ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22262, 9 November 1935, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE With three well-known artists on the stage providing the first half of the programme, a veritable feast of entertainment was presented at tho Civic Theatre last night,. The programme of song and music by Miss Gladys MoncrieiJ, Gil Dech, the brilliant pianist, and John Robertson, a New Zealander who returns after having won fame as a cornetist overseas, was a rare treat which delighted the large audience for nearly an hour. Besides tho glorious singing of Miss jVJoncrieff, the audience enjoyed the skill and techniquo of Mr. Dech and the faultless artistry of MrRobertson. Mr. Denis Palmistra, the theatre's talented organist, enhanced the charm of several items. Short numbers by the Civic Cabaret Band were also much appreciated. The film portion of the entertainment was a real delight. The Australian Fox Movietone News showed Palfresco winning the Caulfield Cup in fiuo style, and horses training for the Melbourne Cup. Tho main picture, " Tho Gay Deception," is a charming modern fairy tale set amid the luxury of a Now York hotel. It has been given many brilliant touches by the director, William Wyler, which carry the story along on a note of light-hearted gaiety from first to last. The magnetic Czech actor, Francis Lederor, has a role which fits him to perfection as a prinos whose masquerade as a boll-boy in n large hotel is the chief source of the comedy in which the film abounds. Even more bewitching than she was in " Little Women " and " Of Human Bondage," Frances Dee acts charmingly as a typisto who visits Now York to snatch a few brief weeks of glamour from tho proceeds of a lottery. Of course, she takes the most expensive suite at tho city's largest hotel and then all manner of amusing complications arise. In addition to the splendid performances of the principals there are a host of minor characters who provide some brilliant comedy. For instance, there are Alan Mowbray, as an linglisli lord forced to suffer tho ignominy of wearing a black tie at the ball of the season; Benitu Hume, as his scheming fiancee j Lennox Pawle, of " David C'opperfield," as a doting con-sul-general: and Paul Hurst, as a bell captain. Altogether, it is a programme which may be unhesitatingly rocommonded and uffords .theatre-goers a rare opportunity of enjoying the art of three jwrformers who have won wide popularity over tho radio. *

REGENT THEATRE " The Dark Angel,' a United Artists film which commenced a season at the Regent Theatre yosterday, is an intensely moving and sincere picture, sensitively directed and splendidly acted. The silent version of Guy Bolton's play, made in 1925, was acknowledged as one of the most notable films of the year and the current production is entirely deserving of similar success. The story tells of the hesitation of a-war-blinded man to saddle his helplessness on tho giH he loves; his pretence of death; and his eventual reunion with the girl. Tito plot is not new and depends for it* success entirely on how far the players make their parts live, and how fur thoy succeed in enlisting; the sympathy of tho audience. It. ii acted with such naturalness that it becomes one of the most moving of recent screen plays. Skill and genius have been devoted to establishing charming and suitable atmosphere for tho story and to making the charactcre veritably reul. Though made in Hollywood the production has a fidelity to British settingn and sentiment that is completely satisfying. Acting honours are shared by three famous players, Merle Oberon, Frcdrie March and Herbert Marshall. After witnessing Merle Oberon's performance it i« easy to understand why she has been judged in tho Ujjited States ono of the first actresses of the scrsen. Miss oheron's beauty has been somewhat marred in recent films by make-up which h3s rendered her looks mora Oriental than British and it is pleasing to see what an attractive and winsome actress she really is. In "The Dark Angel" Miss Oberon has an animation which addß greatly to her charm. Fredric March gives a fino study of the afflicted .war nero, while Herbert Marshall fills a difficult role with assured restraint. The story has been brilliantly handled by Sidney Franklin, whoso inspired direction always prevents tho film from descending into maudlin sentimentality. The photography is excellent and the scenes of the EoglUb countryside are reproduced with real beauty. An entertainipg supporting programme includes "Mickey's Garden," a Walt Disney cartoon in colour which is a gem of its kind.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Most promising young playe" .appear in "The Band Plays On," whjch is being screened with 'Thunder m the Night" at the Rosy and Tivoli Theatres. "The Hand Plays On is a picture of life in an American college and throb* with tho spirit of youth. Jt tolls the story of four boys who grow up in the slums and who go through liie together, playing football, sharing their disappointments and their heroics, their loves and their laughter. Robert Young plays the part of a football idol and he is supported by Betty Furness, in her first leading role, Ted Hea y, Stuart Erwin and Leo Carrillo. Thunder in the Night" is a thrilling murder mystery in which Edmund Lowe convincingly portrayu an astute detective who follows his own methods to siiccessfullv solve a baffling crime. Karen Morley and Paul Cavanagb are also in the en#*. STRAND THEATRE Light and refrtsshilig entertainment, with bright dialogue, several catchy songs and tap-dancing items constitutes "Curly Top," which is proving popular at tho Strand Thoatre. l'his film marks another success for the diminutive actress Shirley Temple, who, will be remembered for her work in Bright Eyes." The beautiful Roohelle Hudson fc cant as the sister of the child, who is under fitrict guardianship in an orphanage. Shirley's life changes when she is adopted by a wealthy bachelor (John Boles) to one of happiness and laughter and her pranks and witticisms enliven the whole of the production. Romantic interest is provided by John Boles and Rochelle Hudson. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Jeanetto Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy arc the principals of tho-filin version of Victor Herbert's glorious operetta "Naughty Marietta," which heads the programme being presented at the Crystal Paloco and Kialto Theatres. Tho supporting films include a popular Laurel and Hardy comedy. A pantomime will be presented at tho Crystal Palace Theatre this afternoon, while there will also bo a matineo at the Rlalto Theatre.

STAR CINEMA Tho outstanding production, "The Mighty Barnum," with Wallace Beery in the leading rolo, is tho main attraction on the programme being presented ab the Star Cinema. There is a lar«e and distinguished cast, including Adolohe Menjou and Virginia Bruce. A stirring drama, "Beyond Bengal, is the second picture." With excellent photography and a. fascinating theme it makes first-class entertainment. CAPITOL THEATRE "Sweet Music," with Ann Dvorak and Ned Sparks in the leading roles, is the first picture being presented at the Capitol Thetttre. Wnrren William and Joan Blondcll are the principals of "Goodbye Again," tho second film. There will he a matinee to-day.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Rarely has such a tale of action and excitement, been unfolded on the screen as In "G-Men," a picture of America's organised Avar against crime, that opened a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. To the accompaniment of rattliug gun-fire, the screech of police cars and tho hard, strident voices of angry meu, a thrilling drama is enacted and movement that is fast from the beginning never flags. In producing "G-Men" Warner Brothers have had tho services of a remarkably fine cast. In the lead is James Gagney, wellknown for his work in previous pictures of u similar typo. Formerly, howofer, he has generally played the part of a hardened criminal, but in VGMen" he appears as a hard-hitting lawyer who joins tho Federal agents of the Department of .Justice, tho men who have sworn to stamp out crime in America. Ann Dvorak and Margaret Lindsay take tho main feminino parts with distinction, while Robert Armstrong, Jhirtou Mac Lane and Lloyd Nolan show ability in their respective roles. The storv concerns the efforts of Cagney, as Brick Davis, to avenge tho murder of a,college chum. It reveals the methods of a determined group of racketeers who have not tho slightest hesitation in committing any crime to gain thoir ends, and it shows how the police combat them. It is a story of violence relieved by occasional touches of humour and ending 011 a softer note, that of romance. "G-Men" has an attractive programme in support. A feature of a Paramount news reel is a section dealing with American naval manoeuvres, which gives an idea of the sea strength of that country. A novelty item, "Cure It With Music," introduces some remarkable stage scenes, some captivating songs, and some intricate and amusing dancing. Comedy is supplied by a clever coloured cartoon of tho "Merrie Melody" series, while a short film in a Spanish setting features the popular song "lslo of Capri."

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Mirth and melody mark every .turn in the sparkling musical romance. I' Broadway Gondolier," which opened its season at St. James' Theatre last evening;. It is a spectacular musical film, the typo which has the audience humming the latest song number as it leaves the theatre. A Warner Brothers' production, it provides entertainment of high order and one that has appeal for All sections of the community. Touched of grand opera are intermingled with lighter song numbers on the New York stage. A popular cast is hoaded by Dick Powell who, as the gondolier, gives an outstanding performance. With him are associated Joan Blondell, Adolpho Menjou, Louise Fazendn, William Gnrgan and Grant Mitchell. It is an imposing list of performers. The story is of a New York taxi-driver who, while driving two critics, suddenly sings a number from " liigoletto." Ho at once receives a recommendation to a broadcasting station, but is unable to be present as arranged, and his teacher sings in his place. However, the old teacher's voice' has gone, and the engagement is a failure. Romanco takes the taxi-driver to Venice where his singing, as a gondolier on the canakj earns him a contract to sing back in New York. But New York ie not awaro of his identity. His debut is sensational. Later ho reveals his identity over the air from the studio and then disappears. A frantic search is made for Tiim and he returns to sing with the popularity he enjoyed as a gondolier. The world famous Four Mills Brothers, a quartette of clever singers who imitate the sounds of various musical instruments with their voices, add additional interest to the film. Other prominent artists include Canova Hillbillies and the brilliant Ted Fiorito and his band. Among the new numbers heard are " Rose in Her Hair," " Lonely Gondolier" and " Lulu's Back in Town."

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The hilariously-funny actor of "Local Boy Makes Good" and "The Six-day Bike Rider," Joe E. Brown, is more laughable than ever in his latest production "Bright Lights" which is being shown this evening at tho National and Prince Edward Theatres. The acrobatic contortions and antics of this popular comedian are always a source of great amusement, in addition to which there are numerous captivating musical numbers in this film, including "She was an Acrobat's Daughter," "You're an Eyeful of Heaven" and "Toddlin' Along with You." "What Happened to Harkness," an entertaining mystery film, is the second attraction,

LONDON CINEMA The especial brand of humour which those two irresistible comedians George Sidney and Charles Murray dispense so freely is provided in "The Cohens and Kollys in Troublo," which hends the programme bt'iug screened at the London Cinema. Maureen O'Sullivan is also seen to advantage. "Under Cover Man," a nautical comedy, with' Nancy Carroll and George Haft, is the second attraction. STATE THEATRE The charming and capable actress Elissa Landi plays opposite Cary Grant in "Enter Madame,'' which heads the programme at the State Theatre. "The Girl from 10th Avenue," with Bette Davis, a "Pop-eye the Sailor" cartoon and a tcchnicolour production "Northern Exposure" are included in the entertaining programme. VICTORIA THEATRE The dashing Jean Harlow and Willium Powell tako the leading roles in "Reckless," which will be screened this evening with "The Mark of the Vampire" at the Victoria Theatre, Devon' port. Bela Lugosi acts woll in the latter film. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA "Manhattan Moon" and "Redheads on Parade" are the main films to bo Been at the State Theatre, Onohunga, this evening. REGAL THEATRE An entertaining double-feature programme will bo presented this evening nt the' opening of the new Regal Theatre, Ponsonby Road, Jane Withers is the principal of "Ginger," the first attraction, whilo tho stirring naval drama "Brown on Resolution" also la being screened. BRITANNIA THEATRE Wallace Beery is seen at his best in "West Point of the Air," which heads the programme at the Britannia Theatre. "Tho Lemon Drop Kid" also is being screened. There will bo a special hiatinee to-day.

STRAND THEATRE. ONEHUNGA "The Dragon Murder Case," with Wnrren William and Margaret Lindsay, and "Love in Bloom" head the entertainment this evening at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. TUDOR CINEMA Clark Gable and Constance Bonnett are the principals of "After Office Hours," the main film on tho programme being presented at the Tudor inema. Thero is a fine supporting programme. MAYFAIR THEATRE Tho charming young actress Shirloy Temple gives a fine performance in "Little Miss Marker," which is being screened at the Mnyfnir Theatre.

PLAZA THEATRE Lively English comedy at its best comes to the screen ill " Stormy Weather," tbe now Gaumont-British film which commenced at the Plaza Theatre yesterday what will probably be an extended local season. Adapted from tho hilarious stage play of the same name, by Ben Travers, the film' provides adequate scope for that inimitable pair, Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls. Playing opposite to them is the amusing Yvonue Arnaud, with her attractive broken accent and droll style, whilo others in a lino cast are Robertson Hare, Stella Moya and Gordon James. Fast and colourful throughout, the story has its settings in a big English retail business, and is filled with typical Travers situations, piquant and intriguing, while the plot aiso has its sinister moments. A Russian villain, Polotski (Andrews Engelman), endeavours to blackmail an English noblewoman (Miss Arnaud), who had married him before she entered the English aristocracy under the impression that her husband had been killed in the Revolution. Tom Walls appears as Sir Duncan Craggs and makes one of the most amusing husbands seen on the screen for many a day. Walls is the managing director of tho retail firm and much merriment is created by his ruse for inspecting, incognito, the conduct of the firm's provincial branches. Last night's large audience rocked with laughter at his antics when masquerading as a customer in one of his own stores. Much merriment also was provoked by the performances of Ralph Lynn and Robertson Hare, cast as managers of branch stores. No lover of English farce should miss " Stormy Weather." It easily attains the standard set by the earlier Aldwych comedies and in every respect provides outstanding entertainment. Included in the supporting programme are a Gaumont S'ewsreel, depicting topical happenings in all parts of the world, a Cine magazine, and an amusing American comedy.

SUNDAY PICTURES "Potiphar's Wife," a powerful drama, with Nora Swinburno and Laurence Olivier, will head tho programme to be presented at the Strand Theatre tomorrow night. An address on "Abyssinia and what it Involves" will bp given by Mr. A. Szigetvary. Anthony Kiinmins and Anne Grey appear in "The Golden Age," which will bo screened at the National Theatre to-morrow night. The proceeds are in aid of the Christmas fund of tho Ponsonby and Herno Bay ex-service-men.

"Cleaning Up," with George Gee in the leading role, is the first of the two full-length and entertaining films to be shown at tho Rialto Theatre to-morrow night. "Daughters of To-day" is the second attraction. Proceeds are in aid of local charities. EMPRESS THEATRE The Empress Theatre will present "Tbe Nit-wits" and "Vagabond Lady" on the same programme this evening. LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY An attractive programrao has been arranged by the Little Theatre Society to be presented to-night at the Town Hall concert chamber. "King Lear's Wife" is the first production, and "Salome," by Oscar Wilde, also will bo presented. The season will conclude on Thursday. Full particulars aro advertised. COMMUNITY SINGING There will bo a special community singing gathering at tho Town Hall on Wednesday. Mr. T. Maguire will be the song leader. It will be held under the auspices of the Gordon Benefit) Committee and tho Community Sun» shine Committee. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR The Royal Auckland Choir, under the leadership of Dr. W. E. Thomas, will present a well-varied selection of numbers in a concert to be held at tho Town Hall on Thursday night, With male voioe«, in addition to 70 feminine vocalists, the choir's performances have become included among the notable attractions for all rnusio-lovers. Booking arrangements are advertised.