ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21934, 18 October 1934, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES* THEATRE A refreshing note in entertainment is struck by the comedy-drama "Freedom of the Seas," which heads the current programme at St. James' Theatre. Clifford Mollison, Wendy Barrie and Henry Wenrnan take the leading roles. PLAZA THEATRE The five-year-old child Shirley Temple gives a remarkable performance in the title role of "Baby. Take a Bow," which will be screened for th<» last time at the Plaza Theatfe to-day. James Dunn and Claire Trevor head the supporting cast. "CHU CHIN CHOW" Oscar Asche's well-known extravaganza, "Chu Chin Chow," has been brought to the screen for the first time and will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. This lavish production has been seen on the stace several times, and has had universal appeal. In making the film version the GaumontGainsborough studios have undertaken a difficult task, but in spite of the many obstacles they have produced an outstanding musical film. All the glamour and splendour of the Orient, together with the glorious melodies which made such a success of the original London stage play, have been faithfully reproduced. Included in the many tuneful songs are "Kissing Time," "My Desgrt Flower" and "Robbers of the Night." However, the film is not a mere succession of elaborate scenes, for there is a note of romance and adventure which cannot fail to sustain the interest of the audience. The principal role, that of the fabled Ali Baba, is taken by the noted English stage comedian George Robey. Although he has been seen previously in several short comedy sketches this is the first part to do justice to Robev's undoubted talents. Other prominent plavers in a strong cast are Anna May Wong, John Garrick, Fritz Kortner, Francis Sullivan and Malcolm McEachern, the Australian singer. The picture is a fine musical production, with humorous songs and gay comedy in plenty. ROXY AND TJVOLI THEATRES The novel idea of casting the popular comedians, Wheeler and TN oolsey, as a pair of gallant knights is carried out in "Cockeyed Cavaliers," which heads the double-feature programme which is attracting large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The result is a first-class burlesque, full of humour and gaiety. There is a touch of joyous abandon about the adventures of this incongrous pair in medieval England which strikes a refreshing note. The antics of Wheeler, who suffers from kleptomania, are hilarious, and the sight of Woolsey with his cigar and horn-rimmed glasses is very amusing. The farcical plot tells of a nobleman who demands a poor man's daughter in marriage in lieu of repayment of a loan. To assist the girl to raise the necessary money, the two knighta enter a boar hunt. This scene is one of the most exciting and amusing yet produced. A good performance is given by Noah Beery, whose fine baritone voice is heard in "The Big Bad Wolf is Dead." Another tuneful song is "I Love to Dillv Dally." Dorothy Lee and Thelma Todd also have prominent roles. The second attraction, "Half a Sinner," is a comedy drama dealing with the activities of a gambler who poses as a parson. The story is full of dramatic moments and good comedy and there are some thrilling scenes at a wrestling match. The leading role is ably taken by Berton Churchill, who is a well-known New York stage player. Other splendid performances are given by Joel McCrea and Sally Blane. The programme is a well-balanced one and is good entertainment. MAJESTIC THEATRE The comedy-drama, "Paris Interlude," is the main attraction at the Majestic Theatre, where it will be shown for the last time to-day. The leading roles are taken by Ma dee Evans, Otto Kiuger and Robert Young. "THE OLD BUS" In view of the coming Centenary air race, exceptional interest is aroused by the fine aerial film "The Old Bus," which will open a season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. The famous aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith appears in the film, the main object of which is to portray the historic feats of the Southern Cross, in which he has achieved snch renown. Commencing in the early nineties, the film graphically traces the dramatic progress of aviation in Australia, with its brilliant achievements .and tragic failures. The most interesting part of the film is when Sir Charles flies over the route of the Centenary race and describes the beauties as well as the dancers of the everchanging panorama over which he is flying. The route touches such interesting places as the old city of Stamboul, romantic Bagdad, across India and Singapore, and over the dense jungles of Sumatra. With such a vivid and experienced narrator as Sir Charles the film is an interesting one and is highly instructive.

CIVIC THEATRE A truly outstanding dramatic performance is given by the talented Katharine Hepburn in "Spitfire," which will conclude its season at the Civic Theatre to-day. Another cood performance is given by Ralph Bellamy. " THE CAT'S PAW" Harold Lloyd makes a welcome reappearance after an interval of over two years in the comedy-drama "The Cat's Paw," which will commence a season at the Civic Theatre to-morrow. This talented comedian was a firmlycstablished favourite in the days of silent pictures, and his portrayals in "Grandma's Boy" and "Movie Crazy" are still fresh in the memory. Abandoning his former type of role, Lloyd is seen in a new light as he ;)Jso reveals surprising dramatic ability. The story itself is hilarious and tells of the adventures in a large city of a youth who has spent all his life in China. He becomes Mayor of the city and attempts to apply Oriental philosophy to his operations with amusing results. Unwittingly he becomes the "tool" of unscrupulous politicians, and his efforts to evade them bring the film to an unexpected climax. In the strong supporting cast a«re Una Merkel, Nat Pendleton and George Barbier. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE The double-feature programme at the Prince Edward Theatre comprises "Man in Possession" (Robert Montgomery) and "Sporting Blood." LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA The films being screened at the London Newsreel Cinema are " Reunion " aud " Lucky Girl." STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNCA " Registered Nurse " (Bebe Daniels) and "As the Earth Turns" comprise the programme at the State Theatre, Qnehunga. NEW REGENT THEATRE "Stingaree" and "Heat Lightning" are the films being screened at the New Regent Theatre, Epson). • MAYFAIR CINEMA Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert appear in "It Happened One Night," wtuch is being shown at the Mayfair Cinema, Sandringhfm.

REGENT THEATRE Will Hay, the celebrated stage' and radio artist, gives a. splendid performance in the comedy "Those Were the Days," which will conclude its season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Claude Aliister and Jimmy Godden also appear in the cast. NATIONAL THEATRE The outstanding film, " The House of Rothschild," with George Arliss in the principal role, will be screened for the last time at the National Theatre to-day. The mystery drama, " Crime ou the Hill," will open a season at the theatre, and also at the Prince Edward Theatre, to-morrow. The story is an absorbing one and full of suspense. A notable feature of the film is the distinguished English cast, which includes Lewis Casson, husband of the celebrated Dame Sybil Thorndike, Sir Nigel Playfair, Phyllis Dare, Jimmy Godden, Gus MacNaughton and Judy Kelly. The leading role is taken by the promising young actress, Sally Blane. There is also a broad vein of comedy to relieve the tension provided by the many exciting episodes. STRAND THEATRE The popular player, Mae West, acts in her characteristic style in "She Done Him Wrong." which heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. The cast, also includes Cary Grant and Noah Beery. The second film is " Double Door," with Mary Morris and Colin Taplev. A good musical comedy, " Thank Your Stars," is the main attraction on the new programme which will be shown for the first time at the theatre to-morrow. Jack Qakie has the leading part, that of a vain, but loveable, owner of a musical company. The cast also includes Dorothy Dell, Alison Skipworth, Lew Cody and Roscoe Earns. There are seven new songs rendered by Ben Bernie's band. STATE THEATRE A powerful dramatic story is told in "Miss Fane's Baby is Stolen," which is the main film being presented at the State Theatre. The story tells of the horrors of the crime of kidnapping and is of intense interest. Dorothea Wieck and Alice Brady head the cast. The second attraction is " One Man's Journey," with Lionel Barrymore, Frances Dee and Slay Robson in the leading roles. RIALTO AND CRYSTAL PALACE Herbert Marshall appears in the leading role of "Solitaire Man," which is the main attraction at the Rialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. A strong supporting cast includes Elizabeth Allan, May Robson and Lionel Atwill. The second film is "Call It Luck," with Herbert Mundin and Pat Patterson. TUDOR CINEMA The excellent English comedy-drama, "Friday, the 13th." with Jessie Matthews, Edmund Gwenn and Sonnie Hale, heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema. There is a good supporting programme. COMMUNITY SINGING There was a good attendance at the community singing gathering held in the Town Hall yesterday, when Mrs. Albert Russell and Mr. M. Guthrie acted as song leaders. Several enjoyable solos were rendered by Sirs. Ross Brodie. Mrs. Barrington Snow acted as accompanist. Proceeds will be devoted to the Mayor's unemployment relief fund.