ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21991, 24 December 1934, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE The bright and vivacious personality of the popular Janet Gaynor is the outstanding feature of the first-class comedy romance " Servants' Entrance," which is enjoying a successful season at the Plaza Theatre. All who can appreciate romance and humour must find this gay and highly entertaining film very much to their liking. Miss Gaynor gives her usual unaffected performance and adds a liberal measure of humour. Appearing opposite her is Lew Ay res with whom she scored such a success in " State Fair." The two arc associated in many a verbal skirmish and much original humour is interspersed in the development of their romance. Other prominent roles are taken by Ned Sparks, Walter Connolly and Louise Dresser. There is a splendid supporting programme. The same programme will be shown on Christmas night.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The thrilling drama "Million Dollar Ransom" is the first of two full-length pictures which comprise the programme at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. The story is full of exciting incidents, which keep the audience in a state of suspense throughout the entire film. Heading a strong cast are Philip Holmes, Mary Carlisle and Edward Arnold. The second attraction is "The Lash," an absorbing modern drama. Tho film is a fast-moving one and works up to an unusually dramatic climax. The leading roles are taken by Lyn Harding and John Maud. Gary Cooper, Neil Hamilton and Fay Wray are seen in the entertaining comedy drama "One Sunday Afternoon," which heads the programme to be shown on Christmas Day. MAJESTIC THEATRE The spirit of youthful adventure which is contained in the widely-read novel " Treasure Island " by Robert Louis Stevenson is ably recaptured in the film of the same title which is proving an ideal holiday attraction at tho Majestic Theatre. The vivid characters of the book come to life with a reality which is mainly due to the excellent performances of a talented cast which includes Lionel Barrvmore, Wallace Beery, Lewis Stone and Jackie Cooper. Included in a fine selection of short films is tho latest Laurel and Hardv comedy entitled " Busy Bodies," which is one long laugh from start to finish. " Treasure Island" will also bo screened on Christmas night. CIVIC THEATRE A worthy successor to the successful " Tell Me To-Night " has been produced in the bright and gay musical romance " My Song For You " which is attracting large audiences to the Civic Theatre. It is in the form of an encore but is less studied and more casual but if anything is more entertaining than its predecessor. The film has a spirit of light-hearted gaiety which makes it excellent entertainment for the holiday reason. The Polish tenor Jan Kiepura is again in the leading part and his glorious voice is heard at its best in "Aye Maria " and in excerpts from " Aida." Sonnie Hale I surpasses himself in a humourous role. In addition to an excellent supporting programme there is a lavish pantomime " Puss in Boots." The programme for Christmas Day remains unchanged.

REGENT THEATRE Enthusiastic receptions continue to be given to the excellent comedy drama " Splendid Fellows " which is the main attraction at the Regent Theatre. This modern and highly entertaining picture has as its background the recent Centenary air race and with such topical items'as the celebrations at Melbourne and the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to Australia, the film is one of rare quality. Another item of general interest is the appearance of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and his famous aeroplane the Southern Cross. Heading a talented cast is Eric Colinan, brother of the well-known Ronald Colman, and his performance is one of real merit. Other leading players are Frank Leighton and Isabel Mahon. In addition to a splendid supporting programme a spectacular pantomime " The Flight of the Silver Plane " is being staged. The same programme will be shown on Christmas Night. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The spectacular musical film "Twenty Million Sweethearts" heads the doublefeature programme at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. - The popular Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler appear in the principal parts. Tho second film is the hilarious comedy drama "Their Big Moment," with Slim Summerville and 7iasu Pitts. The celebrated tenor Richard Tauber is heard at his best in the musical picture "The Right to Happiness," which will be the Christmas Day attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The bright and entertaining musical comedy "Love, Life and Laughter" will be shown at the Rialto Theatre on Christmas Day. The leading player is the inimitable English comedian, Gracie Fields. STRAND THEATRE Undoubtedly one of the most thrilling pictures which have come to the screen is " Wild Cargo," which heads tho programme at the Strand Theatre. The film abounds in exciting battles with ! ferocious animals and is set against the background of the dense Malayan Jungle. The picture was produced by j Frank Buck, who is well remembered for "Bring 'Em Back Alive." The programme will also bo shown on Christmas Night. LONDON NEWSREEL CINEMA Bcbe Daniels appears in tho principal role of the bright musical comedy "The Song You Gave Mo " which is tho main attraction at the London Newsreel Cinema. Tho Christmas Day programme commences at 7 p.m. BRITANNIA THEATRE "Murder in the Private Car" and "Melody in Spring" comprise the programme at the Britannia Theatre. "Smoky" and "The Ninth Guest" will be shown on Christmas Day. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA "Never Trouble Trouble" is being screened at the State Theatre, Onehunga, where guest night is being observed. "Little Friend," with Nova Pilbeam. will be shown on Christmas Day. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The programme at tho State Theatre, Dovonport, is headed by "Of Human Bondage." The special Christmas Day programme comprises "Berkeley Sguare," with Leslio Howard as tho principal. NEW REGENT THEATRE The films being shown at the New Regent Theatre. Epsom, are "Gambling Lady" and "Upper World." The Christmas Day attraction will be "Tho Blue Squadron." TUDOR CINEMA Robert Montgomery is the principal of "Made on Broadway," which heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema. The outstanding historical picture "The House of Rothschild," with George Arliss, will be screened on Christmas Day.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Light holiday entertainment of a rare quality is provided by the outstanding musical comedy " She Loves Me Not " which heads the programme at St. James' Theatre. The popular Bing Crosby appears in the leading role and it has well been described as his best picture to date. Among the many catchy songs are " Love in Bloom " and " Straight From the Shoulder." Miriam Hopkins and Kitty Carlisle appear in support. There is a splendid selection of short films. The Marco Symphony Orchestra is heard in a special number, " Christmas Carols," arranged by the conductor, Mr. Eric Mareo. CHRISTMAS DAY PROGRAMME A special programme headed by the entertaining film "If I Had a Million" will be screened at St. James' Theatre on Christmas Day. Included in a really outstanding cast are Charles Laughton, Mary Boland, Charles Buggies, Gary Cooper, May Ilobson and Alison Skipworth. The attraction of the story lies in the distinct departure from the conventional style and the episodes deal with situations humorous, full of poignancy and of disappointment. The Marco Symphony Orchestra will be hoard in special Christmas numbers. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD A particularly clover horse, Bex, is seen in the unusual film " King of the Wild Horses " which heads the doublefeature programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The second attraction is the thrilling drama " I'll Fix It " with the popular Jack Holt as the principal. " The Bed Rider " with Buck Jones also is being screened. The programme for Christmas Night remains unchanged. STATE THEATRE The celebrated English actor George Arliss appears in what is undoubtedly his best film to date, " The House of Botlischild," which is the main picture on the programme at the State Theatre. The film may well be described as the perfect screen entertainment. Other prominent players include Boris Karloft' and Loretta Young. Heading the supporting programme is the Silly Symphony, "Birds in Spring." The film will also be shown on Christmas Night.