ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22226, 28 September 1935, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE . Charm won for Janet Gaynor tho succession to Mnry Pickford as "the world's sweetheart." Since the silent days of the films her unique position in the cinema world has not been seriously challenged. Why this is so, and how it comes about that she can command something closo to film idolatry year after year, may bo judged in the Fox film "'She Farmer Takes a Wife," now showing at tho Civic Theatre. To attempt an analysis, one may put her conquest down to her petite charm and domesticity. In "Tlio Farmer Takes a Wife" she is a bargee's cook on America's historic inland waterway, the Erie Canal, and it is agreed on all hands that she is a very good cook, too. Charles Bickford as the bargee has another of his characteristic parts. The third party completing this triangle is Henry Fonda, a newcomer to leading parts. He is Dan, a canal bank driver, who longs to become a farmer. As the shy, but purposeful, youth, he, plays a true actor's part. Slim Summervillo has a good secondary role. In addition to the interest of tho story, thero should bo mentioned tho sotting of life in tho days before the railroads abbreviated distances in America, and put the canal out of business. The production stands to the crcilit of Winifield Sheehan, and the direction was in the capable hands nf Victor Fleming. Supporting features included a Tfrrytoon of outstanding merit, burlesquing a night at the opera, Mack Sennett in a serious role on a shark-fishing excursion along the Cnlifornian seaboard, and various topical gazettes and scenic pictures. Denis Palmistra sings popfilar cinema theme songs at the grand organ, and Healey's orchestra supplies another musical interlude. ST. JAMES' THEATRE The popularity of the three leading players in the musical comedy " Heckless," Jean Harlow, William Powell and Franchot Tone, is shown by the fact that the film has been extended for a second week at St. James' Theatre. Full of gay comedy and witticisms with an interesting story, this Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer production has a wide appeal. Jean Harlow is beautiful and talented in the principal part, while tho polish of William Powell makes an admirable foil for the boyishness of Franchot Tone. In the part of a New York stage actress, whose marriago to a young man of wealth ends in tragedy, Miss Harlow acts with a fine sense of drama. The supporting cast includes May Robson and Nina Mae McKmney, who scored such a success in "Sanders of the River." Like "The Thin Man," tho film abounds in crisp dialogue, which keeps the audienco chuckling with merriment, except in tho more dramatic passages. The catchy songs in elude "Reckless," "Down at Clancy's" and "Neath a Peruvian Moon." Tho subsidiary programme is headed by a splendid coloured cartoon, "When tho Cat's Away," while there is another of the popular "Pop-Eye the Sailor" cartoons.

- PLAZA THEATRE Based on Thackeray's immortal "Vanity Fair," the colour film "Becky Sharp" continues to attract large audiences to the Plaza Theatre. Photographed in natural colour, the picture brings to the screen the beauty of the costumes of last century. Excellent and discrimination has been shown in the use of the colour, the settings and dresses being designed by the noted American artist, Robert Edrnond Jones. Miriam Hopkins gives an exceptionally fine performance in the title role, while the capable supporting cast includes stfch well-known actors 'a.«i Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Bruce,- Alison Skipworth and the New Zealander, Colin Tapley. Adhering closely to the novel in treatment, period and locale, "Beckv Sharp" deals with the London of the early 19th century and traces the meteoric career of a clever beauty who uses her vrit and charm to conquer the hearts of the leading figures of the day and overcome social barriers. There is an entertaining supporting programme. "LOVE ME FOR EVER" Claimed to bo even better than the Ehenomenally successful "One Night of love," "Love Me For Ever," Grace Moore's latest film, will commence its Auckland season at the Plaza Theatre shortly. A new method of reproduction, known as "perspective recording," is being used for the first time in this new picture and it is stated by overseas critics that Miss Moore's voice reveals more richness than in "One Night of Love." The cast includes Michael Bartlett and Leo Carillo.

STATE THEATRE Irene Dunn, John Boles-and Helen Vinson have the leading roles in "Tho Age of Innocence," tho main attraction on the current programme jit the State Theatre. Also being shown is an unusual and thrilling mystery drama, "While tho Patient Slept." Aline McMahon, Guy Kibbee and Lyle Talbot head a talented cast.

RIALTO THEATRE Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn are tho principals of tho hilarious farce "Fighting Stock," which heads tho programme at the Rialto Theatre. The second attraction is "Air Hawks," with Ralph Bellamy and Wiley Post. STAR CINEMA Heading an entertaining doublc-fea-;turo programme at the Star Cinema is tho outstanding film " Trans-Atlantic Merry-Go-Round." The second attraction is the unusual production "Tarzan and His Mate," with Johnny Weissmullcr and Maureen O'Sullivjin in tho leading parts. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Tho brilliant child actress Jane Withers gives a splendid portrayal in tho romantic comedy drama " Ginger," the main attraction on the programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Also being screened is " Spring Tonic," with Low Ayres and Claire Trevor. DE LUXE THEATRE ' " Vanessa " and "10 Dollar Raise " are the two films which are being presented at tho De Luxe Theatre. PRINCESS THEATRE " Ginger " (Jack Searle and 0. P. Heggie) is tho first of tho-two fulllength films being presented at the Princess Theatre. " Alias Mary Dow " also is being shown. SUNDAY PICTURES Jack Hulbort and Renato Muller are tho principals of "Sunshine Susie," the main film on the programme being presented at the Rialto Theatre tomorrow night. The proceeds are in aid of local charities. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The outstanding comedy drama "Ruggles of Med Gap" heads the programme at tho Strand Theatre, Onehunga. The second attraction is "Crime Without Paßsion." CAPITOL THEATRE "Fashion Gaieties" (William Powell and Bettc Davis), is the main attraction on the programme at the Capitol Theatre. "Woman In Red" also will be screened. A special stage attraction will be a performance by Jadoo, tho magician.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Charlie Ruggles, whose delightful comedy in "Rugglcs of Red Gap," in which he appeared with Charles Laughton, is still remembered with relish by Auckland filmgoers, makes a welcomo reappearance on the screen in "People Will Talk," the Paramount production which opened a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. It kept large audiences chuckling. Charlie Ruggles, it reveals, has lost none of his flair for the quiet type of comedy which has made him famous, and, in spite of serious opposition from a talented supporting east, he has no difficulty in holding tho stage. His performance, apparently effortless, but so satisfying, is the true art that conceals art. In the slightest gesture he conveys a wealth of subtlety and .meaning. As a tender-hearted husband who becomes inveigled in a tenuous mesh of matrimonial complications, through no fault but that of circumstance, he hns been 'given a role which affords him every facility for his particular tyix) of comedyt He is still delightfully hnlf-hositant nnd unassuming, to come through, as usual, with flying colours. In fact, ho comes through covered with glory, to be folded in the arms of a proud, comely and slightly fat wife, a part excellently played by the popular Mary Roland, who has gradually won for herself a. definite niche in Hollywood. Occasionally she "steals" scones from the redoubtable Charlie Buggies, with whom she appeared in "Ruggles of Red Gap." The performance of this pair in Peoplo Will Talk" gives rise to the hope that they will bo seen together again in many pictures to come. Their latest production is replete with comical situations, it has been skilfully directed and tho dialogue is nicely "cut," suitably crisp and always funny. Tho interest, naturally, is sustained until tho end, not only by virtue of the comedy, but also by a charming love interest, for which Leila Hyams and Dean .Jagger, two delightful young people, are largely responsible. Tho wonder of their marriage is yet upon them, but a breach, unhappily, occurs. It is in his effort to heal the breach that the girl's father (Charlie Ruggles) sinks into a morass from which he only just escapes. A comical episode in the film is a "framed" wrestling match promoted by a women's club, and refereed by Charlie Ruggles. There is an interesting programme of supporting films, including a. Universal Newspaper News reel, a Grantlarul Pice Sportlight and a comical cartoon, in which "PopEye the Sailor" appears.

REGENT THEATRE A 1 Jolson, one of America's most popular stage entertainers, and Rubv Keeler, his wife, take the principal parts in "Go Into Your Danc6," Warner Brothers' latest musical film which commenced a season at tho Regent Theatre yesterday. The Warner Brothers Companj' has won a high reputation for the standard of its musical productions and "Go Into Your Dance" has the samo qualities that made "42nd Street" and "Dames" such notable successes. Tho scintillating dancing of Ruby Keeler and the spectacular chorus and ballet scenes are lavishly staged and excellently photographed. Some remarkable effects are achieved on elaboratelvbuilt stage sets and bcene merges into scene with dazzling variety. A 1 Jolson is seen to advantage in the part of A 1 Howard, a Broadway "star" who is barred from vaudeville because of his failure to fulfil his engagements. Jolson's screen personality is such that it is easy to understand his popularity in the " United States. Outstanding numbers in which he sings and dances are "About a Quarter to Nine" and "She's a Latin From Manhattan." Some amusing scenes are provided by the efforts of tho inimitable Patsy Kelly, to persuade Jolson of her ability to dance. The production is also noteworthy in that it lias a far stronger plot than most musical films. It achieves a really exciting climax. Tho supporting programme is headed by a Paramount newsreel with splendid pictures of the Davis Cup challenge round matches between Great Britain and the United States. Impressive scene at the funeral of the late Queen of the Belgians also are shown. Other items include an amusing cartoon and "Gipsy Sweetheart," a short musical film in colour. An additional attraction this morning will be a special children's session to celebrate Mickey Mouse's seventh birthday. A special programme of Mickey Mouse cartoons and Walt Disney "silly symphonies will be screened, headed by the film version of Mark Twain's classic "Huckleberry Ifinn."

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES "Passport to Fame," "one of the most unusual and fascinating crime comedies to conio from the Hollywood studios, is the first film on the entertaining double-feature programme enjoving a successful season at the Roxy arid Tivoli Theatres. The celebrated character actor, Edward G. Robinson, gives a sterling portrayal in the leading role. Robinson is cast as a meek little hardware clerk who is captured in mistake for a notorious criminal to whom ho bears a striking resemblance. Tho criminal in turn escapes detection by posing as tho innocent clerk. The plot allows a liberal amount of spontaneous humour and makes excellent entertainment. The beautiful actress Jean Arthur gives a convincing performance opposito Robinson, while there are a largo number of supporting players. "Unknown Woman," a modern romance set against a background of New York, is the second picture. Marian Marsh, Richard Cromwell and Douglas Dumbrille aro tho principals. STRAND THEATRE One of tho gayest comedies from tho English studios, "Brewster's Millions," tho new attraction at the Strand Theatre,, provides ample scope for tho talents of Jack Buchanan. Ho plays, the part of a young man who has to spend a fortune in six months so that he can inherit an oven larger legacy. There are many delightful comedy interludes in addition to some spectacular ballet performances on the deck of. a luxury yacht. The second picture is tho crime drama, "Warn London," with Edmund Gwenn, John Loder and Leonora Corbett.

BRITANNIA THEATRE The film version of Gene Stratton Porter's novel "A Girl of tho Limberlost" is the main attraction at tho Britannia Theatre. Also being shown is "The Casino Murder Case." TUDOR CINEMA One of the finest dramas of animal lifo ever presented on the screen, "Sequoia," heads tho current programme at tho '"Tudor Cinema. "Tho Merry Widow" is the second attraction. Tho shorter films include' a popular Laurel and Hardy comedy.

KING'S SCHOOL PRODUCTION Ono of tho most popular nnd well known of tlio Gilbert and Sullivan operas, Pinn'forc," will bo presented by the pupils of King's School at Scots Hall on Thursday and Friday, October 10 and 11. Booking arrangements aro advertised. ST. ANDREW'S SOCIETY The St. Andrew's Society will hold a social evening in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening. An entertaining programme comprising vocal and instrumental items has been arranged and full particulars are advertised.