ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21640, 4 November 1933, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE The adventures of a newspaper reporter, whose work it is to keep ig touch with all sides of life amid the shipping and wharves of a city. provides good entertainment in "1 Cover the Waterfront," with Claudette Colbert, Ernest Torrence and Ben Lyon in the leading roles, which commenced a season at the Recent Theatre last evening. The production is wellbalanced with excitement and coloured with romance, and centres round the successful efforts of a smuggler, who runs contraband Chinese through the American Coast Guard lines, his daughter, whose happiness lies in the work of keeping a home for her father, and a newspaper reporter who finds himself inextricably merged into the current- of their lives. A clever characterisation is given by Ernest Torrence as Eli Kirk, a blur: smuggler, and his pretty daughter. -June, is played with charm by Colbert. Ben Lyon acts in the roie o: the undaunted reporter, and he displays a manner that is well suited for carrying him in and out oi such a variety of situation?. Commencing with Joe Miller (Ben I.von> receiving an order fnjra thi news editor to obtain ' a story about a girl's eseapaae in the sea with no bathing suit, the play leads to the meeting between Joe an a Julie at a night club when he is in search of further information about her father's suspected smuggling. There are excellent scenes of fishing operations at sea. where the cunning E:i carries out his nefarious practice of bringing Chinese into America in his craft, protecting himself rrom the long arm of the law by dropping them overhoard at the first sign c: danger. Huge ' sharks are harpooned and hauled on board, and exciting moments occur zzi an enormous rnon>T£T is 5 jX v are<d 2i2<l out of control "•$* 11 n Eli and one of his crew in a dinghv. ' Joe Miller has had instructions to obtain as much information about Eli's movements as possible from Julie, but after some weeks finds himseli deeply /in love with her. It is a situation which has been made the most of bv . the producer, and the tense encounter between Eii and Joe, the contempt of Julie after being betrayed by her lover, and the subsequent scenes of contrition make a picture of intrinsic Talue. An item of novel attraction ii the supporting programme is a presentation by Fashion Displays, providing an opportunity for picture-goers to vie* the latest styles in bathing snits and beach pyjamas for the summer season. Many becoming garments, :n attractive and gay colours, are displayed, and Miss Sarah Stacpoole sings & pleasing number, "Dreamy seas." A most amusing farce is screened with the ever-popular Laurel and Hardy, "Any Old Port," and Mickey Mouse appears in acrcrther hilarious number, "Mickey's Melterdrammer." A New Zealand Sound Scenes features Malfrov's victorv over perry at tennis, and a Paramount News bring 3 interesting events from a worid■tride source. Mr. Knight Bamett at 4 the Regent grand organ was accorded an enthusiastic reception.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES * The excellent double-feature programme which is attracting large audiences to the Jf'oxy and Tivoli Theatres is headed by "The Mayor of Hell." James Cagney appears as _ a forceful Toncg man wlho, after obtaining a subordinate position in a prison reform school, tries to introduce humanitarian methods into the institution. The cast includes Dudley Digges. as a brutal and domineering superintendent: Madge llvans, as a nurse attached to the tchoo 1; Allen Jenkins and Frankle Darrow. "What Price Innocence." in which Jean Parker and illard Mack apj*>ar, is the second attraction on a wellbalanced programme. Douglas I air- ■ banks, jun., and Loretta Young are ■well cast in "The Life of Jimmie Dolan," which will open a season with '•"Parole Girl" at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres on Wednesday nest.

NATIONAL THEATRE

After delighting patrons or the Begem Theatre for the past fro weeks. *'The Masquerader," together -nth its supporting programme, has been transferred to the National Theatre, where ■ji ooened its season betore a large audience last evening. Ronald Co! en an gives OEe of his-finest performances jri a difficult dual role and he is capably supported by the beautiful Elissa Landi. The story concerns a dissolute politician, who collapses while delivering an attack which is calculated to bring about the downfall of the Government. He meets a distant cousin, who hears him a resemblance, and forces him to take his place in the House, where bis clear thinking and forceful speaking cause a sensation. STRAND THEATRE The exceptionally strong cast of **Kata Hari," which commenced a refurn season at the Strand Theatre yesterday, is beaded by Greta Gar bo. Lionel Barrymore, Lewis Stone and Ramon Novarro. Mis 3 Garbo appears as a Eurasian dancer in wartime Paris, uses her powers over men to obtain information for the German secret service. She falls in love with a young Russian airman and, although a lesser actress would have lapsed into melodrama, Miss Garbo rises to heights or supreme artistry. "William Haines and the late Ernest Torrence are the principals of "Get-Rich-Quiek V»aliingford, the second picture. CIVIC THEATRETTE The Civic Theatrette, which until recently has been used as a miniature golf course below the Civic Theatre, is jiow open as a newsreel theatre. lh' innovation of showing newsreels, and other interesting, amusing and instructive short films, which has been successful in other parts of the world, should prove very popular. NEW RECENT THEATRE The programme at the New Regent Theatre. Epsom, comprises " It's (treat to be. Alive " and " Money Talks " A Judy Kelly). EMPIRE THEATRE Katharine Hepburn gives a talented performance in "Christopher Strong," which is being shown with ''Picture Snatcher," at the Empire Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE Pat Hanna and members of his wellknown revue company appear in "Diggers in Blighty'' at the Capitol Theatre. "Second-hand Wife" is the second attraction. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA An entirely new version .of "The "White Sister," one of the most successful films shown on the silent screen, is being screened at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO British comedy at its best is seen in * Let Me Explain, Dear," the delightful farce which is being shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. NEWSREEL CINEMA Newsreels and similar films comprise the programme at the Newsreel Cinema. "New Moon" will be shown in the afternoon and evening.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE A high standard of excellence is attained in the RKO-Radio production "Double Harness," which opened a season at St. James' Theatre las: evening. Lavish settings, smart- dialogue. dramatic action ar.d, above all. roliihed acting of a remarkably high order by the two well-known artists, Ann Harding and Will:am Poweli, make the film one that should prove deservedly popular with Auckland audiences. Mr. Powell, who has many successes in similar roles to his credit, takes the part of John Fletcher, a debonair and happy-go-lucky bachelor, with more time for polo and revelry than for the shipping business left him by his father. Mi*s Harding, as Joan Colby, falls in love with Fletcher, and. in spite of his aversion to matrimony, makes up her mind to marry him. To this end she arranges that she is found in Fletcher's apartment. Unaware of the deception, he agrees to marriage. I nder her guidance he is persuaded to forsake his former habits and concentrate on improving his languishing business, with great- success. He realises what an asset she is to him, and things go on smoothly enough until Joan's sister, in a burst of temper, reveals how he has been tricked. His attitude toward Joan immediately changes, and he leaves just prior to a dinner, the outcome or which she hopes will result in his firm obtaining a government mail contract. He eventually sees his mistake and returns in time to relieve the tension and finalise the transaction. with the inevitable satisfactory conclusion. The performances or the principals is undoubtedly the outstanding feature of a picture that has much to recommend it. Miss Harding, particularly, acquits herself in a manner which leaves no doubt as to her capability to handle difficult scenes with satisfying ease. Others in the strong cast of plavers are Lilian Bond. George Meeker. Reginald Owen and Lucille Brown. "Double Harness" has been skilfully and sympathetically treated by the director. John Cromwell. In support of the main film there is diversified programme of entertaining features, which include a Vagabond Adventure film'of the life and customs of the people of Malaysia. "Divorce Courtship," a ludicrously funny comedy, and. of special interest to 'overs of the game, the first of a series of short films on contract bridge by the eminent authority, Eiy Culbertson. There is also a Pathe newsreel, which shows scenes of the tragic air crash in which the famous Italian aviator, the Marchese di Pmedo, lost his life two months ago.

PLAZA THEATRE The splendid musical 5.1 m "Sons 0' My Heart," which enjoyed a very successful season when firs: shown in Auckland, proved no less popular when it began a return season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The opportunity of hearing the great Irish tenor .John MeCormaek is one that few musiclovers would care to miss, in '"Soes 0' My Heart," he contributes 11 numbers, including delightful renderings of '• The Rose of Tra'ec and other Irish songs, classical and sacred songs, and charming story-songs accompanied by appropriate scenes. The film does not depend upon music alone, however, for an appealing and moving story and excellent- acting combine to make a most entertaining production. John MeCormaek acts with ease and naturalness. He is cast as a gifted singer who Las given up a brilliant career and returned to the quiet life of a countrv village as the result of a broken romance. Alice Joyce appears as the girl who figured in his romance and vho T .vas forced into a loveless marriage, while the parts of her two children are played with an engaging sincerity by Maureen 0 Sullivan and Tommy Clifton. The story tells of the singer's decision to return to the stage, and how, on the night of his triumphant opening concert in America, a cablegram from Ireland informs him that the woman he loved has died, leaving her two children to his care. His decision to return to Ireland so that the girl's romance will no: be blighted as his was. and to ensure the happiness of the little boy brines the film to a climax. Plentiful humour is supplied by J. M. Kerrigan and J. Farrell Mac-Donald as two old villagers, while John "Carrie's is well cast in a supporting role. A feature of the shorter films is a cartoon, "Colleze Spirit/' while two of the Movietone Magic Carpet scries, "Venetian Holiday" and "A Gondola Journey, I '' civa interesting glimpses of the canals, palaces, squares and bridges of \enice. Included in the two lox Movietone newsreels are scenes showing the defeat of Crawford by Perry in the final of the United States tennis championship, and a great Nazi raily at Nuremberg.

CIVIC THEATRE A new screen personality, Lilian Harvey, of Continental stage fame, s;>pears in "My Lips Betray," now showing at the Civic Theatre, and brings fresh zest to a type of picture to which most people are already well accustomed. Musical comedy, when weil done, has a potent charm. In this latest presentation Miss Harvey's vivacity invests it with an altogether vnparalleled appeal. There is no loophole for criticism and ail the justification it needs is present in its legacy of many happy recollections. The story j-, ot a highly fantastic nature, but it is delightful in its wealth of humour and possesses the rare merit of combining mirth, melody and romance in a joyous unison which can hardly tail to arouse appreciation. The excellence r.t the scenes is equalled by the performance of the principals and by the attraction of the musical numbers, which reach their brightest height in n scintillating ensemble, "The Band is Gaily Playing." The splendid acting and singing of John Boles would constitute. in themselves, a thoroughly adequate entertainment, but the presence <>i Lilian Harvey—her first appearance in an American talking picture—delinitelv sets the seal to the pictures success. Charmingly pert or coy, as the occasion warrants, she graces each scene with a beauty and personality which f.iprivates and extracts a full essence of comedy which never lacks dignity, in a f'lm not nearly so picturesque her acting uould still be worth seeing. With her it must rank as one of the nu»t enjoyable entertainments of its kind. An admirable supporting programme includes two Movietone newsreels dealing with athletic events in Australia and happenings of general interest throughout the world. There is a diverting sound cartoon and Mr. Paul Cullen sings and plays Irish and topical songs at the organ. STATE THEATRE. "The Wrecker" (Jack Holt and j Genevieve Tobin) and " It's Great to i be Alive " are the films at. the State Theatre, Onehunga. j TUDOR CINEMA The programme at the Tudor Cinema is headed by " Fast Life," with MadgeEvans and William Haines. BRITANNIA THEATRE Edna May Oliver is the principal of " Fanny Foley Herself." which is being shown with " Man Hunt " at the Britannia Theatre. SUNDAY PICTURES The programme which will be shown at the I'ialto Theatre to-morrow evening in aid of charity is headed by " Tonight's the Night," in which Leslie Fuller leads a cast of talented English comedians.

MAJESTIC THEATRE ] In her first important screen appearJ ance, Anna Neagle sires a really bril--1 Hant performance in the title role of 1 ''The Little Damazel," which was | shown for the first time at the Majestic [ Theatre yesterday. Although the part j is infinitely complex, the actress car- ; ries it on with a splendid verve and t an unusual sense of drama. First as j the sophisticated night club entertainer, j and then as a charming newly-mar-I ried woman, Anpa Neagie is the domi- | nating personality in a production in i which diverse characters are cleverly j delineated. There is a penniless philanderer who tricks ''the little darnoze! ' into marriage; a wealthy and charming society woman who is in love with the philanderer; a night clnb manager of genial disposition; an English "gentleman" who behes his breeding with an unscrupulous bit of trickery, which, however, gives the story a piquant twist; and last, but by no means least, a corpulent Frenchman*, not unlike a chef, who leads a night club orchestra, and plays the piano with consummate artistry. "The Little Damozel" is an emotional drama, relieved here and there with delicious touches of comedy, and it is plaved against the scintillating background of London's "night life." in a small cafe, tuc&ed away unuer the flashing electric signs which illuminate the j metropolis after dusk. The music is deI lightful, typical of Noel Coward, and ! reminiscent of some of his best work i in the successful "This Year of Grace." I Anna Neagie can sing 2nd dance as | y e J[ as she can act, which is not sur- ! prising, for she appeared m the chorus ! of "The Desert Song" and "This Year or Grace." "The Little Damozel" as f a talking film outdoes the play oi the I same name, which was presented on the London stage in 1909. The film is c. • modern version of the production, which ■was written by Monckton Hoire. Tnere are brilliant, players in support _of Anna Neagie. James Rennie. a distinguished Canadian actor, plays the role of the philanderer with just the right, touch of cynicism, and also in the cast arc A thole Stewart and Benita Hume. The programme in support of "The Little Damozel" is as interesting as it is varied, and one of the shorter films, "And So To Bud." is as amusing as it is educational, thanks to the inspired efforts of an entertam-

ing commentator. MUSICAL RECITAL A varied programme will be presented at a recital to be given by Madame Amy Milbura in the Lewis Eadv Hall on Tuesday evening. The items will include a flute solo by Mr. Frank Poore, and orchestra! numbers bv an orchestra of seven instrumentalists under th«* baton or Mr. brans. Bart'.ett. CARRICK DRAMATIC SOCIETY Elmer L. Rice's Pulitzer Prize plav, "Street Scene." will be presented by the Garrick Dramatic Society in the Lewis Eady Hail on November 9 and 11. The cast comprises 43 characters.