ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22179, 5 August 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE [ The film "Forgotten Men," at the ( Majestic Theatre, entirely justifies the wide attention which it is attracting, j This picture is one of the most im- j portant screen productions of recent • years, and has the avowed object of c emphasising tho grim realities of war. In this it succeeds. It is a connected series of actual film photographs taken j" during the courso of operations on all fronts and under all conditions during the Great War, many of which were secured by special permission from tho , archives of tho British Government, and it carries a guarantee of authenticity. Almost terrifying in its stark ® reality, it avoids all heroics. All aspects of the war are depicted—all the bru- 1 tality, ghastly cruelty and stupefying 1 Jiorror—as well as tho effects at home. * "Forgotten Men" is a film which 3 makes a lasting impression on all who see it and it teaches a timely lesson t which will not easily be forgotten. " 2 CIVIC THEATRE i An atmosphere of unusual charm J pervades the romantic drama, "Our ' Little Girl," which is arousing enthusiasm at the Civic Theatre. This delightful film has in the leading role the talented juvenile actress, Shirley Temple, who performance is a re- 1 markable feat for so' young a child t and entirely justifies the special award i made her by the Academy of Motion t Picture Arts and Sciences. It is dis- i tinguished by all the naive grace, and 1 charm of personality which have won i her such wido popularity in her pre- . vioua successes. The story is good and well presented, and has strong emotional appeal. Miss Temple has the part of a child whose affection and sympathy overcome a domestic i crisis in tho lives of her parents, ] played by Adrienne Ames and Joel Mc- ] Crea. Other well-known artists who . give outstanding performances are , Lyle Talbot and J. Farrell McDonald. Much of the action takes place in a ; circus, and there arc many excellent - circus acts, 1 I REGENT THEATRE ' In the title role of the great historical drama, u Abdul the Damned." at the Regent Theatre, the celebrated Austrian actor, Fritz Kortner, gives one of the most brilliant character studies ever presented on the screen. As the last Sultan of Turkey he depicts phases of this tyrannical despot's cruel, sensuous and treacherous character with exceptional skill, and has the assistance of a very strong cast of well-known artists, including Adrienne Ames, Nils Asther and John Stuart. The film follows the maze of intrigue between the Young Turk party and the Old Turk party, and is 'historically accurate. An appealing romantic interest has been introduced and the whole production is rich in natural drama. Tho settings are magnificent. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Exceptional success continues to attend the delightful operetta ".Naughty Marietta," which is noiy in its third week at St. James' Theatre. The fascinating story and the talented acting alone would afford excellent entertainment, but the chief charm of the film lies in the glorious musical score, and in the skill and enthusiasm with which this is handled by the two principals, Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy. The latter artist has in this, his screen debut, proved himself one of the'finest singers on the screen, and ; has a virile personality and great acting ability, I The outstanding musical number is the duet "Ah, Sweet "Mystery of Life," . sung : by the principals. PLAZA THEATRE The thrilling mystery'drama, /The Triumph of Sherlock Holmes," at . the Plaza Theatre, brings to the screen one of the most fascinating characters in detective fiction in the film version of one of his creator's greatest; novels, "The Valley of Fear." The story is ingenious and exciting throughout. A man is murdered in a sinister castle and the official detective, Inspector Lestrade, another of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's best-known characters, calls on tho assistance of Holmes to solve the mystery, which is excellently presented with a tense atmosphere of dramatic suspense. The title role is played with distinction by Arthur Wontner, and others in the cast are lan Fleming and Leslie Perrins. The film is a triumph for the English studio which produced it. , STRAND THEATRE Tho film version of Thorne Smith's popidar novel, "Night Life of the Gods," at the Strand Theatre, has proved one of the most diverting comedies yet brought to tho screen. Dealing with certain pagan gods who suddenly materialise in human form and take part in New York night life, it is rich throughout in uproarious humour. The leading players are Allan Mowbray, Peggy Shannon and. Henry Armotta. A second attraction at this theatre is a delightful jnusical film, "I Like. It That Way." Rdger Pryor and Gloria Stuart aro tho principals. TUDOR CINEMA Thero is a wealth of catchy music and sparkling comedy in the spectacular musical extravaganza. "Kid Millions," which is enjoying a popular season at the Tudor Cinema. This is the fifth annual production of the inimitable American comedian Eddie Cantor. There is an excellent supporting programme. LONDON CINEMA Thrilling entertainment is provided by the film "The Eagle and the Hawk," an exciting air drama, which is proving popular with patrons of the London Cinema. A strong cast is headed by Fredric March, Cary Grant and Carole Lombard. A wide and interesting selection of shorter films also is being shown. STATE THEATRE Tho talented dramatic actress, Barbara Stanwyck gives one of her finest performances iu the powerful drama "Tho Woman in Red," which will open a season at tho State Theatre to-day. Capable support is given by Gene Raymond. A particularly interesting selection of shorter films will complete an enjoyable programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The celebrated operatic tenor Jan Kiepura is heard at his best in the delightful musical romance "My Heart is Calling," which will be shown for the first time at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. This film has an excellent nntsi- . cal score and much gay humour, which l is mainly handled by the popular English comedian Sonnio Halo. i. < < t RIALTO THEATRE An attractive programme to be shown for the first time at the Rialto Theatre ' to-day will be headed- by the charming ropnantic drama "The Little Colonel," with the popular juvenile Shirley ■ Temple in the leading role. Others in ; the cast are Lionel Barrymoro and Evelyn Venable. . ~ , • I GILBERT AND SULLIVAN CONCERT ' The delightful selection of popular numbers from tho Savoy operas pre--1 sented by tho Auckland University Col--1 lego Music Club in the college hall on , Friday will bo repeated to-night..

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Tho main attraction on the splendid double-feature programme to be fihown for the last time at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres to-morrow night is an exciting drama, "The Best Man Wins,'' with Edmund Lowe, Jack Holt, Bela Lugosi and Florence Bice in the leading roles. This film concern* the adventures of two deep-sea divers on opposite sides of the law t\nd makes thrilling entertainment. A hilarious comedy, "Doubting Thomas," with the inimitable Will Bogers in the leading role, is the second film. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD "The Scarlet Pimpernel," which is attracting large audiences to the National and Prince Edward Theatres and is now in the fourth week of its Auckland season, must rank as one of the greatest historical dramas of recent years. The stirring times of the French Revolution provide a colourful background and the film presents one of the most thrilling stories of adventure in English literature. Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon are the principals, and their acting, as well as that of the strong supporting cast, is brilliant throughout. KOWHAI SCHOOL OPERETTA A colourful operetta, "The Enchanted Well,' 1 will be presented in Scots Hall to-night by pupils of the Kowhai Intermediate School. This production contains several rousing action songs and many delightful dance numbers. Further performances will be given to-mor-row night and on Monday night, August 12. CHARITY CONCERT. An attractive programme has been arranged for the charity concert to be presented in St. Benedict's Hall tomorrow night. Among the assisting artists will be Miss Theo Halpin, pianist, Mr. Robert Simmers, baritone, Miss Connie Whieford, violinist, and Mr. Rowland Moore. Classical dances will be given by the pupils of Madame Edith Baird, and other items by the Catholic Repertory Society Reading Circle and the Verona Dramatic Society.