ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22198, 27 August 1935, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Hilarious comedy is provided by Jack Hulbert in the title rolo of "Bulldog Jack," which heads tho current programme at the Plaza Theatre. All the excitement of the "Bulldog Drummoiul" series of novels is retained, but a liberal sprinkling of humour is added by the Hulbert brothers. Jack, who composed tho dialogue, creates a humorous Drumtnond to perfection. Fay Wray, the player of the feminine lead, is cast as Ann Mandors, a charming young lady found in distress (and of course rescued) by Bulldog Jack. Tho part of Aigy Longworth is taken by Claude Hulbert, who has tho difficult task of making this character of fiction even more humorous. To be shown on Friday is an exceptionally clever production entitled "The Bride of Frankenstein." Tho re'alism of this film is astonishing, tho machine-man, Boris Karloff, being exceptionally convincing. Others 011 tho cast are Valerie Hobson, Colin Clive and Elsa Lanchester.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Richard Dix and Margot Graliame, both artists of much talent, appear in "Tho Arizonian," which continues to draw large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The second feature, which is also proving popular, is entitled "Lightning Strikes Twice." The principals in this picture are Ben Lyon and Thelma Todd, who provide some most refreshing and entertaining comedy. WHEELER AND WOOLSEY Another of Wheeler and Woolsey's laughter-making successes, " The Nitwits," is to have its initial screening at tho Roxy and Tivoli Theatres tomorrow. The irrepressible humour of these two comedy artists has always appeal to a large number of theatregoers, and this film is a most entertaining production. To be shown on the same programme is "The Awakening of Jim Burke," with Jack Holt in tho loading rolo. MAJESTIC THEATRE Weird mystery and uncanny thrills combine effectively to produce good entertainment in "Mark of the Vampire," at present being screened at the Majestic Theatre. Bela Lugosi, tho fantastic monster in "Dracula," appears in this production as Count Mora, ono of tho "living-dead." Ho is supported by Carol Borland, who is cast as his daughter Luna. The enjoyable supporting programme includes "Tho Lost Chick." a coloured cartoon, and "Fighting Fish," an entertaining variety film. CIVIC THEATRE Attractive holiday entertainment is provided by "Ginger," in which tho youthful artists Jane Withers and Jackie Scarl make their first appearance together, tho principal picture being screened at the Civic Theatre. Good direction and a clever arrangement of the story have given the film an appeal to every member of a family. It is a combination of enjoyable comedy and touching pathos, and is proving extremely popular. To contribute further to tho entertainment, Dennis Palinistra gives somo export renderings on tho grand organ. REGENT THEATRE British daring, in tho days when Queen Elizabeth's men undertook reckless piratical raids to please her, forms the subject of "Drake of England," the picture which is creating enthusiasm at the Regent Theatre. Matheson Lang plays tho leading role with distinction and restraint, and sets the high standard maintained throughout the film. Tho part of Elizabeth is taken by Athene Sevier, who gives an excellent interpretation of the varied character of the "Pirate Queen." During tho afternoon sessions the Nigger Minstrels, a company consisting of 40 performers, give delightful items on the stage. A nature film, which has many unique features in its story, entitled "The Call of the Wild," is to be shown on Friday. The principals in this unusual production aro Clark Gable and Lorctta Young, who give still further proof of their ability. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD A well-selected programme, hoaded by "Sanders of the River," is enjoying great popularity at tho National and Princo Edward Theatres. The two principal actors in this film aro Leslie Banks and Paul Robeson, who, although taking different parts, vie with each other in giving the best performance. The supporting programme includes a collection of some of the best of Walt Disney's cartoons. Among them aro "Three Little Pigs" and "Mickey's Service Station." STATE'THEATRE Courage and daring as displayed by tho British forces in Northern India is the subject of " The Lives of a Bengal Lancer, a successful season of which continues at tho Stato Thcatro. The principal parts in this attractive film are taken by Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone and Richard Cromwell. JRIALTO THEATRE Cicely Courtnoidgo, the inimitable comedy actress, appears in " Things aro Looking Up," wliich.heads the current programme at tho Rialto Theatre. Showing in conjunction with this film is ono of Spencer Tracy's more recent successes, " It's a Small World." These two films form an enjoyable and entertaining combination. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Highly dramatic and appealing, "The Dictator," in which Madeleine Carroll and Clivo Brook appoar together, will continuo showing at tho Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. Also on tho programme is an entertaining comedy " There Goes Susie," Geno Gcrrard being tho principal actor. LONDON CINEMA " Smoky," the first picture to be presented on tho programnio of tho London Cinema to-day, deals with the history of n remarkable horse, the name of which gives tho film its title. Boris Karloff's triumph " The Mummy," is the second attraction. The difference between the two types of productions widens their appeal, giving them promise of great popularity. STAR CINEMA Two most entertaining productions entitled " Men in White," and "Thirty Day Princess " aro to bo shown for the last time at tho Star Theatre to-day. The programme to commence screening to-morrow includes "Sons of the Desert," a delightful comedy presented bv Laurel and Hardy, and an enthralling mystery " Tho Return of the Terror." TL'DOR CINEMA The alluring actross Greta Garbo plays opposite Herbert Marshall in the screen version of Somerset Maugham's novel, "Tho Painted Veil," which is to be shown at the Tudor Cinema tonight. A most enjoyable series of supporting films completes the entertainment,

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Showing a great depth of insight into tho characters of Dickens, tho screen version of the famous novel "David Copperfield" is delighting the largo audiences attending St. James' Theatre. Much attention has been given tho selection of players to fill the large cast, such able performers as W. C. Fields, Edna May Oliver and Freddie Bartholomew having been chosen to take the leading parts. The entertainment is a brilliant achievement. Supporting films of great interest are included 011 the programme. STRAND THEATRE Performing somo extremely mystifying illusions, Aloko and Panthea, the two Egyptian entertainers, continue to prove popular at the Strand Theatre. Perhaps their most fascinating performance is that of mind-reading, in which one of tho entertainers, moving among tho audience, reads the thoughts and tells the names of people, through the medium of announcements from the stage. The picture "Strangers All" is being screened in conjunction. May Hobson and Preston Foster appear together in this film, which forms a fitting conclusion to an enjoyable entertainment. BRITANNIA THEATRE Charming Irene Dunne is the leading actress in "Sweet Adeline," which appears with "One Hour Late" on the current programme at tho Britannia Theatre. The principal parts in the latter picture are taken by Joe Morrison and Helen Twelvetrees.