ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22086, 16 April 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE An atmosphere of light-hearted gaiety pervades the outstanding musical romance, "The Night is Young," which continues to attract large and enthusiastic audiences to St. James' Theatre. The story is set against a background of Vienna in the 19th century and tells of the romance between an Austrian archduke and a ballerina in the famous Imperial Opera House. Both Ramon Xovarro and Evelyn Laye sing several charming and tuneful numbers and some excellent comedy is supplied by Charles Butterworth, Edward Everett Horton and Una Merkel. Included in the supporting programme is an amusing cartoon "The Dance Contest." The special holiday attraction, " The Merry Widow," will be shown for the first time at the theatre on Saturday. PLAZA THEATRE For the power of its acting and the breadth of its scope, it would lie difficult to surpass the moving drama " Jew Suss," the two weeks' season of j which will be concluded at the Plaza I Theatre on Thursday. The talented Con- j tinental actor Conrad Veidt gives a brilliant performance in the title role and i as Suss, an intelligent man who is de- j termined to obtain pwer, his character- ; isation is a memorable one. A high ! standard is also maintained by the supporting cast which includes the late Sir Gerald du Maurier, Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Benita Hume. Three popular English comedians, Ralph Lynn, Gordon Harker and Robertson Hare, contribute many laughs to the hilarious film, " Dirty Work," the Easter attraction at the theatre, which will be shown for the first time on Saturday. The story was written by Ben Travers and was directed by Tom Walls. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES Two full-length and amusing films head the programme to commence a season at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres to-morrow. One of the latest Columbia productions, " You Can Laugh at 'Em," is the first attraction. Seldom has such a wealth of comedy talent been combined in one cast. Lee Tracy and Sally Eilers, who have appeared together in many successful pictures, are seen at their best in the leading roles. Their acting is never forced, in fact, the extreme naturalness of all their movements provides much of the comedy. The supporting players include such distinguished artists as Jimmy Durante and Dickie Walters. May Robson, who will always be remembered for her outstanding portrayal in " Lady For a Day," gives another fine performance in " Grand Old Girl," which also is being shown. Mary Carlisle and Fred McMurray both have major roles, and the picture makes first-class entertainment. " Forbidden Territory " and " Bachelor of Arts " will be screened at the Tivoli Theatre for the last time to-day, while " One Night of Love " (Grace Moore), will conclude a season at the Rialto Theatre. MAJESTIC THEATRE The talented cast which appears in "Father Brown, Detective," the current attraction at the Majestic Theatre, is headed by Walter Connolly, Paul Lukas and Gertrude Michael. Mr. Connolly is truly brilliant as Gilbert K. Chesterton's whimsical and shrewd priest, who relies on kindliness and ! human understanding to redeem an international criminal. Included in the fine supporting programme is an hilarious cartoon and a short musical revue. CIVIC THEATRE The delightfully simple and charming screen version of J. M. Barrie's "Little I Minister" will hare its final screening at j the Civic Theatre to-day. The story is a fascinating combination of whimsical humour and quaint comedy. In the principal role Katherine Hepburn scores a personal triumph and is well supported by a strong cast. j " THE GOOD FAIRY " A production which should make a strong appeal tp holiday audiences is the romantic comedy " The Good ! Fairy," which will be shown for the first time at the Civic Theatre to-mor- | row Margaret Sullavan, who made a most impressive screen debut in "Little Man, What Now?" is seen in the leading part and she reveals a hitherto unknown flair for comedy acting. Her ease of manner and unassuming nature are ideally suited to the role of a simple orphan girl who is suddenly thrown into the maelstrom of city life. The ensuing complications brought about by her unsophisticated manner form the basis of a thoroughly entertaining picture. Another brilliant performance is that contributed by Frank Morgan, who is seen as a benevolent and talkative millionaire. Others in the cast are HerbertMarshall and Alan Hale. REGENT THEATRE A rare opportunity of seeing the amusing and eccentric characters of one of the leading figures in English literature is offered to patrons of the Regent Theatre, where the delightful film, "The Old Curiosity Shop," heads the programme. Lovers of Dickens* works will appreciate the fact that the picture captures the true Dickensian atmosphere and the characters come to life with amazing reality. Heading a strong cast of English players are Hay Petrie, Elaine Benson, Ben Webster and Reginald Purdue. Also being shown is a film of Sir Malcolm Campbell's recordbreaking run at Daytona Beach. Eddie Cantor's lifth annual musical extravaganza, "Kid Millious," will be the special Easter attraction at the theatre. It will have its initial screening on Saturday. —i NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD An accomplished stage actress, Paulino Lord, gives a splendid performance in tho leading role of the production, "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch, which is enjoying a successful season at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Some clever touches of comedy are contributed by W. C. 1' iclds and Zasu Pitts, while romantic interest is supplied by Kent laylor and Evelyn Venables. 1 STRAND THEATRE Ann Harding, Frank Morgan and Reginald Owen appear in " Enchanted April," the lilm version of the popular novel of the samo name, which is the main picture on the double-feature procrammo at the Strand Theatre. Also on the programme is the powerful drama " HkJ Were Free," with Clive Brook antPirene Dunne. There is an interesting supporting programme. TUDOR CINEMA ** Stingarce " heads the programme to have its first screening at the ludor Cinema to-night. There is a wido selection of shorter films. STATE THEATRE Fav Wray and Nils Asthor are the principals of " Madame Spy " the current attraction at the State Theatre. There is an excellent associate programme. LONDON CINEMA " Salomy Jane " heads tho current programme at the London Cinema. There are many interesting shorter pictures.