ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22004, 10 January 1935, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Two talented artists, Constance Bennett and Herbert Marshall, are seen in the powerful drama, "Outcast Ladv," which -will be shown for the last time at St. Jaines' Theatre to-day. In addition to a splendid supporting programme Madame Elsa Stralia is heard iu several numbers on the stage. " CHAINED " Admirers of Joan Crawford nn.l Clark Gable, and their name is legion, should find entertainment of a rare quality in the polished drama. "Chained,'' which will commence a season at St. .James' Theatre to-mor-row. The picture is really a psychological study and bears the stamp of the iS'oel Coward influence. It deals with a young married woman who falls deeply in love with an attractive rancher from South America. However, she is greatlv indebted to her husband, although she realises that she lias never really loved him. The manner in which the three persons concerned talk the matter over and come to a sensible agreement forms 1 the basis of a splendid picture which should ihave a special appeal to women. Excel lent support is given by Otto Kruger, Stuart Erwiu and Una O'Connor. Included in a first-class supporting programme is a sparkling musical re* vue, "The Spectacle Maker," which is produced by a new technicolour process. The Marco Symphony Orchestra will bo heard in "Evolution of Dixie" and "Love in Bloom." PLAZA THEATRE The two popular young players, Irene Dunne and John Boles, appear in the leading roles of the romantic drama. "The Age of Innocence," which is tho main attraction at the Plaza Theatre. Heading a splendid supporting programme is the bright musical film. "If This Isn't Love." 44 GREAT EXPECTATIONS " „It would bo difficult to find a more faithful representation of the original than the film version of Charles Dickens' classic novel " Great Expectations," which will have its initial screening at the Plaza Theatre tomorrow. The story comes to the screen with tho real Dickens flavour untouched, right out of the pages of one of the most human, absorbing and dramatic books by this, one of the greatest of all English novelists. The tale is just as fascinating and thrilling to-day as it was when Dickens wrote it almost a hundred years ago. Tho film like the book is full "of vivid descriptions of the countryside surrounding his home. From first to last there is not once any suggestion that tho scenes were made anywhere else than where the author located them and neither is thero once any suggestion of the American accent. Accuracy of setting alone would bo useless and it is left to a talented cast to-make the film a splendid one. Henry Hull as Magwitch, the convict, gives an excellent performance and is ablv supported by Philip Holmes, Jane Wyatt, Alan Halo and Florence Peed.

ROXY AND TIVQLI THEATRES The popular Spencer Tracy is seen at his best, in the fast-moving comedydrama, "The Show Off," which heads the double-feature programme which is attracting large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Ho takes the role of a loquacious young man who is full of self-confidence. The supporting cast includes the talented Madge Evans. The second attraction, "Elinor Norton v. the State," is a powerful drama of a girl who has three admirers. In desperation she kills one of the meu and the film moves to a thrilling climax. Pleading a strong cast arc Claire Trevor, Hugh Williams, Norman Eoster and Gilbert Roland. MAJESTIC THEATRE An hilarious comedy, "Circus Clown." heads the programme which will be shown for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The principal artist is Joe E. Brown, who is supported by a strong; cast of well-known circus players. There is a fine supporting programme. WELL-BALANCED PROGRAMME Entertainment of a. widely varied mature is provided by the double-feature programme, headed by "Waggon Wheels," which will have its initial screening at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow. The iirst film is a thrillinc talo of the struggle of the pioneers in the primitive West. It is adapted from the book by Zane Grey, the recognised master of fiction of this type. The him is novel in treatment in that a theme song has been introduced. The cast is made up of players who scored such a success in "The Last Round L'p," and includes Randolf Scott, Monte Blue and Gail Patrick. Tho second film, "The Old Eashioned Way," marks tho return to the screen of the popular W. C. Eields, whose quiet wit and quaint drolleries have made him one of the most successful comedians on tho screen. The picture is a delightful satire on tho old melodramas which now seem so ludicrous. Other prominent players arc Babv Lelloy, Jack Mulhall and Judith Allen. There is also a fine supporting programme.

CIVIC THEATRE The talented dramatic actress, Ann Harding, Rive a sterling performance in "The Fountain," which will have its final screening at the Civic Theatre to-day. Brian Aherne and Paul Lukas appear in support. An added attraction is the outstanding colour .film. "La Cucaraclia." DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME A refreshing note in musical comedy is introduced in the bright and entertaining film, "Caravan," which will open a season at the Civic Theatre tomorrow. The film is full of catchy songs and lively scenes which are sot against the background of a gipsy camp. Tho musical treatment is ingenious and tho entire film goes with a swing, which, with its infectious gaiety, should mako excellent entertainment. Two tuneful numbers which ishuukl become popular are "Hot Cha Clia" and "Tho Wine Song." Included in a particularly strong cast are Loretta Young, Charles Boyer, Phillip Holmes. Jean Parker and Noah Beery. Tho second attraction, "Man of Aran," has been classed by many critics as the outstanding film of the year. It tells of the simple even primitive life of people who liavo lived for centuries on three tiny islands oif the Galway coast. With its sublime photography and simple loveliness the picture has been described as one which nittkes the motion-picture industry worth while. Tho cast is made up of tho inhabitants of the islands and their naturalness is one of the outstanding features of a picture which all lovers of nature in its various moods should see. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO M yrna Lov and (ieorge Brent give outstanding performances in the principal roles of "Stamboul Quest," the main film 011 tho programme at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres..Kay Francis appears in "Mandalay," the second attraction. "Towed in the Hole" also is being screened. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The main attraction 011 the programme at the State Theatre, Devonport, is "Charlie Chan in London." The principal player is Warner Oland.

REGENT THEATRE Large and enthusiastic audiences continue to see the outstanding film. "The Count of Monte Cristo," at the Regent Theatre. Even the phenomenal attendances at "The House of Rothschild" have been eclipsed, and it is claimed that about 30.U00 people have already seen the film. This is a worthy tribute to the general excellence of the picture. The film is adapted from the thrilling novel by Alexandre Dumas and it retains all the vivid power of its drama and the tenderness of its romance. Sterling performances are given by Robert Donat and Elissa Landi. Heading the supporting programme is tiie clever cartoon, "Mickey's Steamroller."

STRAND THEATRE An entertaining and bright musical comedy, "The Gay Divorcee," heads the programme at the Strand Theatre. With many spectacular dances and some delightful music the film maintains the interest to the end. There is a particularly strong cast, headed by Fred. Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Edward Everett liorton There is a fine selection of shorter lilms. Janet Ga.vnor and Lew Ayres appear iu "Servants' Entrance," which will be shown at the theatre for the first time tomorrow.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Edward G. Robinson, the popular character actor, gives a sterling performance in the mystery-drama " The Man With Two Faces," the first film on the programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Neil Hamilton gives a characteristic portrayal in tho principal role of "Fugitive Lady," the second attraction. With the fascinating background of early Australia, "When the Kellys Rode" heads the programme to have its initial presentation at the theatre to-morrow. "The Church Mouse" also will be shown.

STATE THEATRE Joan Crawford and Franchot Tone give sound portrayals in tho leading roles of "Sadie McKce," the main picture being presented at the State Theatre. There is a fine supporting programme. LONDON CINEMA Shirley Temple appears in "Merrilv Yours," the first film on the current programme at the London Cinema. A comedy drama, "Bypass to Happiness." also is being "screened.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Tlie refreshing musical comedy "Music Hall," heads the current programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga. There is u splendid supporting programme. NEW REGENT THEATRE "Their Big Moment" and "Of Human Bondage" comprise the programme at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. TUDOR CINEMA . Magda Schneider and Arthur Riscoe appear in the leading roles of «he entertaining English comedy-drama "Going Gay." which is the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema.