ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21949, 5 November 1934, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE A most baffling and ingenious plot is unfolded in the outstanding mystery drama " The Crime of Helen Stanley," which is the main attraction at the Majestic Theatre. The story is set against the background of a Hollywood film studio and there are some interesting sidelights on the production of pictures. The plot concerns the strange murder of an actress during the taking of a scene. The leading roles are filled by Ralph Bellamy and Shirley Grey. There is an excellent supporting programme. CIVIC THEATRE W. Somerset Maugham's touching human drama has been brought to the screen with great fidelity in the outstanding film " Of Human Bondage," which is attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to the Civic Theatre. It is the simplicity and sympathy of the presentation and the splendid character studies which make the picture one of real worth. One of the finest portrayals of his varied career is given by Leslie Howard, who is seen as a crippled medical student who is foolishly infatuated with a worthless girl. Another first-class performance is given by Bette Davis, who is well supported by Kay Johnson and Francis Dee. There is a fine selection of entertaining short films. REGENT THEATRE Clever dialogue and light tuneful music are the main features of the excellent English musical comedy "Give Her a. Ring," which heads the current programme at the Regent Theatre. The story is a simple one, but the many hilarious complications in which the principal characters are involved provide some excellent comedy. The cast includes Clifford Mollison and Wendy Barrie. The splendid supporting programme includes a newsreel in which Scott and Black are seen at both Charleville and Melbourne.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE The popular Australian comedian Rov Rene (" Mo ") scores a veritable triumph in the hilarious comedy "Strike Me Lucky," which heads the current programme at St. James' Theatre. His ludicrous actions, inane remarks and sallies are well-known to local audiences as he has appeared with great success on the stage here. The story is a thrilling and fast-moving one and abounds in amusing situations. The film is full of bright songs and brilliant ballet work. Among the supporting artists are Lorraine Smith and Yvonne Banvard. Heading a fine array of short films is a beautiful scenic picture, "Pacific Pleasure," and an excellent comedy, " Northern Exposure," which is filmed entirely in technicolour. PLAZA THEATRE There is ati interesting and satisfying story which allows the introduction of tuneful music and much good acting in the splendid musical film "Twenty Million Sweethearts," which is enjoying a successful season at the Plaza Theatre. The picture is full of popular songs, including " The Man on the Flying Trapeze," " How Am I Doin' " and " I'll String Along With You." The story tells of a radio agent who is sent to search for new talent. He discovers a young singer whose struggle for success forms the basis of a highly-enter-taining film. The cast is composed of prominent American radio performers and screen players. The leading role is taken by the popular young artist Dick Powell, who gives an excellent performance. Among the other prominent players are Ginger Rogers, Pat O'Brien, the Four Mills Brothers and Tecv Fiorito and his band. Heading an attractive supporting programme is a fine newsreel showing the arrival of Scott and Black at Melbourne.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Seldom has a more poignant and dramatic film been seen than "The Man They Could Not Hang," which is enjoying a successful season at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. It is the tragic story of John Lee, a man in the prime of life who is sentenced to death on circumstantial evidence alone. He is placed on the gallows, but the machinery fails to operate and after the third attempt his sentence is commuted to penal servitude for life. The film is interpreted by a talented cast of Australian players, headed by Ronald Roberts. Included in a splendid supporting programme is an amusing comedy, " Picnic Perils." STRAND THEATRE The colourful life of Catherine IT. of Russia is the subject of the outstanding picture " The Scarlet Empress," which heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. The film contains some of the most elaborate and even grotesque examples of Russian art of that period seen on the screen. The title role is taken by the celebrated German actress Marlene Dietrich, whose performance is one of the best of her career. The supporting cast includes John Lodge, Louise Dresser and C. Aubrey Smith.

STATE THEATRE The dramatic film " Little Man, What Now ? " heads the splendid double-feature programme which will be screened for the last time at the State J.heat-re to-day. Margaret Sullavan appears in the leading role. The second picture is " The Song You Gave Me," with Bebe Daniels and Victor Varconi. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA The programme at the London Newsreel Cinema is headed bv the musical romance " Love's Old Sweet Song." BRITANNIA THEATRE The films being screened at the Britannia Theatre are "Bolero" and "Fog." TUDOR CINEMA Robert Montgomery appears in "The Mystery of Mr. N," which heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema.

CAPITOL THEATRE "Bright Side Up" and "The Crime r>octor" comprise the programme at -the Capitol Theatre. RIALTO THEATRE A fine mystery drama, "Charlie Chan's Courage," and "Krakatoa" comprise the programme at the Rinlto Theatre. NEW REGENT THEATRE "Call It I,uck" and "As the Earth Turns" are the films being screened at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA Guest night will be observed at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night, when "Oh, What a Night," and "Fascination" will be shown. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE A special programme in aid of the Mount Eden junior branch of the Hospital Auxiliary will be screened at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. The films being shown are "Charlie Chan's Courage" and "Krakatoa."

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The splendid comedy "Smarty" Leads the current programme- at the /Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The leading players are Joan Blondell and Warren William. The second attraction is "Gambling Lady, with Barbara Stanwyck. An interesting and fast-moving story is told in "Wharf Angel," which is the main attraction on the programme to be presented at- both theatres on Wednesday. Victor McLaglen appears in the principal role. The second picture is "This Man is Mine," with Irene Dunne and Ralph Bellamy.

LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY The Auckland Little Theatre Society will present its .'37 th production, "J he Marquise," in the Town Hall concert chamber for a season, of four nights, commencing on Friday, November 16. Booking arrangements are advertised. MISS CECIL HALL'S PUPILS Th 6 pupils of Miss Cecil Hall presented a splendid concert, "Parade," before large audiences at Scots Hall on Saturday afternoon and evening, included in an excellent programme was a delightful Russian pantomime plav, "The Magic Crystal," and "The 'I o.v Shop" and "Christmas in Fairyland," two pretty scenas. The outstanding feature of the programme was a sjtectacular scena, "Fighters Through the Ages," interpreted by 100 dancers in colourful costumes and ending in a striking aeroplane ballet. The entire programme bespoke careful training and originality.