ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22202, 31 August 1935, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE All the romance, glamour and primitive struggle'for existence which characterised the wild "gold rush" days of the Klondyke have been skilfully captured in "The Call of the Wild, Darryl Zanuek's talking picture version "of Jack London's most popular novel, whjph was shown for the first time to largo audiences at tho Regent Theatre yesterday. The book was splendid melodrama, and had tho very essence of reality, and it has lost nothing in its translation to the screen. Tho essential grimness of the story remains in the film, which, at times, has a breath-taking beauty. In a, talking'play, easily lending itself to possible exaggeration, at tho expense of reality, Mr. Zanuek has contrived, very successfully, to fashion an entertainment which never fails to retain intense /interest. From tho striking opening episode until tho end of the film, there is no hiatus in a story replete wtih action, played against a background of eternal snow- In a particularly brilliant and well-chosen cast, Clark Gable, as Jack London's swashbuckling'hero Jack Thornton, is the dominating figure. Gable has recently attained .new heights of popularity as a player of comedy roles, but his admirers will welcome his return in "Tho Call of the Wild" in a part which gives him ample scope for his virile personality. In spito of this, Jack Oakie almost "steals" the picture as Hoolihan,- Thornton's comical companion 'in a lonely and dangerous search for a gold mine in tho wastes of the Yukon. The romantic interest is provided by the appearance of the beautiful Loretta Young, who givfa a bewitching and charming performance. The story of "The Call of the Wild" is familiar to most filmgoers, who will remember the touching affinity between Thornton, the grim seeker of gold, and Buck, the wild loader of the "huskies," who leaves his master in answer to a stronger call. Realism is the keynote of the film, and there are some splendid scenes of Nome and Dawson City, in tho days of the gold boom, when life was cheap and fortunes were lost and won on the throw of a dice. In support of "Call of the Wild" there is a series of shorter films which are an entertainment in themselves. A Paramount newsreel gives a graphic representation of outstanding. world events, including the recent boxing bout between Petersen and Neusel, and the Air Force Review at Hendon. Another attraction is a cleverly conceived " Merry Melody " entetainment,' but the most interesting shorter filgi is a Walt Disney creation, "Mickey's Kangaroo," in which the ever-popular Mickey is at his antics again, This cartoon was dedicated by its creator to Australia and New Zealand. It is alone worth going to see.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The excellent patronage accorded the Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer interpretation of Charles Dickens' "David Copperfiekl" has resulted in an extension of the successful/season at St. .James' Theatre. The film gives an authentic presentation of the author's most familiar work, and the approval with which it has been met by critics everywhere is a tribute to the work of Hollywood in bringing a, great story to the screen in such a realistic manner. Freddie Bartholomew and Frank Lawton play David Copperfiekl as a boy and as a man respectively, and their work is convincing. Other interesting characterisations are those of W.C. Fields as Micawber, Roland Young as Uriah Eeep, and Edna May Oliver as Aunt Betsy, but the characters who appear 60 vividly in literature are all excellently played on tho screen. The spirit of the story has been captured, and the temptation to caricature has been rigidly avoided. PLAZA THEATRE With its grotesque settings, its intense excitement, and its remarkably fine acting, "The Bride of Frankenstein," which opened a season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday, is a fitting sequel to "Frankenstein," the weird and terrifying drama that was released about three years ago. For those who enjoy a thrilling film "The Bride of Frankenstein" will provide first-rlass entertainment. The picture is another triumph for Boris Karloff, who, as the. mon&ter in the original film, was 60 successful. Karloff again takes the part of , that strange, horrible fiend and, in equally as difficult a role, is equally as successful. Colin Clive is well cast as Frankenstein, creator of the monster, and admirably plavs the part of one who is awed and shocked at the results of his experimenting. Ernest Thesiger, as Dr. Pretorius, tho mad scientist, is most convincing in a role that Requires an abundance of talent, while Valerie Hobson, as Elizabeth, makes a strong appeal. Muchdesired comedy relief is offered by the inimitable TJna O'Connor, as Minnie, and her every appearance never fails to draw forth, a ripple of laughter. "The Bride of Frankenstein" continues the story of "Frankenstein." The burning of the mill at the conclusion of the first picture did not spell the death of the monster, as was thought, fftr he is saved from the flames by being almost iipmersed in a well. He escapes and once again- throws the whole countryside into a state of terror. His creator finds himself forced to continue his experiment* with the evil Dr. Pretorius. They begin the task of creating a mate for the monster. Frankenstein hates the work and refuses to continue. Pretorius brings the monster in and tries to frighten him. Again Frankenstein objects and the monster then steals Elizabeth, the ■woman who is to be his wife. Pretorious promises her safety if the \york is continued, and Frankenstein submits. The mate is created, but she is repelled bv the sight of her fellow, who, in 'his rage, pulls a lever and causes a terrific explosion. Pandemonium reigns, and out of the chaos none escape but Frankenstein and Elizabeth.

CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE The author of "Freckles" nnd "The Girl of the Limberlost," Gene Stratton Porter, has produced another classic. " Laddie/' the screen adaptation of •which will ho shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. with Warner Baxter in the leading role. .The second picture is "Mr. Dynamite," with Edmund LoWe as the leading player. STRAND THEATRE. ONEHUNGA One of the greatest historical successes of the year, "Olive of India," with Loretta Young and Ronald Colman sharing the laurels, will he screened at tho Strand Theatre. Onehunga, to-night. An excellent supporting programme, including a Walt Disney cartoon, also will he screened. BRITANNIA THEATRE A splendid douhio-foature programme to he screened at tho Britannia Theatre to-night' is headed by "Shadow of Doubt," with Constance Collier and ficardo Cortez in the leading roles, he second attraction is tho sophisticated drama "After Office Hours," with Clark Gable and Constance Bennett as the leading players. / LONDON CINEMA With the comedian W. C. Fields nnd Peggy Hopkins Joyce in the leading roles, the film " International House should prove a great attraction at the London Cinema to-day. The second film on the programme will be the comedy " They Just Had to Get Married/" with Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts as the leading

CIVIC THEATRE John Boles, ono of the most popular singer-actors in Hollywood, is starred in the Fox picture "Orchids to You," on the new programme at tho Civic Theatre. This is tho story of a young florist's fling at romance when she tires of ministering to the love atlairs of her customers. The plot is novel and full of moving dramatic situations. The dialogue is brisk and witty, and the natural comedy of Charles Butterworth has a rare quality. Jean Munis the pretty florist whose trade secrets could break a thousand hearts if they passed her lips, lint they did not, though tho resultant troubles nearly break her own. Professional etiquette is strictly preserved at a high cost, but pays big deferred dividends in romance. John Boles, as a clever society lawyer, gives another of his charming performances. Jean Mujr, one of the younger stars, is almost as beauteous as her bouquets, and Uutterworth has a part that fits him liko a glove. The direction of William A. Seiter makes tho most of the good material and a brilliant cast. Picture patrons will like "Orchids to You" for its rather unusual form. It is not a type picture, but combines a judicious mixture of drama, comedy and romance in an extraordinary story. The remainder of the Civic programme is of the usual high entertainment value. Of particularly poignant interest are some newsrool

"shots" of tho late Queen of Belgium, who was killed in a motor accident this week. They show her as a dignified and handsome queen loved by her subjects. The newsrool covers a notable event in Belgian history—tho unveiling by the bereaved King Leopold of a monument to Cardinal Murcier, whose stand in Belgium during the Great War focussed on him tho eyes of the world. Another interesting feature 01 the programme is a nature film ot tho denizens of tho Mexican desert —owls, lizards, , snakes and spiders. A cartoon and other newsreels add to the variety. On tho musical sido, items are given by Dennis Palmistra at tho Wurlitzor organ, and bv Ted Healey's New Civio Cabaret Band.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The first picture 011 a double-featuro programme, to bo screened at tho Boxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day, is "Tho Nitwits," with Wheeler and Woolse.v iu the leading rolls. This is a picture which tho children should see,' as its riotous humouV will doubtlessly appeal to juvenile audiences The scene is Tin Pan Alley, New York's "Latin Quarter," where Woolse.v invents n lio-dotoct-ing machine and Wheeler composes songs with murder as their theme. A murder is committed, and Wheeler's sweetheart is suspected. However, unusual success attends them in the roles of amateur detectives and she is eventually cleared. The situations which arise in their pursuit of the "Black Widow" form splendid entertainment. Betty Gable in the leading feminine role handles it very successfully. She sings several new songs, among them being "Music In My Heart" and "You Opened My Eyes." The other feature is the thrilling drama, "The Awakening of Jim Burke," with Jack Holt in tho leading role. 1 v CAPITOL THEATRE The magnificent epic of British militarism in India, "Lives of a Bengal Lancer," with Franchot Tone, Gary Cooper and Richard Cromwell as the leading artists, will be exhibited at the Capitol Theatre to-night. An additional attraction will be Stewart Harvey 011 the stage. He'will sing several numbers, including "01* Man River" and "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" (from "Naughty Marietta").

TUDOR CINEMA With Claudette Colbert, of "Cleopatra" fame, in the lead, and Fred MacMurrav playing opposite, " The Gilded Lily" should prove to be a very popular attraction at the Tudor Cinema to-night. A splendid supporting programme, including a "Popeye" cartoon, will also bo shown. At today's matinee there will be a special children's programme NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Well-known for his performances in several successful films. Colin Clive has the leading role in The Girl From 10th Avenue," which is the main attraction at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Completing the double-feature programme is "Havana Widows " with the popular comediennes Joan Blondell and Glenda "Farrell in the leading roles. The latter film will doubtlessly appeal to those who have a taste for sheer wit and riotous tfomedy. The two pictures should attract large audiences and have a very wide appeal. ' STRAND THEATRE Another opportunity is afforded patrons of the Strand Theatre to see William Powell, tho suave detective of " The Thin Man " and tho brilliant lawyer of "Evelyn Prentice" in the thrilling romantic-drama " Star of Midnight." which heads the programme at the theatre to-da\'. Sharing the laurels .with .him is the well-known dancer of "Roberta" famej Ginger Rogers. The story is delightfully light and crisp, as is the dialogue. William Powell portrays his favourite character —that of a society detective. A splendid' supporting programme, including a coloured cartoon " Kittens' Parade," also will bo screened

STATE THEATRE Patrons of the State Theatre will j to-night ho entertained by the excellent j musical film " Sweet Adeline " with ' Irene Dunne in the leading role. The j second picture to be screened will he j the film version of Zime Grev's wellknown novel " Home on tho Range." .STAR CINEMA The screen adaptation of Dumas' great novel, "The Count of Monte Cristo," with Rohert Donat in the title role, will be screened at the Star Cinema to-day. The second attraction is the riotous comedy, "It's a Gift." EMPRESS THEATRE Walpolo's famous novel "Vanessa" is the theme for the film of the same name, which will be screened to-night at the Empress Theatre. Tho leading roles are played by Robert Montgomery and Holen Hayes. The second attraction is the drama "The Best Man "Wins." PRINCESS THEATRE "Under the Pampas Moon," a musical comedy with Warner Baxter and Hetty Gallian in tho leading roles, is the first film on the programme to ho screened at the Princess Theatre to- ( night. The second picture is the air drama. "Holl in the Heavens." ALEXANDRA THEATRE " Roberta," a delightful musical comedy, will be shown at the Alexandra Theatre to-night. The leading roles are taken by Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Fred Astaire. "Lightning Strikes Twice" also will be shown. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT " Under the Pampas Moon," with Warner Baxter and Ketti Gallian. heads the now programme at the State Theatre, Devonport. " It's a Small World" is the second picture. NEW EMPIRE THEATRE With Joan Crawford, Clark Gable and Franchot Tone in the leading roles. " Forsaking All Others " will bo screened at the Now Empire Theatre to-night.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Entertainment of the brightest variety is presented in "She Loves a Uniform," the new attraction at- the Majestic Theatre, which was enjoyed to the full by large audiences at all sessions .yesterday. Patricia Ellis anil Larry Crabbe have the leading roles. The' story relates the adventures of a beautiful young heiress, who has a passionate regard for uniforms. Evidently the maxim she worked on was tho more gorgeous the uniform, the more romantic the man. Hor father, a hard-headed American business man, had other ideas. He preferred to part with his money rather than lot his daughter elope .with doorkeepers and other persons in regalia, lint, in spite of his close watch on her. and in spite of the patient devotion of her fiance, Hector Wilmot, Clarice Van Clove manages to contrive a meeting with a uniformed "gigolo," Georgie by name, and follows him to New York. Georgie, 011 tho point of departure, leaves her with some of his friends—four stagey gangsters—and her efforts to introduce them to the refining influence of a home form somo of tho fuiiniest scenes of the film. Eventually, however, Clarice comes to her senses when she discovers Georgie for what ho is and. to the intense satisfaction of all concerned, she marries the less interesting but more staid Hector Wilmot. The film moves rapidly, and the dialogue is always bright. Tho scenes depicting tho activities of the infamous Sunshine Joe and his partners are humorous in tho extreme, but the film all through is one endless chapter of laughs. Variety is the keynote of tho very interesting supporting programme, which, in addition to a Botty I3oop cartoon and a newsrool, includes an unusual film, entitled " Manhattan Rhythm," depicting scenes in New York's business centre. The photography in this film is particularly good and the scenes of New York's night life are of exceptional interest. Members of tho Hawke's Bay Rugby representative team were present at tho evening session yesterday.

SUNDAY PICTURES .Being screened for the first time tonight nt the Ilialto Theatre is the comedy-mystery " Watch Beverly," with Francis X. Bushman in the lead* ing role. Tho second attraction is "Private Business," with Phillip Strange and Molly Lamont as the premier players. A short address entitled "Fascism a Menace to Freedom: New Zealand at the Cross Roads," delivered by tho Rev. J. H. G. Crapple, will precede the film "Lovo's Old Sweet Song," with John Stuart in tho leading role, which will bo screened at tho Strand Theatro to-morrow (Sunday) night.