ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21578, 24 August 1933, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE ,Tnnet Caynor is as winsome as ever !n "Adorable," which will conclude its season at the Civic Theatro to-day, but fclie has an added touch of sophistication which does much to enhance her charm. She lias the part of a romantic young princess in a mythical European kingdom who disguises herself and [.lips out to a ball where she meets a lieutenant in the royal guard, also in disguise. She learns his identity and uses her position to gain rapid promotion for him. hut their romanco is complicated by the presence of secret service .agents, headed by Herbert Mundin. Henry Garat, a new French tenor, makes his'first appearance in Auckland as the lieutenant. Two noted overseas dancers, Hcaton and'Fsme, give a stage presentation at the evening session. «' I LOVED YOU WEDNESDAY " Warner Baxter, who gave such a brilliant performance as the domineering producer in "42nd Street," has the principal role in "1 Loved You Wednesday," tho Fox film which will have its initial screening at the Civic Theatre tomorrow Elissa Landi, tho beautiful English actress who made successful appearances in "The Sign of tho Cross", and "Tho Warrior's Husband," has what she considers to be the finest role of her career as.Vicki Meredith, an exotic dancer who rises from obscurity to the heights of her profession. The supporting cast includes Miriam Jordan', who appeared with Baxter in "Dangerously Yours," and Victor Jory. REGENT THEATRE Tho screen version of F. Marion Crawford's touching love story, "Tho White Sister," will close a successful season at tho Regent Theatro to-day. Helen Hayes is cast as an Italian princess who falls in love with a flying officer and who enters a convent when 110 is 'reported dead. The film is preceded by an atmospheric prolog 1/0 in which Miss Sarah Stackpoolo sings "Ave Maria," and a stage presentation by a company of artists from tho celebrated Folies Bergeres, Paris. Wheeler and Woolsey, who were seen recently in "Rio Rita" and "So This is Africa," givo one of their funniest performances in "Diplomaniacs," which will be presented at tho theatre tomorrow. They have typical roles as delegates to a peace conference at Geneva from-rthe Adoop tribe of Indians and have a series of ludicrous adventures dodging the representatives of munition manufacturers. The supporting cast includes Phyllis Barry, Marjorie White and William Irving. Charlie Chaplin does most amazing things on rollerskates in a bright comedy, "Tho Rink," which is on the supporting programme. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Cecil B. De Mille's epic of early Rome, " The Sign of the Cross," is being shown at the Prince Edward Theatre at the evening session only. Elissa Landi gives an inspiring portrayal as.Merc.ia, a Christian maid, and others in the cast are Cha/les Laughton, Fredric March and Claudette Colbert. Each afternoon this week a special school holiday matinee will be presented at which the main attraction will be a pantomime, " Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp." Special attention has been paid to the settings; frocking and lighting, and tho production is one of tho iftost lavish to be produced locally for some time. The cast of 40 talented performers includes Dan Flood, a popular Auckland comedian ( and the dances have' been arranged by Miss Bettina ICdwards. A stirring Western film, "The Painted Desert" (Bill Boyd and Helen Twelvetrees) also is being shown. PLAZA THEATRE Joincs Dunn appears jvith a new leading lady, Joan Bennett, in "Arizona to Broadway," which will be shown finally at the Plaza Theatro today. He is cast as a confidence ; mau who protects a pretty girl visitor to a western carnival from the attentions of a rival gang in order that ho may rob her himself, hut his plans miscarry when ho falls in love with the girl. Herbert Mundin and Sammy Cohen aro others in the cast. "The Fires of Fato," the screen version of Conan Doyle's novel "The Tragedy of tho Korosko," will commence a season at the theatro to-morrow. Lester Matthews lias a powerful rolo as a man whoso doctor gives him a year to live.

STRAND THEATRE England's history during the past 3.3 years is unfolded in unusual fashion in "Cavalcade," tlio film adaptation of Noel' Coward's successful play, which continues to prove popular at the Strand Theatre. Although tho picture was made in America by Fox Films, there is not the slightest sign of Americanisms as it was insisted that all connected with tho production must be British. Tho cast is headed by Diana Wynvard, Give Brook and Herbert Mundin. NATIONAL THEATRE D. W. Griffith's masterpiece, " The Birth of a Nation," perhaps tho most successful picture shown on tho silent screen, will conclude a season at tho National Theatro to-day. The addition of sound to tho film has made it even more impressive. An excellent doubleprogrammo will bn shown at the theatro to-morrow. Irene Dunne, Charles Bickford and Gwili Andre appear in'"No Other Woman," the first film, apd William Boyd is tho principal of "Tho Great Decision." ' RIALTO THEATRE The brilliant musical-comedy " <l2nd Street," which heads tho current programme at tho Rial to 'llieat.ro, is noted for its spectacular choruses, clever darto ing and catchy music. Warner Baxter gives a splendid performance as tho -domineering producer of a musicalcomedy on the New York stage, and ho is supported by Bebo Daniels and George Brent. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE " Trouble in Paradise," which is fiow lieiiif; shown at tho Crystal Palace Ihentre, has been described as one of the finest comedies of the year. A distinguished cast is headed by Herbert Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis and Edward Horton. N~\V REGENT THEATRE (V 'Vt-r. Brent and Kay Francis give ] :i-;< i ie; I'ormauces in "Tho Kev1' '!< , which is being shown at the Rcrrnt Theatre, Epsom, with " Those We Love." . •, STATE THEATRE A novel note in entei lainment is struck by " £OO in Budapest," which is being shown at the State Theatre. Onehunga, with " Scarlet Dawn."

.CAPITOL THEATRE a X the Capitol Theatre are Why .Sailors Leavo Home" and "Forgotten Women." , k

ROXY AND TIVOLt THEATRES Two Western dramas head the earrent holiday programme at the Rosy and Tivoli Theatres. George O'Brien, who was seen recently in " Smoke Lightning," has a t.vpicaJ outdoor rolo in " Life in the Raw," the film version of Zane Grey's latest novel. The story concerns a young and attractive girl who finds herself among the somewhat primitive men of the States near the Mexican border. As soon as she steps from the train she becomes a centre of attention and before lonu she is involved in a frontier intrigue. O'Brien gives one of his best performances as the girl's protector and fully upholds his reputation for virile and forceful acting, while many of Hollywood's best horsemen take part in the exceptionally daring riding scenes. Claire Trevor, who makes her screen debut after a successful career on the New York stage, acquits herself well as O'Brien's new leading lady. The supporting cast includes Greta Nissen. a Norwegian blonde, Francis Ford and Oaylord Pendleton. Buck Jones, one of the most popular Western players 011 the screen, is seen at his best in the Colombia film " Forbidden Trail," the second picture. At the afternoon session a brilliant Mickey Motiso pantomime, " Mickey's Surprise Victory." is' being presented at both theatres and is proving a source of delight to children and adults alike. The 45 clover children who take part were seen recently in the Frank Neil production of " Cinderella."ST. JAMES' THEATRE Robert Montgomery, one of the most popular leading men on tho screen, heads a list of well-known players in " Made 011 Broadway," which will bo shown finally at St. James' Theatro to-day. Tho supporting oast includes Madge Evans, who played opposite Robert Montgomery in " Hell Below," Sally Filers, of " Sailor's Luck," and Eugene Palletto. "FRA DIAVOLO" Tho first comic opera to bo brought to the talking screen, " Fra Diavolo," will commence a season at St. James' Theatre to-morrow. It is lavishly produced and its picturesque settings form an admirable background for Dennis King's fine singing. He is suported by a massed chorus of 150 voices, and tho strains of Auber's music run throughout the picture. King is cast as Fra Diavolo (The Devil's Brother), a debonair bandit chief who robs tho rich to give to the poor, while Thehna Todd is seen as a charming lady whom tho bandit woos for her jewels and her husband's money Laurel and Hardy are seen as two wayfarers who, after being robbed of their savings by Fra Diavolo, join the gang and become the robber chief's personal servants. Laurel is particularly funny in a scene where he stays too long in a wine cellar and in a ridiculous game, " Kneesy, Earsy. Nosey." MAJESTIC THEATRE Unusual entertainment is provided in "King of tho Jungle," which will have its final presentation at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Buster Crabbe, an Olympic swimming champion, makes his screen debut as a man who is brought up among the lions of the jungle, and who is captured and brought to civilisation. Thrill succeeds thrill in scenes depicting tho meeting of panic-stricken people and fear-maddened animals when fire breaks out in a circus. Two English productions will head the programme to commence at the theatre tO-morrow. Claude A 1 lister and Frank Pettingell, who were last seen in "Excess Baggage," make a successful reappearance in "The Medicine Man." The second picture, "Called Back," is a dramatic story of revolution and intrigue in Spain and Russia, in which the principal roles are taken by Lester Matthews and Franklyn Dyall. LONDON THEATRE The programme at tho London Theatre comprises "Pardon My Gun" and "The Racketeer." COMMUNITY SINGING

Community singing will be conducted in the Y.M.C.A. Hall to-morrow, at 12.30 p.m. by Mr. and Mrs. A. Russell. There will be a collection in aid of tho Y.M.C.A. Queen carnival.