ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22026, 5 February 1935, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Catchy music and delightful comedy, set against lavish backgrounds, form the basis of "Hawaiian Nights," the first film on the programme to be shown for the last time at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Mary Boland and Ned Sparks are the principals. "Gambling," with George M. Cohan in the leading role, is tbe second picture. The popular Warner Baxter returns to more virile roles in the thrilling drama of the air, "Hell in the Heavens," which heads the double-fea-ture programme to open a season at both theatres to-morrow. The second attraction will be "There's Always Tomorrow," with Frank Morgan and Binnie Barnes. MAJESTIC THEATRE. All the traditional songs of the musichalls of 40 years ago are presented in " Belle of the Nineties," which is being screened at the Majestic Theatre. The inimitable actress, Mae West, gives a characteristic portrayal in the leading part. It is acclaimed as her best production and makes fine entertainment from start to finish. With the dialogue comprising much sparkling wit and such old numbers as " My Old Flame " and " Troubled Waters," sung by Miss West, the picture is a great success. CIVIC THEATRE Gloria Swanson, at one time one of the most popular actresses on the screen, makes a welcome reappearance in " Music in the Air," the Fox production now being shown at the Civic Theatre. Also in the cast of this gay and tuneful picture are John Boles, Douglass Montgomery and Reginald Owen, while bright song numbers introduced include, " I've Told Every Little Star," " I'm So Eager," " The Song is You," " One More Dance," and " There's a Hill Beyond a Hill." There is an excellent supporting programme. REGENT THEATRE With the fascinating background of the luxury of an ocean liner, " Transatlantic JVlerry-Go Round," the current attraction at the Regent Theatre, is a notable picture. As well as having all the qualities of the best musical comedy the film has a swift moving story of a battle of wits between a band of international criminals. Gene Raymond and Nancy Carroll head a particularly strong cast, which includes Sydney Howard and Jack Benny. " The Private Life of Don Juan," a film which has been eagerly awaited by film-goers the world over, will be presented to Auckland audiences for the first time at the theatre on Friday. There is a brilliant cast, with Douglas Fairbanks and Binnie Barnes as the principals. ST. JAMES' THEATRE The celebrated character actor, Charles Laughton. who will always he remembered for* his outstanding performance in " The Private Life of Henry VIII," gives another fine portrayal in " The Barretts of Wimpole Street," which heads the programme at St. James' Theatre. Undoubtedly one of the best films of 1935, the picture is attracting large audiences. Adhering closely to the original stage play, the screen version presents Elizabeth as the invalid daughter of Barrett, a pompous hyprocrit-e who tyrannises his family. Failing in health the girl turns to verse to occupy her time. Robert Browning is attracted by her poems and a romance soon develops. There is a dramatic conclusion. There is an exceptionally good associate programme. PLAZA THEATRE One of the most delightful musical films to be shown in Auckland, " One Night of Love," is enjoying a most successful season at the Plaza Theatre. The young Metropolitan Opera House artist, Grace Moore, dominates the production with her glorious singing. Seldom has such a beautiful voice been so well reproduced on the screen. The picture opens with a light-hearted gaiety of manner which is maintained throughout. There is a slight story, developed along whimsical lines, which introduces some excellent comedy and clever dialogue. The supporting films comprise a wide selection of topical subjects. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Lee Tracy, Helen Mack and Baby Le Rov are the principal players in " The Lemon Drop Kid," which heads the programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. With a fast moving story the picture abounds in witty repartee. The popular comedian, .Toe E. Brown, appears in " The Circus Clown," the second attraction. The programme is completed by two instalments of the thrilling serial, " The Red Rider." STRAND THEATRE An entertaining English film, " Broken Melody," which has the unusual combination of beautiful music and thrilling drama, is the first attraction on the double-feature programme heing presented at the Strand Theatre. Merle Oberon, a talented Australian actress, gives a very sound performance in the leading role. She receives excellent support from John Garrick and Margot Grahame. A bright musical comedy, " That's a Good Girl," is the second attraction. STATE THEATRE "You Belong to Me," a powerful modern drama, is the first film being screened at the State Iheatre. One of the latest Warner Brothers productions, " 20 Million Sweethearts," is the second attraction. Dick Powell appears in the leading role and he receives sound support from Pat O'Brien and Ginger Rogers. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Two of the most popular romantic players on the screen, Janet Gaynor and Lew Ayres, appear in the delightful comedy drama, "Servants' Entrance," which heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace and liialto Theatres. There is a wide selection of interesting short pictures. LONDON CINEMA A thrilling mystery drama, "The Warren Case," will be presented for the first time at the London Cinema to-day. There is an excellent supporting programme. TUDOR CINEMA Lilian Harvey and Gene Raymond are the principals of the sparkling film, "i. Am Suzanne," the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema. There is a splendid supporting programme. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT An amusing comedy, "Merry Wives of Reno," is the main attraction on the entertaining programme at the State Theatre, Devon port. NEW REGENT AND ALEXANDRA "Charlie Chan in London" is the main film on the programme at, the Now Regent and Alexandra Theatres. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The films being screened at the State Theatre, Onehunga, are "The Big Brain" and "The Lash." Guest night is being observed.