ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21999, 4 January 1935, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE

Two of the most popular players on the screen, Constance Bennett and Herbert Marshall, appear in the excellently produced version of Michael Arlen's celebrated novel "The Green Hat," under the title of "Outcast Lady," which will open a season at St. James' Theatre to-day. The film brings to life Arlen's fascinating heroine Iris March, who is prevented from marrying the man she loves, arid is forced to wed an old friend of her family, who is exceedingly wealthy. On the night of her wedding she is told of her husband's disgraceful prison record and, learning that his secret is out, he commits suicide. The remainder of the film is devoted to her struggle to remove the stigma. Other prominent players are the well-known Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Ralph Forbes and Elizabeth Arlen. A further attraction is the appearance. on the stage of the dramatic soprano, Madame Elsa Stralia. The supporting programme includes scends of the Royal wedding and of the arrival of Princess Marina in England. PLAZA THEATRE Described as one of the most moving love stories yet brought to the screen the romantic drama "The Age of Innocence" will be shown for the first time at the Plaza Theatre to-day. A notable feature of the film is the reappearance together of Irene Dunne and John Boles, who scored such an outstanding success in "Back Street." The story is based on the prize-winning novel of the same name by Edith Wharton, which has been described as one of the most sincere romantic stories in modern literature. As its keynote the story has the stiff and harsh social code of the early 'eighties and the efforts of two voung people to break down this barrier. With the unusual background of New York its the last century, the story is intensely dramatic. Miss Dunne appears as the wife of a foreign count, whom she wishes to divorce, and Boles is seen as a young lawyer who is captivated by her charm and poise. However, he is engaged to a girl who has been chosen for him by his tyrannical grandmother. He feels bound to marry her, but is not inclined to sacrifice his happiness. Both Miss Dunne and Boles are said to give performances of such outstanding merit that their reputations as dramatic players are certain to be enhanced. There is a wide selection of interesting short films, ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Heading the well-balanced programme which is attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to the Roxy and Tivoii Theatres is the absorbing drama "Death on the Diamond." The film is a baffling mystery drama, but the suspense is admirably relieved bv soine excellent comedy touches. The story deals with a murder which is committed before the eyes of a vast and the remainder of the picture is devoted to solving the mystery. Unexpected incidents happen in quick succession and the film is a series of exciting episodes. There is a most dramatic climax. The leading players are RobertYoung, Nat Pendleton, Madge Evans and Ted Healy. The second film, "Fighting for Justice," is a thrilling drama of the West, which is fall of action, comedy and romance. The picture should make a special appeal to lovers of outdoor adventure. Splendid performances are given by Tim McCoy and Joyce Compton.

MAJESTIC THEATRE -

All the romance and comedy of life in the sawdust ring is brought out to the full in the hilarious film "Circus Clown," which will have its initial screening at the Majestic Theatre today. The popular comedian Joe E. Brown appears in the title < role and is said to have been provided with more opportunities for displaying his inimitable style of humour than in any of his previous productions. As usual. Brown is seen in many highly amusing incidents, and his experiences with the circus animals and his attempts to emulate the acts of the leading performers should keep tho audience in an uproar of laughter. Although Brown is the principal figure in the film, another feature is the appearance of several celebrated artists who are well known for their ability and daring. Among the many thrilling acts are those of the Flying Codonas in their astonishing performance on the flying trapeze. Poodles Hanneford in daring equestrian feats, the Picchiani Family in a sensational tumbling act and Mamie Ward, a master of the flying rings. There is an excellent supporting programme. CIVIC THEATRE Recognised as one of" the foremost dramatic players on the screen, Ann Harding appears in what must rank as her greatest role in the dramatic picture "The Fountain," which will commence a season at the Civic Theatre to-day. Although the film deals with the World War. it is merely treated as a poignant background and none of its actual horrors are seen. The story concerns three highly intuitive and deeply intelligent people, who are capable of analysing their emotions. Miss Harding is seen as the wife of a German count (Paul Lukas). who returns from the war a cripple. A further shock awaits him, for his wife is in love with an English aviator, played by the popular Brian Ahem*. However, he rises above this complication by his high-minded philosophv and forbearance, and the manner in which this problem is amicably solved forms the basis of a powerful and unusual film. An added attraction is tho eagerly-awaited short film "La Cucaracha," which is produced entirely in a new method of colour. It has been claimed to be the best "short" picture since the celebrated "Three Little Pigs." In addition. Barrie Brettoner plays several selections on the organ.

STATE THEATRE The subtle and sophisticated comedy burlesque "The Affairs of Cellini" heads the current programme at the State Theatre. The film is essentially a clever satire, and as such was one of the outstanding pictures of last year. Excellent portrayals are given by Fredric March. Constance Bennett and Fay Wray, white that of Frank Morgan is outstanding. There is a fine selection of short films. LONDON- CINEMA An hilarious comedy, " Hawley's of High Street," heads the current programme at the London Cinema. The popular British actor Leslie Fuller takes the leading role. There is a splendid selection of short films. TUDOR CINEMA Two popular artists, Robert Montgomery and Madge Evans, are seen in the thrilling comedy-drama, "Fugitive Lovers," which is the main film on the programme at the Tudor Cinema.

NEW REGENT AND ALEXANDRA

The pictures which comprise the entertaining programme at the New Resent and Alexandra Theatres are "We're Rich Again" and "Music Hall."

STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORT Two amusing comedies, "David Harum" and "Aunt Sally," comprise the programme at the State Theatre, Devon port.

REGENT THEATRE Record attendances contunw ; M throng the Regent Theatre, thrilling romance "The Count of MofltpH Cristo," which had its premiere in tw H presence of Prince Henry, will .H| mence the second week of its to-day. The recent records establish K by "The House of Rothschild" been eclipsed and new figures set at the matinee performances §ff Tuesday and Wednesday. This is ■W;.||§ outstanding tribute to the general ||§ cellence of this realistic adaptation of §& Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, •jfe. |f| story is too well known to require i®. §|f telling, and it is sufficient to say that §p the atmosphere of dram?tic suspense |p so cleverly introduced into the boofc has been admirably sustained in the Si film version. The success of the pjo. ture is also due in a large measure to @ the sterling performances of Robert i|l Donat and Elissa Landi. Included a splendid supporting programme is lpj humorous cartoon "Mickey's Steam, l|p

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD;

A most unusual and thrilling • artery drama, "The Man With Faces," is the first of two splendid productions which will be shown f<» the first time at the National ans Prince Edward Theatres to-dav. The principal role is taken by the weß|! known character actor Edward G. Ro&r inson, who is making a welcome return to the screen. Other prominent artists are Ricardo Cortez and Mary Astor. The second attraction, 'Tngk tive Lady." is an absorbing draw* with Neil Hamilton. Donald Cook an 4 Florence Rice in the leading parts. A further instalment of the thrilling serial "The Red Ridgr" also is being shown. ■M STRAND THEATRE The bright and entertaining musics! comedy, " The Gay Divorcee," is the main attraction on the new programme at the Strand Theatre. The principal are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, while some excellent comedy is intra, dnced by Edward Everett Horton and Alice Brady. A feature of the production is the graceful new dance " The Continental." which is seen for the first time. There is a wide diversity of supporting pictures.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The celebrated character actor Wallace Beery heads a strong cast in tha vivid and colourful drama "Yiv» Villa," which is the main attraction at the Crystal Palace and Jlialto Theatres. Other prominent players are Stuart Erwia', Fay Wray and Leo Carillo. Beery appears as Pancho Villa, one of the most picturesque figures in the history of Mexico. Inclndei in the supporting programme is an hDariota comedy, "Another Wild Idea."

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The programme at the State Theatre, Onenunga. comprises "Chn Chin Chow" and "Bachelor Bait."