ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21935, 19 October 1934, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE The glamour of Oscar Asche's spectacular musical production has been admirably transferred to the screen in the Gaumout-Gainsborough version of " Chu Chin Chow," which will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. In the wealth of present-day comedies, dramas arid elaborate musical films, it strikes a note of welcome relief. The production has been seen many times on the stage, but through its universal appeal, it lias lost none of its novelty. All the splendour and mysticism Of the Orient, together with the popular musical numbers which made such a success of the original London play, have been well recaptured. The vivid characters of the " Arabian Nights " are realistically brought to the screen by a talented English cast. The role of Ali 13aba is splendidly portrayed by George Robey, the noted stage comedian. Other members of the cast are Fritz Korncr, the German actor, as the villianous Abu Hassan, Anna May Wong, as Zahrat, and Malcolm McEachern, the Australian singer, in the role of Abdullah. Some tuneful songs, including "The Cobbler's Song," "My Dearest Flower," " 1 Love You So " and "Chu ('bin Chow," are well' rondered by John Garrick. The story tells of Ali Baba, who is a menial working in the house of Kasim Baba, his wealthy merchant brother. One day Ali is sent into the woods to gather fuel in preparation for a great reception for Chu Chin Chow. He stumbles on the cave of a band of robbers. In the cave he finds untold treasures and returns a wealthy man. The robber chief, Abu Hassan, has meanwhile killed Chow and his retin ic and is disguised as the expected guest;. Kasim learns of the cave, but is caught by the robbers and put to death. Finding his treasures raided and Ali Baba the culprit, Hassan prepares to attack Ali's house. The film quickly moves to a dramatic climax. The main charm of this excellent film lies in, the clever ballets and delightful music and in its refreshing novelty. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Hilarious comedy and tuneful musical numbers are the features of the splendid comedy drama "Cockeyed Cavaliers," which is the first of two fulllength films which are enjoying a successful season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The film is really a clever burlesque on the prevalent mode of films dealing with historical -incidents. The idea, of casting the popular comedians Wheeler and Woolsey as a pair of gallant knights with modern manners amTspeech is a novel one, and the adventures of thin incongruous pair in medieval England provide hilarious entertainment. These two players act in their characteristic manner, which gained them a strong following in "Dixiana," "The Cuckoos" and "Hips, Hips, Hooray." The story deals with the efforts of the pair to .assist a pretty girl to escape marrying a duke. They journey to the duke's mansion in the guise of physicians and adopt veterinary methods to cure his illness. They decide to take part in a boar hunt to raise some money, and the many ludicrous situations in which they find themselves are delightful. Some fine songs are sung by Noah Beery, while other catchy tunes include "I Love to Dilly Dally" and "The Big Bad Wolf is Dead." The supporting cast is headed by Thelma Todd and "Dorothy Lee. The second attraction, "Half a Sinner," is a fast-moving comedy-drama. With the noted stage player Berton Churchill, who appears in the leading role, are Sally Blnne and Joel McCrea, who give outstanding performances. MAJESTIC THEATRE A fascinating story of the growth of aviation in Australia is told in " The Old Bus," which will be presented' for the first time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Commencing in the 'nineties, the film* shows the outstanding flights of the war. Then, follows the flight across the Pacific by Australia's famous airman, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, in the Southern Cross. The audience can sense the vast loneliness, the-joy of landing and the suspense when it is doubtful whether the aeroplane will rise on account of its heavy load of petrol. There is the first Tasmafn flight, the Atlantic crossing and in short, tlie complete history of this celebrated aviator. However, the most interesting part of the film is the flight over the route of the Centenary air race. There are many colourful scenes of the principal landing grounds and the running narrative by Sir Charles is both interesting and educative. The picture is novel and on account of the air race should have a strong appeal. A comedy drama, " Let's Be Ritzy," with Lew Ayres, also is being screened. / CIVIC THEATRE The popular comedian Harold Lloyd appears in a new type of role in -'The Cat's Paw," which will be screened for the fiiw.time at the. Civic IliGatrc to-day. Instead of the quick witticisms so familiar in his previous pictures, Lloyd now depends more on the story, acting and dialogue. This change is undoubtedly an improvement and the film shows the comedian in a new light. He is cast as a missionary's son who is taken to China as a little boy. There he grows up in the dreamy traditions of the township of Cheengtu and the philosophical sayings of the past. On attaining manhood, he is sent to America with instructions to return with a wife. He is thus thrown into the strange life of a large American city. He unknowingly becomes the "tool" of unscrupulous politicians,-but when he becomes Mayor of the city, lie tries to apply Chinese philosophy to his government. He comes into conflict with a band of criminals and the manner in which he escapes from an unenviable position is the basis of an hilarious story. There is a strong cast of comedians, including Una Merkel, ,T. Farrell McDonald, George Barbier and Nat Pendleton. There is a note of good comedy in the film which is sustained to the end and provides amusing entertainment. There is an excellent supporting programme, including scenes of the Morro Castle disaster.

REGENT' THEATRE The subtle quips find humour of the principal players, together with the light satiricai manner in which it is produced, combine to make a really outstanding farce-comedy of " The Affairs of Cellini," which will commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. The film is essentially a brilliant and sophisticated satire. The story is based on a portion of the life of Benvenuto Cellini, the great Florentine goldsmith. It is his notoriety as a lover, rather than his skill as a metal worker, with which the plot is chiefly concerned. A splendid performance in the title role is given by Fredric March, whose oasv grace and nonchalant air are delightful. The beautiful Constance Bennett is at the same time elegant and piquant, while an outstanding portrayal of the Duke of Florence, a simple buffoon, is given by Frank Morgan. An unusually strong supporting programme is headed by the latest Silly Symphony, " The Wise Little Hen," and also includes an hilarious musical film, "Not To-Night Josephine " and " Beauty Secrets of Hollywood," both of which are produced in technicolour, BRITANNIA THEATRE A strong cast appears in "Alice in Wonderland," which, with "Hell and High Water," comprises the programme at the Britannia Theatre.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Admirers of Norma Shearer will appreciate her sterling portrayal in "Riptide,", which -will have its Auckland premiere at St. James' Theatre to-day. Tho film is an excellent sophisticated drama with an interesting story and clever dialogue. Miss Shearer returns to the . typo of role in which she scored such a success in " The Divorcee," " Let Us Be Gav " and " Smilin' Through." She is seen as Lady Rex ford, the wife of an English peer. Although her married life has been happy, she feels that she has lost the romantic glow of earlier romance. Her opportunity comes when her husband is forced to go to New York on a business visit. She journeys to a fashionable resort where she meets a carefree bachelor who had previously been her close friend. When slightly intoxicated the young man tries to jump from his balcony to that of Lady Rexford. The resultant scandal disturbs her husband, who sues for a divorce and the film works up to a powerful emotional crisis. Robert Montgomery gives his usual lively performance and acts as a good foil to the serious Herbert Marshall, whose portrayal is outstanding. Heading tho short films is a vivid newsreel showing scenes of tho burning of the Morro Castle. The Mareo Symphony Orchestra is heard in tho overture, " William Tell." NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The splendid comedy-drama, " Freedom of the. Seas," is the main attraction on the programme to be presented for the first time at the National and Prince Edward Theatres to-day. Somewhat reminiscent of "The Middle Watch," the film abounds in excellent comedy. Clifford Mollison, who will be remembered for his work in "A Southern Maid," gives a pleasing performance as a young law clerk who joins the naval reserve in order to win the hand of his employer's daughter. Wendy Barrie, of "Wedding Rehearsal," and Henry Wenman head a. strong cast of subordinate players. The second attraction, " Crime on the Hill;" is a : fine mystery drama with an ingeniously told plot that works up to a gripping climax. The film is notable as it marks the screen debut of Lewis Casson whose portrayal of an English vicar is outstanding. The supporting cast includes a number of wellknown stage players, such as Sir "Nigel Playfair, Phyllis Dare, Sally Blane and Anthony Busbell, while some excellent comedy is supplied by Jimmy Godden and Gus McNaughton. ' STRAND THEATRE j A splendid musical revue, Thank Your Stars," heads the programme which will be shown for the first time at the Strand Theatre to-day. The talented comedian, Jack Oakie, appears in the role of a vain but lovable owner of a musical company. His portrayal is a fine one and he has ample opportunities to display his ability as a comedian. Alison Skipworth also gives a clever performance. An amusing scene is shown when Oakie imitates the " crooning " of Bing Crosby with hilarious effects. There are several tuneful songs played by Ben Bernie's band, including " Do I Love You," " I'm Dreaming," "In the Good Old Winter Time " and a comedy number, " A Bowl of Chop Suey and You-ey." STATE THEATRE The spectacular musical film, "Flying Down to Ilio," is the main attraction on the new programme at the State Theatre. The story tells of the adventures of the leader of a dance band and his friend. They lose their positions at a hotel in Florida and accept an engagement in Rio de Janiero. A spectacular climax is reached when they decide to stage a performance in the air, with the ballets strapped to the wings of aeroplanes. There are some elaborate scenes and several good musical numbers. A fine cast includes Dolores del Rio, Gene Raymond, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

RIALTO AND CRYSTAL PALACE The polished English actor Herbert Marshall gives an excellent portrayal in the leading role of "Solitaire Man," which heads the double feature proS;ramme at the Rialto and Crystal 'alace Theatres. The second attraction is " Call it Luck," with Herbert Mundin. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The films being screened at the State Theatre. Onehunga, are " Stingaree " and " Heat Lightning." i NEW REGENT THEATRE "Singaree" and "Heat Lightning" are the films being screened at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA " File No. 113," with Lew Cody, is the main attraction on the new doublefeature programme at the London Newsreel Cinema. ? CIVIC THEATRETTE The thrilling mystery drama, "X Marks the Spot," will be shown for the first time at the Civic Theatrette today i - «• '■ TUDOR CINEMA Jeanette Macdonald appears in the leading rojf* of the musical comedy, "The Cat and the Fiddle," which is being screened at the Tudor Cinema. AIMS OF WHANGAREI TWENTY THOUSAND CLUB [from our own correspondent] WHANGAREI. Thursday A further public meeting called by the Mayor, Mr. W. Jones, to consider a i-eport from the provisional committee of the recently-formed Twenty Thousand Club, was held last night, there being a large attendance. The club was formed chiefly with the object of beautifying and improving Whangarci. Mr. J. Burfoot outlined what had been done by the provisional committee, and .moved that the meeting heartily support tho «ims of the recently formed Twenty Thousand Club. The motion was carried. Tho following officers were elected for the ensuing year.— Mr. G. C. Munns; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Jones, H. C. Rishworth, R. K. Trimmer, E. G. W. Tibbits, N. Drummond, C. V. Stringer; secretary, Mr. C. P. Butler; organisers, Messrs. J. Burfoot and R. H. Allan; treasurer, Mr. T. H. Stewart; auditor, Mr. W. T. Surman: general committee, Mesdames A. D. Jack, A. T. Brainsby, Miss Grevillo, Messrs. A. P. Morgan, A. T. Brainsby, I). J. Thomson, H. W. Crawford, J. Johnson, W. Uliitt, A. Laoey, A. 11. Ryder, E. V. Morrish,' R. Noel Johnson, A. Englund, E. Reid, .Ucott, W. E. Crawford, R. Drummond, C. P. Butler, W. Hewin. It was decided that all the sports organisations in, Whangarei and district be invited to nominate a delegate to the general committee. It was also resolved to ask all sports bodies to arrange a function for tho purpose of raising funds for tho club.