ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22141, 21 June 1935, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE "Wings in the Dark," which will be shown for the first time at St. James Theatre to-day, is said to be one of the finest romances dealing with aviation life yet made by the Paramount Company. It differs from many previous productions of this nature in that the story has not bean written mainly to allow the presentation of spectacular stunt flying. Instead the aerial side of the picture is used as a vehicle for a very charming romance. This does not mean that it is lacking in thrills; there are magnificent scenes of aerobatics, and the very nature of the story makes for exciting entertainment. It concerns a celebrated young airman who invents a device which minimises the risks of blind flying, and which is proved under the most exacting circumstances after the inventor has lost his sight. The principal artists are Cary Grant and Myrna Loy, both of whom give fine performances in difficult parts. The photography of the film is particularly good. PLAZA THEATRE A film which should find favour with all lovers of good music and romantic drama is Columbia Pictures' latest musical production, "Let's Live To-night, which is to have its initial screening at the Plaza Theatre to-day. This picture is a triumph for the celebrated singer, Tullio Carminati, who will be remembered for Ids performance in "One Night of Love." The story concerns a millionaire with misogynistic tendencies, who spends most of his time cruising on the Riviera in a luxurious yacht. At Monte Carlo he falls in love and runs away in a panic. On his return he finds the' girl engaged to his brother. It makes a very charming romance with just sufficient pathos to bring out the full beauty of the delightful musical score. The theme song, "Love Passes By," is one of the most beautiful modern waltzes yet written for the screen. It is sung by the leading artist, who also gives a distinguished dramatic performance. Cast opposite Carminati is Lillian Harvev, who is entirely delightful in a roie with sufficient scope for her unusual talents. Supporting players include Janet Beecher, Hugh Williams and Tala Birell. TIVOLI AND RIALTO THEATRES A programme of thrilling entertainment is attracting large audiences to the Tivoli and Rialto Theatres. The Silver Streak," generally acclaimed as one of the most remarkable and excising pictures of the year, is the first attraction. The story is cleverly constructed and combines those elements wlfich go to make the very best enter# tainment. Romance, humour and powerful drama have been woven into a theme of compelling interest. The tale is well presented and introduces scenes of some of the greatest engineering marvels of the day, such as the great Boulder Dam, the Moffatt Tunnel, the Burlington Zephyr, the fastest Dieselengined and stream-lined train, and a life-saving device known as the "iron lung." These are of unusual interest and give the film a novel atmosphere. The acting is good throughout, bally Blane and Charles Starrest being in the leading roles. The second film is a stirring drama, "Eight Bells,' w hich is set on a freight ship bound for China. Ann Sothern and Ralph Bellamy are the principals. MAJESTIC 'THEATRE A notable event in screen entertainment will be the first Auckland presentation at the Majestic Theatre today of the film ''Beyond Bengal." This remarkable picture is the authentic record of a recent scientific expedition through the almost impenetrable and little-explored Malayan jungle, and every foot was screened actually on the spot. It is said that certain scenes it, contains of animal and native , life have never before been filmed— ; wild jungle men fighting some of the most savage beasts known, a huge python weighing, a ton attacking its prey, a stampeding herd of maddened elephants, men fighting for their lives in a river swarming wjth crocodiles and the first pictures made of the sladang, an animal more ferocious than the wildest lion. The film is a long succession of thrills and is a wonderful record of primitive life —the savage ferocity of which is . said at times to beggar description. It is an epic or great heroism and courage. It was produced with the co-operation of the Sultan of Perak. An excellent supporting programme will be headed by a him. o the recent scout jamboree held in Victoria. CIVIC THEATRE The popularity enjoyed by English farces with Auckland audiences should be well maintained by the film Things Are Looking Up," ia . c 0"!" mence a season at the Civic Theatre ■ *to-day. The principal role in this bright production is played by the inimitable Cecily Courtneidge, one of England s most talented comediennes. Her performance is a tribute to her great powers of character drawing, m a dual role she creates two distinctly ] different personalities. Both of these parts, one a circus proprietress and the other, her twin sister, a school mistress, offer Miss Courtneidge unlimited opportunities for the burlesque in which she excels. The school mistress elopes with the wrestler from the circus, and to cover her absence, the circus queen takes her place in the school, which she brightens up considerably. Ihe lengths to which she has to go to maintain the deception, and her later efforts to sell the circus, present farce of the highest order, and keep the audience in constant laughter through an ever-growing series of farcical complications to a wonderful climax. Others in the east are Max Muller and William Gargan. STAR CINEMA " The Black Cat " and " Too Muc Harmony " are the two entertamir films being screened at the Star Cinemi There is a wide selection of short* pictures. " Love-Time " and " Ladies Should Listen " will be shown at the einema to-morrow. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "The Iron Duke" and "Notorious Gentleman," two full-length films, head the programme being screened at the State Theatre, Onehunga. PRINCESS THEATRE Shirley Temple, the talented and popular juvenile actress, gives a char- ■ acteristic performance in "Bright j Eyes," which is attracting large audiences to the Princess Theatre. STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORI "The First World War" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" comprise the programme being presented at the State Theatre, Devon port. TUDOR CINEMA George Arliss gives a sterling protrayal in the leading role of "The Affairs of Voltaire." ilie first film being presented at the Tudor Cinema. BRITANNIA THEATRE • " Forsaking All Others " and " 1 Am a Thief " are the main pictures on the programme at the Britannia Theatre.

REGENT THEATRE' One of the most captivating 'and dramatic romances of recent times is presented in the screen versioa of what is considered Gene Stratton-Porter s greatest book, "A Girl of the Limberlost," which is to open an Auckland season at the Regent Theatre to-day. This film is particularly notable for the manner i.ll which the rare charm and wonderful spirit of the novel have been retained. Unusual care and technical skill have been lavished on fche background, which is made up f?om rural life in the beautiful State of Indiana. In ths production of the film, the Monogram Company had the assistance of Mrs. Jeanette Porter Meehan, the daughter of the authoress, and herself the model from which "A Girl of the Limberlost" was drawn. Another outstanding feature is the magnificent work of the entire cast. The title role is presented by Marian Marsh with the utmost sincerity; hor performance alone would make the film a good ono. Louise Dresser also gives a .fine characterisation as the mother. The supporting cast is headed by Ralph Morgan and Betty Blyth. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The attractive double-feature programme to open at the National and Prince Edward Theatres t6-day is headed by a brilliant musical film. "Rumba," the outstanding feature of which is the excellent presentation of the dance sensation of the same name. George Raft, considered to be America s best ballroom dancer, haß the principal role, ably assisted by Carole Lombard. In connection with the presentation of this film, an exhibition of the rumba will be given nightly on the stage at the National Theatre. The second picture on this programme will bo a hilarious farce, "Dandy Dick. 'Ahe inimitable comedian Will Hay takes the leading role. STRAND THEATRE Jan Kiepura and Sonnie Hale, who gave such splendid performances in "Tell Me To-night," are seen together again in "My Song For You," tho Gaumont film which is now being shown at the Strand Theatre. Kiepura's delightful tenor voice is heard in several new numbers, while Sonnie Hale's antics are, as usual, most laughable. There is a capable supporting cast, which includes Marthe Eggerte, a European actress not previously seen in an English picture. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE One of the most notable actresses on the screen, Greta Garbo, gives a charming performance in the principal role of the film version of Somerset Maugham's powerful novel. The Painted Veil," which heads the programme being presented the Crystal Palace Theatre. "The People's Enemy" also is being shown. STATE THEATRE The whole-hearted humour of the inimitable Joe E. Brown pervades the fast-moving comedy, "Six Day Bike Rider," which heads the programme to be shown for the first time at the State Theatre to-day. The second attraction is a novel comedy drama xur suit of Happiness." LONDON CINEMA Jean Harlow is the principal of the hilarious comedy drama, Blonde Bombshell," which will open a season at the London Cinema to-day. Several short films also will be screened.