ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22155, 8 July 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

RECENT THEATRE Few films presented in Auckland have had higher entertainment, value than " Folios Bergere," which is having an extended season n-t tho Regent Theatre. Its great success is largely due to the amazing versatility of the principal artist, tho inimitable Maurice Chevalier, who shows unusual powers of character drawing through his distinguished acting in a difficult triple role. The story provides uproarious comedy by the ingenious complications in which it involves its characters, and is presented with a fascinating musical score and much spectacular dancing alter the style of the Parisian " Folios Bergere." Others in the cast arc Merle Oberon and Ann Sothern. " THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL" Great interest has been aroused by the announcement that the eagerly anticipated historical drama _ "'lho Scarlet Pimpernel " will have its first New Zealand screening at the Regent Theatre on Friday. This picture, the screen version of the celebrated novel of the same name, by Baroness Orczy, was directed by Alexander Korda, and has a very strong cast headed by Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. It has been judged by oversees critics as one of the most distinguished pictures of the year. Preferential booking plans have already been opened at the theatre. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Charles Laughton scores another triumph in his first comedy role in the film " Buggies of Bed Gap," which is attracting large crowds to St. James Theatre. Tho story of this picture is adapted from an American classic by Harry Loon Wilson. It is the biography of an English valet of 1908, who goes as a manservant to the small American town of fled Gap, finds his independence and becomes a person of some consequence in the town. It makes riotous comedy rather after the Chaplin style, there being a slight strain of wistfulness beneath the hilarity. Mr. Laughton's portrayal of Buggies is a brilliant character .study, but although ho dominates the film with his polish and surety of touch, there is a splendid supporting cast headed by Mary Boland and Charles Buggies. An excellent prograin mo of shorter films also being shown presents scenes at the finish of tho wheelbarrow " Derby," and a fine colour film, " Song of the Birds." PLAZA THEATRE From start to finish there is not a dull moment in the delightful musical comedy " Brewster's Millions," which is enjoving a successful season at the Plaza theatre. The story centres round a penniless young man who inherits a fortune. However. t.o' possess the money he must spend £500.000 in six months, and his reaction to this Gilbertian situation involves him in many hilarious scenes. Appearing in the principal role is the popular English comedian Jack Buchanan, who shows that he has lost none of his flair for comedy, singing and dancing. One of the best scones is that in which Buchanan gives a delightful burlesque of Bing Crosby. Lili Damita and Nancy O'Neill appear in the supporting cast. There is an entertaining programme of shorter films. ROXY AND TIVOLI- THEATRES The popular actor James Dunn has a role ideally suited to his virile personality and forceful style of acting in the fast-moving • comedy "The Daring Young Man," which is the first of two interesting films now being shown at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. This film deals with the hilarious adventures of an impetuous young man who risks his life, his liberty and the affections of his fiancee in order to attain his purpose, and is cleverly presented. The main feminine role is well played by Mae Clarke. Entertainment of an equally high standard, although of a very different nature, is provided by tlie second attraction, " \\ben a Man's a Man." This is the screen version of the classic story by Harold Bell Wright and should make a great appeal to all who love pictures of outdoor life. The action is fast and interesting and the main characters are admirably portrayed by George O'Brien and Dorothy \\ ilson. MAJESTIC THEATRE Music lovers will find excellent entertainment in the glorious singing of Grace Moore in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, " A Lady's Morals," tho current attraction at the Majestic Theatre. The theme of the film is provided in tho life story of the great Swedish artist, Jenny Lind, and this affords Miss Moore ample opportunity for revealing tho beautiful of her voico. Two popular players, Wallace Beery and Reginald Denny, head the supporting cast. 'lhero is a splendid subsidiary programme. STRAND THEATRE Uproarious comedy is provided by the film "Oil, Daddy," which is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. This sparkling farce has two of the screen's greatest comedians, Ix?slio Henson and Robertson Har<\ in the leading roles. The story is particularly good, dealing with two rather solemn leaders of purity campaigns, who become involved in Parisian night lite. Frances Day heads the supporting cast. On the same programme is the brilliant musical film produced by George White, "Scandals, 1935," which provides a very wide ran go of entertainment. BRITANNIA THEATRE Charles Laughton gives a distinguished periormanco in the great historical drama "Tho Private Life of Henry V1IL", which is tho main film now being presented at the Britannia Theatre. A second attraction is the sophisticated romance "Society Doctor," with Chester Morris and Virginia Bruce in the leading roles. LONDON CINEMA Excellent, entertainment is provided by tho film "Counsel's Opinion," which is enjoying a successful season at the London Cinema. This is a delightful comedy, with an original version of the mistaken identity theme, and has Binnie Barnes and Cyril Maude in the principal roles. STATE THEATRE An attractive programme at the State Theatre is headed by the fascinating musical comedy " Evergreen, which is adapted from a great stage suct'ess of C. B. Cochran. Jessie Matthews and Sonnio Hale are the principals. On tho same programme is being shown " Limehouse Blues " (George Haft and Jean Parker). TUDOR CINEMA [Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea give talented performances in the charming romance "lho Richest Girl in the World," which heads the popular programme at tho Tudor Cinema. There is a wide selection of shorter films also being shown. PRINCESS THEATRE • The main attraction on a particularly entertaining programme to bo shown at the Princess Theatre to-night will bo a stirring romantic drama, "The Bocks of Valpie," which is adapted from the novel by Ethel M. Dell. Winifred Shotter has tho leading role.

CIVIC THEATRE An enthralling period of history is vividly portrayed in the great historical drama "Tho Dictator," which is arousing enthusiasm at the Civic Theatre. This film deals with the meteoric career of Dr. Struonsee, who became dictator of 18th-century Denmark. This brilliant court doctor gained great influence over the weak king, which he exercised to bring about a reign of justice. Ho managed to frustrate the intrigues of the unscrupulous riueen-mother and the disgruntled nobles until he had a love afiair with (lit' unhappy cpicon—then his influence over the king failed. The story is perfectly presented by a very strong cast headed by Clive Brook and Madeleine Carroll, and possesses unusual dramatic power. There is an excellent supporting programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO An enjoyable programme to be presented at the Crystal Palace and Riaito Theatres for the first time to-night will be headed by tho whimsical romance "One More Spring." Tho charming actress Janet Gaynor is the principal and is ably supported by Warner Jlaxter and Roger linhof. The story is set in a New York park during winter and makes delightful entertainment. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Three popular artists, Jackie Coogan, Randoph Scott and Evelyn Brent, give polished performances in " Home on the Range," an excellent screen version of the latest story by Zane Grey, which is the main attraction at the , National and Prince Edward Theatres. An outstanding feature of this film I is the singing of the popular song of tho same name by Joe Morrison. A j particularly thrilling mystery film, j "The Strange Conspiracy," also is j being shown. This picture has a most j original plot, which is presented against j a very realistic background.