ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21875, 10 August 1934, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE "Turkey Time," one of the latest British Gaumont pictures, heads the programme to be presented for the first time at the Plaza Thoatre to-day. Perhaps the most popular English comedians on the talking screen, Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, appear in the leading roles and they invest the film with characteristic humour. Written by Ben Travers the story is up to his usual standard and makes most amusing entertainment throughout. Just as in "A Cuckoo in the Nest" the two principals receive excellent support from Robertson Hare and Mary Brough. Tom Walls has a part admirably suited to his talents, while Ralph Lynn gives one of the best performances of his career. Mary Brough gives a convincing portrayal as a righteous but selfish and irascible landlady, while. Dorothy Hyson. who will bo remembered for her appearances in "Soldiers of the King" and "The Ghoul," gives a charming characterisation as a pretty pierrette. Directed by Mr. Walls, the photography and settings of the picture arc excellent. The supporting films are a particularly fine selection and comprise "After the Bawl," "The New Forest" and some topical newsreels

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An " all-comedy " programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres is proving very popular. The Universal production, " Let's Talk It Over," with Chester Morris and Mae Clark in the principal roles, is hilarious entertainment from start to finish. Chester Morris will be remembered for his performance with Wallace Beery in " The Big House," and in this latest film he gives an even better portrayal. He appears as a rough sailor who rescues a girl from drowning and later develops a strong affection for her. He is very disappointed when he discovers that sho has made a wager to turn him into a polished gentleman, and his reckless actions finally convince the girl that hj« really loves her. Bright and sophisticated comedy is provided in " Easy to Love," the second attraction. Adophe Menjou gives a polished performance in the principal role. MAJESTIC THEATRE The story of a baffling murder always makes a film of gripping interest and "The Four Masked Men, which will be presented for the first time at the Majestic Theatre to-day, is no exception to the rule. The plot is handled with subtle cleverness. Immediately following an intriguing murder several baffling clues are paraded and suspicion is allowed to rest on numerous players. One by one they are eliminated, the story working up to a totally unexpected climax. 'The Four Masked Men" is one of the finest examples of a film depending for its interest on the principle of suspense. John Stuart, Judv Kelly and Athole Stewart take the leading roles, while there is a strong supporting cast.

CIVIC THEATRE Notable for the introduction to the screen of Lanny Ross, "Melody in Spring" is the main attraction on the programme to be shown for the first time at the Civic Theatre to-day. Lanny Ross is one of America's most celebrated radio singers and makes his screen debut as John Craddock, an ambitious singer who falls in love with the daughter of a well-known radio artist. Apart from possessing a splendid tenor voice Ross is young and has an attractive screen personality. Charlie Ruggles, who has appeared in many popular films, including "Mama Loves Papa" and "Six of a Kind," is given a part which accords him ample opportunity to display his comedv talent. Mary Boland, who appeared with Ruggles in a number of his more important pictures, is cast as his wife. Several tuneful and catchv songs are introduced, including "Ending with a Kiss," "Melody in Spring" and "The Open Road." The film has a delicate coirurination of comedy and romance and makes delightful entertainment. The supporting programme is up to the usual high standard set by the Civic Theatre. NATIONAL THEATRE Two entertaining full-length films, "Advice to Lovelorn" and "Blood Money," comprise the programme at the National Theatre. That both the productions are examples of the fine work of the new company, Twentieth Century Pictures, which established its reputation with "Broadway Through a Keyhole," makes for added interest. Lee Tracy gives a sterling performance as Toby Prentiss, a noted reporter on a large daily newspaper who is assigned to the editorship of the "agony" column as punishment for missing one of the best stories of the year. The trials and tribulations connected with the work he has to perform make a fascinating story, introducing a liberal amount ofTiumour. Sally Blane gives a fine performance in the leading feminine part. Judith Anderson and Frances Dee appear in the principal parts of "Blood Money," the second attraction.

STRAND THEATRE One of the most delightful musical comedies screened in Auckland, "Princess Charming" heads the programme to commence a season at the Strand Theatre to-day. One of the latest British Gaumont productions, it greatly enhances the reputation of English pictures. An attractive young English actress, Evelyn Laye, who will be remembered for her outstanding performance in "Waltz Time," gives a convincing characterisation as a Ruritanian princess who elopes with a captain instead of marrying a king. The supporting cast is exceptionally strong and includes Yvonne Arnaud and Henry Wilcoxon. STATE THEATRE After enjoying an exceptionally popular season at St. James' Theatre, "It Happened One Night" will be shown at the State Theatre for the first time to-day hailed as one of the best films of 1931, it moves with fast action and makes splendid entertainment. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert appear in the leading roles, and both give characteristic performances Mr. Gable is cast as a young newspaper reporter who meets an impetuous heiress (Miss Colbert) in a transcontinental motor-coach. There will be a fine supporting programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE One of the best jungle films ever produced, "Devil Tiger," is the main attraction at the Capitol Theatre. Low Ayres and June Knight appear in "Cross Country Crnifce," the second attraction. Tickets for free aeroplane flights will bo distributed among thf> audience. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA 'The Yellow Mask" is the main attraction on the splendid programme being screened at the London Newsreel Cinema. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA " Footlight Parade " and " The Lost Patrol " (Victor McLaglen) comprise the doublo feature programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE One of the delightful Laurel and Hardy comedies, " Sons of the Desert," is being shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre. " Fugitive Lovers " is the second attraction. NEW REGENT THEATRE " Footlight Parade " heads the programme being screened at the New Regent Theatre, Epsotn.

RECENT THEATRE A thrilling drama of espionage, "On Secret Service," heads the programme to be screened for the first time at the Regent Theatre to-day. Similar in many respects to "I Was a Spy," this latest British production was adapted from a picture originally made in a German studio. It has the background of war between Austria and Italy and Carl Dichl, a German actor, has the part of tin Austrian officer who makes a perilous journey to Home to establish contact with Austrian agents. Greta Nissen_ is also pleasing in the role of an Italian spy who has to choose between love and duty. The picture develops into the story of two young lovers caught in the network of international intrigue. Tha Austrian officer, Herr Hombergk, and Marcella, the Italian spy, first meet in Vienna, but their happy romance is cut short by tho outbreak of war. Their next meeting is in Rome with Hombergk in the secret service. Marcella's love is put to the test and she shields him_ on two occasions when he falls under suspicion. She pleads with him to leave the country, and there is a thrilling but dramatic climax when she attempts to stop him from leaving by aeroplane disguised as a trusted Italian "ace." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Boris KarloiF, who will be remembered far his performance in "Frankenstein," takes tho principal role of "The Mask of Fu Manchu," the first attraction on the programme being presented at the Prince Edward Theatre. He receives excellent support from Lewis Stone and Myrna Loy, a young and at* tractive actress who has appeared with distinction in such films as " Penthouse " and " Every Woman's Man. Wallace Beery and Robert Montgomery are the principals of " The Big House,'" the second attraction. RIALTO THEATRE " Flying Down to Rio," with Dolores Del Rio in the leading part, is the first film being shown at the Rialto Theatre. "Three on a Honeymoon" also is being presented. COMMUNITY CONCERT Owing to an extended season of tho Robin Hood pageant the community concert and singing organised by Mr. Albert Russell to have been held in the Town Hall on Saturday night has been postponed until Tuesday, August 28. CHARITY CONCERT A variety concert, organised by Mr. George Cox, was presented to an appreciative audience in the Town Hall concert chamber last night, the proceeds being in aid of a "silver trail" for the relief of distress among needy Auckland children Among the artists were:—Mrs. Kitty O'Sullivan, Misses E. Olson, M. Callcnder, Dulcie Catlow, Nancy Atkinson, Betty Hedlund, Jean Morris Betty Kerr and Margaret O'Connor, Messrs. Basil Leitch, L. Stewart, P. Shanahan, D. Davison and G. Willis. Items also were provided by tho Yugoslav Orchestra, the Academy Sextette, and Mr. Cox's ballet