ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21577, 23 August 1933, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two excellent western films head tho school holiday programme at the Roxv and Tivoli Theatres. The screen adaptation of Zane Grey's novel "Lifo in the Raw" gives George O'Brien, who was seen recently in " Smoke Lightning" and other outdoor films, ample opportunities for virilo acting. Claire Trevor, a successful actress 011 tho Now York stage, makes her screen debut as a visitor to a somewhat primitive part of the West. She no sooner steps from tho train than she becomes the centre of attention, and before long slio is involved in a thrilling intrigue. Many of the finest hoi semen in Hollywood appear in tho film, and the riding scenes are most exciting. Greta Nisscn, a Norwegian blonde of exceptional beauty, heads tho list of supporting players, who include Francis Ford, Gaylord Pendleton and Nigel do Brulier. The second picture is "Forbidden Trail," a Columbia film, in which Buck Jones, one of the most popular Western actors on the screen, has the principal role. At the afternoon session a Mickey Mouse pantomime entitled "Mickey's Surprise Victory" will bo presented at both theatres. It is produced bv Miss Lillian O'Learv, who has directed several similar pantomimes with great success, and the cast of 45 clever children appeared in tho Frank Neil production "Cinderella." Prominent. scenes include Mickey s great wrestling bout, tho comedy march witu 30 mice, and Mickey's surprise victory. RECENT THEATRE F. Marion Crawford's poignant love storv, ' "The White Sister," will close its season at the Regent Jheatre tomorrow. It is a touching storv of an Italian princess who falls in love with a voting Hying officer. Her father is kilicd in a motor accident, and nor lover is reported kilicd; sickened by tho sorrows of the world, she enters a convent, but immediately she has taken her vows her lover returns. The film is preceded hv an atmospheric prologue in which Miss Sarah Stacpoolc sings "Ave Maria," and a stage presentation by a company of artists from the Folios Bergeres, Paris. Wheeler and Woolsev appear as delegates from a tribe of Indians to a peace conference at Geneva in "Biplomaniacs," an uproarious comedv which will commence at the theatro on Friday. Tho comedians fully uphold their reputation for causing unrestrained laughter and they are hiippoitcd by an excellent cast. ST. JAMES' THEATRE An exceptionally strong cast appears in "Made on Broadway," which will conclude a season at St. James' Theatre to-morrow. Robert Montgomery, popular hero of many films, is supported by Madge Evans, beautiful actress of "Hell Below," and Sally Filers, whose performa noes with Jaires Dunn in Bad Girl," "Over the Hill" and "Danco Team" have established her as one of tho most successful American players. A lavishly produced comic opexa, u Fra Diavolo" ("The Devil's Brother"), will have its initial screening at St. James Theatro on Friday. Based on an old opera bouffe, it combines excellent music with some of tho best comedy to be seen in Auckland for some time. Denis King is at his best as a bandit chief, and Tbelma Todd appears opposite him as tho beautiful lady he woos for her jewels and money. PLAZA THEATRE "Arizona to Broadway," the Fox film which is nearing tho end of a successful season at the Plaza Theatre, has for its principals James Dunn and Joan Bennett. Dunn is seen as a confidence man at a carnival in Arizona who goes to New York and attempts to match his wits against thoso of tho city s "gangsters." The plot concerns his attempts to protect a lonely and pretty o-irl from a rival gang of confidence men; but his interest is purely professional, as ho has every intention of robbing the girl himself. The supporting cast includes Herbert Mundin, Sammv Cohen and Merna Kennedy. "Tlw Fires of Fate," tho film version of Con an Doyle's novel "The Tragedy of tho Korosko," will be shown for tho first timo at the theatre on Friday. MAJESTIC THEATRE Tho fascinating story of a man who grows up among a band of lions in the African jungle forms the theme of "King of the Jungle," which is enjoying a successful season at the Majestic Theatre. Tho film tells of his capture by a circus proprietor, and it reaches a powerful climax when tho circus catches fire, and tho maddened animals break loose in the streets. Buster Crabbe, tho Olympic swimming i champion, is splendid 111 tho principal i role, and he is supported by 1 ranees ! Doe, Nydia Westman and Irving Pichcl. STRAND THEATRE An opic of the British Empire, "CavI alcade" continues to attract large audiences to tjic Strand Theatre. It pre- ' sents the history of the present century through the eyes of a woman, and : notable events which pass in review include the embarkation of troops for i the South Africa War, the death of Queen Victoria, Blonot s crossing of the channel by txr, the Titanic, and tho Great \\ ar. , an exceptional cast of noted Br actors. NATIONAL THEATRE One of the most successful films shown on the silent screen, Ihe Birth of a Nation" is now being screened at the National Theatre, lho addition of sound has made tho epic of the American Civil War even more vivid ind impressive than before, lho picture was produced by D W. Cnffith and the cast includes Lillian Gisb, Henry 13. Walthall and Miriam Cooper. LONDON THEATRE The current programme at the London Theatre is headed by I , l ai ' ( / 1 I °' . - 1 -, Gun" and "The Racketeer (Robert Armstrong and Carole Lombard). CAPITOL THEATRE The programme at the Capitol Theatro is headed by "Heritage of the Desert" (Randolph Scott and ..allv Blanc) and "Make Mc a Star. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Jessie Matthews heads a notable cast in "The Man From loronto, hK-h is being shown at the Crystal Palace and Rial to with lho Hound of the Baskervillcs. NEW REGENT THEATRE The programme at tho New J^'COnt Theatre, Epsom, is headed b.\ I'd Us Bo Gay (Marie Dressier and Norma Shearer). TUDpR CINEMA A fine British cast is headed bv Jessie Matthews in "The Midshipmaid, which is now at the Tifdor Cinema. BRITANNIA THEATRE " Evenings for Sale " aitid "Rackety Rax " arc the films at tho Britannia Theatre.

CIVIC THEATRE Lavish settings ami catchy music are features of "Adorable," a colourful musical comedy which is now at the Civic Theatre. Janet Gaynor, whose long list of successes includes "Sunny Side Up," "Toss of the Storm Country" and "State Fair," is cast as a young princess in a mythical European kingdom, who falls in love with a nontenant in tho roj-al guard. Both are in disguise, but tho princess learns tho identity of her lover and uses her position to elfect lightning promotions in his rank. Henry Garat, a French actor with a fino tenor voice, has tho part of the lieutenant, while Herbert Mundin, one of tho most popular comedians oil the screen, gives a fino performance as a member of tho secret service. Heaton and Esme, two dancers of international note, give a dance presentation on the stage each evening. " I LOVED YOU WEDNESDAY" Elissa Landi, the brilliant English actress who made successful appearances in "The Sign of tho Cross" and "The Warrior's Husband," has one of her greatest characterisations in "1 Loved You Wednesday," which will have its initial presentation at the Civic Theatro on Friday. She is supported by Warner Baxter, of "Dangerously Yours" and "42nd Street," Miriam Jordan and Victor Jory. Henry King, who produced "State Fair," is the director. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE One of tho most spectacular films yet made, " The Sign of the Cross," will be shown at tho Prince Edward Theatre this evening. The cast includes Elissa Landi, as tno Christian maid, Charles Laughton, as Nero, Fredric March and Claudette Colbert. A special children's programino will be presented each afternoon this week. A lavishly produced pantomime in Oriental settings, " Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp," is the main attraction. The cast of 40 talented performers includes Dan Flood, as Mrs. Twankey, and special dances have been arranged by Miss Bettina Edwards. A thrilling Western drama, " The Painted Desert," also will be shown in the afternoons. STATE THEATRE Unusual entertainment is provided in " Zoo in Budapest," a thrilling drama staged in the eerie setting of a 7.00 at night, which heads the current programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga. Lilvan Tashman and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., are tho principals of the second picture, " Scarlet Dawn." DRAMA FESTIVAL Auckland's first festival of drama will bo held from August 28 to September 2 under tho auspices of tho Auckland branch of the British Drama League, Eighteen teams, representing the leading Auckland amateur dramatic socieeies, will take part and three plays will be presented each evening. Booking arrangements are advertised. COMMUNITY SINGING Mr. and Mrs. Albert Russell and Mr. Vernon Drew wili be the song leaders at the community singing in the Town Hall to-day.