ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21938, 23 October 1934, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE There is some first-class actinu in the subtle farce-comedy. " The Affairs of Cellini," which is enjoying a successful season at the Regent Theatre. Jn addition to the clever dialogue and crisp repartee, it is in the sterling portrayals of the principal artists that the film gains its true merit. In the title role the debonair Frederic March is splendid, while Constance Bennett is also excellent. Acting honours, however, must 'go to Frank Morgan,, although a fine portrayal of Cellini's intensely stupid model is given by Fay Wray. The film, which was produced by Twentieth Century Pictures, is a worthy successor to " The Private Life of Henry VIII." For audiences who appreciate clever farce and subtle comedy this film should prove excellent entertainment. The supporting programme is headed by a delightful Silly Symphony, "The Wise Little Hen," and an hilarious musical burlesque, " Not To-Night, Josephine," which is produced entirely iu colour. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Norma Shearer, iierhaps the most popular dramatic actress on the screen, to-day, makes a triumphant return in the sophisticated drama " Riptide," which is attracting large audiences to St. James' Theatre. With her usual polished manner and gorgeous clothes, Miss Shearer is able to prove convincingly that she has lost none of her former ability and charm. Her portrayal of the wife who, tired of married life, seeks for romance and is misunderstood bv her husband, is one of her best to date. Robert Montgomery, the popular young player of " The Mystery of Mr. X,"' " Hell Below •" and " Shipmates," is perfectly cast as a care-free young bachelor. Although the portrayals of tho two principals are excellent, they are almost surpassed by tho performance of Herbert Marshall, who appears in the rolo of tho husband. His restrained and serious manner is admirably suited as a contrast to the boyishness of Montgomery. There is a wide selection of supporting films, including a Pete Smith Oddity. Tho Mareo Symphony Orchestra is heard in a specially-selected musical programme. PLAZA THEATRE Much credit is due to the GauinontGainsborough studios for producing such a colourful extravaganza as "Chu Chin Chow," which is proving remarkably popular with audiences at the Plaza Theatre. It is tho film version of Oscar "Asche's successful stage play, which enjoyed one of tho longest seasons in the history of the stage. Tho musical score is one of the outstanding features of the film and the old favourites, " The Robbers' Chorus," "Chu Chin Chow " and " I Love You So," aro heard once more. The picture is colourfully mounted and shows the vivid, pageant of Oriental life, with its splendour, cruelty and exotic beauty. The cast is an excellent one, containing many artists well known ou both stage and screen. It is headed by the noted music-hall comedian, George Robey, who is ideally cast as Ali Baba. Ann May Wong, John Garrick and Fritz Kortneralso appear. A splendid supporting programme is headed by a newsreel showing the arrival of the Duke of Gloucester at Perth.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES "Cockeyed Cavaliers," with Wheeler and Woolsey, heads the programme which will be presented for the last time at the lloxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. The second attraction is Halt a Sinner," with Joel McCrea and Sally Blane. An excellent comedy drama, "Coiue on, Marines," is the first of two entertaining pictures which will open a season at both theatres to-mor-row. The story tells of the amusing adventures of a number of girls who are shipwrecked. A company of marines is sent to search for them, with hilarious results. Richard Arleu and Ida Lupino head the oast. "he second film is "Murder on the Blackboard," with Edna May Oliver and James Gleason.

MAJESTIC THEATRE A tender romance is the keynote of tho entertaining picture " I Give My Love," which is the main attraction jit the Majestic J hcatre. Adapted from the popular novel by Vicki Banm, whose other books include "Grand Hotel," the story is an interesting one, Avith an abundance of humour. Another polished performance is given fey Paul Lukas in the leading role. This player has previously proved his outstanding ability in "The Kiss Before the Mirror" and "Little Women." Wynne Gibson is seen in -the other leading part. There is a splendid supporting programme. » STRAND THEATRE There is a note of gaiety in the musical iiljn, " Thank Your Stars," which is the 4 main attraction at the Strand Theatre. Tho leading role is taken by Jack Oakie, the noted American comedian, who appears in a somewhat similar rolo to that which he played with such success in " Earl Carroll's Vanities." Excellent support is rendered by Alison Skipworth, Dorothy Dell and Itoscoe Earns. There are also seven new musical numbers played by Ben Bernie's band. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Clifford Mollison gives an excellent performance in the leading role of the comedy drama " Freedom oi the Seas," which is the first of two full-length films which are being shown at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The story deals with the amusing adventures of a young map who joins the Navy in order to gain the approval of his prospective father-in-law. The second attraction is " Crime on the Hill," which is notable for the talented cast, including Lewis Cassou, Sir Nigel Playfair, Sally Blane, Jimmy Godden, Gua McNaughton and Anthony Bushell." STATE THEATRE A novel musical romance, " The Cat and the Fiddle," heads the current programme at the State Theatre. JeaneUe MauDonald, who will, be remembered for her fine performances opposite 'Maurice Chevalier, is well cast in the leading role, while l'arnon Novarro returns to the screen as her leading man. •Other popular players who appear include Charles Butterworth, Frank Morgan and Vivienne Sega 1 LONDON, NEWSREEL CINEMA Lew Cody and Mary Nolan are the principal* in " Kile No. 13," which heads an entertaining programme at tlii! London Newsreel Cinema. Special arrangements have been made for the screening of progress reports of the Melbourne Centenary air race. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The excellent musical film " Evergreen," acclaimed as the best English picture of its kind yet produced, heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The strong cast includes Jessie Matthews, Sonnie Halo and Barrv Norton. • RIALTO THEATRE The outstanding dramatic actress Ruth Chatterton gfives another splendid performance 111 "Journal of a -Crime," which is the main attraction on the programme at the Rialto Theatre. The second' film is " His Greatest Gamble."

CIVIC THEATRE As a shy and inoffensive missionary's son from China, Harold Lloyd shows his true ability as a comedian in "The Cat's Paw," which heads the current programme at the Civic Theatre. Although his performances .in- "Grandma's Boy " and " The Freshman " were splendid, the comedian relied too much for effects on witticisms. However,, in his latest film. Lloyd is seen in an hilarious story, which does not strain the credulity of the audience, and he receives excellent support from a talented cast. The most amusing parts of the story are the efforts of this simple youth to evade a band of criminals and also his flirtation with a girl, in which he relies on quaint philosophical sayings. Other outstanding players are Una Merkel, George Barbier and J. Farrell McDonald. The supporting programme is well chosen and makes fine entertainment. NEW RECENT THEATRE The films being screened at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, are "Manhattan Melodrama" and "This Side of Heaven." TUDOR CINEMA Ann Harding and Clive Brook appear in "Gallant Lady," which is the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema. COMMUNITY SINGING The final community singing gathering of the season will be held in the Town Hall to-morrow, when Mr. Vernon T. Drew will act as song leader.