ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22032, 12 February 1935, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE Patrons of the Majestic Theatre are being kept in a state of thrilling suspense by the ingenious mystery-drama., " The Case of the Howling "Dog," in which the talented Warren William is admirably* cast as a. criminal lawyer who unravels a most baffling crime. Other principal players are Mary Astor and Helen Trenholme. Music, comedy and news interests are well blended in the supporting programme, CIVIC THEATRE * The inimitable clowning of the popular English comedian, Jack Hulbert, is delighting patrons of the Civic Theatre, where his latest film, " The Camels Are Coming," heads the programme. The story, which is set against the novo background of Egypt, centres round Hulbert's unusual method of putting a stop to drug trafficking. As in his previous films ho becomes involved in the most hopeless complications and his farcical explanations to his senior officer are brilliant pieces of comedy. A novel and amusing touch is introduced at the beginning of the film, when the episodes are described in the "ncwsreel stylo, with humorous commentary. Hul-, bert is again seen in several clover tap dances and his pleasing voice is heard in one particularly catchy tune, /'Who's Been Polishing Up the Sun?" Heading the supporting programme is an hilarious comedy, "Nifty Nurses." Barrio Brettoner plays several numbers on the grand organ.

REGENT THEATRE The dashing and romantic personality of Douglas Fairbanks dominates the colourful adventurous drama, " The Private Life of Don Juan," which is proving popular with audiences at the Regent Theatre. Directed by Alexander Korda, whose "Private Life of Henry VIII." and "Catherine the Great" have established him as a brilliant producer, the film abounds in lavish scenes and thrilling escapades. The story was written by the popular Fredrick Lonsdale and is marked by his usual clever touches of comedy and subtle wit. Prominent roles are taken by Merle Oberon and Binnie Barnes, whose outstanding ability in this production has gained them a long contract in American films. Appearing in the supporting cast are Benita Hume and Joan Gardiner. There is an excellent selection of short films. An hilarious comedy, "Grandad Kudd," will be shown at the theatre on Friday. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Seldom has such a uniformly high standard of acting been seen as in " The Barretts of Wimpole Street," the particularly successful attraction at St. James' Theatre. All the elements necessary for a brilliant production are brought out and the film will undoubtedly be classed as one of the really outstanding dramas of the year. Excellent performances are given by Charles Laughton, Norma S£iea.rer, Fredric March and Maureen O'Suliivan. The supporting programme is also of a high standard. PLAZA THEATRE The unusual combination of a glorious singing voice and an attractive screen personality is possessed by Grace Moore, the charming principal of the outstanding musical romance, " One Night of Love," which is in the third week of a successful season at the Plaza Theatre. The main appeal of the film undoubtedly lies in the singing of excerpts from opera but there is a delightful vein of lighthearted humour which makes it excellent entertainment. Effective use is made of the new wide-range system of sound which is being introduced for the first time. Each note is reproduced with life-like clarity and precision and the audience is carried away by the naturalness of the singing. The minor roles are also filled by highly competent artists and the supporting programme is one of real merit.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES

A thrilling and spectacular story of desperate battles in the air, " Hell in the Heavens," heads the programme to be presented for the last time at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Warner Baxter, Herbert Mundin and Andy Devine are included in a brilliant cast. The other picture is a refreshing comedy, " There's Always To-morrow," with Frank Morgan and Binnie Barnes. Forsaking his usual virile type of role, Jnck Holt appears as a criminal lawyer in the powerful drama " The Defence Rests," which will commence a season at both theatres to-morrow. He has ample opportunity to make use of his wide acting experience and he appears ns a ruthless, unscrupulous man dis- j gusted with the pretence of his profession. A dramatic climax is reached when he is called upon to defend a girl against a charge of murder while all the time he does not know whether she is guilty or not. The minor roles are in the competent hands of Jean Arthur and Shirley Grey. STRAND THEATRE An atmosphere of lighthearted gaiety surrounds the Strand Theatre, where the enchanting musical comedy, "Music in the Air," is the first film on a bright and entertaining programme. Replete with witty comedy and tuneful music it closely resembles the second attraction, "Aunt Sally," in which the principal role is taken by the English comedienne, Cicely Courtneidge. Also appearing prominently is Debroy Somers and his celebrated band. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Sydney Howard, whoso morose manner and mournful voice are well-known to filmgoers, is included in a brilliant cast of stage and screen players in the elaborate musical comedy, " Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round," the main attraction at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Completing a splendid programme is "Ready for Love," with Lda Lupino and Richard Arlen. TUDOR CINEMA The brilliant dramatic actress, Ann Harding, is seen in the title role of " The Life of Vergie Winter" the film to open a short season at the Tudor Cinema to-night. Many novel items are included in the supporting programme. LONDON CINEMA A baffling mystery drama, " Crime on the Hill," with Sally Blane in tho leading part, heads the programme to commence a short season at the London Cinema to-day. * BRITANNIA THEATRE The film version of Warwick Deeping's celebrated novel, " Sorrell and Son," is the main attraction at the Britannia Theatre. " I Give My Love " is also being screened. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The Polish tenor, Jan Kiepu'ra, of "Tell Me To-night" fame, appears with equal success in the delightful musical film, " My Song For You," which is proving popular with audiences at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. There is a fine selection of short films. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA Kay Francis is the principal 'in "The False Madonna," which heads the programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga, where guest night is being observed. The second attraction is "Two Kinds of Women."