ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22107, 13 May 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE The current programme at the Majestic Theatre comprises two unusually good films, " It's a Gift " and " The Rocky Mountain Mystery." The first of these is probably the best picture in which the popular comedian W. C. Fields has yet appeared. Mr. Fields' reputation is based on his performances in such films as You're Telling Me," but in his latest production he approaches the style of Chaplin and introduces a strain of pathos to his clowning. The story of the second film was written by Zane Grey and has an exciting mystery plot centring around a series of murders committed in a small western town of the United States. Principal roles- are taken by " Chic " Sale and Randolph Scott, both of whom givo characteristically good performances. CIVIC THEATRE The popular film " The Iron Duke," which is enjoying so successful an extended season at the Civic Theatre, is one of the greatest historical dramas to be shown in Auckland, and has been judged the best picture produced in a British studio. It is particularly notable for some very spectacular settings, such as the ball on the eve of Waterloo, the battle itself and certain scenes in the House of Lords. These are historically correct, and with the period costumes and the fine characterisation, create a graphic picture of late Georgian times. The celebrated character actor George Arliss is seen at his best, and in spite of the innumerable difficulties of the part, gives a vivid portrayal of the great soldier-statesman. The supporting cast includes such talented artists as Gladys Cooper, Allan Aynesworth and Frank ftyall. At each matinee performance a pantomime and musical extravaganza, " The House That Jack Built," is being presented. There are some striking ballets and new and catchy songs presented by a cast of fifty performers.

REGENT THEATRE The delightfully entertaining film " Radio Parade of 1935," at the Regent Theatre, boasts a magnificent cast of stage, screen and radio artists. A cheerful blend of music and light comedy, through which is woren a charming romance, the picture follows the style of the musical comedy, yet has essential differences from this type of entertainment in that each entertainer has his logical place in a novel story. The plot evolves from efforts to improve the programmes of a radio station and abounds with hilarious situations. The leading roles are well taken by Will Hay, Clifford Mollison and Helen Chandler, while the principal members of a lengthy list of vaudeville artists are Lily Morris, Clapham and Dwyer, Ronald Frankau, Claude Dampier, the Brady Girls and Teddy Joyce's Band. The supporting programme is headed by a vivid film of the last attempt to scale Mount Everest. A charming pantomime, " A Cinderella Fantasy," hased upon popular characters i'rom Walt Disney's cartoons and silly sym phonies, will be presented on the stago at each matinee performance. Special songs, music and novelty numbers have been procured from America for this production, whicln should prove a strong attraction for children.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The film " The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," in an extended season at St. James' Theatre, is a picture which maintains its hold on the imagination from start to finish. Inspired by Captain Yeats-Brown's volume of reminiscences, " Bengal Lancer," the story is stirring with plenty of-fast and vigorous action surrounding a plot comprising romance, intrigue and bloodshed. In the principal role, Gary Cooper gives his best performance to date and is admirably supported by Franchot Tone, Colin Taplev and Sir Guy Standing, while Kathleen Burke makes an unqualified success of the only feminine part. The presentation of the film is excellent, realism having been gained by photographing certain scenes actually in India.

PLAZA THEATRE Great ingenuity has been shown in solving the mystery presented in Charles Dickens' unfinished novel to produre the film " The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which is the current attraction at the Plaza Theatre. The tense atmosphere of the book has been preserved and the screen version makes absorbing entertainment. The story is of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde type, the chief character being an apparently respectable choirmaster who is a secret slave to opium. The mystery concerns the disappearance of Edwin Drood after a quarrel with a rival over his financee and is certain to baffle the sharpest audience. It is seldom that a film is so well cast. Claude Rains, as John Jasper, the hypocritical choirmaster, is magnificent, while the character suspected of being responsible for the disappearance is played by Douglass Montgomery in a talented manner and makes a pleasing contrast with the more cultured and refined Drood (David Manners): Heather Angel and Valerie Hohson both give good performances in the leading feminine roles. An added attraction to the fine characterisation is the remarkably fine presentation against excellent settings. There is an interesting selection of shorter films.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE With the breadth of its action and the brilliance of the acting of its principals, the historical drama, " Jew Suss," which will open a short season at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night, must rank as one of the outstanding films of the year. Conrad Veidt and Joan Maude take the main parts. STATE THEATRE The double-feature programme at the State Theatre is headed by " The Case of the Howling Doc," with Warren Williams as the principal. " Menace " also is being shown. LONDON CINEMA " The Penguin Pool Murder " is the main attraction at the London Cinema. Edna May Oliver and James Gleason are in the principal roles. BRITANNIA THEATRE The programme at the Britannia Theatre comprises two full length films, " The Barretts of Wimpole Street," and " Ladies Should Listen." STAR THEATRE Spencer Tracy and John Boles take the principal roles in the musical comedy " Bright Side Up " at the Star Theatre. The second attraction is " Death Takes a Holiday." STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNOA Ann Harding and Frank Morgan are the principals in the film " Enchanted April," which is the main attraction at the State Theatre, Onehunga. EMPRESS THEATRE The main attraction nt the Empress Theatre to-night is "Bright Eyes/' with Shirley Temple in the leading role. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The beautiful English soprano Evelyn Laye is heard in some tuneful songs in "Evensong," the main attraction at the State Theatre, Devonport.

TIVOLI THEATRE The romantic comody, " Straight From the Heart," heads the entertaining double-feature programme which will be 6hown for the last time at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow night. The principals are Roger Pryor and Marv Astor. The second picture is " White Lies."

RIALTO THEATRE So popular was the outstanding musical romance, "One Night of Love," when it was shown at the Rialto Theatre recently that the film will commence a return season at the theatre to-night. Grace Moore giees a brilliant portrayal in the leading part.

STRAND THEATRE The main attraction at the Strand Theatre, " The First World War," provides an interesting record of the Great War. The film includes some very spectacular scenes of soldiers going into action, naval and air engagements, ships sinking and balloons being bombed. After depicting post-war conditions, the picture moves on to show the outbreak of war and mobilisation in the Balkans, before making a tour of all the main fighting fronts in Russia, France and in south-eastern Europe. The film is based on actual newsreels and records secured during,the war, and there is a good commentary.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The popularity of the inimitable Eddie Cantor is being well demonstrated by the enthusiastic which continue to attend his fifth "apnnal_ production, " Kid Millions. which is iu the fourth week of its Auckland season, now at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The film is rich in hilarious situations and gay, catchy songs, and there are same spectacular ballets. Mr. Cantor is at his best and receives notable support from a large cast, including Ann Sothern and George Murphy.

TUDOR CINEMA " Facing the Music " and '' BusyBodies " are the main attractions at the Tudor Cinema. SUNDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT One of a series of winter concerts open to the public being given by the Music Teachers' Association of New Zealand (Auckland branch), and the Auckland Society of Musicians was presented in the Lewis Eady Hall yesterday afternoon. The concert was devoted to the music of Mendelssohn, the programme being a representative one, including a numoer of well-known works. There w&s a pleasing attendance, the hall being almost filled, and all the items were well received. The Trio in D Minor, Op. 49, was rendered. by Miss Helen Gray, violin, Miss Lalla Hemus, cello, and Mr. Eric Waters, piano. Other items were an aria "It is Enough" (Elijah), and songs, "By Celia's Arbour " and " Returning," by Mr. L. Barnes; " On Wings of Song, " Greeting " and " The Falcra," sung by Mrs. Mary Towsey; a piano solo. Wedding March and Dance of the Elves" (Midsummer Night's .Dream), by Mrs. Madoleine Wilcox; an aria, " Hear Ye Israel," by Madame Aileen Johns, with a string and piano accompaniment by Misses H. Gray, M. Arlington, A. Stevenson, J. darkson and K. O'Leary; and the Sonata in D, Op 58, bv Miss Jean Clarkson, cello, and Miss Kathleen O'Leary, piano- The accompanists during the concert Miss Kathleen O'Leary and Mr. Eric Waters.