ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21757, 23 March 1934, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Once again does the screen turn with great success to the stage for a background. On this occasion the film is the Radio production "If I Were Free," which is to have its first New Zealand presentation at the Plaza Theatre tpday. It is the gripping dramatisation of the play " Behold We Live," by John Van Druten, which proved so popular in its London season. There is a cast of exceptional distinction headed by Clive Brook and Irene Dunne. It is extraordinarily refreshing entertainment in that it presents Brook in a role which allows a complete display of his artistry in handling subtly witty lines. Irene Dunne excels in her portrayal which gives full scope for her strong, personality. These two players are cast as the characters in a modern love affair, being married unhappily to their respective mates. They fall in love and complications arise when Brook's life is threatened by the effects of a war wound. Nils Asther gives a splendid performance as the husband of Irene. Other players are Lorraine MacLean, Henry Stephenson, Vivian Tobin and Lura Hope Crews. Janet Gaynor in " Carolina " is to be shown shortly. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The exciting stbry based on the life of the famous highwayman of England, " Dick Turpin," is the first of the two full length films comprising the splendid programme being shown at the l?oxy and Tivoli Theatres. The celebrated character is given a vivid interpretation by the virile acting of Victor McLnglen. This player has appeared in many action films during his career at Hollywood and he was sent to the new British Gaumont studios'at Shepherd's Bush for the production of this latest picture. The well-known horse of the outlaw, Bonny Black Bess, is given a splendid representation and the historic ride from London to York is also shown. " Defenders of the Law," an exciting mystery drama, is the second picture on the programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE The exciting story of Polar exploration in both the northern and southern regions is vividly portrayed in " Arctic and Antarctic," the film on the programme to be shown for the first time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. It is the authentic account of the expeditions under the leadership of Sir Hubert Wilkins, and this celebrated explorer makes a personal appearance in which he describes the filjn. The journey of the famous submarine Nautilus under the ice surrounding the North Pole is given in detail, together with some most remarkable seal's eye views of the Arctic and the weird marine life. The story, culminating in the thrilling escape to clear water, is of exceptional interest. The first part of the picture is concerned mainly with the experiment of aeroplanes in the Arctic. Conditions in the north were far from ideal for flying and the machines were damaged on many occasions, one of them being the Detroiter, which has become so well known as the Southern Cross in the hands of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. CIVIC THEATRE Charles Laughton, who will be remembered for his notable appearance in " The Private Life of Henry VIH.," gives another splendid performance in the leading role of " White Woman," the picture which heads the programme to have its initial screening at the Civic Theatre to-day. The film has oaptured in admirable manngj- the distinctive tropical atmosphere of Malay, where the story is enacted. Charles Laughton is cast as a rather unscrupulous trader known as " King of the River." All his employees are those who have come out to the country to escape justice. Laughton gives an excellent characterisation of a man who revels in his power after\ leading a miserable life in the slums of London. He is supported in capable manner by Carole Lombard, Charles Bickford ant} Kent Taylor. REGENT THEATRE One of the most popular of the American film comedians, Eddie Cantar, Lakes the prinoipal part in "Roman Scandals," the picture to commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. This popular player makes only one picture a year and his, last film. " The Kid from Spain," received exceptionally strong public patronage. It is his fourth production,—the first two being " Whoopee " and " Palmy Days." Eddie is cast as a wistful lad in the small town of West Rome, Oklahoma. He drives Rji old grocer's van and- dreams so much about the romance and the glamour associated with ancient Rome that the force of his imagination finally projects him back to the era of his thoughts. The story develops into an exciting adventure among the beautiful slave girls of the Romans. STRAND THEATRE Leslie Banks and Anne Grey are the principals in " Fire Raisers," the first film on the excellent double-feature programme to have its first screening at the (Strand Theatre to-day. The story is based on the unique theme of the operation of an arson organisation. It opens in startling fashion and moves with swift action all through. A fire breaks out, the brigade attends, and a young unscrupulous assessor is bribed to act his part. Leslie Banks gives a clever study as the assessor, while other roles are taken by Carol Goodlier, Francis Sullivan and Ben Welden. "Pleasure Cruise" is the second film on the entertaining programme. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD A picture which makes thrilling entertainment, " Shadows of Sing Sing," is the main attraction on the doublefeature programme to have its first screening at the National and Prince Edward Theatres to-day. Mary Brian and Bruce Cabot give characteristic performances in the leading roles. Wallace Ford and Dorothy Tree are the principals in " East of Fifth Avenue." the second picture on the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE A splendid cast interprets "Cynara," which is proving deservedly popular at th 3 Crystal Palace Theatre. Kay Francis and Ronald Colman, two of the most popular players in films, give splendid portrayals as a young couple who drift apart after the wife spends a long holiday abroad.

TUDOR CINEMA • Bright, modern comedy is the keynote of "Cleaning Up," the current attraction at the Tudor Cinema. STATE THEATRE An Indian express train forms an admirable background for a thrilling mystery story in "Bombay Mail," which heads the State Theatre programme. RIALTO THEATRE Gracie Fields' distinctive personality is well suited to her role in " This Week of Grace," which heads .the programme at the Rialto Theatre. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA The programme at the London Newsreel Cinema is headed by " Exposure," with Lila Lee and Walter Byron.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Marie Dressier, one of the most talented and popular American character actresses who gave such an outstanding performance in the principal role of "Tug-Boat Annie," gives another inimitable portrayal in " Her Sweetheart," the picture to have its first presentation at St. James' Theatre today. There is a particularly large cast of 'distinguished players supporting .Marie Dressier and the picture makes absorbing entertainment throughout. It is based on the successful stage play "The Late Christopher Bean," which had such a successful season whten recently' produced in New York. Lione] Barrymore, who was Rasputin in the film of the same name, gives a characteristic performance and it in significant that" he and Marie Dressier were together the winners of the awards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. « EMPRESS THEATRE The story of a young American lawyer, who, disillusi<fned early in life, seizes on the happy idea of blackmailing companies into paying hes*y compensation to those involved in accidents, is deftly told in "The Nuisance," which will nave its first Auckland screening at the Empress Theatre today. Lee Tracy, Frank Morgan, Madge Evans and, Charles Butterworth head the cast. The second film is " Midnight Mary." N NEW REGENT THEATRE " Prosperity" is the picture which heads the programme at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Patrons of the State Theatre, Onehunga, this evening will be entertained by " From Headquarters " and " The Sports Parade." GOOD SHEPHERD CONCERT There was a good attendance at the concert in aid of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, held in the Good Shepherd Hall on Wednesday .evening. Vocal, instrumental and elocutionary items were given. Among the performers were Mesdames Hillyer and O'Brien, Misses E. Blamires, J. Smith, C. Lawry, L. Hemus, Halpin and Lee, the Rev. Father Terry and Mr. G. Laird. The announcer was Mr. F. G. J. Temm. The Very Rev. Dean Murphy and the Hon. C. J. Carrington, M.L.C., spoke and expressed the thanks of the sisters to those who gave their services. CONCERT FOR EX-SOLDIERS An enjoyable concert arranged by Mr. ,B. Clark, of the Auckland City Mission, was given at the Evelyn Firth Home last evening. Those who contributed were Mrs. B. Clark, Misses M. Higgins, V. Burdon and T. Hall, Messrs. S. Knight, D. Flood, G. Chevis, K. C. Jorgensen and Connolly.