ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22191, 19 August 1935, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

RECENT THEATRE The glorious voice of Paul Robeson, one of the best screen singers of his class, is heard to advantage amid the excitement of "Sanders of thn River," the extended period of whica has, if anything, improved its popularity at the "Regent Theatre. Restrained and well-studied acting by Leslie Banks makes the tenseness of the picture all the more noticeable. Scenesi of unparalleled beauty are one of the marked characteristics of this excellent film. Through it all runs the thread of excitement, centring round Sanders, and of romance, centring round Paul Robeson a.s Bosambo and Nina May McKinney as Lilongo. Tho latter's native lullaby is a particularly pleasing piece of good singing. A good supporting programme, including another of Walt;, Dishey's cartoons entitled "Mickey's Service Station," is also being featured. ST. JAMES' THEATRE By reason of the appearar ce of two | such talented singers as Jeanette Mac- j Donald and Nelson Eddy, "Naughtv Marietta" at the St. James' Theatre promises to achieve outstanding popularity. The picture has the advantage of having two artists instead . of a single one as in "One Night Of I Love," and competes with the latter in entertainment. The story in this film is, although simple, verv interesting and full of opportunities, which are taken full advantage of by the actors. How well their delightful songs have been received by Auckland audiences may be judged by tho large attendances during this well-extended season. "DAVID COPPERFIELD " "David Copperfieid," which is to commence a season at St. James' Theatre on Friday, has been made with the objects of preserving as much of the classic story and as many of the famous characters as possible, while at the same time providing an entertainment of universal appeal. In achieving these objects the producers have been most successful. Judging by the* well-selected cast, which includes W. C, Fields as Micawber, Freddie Bartholomew as David, and Edna May Oliver as Aunt Betsy, this film is assured of a very successful season. Not only are these talented artists in the principal parts, but attention has been paid to the smaller roles. Such distinguished actors as Lionel Barry more, Lewis Stone, Roland Young, and Herbert Mundin have been chosen to fill the smaller though important parts. PLAZA THEATRE Before her latest picture;'"Break of Hearts," showing at present- at the Plaza Theatre, Katharine Hepburn was considered an actress of ability. Now she must be regarded as practically supreme in her class. With the assistance of a clever actor like Charles Boyer, she has succeeded in forming one of the most delightful romances that has ccme to the screen for some time. The third factor on which the success of this production has depended is the masterly direction. Philip Moeller by bi3 execution of the difficult scenes in this picture has shown what his studios are capable of. On the cast have been placed some very distinguished actors, notably Jchn Beal and Jean Hersholt. The entertainment presented by this picture is o:c a very high ' standard. ROXY AND TrVOLI THEATRES Thrilling and unusual entertainment is provided by the myster?..drama, "The Great Hotel Murder," which heads the programme to be screened for the last, time at the Rosy and Tivoli Theatres to-morrow. Also being shcrn is an interesting record of the roeent world's championship boxing mifcch between Baer and Braddock. MAJESTIC THEATRE "Mississippi," Bing Crosby's latest singing triumph, heads tne well-varied programme at the Majestic Theatre. W. C. Fields aids and abets this masterly singer, who appears in a somewhat unsophisticated role, in the earning of the notorious reputation of t;he "Singing Killer." As Commodore Jackson, Fields excels himself. Braggart and lively, drinker, he talks his company of actors into fame and his audierices into roars of laughter. Laugh follows laugh as quickly as thrill follows thrill in this hectic medley. of songs and hilarity. Queenie Smith, as "Alaliam." dances beautifully, and the Cabin Kids are a delight to hear. The excellence of the main feature is equalled by the fine supporting programme. STRAND THEATRE Two excellent pictures are being featured in conjunction at the Strand Theatre. The attraction of "Charlie Chan in Egypt" continues, and Warner Oland's acting is undoubtedly the reason for it. The m.rstery and intricacy of the story suit his* unassuming style to perfection. Pat Patterson, who appears as the lending feminine artist, gives a perform;.nee which is also noteworthy. Mona Uarrie and Gilbert Roland use their opportunities to the full in "Ladies Love Danger," a cunningly-made roman'ti: drama. The former appears as a sophisticated modern lady, and the latter as the inevitable and looked-for bachelor. Both show an ability of no mean order. Enjoyable featurettes round off the well-chosen programme. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD An unusually attractive dotiblofeature programme composed of "Four Hours to Wait" and "Enter Madame" continues to draw attention to the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The distinguished cast of the first film is headed by Richard Eartbelmess and Gertrude Michael, boi.h artists of talent. The famous and popular actress Elissa Landi plavs opposite Cary Grant in the second picture. The two films form a most palatable mixture of daring drama and beautiful romantic comedy, which marks the programme as deserving of enthusiastic support. STATE THEATRE Ihe talented character actor Warner Oland is seen in "Charlie Chan's Courage," which is the first of two lull-length films at the State Theatre. Completing the programme is " The White Cockatoo" (Ricsrdo Cortez). BRITANNIA THEATRE " Lives of a Bengal Lancer," which is generally considered one o.f the best pictures of the j-ear, is the main attraction at the Britannia Theatre. Gary Cooper and Frarehot Tone take the leading parts. - /■ . y; <;.• * - - : TUDOR CINEMA The bright and sparkling Viennese musical comedy, " The Night Is Vouug," will have. its final screening at the Tudor Cinema to-night. The principals are Evelyn Laje and Ramon Navarro. LONDON CiNEMA George Bancroft and Wynne Gibson are the principals in "Lady and Gent," the main attraction at the London Cinema. The second picture m "liiding Tornado."

CIVIC THEATRE Playing in one of the most powerful roles of iris career, Victor McLaglen heads the distinguished cast of "The Informer," a successful season of which continues at the Civic Theatre. A passionate drama of the poorest of the poor, this human story has as its motivating force the burning desire of a certain Gypo Nolan for money. With the object of taking his sweetheart away from their surroundings, he is willing to go to any lengths. He descends, therefore, to the basest of crimes to gain his ends, taking this as the only means. As the result of his crime, he brings about the death of his best friend. There is much pathos in the appeai of this splendid drama, and the acting is of a high standard. As an indirect result of his "informing," Nolan becomes mortally wounded. The final scene, laid in a church, is an outstanding piece of concentrated drama. Although McLaglen is the principal actor, his high standard is emulated by the distinguished feminine cast, which includes Heather Angel and Margot Grahame. Una O'Connor <is worthy of special mention, as having performed one of the most difficult roles she has handled. RIALTO THEATRE The brilliant Polish tenor, Jan Kiepura, sings several tuneful songs in the film "My Heart Is Calling," which beads the programme at the Rialto Theatre. Also being shown is "Song at Eventide." CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The gripping and powerful drama "Bella Donna" is the main attraction on the programme to be (shown for the first time at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. The principal iB Conrad Veidt. Completing, the programme , is "It's a Small World." EMPRESS AND ADELPHI THEATRES Numerous novel and useful presents will be distributed at the Empress and Adelphi Theatres to-night. A picture programme also will be shown.