ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22260, 7 November 1935, Page 21

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Remembered for his eerie portrayal of tho " monster " in " Frankenstein," Boris Karloff gives another weird characterisation in " Tho Black Room," which will bo finally screened at tho Plaza Theatre this evening. It is an extraordinary picture in, more ways than ono, and is productive of moro than the usual quota of thrills inherent in this typo of film. The audienco is held in suspense throughout until tho final dramatic conclusion. "STORMY WEATHER" Another of tho ever-popular Ben Tra vers' faives comes to tho Plaza Theatre to-morrow with " Stormy Weather," which once again presents, the irrepressible pair Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn in a riot of mirth-provok-ing situations. The picture is replete with delicious scenes, scintillatng dialogue and sinister plots, and holds the interest of tho audience from the moment it opens in a Chinese den until the final hilarious scene in which an aspiring lover in tho person of Ralph Lynn is being kicked downstairs by an irate husband. The other well-known artists, Robertson Hare and Yvonne Arnaud, who have frequently supported the principals in similar laughable productions, also contribute their share to tho general merriment. It is an intriguing comedy that should meet wsh an excellent reception in Auckland. MAJESTIC THEATRE Bright and amusing screen entertainment is provided in " Smart Girl," tho sophisticated drama which wil) .conclude its season at the Majestic Theatre this evening. In addition there is a " Popeve tho Sailor " cartoon and numerous short supporting films. " G-MEN " "G-Men," the first big picture of America's greatest battle in the war on crime, with a cast which includes James Cagney, Ann Dvorak, Margaret Lindsay and Robert Armstrong, will open a season at the Majo3tic Theatre tomorrow. Produced by Warner Brothers, the picture has won much-favourable comment from critics overseas. " This film," says one, " is a brilliant depiction of how Uncle Sam's crimo-hunters, the 4 G-Men ' of the Department of Justice operate. But more than that. The producers have served a patriotic purpose in focussing the attention of the nation on the menace of organised crime in America. It is a powerful drama, greatly enlivened by the splendid acting of the cast."

CIVIC THEATRE The appealing film " Curly Top," in which tho clever child actress Shirley Temple adds materially to her already remarkable reputation for finished acting, will be shown for the last time at the Civic Theatre this evening. Giving a performance which is all that could be desired, as a curly-headed orphan who is adopted by a wealthy bachelor, ohirley is given capable support by Rochelle Hudson. GLADYS MONCRIEFF CONCERTS Widely known as the " Queen of Song," Miss Gladys Moncrieff will be heard in Auckland again at the Civic Theatre for a season commencing tomorrow. Her stage re-appearance in the city has been eagerly awaited by her innumerable admirers, who will welcome another opportunity of hearing her sing many of the universally popular numbers that have been arranged. " Naughty Marietta," " Maid of the Mountains," " Southern Maid " and " Rio Rita " are some of the musical comedies from which Miss Moncrieff will render excerpts, and they are sure to delight all who hear them sung by this famous Australian soprano. Two other artists of repute are accompanying Miss Moncrieff on the visit—-Gil Dech, tho brilliant pianist, and John Robertson, a New Zealand cornetist. Francis Ledercr, Frances Dee, Alan Mowbi-ay and Benita Hume take the main roles in " The Gay Deception," which is the entertaining film to be screened.

REGENT THEATRE Re-ereatiing all the drama, romance and humour of the celebrated Story bv Gene Stratton-Porter, "The Keeper of the Bees," which has been proving very popular at the Regent Theatre, will conclude itu season this evening. Noil Hamilton and Betty Furness head the cast of artists find no botter vehicle for their talents could be found than this story of human interest, which retains all the poignancy and simple appeal of the original romance.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A new standard of vocal entertainment is set in the fine production "Naughty Marietta," which will be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres this evening. Two artists with glorious voices, the ever-popular Jeanetto Macdonald and a new screen "find," Nelson Eddy, have been "incorporated in this musical operetta that has occasioned much favourable comment wherever it has been shown. There is a fine supporting programmo.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD Effervescing with tho inimitable humour and spontaneous gaiety of the comedienne Gracie Fields, "Look Up and Laugh" will close its season at the Prince Edward and National Theatres this evening. A splendid double-feature programmo, comprising "Bright Lights," Avith the ludicrously funny Joe E. Brown and "What Happened to Harkness" will have its initial screening to-morrow.

STRAND THEATRE A drama of nursing lifo in a great hospital, "The Whito Parado," in which sterling performances are given by Johq Boles and Loretta Young, has been receiving well-merited patronage at the Strand Theatre. The ingonuous Janet Gaynor is cant opposite Warner Baxter in "Paddy the Next Best Thing," tho second attraction. Tho programme will conclude its season at tho theatro this evening. LONDON CINEMA Douglas Fairbanks, .inn., and Leo Carrillo are the principals in "The Parachute Jumper," ton exciting drama of tho air, which heads tho screen programme being presented at the London Theatre. A musical revue is also staged. STATE THEATRE Tho subject discussed in "Wings in tho Dark," tho main film being screened at the State Theatre, is blind flying and the difficulties and dangers attendant in overcoming it. Life at a large aerodrome in convincingly depicted. Myrna Loy and Cary Grant have tho leading characters.

BRITANNIA THEATRE A realistic presentation of war in {ill its horror, "Forgotten Men," heads this evening's programme at the Britannia Theatre. "Car 99" is -also being shown. ASTOR THEATRE " Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round," with Jack Ijonny and Nancy Carroll, will be Bcrcemed this evening at the Astor Theatre.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Light-hearted humour, speedy action and a plot that is definitely "different" supply the ingredients for "Calm Yourself," which will be screened for tho lust time at St. James' Theatre this evening. It is a romantic comedy-drama dealing with the exploits of a young advertising man who starts a "confidential service" agency. Excellent team work is provided by Robert Young and .Madge Evans.

"THE BROADWAY GONDOLIER" A programme that should appeal to all sections of tho film-going public "Broadway Gondolier," a Warner Brothers' production, will open a season at St. James' Thcatro to-morrow. The film is distinguished by an unusually strong cast of artists, which boasts such names as Adolpho Men,ion, Joan Blondell, Dick Powell and Louise Fazenda. It is an exceptionally bright musical film with many catchy numbers rendered by tho popular Mills Brothers.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The lighter moods of college lifo aro admirably portrayed in "Tho Band Plays Oil," which will be screened this evening at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Dealing with football and its "heroes" it is not essentially a football picture, but presents every aspect of tho conditions existing in a large American college. Betty Furness und Robert Young make an ideal romantic pair in the principal roles and they are given able support by Stuart Erwin, Ted-Healy and Leo Garrillo. The programme is completed by a baffling murder mystery, "Thunder in the Night," in which Edmund Lowe, as an astute detective, is seen to advantage. Others in the cast are Paul Cavanagh, Karen Morley and Russell Hicks. The film has been well conceived and executed and the manner in which the apparently inextricable tangle of evidonce in the case is elucidated to form a satisfying climax makes for excellent entertainment.

LITTLE THEATRE PLAY The Auckland Little Theatre Society will present its last productions of the year, "King Lear's Wife" and "Salome," in the Town Hall concert chamber for a season of five nights, commencing on Saturday. Written by Oscar Wilde, "Salome" is being produced by an exceptionally strong cast and should prove to be most successful. " SLEEPING BEAUTY " ' Presented by Miss Cecil Hall, the pantomime " Sleeping Beauty" will be staged at the Scots Hall this evening. There are many delightful songs and spectacular ballets. KNOX HOME CONCERT Under the auspices of the Auckland Rotary Club, a concert party led by Mr. j. W. Bailey visited the Knox Home on Tuesday evening and presented a programme that was greatly appreciated by those present. The following artists contributed items: —Meadames T. E. Richards, J. W. Bailey, Morton-Smith, Misses Beattie _ Lowe. Patsie Payne. Wynne Gillespie and Messrs. G. Morton Smith, Maughan Barnett and J. W. Bailey.