ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22172, 27 July 1935, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE A wealth of glorious music, a fascinating story and some particularly beautiful settings make the operetta "Naughty Marietta," which is scoring outstanding success in its second week at St. James', Theatre, one of tho most striking films of its kind to be seen in Auckland for some time. Set in the 18th century, it deals with the adventures of a wilful princess who runs away from Franco to New Orleans. It is full of excitement and gay comedy and is notable for a pleasing and unsophisticated charm. The leading role is taken by Jeanette Mac Donald, who will be remembered for her distinguished performance in "The Merry Widow," and she receives excellent support from Nelson Eddy, who in this, his screen debut, has made a very favourable impression through his attractive voice and virile personality. Others in the cast are Frank Morgan and Elsa Lanchester. PLAZA THEATRE An exceedingly funny comedy is presented in " Fighting Stock," a Gauinont British film, which opened a season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The production is the latest work by Ben Travers to reach Auckland, and it maintains the high standard set by such earlier successes as " Rookery Nook," "Plunder" and "Thark." The farcical situations and neat dialogue characteristic of Travers' comedies provide abundant scope for the popular trio, Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn and Robertson Hare. The almost perfect timing of the dialogue, a very necessary feature for productions of this type, is especially evident irf this fiJm. As Briga-dier-General Sir Donald Rowley, Tom Walls has a typical role He is a blustering aristocrat, who is straight-for-ward in all his dealings, whether he is drinking port, abusing his neighbours or making love. The part of the general's nephew, a young man not over-gifted with brains, is admirably portrayed by Ralph Lynn, whose inimitable inanities add greatly to the fun of the piece. Taking himself as seriously, as ever, Lynn contrives to say and do the wrong thing at the most inappropriate moments. In spite of his worthy intentions, his actions generally result in the most embarrassing difficulties, both for the general and his secretary. In the latter part Robertson Hare, timorous and respectable, proves an effective foil , t to his swaggering employer. The film derives its title from the hostilities which ensue between the members of the general's household, a choleric neighbour and a blackmailer. Since the principal players; Walls, Lynn and Hare, are well to the fore throughout, the picture is carried along on a continui ous note of hilarity The supporting ; roles are also well taken. Veronica ; Rose makes a chai*ming heroine, while Marie Lohr, Lesley Wareing and Herbert Lomas all give polished performances. There is an entertaining supporting programme. A Fox Australian newsreel, which includes pictures of fencing at Christ's College, Christchurch, New Zealand, is followed by a novel Gaumont British magazine, "Watts Up?" An additional item is a musical film, " One More Chance." This production has as its principal player Bing Crosby, tho well-known American radio and film singer. I ! ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An unusual romance, " It's a Small World," heads the new double-feature programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. In this delightful comedy, the leading role is taken dv Spencer Tracy, while , the demure English actress Wendy Barrie, appears as the heroine The story concerns a girl and a coun-sellor-at-law, who meet when their motor-cars involved in a head-on collision. First the man arrests the girl driver. Then, claiming, through a quaint and obsolete Napoleonic law, the right to the bodv of the debtor, he becomes her guardian. When he tries to take his young charge duck-shooting at three o'clock in the morning and she refuses to leave the house the comedv takes an unexpected turn and develop* into an amusing romance. The second picture on the programme is a thrilling mystery drama, ''Chinatown Squad." which has for its setting San Francisco's Chinatown, the largest oriental quarter in the United States Lyle Talbot. Valerie Hobson and Andy Devine head the cast of this splendid film. The plot deals • with the murder of a Chinesp government agent in America and there are many thrills before the mystery is solved. LONDON CINEMA Charles -Ruggles and Mary Boland are the principals of the hilarious comedy "Mama Loves Papa," which heads the current, programme at the London Cinema This film provides excellent light entertainment and should appeal to a wide variety of tastes. There is an attractive selection of shorter films. STRAND THEATRE. ONEHUNGA The main attraction on an enjoyable programme at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, is the delightful musical film " Here is My Heart," with Bins Crosby in the leading role. Also being shown is " Limehouse Blues." with the talented dramatic actor George Raft as the principal player. TUDOR CINEMA Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers are the principals of the sparkling musical comedy "Twenty MUlion Sweethearts, which heads an entertaining programme at the Tudor Cinema. There is a splendid selection of shorter films. BRITANNIA THEATRE ' Two of the screen's most popular artists, Jeanette Mac Donald and Maurice Chevalier,* give distinguished performances in the main roles of the delightful operetta. " The Merry Widow," which is the main attraction at the Britannia Theatre. The thrilling mystery drama "The White Cockatoo" (Ricardo Cortez) also is being shown. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT A splendid double-feature programme at the State Theatre. Devonportf is. headed by the charming romance "Carolina," with tho popular, Janet Gaynor as the main character. Will Rogers takes the leading role in "Life Begins at 40," which also y iß being shown. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA An attractive programmo at the State Theatre, Onehunga. is headed by an uproarious comedv, "10 Dollar Raise," with Edward Everett Horton and Karen Morley as the principals. "The Unwelcome Stranger" (Jack Holt and Mona Barrie) also is being shown. NEW EMPIRE THEATRE Mady Christians gives a graphic portraval in the stirring drama "A Wicked Woman," which is now being shown at the New Empire Theatre. " The House in 56th Street" (Kay Francis) also is being shown. SUNDAY PICTURES " From Headquarters," a thrilling drama in which the two popular actors George Brent and Margaret Lindsay appear, heads the progtammo to be shown at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow night. The musical comedv, "That Goes Double," also will be shown. Proceeds will be devoted to local charities.

REGENT THEATRE Although historical films are among the most popular forms of screen entertainment, few have scored such wellmerited success as "The Scarlet Pimpernel," which continues to arouse great enthusiasm in its third week at the Regent Theatre. This picture is based on the celebrated novel by Baroness Orczy, and the director, Alexander Korda, has succeeded in recapturing all the glamour, excitement and spirit of intrigue of the period of the French Revolution. The story is always thrilling and has as its central character one of the most heroic figures in English literature, :t part which is played with wonderful polish and resource by Ix-'slie Howard. The acting is good throughout the whole cast, other distinguished artists being Merle Oberon, Raymond Massey and Nigel Bruce. The film is notable for the many magnificent settings. An entertaining selection of shorter films also being shown is headed.; by Walt Disney's- latest coloured cartoon, "Goddess of Spring." MAJESTIC THEATRE The appeal of music in a picture was forcibly illustrated last evening at the Majestic Theatre when a large audience witnessed the return screen-ing-of "Viennese Nights." the llom-berg-Hammerstein operetta of a romantic period iu the gay Austrian capital. The sweetness and charm of the Story itself give it high value in the realm of entertainment, but great as these are, they are outmatched by the attractiveness of the music, which draws largely 011 tho waltz melodies of Strauss and other noted Austrian composers for its tunefidness. Familiarity with most of the airs has not detracted from their popularity; on the contrary the manner of their presentation in the films must establish them more firmly in public favour. Principally there is "You Will Remember Vienna,'' a lilting waltz tune which haunts the memory although others of equal charni, such as "1 Bring a Love Sonc," recur •as the plot unfolds. The story is as engrossing as it is romantic and receives a presentation that is nicely adjusted to the demands of gaiety and pathos. Glamour and beauty are tho dominant features of scenes which are given added realism and enjoyment by reason of their production in technicolour. The acting reaches an appropriately high standard. Vivienne Segal is seen both as a young girl and an aged lady and fills both roles convincingly. Her performance is the more charming because of her ability as a vocalist. Alexander Gray, the possessor of a splendidly resonant voice, combines delightful singing with apt character acting in a dual role, while Walter Pigeon and Jean Hersholt are excellently cast in supporting parts. Bert Roach and an old favourite in Louise Fazenda acquit themselves well in comedy roles. There is an excellent introductory programme. Rubinoff and his orchestra, with vocal support from Miss Jean Sargent, provide a most enjoyable item and "At the Races," a humorous film, introduces an unusually accomplished ventriloquist. A newsreel and a coloured cartoon give variety of a highly acceptable order. STRAND THEATRE Vigorous life on the Argentine prairies makes a stirring background for the film "Under the Pampas Moon," which has been transferred during the height of its successful Auckland season to the Strand Theatre. The principal role is played by Warner Baxter, who adds further to his popularity through his distinguished portrayal ot a gaucho who is the uncrowned king of the pampas. The main feminine role is taken by Ketti Gallian. The film is notable for some brilliant dancing by Veloz and Yolanda. A second attraction at this theatre is a charming romance, "Love Time," -with a strong cast headed by Nils Asther, Pat Patterson, Herbert Mundin and Harry Green. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The inimitable comedian Gene Gerrard gives one of his best performances to date in the uproarious farce "It'B a Bet," which is the first film on an attractive programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Dealing with the adventures encountered by the chief character, who undertakes for a wager to remain in hiding for a specified period, it makes excellent entertainment and moves rapidly and smoothly to a well-planned climax. This film met with great success in London. The second picture is a powerful drama, "Bordertown," with Paul Muni and Bette Davis in -the leading roles. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Entertainment of an unusually high standard is provided by the brilliant musical comedy " Roberta," which is delighting large - audiences at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. The film owes much of its outstanding success to the matchless dancing of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, while other notable features are the beautiful singing of Irene Dunn, who takes the main acting role, and the magnificent frocking. The story is good, with a pleasing Strain of bright comedy and a charming romance. There is a splendid selection of shorter films also being shown. CAPITOL THEATRE A programme of unusual merit to bo presented at the Capitol Theatre to-night will be headed by the powerful historical romance, " The Barretts of Wimpole Street." This film is notable for the distinguished performance of the great character actor Charles Laughton in the leading role, and other major parts are played by Norma Shearer. Fredric March and Ralph *Forbes. An additional attraction will be the stage appearance of Sarah Stacpoole, one of Auckland's most talented sopranos, who will be heard in several items. J/ 1 PRINCESS THEATRE Two of America's most popular comedians, Wheeler and Woolsey, are the principals of thq. hilarious farce "Kentucky Kernels." which is the main attraction on an enjoyable programme at the Princess Theatre.- An exciting comedy drama, "The Daring Young Man" also is being shown. ALEXANDRA THEATRE The charming comedy drama " The Little Colonel," which is the first film now being shown at the Alexandra Theatre, is particularly notable for a strong cast, vvhiefr is headed by Shirley Temple and Lionel Barrymore. " Murder on a Honeymoon " also is being shown. EMPRESS THEATRE The first picture on a splendid programme at the Empress Theatre is tho Laurel and Hardy comedy " Them Thar Hills." " When a Man's a Man " (George O'Brien) and the sophisticated romance " Society Doctor " (Chester Morris and Billie Burke) also are being shown. WEST END THEATRE Margaret Sullavan and Herbert Marshall form a delightful combination at the head of a fine cast in tho whimsical romance " The Good Fairy," which is the main attraction at the West End Theatre. "Captain Hurricane" also is being shown.

CIVIC THEATRE Thrilling mystery with a generous dash of humour is the fare provided in "Star of, Midnight," which commenced a season at the Civic Theatre yesterday. "Star of Midnight" is a tale of murder and intrigue centred in New York. Its plot is well conceived, for it is of that all too rare type in which the culprit is not revealed in tho first few minutes. The interest is maintained throughout, and the climax is startlingly dramatic. "Star of Midnight" is notable in that William, Powell and Ginger Rogers are featured for the first time together. They make an excellent team. Powell takes the part of Clay Dalzell, a lawyer, who finds himself embroiled in a most ainazing series of' plots and counter-plots. In order to secure some important letters left by his friend, Douna Martin (Ginger Rogers) in the apartment of a young man-about-town, he visits the young man, secures the letters, and learns that his host is mixed up in a gangster feud. The disappearance of the leading lady in a play, "Midnight," follows shortly after, and introduces a most baffling mystery. Then comes the strange shooting of a newspaper reporter, who has chanced on some clues. Both Dalzell and a friend, Winthrop, are suspected, for they were near by when the tragedy occurred. Murder is again attempted, but on this occasion it is unsuccessful, though the man who fired the shot is once more undetected. It is rightly suspected that one person is responsible for all the crimes, but the unmasking proves most difficult. The surprises that have filled the picture from its beginning are overshadowed by the surprise occasioned when tho culprit is revealed. Powell's acting is of a standard that he has rarely reached before. He Is bright All the time, but on occasions he is vastly amusing. Ginger Rogers shows a flair for straight acting, as distinct from her undoubted talents for dance and song, while her activities in courting the none too willing Powell are always a source of laughter. Others who appear with distinction in the film are Leslie Fenton, Ralph Morgan, Russell Hopton, Vivian Oakland, Francis McDonald and Gene Lockhart. STATE THEATRE The celebrated American comedian Eddie Cantor if seen at his best in the spectacular musical comedy "Kid Millions," which is the main attraction on a splendid programme now being shown at tho State Theatre. The film presents many beautiful ballet scenes and has a delightful musical score. The supporting programme includes one of Walt Disney's best coloured cartoons, "The Tortoise and the Hare." NEW REGENT THEATRE Thrilling entertainment is provided by tho screen version of Charles Dickens' classic mystery story " The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which is the main attraction at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. Claude Rains and Heather Angel are the principals, The hilarious fnrce "Are You a Mason?" also is being shown. ADELPHI THEATRE The talented juvenile actress Shirley Temple gives a charming performance in the leading role of the comedy drama " The Little Colonel," which heads an enjoyable programme at the Adelphi Theatre. A second attraction is an exciting mystery film, "Death Flies East." " JUDAS MACCABAEUS " The Auckland Choral Society has chosen for its first concert of the season Handel's celebrated oratorio, Judas Maccabaeus," which will be presented in the Town Hall on Thursday night. There will be a full chorus and orchestra under the baton of Mr. Colin Muston. Assisting artists are Messrs. J. McCarthy and Len Barnes and Misses Sarah Stacpoole, Mavis Beadle and Winifred Johnson. Miss Edith Whitelaw will lead the orchestra.