ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21716, 3 February 1934, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE Hans Holbein's famous painting of the swaggering Henry comes to fullblooded life in "The Private Life of Henry VIH.," the London Studios film which opened its Auckland season at the Regent Theatre yesterday. Reports of the amazing reception given to the film in England and the United States had created such preliminary interest that all previous records at the theatre were broken by yesterday's bookings. In this colourful and roistering comedy of Tudor times, Charles Laughton's brilliance recreates the impetuous, domineering, sensual monarch, principally, as the title indicates, from the more intimate' .side of palace life. Yet, although the film is the very reverse of the traditional "historical drama," behind the comedy that supplies the foreground of the picture is seen the pageant of England's greatness during one ,of the most colourful periods of the nation's history. It was an age of contrasts, and the brilliant direction of Alexander Korda has made the most of the humour lying in the absurdities and ironies of the half-medieval, lialf-modern manners of the time. From every point of view the film is outstanding; settings are lavish and beautifully photographed, the sound effects are excellent, and the acting of the subsidiary characters is excellent. Yet the production represents above all a triumph for Charles Laughton, who dominates every scene. The Henry he creates is possessed of an astonishing and uproarious vitality. In his own pride, he cannot avoid being ridiculous, yet he has his moments of greatness and also his moments of deepest tragedy. His faults are accentuated rather than glossed over, and yet Laughton is abl" to make his character essentially a sympathetic one. Binnie Barnes is excellent as the youthful, ambitious and faithless Katherine Howard. Elsa Lanchester, Laughton's own wife, is amusing in the strange and almost grotesque part of Anne of Cleves, while Merle Oberon makes a brief and tragic appearance as the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. Robert Donat's pleasing personality is well suited to the part of Thomas Culpeper, Katherine's lover, while extremely interesting characterisations of Thomas Cromwell and Cranmer are also given by minor players. Included in the supporting programme are interesting newsreels and scenes showing the beauties and historical associations of Gloucestershire, including pictures of Lord Bledisloe's home. The feature of the shorter films, however, is the Silly Symphony, "The Night Before Christmas," in which Walt Disney's usual fantasy and humour are displayed.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE An .ambitious attempt to trace the fortunes of a theatrical family from the " eighties " of last century until the present (lay, is made in " Broadway to Hollywood, which opened a season at St. James' Theatre yesterday. Tuneful music and songs and clever dancing are features of the film, and combined with excellent acting by a well-chosen cast and an interesting story, go to make a very entertaining production. The film opens at a time when the popularity of the music hall in America is at its height, and two young dancers who have recently married are enjoying a success that their good looks and talented dancing well justify. The husband comes of a family that has for years been associated with the stage, and against the mother's wishes their son is trained for the same profession from his earliest years. He grows up a better dancer than his parents, although they are slow to admit it, but a time comes when a tempting offer of an important part causes him to break the partnership with his parents. He proves a great success and marries. A fatal weakness for a pretty face, a trait inherited from his father, leads to the death of his wife, however, and he himself is killed shortly afterwards in the war, leaving his son to the care of his parents. They, meanwhile, are battling on with the same act they have been presenting for over 30 years, refusing to acknowledge their fast-waning popularity. Even their grandson is soon a better dancer than they, and when he receives an offer of a part in a motion picture, he accepts it, as he realises he will be able to earn more for their support by this means. His success turns his head just as in his father's case, but in a series of dramatic scenes his grandparents prove that some of the rules in their supposedly outworn creed are as important in motion pictures as in the music hall. The climax is marked by uniformly good acting. Alice Brady. Frank Morgan and Madge Evans head a strong cast. The supporting programme includes a Charlie Chase comedy, " Nature in the Wrong." a travelogue, " Home Sweet Home in Any Land," and two newsreels.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD " King For a Day," a film with an exceptionally large cast, is the first picture 011 a double-feature programme now being shown at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Chester Morris gives an outstanding performance in the leading role, and among the popular artists who appear in support of him are Helen Twelvetrees, who plaved opposite Maurice Chevalier in " A Bedtime Story," Alice White, John Miljan and George Meeker. The film makes a dramatic comparison between the gaietv and tragedy of night life in New York. Thrilling parachute jumps and spectacular head-on collisions in the air are the dominating features of " Flying Devils," the second picture. " • CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO One of the most popular British films iof the year, "Falling For You." heads the current programme at the Rialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. The principal players are Jack Hulbert. who will be remembered for his amusing performance in "Jack's the Boy," and Cicely Courtneidge ("Soldiers of the King"). "Falling For You" is a crisp comedy played against a beautiful Swiss background. NEW REGENT THEATRE "The Secret of Madame Blanche" is being screened with "Dangerous Crossroads" at the New Regent Theatre. Epsom. t TUDOR CINEMA "Counsel's Opinion," with Cyril Maude in the leading role, is the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema. BRITANNIA THEATRE The films at the Britannia Theatre are "Her First Mate" (Zasu Pitts) and "Melody Cruise." CAPITOL THEATRE " Vilma Bankey appears in "The Rebel," which will be screened with "Adorable" (Janet Gaynor) at the Capitol Theatre this evening. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA A bright comedy, " Sailors' Holiday" and " The Shadow Between," comprise the programme at the London Newsreel Cinema. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga, comprises "Falline For You" (Jack Hulbert). and "The Mad Game,"

MAJESTIC THEATRE

Admirers of the noted English actor Tom Walls .-will find much to confirm their good opinions in "The Blarney Stone," the British and Dominions film now showing at the Majestic Theatre. The picture has many merits, but the greatest feature is the superb performance of Walls himself, lhore have been comparatively „few pictures in which the artistry of his acting has been enjoyed for itself alone, but here, at last, is a role in which his talent is presented without the accompaniment of contrasting inanities from a collaborator and without those embellishments which arise from farcical plot construction. In "Tho Blarney Stone" he makes a distinct departure from the type of entertainment he has given in the past. Ho leaves 110 room for regret at the change. The part of a likeable Irish gentleman, who enjoys fortune s favours and also suffers her reverses, provides manifold opportunities for a facilt* performer such as he is, and every scene reveals the dominance of his personality. A delightful brogue falls glibly from his lips. There is still an occasional glimpse of the philanderer in the part he plays and humour, elaborated by subtle wit, remains his chief forte. On this occasion, however, he introduces a definitely dramatic touch and scores brilliantly in the process, his demeanour in certain moments of emotional stress being perfect in their restraint and quiet dignity. Splendid support is given by Anne Grey, who presents a charming study of an English aristocrat and who is responsible for the love interest which is such a happy feature of the story. The cast, generally, is unusually ~ well chosen, Robert Douglas and Dorothy Tetley appearing to particular advantage. Several notable films in the supplementary programme combine to make an excellently - balanced entertainment. "This England," a scenic item of outstanding beauty, shows architectural and rural attractions in Somerset, and an Ideal Magazine issue has Australian events as its chiof topics of interest. An instalment of the "Zodiac" series, with its talk of horoscopes and personal characteristics, has a special appeal for those who were born between the dates of November 22 and December 23. PLAZA THEATRE "This Week of Grace," one of the latest British Radio films, which has attracted enthusiastic audiences to the Plaza Theatre, will be the current programme at the theatre for another week. There is an air of unaffected and bright English humour about every moment of this entertaining film. Gracie Fields, who will be remembered for her successful appearances in "Sally in Our Ally." and "Looking on the Bright Side," again sings her way gaily through a fascinating story, brilliantly portraying her clear and flexible voice. She is particularly fortunate in this production in thai her songs, "Happy Ending," "My Lucky Day" and "Mary Rose," are all bound to become popular numbers. The storv is essentially a simple one, but it I provides an ideal opportunity for the full exploitation of the humorous and happy naturalness of Gracie Fields. She takes the role of a north country factory girl, Gracie Mil rov, whose "lucky day" begins very inauspiciously with a series of misadventures resulting in her losing her job. By mere chance she meets an old eccentric duchess who decides to give her the opportunity of restoring order to her mismanaged estate, Swinford Castle. With the arrival at the dignified castle of the Milroy family, with all their humbleness and crudities, begins a series of most hilarious and ridiculous scenes. Gracie Milroy takes full advantage of her position and is soon transformed into a lady of grace and : social standing, and has definitely attracted Lord Swinford, who is played in a convincing manner by Henry Kendall. The picture is undoubtedly one of the most successful of Gracie Fields' productions.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two full-length films of outstanding merit comprise the current entertainment at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres and arc. attracting large audiences to the theatres. Richard Dix is the principal player in "Ace of Aces," the first attraction, which is, perhaps, one of the most unusual war films ever screened. It is at once a film of action and a diverting study of the mentality of a pacifist artist, who joins a fighting aeroplane squadron. In the title role, Richard Dix gives a performance equalling the success he scored in ''The Conquerors." In spite of his hatred of war, tho younc aviator jiains honours in single combat and also a reputation as a relentless fighter,' but lie regrets his prowess when he sees one of his victims dying in hospital. At this point, Richard Dix gives the best emotional portraj-al of his career. He is restrained, but he is convincing. The leading feminine role is played with wistful charm by Elizabeth Allan, one of the leading younger actresses, and Ralph Bellamy, of "Air Mail," is also in the cast. The second film is "Heroes for Sale," in which Richard Barthelmess and Loretta Young appear.

STRAND THEATRE "Big Executive," with Rkyirdo Cortez as the principal, is the film on the programme now being shown at the Strand Theatre. The story succeeds in giving an intimate glimpse pf the lives as lived by millionaires, and at the conclusion there is the definite idea that fabulous wealth and happiness are not always coupled together. In one notable scene Cortez is shown sitting at his desk with eight telephones ringing incessantly, and many will feel a grim satisfaction that a moderate amount of money brings only a moderate amount of anxiety. STATE THEATRE The screen version of <yie of the novels by the master of humorous writings, P. G. Wodehouse, " Summer Lightning," is the picture on the programme now being shown at the State Theatre. The popular comedian Ralph Lynn takes the leading role, while he is capably supported by Winifred Shotter and Dorothy Bouchipr. A I special matinee will be shown this afternoon with Tom Mix in "Destrv Rides Again." There is a good selection of supporting films. SUNDAY PICTURES Ben Lyon and Raquel Torres give outstanding performances in "Aloha," which will be screened at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow evening. The other attraction on the programme will be "Borrowed Partners." The proceeds of the entertainment will be devoted to local charities. PIRATE SHIPPE, MILFORD The Royal Follies will give performances at the Pirate Shippe, Milford, this evening and also on Monday and Tuesday evenings. COMMUNITY SINGING In aid of the Boy Scouts' Association an open-air community singing gathering will be held at the Western Springs Stadium next Wednesday. The conductor will be Mr. Albert Russell. MUNICIPAL BAND An interesting programme of popular and classical music will be given by the Auckland Municipal Band in Albert Park to-morrow evening. Programmes also will be given at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon and at Remuera on Thursday evening.

CIVIC THEATRE Lively humour has been well sprinkled through the play, "It's a Boy," which was shown before enthusiastic audiences at the Civic Theatre yesterday on the occasion of its first screening. Leading the cast is that English magicjan at creating laughter. Leslie Henson, and to him must be handed the laurels for the success of the screaming farce. Relying not only on a face that can draw laughter from the most indifferent audience at the slightest change of expression, Leslie Henson has also the gift of imparting a touch to a scene that fills it with humour by the choicest phrases and most inane remarks. Edward Everett Horton is also cast in one of the leading roles, and his rather different type of fun blends excellently with that of Leslie Henson. These two get in and out of the most impossible situations with the utmost sangfroid, scarcely pausing to consider the consequences of hasty actions and rushing blithely from one mistake to another. The result is that all the rest of the family group belonging to the girl he is going to - marry, acted by Wend** Barrio, are in a state of complete distraction at the unexpected turn of events. The story hinges on a wedding that is about to take place, out as it swings toward fulfilment its progress is checked by the girl's father, who wants to know why the bridegroom was delayed in reaching the registry office. This awkward question could have been easily explained away, but, as it is. both the bridegroom and the best man enter into the most complicated descriptions of imaginary happenings that nearly end with the cancellation of the whole ceremony. The bride is weeping with grief, her father is storming about the house, and all the time these two irrepressible comedians are creating heaps of fun out of every situation that arises. In the end it all ends well and the loving couple are united. But the way in which this is achieved surely provides one of the most amusing film stories that has yet reached Auckland. The supporting items maintain the good standard of the programme, and show many events of interest from near and far.