ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21925, 8 October 1934, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The popular player Richard Dix appears in "His Greatest Gamble, ' which heads the programme at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. "As the Earth Turns is also being shown. MAJESTIC THEATRE A novel style of treatment is introduced in the mystery drama " The Scotland Yard Mystery," which is being screened at the Majestic Theatre. It is usual in pictures dealing with crime to maintain the suspense by keeping the solution until the final scenes. In this film, however, the audience is acquainted with identity of the murderer early in the picture: Nothing is lost by this procedure and the treatment brings a refreshing note to the film. Some excellent English humour is also introduced to act sis relief to the many exciting incidents. The film marks the last appearance of the noted British actor, the late Sir Gerald du Mftiirißij whose previous films include i Escape and " I Was a Spy." There is a good variety of short pictures. t • " CIVIC THEATRE A more dramatic characterisation has seldom been seen than that which is given bv Warner Baxter in the principal role" of " Grand Canary," which is enjoying a successful season at the Civic Theatre. The story is of compelling interest and is set against the colourful background of tropical islands with all their exotic beauty. The story tells of a doctor who voyages overseas to remove the stigma on his name which he gained when he failed to save the lives of three of his patients. The adventures which follow make good entertainment. There is an excellent supporting cast, which includes Madge Evans, H. B. Warner and Zita Johann. P REGENT THEATRE Large and enthusiastic audiences continue to attend the Regent Theatre, where " The House of Rothschild is now in the fourth week of its season. The film is undoubtedly the greatest triumph of the celebrated character actor George Arliss, even surpassing his fine performances in " Disraeli," "The Man Who Played God" and "Voltaire." With the skill of a real artist, he is able to portray with ease the dominant figure of Nathan Rothschild. His touches of comedy are a masterpiece and he makes a richly human figure out of the celebrated banker whoso wealth saved England at the crucial moment in the -Napoleonic Wars. Mr. Arliss is also fortunate in being associated with such a talented cast, including Boris Karloff, Loretta Young and Helen Westley. An entirely new supporting programme is being screened ST. JAMES* THEATRE The late John GalsworthVs novel '•'One More River," which heads the excellent programme at St.. .Tames' Theatre, has been transferred to the screen with rare fidelity. The essentially English atmosphere has been perfectly captured by the director, James Whale, who was responsible for "Frankenstein," " Journey's End " and " The Invisible Man." Powerful as the novel is. the drama is more telling on the screen where the characters live with greater intensity than in the pages of fiction. Diana Wvnyard appears in the principal role. The brilliant young actress of " Cavalcade " and " The Dover Road " is seen at her best and brings dignity and serenity to her part. She is well supported by Colin Clive, while Frank Lawton is a likeable character. Some excellent comedy is provided by Mrs. Patrick Campbell, the celebrated English stage player. Other roles are well taken by Lionel Atwill, Reginald Denny and Jane Wyatt. The Mareo Symphony Orcestra of 20 players is heard in several overtures and an innovation is provided by the musical accompaniment to several of the short films. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Suspense is well maintained from bef inning to end in the excellent mystery rama "The Ninth Guest," which heiids the double-feature program me at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The plot is a baffling one and requires all the ingenuity of the audience to solve it. The story centres round a dinner to which eight guests are invited. On thei:r arrival, they are told through the medium of a voice over the radio that they are to die one after the other. He is true to his words and six of the eight guests have been assassinated before the murderer is apprehended. The plot is an unusual one and its clever treatment makes good entertainment. The cast includes Genevieve Tobin and Donald Cook. The second film, " The Hell Cat," is a fine comedy drama with Robert Armstrong, Ann Jsothern and Minna GombeH. STRAND THEATRE The story of four young people who seek the voice of the city is told in the drama " Change of Heart," which heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. The. talented players Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell appear in the principal rolesi. Since their first appearance in " Seventh Heaven " these two young players have risen to become the most popular romantic artists on. the screen. James Dunn, Ginger Rogers, Shirley Temple and Beryl Mercer also are responsible for good performances. There is a fine supporting programme. STATE THEATRE " The Return of Bulldog prummond" heads the fine double-feature proi gramme at the State Theatre. The film ' is adapted from the novel r The Black Gang," by the well-kndwn author " Sapper." The cast includes Ralph Richardson, Claude Allisteif, Ann Todd and Francis Sullivan. Thei second film is George Arliss in " Voltaijre." LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA The mystery drama "Strangers of the Evening," with Zasu Pitts and Miriam Seegar in the principal roles, heads the programme at the London Newsreel Cinema. f— *— RIALTO THEATRE Lionel Barry more is seen at his best in the principal role of "This Side of Heaven," which is the main film on the programme at the Rialto Theatre. The (supporting cast includes Mary Carlisle, Una. *Morkel and Mae Clarke. There is a good selection of interesting short films. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Ruth Chatteruon gives a fine performance in the leading role of "Journal of a Crime," the main film being shown, at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Bebe Daniels appears in " Registered Nurse," the second attraction. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Guest night will be observed at the State Theatre* Onehunga', to-night. "Vanity Fair" is the main attraction. TUDOR CINEMA Constance Bennett, in ( " Moulin Rouge," heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema. NEW RECENT THEATRE "Wild Gold" and "Princess Charming" are the films being screened at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom.

PLAZA THEATRE Superb acting is provided by Diana Wynyard ,nnd Olive Brook in " Let's Try Again," which is attracting large audiences to the Plaza Theatre. These two talented players set a high standard in " Cavalcade," which gained for them the Academy Award for 1933. However, their performances in their latest film are well in keeping with their previous portrayals. The picture gains its true distinction by the delightfully polished performance of Miss Wynyard, who is thoroughly convincing in a difficult role. Clive Brook also gives a splendid portrayal and is well supported by a. talented cast, which includes Helen Vinson and Theodore Newton. There is a good variety of short films. , r ■ ■ ■ - BROADCASTING BOARD CONCERT A special concert in aid of the Mayor's. unemployment relief fund arranged by .the Broadcasting Board will be held in'the Town Hall on Thursday evening. The principal artist is Madame Elsa Stralia, the Australian prima donna. She is well supported by Senia Chostiakoff, Russian tenor, Paul VinogradofF, pianist, and" Mr. Vincent Aspey, violinist. Several numbers will be given by the Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen's choir under Mr. EL Woolley and an augmented studio orchestra.