ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22109, 15 May 1935, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE The popular success, "Radio Parade of 1935," will be shown for the last time at the Regent Theatre to-morrow night. This film is a cheerful blend of light comedy and music presented by an imposing array of stage, screen and radio artiste. It possesses more plot than the usual musical comedy, and each of the lengthy list of vaudeville artists is introduced into the novel story in a logical way- The story evolves from the efforts of a young man to improve the programmes of a radio station. The principals, Will Hay, Helen Chandler and Clifford Mollison, take advantage of their opportunities and find all the hilarity in each of the amusing situations. A film describing the last attempt to climb Mount Everest heads the supporting programme. The picture to commence a season at this theatre on Friday is "Sweet Adeline," a musical film with Irene Dunne in the leading role. The charming story is presented against a background of some of the most beautiful settings seen in Auckland for a long time, and it is notable for tho skilful characterisations given by the chief players. ST. JAMES* THEATRE "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," which continues to delight enuthusiastic audiences in an extended season at St. James' Theatre, is a film which maintains a strong grip on the imagination from start to finish. Inspired by "Bengal Lancers," Captain Yeats-Brown's volume of reminiscences, the story is a stirring one, full of romance, intrigue, bloodshed and heroism, and should stimulate all who admire stories of adventure in wild places. The leading role allows ample scope for the virile Gary Cooper, who is well supported by Sir Guy Standing, Franchot Tone and Colin Tapley. Certain Scenes were photographed in India, and the film is realistic throughout. PLAZA THEATRE The producers of the film "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," the main attraction at the Plaza Theatre, have shown great ingenuity by providing a masterly solution of the baffling mystery presented in Charles Dickens' unfinished novel. The story is absorbing, and is presented on a very high dramatic plane by a distinguished cast headed by Claude Rains and Douglass Montgomery, with talented support by David Manners, Heather Angel and Valerie Hobson. The tense atmosphere of the book has been maintained and even heightened by very realistic Bettings. This film will have its final screening at the Plaza Theatre tomorrow, and will be succeeded on Friday by "Danny Boy," one of the finest musical romances to be shown in Auckland. The title-role is taken with distinction by Ronnie Hepworth. Dorothy Dickson, a stage artist, makes her screen debut in several favourite songs, while others are given by the popular Irish tenor Denis O'Neill and Fay Compton. There are several attractive musical scenes, particularly that cf the climax, where Ronnie Hepworth plays an accordeon, accompanied -by Frank Forbes-Foster with a violin. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES Outstanding entertainment is presented in the double-feature programme which will have its initial screening at the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres to-night. The first film, " Mills of the Gods," is a cleverly produced blend of touching romance and stirring drama. The principals are May Robson, Victor Jory and Fay Wray assisted by a strong supporting cast. These capable artists give a vivid portrayal of a once great family whose members gradually deteriorate in seeking fame, and whose honour is only redeemed by the determination of a devoted mother. " I've Been Around " is the second attraction and it is equally good. The story deals with sophisticated society and provides a new treatment of domestic drama. Chester Morris, Rochelle Hudson and Ralph Morgan take the leading roles, and give characteristically good performances. The action is smooth and fast, and the high standard of the drama maintains keen interest throughout.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Zane Grey's thrilling mystery story, "Rooky Mountain Mystery," with Randolph Scott, and "Chic" Sale, and the hilarious comedy, "It's a Gift." with W. C. Fields, continue to attract large audiences to the Majestic Theatre. "Sequoia," the long-awaited new film which will commence its Auckland season at the theatre on Friday, is said to contain some of the most beautiful and artistic photography seen on the screen since "Alan of Aran." With the Sequoia National Park, in the high Sierras, as its background, the film unfolds the unusual story of a love between a deer and a mountain lion. Some remarkable animal scenes are included, while human romantic interest is provided by Russell Hardie and Jean Parker, one of the beautiful young actresses who appeared in "Little Women." Oversea critics describe "Sequoia" as one of the most wholesome, entertaining and thoroughly delightful productions of its type to have been seen for many years. There will be an excellent supporting programme. STAR CINEMA The fine double-feature jfrogramme to be shown for the first time at the Star Cinema to-night is headed by the hilarious film " I Like It That Way," with Roger Prvor and Gloria Stuart in the principal roles. Lilian Harvey and Lew Ayres take the lead in the second attraction. " My Weakness." CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Conrad Veidt and Sir Cedric Hardwicke are the principals of the lavishly produced historical drama " Jew Suss,'-' which is enjoying a successful season at the Crystal Palace Theatre. There is an excellent supporting programme. STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORT Claude Colbert takes the leading'role in the film " Imitation of Life," which heads the programme at the State Theatre, Devonport. A special children's matinee with exciting Western pictures will be presented this afternoon. , TUDOR CINEMA " Outcast Lady," the screen version of Michael Arlen's novel " The Green Hat," is the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema. Constance Bennett and Herbert Marshall are the principals. EMPRESS THEATRE The exciting film " The Return of Bulldog Drummond " is the main attraction at the Empress Theatre. The second film is " No More Orchids." STATE THEATRE Earl Carroll's "Vanities" is the main attraction at the State Theatre. This film presents some spectacular ballets and a number of catchy songs. LONDON CINEMA The main attraction at the London Cinema is a thrilling mystery drama, "Private Detective 62." There is an excellent supporting program aw.

CIVIC THEATRE

The great historical drama "The Iron Duke" will close its highly successful season at the Civic Theatre to-morrow night. The celebrated character actor George Arliss has rarely been seen to such advantage. He receives notable support from 9 large cast headed by Gladys Cooper, Allan Aynesworth and Frank Dyall. Apart from the characterisation, the most outstanding feature of the film is the graphic picture it gives of the period, the settings and costumes being excellent and historically correct. The film has been described as the best yet made in a British studio,-and should greatly enhance the reputation of English producers. The film to commence a season at this theatre on Friday is "One More Spring," the screen version of the novel of the same name by Robert Nathan. It deals with the adventures of a group of destitute but delightful people who are trying to retrieve their fortunes. The principal parts are taken by Janet Gaynor and "Warner Baxter, two of the most popular artists of the modern screen. Miss Gaynor's- role is deeply emotional and fraught with considerable difficulty, yet she presents a most convincing figure with all her customary grace and winsome charm. A splendid supporting cast includes Walter King, Rosemary Ames and Stepin Fetchit. The story is full of charm and sincerity, and should have a wide appeal.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The popular Eddie Cantor production "Kid Millions" will have its final screening at the National and Prince Edward Theatres to-morrow night. This film has had an exceptionally successful season in Auckland, and presents the inimitable Mr. Cantor at his best. Like all his productions, the picture abounds with fantastic, but entirely delightful, situations, full of gay comedy. The ballets are striking, and there are a number of new songs. The chief supporting artists are Ann Sothern and George Murphy. The programme to commence on Friday will include two full-length films, "Java Head" and "A Lost Lady."

STRAND THEATRE Some very spectacular scenes are included in the film "The 'First World War," the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. Commencing with prewar conditions, th«i picture provides an interesting record of the Great War. The outbreak of hostilities in the Balkans and scenes of mobilisation are shown, and a tour is made of all the main fighting fronts in France, Russia and south-eastern Europe. Men are seen going into action, ships sinking and balloons being bombed, as well as naval and air engagements. BRITANNIA THEATRE The entertaining programme at the Britannia Theatre is headed by the hilarious Australian comedy " Grandad Rudd." The second attraction is " Kansas City Princess," with Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Guest night will be celebrated at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night, when a double-feature programme comprising "Broadway Bad" and "Humanity " will be shown. NEW REGENT THEATRE Victor Jory is the principal of " Smoky," the main film now showing at the New Regent Theatre. " ByPass to Happiness," with Tamara Desni, also is being shown.