ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22005, 11 January 1935, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The amusing adventures of a. loquacious young man, a figure which is familiar in every walk of life, form tho basis of "The Show Off," which heads the popular programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Spencer Tracy, whose personal charm and vitality have won him a place among the screen's favourite players, is ideally suited to this role, and ho makes the best of his unbounded opportunities. Heading an excellent supporting cast is the talented Madge Evans. The second picture is "Elinor Norton v. the State," which is adapted from the novel by Mary Roberts Rinchart. Tho film is a powerful drama of a girl who accidentally kills one of her admirers. Tlio cast, includes Claire Trevor, Hugh Williams and Norman Foster. » MAJESTIC THEATRE A double-feature programme which caters for a wide diversity ol tastes w ill bo presented at tho Majestic 'I boat re for the first time to-day. " Waggon Wheels," the screen version of one of the most popular of Zane Grey's novels, is the first attraction. Rased on a thrilling tale of the struggle-of tho pioneers in the primitive west there are many scenes of rare rural beauty. Ino picture introduces a theme song which should become very popular. '1 he cost includes Randolph Scott, Gail Patrick, Monte Blue and Raymond Hatton, most of whom appeared with success in "The Last Round Up.". The wellknown American comedian, \\. C. Fields, and Baby Le Roy, who were seen together in " Tillie and Gus, take the principal parts in lhe OldFashioned Way," tlio second attraction. With the novel theme of an old stage performer who tours the country with a vaudeville company, the film makes excellent entertainment.

CIVIC THEATRE Catchy songs and many bright sconos of gipsy life are features of "Caravan," the first film on the entertaining programme to be shown at the Civic Theatre to-day. The story which is both unusual and interesting, is enhanced by the introduction of song and dance numbers and the spirited playing of gipsy bands. Loretta Young is cast as an 'impetuous young countess who marries a gipsy, mainly for the sake of defying her uncle. Charles Bo.ver plays the opposite role in convincing manner while others in the cast are Phillips Holmes, C. Aubrey Smith and Jean Parker. " Man of Aran," the second film on the programme, is particularly notable for its very fine photography. The story deals in detail with the adventurous life led by a native of the island of Aran. The picture is said to bring to the notice of the world for the first time the story of the constant fight-for existence of a few people who inhabit three small islands off the Galwav coast. With only primitive weapons they wrest their food, for the most part, from the Atlantic, and the difficulties they encounter make a story of absorbing interest. REGENT THEATRE The film adaptation of the celebrated novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo," by Alexandre Dumas, is still attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to the Regent Theatre. Particularly notable for the auspicious screen debut of Robert Donat, a young English stage actor, the picture is both technically and dramatically sound. The story although extending over a number of years has been cleverly woven into a smooth flowing picture, which maintains the interest from beginning to end. Elissa Landl, '"'ho will be remembered for her portrayal in "Bv Candle-light," gives a characteristic performance as Mercedes, the heroine. STRAND THEATRE Two of the most popular romantic players, Janet Gaynor and Lew Avres, appear in the delightful film, " Servants' Entrance," which is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. Miss Gaynor gives one of her best performances and reveals a decided flair for comedy. She takes the role of tlie daughter of a wealthy Swedish merchant, who decides to gain some domestic experience by securing a position as a servant on a reference written by herself. She falls in love with an ambitious chauffeur who is unaware of her true identity. The complications which follow make excellent entertainment.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD A thrilling and unusual film of the Australian bushrangers, " W hen the Kellys Rode," is the first of two excellent pictures which comprise the programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. With 'plenty of action and exciting incidents the production strikes a refreshing note in entertainment. The second attraction, " The Church Mouse," is a delightful comedy romance with Laura La Plante as the principal. CRYSTAL PALACE AND PI ALTO A most unusual and entertaining story of international intrigue is unfolded in the film, "Stamboul Quest," which heads a varied programme at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Myrna Loy and George Brent are tho principals. "Mandalay," with Kay Francis, is the second attraction. Th« inimitable comedians Laurel and Hardy are seen at their best in "Towed in the Hole," which is also being shewn. STATE THEATRE A novel mystery drama, " Murder in the Private Car," is the main attraction on the programme at the State Theatre. The film abounds in thrilling incidents, but the suspense is admirably relieved by some excellent comedy touches, diaries Haggles and Una Merkel are the principals. There is a splendid selection of supporting films.

TUDOR CINEMA ■ Recognised as 011 c of the brightest and cleverest films of the year, "The Thin Man," is the chief attraction at the Tudor Cinema. Performances of outstanding merit are given by William Powell and Myrna Lov. The supporting pictures cover a wide field of interesting items. LONDON CINEMA Joseph Soliildkraut and Myrna Lov are tho principals of the romantic drama "Cock o' the Walk," which is the main attraction at the London Cinema. There is a first-class supporting programme. STATE THEATRE, DEVONFORT "Friday tho 13th" and "Ever Since Eve" comprise tho programme at the State Theatre, Devonport. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Tho films being shown at tho State Theatre, Onehuuga, are "A Cup of Kindness" and "Dancers in the Dark." NEW REGENT AND ALEXANDRA The programme at the New Regent and Alexandra Theatres comprises "Their Big Moment"' and "Of Human Bondage."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The polished Joan Crawford appears with Clark Gable for the first time since their outstanding success in "Dancing Lad.v," in the romantic drama "Chained," which will have its first presentation at St. James' Thpatre to-day. Both these players have established themselves as firm favourites with local audiences and their appearance together should assure the film of a successful season. The picture is a sophisticated study of the reactions of three persons and bears the stamp or the influence of Noel Coward. Miss Crawford is seen n'is an attractive g"l> wlio marries her husband more out of gratefulness than anything else. However, she fulls in love with a South American rancher during a sea voyage, and realises that she has never really cared for her husband. She does not like to liiar his happiness anrl the manner in which the three persons concerned talk the matter over is one of the features of an entertaining film. Other prominent artists are Utto Knigcr and Joan TTcrsholt. Included in the supporting programme is a coloured fantasy. "The Spectacle Maker. ihe Marco Symphony Orchestra is heard in several new selections.