ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21521, 19 June 1933, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE A 1 Jolson makes a triumphant return to the screen in "Hallelujah, I'm a Tramp," which is proving very successful at the Regent Theatre. Jolson takes an entirely different role from those • that made him the most popular actor on the screen in the early days of talking pictures. In this picture he is seen' as a care-free tramp, leader of the eccentric vagabonds whose headquarters are Central Park, New York. The results of his friendship with the Mayor of the city make an interesting story. The third of Walt Disney's popular coloured cartoons and further selections by Knight Barnctt on the grand organ are features of the supporting programme. "TO-NIGHT IS OURS" "To-night is our 3," which will bo shown at the Regent Theatre on Friday, is unusually well done, both as regards its acting and presentation. The picture is adapted from a play by Noel Coward and this alone should recommend it to film-goers. Claudette Colbert is fascinating as a woman of royal blood on a holiday in Paris, while Fredric March, in the leading masculine role, gives a finished and talented performance. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts are irresistibly funny in "Out All Night," which heads the current programme at St. James' Theatre. They are two of the most natural comedians on the screen. Their humour is never forced or laborious, so that the audience is kept constantly chuckling or rearing with laughter. This film allows full scope for their talents. They appear as a vacuous young man who is entirely under his mother's influence, and a nurse in a large departmental store. Their adventures when they get married and go on a honeymoon, accompanied by the bridegroom's mother, form the basis for some excellent comedy. ** RASPUTIN M "Rasputin and the Empress," which will begin a season at St. James' on Friday, has been acclaimed as one of the best historical dramas since the introduction of talking pictures. The film deals with the rise and fall of Rasputin, sinister figure in Russian history, about whom so many stories have been told that he has become almost a legendary figure. The part is taken by Lionel Barrymore, and powerful is his impersonation that he seems to dominate the film. Ho invests his acting with such a dynamic power that his influence is felt whether he is present or not. It is an admirable representation of the strange power Rasputin exercised over the Russian Court. Other important roles are filled by John and Ethel Barrymore. MAJESTIC THEATRE A very funny principal film, "What! No Beer?" and a splendid array of shorter subjects comprise the splendid programme now being presented at the Majestic Theatre. Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante make an uproarious screen pair, their different types of humour being admirably contrasted. Then there are Roscoe Ates, inimitable stuttering comedian; Phyllis Barry, who achieved screen fame overnight for her performance in "Cynara"; and John Miljan, who invariably acts well. A comedy, a travel talk, a film of the sports champions series and ncwsreels are also shown. CIVIC THEATRE The story of how a poor girl, who is ill-treated in an orphanage, escapes at a great zoological park, and the romance that springs up between her and one of the keepers, is told in "Zoo in Budapest," whjch is now being shown to appreciative audiences at the Ciyic Theatre. There are some intensely exciting scenes when the animals break loose and engage in a death struggle. The keeper is called on to protect the girl, and a boy who has run away from his governess, from the infuriated animals. The daring rescues he effects form a fitting climax to the film. NATIONAL THEATRE An amusing and exciting story of how a plot was formed to kidnap the champion rider of a ranch on the eve of a - great- rodeo is told in "Pardon My Gun," which is one of the excellent films now being shown at the National Theatre. The efforts of a city girl to frustrate the plotters form the basis of ) a very entertaining film. The other feature on the programme is "Red Haired Alibi," in which Merna Kennedy, Theodor von Eltz, Grant Withers, Purnell Pratt and other well-known play- | ers take the principal parts. The story ;is based on a popular novel by Wilson < i Collison. y PLAZA. THEATRE Ralph Lynn adds anothe'r to many delightful performances in "Just My Luck," which is attracting large audiences to the Plaza Theatre. Winifred Shotter is as attractive as ever as the heroine, and splendid acting by t!:e whole cast, together with Ben Travors' witty dialogue, go to make this one of the most satisfying and entertaining films these popular actors have pre- » sented. Features of the production are the sumptuous gowns and settings, and the music of Lew Stone's well-known Monseignor Orchestra, which provides an excellent accompaniment to some of the scenes. There is a good supporting programme of shorter British films. STRAND THEATRE "Rusisa at Work," the first Russian film to be seen in Auckland, is now being screened at the Strand Theatre. The film is very interesting as giving an impression of the advance of madern methods in Russia, and some remarkable photography is incorporated. "Sleepless Nights," in which Stanley Lupino and Polly Walker give delightful performances, completes a veilvaried programme. LONDON THEATRE "The Big Fight," an exciting story of the prize-ring, heads the programme at the London Theatre. Lola Lane. Gwinn* Williams and Stephen Fetchit are the principals. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A thrilling story of the great air race round Britain is told in "The King's Cup," which is the main attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Dorothy Bouchicr, of "Carnival" and "The Blue Danube" gives a splendid performance. NEW REGENT THEATRE Paul Muni appears in "I am a Fugitive" which heads the current programme at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. TUDOR CINEMA There is an unusually distinguished cast in "If I Had a Million" at tlw Tudor Cinema. \ ENTERTAINMENT AT Y.W.C.A. ; A "mvstery joy night" will take place at the Y.W.C.A. hall, Upper Queen Street, this evening, when a programme of humour and song will be presented*