Spring." It is, a worthy successor to tho previous three animated cartoons of this series that have delighted patrons of the Regent.. "Tho Gold of the North" is a splendid Ufa film dealing with the winning of amber from the shores of the Baltic and the innumerable articles made from it. A wide variety of interest is covered in Paramount, Patlie and C'inesoand newsreels. Mr. Knight Barnett, whose organ solos arc an unfailing source of delight, plays a medley of "Songs of tho Family" and selections from "The Merry Widow." Altogether, it is a well-balanced programme which one may unhesitatingly recommend. MAJESTIC THEATRE Entertainment of an extremely high order is provided by the programme which commenced a season before large and appreciative audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. The main feature, "What, No Beer?" proved another outstanding success for the popular comedians, Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante. Ample scope is allowed for tho oddly-assorted and hap-pily-combined humour of the pair, whose comcdv styles are exactly opposite. Buster Keaton's famous "woodenfaced" humour, offset by the boisterous fun of Jimmy Durante, kept last evening's audience in high spirits. The plot was specially written for the Koaton-Durante pair, and turns on the misapprehension of Jimmy, a barber, who thinks that beer will be legal 011 tho day after the "wet" vote has been carried at the polls, and, in partnership with Buster, he buys a brewery. Buster is a mild taxidermist, whose ambition is to marry a beautiful girl, 1 Phyllis Barry, who is found to bo in league with a rival beer-making fac> tion. Exciting as well as amusing scenes follow after the partners commence soiling their beer, causing the rival faction to try to control their output. There is a wildly funny scene when, with a police raid imminent, the two comedians give free beer to the whole town, in order to destroy the evidence* Against them. Phyllis Barry, the demure actress of "Cyuara," is convincing in the main feminine role, while other leading supporting characters include Rosco Ates, who is inimitable as the stammering brewmaster, and John Miljan, leader of the bootlegging gang. In keeping with the main film, the supporting programme is of a particularly high standard. A clever "Our Gang" comedy containing a succession of funny scene? convulsed the audience. Spectacular snapshots' of a ski-jumping demonstration are included in a most entertaiuing film depicting snow sports at a Californian winter resort. Another film which was extremely popular with tho audience was'a travel talk featuring the Argentine, particular interest attaching to some excellent views of Buenos Aires, tho capital city. Two highly-interesting newsreels of topical events overseas complete the programme. Perhaps the most interesting subjects were this year's university boat race on the River Thames, war scenes taken at the front line with the Japanese forces in Jeliol, and the inauguration of the Holy Year in Rome. NATIONAL THEATRE Another popular double-feature programme was presented for the first time at the National Theatre yesterday. Merna Kennedy gives a fascinating performance in " Red Haired Alibi," in which slio is ably supported by Theodor von Elt-sc, Grant Withers and Purnell Pratt. The other film is " Pardon My Gun," one of tho most amusing Western dramas to be shown on tho screen. Sally Starr heads a talented cast which interprets a story that combines thrills and comedy in excellent proportion. TUDOR CINEMA There will be a children's matinee at the Tudor Cinema this afternoon, when a special programme will be shown. "If I Had a Million" will bo tho principal attraction in tho evening. BRITANNIA THEATRE A special children's programme will be presented at the Britannia Theatre this afternoon, while in the evening "Hold 'Em Jail" and "Tho Vanishing Frontier" will bo shown. LONDON THEATRE Lola Lane, Gwinn Williams and Stephen Fetch it head tho cast of " Tho Big Fight " which opened a season at tho London Theatre yesterday. ONEHUNGA PICTURES Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts appear in "They Just Had to Get Married" at the Oneluinga Pictures. • BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA Tho Bohemian Orchestra will hold its first concert of tho season in tho Town Hall on Thursday, June 29. A feature of tho programme will bo the playing of Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto by Miss Dora .ludson, with full orchestral accompaniment. COMMUNITY SINGING A community singing gathering, the proceeds of which will be devoted to the relief of unemployment, will be hold in the Town Hall on Wednesday between 12.30 anil 1.30 p.m. OPTIMISTS' CONCERT In aid of " Triangle Day " funds, an " optimists' concert," in which talented local artists will assist, will bo given at tho Y.M.C.A. 011 Tuesday evening.

CIVIC THEATRE A whimsical romance between an animal-loving keeper and a timid orphan girl is framed against- a background of zoo life in tho Lossy, production '"Zoo In Budapest," which commenced a season at the.Civic Theatre before an appreciative audience last evening. Loretta Young is an ideal type for the leading role of an orphan child, Eve, , whose escape from the control of an orphanage is the beginning of a series of "dramatic incidents. As the keeper, Zani, Gone Raymond discloses a wealth of understanding and knowledge of the many different types of animals, and it is his outspoken belief in the possibilities of Eve's breaking the orphanage bonds that leads to romantic episodes between them. A youthful lead is taken bv Waliy Albright in the role of Paul Vnndor, whose enthusiasm for an elephant ride causes .him to break away from his goverilesft at closing-time. These three together participate in moments of thrilling tension, when the escape of a lion brings pandemonium ill its. train and Zani is called on to effect n seflsation.ll rescue of the child Paul from the very jaws of a ferocious tiger. The photography is unique in depicting excellent animal portrayals, both in tho j calm surroundings of their respective cages in the zoo and particularly in the terrific animal encounters after the release of lions and tigers, when frightened elephants break up the cages. Zani is wanted by the police for stealing women visitors' furs. Eve is being searched for ;it the instigation of tho orphanage, and Paul's parents have secured the services of nit the keepers j to look for their errant son. and the j subsequent events provide a climax of breathless excitement. An interesting I supporting programme contains two news films with events gleaned from many parts of the world, including i scenes from Home, and the arrival of ! Carl Xauer. the Swiss aviator, in Australia. A magic carpet of Movietone shows unusual aspects of American railways. views of the different trains and transcontinental expresses, indicating the standard to which this form of travel has risen. The familiar Felix the Cat is most amusing in a cartoon comedy, " Arnbantics." ST. JAMES' THEATRE 1 1 Continually repressed by dominating relations and employers. Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts exploit the humour of meekness and humility to great effect in ''Out All Night," the Universal production which opened a season at St. James' Theatre yesterday. With their ineffectual gestures and deprecating mannerisms, they form an ideal pair. The comedy of "They Just Had to Get Married" is fully equalled in their latest production, which provides a continuous succession of ludicrous incidents and broad but witty dialog ic. Summerville takes the part of an unfortunate "mothers darling," who can never escape from the expansive care with which she surrounds him. His health must be safeguarded in her opinion by means of seclusion from all exciting influences and he must have administered to him at regular intervals an imposing selection of pills and potions. Romance, such as it is, first comes into his life when he meets Zasu Pitts as the nursemaid in charge of a children's creche at a largo department store. In spite of the mother's fond presence at almost every meeting of the two. the friendship ripens, principally through Zasu Pitts' almost desperate efforts, and air unexpected incident, the unintentional locking of the two in the departmental store overnight, eventually forces the mother's hand into sanction of marriage between the two. Even on the honeymoon, however, the incubus of the mother's presence cannot be shaken off, for she meets the married couple on their arrival at Niagara Falls, after a particularly amusing sleeping car trip. The way in which the young man eventually has some spirit injected into liim so that he can break from his mother's apron strings provides a climax which is not only hilariously funny, hut also contains many exciting moments. As the domineering mother, Laura Hope Crews gives a very realistic portrayal. The supporting programme includes an exceptionally varied selection of newsreels and an unusual mystery story, "The Radio Murder Mystery." Perhaps tho finest item of the supporting programme is a comedy cartoon, "The Terrible Troubadour," in which the droll ness of the drawings is equalled b\ the appropriate musical effects.