ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22287, 9 December 1935, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE One of the most spectacular and ambitious films of recent years, "The Last Days of Pompeii," continues to attract large audiences to the Civic Theatre. Recreating the lavish grandeur of classic Home, the film presents two of the most dramatic incidents in history, the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Pompeii. The closing scenes, showing the havoc wrought by the earthquake and l:y the flowing lava from Vesuvius an> depicted with aweinspiruig realism and represent a triumph for the Hollywood studios. An interesting supporting programme includes some exciting polo pictures taken in New York and a topical newsreel.

REGENT THEATRE A tuneful and gay romance of old Heidelberg. "The Student's Romance," is the principal attraction on this week's programme at the Regent Theatre. The players are a baiad of rollicking students,' two pretty girls, a count; two policemen and a placid Jersey cow. Much of the picture is filmed in a picturesque old-world inn, owned by on® of the girls and patronised by the harddrinking students There they sing their tuneful choruses and make love to th»» proprietress. There also they manage to sell the cow, disguised with plenty ol paint, to its unsuspecting owner. Grete Natzler, an attractive European actress, and Patrick Knowles are the principals. A selection of tuneful numbers from "The Student Prince" and "Lilac Time" is rendered every evening by Trevor Eady's popular Regent Orchestra. <• ST. JAMES' THEATRE There are thrills in plenty in-"Men Without Names," the new crime film which heads the current programme at St. James' Theatre. Away from the usual theme, with the "gangster" hero, the film introduces another phase, the tale of the agents of the Federal Department of Justice. Fred Mac Murray, who has the leading male role, gives a splendid performance, while Madge Evans and David Jack Holt also appear. Miss Evans will be remembered for her excellent work in "David Copperfield" and "Age of Discretion." There is an interesting selection of shorter pictures.

PLAZA THEATRE Tutta Rolf, a distinguished European actress, makes her American film debut in "Dressed to Thrill," the brilliant eomedv film which continues to prove so popular with patrons of the Plaza Theatre. Although, several fine performers have been imported by the United States studios in the last few years, critics in all parts of the world have hailed Miss Rolf as one of the most important Hollywood "finds" of recent times. Her work in '[Dressed to Thrill" certainly justifies their liberal praise. Seen in a dual role, requiring exceptional skill, Miss Rolf acquits herself with credit. Clive Brook appears as the hero. Heading an entertaining selection of shorter films is a splendidly photographed North Auckland swordfishmg picture. .

MAJESTIC THEATRE Comedy and tense drama are skilfully combined in " The Murder Man,' the outstanding new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film now being shown at the Majestic Theatre. Spencer Tracy is as amusing as usual as the " murder man," who, incidentally, is not a felon but a crime reporter on. an American newspaper. Tracy gives a capable and virile rendering of a role calling for more than average acting ability. Playing'opposite to him is the popular Virginia Bruce. Also on the programme are a Thelma Tqdd-Patsy Kelly comedy and a technicolour travelogue of the Lido. -

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD The diminutive German-English actress Lilian Harvey makes a further screen appearance in " My Weakness, an appealing comedy romance being shown at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. Cast in the opening soeces as a char-girl in a big firm, Miss Harvey is seen fulfilling her vow that she would make the proprietor's son fall in love with her. A more hilarious plot could not be conveived. Lew Ayres appears as the objetit of the char-girl's affections and makes a likeable hero. The second attraction on the programme is the Shirley Temple comedy "Babv Take a Bow.'V There is an amusing plot and a capable cast which includes such well-known performers as Claire Trevor and James. Dunn. STRAND THEATRE

Now in its - second Auckland weak, the thrilling production " The Three Musketeers, which is now being shown at the Strand Theatre, promises to be one of the most successful adventure films of the year. With the colourful pageantry of old France as its stirring background, the picture provides entertainment of a high order. Alexandre Dumas' story* has been followed fairly faithfully and a fine cast has been assembled. Walter Abel is seen as D'Artagnan, while Paul Lukas, Maroni Olsen and Onslow Stevens appear as Athoi, Porthos and Aramis respectively. LONDON CINEMA Charlotte Greenwood and Pat O'Brien play together for the first time in " Flying High," the new comedy at the London Theatre. Also on the programme is the drama " I Love That Alan," with Edmund Lowe and Nancy Carroll. STATE THEATRE A powerful drama of modern life, " Chained," will be screened again at the State Theatre to-night. Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Otto Kruger and Stuart Erwin have the principal roles.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Thrilling action is the keynote of the exciting drama "The Glass Key," the first film on the programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The principals are Georgo Raft, and Edward Arnold. Completing the programme is a hilarious comedy drama, "Baby Face Harrington,-' with Una Merkel and Charles Butterworth. The programme is a wellbalanced one and provides excellent entertainment.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The popular Janet Gaynor repeats her success of "State Fair" in the charming romantic comedy "The Farmer Takes a Wife," which heads the attractive programme to commence a short season at the Crystal Palace and llialto Theatres to-night. There will be a first-class selection of shorter films. VICTORIA THEATRE Bing Crosby, W. C. Fields and Joan Bennett take the leading roles in "Mississipi," the main attraction at the Victoria Theatre. The second film is "Something Always Happens." TUDOR CINEMA Several catchy song numbers are included in the sparkling musical comedy "All the King's Horses," the main film at the Tudor Cinema. There is a strong cast headed by Carl Brisson and Mary Ellis. BRITANNIA THEATRE The spectacular Eddie Cantor musical extravaganza "Kid Millions" heads the programme at the Britannia Theatre. The second. film is < "Friends of Mr. Sweenoy."