ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22003, 9 January 1935, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

The screen version of Alexandre Dumas' celebrated novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo," although now in its second week, continues to attract large and enthusiastic audiences to the Regent Theatre. The picture hud its premiere in the presence of Prince Henry. With its romantic adventure, melodrama and splendid characterisations, together with the epic sweep of its drama, the film is undoubtedly an outstanding one. Heading an excellent supporting programme is the cartoon. "Mickey's Steamroller."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE

Excellent entertainment is provided by the absorbing drama, "Outcast Lady," which heads the current, programme at St. James Iheatre. Outstanding performances are given by Constance Bennett, Herbert Marshall and Mrs. Patrick Campbell. In addition to a first-class supporting programme, several songs are sung by the soprano, Madame Elsa Stralia.

PLAZA THEATRE

The struggle of a young couple to overcome the stiff and harsh social code of tho late 'eighties forms _ tho basis of the romantic drama, "The Age of Innocence," which heads the programme at * the Plaza . Iheatre. Splendid performances are given by Irene Dunne and John Boles. Included in an interesting selection of short pictures is the musical film, "If Ihis Isn't Love."

'GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Almost a year of resareh and preparation was necessary for the production of the outstanding picture. " Great Expectations," the Universal film version of Charles Dickens' classic novel, which will open a season at the Plaza Theatre on Friday. The details are produced with remarkable fidelity. The kitchen, of Mrs. Gargery, the blacksmith's wife, is an excellent reproduction of the type then in vogue among the particular class to which she belonged. Again, the marshes where the thrilling fight between two convicts takes place represents as nearly as possible those soggy, treacherous and weird places which are close to the Thames m North Kent. Miss Havisham's dark house, the decayed wedding cake covered with cobwebs, and the unhappy woman herself, in her wedding gown, so vividly described 111 the book, are all introduced in detail. Even beetles, spiders and mice were used to enhance the reality. With so much attention to detail the film cannot fail to be an outstanding one. The strong cast includes Harold Hull, Phillip Holmes, Jane Wyatt, Florence Reed, Alan Hale and Francis L. Sullivan. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A highly-amusing and fast-moving comedy drama, " The Show Off," is the first of two excellent full-length pictures which will be screened for the first time at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Spencer Tracy appeal's as a loquacious young man full of self-confidence and even conceit. Pictures of this kind are all too common, but fortunately this film has the feature that instead of becoming successful by the force of his own assurance Tracy meets opponents who prove too much for him. In particular he encounters a father-in-law and mother-in-law who are not in the least impressed by his eloquence. This is most unconventional and amusing and the film is a very enjoyable one. Tracy is a clerk in a railway office who sees the shortcomings of the self-made president and takes it upon himself to negotiate a contract . which was to have been drawn, up by the president. Luck is with him and to the surprise of both it turns out profitable. AH goes smoothly until his relations discover that the furniture of his home is not paid for. From here the story moves to an hilarious climax. Tracy gives a splendid performance and displays his usual personal charm and vitality. Another fine portraval is that of the talented Madge Evans. The second attraction, "Elinor Norton v. the State," is a powerful drama of a girl's life. In desperation she kills one of her admirers and the film works up to a thrilling climax. The story is adapted from the novel by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Outstanding performances are given by Claire Trevor, Hugh Williams, Norman Foster and Gilbert Roland.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

Joe E. Brown appears in one of his best v roles in the hilarious comedy "Circus Clown," .which is the main film on the programme at the Majestic Theatre. Other prominent artists are the Flying Codonas, Mamie Ward and the Picchiani Family. There is a fine supporting programme. •

DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME Two full-length filins of contrasting appeal comprise the programme which will liayjß its initial screening at the Majestic' Theatre on Friday. The first picture, "Waggon Wheels," is a powerful drama of the West, with all its inherent colour, romance and adventure. It is adapted from the novel by the celebrated Zane Grey, who is the recognised master of stories of this type. However, the film is treated in an unusual manner, as there is also some excellent comedy and singing. The cast is made up of several players who appeared with notable success in "The Last Round Up," and includes Randolf Scott, Gail Patrick and Monte Blue. The second attraction, "The Old Fashioned Way," is a hilarious satire on the old melodramas which now seem so ludicrous. Tho leading player is W. C Fields, and it is said that he is provided with the best role of his career.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The powerful dramatic film, " The World Moves On," heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace and RiaTto Theatres. The story traces the adventures of the descendants of a successful American business man through three generations and is full of dramatic incident. Excellent portrayals are given by Madeleine Carroll and Franchot Tone. There is a splendid supporting programme.

LONDON CINEMA "By-Path to Happiness" and "Merrily Yours" comprise the entertaining programme at tho London Cinema. There is also a fine selection of short films.

TUDOR CINEMA - A delightful comedy drama, " Going Gav," heads the current programme at the Tudor Cinema. The principals are Magda Schneider and Arthur Riscoe. There is a wide selection of short films. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The programme at the State Theatre, Devonport, is headed by " Charlie Chan in London." \ STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The main attraction at the State Theatre. Onehunga, is the entertaining film, " Music Hall." t NEW REGENT THEATRE The double-feature programme at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, comprises " The Cat's Paw " and " Operator 13," in which Marion Davies is the principal.

CIVIC THEATRE

A compelling drama of the effects of the Great War is told in the film, "The Fountain," which is enjoying a successful season at the Civic Theatre. The principals are Ann Harding and Brian Ahernc. An additional attraction is the outstanding colour film, "La Cucaracha," which is a notable achievement in film technique.

TWO FULL-LENGTH FILMS

Catchy music and lively scenes of gipsy revelry form the basis of the unusual and refreshing musical comedy, "Caravan," which heads tin* double feature programme which will commence a season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. There is ingenious musical treatment and several spectacular scenes of tho picturesque life care-free vagabonds. Two tuneful numbers, "Tho Wine Song" and "Hot Cha Cha," should prove highly popular. Included in a brilliant cast are Loretta Young, Charles Boyer, Phillip Holmes and Noah Beery. Never has thorn been such sublime photography .and never has such simple loveliness and grim and terrible drama, been seen on the screen as in "Man of Aran," which is the second film. It brings to the world with staggering force some knowledge of tho lives of a handful of people who have lived for centuries on islands lashed by tho Atlantic and from which they force a living.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The well-known character actor Edward G. Robinson is seen in a splendid role in the thrilling mystery drama, "The Man With; Two Facos," which is the first of two full-length pictures at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The second attraction is "Fugitive Lady," with Neil Hamilton as the principal. The adventures of the Kelly gang form tho basis of the dramatic film, "When tho Kellys Rode." which will be shown with "The Church Mouse" at both theatres on Friday.

STRAND THEATRE Tlit* bright musical comedy, "The Gay Divorcee," is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. The picture is an excellent combination of dancing, comedy and music, and provides light entertainment of a rare quality. Outstanding performances are given by Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Edward Everett Horton. There is a wide selection of interesting subsidiary pictures.

STATE THEATRE Two of the most popular players on the screen, Joan Crawford and Franchot Tone, appear in the powerful drama, "Sadie McKee," which heads the programme at the State Theatre. There is a first-class supporting programme.