ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22108, 14 May 1935, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Seldom has the celebrated George Arliss been seen to such advantage as in "The Iron Duke," which is enjoying an extended season at the Civic Theatre. This film is one of the best historical pictures vet shown in Auckland and is particularly notable for spectacular settings and fine period as well as the excellent characterisations. In spite of the innumerable difficulties of the role, Mr. Arliss gives a vivid portrayal of the great soldier-statesman, and receives talented support from a large cast headed by Gladys Cooper, Frank Dyall and Allan Aynesworth. The Bantomime "The House That Jack uilt," is being presented at each matinee performance by a cast of 50 and includes some striking ballets and bright songs. An excellent programme of short films is being shown. The picture to be screened when the current programme is changed will bo "One More Spring," with Janet Gaynor and Warner Baxter as the principals.

REGENT THEATRE "Radio Parade of 1935," the main attraction at the Regent Theatre, is a cheerful blend of music and light comedy presented by an imposing array of stage, screen and radio artists. Besides possessing more plot than the usual musical comedy, the film has essential differences from this type of picture in that each of the assisting vaudeville artists is introduced into the rather novel story in a logical way. This story evolves from the efforts of a young man to improve the programmes of a radio station, and abounds with hilarious situations which give great scope to the principals, Will Hay, Clifford Mollison and Helen Chandler. The supporting programme is headed by a stirring film of the last attempt to scale Mount Everest. At each matinee performance a charming pantomime, "A Cinderella Fantasy," based on characters from cartoons and silly symphonies, will be shown, ST. JAMES' THEATRE Plenty of fast and vigorous action around a plot made up of romance, intrigue and adventure, is the characteristic of the splendid film, "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," which is in an extended season at St. James' Theatre. Based on Captain Yeats-Brown's volumo of reminiscences "Bengal Lancer," the story maintains its grip on the imagination from start to finish. Gary Cooper in the leading role gives his best performance to date, admirably supported by Franchot Tone, Sir Guy Standing and Colin Taplev. The only feminine role is taken by Kathleen Burke. Certain scenes were actually photographed in India and the film is realistic throughout.

PLAZA THEATRE "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," the main attraction at the Plaza Theatre, is based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens. By providing a masterly solution of the mystery, the producers have shown great ingenuity in settling a problem which has baffled the sharpest readers for many years, and which has caused endless controversy. The tense atmosphere of the book has been retained and even heightened by most realistic settings and excellent photography. The general action of the story takes place in an old English village, an exact reproduction of which was constructed for the film. The chief roles are played by Claude Rains, Douglass Montgomery and David Manners in a way befitting some of the most vivid characters created by such a master of character-sketching as Dickens. The leading feminine roles are well played by Heather Angel and Valerie Hobson. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES The romantic comedy, " Straight From the Heart," is the first of two entertaining films which will be shown for the last time at the Tivoli Theatre to-night. The principals are Mary Astor and Roger Prvor. The second film is "White Lies. The outstanding musical romance, " One Night of Love," will conclude a popular return season at the Rialto Theatre to-night. A vivid drama marked by the splendid acting of its principals is " Mills of the Gods," which heads the excellent double-feature programme to open a season at both theatres to-morrow night. The story tells of a family, each member of which follows his own path under the watchful eye of their mother. Three popular players take the main parts. They are May Robson, Victor Jory and Fay Wray. The second attraction will be a fast-moving romantic drama. " I've Been Around," with Chester Morris, Rochelle Hudson and Ralph Morgan. Set against the background of New York society life, the story tells of the adventures of an illassorted married couple. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Eddie Cantor's fifth annual production "Kid Millions" will have its final presentation at the National and Prince Edward Theatres on Thursday. The popularity of this inimitable comedian has been well demonstrated by the success enjoyed by the film during its long Auckland season. It is rich in hilarious situations and gay, catchy songs, while there are some very spectacular ballets. Mr. Cantor is at his best and receives good support from Ann Sothern and George Murphy at the head of a talented cast. t)n Friday these theatres will present a double-feature programme headed by the film "A Lost Lady," the principals of which will be Barbara Stanwyck and Ricardo Cortez. "Java Head" will be the second attraction.

BRITANNIA THEATRE The hilarious Australian comedy, "Grandad Rudd," heads-the current programme at the Britannia Theatre. The second attraction is " Kansas City Princess," with Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell. TUDOR CINEMA Constance Bennett and Herbert Marshall are the principals of the film version of Michael Arlen's novel, " The Green Hat," entitled "Outcast Lady," which •will'open a season at the Tudor Cinema to-night. There is a splendid supporting programme. STATE THEATRE The entertaining programme to be shown at the State Theatre for the first time to-night is headed by Earl Carroll's "Vanities," a film presenting some very spectacular dances and a number or catchy songs. , STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA One of the foremost dramatic players on the screen, Ann Harding, gives a brilliant portrayal in the leading role of " Enchanted April," the main attraction at the State Theatre, Onehunga. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The glorious voice of Evelyn Lave, the beautiful English soprano, is heard in " Evensong," which is delighting patrons of the State Theatre, Devonport. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE A period of princely magnificence and court intrigue forms the background of the historical drama, " Jew Suss," which is proving popular with jpatrons of the Crystal Palace Theatre. The leading players are Conrad Veidt and Sir Cedric Hardwicke. LONDON CINEMA The thrilling mystery film, "Private Detective 62," is being shown at the London Cinema to-day. There is an excellent supporting programme.

MAJESTIC THEATRE The first film on an unusually double-feature programme at the Majestic Theatre is an hilarious comedy, ' It s a Gift." The principal artist is the extremely popular comedian W. C. Fields, and although the actor's reputation is based mainlv on such successes as "You're Telling Me," he approaches more nearly to the Chaplin style by introducing a strain of pathos to his clowning. The story of the second film, "Rocky Mountain Mystery," was written by Zane Grey, and is an exciting mystery romance centring around a series of murders committed in a town in Nevada. Randolph Scott and "Chic" Sale in the leading roles both give characteristically good performances, supported by a fine cast, including Kathleen Burke and Ann Sheridan. STRAND THEATRE An interesting record of the Great War is provided by the film "The First World War," which is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. There are some very spectacular scenes of soldiers going into action, ships being sunk, balloons being bombed and of air and naval engagements. The film commences by showing pre-war conditions and moves on to depict the outbreak of war nnd mobilisation in the Balkans. Each main fighting front is visited, including Russia, France and southern Europe. It is based on old newsreels and records and is accompanied by an interesting commentary. TABERNACLE CONCERT The fascinating story of sacred songs from the 16th to the 19th century will be told in a special jubilee concert, " Hymns and Tunes of Long Ago." to be held at the Baptist Tabernacle tonight. The Concert has been arranged by Mr. A. E. Wilson and will be presented by the Tabernacle choir. Full particulars are advertised.