ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21937, 22 October 1934, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Without discarding his inimitable stylo the popular comedian Harold Lloyd rises to higher levels of comedy in "The Cat's Paw." which is the main attraction on tho current programme at the Civic Theatre. He relies more on a powerful story and splendid acting than in his former successful films, which include "Grandma's Boy." "The Freshman" and "Movie Crazy." He appears as the son of a missionary who, having spent all his life in China, is steeped in Oriental customs and philosophy. On attaining manhood his parents send him to America to find a \vife, N and his flirtation with a girl employed in a tobacconist's shop is hilarious. His adventures as Mayor of tho city and his efforts in dealing with dangerous criminals provide comedy of a high standard. An amusing scene is provided by his novel method of giving tho criminals the alternative of confession or execution. When two decapitated bodies arc carried in from tho execution chamber the band lias no alternative but to confess. His Chinese habits and philosophy in the life of a large city are incongruous. Una Merkol and J. Farrell McDonald head the supporting programme. There is an excellent variety of short films, including scenes of tho Morro Castle disaster. RECENT THEATRE Delightful comedy is provided in "The Affairs of Celiini," the main attraction at the Regent Theatre. The film is based on an incident in the life of the famous metal-worker, Benvenuto Cellini, and the historical element is cleverly introduced by beautiful settings and dresses of the period. The essentially modern character of the acting makes striking contrast with mingled elegance and barbarity of Florence in the 16th century. Cellini's /characteristics of evading and escaping from dangerous situations form the basis of the fascinating story. Fredric March gives a fine performance in the leading role and receives excellent support from Constance Bennett, who appears as the Duchess of Florence. The acting honours, however, go to Frank Morgan for his portrayal of the Duke of Florence. The supporting cast includes Fay Wra,v, Vinco Barnett and Louis Calhern. There is an excellent selection of shorter films. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Norma Shearer, the talented dramatic actress, gives another polished performance in the leading role of "Riptide," which is enjoying a successful season at St. James' Theatre. She fives another of her portrayals that ave made her so successful, such as those in "The Divorcee," "Let Us Be Gay" 4 and " Smilin' Through." Another delightful performance is given by Robert Montgomery and his charming, boyish air and bright witticisms are ideal for his role as a carefree bachelor. Perhaps the best performance is given by the English actor, Herbert Marshall, who, in spite of the difficulties presented in his role as the husband, gives a really outstanding performance. The story is a sophisticated drama, full of dramatic incidents and subtle humour, and the excellent portrayals of the leading players make the picture one of real merit. Miss Shearer makes a triumphant return to the screen after an interval of two years, and clearly demonstrates that she has lost none of her former artistry. Heading the outstanding supporting programme is a thrilling newsreel. snowing some vivid scenes of the burning of the Morro Castle. There is also a Pete Smith oddity, entitled "Dartmouth Days." The Mareo Symphony Orchestra is heard in several excellent numbers. PLAZA THEATRE The film version of the celebrated stage production "Chu Chin Chow," by Oscar Asohe, heads tho programme at the Plaza Theatre. The picture admirably portrays the colourful pageant of Oriental life and the humour and music which made the stage presentation one of the most successful in the history of the theatre. George Robey, one.of the most popular London music hall comedians, is very well cast as Ali Baba, a nonchalant woodcutter, who discovers tremendous wealth in the robber's cave. Fritfc Kortner appears as the villainous robber chief, while others in the cast are Malcolm McEachern and John Garrick. One of the most attractive features of the play was the large number of pleasing musical numbers,. and "The Robbers' Chorus," the "Cobbler?s Song," "I Love You So" and "Chu Chin Chow" are all excellently rendered. There is a fine supporting programme. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The manners and modes of mediaeval England make an ideal Betting for the hilarious antics of Wheeler and Woolsey in their latest comedy, "Cockeyed Cavaliers," which is the first film on a Bplendid double-feature programme now enjoying a successful season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres* Although these popular comedians have appeared in many excellent comedies, they have never been seen to better advantage. The usual witty repartee of this inimitable pair, together with the splendid modern tunes, is made doubly amusing in the old-world background. Two tunes which should prove popular are "I Love to Dilly Dally" and "The Big Bad Wolf Is Dead." In support of the principals are players of such recognised ability as Noah Beery, Thelma Todd and Dorothy Lee. The second attraction, "Half a Sinner," is a first-class comedy with an abundance of exciting episodes. The leading roles are taken by the noted stago player, Berton Churchill, and Joel McCrca. and Sally Blane. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD A refreshing note in merriment is struck by tho English comedy drama "Freedom of tho Seas," which heads the fine double-feature programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The brisk story tells of a young law clerk who joins the Navy with the sole intention of marrying his employer's daughter. A strong cast is headed by Clifford Mollison, Wendy Burrie and Henry Wenman. The second attraotion, "Crime on the Hill," is an outstanding mystery drama, in which the suspense is maintained to tho end. A particularly strong cast includes such well-known players as Lewis Cnsson, Sally Blane, Sir Nigel Plavfair. Jimmy Goddcn and Gus McNaughton.

STRAND THEATRE The splendid musical revtie "Thank Your Stars" is the main attraction on the programme at the Strand Theatre. The picture is a delightful combination of excellent comod.v and tuneful musical numbers, which are rendered bv Ben Bernio'a dance hand, The principal rolo is taken by the talented comedian, Jack Oftkio. and his portrayal is quite up to the high standard set in his earlier films. Another first-class performance is given by Alison Rkipworth, who is rapidly coming to the fore. The supporting cast includes Dorothy Dell and Roscoe Karns. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA Lew Ood.v and Mary Nolan appear in the leading role of "File No. 113," which heads the programme at tho London Newsreel Cinema. TUDOR CINEMA The main attraction at the Tudor Cinema is "Hell Below," with Robert Montgomery and Madge Evans in the loading roles.

MAJESTIC . THEATRE The excollent film "I Give My Love" will bo screened for the first time at the Majestic Theatre to-night. The story is adapted from the novel b.v Vicki Bauin, who also wrote " Grand Hotel." The film is a .splendid romance and there arc also some fine comedy touches. The leading role is taken by Paul Tjiikns, whose polished portrayals in "By Candlelight" and " Little Women" have made him popular with all typos of audiences. Wynne Gibson appears in the other principal role. An excel lent selection of short films is hv, an hilarious comedy, "Souj) For Nuts." STATE THEATRE The delightful musical film "The Cat and'the Fiddle" heads the new programme at the, State Theatre. There are some excellent song numbers included in the film which are ably rendered bv the leading players, Jeanette McDonald and Ramon Novarro. The charming voices of both these popular artists arc well known to audiences, Miss McDonald having appeared in "The Love Parade" and Mr. Novarro in "The Pagan." Heading the supporting cast are Frank Morgan and Charles Buttcrworth'. There is a wide selection of supporting films. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The brilliant English actress Jessie Matthews gives a refreshing portrayal in the excellent musical comedy "Evergreen," which is the main film on the programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The picture is an elaborate one and is interpreted by a strong supporting cast, including Sonnie Hale and Barry Norton. There is a good selection of short films RIALTO THEATRE Ruth Chattcrton gives a powerful portrayal in the drama "Journal of a Crime," which heads the programme at the Rialto Theatre. The other leading role is taken by Adolphe Menjou. The second attraction is "His Greatest Gamble," with Richard Dix in the principal part. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA A 1 Jolson makes a return to the screen in the spectacular musical film "Wonder Bar>" which is the main attraction at the State Theatre, Onehunga. There is a particularly strong cast, including Dick Powell and Kay Francis, NEW REGENT THEATRE The palished performances of the leading players are the notable feature of "Manhattan Melodrama," which heads the double-featuro programme at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. Myrna Loy, William Powell and Clark Gable are the principals. "This Side of Heaven" aIBO is being screenod. CAPITOL THEATRE A particularly strong oast appears in the musical extravaganza, " International House," which heads the programme at the Capitol Theatre. "King of the Jungle," with Buster Crabbe and Frances Dee, also is being screened.