ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22247, 23 October 1935, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES George O'Brien is cast as n driller in "Hard Rock Harrigan," the adventure film which will commence an Auckland season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Ho is seen arriving on a large construction job in the West, where he meets an old enemy in tho person of the tunnel foreman, played by Fred Kohler. The two men Decome rivals for the affection of the camp cook (Irene Hurvey). In addition to powerful drama, there is a certain amount of delightful comedy and pleasant romanco. The second picturo being shown is a brisk, and diverting comedy, " Welcome Home," with James Dunn. Ariine Judge, Raymond Walburn, Rosina Lawrence and Arthur Hoyt. The plot concerns the activities of a band of confidence men who, among other things, make large profits by astute predictions on the relative speed of different horses. Drawn by an invitation to a home town high school reunion. they decide to attempt to "take down" their former neighbours in a rural community. Their efforts to inveigle the country folk provide hilarious entertainment. RECENT THEATRE' Hailed by critics in all parts of the world as one of tho really great pictures of the last ten years, the Twentieth Century production 'Los Miscrablos " continues to prove popular with patrons of the Kegent Theatre. Three distinguished performers, Charles Laughton, Fredric March and Sir Cedric Hardwicke, head a fine cast. " LOOK UP AND LAUGH" Slipping from comedy to drama with characteristic ease, the inimitable Gracie Fields makes a further screen appearance in "Look Tip and Laugh," the British comedy which will head the new programme commencing at the Regent Theatre on Friday. With a story written by no less a literary personality than J. B. Priestley, with many tuneful song numbers and capable direction, tho film is said to provide outstanding entertainment. Tho story concerns a "war" between the stall-holders in Plumborough market and the owner of a large department store who, to serve his own ends, has persuaded the Mayor, a comic opera figure, and his councillors to order the demolition of the market. The comedy is exceptionally good. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Lovers' of witty, modern drama, flawlessly presented, continue to flock to see "No More Ladies," the brilliant comedy film now being shown at St. James' Theatre. "No More Ladies" caters for a very wide diversity of tastes and is likely to enjoy a prolonged local season. A capable cast is headed by Franchot Tone, Joan Crawford and' Robert Montgomery. Tho supporting programme includes a Charlie Chase comedy and a Pop-Eye the Sailor cartoon. PLAZA THEATRE Grace Moore scores another triumph in the new Columbia musical film. "Love Me Forever," which is now being shown for the third week of its Auckland season at the Plaza Theatre. Flawlessly recorded in the same manner as its distinguished predecessor, "One Night of Love," the picture includes a number of popular operatic songs in addition to a bracket of modern numbers. Playing opposite to Miss Moore is a screen newcomer, Michael Bartlett, a fine tenor from the Metropolitan Opera, New York. There is a bright supporting programme. MAJESTIC. THEATRE Being shown for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-day and to-morrow is the unusual mystery drama "Murder in the Fleet." With the warship Carolina, latest addition to the United States Navy, as its background, tho film deals with a series of murders carried out while the crew is working against time to instal a secret gunnery device. Robert Taylor and Jean Parker (of "Sequoia") are the principals. Also on the programme are Our Gang and Thelma Todd-Patsy Kelly comedies. STRAND THEATRE The phenomenally successful George Arliss film "Disraeli" is now approaching the end of its season at the Strand Theatre. First seen' in Auckland in 1930, when it was shown at St. James' Theatre for nearly two months, the film has now been seen by more than 170,000.000 people in all parts of the world. Although produced in Hollywood the production has a real English flavour and portrays faithfully the life of one of Britain's greatest statesmen. STATE THEATRE "Ruggles of Red Gap," tho screen version of the popular stage play, is the principal attraction on the current programme at the State Theatre. Charles Laughton, Zasu Pitts, Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland have the leading roles. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD An attractive double-feature programme continues to draw large audiences to th 6 National and Prince Edward Theatres. The first picture is "Belle of tho 'Nineties," with Mae West, Roger Pryor and Duke Ellington's band, while the second attraction is the Bing Crosby musical film "We're Not Dressing," with Carole Lombard and Burns and Allen. CAPITOL THEATRE The bright musical film " All the King's Horses " (Carl Brisson and Mary Ellis) will have its season extended for one night and will have its final screening at the Capitol Theatre to-night. " Rumba " also will be screened. LONDON CINEMA Robert Armstrong and Constance Gumming appear together for the first time in " Billion Dollar Scandal," which will be shown at the London Cinema for the first time to-day. " The Red Shadow " is the second attraction. TUDOR CINEMA Thq powerful drama "The Dictator," with Clive Brook and Madeleine Carroll, will be shown for the last time at the Tudor Cinema to-night. "Tho Scarlet Pimpernel" will commence at the theatre to-morrow. BRITANNIA THEATRE Warren William and Margaret Lindsay # have the leading roles in " The Dragon Murder Case,".the new film at the Britannia Theatre. " It's A Bet," with Gene Gerrard, also is being shown. RIALTO THEATRE The Warner Baxter mystery film, " Charlie Chan's Greatest Case," will commence a short season at the Rialto Theatre to-night. " Tho Warrior's Husband," with Elissa Landi, also is on tho programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE " Break of an appealing romance in which the talented Katharine Hepburn has tho leading role, is the principal attraction on the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. " Passport to Fame " is. the second picture.

CIVIC THEATRE - Forty-eight of America's prettiest red-headed girls appear in dazzling dance ensembles and chorus numbers in ".Redheads on Parade," the bright musical film which will be shown for the test time at the Civic Theatre today and to-morrow, Dixie Leo and Jack Haley are the principals. "CURLY TOP" Undoubtedly the most clever juvenile actress of all time, the diminutive Shirley Temple is seen again in the long-awaited "Curly Top," the picture which will commence its Auckland season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. Against a colourful musical background, "Curly Top" tells the story of a curly-headed waif who brings happiness and romance to the millionaire step-father who befriends her. From the opening scenes in the orphanage, whore Shirley and her pet pony and duck are always getting into mischief, the scene changes to the magnificent home of a millionaire (John Boles). Romantic interest is provided by beautiful Rochello Hudson, of "Les jNlisorables." STAR CINEMA Myrna Loy and Cary Grant are the principals in "Wings in the Dark," a thrilling American drama of commercial aviation, which heads an unusually fine double-feature programme commencing at tho Star Cinema today. Also being shown is "Viva Villa," with Wallace Beery. With revolution in Mexico as its colourful and vivid background," the film provides outstanding entertainment. ASTOR THEATRE An American crime drama, " The Devil is Driving," is the main attraction on the new programme at the Astor Theatre. There is a bright selection of shorter films. CATHOLIC REPERTORY SOCIETY In presenting Edward Wooll's play, "Libel," at the Town Hall concert chamber on the nights of November 1, 2 and 4, tho Auckland Catholic Repertory Societ}' is essaying the difficult task of reproducing the exact atmosphcro of an English Court of law in a meticulously correct setting. An unusually tense and exciting drama, the play grips the attention ~of the audience from the opening scenes until the end. Miss.Ysolinde McVeagh is the producer. W.E.A. PLAY Eupene O'Neill's outstanding drama, "The Hairy Ape," will be presented for the first time in New Zealand by the Workers' Educational Association at the Old Grammar School on November 2, 4, 5 and 6. Booking arrangements are advertised. FAREWELL CONCERT Arranged by the Shiplovers' Society, a farewell concert jvill bo tendered to Mr. Forbes Eady ("Lee-Fore-Brace") at the Town Hall to-night. Many leading artists will appear and a large attendance is expected. Mr. Eady will shortly be leaving for Great Britain.