ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21883, 20 August 1934, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Tho screen version of _ " Alice in Wonderland" is the principal attraction of a varied programme at tho Civjc Theatre. Lewis Carroll's fantasy has a perennial interest for the young and the old, and the production is delightful entertainment. All tho famous figures of the story appear in the screen presentation. There are the White Babbit, tho Mad Hatter, the March Hare, tho Caterpillar with his Hookah, tho Queen of Hearts, the Duchess and tho Cheshire Cat. Of course, there is also the Mock Turtle. Among the supporting films are a Grantland ttice Sportlight, a delightful Screen Souvenir, in which William S. Hart appears, and an amusing cartoon. REGENT THEATRE Spencer Tracy and Jack Oakie have never been more amusing than in " Looking for Trouble," tho 20th Century film which heads the current programme at tho Regent Theatre. Skilfully directed, and containing a wealth of crisp dialogue in the American tradition, " Looking for Trouble has all tho elements of successful screen entertainment. Constance Cummmgs is in the cast. A feature of the programme is the unusually entertaining supporting films, comprising five of Walt Disney's cartoon fantasies, " Three Little Pigs," "Birds in the Spring," "Father Noah's Ark," "Mickey's Pal Pluto " and " Trader Mickey." ST. JAMES' THEATRE Thrilling entertainment is provided at St. James' where "Tarzan and His Mate" is enjoying a successful season. Johnny Weissmuller, whose recent rise to film fame has been phenomenal, appears to advantage as Tarzan, and climbs trees and swings from branch to branch with amazing agility. Played against a vivid African background, tlie story is replete with exciting episodes, and tho interest is admirably sustained until tho end. Maureen O'Sullivan is fascinating as Tarzan's beautiful wife. The first sound film recording tho Oberammergau Passion Play is included in the subordinate programme, the scenes representing Christ entering Jerusalem being particularly well done. Incidents from tho match between the All Blacks and New South Wales also are screened, and there is a very amusing comedy. PLAZA THEATRE With Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn in tho leading roles, no film can fail to be entertaining, and " Turkey Time," in which these accomplished Afldwych Theatre players appear, is attracting large audiences to the Plaza Theatre. The production is in the second week of its Auckland season, but continues to enjoy undiminished popularity. Ingeniously constructed and replete with piquant situations, " Turkey Time " offers Tom Walls almost unlimited opportunities for his particular type of acting, and as a man-about-town he is again superb. Ralph Lynn is as innocuous as ever. Other members of the original Aldwych Theatre cast appearing in the film are Mary Brough and Robertson Hare. There is an entertaining programme of supporting films.

ROXY AND TJVOLI THEATRES Tho ever-popular Jimmy Durante gives another of his characteristic performances in "Strictly Dynamite, an hilarious comedy which is being presented at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Eugene Pallette. who appeared with Durante in. 1 'Hell Below,'' is seen with him again, and other popular members of the cast are Marian Nixon, Lupe Velez and Norman Foster. The second film is '.'Finishing School," a story of a girl's fight against snobbery and deceit at school. Frances Dee is ideally east in tho leading role, and she receives strong support from Billie Burke, Ginger Rogers and Bruce Cabot. At the afternoon session at both theatres Miss Lillian O'Learv will present for the first time in Auckland a spectacular pantomime, "Robinson Crusoe," in which 40 children take part. The entertainment value of the production is enhanced by novel lighting effects, beautiful costumes and clever dancing.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD An outstanding double-feature programme is attracting largo audiences to the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Buck Jones, the popular actor of Western roles, makes a welcome return to the screen in " The Unknown Valley," the first attraction. The fast action of the production makes good entertainment, and the interest is sustained {throughout. The second film on the programme, "Th£ Line-up," is notable for the accomplished acting of Marion Nixon, who has appeared in many recent successes. Gripping drama is the keynote of the film, although there is a good measure of comic relief. Good performances are given by William Gargan and John Miljan in supporting roles.

STRAND THEATRE George Raft, who will be remembered for his excellent, performance in "Bolero" and "The Bowery,?" is tho principal of "The Trumpet Blows," which is enjoying a successful season at the Strand Theatre. It is an unusual production, a blend of romance and gripping drama. Adolphe Mcnjou and Frances Drake head a talented supporting cast. The screen production of Zano Grey's " Under the Tonto Rim "is included in # a programme of infinite variety. There are outstanding shorter films. STATE THEATRE One of the most spectacular musical films from the Warner Brothers' studio, "Tho Gold-diggers of 1933," heads the programme at the State Theatre. The film is notable for its tuneful songs, among which are "In the Shadows," "Petting in t]ie Park" and tho ''Golddiggers' Song.'" The screen version of a popular Zane Grey novel, "To the Last Man," also is being shown.

LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA The varied programme at the London Newsrcel Cinema is headed by "The Thoroughbred," a bright racing comedy in which Wesley Barry lias the lending role. "Sea Devils" and "Hot Heir" also aro being shown. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The pugnacious James Cagney is tho principal jn "Jimmy the Gent," which is being screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre with "Murder in Trinidad." NEW REGENT THEATRE "Just Smith" and "The Only Girl" are tho films at tho New Regent Theatre, Epsom. RIALTO THEATRE A gripping mystery film with an unusual setting, "Murder in Trinidad," is being shown at the Kialto Theatre with "Easy to Love" (Adolphe Menjou and Mary As tor). STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA •The entertaining programme being presented nt the State Theatre, Onehuuga, is headed by "A Perfect Lady." TUDOR CiNEMA " Beauty for Palo" heads an attractive programme at the Tudor Cinema.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Romance, drama and humour are skilfully blended in " Lily of Killarnev," the principal attraction at the Majestic Theatre. Most of the characters traditionally associated with Ireland appear in the film, including impoverished noblemen, cunning smugglers, jelly huntsmen and beautiful colleens. " Lily of Kx larney is interspersed with several favourite songs, among them " Killarney, « Father O'Flynn," "The Dear Little Shamrock " and " Ireland in Spring. Skilful photography, lighting and grouping contribute to the success of the entertainment. John Garrick is responsible for a dashing performance as the hero, while Gina Malo is excellently cast in a romantic role A wide variety of shorter films completes the programme. COMMUNITY SINGING A community singing gathering will be held in the Town Hall on Friday by the Community Sunshine Association, 111 conjunction with the Hospital Auxiliary and the Society for the Protection of Women and Children. benefit concert A splendid programme will be presented at a concert arranged by the Broadcasting Board, to be given m Town Hall on Wednesday evening. Iho proceeds will be in aid of the Mayor s unemployment relief fund. The _ ce '®Z brated Russian tenor Senia Chostiakofr will be heard in several numbers, including "Song of the Volga Boatmen' and "Evening Bell," with the Commercial Travellers' Choir. _ Paul \ inogradoff, a noted Russian pianist, Nora Delmarr, English soprano, and a number of local artists will assist.