ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22018, 26 January 1935, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

jj . . ' CIVIC THEATRE S Inspired by Albert Chevalier's everwjbopnlar song tune of the same name, s>«My Old Dutch," the Gainsborough %£lm which, commenced its Auckland at the Civic Theatre yesterday 3iis a delightful comedy of Cockney life * and customs. Skilfully capturing the j&tawdry glamour of the East End of the film revives memories of Wthe "gay nineties." Acting honours -'must go to Betty Balfour, so popular Sin tho days of the silent films, who

..makes her first screen appearance since "Evergreen," giving an unusually fine ''performance in the role of Lil, a Cockney woman, the portraj T al extending 3? over a period-of 40 j'ears. The develop•"ment from a pretty girl of twenty to ,'iia mellowly dignified woman of 60 is "beautifully done. Playing opposite to ij* Miss Balfour as Bert, a good-hearted j{| and intelligent working man, Michael ?j' Hogan acts with quiet restraint. Iho M- part of Ernie. a Cockney lodger, is s taken by an old favourite, Gordon !• Harker, whose sayings and antics had ij* last night's large audience rocking with 'ji laughter. Mickey J3rantford is seen as T thß vduthful son of Lil and Bert, who - 3oi.es' his life at the war, the part of 4 lii i beautiful young wife being taken ■ by Glennis Lorimer. as it i dees a story of a long period in the I life of a London family, with the major £ political and national events of the i* time as a background, the film proTitles splendid entertainment and ia a 7 cißtlii 'to the English studios. Also on | tie programme are two Gauinont Magazines, a Fox Newsreel and an - amusing carteon. Popular melodies are rendered bv the Civic" Wintergarden t Bund and Mr. Barrie Bretonner at the | organ. i REGENT THEATRE '' En the stage play "The Du Barry" £ Auckland audiences have already seen something of the lavishness which en- % veloped the court of Louis XV., but -j n tho film of the same name, which •«commenced a season at the Regent 1 Theatre yesterday, the wider scope of «the studio set has permitted a presentation even more scintillating. Gor--2 geous frockings, glittering uniforms and elaborate furnishings are used to ad-

;2j vantage, and the whole atmosphere of £ the court is admirably sustained. The * film, however;, is not notable" for its " splendid presentation alone, for Dolores Rio is well cast in the role of '5 Madame Du Barry, and she dominates v the film with the same gay confidence with which the original Du ' Barry J maintained heir ascendancy over Louis IfXV. Another impeccable performance ,| is given .by Reginald Owen as the Z King, and liiis acting with Miss Del ]| K:io is an outstanding - success. Supsporting roles are well.taken, and those £of the principal courtiers are excel- £ leiatlv portrayed. The story covers the period from the Pompadour's death, 3 when the Du Barry made her meteoric t rise, virtually from the gutter, to be- " come the most powerful influence bejg hind the French throne, until the £ king's death, and the subsequent img piisonment of the Du Barry. For the £ most part the film is light in tone, but >»there is a touch of sadness in the downfall of the shrewd Comptesse. at the « king's death. Miss Del Bio's bright and ;" vigorous portrayal, together with the £ brilliant presentation, makes the film £ entertainment of a very high order. * ."Variety is once again tbe keynote of - the splendid supporting programme which, appropriately enough, opens lE. with the "Du Barry" overture. There ■1 then follows a selection of newsreels J* Bad shorter films, and of chief interest £ among these is a British Paramount newsreel presenting pictures of the | record transamerican flight by United «| States army flyers, and poignant ji scenes at the funeral of the late King 'I Alexander, who was assassinated at f.' Marseilles.' A Yitaphone production enS tiitled "Movie Memories," is particu- * larly interesting, in that it pictures * some of phe early stars of the screen, g and , another Vitaphone production, * "Herb. Williams' Vaudeville" presents " a. variety of clever acts which are very •• entertaining. The supporting pro--1 gramme conclude with a musical film » featuring a feminine band, and an * exceptionally good soloist. At the in- * terval two pianoforte solos, "Rhapsadie I in G Minor," by Brahms, and "Lilac--5 land," by I'llliott, were presented.

S,T. JAMES* THEATRE Comedy of a delightful ordec is pro- * tided in "Babes' in Toyjand," the «I/aurel and Hardy full-length picture ; which commenced its Auckland season lit St. Jamefc' Theatre yesterday. It has an appeal for all dlasses and for nil ages. In spite of the frequent apI pearances of these two comedians there * is a freshness .and originality in their : iintics which wins them a* perennial : popularity. In "Babes in Toyland" they ; find fruitful fields for much that ia ' jaew in wholesome humour. Stannie * sDum and 01 lie Dee are characters who iftrike a novel note in screen imperlionation,' and while they retain much of the technique which has led to their . present fame, their latest effort ha* ; inany aspects which add to their repution as comedians. The picturesque figures of nursery mythology people I;he film wilh a splendid realism, and olever plot construction casts them in many a' grotesque situation and in "inaijy an amusing predicament. In thin * delightful company the popular pair «ct as many people woujd expect them 1;o, although unexpected incidents and ridiculous reaction invariably occur to jmake their buffoonery the more enjoy- ' nble. Their exploits in Toyland are ; Entertaining to a degree, but their adventures in Bogeyland, with 80-Peep and the Piper's Son, have the bizarre Mature of a nightmare, and compare, iin excitement, with some of the best work the screen has presented. Actually, '.however, Dum and Pee ore comparatively minor figures in the story that is unfolded and other well-loved characters from nursery tales are prominently featured. Mother Goose, iganta Claus, Jack and Jill, the Three Little Pigs, and the Cat and the Fiddle all have their parts, the histories of several being ingeniously woven to given coherence to the action. The .villain of the piece, Silas Barnaby, "the meanest man in town," is perhaps the most notable personage, being all that is cruel and sinister. The picture is naturally a splendid one for the juveniles, but. it has every merit to commend it to the adult taste. It is brilliantly produced and possesses a most attractive musical score. A highly enjoyable feature among the supporting films is the first coloured issue of the Fitzpatrick Traveltalk series, "Switzerland the Beautiful,'/ the subject being one which lends itself admirably to the treatment. Other items include newsroels showing UJm's departure on his ill-fated Pacific flight and athletic events in Australia depicting principally the recent PerryCrawford tennis match at Melbourne and the rer-urn of the noted swimmer "Boy" Charlton to championship engagements, while "Strikes and Spares" introduces the audience to the arts of the little-known game of skittles. The Marec* Symphony Orchestra, in overture and entr'acte, pleases immensely with its rendering of popular airs. . SUNDAY PICTURES ,j The taleiited English comedian Gene ;Gerrar<jl appears in' the delightful 'comedy drama "The Love Nest," which .will. be screened at the Rialto Theatre 'to-morrow night. Proceeds will be xleyotod to local charities. | NEW EMPIRE THEATRE The programme at the New Empire Hheatre comprised two films of widely it varied appeal, "Taizan and His Mate" *nd "Sisters Under the Skin."

majestic theatre A comedy of the "Flagg and Quiijt' type, "Here Comes the Navy, which opened a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, is a fast-moving all d enteitaining film. The enemies on this occasion are James Cagney, as a riveter, and Pat O'Brien, in the role of a petty officer in the United States Navy.. The first round of the quarrel ends in a victory for the petty officer, who wms his rival's girl and causes bun to lose his job.' In an attempt to revenge himself Cagney incautiously joins the navy, putting the petty officer at once in a superior position, which enables huu with ease to thwart the schemes of the former riveter. Matters are further complicated when Cagney falls in love with his enemy's sister, played b.y Gloria Stuart. Some excellent sequences showing battle manoeuvres by the Meet are included in the film, which is brought to a conclusion by ail exciting midiair rescue of one of the enemies bj the other, leading to a reconciliation ot all parties. The role portrayed by L «ignev is a well-drawn one of a character described bv his comrades as-a 'wrong 'un," always opposed to those in authority. He is unable to appreciate the fact that his superior officers in the navy punish him from a sense ot duty, and he is equally impervious to thenpraises when an act of bravery wins him a medal, which he promptly Hives away to an envious friend. Pat O Brien makes a good loil as the petty ofiicei and Gloria Stuart is a charming heroine. An amusing performance also is given by Frank McHugh, as Cagney s sinjple-minded sailor friend. r lhe supporting programme includes a musical sketch, "No Contest," in which some tuneful songs are rendered by Ruth Etting, a Paramount newsreel and a number of organ selections by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Crawford. *• belle of the nineties " More glamorous and alluring than ever, the celebrated Mao West who has created a sensation in the film world by her unusual productions, "She Done Him Wrong," and " I'm No Angel, appears as the queen of burlesque in St Louis in the comedy drama lielie of the Nineties," which will commence a season at the Majestic iheatre on Friday. Against the glittering background of the gay New Orleans of the latter part of the last century, the stoiy gives Miss West ample scope for her inimitable robust, even boisterous, humour and her vigorous personality, the plot includes a prize-fight, a diamond robbery, a murder and a fire, ana is, therefore, full of vivid action. Appearing in support of Miss West are Roger Pryor and John Miljan.

• ' PLAZA THEATRE With its feast of -glorious singing, its charming story, and the finished acting of all its principals, the Columbia film, "One Night of Love which opened a season to crowded audiences at the Plaza Theatre yesterday, will undoubtedly stand out as one or the finest musical films yet shown in Auckland. Grace Moore, the brilliant Metropolitan Grand Opera prima donna," reveals a personality which would win her an important place even without her voice, but the combination of beauty and 'charm, with thrilling singing, places her in a pre-eminent position. Nothing more unlike the traditional prima donna could be imagined "than this unassuming ana graceful young woman, whose acting, invested with deft touches of humour, was throughout excellent. Her prei ions films, "A Lady's Morals" and The New Moon," were good, but it is only in this new' production that she has been given her best opportunities. It is a noteworthy feature of the film that while the music alone makes it outstanding, there is no suggestion that the story exists merely to introduce the many 4 great operatic excerpts sung. Actually the romance of the young opera singer with the imperious maestro who has forbidden any talk of love to interrupt her strenuous training develops along whimsical and. thoroughly entertaining lines. This is due partly to the amusing portrayal'given by Tullio Carminati, who at one time appeared as leading map to the great Eleanor Duse. His characterisation of the temperamental impresario is almost perfect. Then there is Luis Alberni, who is unfailingly humorous aa an Italian , pianist, Lyle Talbot who makes a very sympathetic although prosaic young American admirer, and the Australian actress Mona Barrie, who acts, with distinction as a jealous singer who threatens to wreck the young principal's happiness and operatic success. Technically the production breaks new ground. A special system of recording by which the sound is first caught on wax and then ■ transferred to the 1 celluloid strip, ensures a lifelike reproduction, particularly of the singing voice. Among the operatic airs that Miss Moore sings are the thrilling "Habanera" from "Carmen," and "One Fine Day," from "Madame Butterfly." In addition, the colourful "Ciri Biri Bin" and the Song, "One Night of Love," from which the film gains its rather inept title, are pleasing. An ingenious murder mystery, in which the audience is given an opportunity of solving the problem, "Screen Snapshots," in which popular playersare seen in private life, a comedy, cartoon, glimpses of thrilling yacht manoeuvres, and diversified newsreels - complete a well-balanced programme. STRAND THEATRE The celebrated story ■ " Little Women," by Louisa M. Allcott, is brought vividly to the screen and is attracting large and enthusiastic audiences to the Strand Theatre. Seldom has a picture portrayed a number of various characters in such a genuine manner. The film deals with the life of four girls. Katherine Hepburn gives an outstanding performance as the " torn boy " of the four daughters, while the other three leading roles are capably interpreted b'- Joan Bennett, Jean Parker and Frances Dee. A spectacular musical production, with many new and melodious numbers, " Flying Down to Rio," is the second attraction. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A powerful drama, "Riptide," which makes a special appeal to women, heads the entertaining programme being screened at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Three screen favourites, Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery and Herbert Marshall, appear in the leading roles. They all give characteristic portrayals and the acting throughout is excellent. There are a largo number of interesting shorter films, including the latest newsreels. • LONDON CINEMA Jan Kiepura and Betty Stockfekl give splendid performances in the principal roles of " The City of Song," the current attraction at the London Cinema. There is a particularly wide selection of supporting films. CAPITOL THEATRE The powerful dramatic film, "Sadie McKee " (Joan Crawford), heads the programme which will commence a. short season at the Capitol Theatre tonight. " Double Door " also is being shown. TUDOR CINEMA Produced entirely in technicolour, " The Murder at the Vanities," is do» (lighting patrons of the Tudor Cinema. There is also the usual high standard of supporting films. BRITANNIA THEATRE Wheeler and Woolsey appear in " Cock-Eyed Cavaliers," which heads the programme at the Britannia Theatre. The second film is " The [ Witching Hour."

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES' An atmosphere of unrestrained mirth and gaiety coutinues to surround the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres, where large audiences are enjoying to the full the hilarious antics of the popular American comedians Wheeler and Woolsey in their latest farce, "Kentucky Kernels," which is the main attraction at both theatres. Undoubtedly two of the most original comedians on the screen, they rise to new heights in this absurd but highly amusing story of two vagabonds who become involved in a bitter family feud. With their usual gay abandon they become mixed up in the most farcical complications which aro only heightened when Wheeler falls in love with the daughter of the loader of tho hostile clan, played by the talented Noah Beery. Further amusement is provided "by the bright comedy drama "By Your Leave,"- which completes a w thoroughly enjoyable programme. The principal player is Frank Morgan, who first showed his genius as the helpless duke in ''The Affairs of Cellini." His ability as a light comedian now realised, ho has been given some splendid parts, and is seen at his best in this hilarious story of disturbed marital relations. Other prominent artists in a strong cnst are Genevieve Tobin and Neil Hamilton..

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD One of the finest films of the year, " The Count of Monte Crista,'' heads the excellent programme which is being shown at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. A young English actor, Robert Ponat, who has appeared only in minor screen roles previously, gives a trulv remarkable portrayal, as the count. He acts with sincerity and plays his part with the ease of an experienced artist, " Samarang," which has just completed a most successful season at the Regent Theatre, also is being screened.

NEW REGENT AND ALEXANDRA A sterling portrayal is given by Wallace Beery in the leading role of "Viva Villa," which is being screened together with "865 Nights in Hollywood" at the New Regent and Alexandra Theatres. . STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA A talented cast of comedians nppears in the farce "Merry Wives of Reno," which is attracting enthusiastic audiences to the State Theatre, Onehunga. "Elinor Norton" also is being screened. STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORT The inimitable comedians Wheeler and Woolsey make successful appearances in "Hips, Hips, Hooray," the first film being screened at the State Theatre, Devonport. "If I Were Free" is the second attraction. STATE THEATRE One of the most popular actors on the screen, Ronald Colman, gives a characteristics portrayal in the principal role of " Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back," which heads the programme at the State Theatre. Loretta Young and Charles Butterworth are included in the supporting cast.