ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22300, 24 December 1935, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE A most amusing comedy, "Bonnie Scotland," is now enjoying the second week of a successful season at the Majestic Theatre. The ever-popular comedians. Laurel and Hardy, are seen at their best in a film which, with constantly changing scenes and piquant situations, gives the pair full scojh) for their undoubted powers of acting the fool. First, arriving in Scotland from America to receive a legacy of a sot of bagpipes from Laurel's grandfather, tho pair are next seen with a Highland regiment on service in India. Romantic interest is supplied by June Long and William Janney, while Anne Grey, Vernon Steele and James Finlayson, a sergeant-major who joins Laure! and Hardy in many a scene, also appear. REGENT THEATRE A cheerful Christmas programme now showing at the Regent Theatre is headed by "Hopalong Cassidy," a tale of tho exploits of the well-known cowboy character of Clarence E. Mulford. William' Boyd takes the leading part. A "Popeye" cartoon also is being screened, while the Regent orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Trevor Eady, gives a selection of range songs. A pantomime, "Santa's Toy Shoppe," is an added attraction at the matinees. "THE CRUSADES" Fully equal to earlier productions by Cecil B. de Mille, "The Crusades," a historical drama which will opeji a season at the Regent Theatre on Boxing Day, is a film of majesty and spectacle. The subject itself is an impressive one, and the treatment is more so. The pageantry and chivalry of the Middle Ages are presented in their most entertaining light and the historical side of the film is dramatic, if not always strictly correct. The characters present ideal opportunities to the producer, for they lived in times of action, and they took part in movements whose history is still of wide appeal. The central character, Richard the Lion Heart, is played by Henry Wilcoxon, and his interpretation brings out to the full the heroism, -courtesy, chivalry and generosity fof tho King Loretta Young as the Princess Berengaria of Navarre also is impressive. Other parts, played by lan Keith and C. Aubrey Smith, among others, add to the high standard of acting throughout the film. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Superlative tap-dancing by tho screen's latest "find," Eleanor Powell, is the outstanding feature of "Broadway Melody of 19.'36," the current attraction at St. James' Theatre. Miss Powell, who is now recognised as the world's greatest tap-dancer, scored her first success in the revue "Follow Thru," and has since appeared in "George White's Scandals." Jack Benny, one of the many radio artists who are appearing on the screen, also scores a notable success. Five new songs will have their first presentation. "Broadway Rhythm," "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'," "On a Sunday Afternoon," "Sing Before Breakfast" and "You Are My Lucky Star." Others of a varied and entertaining number of artists are Una Merkel, June Knight, Robert Taylor, Vilma and Buddy Ebsen, Nick Long, jun., Frances Langford and Harry Stockwell. TUDOR CINEMA A picture which contains charming glimpses of the English countryside, " The Song of the Plough," heads an entertaining programme to be presented at the Tudor Cinema to-night. Stewart Rome is tho principal player. Also being screened to-morrow night is a bright comedy, " Things Are Looking Up," featuring Cicely Courtneidge. STAR CINEMA The delightful musical extravaganza " Kid Millions " has been chosen for the Christmas attraction at the Star Cinema. Eddie Cantor is a most successful leading player while there are lavish settings to the tuneful songs. " She Loves a Uniform " also is being shown. Patricia Ellis and Cesar Romero are tho principals.

STATE THEATRE Gent) Stratton-Porter's well-known novel, "Laddie," will commence a season at the State Theatre to-day. John Beal, Gloria Stuart and Virginia Weidler head the cast. "The Camels are Comihg," with Jack Hulbert, also will be shown. LONDON CINEMA William Powell and Kay Francis have the leading roles in "One Way Passage," which opens a season at the London Cinema to-day. Also being shown is "Blondie Johnson." BRITANNIA THEATRE " Go Into Your Dance," featuring Al Jolson and Rub.v Keeler, and " The White Parade," with John lioles and Loretta Young in tho leading roles, will be screened at the Britannia Theatre tonight. "The White Parade" will bo shown to-morrow night also. VICTORIA THEATRE " Cardinal Richelieu," in which George Arliss gives a notable performance, will be shown at the Victoria Theatre to-night. " The Irish In IJs " will bo screened on Boxing Day. MAYFAIR THEATRE A musical film, " Gold-Diggers of 1935 " and " Servants' Entrance," will be shown at tho Mayfair Theatre tonight. " Servants' Entrance " will also be shown to-morrow night. ASTOR THEATRE "Our Daily Bread," with Karen Morley and Tom Keene, will be screened with " Krakatoa" at tho Astor Theatre to-night. VAUDEVILLE COMPANY The first appearance in Auckland of Fred Webber and his Rhythm Rascals, who aro touring the leading theatres of the Dominion, will take place at the Prince Edward Theatre on Boxing Day. Fred Webber, an Australian performer of talent, presents songs and comedy numbers at the piano while there is a fine supporting cast of artists. Among them are a piano-accordion player, Roy Baker, Miss Ida Lynn, a lyric soprano, Maida Wilson, who dances delightfully, Joy Oliver, the personality girl, the Lynn sisters in harmony numbers and Bob Rooderick, Australian saxophonist. There will be soveral ballot scones and novel lighting effects. For the first part of the programme "Smart Girl," a Paramount picture featuring Ida Lupino, Gail Patrick and Kent Taylor will be screened. The season will be of seven nights and five matinees.