ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21555, 28 July 1933, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Each succeeding programme at (ho Plaza. Theatre reveals the wealth of talent 011 which the British film studios arc able to draw in their enterprising campaign for the production of pictures of first-class entertainment value an«i undoubted artistic merit. "The Wonderful Story," which is to have its initial screening at the theatre to-dav, is notable for the way in which the beauties of rural England have been incorporated in the picture. It was filmed in Devon and Cornwall, ami the beautiful scenery of these counties makes a striking background for vivid drama and idyllic romance. John Batten, the Auckland-born actor who made such a successful entrance to films in "Under the Greenwood Tree" and later firmly established himself by his work in "Men Like These," gives a characterisation of great sincerity as a lighthearted country boy whose character is radically changed. Wyn Clare, a. new English actress of unusual charm, gives a fine performance as a young girl who is torn between the conflicting passions ot love and duty. The role of a man who is doomed to spend his life in bed as an incurable invalid gives 10. Uranshy Williams ample opportunity to display his talents as an emotional actor. He rises to great heights when the girl he loves marries bis brother. The story is somewhat similar to that of "Under the Greenwood Tree," and the simple yet powerful way in which it is told is marked by real dignity and feeling. "Deeds Men Do." the story of the battles of Coronol and the Falkland Islands, is the second film. MAJESTIC THEATRE "The Woman Accused," which will open a'season at the Majestic Theatre to-day, has for its principals such wellknown players as Nancy Carroll, Gary Grant and Jrving Picliel. The story, which was written by 30 popular authors, including Vicki Bauin and Zane Grey, concerns a young woman who meets a former lover on the eve of her wedding. He implores her to give up the idea of marriage and, when she refuses, threatens to have her lover murdered. In desperation she kills him with a statuette and embarks next day on a pleasure cruise with her fiance. A friend of the dead man who suspects what has happened follows her and endeavours to extract a confession from her. He fails until the last night of the voyage, when he- arranges a mock trial for the entertainment of the passengers. The concluding scenes are most unusual. NATIONAL THEATRE A gripping story of the risks run by the men who gamble with their lives in order to provide film patrons with thrills is unfolded in "Lucky Devils," which will begin a season at the National Theatre to-day. One scene depicts a man standing on the top of a burning building, with the flames roaring about him, until his eyebrows and hair are scorched and his clothing actually allame. Another shows a daring leap through a skylight to the floor 50 feet below. Bill Boyd and William Gargan are seen as two "stunt" men, while others in the cast are Roscoe Ates and Dorothy Wilson. Boyd marries, and after losing his nerve works as a labourer until, driven by poverty, lie experienced a thrilling canoe ride through tumultuous rapids and thus regained his manhood. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An unusually interesting and wellvaried programme is now attracting large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. "False Faces," the first film, concerns a plastic surgeon, who is so successful in minor cases that he under-' takes a serious operation, with disastrous consequences. In the principal i role, Lowell Sherman, of " General Crack " and " The Greeks had a Word ! for Them." gives a dynamic performj a nee. Other well-known players in the ! cast are Peggy Shannon, Lila lee, Berj ton Churchill and Nance O'Neill. The oilier film, " Parachute Jumper." is a fast-moving drama cleverly interspersed with comedy to maktf n very entertaining picture. Douglas Fairbanks, juiir., Frank Mr-Hugh and Bctte Davis arc in the cast. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Excellent entertainment is provided in "Hell Below," a drama of submarine warfare, which is now enjoying an extended season at St. James' Theatre. Graphic scenes depict a destroyer hunting a submarine with depth charges, an attack upon a submarine by a squadron of aeroplanes, and the destruction of a fort by ramming it with a submarine laden with explosives. Jimmy Durante is the humorous member of a cast which includes Robert Montgomery, Madge Evans and Walter Huston. The supporting programme is well chosen.

STRAND THEATRE Herbert Marshall, who will be remembered for his role in "Trouble in Paradise," is supported by Charles Uuggles and Sari Maritza in "Evenings for Sale," which will commence a season at the Strand Theatre to-day. it throws a revealing light on the postwar impoverishment of the Viennese nobility and its consequent indignities aud disappointments. Sparkling comedy relieves the dramatic intensity and the haunting strains of Strauss' music make an enchanting background. " Out All Night." also is being shown. STATE THEATRE .Janet Gay nor is fascinating in " Tess of the Storm Country," which heads tlic double-feature programme at the State Theatre, Onehungn. The second film is " Strangers in Love " in which Frederic March and Kay Francis appear. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Lilian Harvey and John Batten head the cast in " the Love Waltz," which is being screened at the Prince Edward Theatre. " The Rampant Ago " also is being shown. TUDOR CINEMA Roland Young has one of the ibest roles of his career in " Wedding Rehearsal," the British comedy at the Tudor Cinema. / RIALTO THEATRE The programme at tho Rialto Theatre comprises " Hold Me Tight " (James Dunn and Sally Eilers) and " The Most Dangorous Game " (Joel McCrea and Fay Wray).

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE .Tames Dunn and Sally Eilers aro at their best in " Hold Mc Tight " winch Ls being shown at tho Crystal Palaco Theatre "it' l " 'N' O Most Dangerous Game," an unusual and exciting drama. NEW REGENT THEATRE " .Just Alv Luck," an amusing Ralph Jjvnn eomcclv, heads tho current prognimnie at the Now Regent 'Jlieatre, Epsom. LONDON THEATRE An all-British comedy, "Let's Lovo ami Laugh," will he shown for the first time at the London Theatre to-day. ST, ANDREW'S SOCIETY A one-act play, " A Silken Gown," and a musical programme will be proson tod at a special ladies' night to be held by the St. Andrew's Society in the Town Hall concert chamber to-morrow evening.

REGENT THEATRE "A Broken Melody," a drama of considerable foree, in which a woman puts her fame as a, singer before her home, will commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Adapted from E. Temple Thurston's play, "A Roof and J.'our Walls." it is acted by a strong cast headed by Owen Nares, Benita Hume and Harold Hutli. Owen Nares is introduced as a music composer, while "Miss Hume is his wife, whose voice has attracted the attention of a music publisher. He persuades her to sing in a cabaret and she quickly rises to fame and receives an offer from Lord Quihampton, a man witli an unenviable reputation, to sing at a party he is giving. Later ho offers her the leading role in a new light opera in which he is interested, but withdraws the offer when she refuses his advances. The ending is most unexpected. Several new songs which Miss Hume sings give every indication ol' becoming extremely popular, notably "A House Love Made For You and Me." At the evening sessions a spectacular stage presentation of a fantasy from "Chu Chin Chow," arranged by Miss Cecil Hall, will bo given. The 60 performers include Len. Barnes, Rita McCulley, Joyce Wright and Edward Churehhouse, and lavish stage effects form an attractive background for numerous song and dance numbers.