ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22197, 26 August 1935, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Exceptionally large audiences are being attracted to St. James'"Theatre, where tho film version of one of the most popular of Dickens' works, "David Copperficld," is being % screened. The great length of the book and the number of its characters are only two of the difficulties which have been successfully overcome by the producers. Hie film is undoubtedly one of the finest to come from the studios of Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer, a company which has been responsible for many excellent pictures in recent years. The cast does great credit to tho immortal characters, the most notable performances being eonributcd by Basil Rathbone, Edna May Oliver and Freddie Bartholomew. PLAZA THEATRE Notable for the fine characterisations of the talented Hulbort brothers, "Bulldog Jack," the current attraction at the Plaza Theatre, is enjoying a popular season. With Jack Hulbert portraying the stern and manly Bulldog Drummond tho theme cannot fail to bo humorous, but it is made particularly effective by Hulbert's unique gift of burlesque. The plot may easily bo taken for a genuine adventure of tho celebrated Drummond, but Hulbert finds himself in even greater difficulties than those to which Drummond is accustomed. The role affords tho comedian ample scope for caricature, a branch of acting in which he undoubtedly excels. Claude Hulbert gives excellent support as the inimitable Algy Longworth, while Fay Wray also gives a sound performance.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Richard Dix gives one of the finest performances of his career in "The Arizonian," the first film on the double-feature programme now being presented at tho fioxy ami Tivoli Theatres. The source of the popular song, "Roll Along Covered Waggon," tho picture makes fine entertainment from start to finish. Margot Grahame also gives an excellent performance in the principal feminine part. "Lightning Strikes Twice" is the second attraction. The inimitable comedians, Wheeler and Woolscy, appear in "The Nitwits," which will be shown at tho theatres for the first time on Wednesday. MAJESTIC THEATRE One of tho latest Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer productions, "Mark of the Vampire," is the main attraction on the well varied programme at the Majestic Theatre. The supernatural beliefs of the European peasantry form the basis of tho theme and the story maintains the interest to the end. The film has particularly strong cast, including such well-known and talented players as Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allen and Jean Hersholt. In addition to an interesting selection of newsreels one of the popular Charlie Chase comedies is being shown. CIVIC THEATRE Entertainment of the finest type is provided in "Ginger," which is the main attraction at the Civic Theatre. The picture is notable for tho very fine portrayal of Jane Withers, an eight-year-old actress, who achieved prominence by her performance with Shirley Temple in "Bright Eyes." Tho story brings out all her ability as an actress capable of portraying both whimsical and sentimental moods with the skill of a player of mature experience. The story is endowed with a large amount of pathos, but cleverly introduces a few lighter touches of humour and the interest is never allowed to flag. Others in the cast are Jackie Searl and 0. P. Heggie. In addition to the films Dennis Palmistra gives a selection of numbers on the Civic grand organ.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Excellent teamwork is provided by Paul Robeson and Leslie Banks in "Sanders of the River," the film version of one of Edgar Wallace's thrilling novels, which is being screened at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. The sterling portrayal of Sanders by Mr. Banks and the singing of Paul Robeson, as Bosambo, are the two outstanding features of the picture. The photography, especially of the river scenes, is well done, and technically the film leaves nothing to be desired. Nina Mae McKinney and Tony Lane both give sound performances and the acting throughout is of a very high standard. The supporting programme includes some of the ingenious Walt Disney cartoons, "Three Little Pigs," "The Pied Piper," and "Mickey's Service Station." STRAND THEATRE Widespread attention has been aroused by" tho performances of Aleko and Panthea, two celebrated Egyptian illusionists and mental telepathists, who are appearing on the stage at the Strand Theatre this week. Several remarkable telepathic feats are demonstated by the pair, the names of members of the audience being announced from the stage and their thoughts revealed. There also is a particularly spectacular and mystifying act entitled " The Dismembered Princess." "Strangers All," a. cleverly-produced comedy-drama, is being screened on the same programme. The leading roles are taken by those ever-popular actors, Mav Robson and Preston Chambers, while there is a capable supporting cast. LONDON CINEMA "Lawyer Man," with William Powell in the "principal role, is tho first film being shown at the London Cinema. "Sundown Rider" (Buck Jones) is tho second attraction. EMPRESS AND ADELPHI Prize night will be observed at the Empress and Adelphi Theatres tonight. Prizes to the value of £2O will be distributed at each theatre, and entertaining programmes of films have been arranged. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Clivo Brook and Madeline Carroll are the principals of "Tho Dictator," the main film 011 the programme that is being presented at the* Crystal Palace Theatre. "There Goes Susie" is tho second film. RIALTO THEATRE "Things Aro Looking Up," with Cecily Courtneidge in the leading role, is the main film on tho programme that is being shown at the Rialto Theatre. "It's a Small World" (Spencer Tracy) also is being presented. TUDOR CINEMA

"Forsaking All Others" is tho main film on the'well-varied and entertaining programme that is being screened before largo audiences at the 1 udor Cinema. There is a wide selection of topical uowsroels. BRITANNIA THEATRE Ono of the finest animal films ever shown in Auckland, "Sequoia" heads the programme at the Britannia Theatre. "laving on Velvet" also is being screened.

REGENT THEATRE With a fascinating background of Elizabethan England the long awaited historical romance "Drake of England" heads the programme being screened at the Regent Theatre. The romantic clement is but a sotting for the stirring tale of action which formed such a significant part of Britain's history. The picture is mainly concerned with the career of Drake, whose courage anil ability in opposing the sea strength of Spain won him the admiration and interest of Queen Elizabeth. Political intrigue and romance provide the material for many fascinating subsidiary plots, but the principal theme with all its pageantry of battlo is always dominating. There is a wide selection of shorter films. STATE THEATRE One of the notable films of the year, "Lives of a Bengal Lancer," heads the programme being presented at the State Theatre. With a story of stirring action and human interest, the film moves at a fast pace and makes firstclass entertainment. There are a number of interesting shorter pictures.