ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21951, 7 November 1934, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE Clifford Mollison gives a sound portrayal in the leading role of "Give Her a Ring,"..the main attraction on the programme at the Regent Theatre. With a novel story, the picture provides an abundance of light and tuneful music and clever comedy. It traces the adventures of four characters who are brought together by unexpected telephone conversations. There is a particularly fine supporting programme. The newsreels include views of the opening of the Mersey Tunnel by His .Majesty the King and the landing of the Centenary air race winners, Scott and Black. There is also a picture entitled "Maoriland Movielogues," showing White Island, rebuilt Napier, and Mount Kgmont. Ronald Colnian gives a characteristic performance in "Bulldog Drummoml Strikes Back," which will be shown for the first time at the theatre on Friday. The film is an entirely new production and has been acclaimed as the most thrilling of "Sapper's" books. ST. JAMES' THEATRE A delightful comedy, "Strike Me Lucky," is enjoying a popular season at St. James' Theatre. The film is particularly notable for the appearance of Roy Rene, the inimitable stage comedian who appeared in Auckland some vcars ago, perhaps tetter known as "Mo." A fine selection of numbers is rendered by the Marco Symphony Orchestra " THE HIDE-OUT "

Robert Montgomery and Maureen O'Suilivan take the principal roles in "The Hide-Out," which will commence a season at St. James' Theatre on Friday. Montgomery is cast as a notorious criminal who is wounded in making his escape from New York. 'I he setting of the story then changes to a beautiful farm in Connecticut, where Montgomery is staying while recovering from his injuries. He is gradually converted from his former evil ways by the good-natured affection of the country family and his love for their daughter, Maureen O'Suilivan.

PLAZA THEATRE. An entertaining musical comedy, "Twenty Million Sweethearts," heads the programme at the Plaza Theatre. The talented east includes many prominent radio performers, while Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers both give excellent performances in the principal roles. The picture further enhances the excellent reputation of Warner Brothers, who were responsible for the popular productions "Footlight Parade" and "Gold Diggers of 1933." There is an interesting and satisfying story which introduces in an admirable manner the various spectacular scenes. There is a fine selection of shorter films.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The popular actor Victor McLaglen is seen in another virile role in the fast-moving drama "Wharf Angel," which heads the double-feature programme to commence a. season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Set against the colourful background of the waterfront of San Francisco, the story tells of a stoker who is in love with a waitress. On his last night on shore he is in a dance hall when a man seeks refuge there from the police, who are looking for him on a charge of murder. The two men form an immediate friendship and the latter is persuaded to join the vessel on which Turk, the stoker, serving. On their voyages they confide in one another that they are in love, but neither of them realises that they are talking about the same girl. They discover this and from that point the film moves to a powerful climax. McLaglen gives an outstanding performance and a high standard of acting is revealed by the supporting players, who include Alison Skipworth, Dorothy"Dell and Preston Foster. The second attraction, " This Man is Mine," is an excellent comedy-drama with delightfully humorous satire and powerful dramatic incidents. The story tells of an intelligent young wife who tries to recapture her husband's affections by allowing him to become friendly with her friend. The film is full of subtle dialogue and excellent comedy. Splendid portrayals are given by the three leading players, Irene Dunne, Ralph Bellamy and Constance Cummings.

MAJESTIC THEATRE A mystery drama of compelling interest, "Tlie Crime of Helen Stanley," is attracting large audiences to the Majestic Theatre. Ifcilph Bellamy is very well cast as Inspector Trent, who ultimately solves the problem. The story is well presented and the audience is kept in suspense until the end. Jean Harlow, who has appeared in "Red Dust," "Hell's Angels" and "Hold Your Man," further enhances her excellent reputation in "The Girl From Missouri," which will be presented for the first time at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. A powerful modern drama, with deft touches of humour, it makes first-class entertainment.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD An outstanding Australian film, "Tho Man They Could Not Hang," is_ enjoying a successful season at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Based on an •absorbing drama of real life, the picture deals with the noted case of misdirected justico concerning John Lee, who was sentenced to death for the murder of his employer. The successive attempts made to execute him form the central theme of this fascinating production. Ronald Roberts gives a fine performance in the leading role, while the supporting cast includes Arthur Sherry, Claire Barnes and Leo Starke.

STATE THEATRE A thrilling drama, "The Mystery of Mr. X.", with Robert Montgomery in the principal role, heads the programme at the State Theatre. The story concerns the murder of a number of London policemen, the crimes all being committed with a rapier. The manner in which Robert Montgomery, in the role of a jewel thief, sots out to solve the mystery forms the basis of the story. STRAND THEATRE Marlene Dietrich, the celebrated German actress, who ,will be remembered for her performances in "Blonde Venus" and "The Song of Songs," has a role which admirably suits her vivid personality in "The Scarlet Empress;" the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. She portrays the notorious character of Catherine of Russia.

LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA "Love's Old Sweet Song" heads the programme at the London Newsreel Cinema.

CAPITOL THEATRE

" Prosperity" and "I ho Countess of .Monte Cristo" are the pictures being screened at the Capitol Theatre.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The films being shown at the State Theatre, Onehunga, are "Smarty" and "She Was a Lady."

NEW REGENT THEA PRE

" Call It Luck " and " As the Earth Turns " are the films being shown at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom.

CIVIC THEATRE The film adaptation of the popular novel, "Of Human Bondage." by W. Somerset Maugham, is attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to the Civic Theatre. Leslie Howard, one of the finest character actors on the screen, gives his usual polished performance in the leading role. '1 he story has been presented in s> straightforward and simple manner and throws the forceful acting of the isrriucipals into bold relief. Among the supporting players are Bctte Davis, Reginald Denny and Kay Johnson. There is a good selection of shorter films. " THE WORLD MOVES ON " A picture which is being eagerly awaited by film patrons is the outstanding Fox drama "The World Moves On," which will be screened at the Civic Theatre on. Friday, November 16. Based on man's struggle for existence through the* ages, this unusual film deals with many important questions of the day. Ideal roles are supplied for Madeleine Carroll and Franehot Tone, who appear in the leading parts, and their performances must rank as among the best seen on the screen for some time. Other prominent artists are Reginald Denny, Louise Dresser and Raul Roulien. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE A special programme in aid of the Mount Eden junior branch of the Hospital Auxiliary will be shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. The films being screened are " Charlie Chan's Courage " and " Krakatoa." RIALTO i HEAT RE The entertaining programme at the Rialto Theatre comprises " Charlie Chan's Courage " and " Krakatoa." TUDOR CINEMA The splendid comedy "Jack Ahoy," with Jack Hulbort, heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE CONCERT An appreciative audience attended the St. John Ambulance Orchestra's last concert of the 1934 season, given at the ambulance headquarters in Rutland Street last night. The orchestra, under Mr. Haydn Murray, was assisted by a number of well-known artists in solo items. The orchestral numbers included the " Barber of Seville " overture; Oscar Strauss' " The Chocolate Soldier"; the march, "Old Comrades"; and a waltz, "Gold and Silver." Soprano solos were sung by Miss Sara Stacpoole, while other vocalists were the Balmoral Quartette, Mr. FrankSutherland and Mr. Stewart Harvey. Miss Lalla Hem us chose one of Squire's compositions for her 'cello solo, and humour was provided by Mr. Alan McElwain. The accompanists were Mrs. Harvey and Miss Dorothea Ryan.