ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21874, 9 August 1934, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE "Happy," one of the most eutertain!ng films presented in Auckland for a considerable time, is still attracting large audiences to the Regent Theatre. Stanley Lupino, one of the most popular English comedians, takes the leading role, and receives capable support from Laddie Cliff and Jimmy Godden. -ON SECRET SERVICE" With a strong resemblance to the popular film "1 Was a Spy," "On Secret Service" will have its first screening at tlie Regent Theatre to-morrow. The production is an English version of a film originally made in a German studio Carl Diehl, a German actor, ha* the role of an Austrian officer who makes a perilous excursion to Rome to establish contact with Austrian agents. Greta Nissen gives a fine performance as an Italian spy who has to choose between love and duty. Both of these characters are somewhat overshadowed by the figure of a traitorous newspaper reporter, played by Esme Percy, who invests his part with such interest that it becomes quite outside the realm of simple melodrama. The film makes firstclass entertainment. ST. JAMES* THEATRE The exceptionally large audiences being attracted to St. James' Theatre provide testimony of the entertainment value of the curreut film, "It Happened One Night." Cast as a young penniless newspaper reporter, Clark Gable gives a sterling performance. He meets an impetuous heiress, Claudctte Colbert, who is running away frora her father. The adventures the couple experience make a gripping story. "SADIE McKEE" • . Joan Crawford and Franehot Tone, who appeared in "Dancing Lady," aro seen together again in "Sadie Mc.Kee." which will be screened at St. James' Theatre for the first time to-morrow. In spite of the exceptional ability displayed by all members of the cast, Joan Crawford takes the acting honours in this latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. Miss Crawford is always a vital and attractive personality and proves* herself a capable dramatic actress. Franehot Tone with all the grace, ease and charm that he so naturally portrays is admirably cast in the principal romantic part.

PLAZA THEATRE "Where Sinners Meet," the film adaptation of the popular stage play by A. A. Milne. "The Dover Rood," Will conclude a most successful season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. With Diana Wynyard and Clive Brook in the leading roles the film is notable for the excellence of the acting. These two players will be remembered for thejr fine portrayals in "Cavalcade." "TURKEY TIME" One of the most popular comedy combinations on the talking screen, Kalph ' Lynn and Tom Walls, appears in "Turkey Time/' which heads the programme to be presented at the Plaza Theatre for the first time to-morrow. Another of the clever productions by Ben Travers„. "Turkey Time" is a British Gaumdnt picture. The plot is brilliantly amplified by the original work of the principal comedians. Tom Walls is seen in a roki which might have been ■3 specially, designed for him, while Ralph Lynn, one of the screen's most ingenious actors, gives him admirable support. Mary Brough is a living example of a typical'self-righteous and irascible landlady, and Dorothy Hyson invests the character of a pretty "pierrette with a delightful charm.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Large audiences are being attracted to an all-comedy programme being presented at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. The Universal production, "Let's Talk it Overj," with Chester Morris, Mae Clarke and Andy Devine in the leading roles is the first film. Chester Morris, who will be remembered for his performance with Wallace Beery in "The Big House," is given a part which admirably suits his distinctive acting. He appears as a rough-mannered sailor who rescues a girl from drowning and then falls in love with her. "Easy to Love" is the second attraction. One of the latest Warner Brothers' productions, it moves with fast action and has a complicated but fascinating plot. Adolphe Menjou is the principal. MAJESTIC THEATRE Jack Buchanan and Elsie Randolph appear in the principal rolesiof "That's a Good Girl," which will be shown for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. r With many settings of " beauty around the south of France and a whimsical story of amusing type, the picture is most entertaining. One of the finest examples of a mystery story adapted to the screen, "'The Four Masked Men," heads the programme to have its initial presentation at; the theatre to-morrow. The picture derives its fascination from the admirable manner in which suspense is exploited. With the introduction of a mysterious murder, suspicion falls on a large number of characters. Gradually the net is tightened and the baffling problem is solved. There is an unexpected and dramatic climax. STATE THEATRE The programme at the State Theatre comprises "Duck Soup," with the four Marx brothers, and "The Life of Jimmy Dolan" (Douglas Fairbanks, junr., and Loretta Young). LONDON NEWSREEL' CINEMA "Men of the: West" heads the programme being presented at the London Newsreel Cinema. TUDOR CINEMA "Little Women" heads the programme being presented at the Tudor Cinema. There is a good supporting programme. RIALTO THEATRE "Flying Down to T?io" and "Three on a Honeymoon" are both being screened at the Rialto Theatre. Dolores Del Rio is the principal of the first film. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Sons of the Desert," and "Fugitive Lovers" comprise tho programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA "Dark, Hazard" and the boxing contest between Primo Camera and Max Baer are beinp; shown at the State Theatre, Onchunga. CAPITOL THEATRE Lew Ayres and June Knight are the principals of "'Cross Country Cruise," the first film being screened at tho Capitol Theatre. "Devil Tiger" also is being shown. A number of tickets for free flights will be distributed among the audieneo.' NEW RECENT THEATRE "Footlight Parade" heads the programme at the New Regent Theatre., Epsom. '

CIVIC THEATRE A distinguished cast, headed by John Boles, Herbert Mundin, Thelma Todd and Harry Green, appears in "Bright Side Up," which is enjoying a successful season at the Civic Theatre. Ono of the latest Box Film productions, it greatly enhances the reputation this firm has established. " MELODY IN SPRING" One of America's most celebrated radio singers, Lanny Ross, makes his first screen appearance in "Melody in Spring," which will be shown for the first time at the Civic Theatre to-mor-row. Mr. Ross possesses a beautiful tenor voice and, combined with remarkable acting ability, will undoubtedly become a very popular player. He is certainly fortunate in this film to have the excellent support of Charles Ruggles, Mary Boland and Ann Sothern, but this in no way detracts from the excellence of his performance. The picture has the rare combination of ,melody, comedy and beauty and is most refreshing entertainment. STRAND THEATRE Delightful musical romance is the theme of "Princess Charming," the Gaumont-Britisb picture <\hich will he screened for the first time at the Strand Theatre to-morrow. Evelyn Lave, the charming young English actress, who appeared with distinction in " Waltz Time," is cast as a Ruritanian princess who elopes with a captain instead of marrying a king, while among others who appear are George Grossinith, Yvonne Arnaud and Henry Wilcoxon. "All of Me," with Fredric March, Miriam Hopkins and George Raft, will bo shown finally this evening. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Wallace Beerv and Chester Morris appear in the leading roles of " The Big House," the main attraction on the entertaining double-feature programme to be presented at the Prince Edward Theatre to-morrow. It is a thrilling drama of prison life and moves a fast pace from start to finish. " The Mask of Fu Mancliu," the second attraction, is notable for the fine performance of Boris KarlofT in the principal part. COMMUNITY SINGING One of the most successful community singing gatherings of the year was held in the Town Hall yesterday. Mr. Albert Russell led the singing in the first half of the programme, while Mr. Vernon Drew was the song leader for the second half. Much appreciated solos were given by Messrs. Tom MeGuire and Reg. Morjran. The collection was approximately £S. A total of £4-i, the collection for several past gatherings, was paid into the metropolitan unemployed relief fund yesterday. COMMUNITY CONCERT A community concert organised by Mr. Albert Russell will be held in the Town Hall on Saturday >night. Community singing will be one of the attractions, while items will be given by the following: Mrs. Russell, Misses Margot Russell, Ida Lockwood, and Sara Stacpoole and Mr. Reg Morgan. Booking arrangements are advertised.