ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22225, 27 September 1935, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE Charles Ruggles and Mary Boland, tlie popular pair who excel in humorous portrayals of married life, should provide patrons of the Majestic Theatre with unlimited fun when their latest production, "people Will Talk," opens a season to-day. Still remembered for their brillant performance in the outstanding film "Ruggles of lied Gap," this pair are responsible for even more hilarious incidents. The story revolves about the gossip of n small town, and the efforts of the husband to stop it. The delightful vagueness of Ruggles makes an admirable foil to the indomitable personality of Mary Boland, and in a story of this description they are seen at their best. Romantic interest is supplied by Leila Hyams and Dean .Tagger. Maintaining tho comedy note in the supporting programme is another quaint "Pop-Eve the Sailor" cartoon. Then there is a splendid Sportlight film showing tho outstanding swimmers Johnny Woismuller and Katherinc Rawlcs, and the fnmous golfers Bobbie Jones and Gene Sarazen, and others. Several newsreels will complete what should prove to be a most enjoyable programme.

CIVIC THEATRE A refreshing romanco set in the colourful pioneering days provides the popular Janet Gaynor.with a novel and interesting role in "The Farmer Takes a Wife," the production to have its initial screening at the Civic Theatre to-day. Since her early pictures, such as "Seventh Heaven,"- this dainty and charming actress has had a largo following, and her admirers will not be disappointed with her latest effort. In her last film. "One More Spring," Miss Gaynor revealed an acting ability which she had not previously shown, and in "The Farmer Takes a Wife" she recaptures the delightful gaiety of "State Fair." Centring around the privations and courage of the pioneers, and their strict customs, the film has tho added advantage, of simple romanco and homely humour to' make it a thoroughly enjoyable one. Appearing in support of Miss Gaynor is the clover child actress Jane Withers, whose recent success in "Ginger" made her a strong rival to Shirley Temple. Others in a very strong and talented cast are Slim Snmmervillo, the mournful comedian, Henry Fonda and J. Farrell Mac Donald. In addition to a fine selection of shorter films Dennis Palmistra will play "Motion Picture Theme Songs" on tho grand organ.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Admirers of Jean Harlow, William Powell and Franchot Tone will have another opportunity of enjoying their polished acting in the drama of backstage life "Reckless," which will commence the second week of its season at St. .James' Theatre to-day. The film is a splendid combination of music, comedy and drama, and with a bright and gay story, has a wide appeal. Included in the supporting programme is a coloured cartoon. "When the Cat's Away" and a "Pop-Eve the Sailor" cartoon. PLAZA THEATRE The brilliant historical romance produced entirely in natural colour "Becky Sharp" will commence the second week of its season at the Plaza Theatre today. Marking a new era in motion picture entertainment, tho film is a series of beautiful pictures. With the added attribute of action the picture is an outstanding one. Adapted from Thackeray's "Vanity Fair," the story revolves about the witty coquette Becky and her attempts to rise to a high social position. In the title rolo Miriam Hopkins is splendid and excellent support is given by Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Bruce, Alison Skipworth and Colin Tapley, There is also a fine subsidiary programme.

"LOVE ME FOREVER" One of the most eagerly-awaited productions to be shown soon is "Love Me Forever," in which the beautiful Grace Moore is the principal, which will be the next attraction at the Plaza Theatre. Ever since her remarkable success in "One Night of Love" admirers of glorious singing and splendid acting have been awaiting her next production, and the indications are that "Love Me Forever" will enjoy the same success. The film is a musical drama, a story of a wealthy New York girl who loses her money and then has ambitions to make a name for herself in the world of song. In addition to excerpts from "La Boheme" and "Rigoletto" there are several airs which should prove equally as fascinating as "One Night of Love." Appearing in support of the brilliant Metropolitan Opera House singer are Leo Carillo, as a music-lov-ing gambler, Louis Alberni as his excitable assistant, and Michael Barnett, a lyric tenor from the Now York stage. STRAND THEATRE Koplete with catchy tunes, hilarious comedy and spectacular scenes, "Brewster's Millions," which heads the splendid double-feature programme to be shown for the first time at the Strand Theatre to-day, provides Jack Buchanan with an excellent opportunity to indulge in another of his light-hearted portrayals which have won him the title of the most popular British comedian. A novel story tells of the difficulty of a young man to spend a large sum of money in six months so that he can inherit an even larger legacy. Contrast with this fast-moving comedy is provided by the clever mystery drama "Warn London," which completes the programme. The leading players are Edmund Gwenn, John Loder and Leonora Corbett. STATE THEATRE The film version of Edith Wharton's Pulitzer prize-winning novel "The Age of Innocence," is the main attraction on the programme to commence a short season at the State Theatre to-day. In the main roles aro Irene Dunne and I John Boles. The second picture is a thrilling mystery drama, "While the Patient Slept." Heading a talented cast of players are Aline McMahon, Guy, Kibbee and Lyle Talbot.

BRITANNIA THEATRE "The Casino Murder Case," with Paul Lukas and Alison Skipworth, heads the new programme at the Britannia Theatre. "A Girl of the Limberlost" also is being shown. r RIALTO THEATRE "Fighting Stock," an hilarious English corned}', in which the leading roles are taken by Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, is the principal attraction on the current programme • at the Rialto Theatre. "Air Hawks" is the second picture. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Jano Withers, a delightful juvenile actress, appears in "Ginger," an unusual comedy film which will bo shown at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-night. "Spring Tonic," with Low Ayres and Claire Trevor, also will be screened. « PRINCESS THEATRE Thrills in plenty are provided in the mystery film "Alias Mary Dow," which will be iscreened at the Princess Theatre to-night. Also on the programme is "Ginger,"! a delightful comedy.

REGENT THEATRE Dazzling spectacle, brilliant dancing and singing and delightful romance are the main features of the highly entertaining musical comedy "Go Into Your Dance," which will open a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Produced by Warner Brothers, who ano now famous for their spectacular musical films such as "The Gold-Diggers" series and "42nd Street," this production ably maintains their traditions. However, the film is not merely a collection of disjointed scenes, but each one is knitted together by an interesting story. Of main interest is the remarkable, dancing of Ruby Keelcr. Then there is the everpopular A 1 Jolsoti, also famous for his dancing and singing. Uproarious comedy is supplied by the inimitable Glcnda Far roll and Patsy Kelly. Two of the Kongs which should become very popular are "About a Quarter to Nine" and "She's a Latin From Manhattan." Heading a particularly fine subsidiary programme is a beautiful musical film "Gipsy Sweetheart," which is produced in the new technicolour process. An added attraction to-morrow morning will be the celebration at the theatre of Mickey Mouse's seventh birthday, when a special programme will be screened, headed by the Eddie Cantor extravaganza "The Kid From Spain."

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD S. S. Van Dinc's well-known figure Philo Vance comes to life in the screen version of his thrilling mystery story "The Dragon Murder Case," which is the first of two entertaining full-length films to bo screened for the first time at the National and Prince Edward Theatres to-day. Maintaining the suspense from the opening scene, the film is one of absorbing interest. The leading parts are taken by Warren William, Margaret Lindsay and Lyle Talbot. Completing the programme is the musical romance "Over the Garden Wall." with Bobby Howes and Marian Marsn. I" ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES One of the most unusual crime comedies ever produced in Hollywood, "Passport to Fame," continues to attract large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Notable for the splendid dual role performance by the celebrated character actor, Edward G. Robinson, the film provides outstanding entertainment. Robinson is cast as a meek little hardware clerk who is mistaken for a notorious escaped criminal, his exact double. The gangster manages to escape detection by. posing as the book-keeper, and there are many thrilling and amusing complications. Playing opposite to Robinson is the beautiful actress Jean Arthur. The second attraction is "Unknown Woman," a drama of young love, with a thrilling background of New York crime. The principal parts are taken by Marian Marsh, Richard Cromwell and Douglas Dumbrille, while others in a fine cast are Nana Bryant and Henry Armetta. STAR CINEMA "You Can't Buy Everything" and "Father Brown, Detective," will be shown for the last time to-night at the Star Cinema. The new programme to commence to-morrow comprises "Tarzan and His Mate" and "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round." LONDON CINEMA Romance and musical comedy are skilfully blended in "Moonlight and Pretzels," the new picture at the London Cinema. Roger Pryor, Leo Carillo and Mary Brian are the principals. The second film on the programme is the modern drama "Child of Manhattan." TUDOR CINEMA Maurice Chevalier and Jeanette MacDonald are seen together again in "The Merry Widow," the film version of the Lehar opera, which will commence a short season at the Tudor Cinema today. There is a bright supporting programme.