ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21983, 14 December 1934, Page 21

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE The film version of Cervante's classic story "Don Quixote," which will be screened on alternate days with Eugene O'Neill's drama, "Emperor Jones," will be shown for the first time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. It will be presented again on Monday and on Wednesday, while the O'Neill film will be shown to-morrow and on Tuesday and Thursday. As the daring idealist of chivalry, Feodor Chaliapine, the celebrated Russian artist, is said to give an inspired portrayal in " Don Quixote," and the film has been described as a courageous and successful attempt to produce entertainment of a new kind. In the important role of Sancho Panza, George Robey makes an eagerly-awaited reappearance, arid the stage comedian is certain to make the best of his unlimited opportunities. "Emperor Jones" marks the first appearance in a full-length picture of the noted negro singer, Paul Robeson. An entirely different supporting programme will be shown with each picture CIVIC THEATRE The famous composer, Franz Schubert, is again the subject of an outstanding film in "Lovetime," a beautiful romance, which will be sliown for the first time at the Civic Theatre today. The picture has for its basis the immortal melody, "Serenade," which is claimed to be perhaps the most popular of the composer's works. However, it differs from previous pictures of this nature in that the music of Schubert is interpreted by an orchestra and this novel touch makes the film outstanding. Moreover, the humorous noto has been well brought out by such talented comedians as Herbert Mundin and Harry Green. The story, which is laid in romantic Vienna, tells of one of Schubert's earlier romances and the beautiful settings and delightful music should make a special appeal. The {)olisbed Nils Asther appears in the eading role and is given an opportunity to depart from his usual typo of characterisation. Pat Patterson appears in support. REGENT THEATRE Acclaimed as one of the most hilarious and fast-moving comedy dramas to be screened in Auckland, "Palooka" will have its initial screening at the Regent Theatre to-day. Wilh such a strong cast as Jimmy Durante, Stuurt Erwin, Robert Armstrong, Thelma Todd, Lupe Velez and William Cagney, the film cannot fail to be highly amusing. Most of the comedy is ably handled by Jimmy Durante, who is provided with more humorous situations and absurd speeches than in any previous picture. By special request, the outstanding Silly Symphony, "The Three Little Pigs," with the catchy refrain, "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf,' will also be screened in conjunction with the latest Walt Disney cartoon, "Arctic Antics." ST. JAMES* THEATRE Light entertainment of an excellent nature is provided by the musical comedy "Dames," which will open the second week of its season at St. James' Theatre to-day. The picture abounds in splendid comedy and tuneful song numbers. Heading a particularly strong cast are Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler and Joan Blondell. In addition to a line supporting programme, the pupils of Miss Cecil Hall present on the stage the popular song, "Little Dutch Mill." PLAZA THEATRE There is a refreshing note in the English musical film, "Music Hall." which will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. After so many spectacular films of this nature this picture, in which the leading players are old-time favourites, comes as a welcome change. The artists are all recognised as players of real merit in England. The picture resembles the recent production, "Say It With Flowers." The cast includes George Carney, G. H. Elliott, the Marcaris Serenaders and the popular Debroy Somers Band. The story is simply that of a musical hall which faces failure. With the threat of closed doors, the old manager appeals to the former proprietor to save the situation and the house is brought back to its former glory by staging an unprecedented variety show. There is a wide selection of interesting short films.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD George Bancroft, who has gained his reputation in virile roles, makes a .welcome return to the screen in the comedy drama, "Elmer and Elsie." which heads the double feature programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. He is ably supported by Frances Fuller, George Barbier and Roscoe Karns. The second attraction i 3 "You Belong to Me," with Lee Tracy and Helen Mack. "The Red Rider" is ako being shown. The principal player is Buck Jones.

STRAND THEATRE A simply told but intensely powerful psychological drama is unfolded in the outstanding picture, "The Battle." which heads the programme at the Strand Theatre. The film is said to bo one of the best productions of the,year. The presentation of the story is subtle and, as there is no deliberate stressing of emotions or actions, the audience is left to draw its own conclusions. The picture is one of unaccustomed qualitv and real wortH, The leading players are Merle Oberon, Charles Boyer and John Stuart.

STATE THEATRE Warner Brothers' musical extravaganza, "Wonder Bar," is the first of two full-length films which comprise the programme at the State Theatre. The principals are Dick Powell, Kay Francis ana A 1 Jolson. The unusual and entertaining picture, "Death Takes a Holiday," with Frederic March, is also being screened.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The spectacular musical. extravaganza, " Chu Chin Chow," is the main attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. The film is adapted from Oscar Asche's successful play., Heading a strong cast are George Robey, Ann May Wong and John Garrick. There is a fine selection of 6hort films.

LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA ( An excellent musical comedy, "Letting in the Sunshine," is the main attraction at the London Newsreel Cinema. 'V.;:*'

TUDOR CINEMA ■A powerful drama, " Little Man, What Now?" heads the entertaining programme at the Tudor Cinema. There is a fine selection of short films.

STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA The programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga, comprises "Judge Priest" and " Tne Cat's Paw."

STATE THEATRE, 1 DEVONPORT George Arliss is the principal of " Voltaire " which heads the programme at the State Theatre, Devonport.

NEW RECENT THEATRE "The Thin Man" and "Smarty," two full-length films, head the' programme being presented at the NewRegent Theatre, Epsom.

ROXY AND TIVOU THEATRES A fast-moving and highly amusing comedy drama "The Notorious Sophie Lang" is the main attraction on the double-feature programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. ' The story is a thrilling one and has been treated in a light vein, which makes the film a novel and entertaining one. The central figure is a daring woman jewel thief, whose prestige in New York is threatened by the arrival of an international criminal. Her ensuing adventures, in which she attempts t-o regain her reputation, form the basis of the film. Gertrude Lawrence and Paul, Cavanagh appear in the leading rolgs. The second picture is " The Blue Squadron," a thrilling drama of the air. The principal players are Esmond Knight. Greta Hansen and John Stuart.