ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22250, 26 October 1935, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Now in its fourth successful week at the Plaza Theatre, the outstanding musical film. "Love Me Forever,' continues to attract great interest. With the celebrated soprano, Grace Moore, of the Met.ropolitain Opera, New \ork, in the leading role, the film contains many fine songs, both operatic and modern. Plaving opposite to Miss Moore is another Metropolitan Opera artist making his first appearance in pictures, Michael Bartlett. In addition to possessing a fine voice. Bartlett is an actor of no mean ability. An attractive selection of shorter pictures is shown. MAJESTIC THEATRE Excellent variety, with comedy to the forefront, wan provided in the programme presented at the Majestic Theatre for the first time yesterday. The main picture was " Bright Lights," in which that inimitable comedian Joe E. Brown is the principal artist. His very appearance is enough to cause laughter, and with his antics he is without equal. In this picture, however. he proves himselt to be more than a comedian, for he appears as a dancer, a comic singer, a mimic, an acrobat and, to some extent, a dramatic player. It is bright entertainment from beginning to end. the romantic complications which exist not being allowed to pass without some element of humour. It is the story of a vaudeville artist who suddenly finds himself a success on Broadway, and proceeds to neglect his charming wife for an heiress who has gone on the stage to gain notoriety. The manner in which he falls into the situation and manages to extract himself gives Joe E. Brown excellent scope for the wide variety of acting of which he is capable, in " Bright Lights " ho is in l is element, for there are situations by the dozen in which his facial expressions, u ton which he relies to a large extent for his comedy, are an asset. He shows himself to be a clever acrobat, and particularly amusing are his antics when he becomes involved in an act b\ the Maxellos, one of the greatest troupes of tumblers in the world. Their act alone is a revelation and the addition of comedy situations makes it something; quite out of the ordinary. The part of the neglected wife is played by Ann Dvorak with much charm, and Patricia Ellis, as the heiress, gives a bright performance. There are several new songs in the picture, and Joe E. Brown brings many a laugh with his singing of " She Was An Acrobat's Daughter." The whole picture is a genuine comedy, into which exciting action, romance and just a little pathos have been introduced. Other artists appearing in the cast are William Gargan and Joseph Cfwthorn. There is an excellent supporting programme, in which there is a strong element of humour. There is a comedy, " Get Rich Quick," a cartoon, " Pony Express," a Paramount News, and a musical number, "Mo ving Melodies," in which many well-known songs are sung.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Cast in a flippant, bantering role of the type which won him fame James Dunn scores another success in "Welcome Home." the unusual comedy film which heads the current programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Arline Judge anil Rosina Lawrence play opposite to Dunn and Raymond Walburn, William Frawley and Charles Sellon also are in the cast. With the rural Americaa town of Elmdale as its picturesque setting the film tells the story of a high school reunion being held in the secret hope of hiring back to the district an old millionaire with a great deal of money to invest. As may be imagined, there are many delightful comedy interludes in addition to some tense drama. The second picture on the programme is "Hard Rock Harrigan," with George O'Brien, Fred Kohler and Irene Hervev, a drama of modern dam construction. O'Brien and Kohler, both engaged on a large undertaking, are rivals for the attentions of Miss Hervey, who is seen as the camp cook. There are many exciting scenes. STAR CINEMA Probably ono of the finest musical films to have been produced in England, "Evergreen" is at present enjoying a successful season at the Star Cinema. That popular little actress Jessie Matthews is the principal. Also being shown is a Californian mining drama of 193-5, "Helldorado." Richard Arlen and Madge Evans are the principals and the supporting cast includes Ralph Bellamy and Stepin Fetchit. There will be a new programme on Monday. NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Generally regarded as one of the brightest musical films to have come from Hollywood in recent months, the tuneful " Gay Divorcee " continues to attract large audiences to the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire have the principal roles and give a splendid demonstration of the new ballroom dance, ''The Continental." That favourite comedian, Edward Everett Horton, also is in the cast. BRITANNIA THEATRE The delightful musical comedy "Naughty Marietta" will be screened at the Britannia Theatre to-night. Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy are the principals. The second picture, being shown is "The Girl from Tenth Avenue," with Bette Davis. CRYSTAL. PALACE THEATRE Cyril Maude, of "Grumpy," is seen again in " Heat Wave," the comedy film which heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Boris Karloff and Valerie Hobson have the main parts in The Bride of Frankenstein, the second attraction. STATE THEATRE "The World Moves On," a powerful drama in which Madeleine Carroll and Franehot Tone are the principals, is the main attraction on the new programme at thii! State Theatre. "The County Chairmnn," with Will Rogers, also is being shown.

STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA ' Lanny Ross and Jack Oakie are the principals in ''College Rhythm," the musical film heading the current programme at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. "Friends of Mr. Sweeney" (Charles Ruggles and Ann Dvorak) also is to be screened. i ASTOR THEATRE "Vanessa," an appealing romance of last century, written by the Aucklandborn author Hugh Walpole, is the current attraction at the Astor Theatre. Robert Montgomery and Helen Haves have the main parts. LONDON CINEMA The romantic comedy, "Strangers in Love," with Kay Francis and Fredric March, will be fi:-reened at the London Cinema to-day. .also being shown is the thrilling drama, "Speed Demon," with William Collier :3nd Joan Marsh. RIALTO THEATRE The thrilling film, " The Bride of Frankenstein," will be shown at tho Rialto Theatre ':o-night. Also on the programme is Wheeler and Woolsey's latest comedy " The Nit Wits."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Joan Crawford, Franehot Tone and Robert Montgomery head a splendid cast in the delightful new comedy, "No More Ladies," which commenced the second week of its Auckland season at St. James' Theatre yesterday before crowded audiences. Appealing to all lovers of modern, sophisticated drama, the picture caters for a wide diversity of tastes. It. tolls the story of a cheerful philanderer's marriage and his ultimate reformation. The supporting cast is headed by Charles Ruggles, Reginald Denny and Edna May Oliver. Also on the programme are a Charlie Chase comedy and a Pop-Eye the Sailor cartoon. CIVIC THEATRE The ever-popular and diminutive screen actress, Shirley Temple, stages another great success in "Curly Top." the new comedy film which commenced its season at the Civic Theatre yesterday. From the outset it is light and refreshing entertainment, with bright dialogue, several catchy songs and stepdancing items. The beautitul Rochelle Hudson is cast as the elder sister of the child, and in the opening scenes they are seen in an orphanage under the strict guardianship of a calculating mistress. At every turn "Curly Top" (Shirley Temple) meet trouble, but her troubles are the basis of many amusing scenes. In one she leads the rest of the orphans in song at the dinner table, only to bo severely reprimanded for her behaviour. But it is while hi the midst of one of her pranks that she earns freedom from the home. She is adopted by a millionaire (John Boles) and is taken to his palatial home accompanied by her sister. Here a now life opens for Curly Top, one of happiness and laughter Her charm wins her a place in everyone's heart and her pranks and delightful witty sayings provide amusing entertainment. Through her is created the foundation of a romance between her sister and her stepfather. John Boles is well cast and his singing is one of the features of the film, although it in no way overshadows the bright songs and quaint antics of Shirley Temple. The picture can be described as another Shirley Temple success and it is bound to appeal to all picture-gocrs. A varied supporting programme includes a highly-amusing comedy and an equally hilarious cartoon, while the newsreels are of particularly high merit, showing pictures of Italian troops leaving for Africa. A pleasing break in the entertainment is provided by selections on the Civic grand organ played by Denis Palmistra. the French organist. His singing of one of the latest popular songs was a feature of the programme.

STRAND THEATRE Marlene Dietrich makes a further screen appearance in " Carnival m Spain," the new picture at the Strand Theatre. For its background, the filni has a colourful little market town in Spain. Playing opposite to Miss Dietrich are Lionel Atwill and Cesar Romero, the last-named being a newcomer to the screen. Ho was formerly well-known on the stage in Argentina. The second attraction is " The Man on the Flying Trapeze." W. C. Fields, Mary Brian and Lucien Littlefield are the principals. SUNDAY PICTURES The thrilling spy drama "The W Plan" will be screened at the National Theatre to-morrow night. In addition there will he an interesting selection of shorter films. Proceeds will be devoted to the Ponsonby and Heme Bav Ex-Servicemen's Association. "His Wife's Mother," a hilarious comedy, with Jimmy Godden, Molly Lamont and Gus McNaughton, heads the Sunday night programme at the Strand Theatre. An address on evolution also will be given. Another popular Jack Hulbert comedy, "Jack's the Boy." will be shown at the Rialto Theatre to-mor-row night. There will he a bright supporting programme. The proceeds will be devoted to local charities. CAPITOL THEATRE Dolores Del Rio has the leading role in "Madame Dubarry," the historical drama to be shown at the Capitol Theatre to-night. Also on the programme is "Under Pressure," with Victor McLaglen. DELTA THEATRE An appealing romance. "The Hideout," in which Maureen O'Sullivan and Rohert Montgomery have the main parts, is the principal film to be screened at the Delta Theatre to-day. "Jew Suss" will be shown on Monday. TUDOR CINEMA Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon appear together for the first time in "The Scarlet Pimpernel," the new attraction at the Tudor Cinema. The film is based on the well-known novel of the same name by Baroness Orczy. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Jane Withers, regarded in Hollywood as Shirley Temple's most formidable rival, appears in the main role in "Ginger." a delightful comedy being shown at the State Theatre. Devonport. "Brown on Resolution" is the second picture. EMPRESS THEATRE "Times Square Lady" (Virginia Bruce and Robert Taylor) and "Charlie Chan in Egypt" (Warner Oland) will be screened at the Empress Theatre to-day. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The new Jack Hulbert comedv "Bulldog Jack" will he shown with "Charlie Chan's Greatest Case" (Warner Oland) at the State Theatre. Devonport. to-night.

CONGRESS HALL BAND RECITAL The Wellington Citadel Salvation Army Band will pay its first visit to Auckland this week-end. The combination is an outstanding one of about -10 players, and has had a remarkably consistent musical record. The band is at present under the conductorship of Cantain Harr\ Collin, a youthful and enterprising musician, who recently assumed control The public of Auckland will be afforded an opportunity of hearing the band on Monday evening at the Congress Hall, where it will render a first-class programme.

CATHOLIC REPERTORY SOCIETY Edward Wooll's celebrated play "Libel'' will lie presented for the first time in New Zealand by the Auckland Catholic Repertory Society on the nights of November I, 'J and -I in the Town Hall concert chamber. The east w;ill include Ronald Bowie, Mary O'Dowd, Mary Hilton, Philip Ilackett, Max Robertson and Lucy Agmen-Smith. , BOHEMIAN ORCHESTRA I'he Bohemian Orchestra will give the third concert of the season at the Town Hall on Thursday night. Mr. Colin Muston will conduct and the programme will include the overture from Rossini's "Barber of Seville," Greig's "Peer Gynt Suite No. 2, "The Three Bears" (Coates) "London Every Day" (Coates) and the first performance in Auckland of Friedmann's "Rhapsody No. 2." Details are advertised.

REGENT THEATRE Provided with an original story by J. B. Priestley, some funeful melodies and many hilarious adventures, England's popular actress. Grade Fields, is given a wide scope in the entertaining farce "Look Fp and Laugh," which had its initial screening at the Regent Theatre yesterday. Entering into the spirit 01 the piece v. ith gav abandon, (irnde Fields «ings and laughs her wa\ through a very slight but diverting story. In spite of a rather ridiculous plot, this irrespressible artist by the very force of her unique personality makes the film rise above the ordinary. Her original singing is given full scope and all admirers of her ability will find pood entertainment in this typical production. The actual plot is clouded with extraneous but extremely funny sidelights, hut, in hrief, it tells of a struggle for existence between a market ball and a wealthy department store. Determined that the stall-holders shall not be turned out, Gracie Fields turns the market into an impregnable fortress, the various tradespeople living a communal life inside and holding no communication with the outside world, except for an hilarious excursion bv the principal and a few friends when their "memy" celebrates the opening of his new store. They do all the damage they can, upsetting glassware counters, rushing about in toy motors and demolishing a stand of "unbreakable ' glass. The feature, however, is tiie kidnapping of a prima donna engaged to sing. Gracie Fields takes h*r place and sings a pseudo-operatic air. embellished with sudden changes of key. and the holding of notes long after they were meant to bo held. But ct» n this pales when she takes a flight in a pilotless autogyro. which ends in disaster in the local town hall. In her few serious moods Gracie Fields sings three catchy tunes. "Love is Everywhere," "Look 1 p and Laugh," and "Anna From Anna Cnpri7.a." In the supporting cast are her brother. Tommy Fields. Alfred Dayton and Harry Tate. Of main interest in an excellent subsidiary programme is a coloured musical comedy, "What, No Men," with the comedian El Brendel in the leading part. The colour in this film is remarkable. Completing the programme are several newsreels and a Pa the Pictorial. VICTORIA THEATRE "Car 99," a thrilling film dealing with the activities of the police radio patrol cars in the Fnited States, is the main film to be shown at the Victoria Theatre to-night. "All the King's Horses" is the other picture on the programme.