ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22192, 20 August 1935, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Although tho outstanding musical romance "Naughty Marietta" is still showing to large audiences at iSt. James' Theatre, the film will conclude its season on Thursday to make way for coming attractions, The main feature of this simple but highly entertaining film is the glorious singing of .leanette Mac-Donald and Nelson Eddy and the brilliant comedy of Frank Morgan and Elsa Lancaster. There is a fine programme of supporting pictures. " DAVID COPPERFIELD " Acclaimed as one of the best films .vet produced, ,the screen version of Charles Dickens' immortal story "David Copperfield" will open a season at St. •lamcy' Theatre on Friday. Everywhere the picture has been shown it has run for an extended season and its popularity in Auckland seems assured. Adapted from the novel, it should please both lovers of Dickens and those who are in search of first-class entertainment. Not only would the story itself ensure the success of the film, but the producers have made doubly sure by choosing a superlative cast. Among tiie well-known players are Lionel Barrymore, W. C. Fields, Roland Young, Herbert Mundin, Edifii May Oliver, Lewis Stone and Freddie Bartholomew. PLAZA THEATRE Screen acting at its finest is seen in "Break of Hearts," showing at present at the Plaza Theatre. With tho assistance of Charles Boyer, Katharine Hepburn has succeeded in making one of tho most entertaining and pleasing romances to come to Auckland for a number of months. John Beal ("The Little Minister") and Jean Hersholt also are in tho cast. There is an interesting selection of shorter films which includes the latest newsreels and a musical novelty, "A Night at the Biltmore Bowl." ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES " The Great Hotel Murder " a thrilling and powerful drama, heads tho well varied programme being presented at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. The picture moves at a. fast pace and has a fascinating plot which sustains the interest to the very end. A record of the recent match for the world's championship boxing title between Baer and Braddock also is being shown. MAJESTIC THEATRE The romance of the Mississippi showboats of last century is brought to the screen in "Mississippi," the delightful musical film which heads the new programme at the Majestic Theatre. Bing Crosby is seen in the role of the notorious "singing killer" of the river, the killing part of the name being supplied by the stage manager and riverboat captain, whose part is taken by W. C. Fields. Playing opposite Crosby are two popular actresses, Joan Bennett and •.Gail Patrick. An excellent supporting programme includes a Grantland Rice "Sportlight" and a Graham McNamee Newsreol. CIVIC THEATRE One of the most powerful dramas to come from the Hollywood studios for many months, "The Informer," continues to attract large audiences to the Civic Theatre. The leading role in this unusual story of poverty and povertystricken people 1 is taken by Victor McLaglen as Gypo Nolan. With tho object of removing his sweetheart from i her sordid and depressing surroundings, ! ' Nolan descends to the basest of crimes j to gain his ends. In doing this he causes ( the death of his best friend. Others ; in a fine cast are Heather Angel and i Margot Grahame. ".GINGER" Jane "Withers, the brilliant juvenile actress, who appeared with Shirley Temple in "Bright Eyes," has her first loading role in "Ginger," an appealing comedy-romance tMiich will commence an Auckland season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. Many overseas critics have prophesied a most successful career for Jane Withers. STRAND THEATRE The indefatigable Charlie Chan continues his ramblings in "Charlie Chan in Egypt," the mystery film which is being shown at the Strand Theatre. The reputation for originality which has been earned by the Charlie Chan films is fully maintained in this new production, which has for its sotting tho musty catacombs of tho Valley of the Kings. Also on the programme is "Ladies Love Dancer," with Mona Barrie and Gilbert Roland. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Richard Barthelmess and Gertrude Michael appear together' in "Four Hours to Wait." the unusual and thrilling film which heads the attractive double-feature programme at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The second picture on the programme is a romantic comedy, " Enter Madame," Tho principals are Elissa Landi and Cary Grant. STATE THEAYRE The beautiful Russian actress Anna St.cn is seen in her latest film, "Wedding Night," tho main attraction on the programme to be shown for the first time at the State Theatre tonight. Also appearing in a prominent part is Gary Cooper. LONDON CINEMA Tho screen version of tho popular novel "The Bitter Tea of General Yen" heads the programme to be presented for the first time at the London Cinema to-day. 'The second attraction is "That Night in London." STAR CINEMA "The Thin Man" (Myrna Lov and William Powell) and "You're Telling Me" comprise the programme to be presented at the Star Cinema for tho last time to-day. "Looking for Trouble" and "Tho Trumpet Blows" will be screened at the theatre for a short season commencing to-morrow. TUDOR CINEMA Katharine Hepburn and John Bcal give sound performances in the leading roles of "The Little Minister," the | main film on the program mo at tho Tudor Cinema. There is a wide selection of shortor films. BRITANNIA THEATRE The hilarious comedy "Mrs. Wiggs of tho Cabbago Patch" is the first film on the programme being shown at tho Britannia Theatre. "Broadway Through a Keyhole" also is being screwed. RIALTO THEATRE Jan Kiepura, tho brilliant Polish tenor, is heard in many delightful numbers in tho entertaining film, "My Heart is Calling," which heads the programme being presented at the Rialto Theatre. " Song At Eventide " also is being shown. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE " Bella Donna," a gripping and powerful screen drama, is tho main attraction at the Crystal Pa lac?" Theatre. Co lira d Veidt gives a fine performance in the leading role. The second picture is "It'| a Small World."

REGENT THEATRE The well-known English actor Leslie Banks gives an outstanding performance in "Sanders of the River," tho Edgar Wallace film which is at present enjoying an extended season at the Regent Theatre. Scenes of exceptional beauty in Central Africa are a feature of the production, while an added attraction is a selection of negro songs by Paul Robeson, the celebrated baritone, Good singing is also heard from a young negro actress, Nina Mae McKinney, who takes the role of Lilongo. "Mickey's Service Station," a hilarious Walt Disney cartoon, beads the supporting programme. To have its initial presentation on Friday is the eagerlyanticipated historical drama of one of the most picturesque figures in the pageant of the" rise of England, "Drake of England." Besides stirring the soul of every true Britisher, it should provide excellent entertainment for all filmgoers. The talented character actor Matheson Lang appears in tho title role. PRINCESS THEATRE " The Big Brain " and " Headline Shooters " comprise the programme being presented at the Princess Theatre.