ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22149, 1 July 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Well varied and spectacular entertainment is the keynote of George White's "Scandals, 1935," which is the main film on the programme being presented at the Civic Theatre. George White's previous films have all been outstanding productions, and this latest one further enhances his reputation, ltich in spectacle and with an attractive musical score, tho picture moves at a fast pace and makes light entertainment of the finest typo. It is a sequence of scenes amazing in spectacle and elaborate in detail. There is a fascinating story dealing with two talented but unknown artists, a young man and woman, who are found and engaged by George White for his annual Broadway production. REGENT THEATRE One of tho most popular figures on tho talking screen, Maurice Chevalier, is seen at his best in "Folies Borgere," which is enjoying a successful season at tho Regent Theatre. The support of a strong cast, together with delightful music, creates a spirit of gaiety which never flags. The presence of the inimitable French actor in a musical film always gives it the sparkle which is so often lacking in productions of this type. It is more than merely a musical production, however, as it has a complicated plot which give 3 rise to many intriguing situations and bright dialogue. Among the many appealing songs introduced are "Rhythm in the Rain,". "Singing a Happy Song" and "I Was Lucky." Merle Oberon gives a striking performance, while Ann Sothern also has a large part. ST. JAMES* THEATRE The latest Warner Brothers' edition of tho "Gold Diggers" films heads the entertaining programme at St. James 1 Theatre. In striking contrast with the original film, there is only one girl in this picture with a propensity for extracting money from the wealthy. Adolphe Menjou, as a temperamental impresario, Joseph Cawthorn as his stage director, and Grant Mitchell as an unscrupulous hotel manager provide between them as many amusing scenes as the original "Gold Diggers" did. The exploits of these three in inducing a wealthy woman to finance a lavish charity production form tho basis of the story. In addition, there is a pleasing romance between two of the junior players, Dick Powell and Gloria Stuart. PLAZA THEATRE "Bella Donna," a powerful dravna of Egyptian life, is attracting large audiences to the Flaza Theatre. A British Dominions film, it greatly enhances the prestige of English pictures and makes fascinating entertainment. Based on the popular novel by Robert Hichens, the film is made outstanding, largely by the sound acting of a particularly talented cast. Mary Ellis gives a natural and dramatic characterisation of Bella Donna (Sirs. Chepstow), who first deceives her husband and then commences to kill him by administering small but daily doses of poison. Acting honours, however, are shared by John Stuart, who plays a difficult part with restraint and certainty. His interpretation of Bella Donna's husband stands out in contrast to the role portrayed by Conrad Veidt, who is cast as Mahmoud Baroudi, a figure of sinister fascination.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Exceptionally large audiences sire being attracted to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres, where an entertaining doublefeature programme is being presented. The main film, "Under Pressure," is an unusually fine production of human emotions and endurance. It deals with the adventuresome lives led by engineers engaged in the perilous work of driving tunnels beneath rivers, and a steel-lined subway beneath mud and silt forms a vivid background a,nd does much to heighten the tension. Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen both give pleasing and virile performances and receive sound support from a largo cast, including players of the calibre of Roger Imhof, Charles Bickford, Florence Rice and Siegfried Rumann. The film makes absorbing entertainment and moves at a fast pace from start to finish. A worthy successor to "Judge Priest" and "The County Chairman," "Life Begins at Forty" is the second attraction. With the inimitable comedian. Will Rogers, in tho leading part it makes hilarious entertainment. In the role of a shrewd country editor, who endeavours to exonerate a youtli from criminal charges, ho has ample opportunity to display his talent. James Dunn and Mao Clarke are the principals of "The Daring Young Man," the first picture on tho programme with which a season will bo commenced at the theatres on Wednesday. The film adaptation of Harold Bell Wright's novel, "When a Man's a Man," also will be screened.

STRAND THEATRE , Sonnie Hale and Robertson Haro givo hilarious performances in tho leading roles of "Are You a Mason?", the first film on the programme at the Strand Theatre. With a slight but adequate story the picture is one of the most amusing productions seen 011 the screen for some years. Gene Gerrard gives a sound performance in "There Goes Susie," tho second film. A combination of comedy and romance, it makes first-class entertainment. LONDON CINEMA Bernice Claire and Edward Everett Horton are the principals of "Kiss Mo Again," tho first film being presented at tho London Cinema. With tuneful melodies, spectacular da;;ces and a wealth of comedy it makes fine entertainment. There is a wide selection of shorter films. STATE THEATRE Georgo White's "Scandals, 1934," is the first film on the programme b-iiing presentee] at the State Theatre. Barbara Stanwyck is the principal of "A Lost Lady," the second picture. PRINCESS THEATRE The two entertainine and full-length films, "Nell Gwynn" and "Hcldorado." comprise the programme v being presented at the Princess Theatre. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNCA "The Man Who Knew Too Much" is the first picture on the programme at tho State Theatre, Onehunga. "Gridiron Flash" also is being screened. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Anna Ncaglo cives a fine .perform ance in tho leading role of "Nell Gwynn," the first film on the pro gramme bring presented at tho Crystal Palace Theatre. "The Silver Striiak'" also is being shown. RIALTO THEATRE Tho talented actress. Greta Giirbo. gives a characteristic portrayal in "The Painted Veil," which heads the wellvaried programme at the li.ialto Theatre. TUDOR CINEMA Joan Crawford and Clark Gable are the principals of "Chained," the powerful drama which heads the programme at the Tudor Cinema.

MAJESTIC THEATRE ' * Thrilling entertainment is provided in "Casino Murder Case," the main attraction on the programme being presented to large audiences at the Majestic Theatre. With Paul Lukas,. A lion Skipworth arid Louise Fazonds, in tho principal roles, tho picture never fails to be entertaining and sustains tho interest to tho last scene. One of S„ S. Van Dine's most baffling and intriguing mystery stories, it bib, made a film which further-enhances the excellent reputation enjoyed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor studios. It has lost nothing in itu translation to the screen and deals with a further adventure of Van Dirie's well-known character Philo Vance, the criminal investigator. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD A thrilling; drama dealing w:,tli the exploration of the little known central Malayan .iungle, "Beyond Bengal," heads the double-feature programme being screened at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. An authentic record of a recent -■ expedition which travelled through the jungle, the picture shows many exciting incidents and magnificent iscenos of primitive life. The second film is the screen version of a classic mystery story of English literature, "Moonstone," by Wilkie Collins.