ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Largo audiences continuo to patroniso Katharine Hepburn's latest screen triumph, "Break of Hearts," which is now drawing to the close of its season at tho Plaza Thoatre. Tho artistry of this comparatively recent "find of American studios is fully brought out by this film. Charles Boyer, who appears with her, is a French actor of talent, very well chosen to play opposite Miss Hepburn. There is a great appeal about every scene and phase of this romance, which accounts for its popularity. There is a good supporting programme. "BULLDOG JACK" Tho characters of tho well-known Bulldog Drummond scries of novels tiro used.in an ingenious comedy, "Bulldog Jack," which is to bo screened on Friday at tho Plaza Theatre. Irrepressible Jack Hulbert and his brother Claude are the principals. The former is seen deputising for Bulldog Drummond, in whose place ho has to carry on a certain "job." The latter appears as Algy Longworth, who is a second maker of comedy. The villainous plots of tho "Sapper" books are somewhat burlesqued by this film. Fay Wrav, as tho inevitable pretty young lady victimised by criminals, is admirably suited to her role. The villain of tho piece is a certain Morelle played by Ralph Richardson. Although the picture is primarily a comedy with a touch of burlesque, thrills are not lacking. A deserted tube railway offers ample and unusual opportunities. Knowing the popularity of the Bulldog Drummond novels, the studios have chosen very favourable ground for what promises to be a most unusual comcdv.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Entertainment of a most enjoyable nature is to be presented at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Richard Dix, whoso excellent portrayal in "•Stingaree" will always be remembered, appears in the masculine lead of "The Arizonian." He is an actor of great ability. "The Arizonian" is a very entertaining mixture of "Western" adventure and particularly good singing. "Moll Along, Covered Waggon," which is featured, is a popular song, and it will become all the more so when audiences have hoard it in this picture. Margot Grahame and Preston Foster also appear in the cast. On the same programme is a delightful comedy, "Lightning Strikes Twice." In this picture Hen Lyon and Thelma Todd cause roars of laughter from the first scene. Skeets Gallaher also has a leading role. The combination of two such enjoyable pictures is an excellent guarantee of good entertainment from start to finish.

MAJESTIC THEATRE J3ing Crosby, Joan Bennett and W. C. Fields supply the delightful songs, romance and comedy of "Mississippi," now being screened before large audiences at the Majestic Theatre. The story is set on the gayest and most romantic showboat of the Mississippi, the old lliver Queen. The film provides an entertainment well above the average. An excellent programme of supporting pictures includes "Nerve Control," a Sportlight reel, and Pop-eye the Sailor in "Pleased to Meet Cha !'*

"MARK OF THE VAMPIRE" Uncanny mystery and a strange romance on a background of sinister shadows characterise "Mark of the Vampire," the next picture on the Majestic Theatre programme. Bela Lugosi, who is very well suited to this type of picture, has the leading part. Romance is provided by pretty Elizabeth Alleu and Henry Wads worth, while Jean Hersholt appears as the dominating Baron Otto. The photography is particularly effective.

CIVIC THEATRE Ireland, with its turbulent passions and deep feeling, is an excellent field for the drama of " The Informer," which is continuing its popular season at the Civic Theatre. Victor McLaglen stands out above the rest of the distinguished cast by his powerful characterisation. As Gypo Nolan, helpless weaver of his own tragic destiny, ho shows to the full his versatile ability. Also on the cast are Heather Angel and Margot Grahame. Dennis Palmistra plays enjoyable items on the Civio grand organ.

" GINGER " Jane Withers, who first drew attention to herself when she appeared with Shirley Temple, appears in a leading position in the cast of "Ginger," which is to be screened at the Civic Theatre on Friday. Little Miss Withers sets a new style in comedy entertainment in this picture, which caused the comment by a critic that the film was a great beginning for what promises to be a great career. Jackie Searl, as a pampered child of rich parents, plays an excellent part for one of his years. He offsets his little feminine partner to ferfection. As Jane's foster-uncle, 0. Heggie gives an outstanding performance. He> appears as a brokendown Shakespearian actor and is the object of orphan Jane's affections. The scope for comedy is great, when a more or less ill-bred orphan is transported to a rich home, there to meet a very proper young boy just a little older. The little actress lives up to. the predictions that critics have made about her and provides a most enjoyable piece of entertainment.

REGENT THEATRE Leslie Banks and Paul Robeson, while playing entirely different roles, combine to make an outstanding success of "Sanders of the River," which heads the Regent Theatre's current programme. Leslie Banks, as the great white Lord Sandi, gives a clover and powerful portrayal. Cast in the role of Bosambo, his trusted yet humorously cunning ally, Paul Robeson brings his powerful bass voice into play to the delight of the audience. His paddle song is extremely noteworthy. Nina Mao McKinney appears as Lilongo, the native wife of Bosambo, and her part is also well played. An excellent series of supporting pictures is being shown.

"DRAKE OF ENGLAND" Tho long looked-for drama of Elizabethan days, "Drake of England," is to commence a season at tho Regent Theatre on Friday. Matheson Lang, who is cast in tho title role, "plays his part with great distinction The picture is rather a spectacular piece of drama than a screen biography, and is very well made. Political intrigue nnd a love interest supply subsidiary plots. Tho exciting and highly dramatic climax is formed from the tremendous battle with the Armada. As a study of Elizabethan England tho picture is unusually convincihg. An important stage-effect, the musical score, arranged by G. H. Clutsam, is a feature of tho production and is particularly praiseworthy. There is a distinguished supporting cast. As an added attraction, the Nigger Minstrels will appear on the stage.

STATE THEATRE Tho noted actress Anna Sten, about whom such romantic stories are told, appears with Gary Cooper in "The Wedding Night," which will bo screened at the State Theatre this evening. A Mickey Mouse cartoon is included in the programme. "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," in which Gary Cooper also appears, is to be shown on Friday.

ST., JAMES* THEATRE The outstanding popularity of "Naughtv Marietta," now being screened at St. James' Theatre, continues during its last few days. The singing of tho principals. Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy, is a feature of the film and its high quality has been proved by an extended season. Faultless sound reproduction has helped in tho film's success. "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life" is as popular now as it was when the operetta was first staged. The film ma 3' bo regarded as a triumph in tho motion picture world. There is a good supporting programme. "DAVID COPPERFIELD" Regarded by many as Dickens' best novel "David Copperfield" has been brought to the screen and to bo shown on Friday at St. James Iheatre. Freddie Bartholomew appears as David, and without his clever portrayal of childish emotions and sufferings much of tho film's power would bo lost. Scupulously faithful to tho book, it is a profoundly satisfying entertainment. Not R singio wrong note is struck throughout the film. Tho characters appear on the screen just as readers ot Dickens imagine them. An_ excellent Micawber is made by W. C. Fields, and an equally good Aunt Betsy by Edna Mav Oliver. The smaller characters are also ablv portrayed, distinguished actors having'been chosen to fill the parts. Lionel Barrymore, Madge Evans and Lewis Stone are among those most noteworthy. This picture is expected to bo very popular, having enjoyed extended seasons in other countries.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Richard Barthelmess heads the distinguished cast of "Four Hours to Wait " a powerful drama, on the pro gramme of the National and Prince Edward Theatres. There is niucli clever acting in this picture, which appeals* through 'ts pathos and excitement. "Enter Madame," the second picture, is a musical romance of a very high standard. The leading parts are played bv Elissa Landi and Cary Grant, lo commence a season on Friday are Girl from 10th Avenue and Shadow of Doubt," and both promise to be most enjovable films. Bette Davis appears in tho first, and Ricardo Cortez and Virginia Bruce play opposite each other in the second.

STRAND THEATRE Two very fine mystery films appear in the current programme of the Strand Theatre. "Charlie Chan in Ecvpt," an exceptionally exciting drama, has Warner Oland in the principal part. Plenty of scope is afforded him to display his unusual talents. Mona Barrie and Gilbert Roland appear together in "Ladies Love Danger," another mystery drama of a different type. This picture deals with sophisticated modern life, in a large modern city, while the former film deals with romance and crime amid the mustv tombs of ancient Egypt. Ihe two form ji most entertaining combination.

ALEKO AND PANTHEA Two Egyptians, Aleko and Panthea, are to appear on the stage at the Strand Theatre on Friday. Holding very high honours in the study of the occult, these two, with three others of their company, have toured the world, spending much time in Japan and the Far East. They will be playing for at least an hour, and will give some excellent demonstrations of the mysteries of mental telepathy. The unusual and uncanny nature of this subject should attract large audiences, who are assured of a most unusual entertainment.

LONDON CINEMA An unusual and impressive drama, "The Bitter Tea of General Yen," heads the current programme at the London Cinema. Nils Asther and Barbara Stanwyck are the principals. The second feature, "That Night in London," has Robert Donat in the leading role, and'is an exceptionally beautiful romantic story.

BRITANNIA THEATRE W. C. Fields and Zasu Pitts head the cast of "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch," the first picture on tonight's programme at the Britannia Theatre. The leading artist in the second film, "Broadway Through a Keyhole," is Constance Cummings, a player of great talent.

TUDOR CINEMA Katherine Hepburn has the feminine lead in "The Little Minister," a verv popular and appealing romance, heading the current programme at the Tudor Cinema. Among the other capable actors is John Beal. who also gives an excellent portrayal. There is a good supporting programme.

CAPITOL THEATRE An attractive double-feature programme is to be presented at the Capitol Theatre to-night. Gertrude Michael and Paul Cavanagh appear in "Menace," a thrilling mystery drama. "Java Head," the second picture, has a. distinguished cast, headed by Anna May Wong and John Loder.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE One of the best actors of his class. Conrad Veidt, the well known British actor, appears in " Bella Donna," the first picture in to-night's programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The enjoyable film " It's a Small World," the second feature, has Spencer Tracy and Wendy Barrie as the principals.

RIALTO THEATRE Acting with Marion Marsh, Joel McCrea gives an excellent performance in " The Sport Parade," being screened at the Rialto Theatre to-night. "Lore on the Spot" also is helnc screened, with Rosemary Ames in the leading feminine role.