ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

"ROYAL CAVALCADE" The Mayor of Auckland, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, writes to the manager of the Regent Theatre as follows:' —" I have been privileged to see the silver jubilee film ' Royal Cavalcade,' which has been specially filmed for production as a feature of jubilee week throughout the Empire, and I regard this film as such a tribute to British patriotic instincts and particularly to the place that His Majesty the King holds in the life of the people of the British Empire, that it must stir the hearts of all loyal Britishers. Those in charge of children should be sure to make the necessary arrangements to enable them to see this film." The film will have its first public screening at the Regent Theatre to-day, with a special gala performance to-night. It is a magnificent record of the momentous 25 years of His Majesty's reign. High Government authorities, including the Admiralty and the War Oiiioo, have cooperated with the film-makers in the production of a truly wonderful pageant, which cannot fail to stir the heart of every patriotic Britisher who watches it unfolded. The King's Coronation, the suffragettes and thfe birth of aviation lead on to the Great War, the exploits of fighting men on land and sea, the Armistice, Versailles, the general strike, the King's illness, and a final allegory of British history. All is linked together with a sprightly commentary on the progress of the stage, of fashions, ballroom dancing and social habits and customs. A wonderful array of stage and variety stars enact the hundreds of episodes, and at the close the singing of " Land of Hope and Glory " by a massed choir sums up what must bo the feeling of every spectator. ST. JAMES' THEATRE The eagerly-awaited film "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer" will have its premiere at St. James' Theatre to-night". Inspired by the reminiscences of Captain Yeats-Brown collected in the book "Bengal Lancers" the picture lias taken almost three years to produco, and is perhaps the most stirring film yet made by an American studio. Alter a long process of selection, Gary Cooper was chosen for the principal role of Captain McGregor, of the 41st Bengal Lancers, and the choice is an unqualified success. The New Zealander Colin Tapley. has the part of Lieutenant Barrett, while his brother officers are equally well plaved by Franc-hot Tone and Richard Cromwell. Certain scenes were actually filmed in the shadow of the Khyber Pass, and, preserving the stirring spirit of the book, the story swings to the sound of galloping hoofs and is redolent of romance, adventure and intrigue, telling the story of courageous, almost reckless; men who guard the frontiers of the Empire. It is a very suitable film to be shown during the forthcoming jubilee celebrations and makes fine entertainment.

TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES A programme of compelling interest at the I'jvoli and Rialto Theatres is headed bv the thrilling detective drama " Murder on a Honeymoon." One of the cleverest mystery films to reach Auckland for sonic time, the pictuie is reminiscent of the popular " Pencm in Pool." A talented cast, headed by Edna Mav Oliver and James Gleason, gives a sterling and harmonious .performance. The second attraction is " Gigolette," a bright film descriiAye of Broadway life alter dark. Jhe picture is unusuiil in that while taking the form of a musical-comedy, greater heights are reached, and in places the storv becomes very good drama. Underneath the hilarity "there is a vein of touching pathos. Adrienne Ames, 111 the lead, gives a notable portrayal of a difficult part and is ably supported by Ralph Bellamy. MAJESTIC THEATRE Two of the most popular screen artists of the day, Helen Hayes and Robert Montgomery, appear in the film "Vanessa," which will have its initial presentation at the Majestic Theatre at the morning session to-day. Based 011 the last volume of Hugh Walpole s saga of the Herries family, the action is "set in London, and the mountainous Cumberland region of England, in the time of the romantic 'eighties, and deals with the deathless romance between Vanessa, played by Helen Hayes, and Benjie, played hv Robert Montgomery. The part of Judith Paris is taken by May Robson, while Otto Kruger, as Vanessa's demented husband, reaches unusual heights of artistry. The touching story is unfolded through acting of a uniformlv high standard by a cast of 80 well-known players to a great climax, worthy of the high dramatic level maintained throughout. Hugh Walpole collaborated with the writing of the screen adaptation and the picture provides excellent entertainment. STRAND THEATRE The dictum of the theatre, that ideal entertainment caters for every taste, is well demonstrated by the programme comprising three full-length pictures which will have its initial screening at the Strand Theatre to-day. Appearing in the leading role of the thrilling mystery drama "The Old Dark House, which is the first attraction, is the brilliant character actor Charles Laughton. The second film is "Princess O'Hara," a fast-moving comedy romance, with Chester Morris and Jean Parker as the principals. Some excellent comedy is introduced by Henry Arinetta and Leon Errol. Completing the programme is an hilarious comedy. "The Dizzy Limit," in which George Wallace, the popular Australian comedian. is the leading player. LONDON CINEMA The programme at the London Cinema will be changed to-day, when the comedy "Hold Me Tight" will lie shown for the first time. The popular Sally Eilers and James Dunn are in the principal roles. TUDOR CINEMA Gene Raymond and Nancy Carroll are the principals in the musical drama "Trans-Atlantic Merry-Go-Round," the firm which will commence a short season at the Tudor Cinema to-night. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The delightful screen version of L. M. Montgomery's well-known novel "Anne of Green Gables," heads the programme which is enjoying a successful season at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The leading role is taken by Anne Shirley. NEW REGENT THEATRE Wallace Beery gives a brilliant portrayal as Long John Silver in the fascinating film of adventure "Treasure Island," which is the main attraction at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. • STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Shirley Temple is the principal of "Bright Eyes," the main attraction at the State' Theatre, Onehunga. Also being shown is "Lottery Lover." STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORT The programme to he shown for thp first time at the State Theatre, Devonport, comprises "Stand Up and Cheer" and "Jealousy." STATE THEATRE Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper give notable performances in "Treasure Island," which will commence a short season at the State Theatre to-day.