ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22350, 22 February 1936, Page 20

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE The "G-Man" theme, which has formed the basis of a series of American films recently, is extended to the sphere of fire-fighting in "Grand Exit," which opened a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. The film deals with a disastrous sequence of fires in buildings insured by a company. As the investigator set with the task of finding the cause of the fires, Edmund Lowe has a congenial role. He starts oft' in typical fashion by demanding from his employers a wellstocked ice-box and a pretty secretary, and although his efforts to find the person responsible for the fires are at first confined to ingenious explanations of how the various outbreaks, which continue to occur with monotonous regularity, are perpetrated, he eventually discovers some startling evidence. Ann Sothern, one of the most charming younger actresses on the screen, proves a delightful foil as the beautiful girl who always appears on the scene- of the fires, and in the most disarming manner, proves the equal of the insurance investigator at repartee, and the pair engage in some witty and amusing dialogue. There are some fine fire-fighting shots during the picture, and it is brought to an. exciting climax when a gaol is set alight. A film of the funeral of King George V., an Andy Clyde comedy, "It Always Happens," "Jump, Horse, Jump, a short picture showing some remarkable spills, a coloured cartoon, "Monkey Love," and two newsreels, comprise a well-vnried supporting programme.

CIVIC THEATRE Attractive acting by Ronald Colman and Joan Bennett is one o£ the best features of " The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," now in its second week at the Civic Theatre. The picturo has embraced to the full the opportunities of filming a hitherto seldom traversed field—the gaming tables of Monte Carlo. The hush as huge stakes are ventured, the expectant attitude of the spectators, the toneless voice of the croupier and the glitter of the roulette wheel and other betting contrivances, are filmed to make several highly novel and dramatic scenes. Through the film runs an entrancing romance, finely enacted by Colman and Miss liennett. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A double-feature programme, comprising " The Goose and the Gander" and "To Beat the Band," is attracting large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Kay Francis and George Brent are entrusted with the more important roles in the former film. As the stately Georgianna Miss Francis is seeking to score off her first husband, who has married again. She lures him to her mountain lodge and with aid of a service station attendant has his wife and her companions sent there also. Complications are set up when the attendant directs to the lodge a gentlemanly thief in John Eldredge and his companion (Claire Dodd). There follows'a series of liproariously funny incidents, which continue until the climax clears up all troubles. "To Beat the Band" has a plot, which for novelty and originality should be hard to equal. New and diverting musical specialties are presented and .a friendly conflict between the members of a band and an elderly bachelor for a legacy promised him if he marry within three days provides many a laugh. There is a pleasing romance between two young people played by Roger Pryor and Phyllis Brooksi, while others included in the cast are Fred Keating, Hugh Herbert, Helen Broderick, last seen in "Top Hat," and Eric Blore. NATIONAL THEATRE Already well-known for his stage presentations as the schoolmaster with his unruly pupils, Will Hay further enhances his reputation in " Boys Will Be Boys" at the National Theatre. Cast as Dr. Alexander Smart, Hay with the assistance of an allegedly reformed criminal (Gordon Harker) forges a testimonial to gain the post of headmaster of Narkover School and Harker secures the position of butler. The felonious leanings of the butler lead Smart as an accomplice into embarrassing situations from which he escapes by acute cunning and presence a# mind. A widow with a. soft spot in her heart for Smart and a group of agile and lively schoolboys supply further comedy in good measure. George O'Brien in " Hard Rock Harrigan," a second film, has a virile part to play in a drama of the . life of tunnel lens under the earth. STRAND THEATRE Stirring scenes of animals in their native haunts, fierce and docile, terrifying and amusing, are contained in " Fang and Claw " at the Strand Theatre. Produced by Frank Buck, whose achievements in this line include " Bring 'Em Back Alive," the film must have been made at very real peril to the photographers, andonly the excellence of their work justifies the risks taken. The capture of a man-eating tiger is shown with all its action and fearsome sound while as a contrast is screened the amusing antics of the monkeys in their homes in the tree-top 3. Further' impressive shots are of a monster python and a crocodile. A supporting film, " His Family Tree," gives James Barton ideal opportunities for his first-class Irish humour, i CHILDREN'S THEATRE FORMED In response to a desire expressed by many parents, a children's theatre Stich as will educate the young people of Auckland in the appreciation of good comedy, drama and music, has been formed. It is the intention of the promoters to stage a rehearsal play in June, only juveniles to take part." "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will be presented in October. Mrs. Zoe BartleyBaxter will be tho producer. > MAYFAIR THEATRE James Dunn and June Knight appear in many scenes of "Take a Chance," at the Mayfair Theatre. A thrilling tale by E. Phillips Oppenheim, "Midnight Club," completes the programme. George Raft, Clive Brook and Helen Vinson are in the cast. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Age of Indiscretion," an appealing drama in which Helen Vinson has the leading role, is the principal attraction 011 the week-end programme at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. PRINCESS THEATRE The main films on the programme at the Princess Theatro arc "Thanks a Million," a musical production, and "Boys Will Be Boys." STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT Will Rogers has the dominating part in "In Old Kentucky" at tho State Theatre, Devonport. "The Rainmakers" completes the programme. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA A musical Western film "Hi Gaucho" will be presented with "Thanks a Million" at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night. VICTORIA THEATRE "We're in the Money" and "Four Hours to Wait" will be screened at the Victoria Theatre to-night.

PLAZA THEATRE "First a Girl," the new picture at the Plaza Theatre, will be welcomed for its sprightly nature as well as for the appearance of Jessie Matthews, the popular English actress, in another of her vivacious roles, i Here is British musical comedy at its very best, due largely to the skilful versatility, the ingenious humour and the winning personality of Miss Matthews. Original in plot and splendidly directed, tho play provides all that is expected of a firstrate show, tho treatment accorded by tho principal and her associates maintaining an entertainment standard that should satisfy everyone. Miss Matthews appears as a young lady who deputises for a female impersonator whose voice fails on the very day he secures a long-sought engagement, feo successfully docs she do this that it becomes necessary for the deception to continue. Embarrassments fall thickly 011 the conspirators as a consequence, the theme presents Miss Matthews with abundant opportunity to display her ability for comedy, to which is added the chance to sing melodious songs, and to perform, in licr own agile stylo, an intricate dance or two. The role, m fact, seems to have been made for her and she turns all tho advantages to excellent account. Sho extracts fun from every scone and it is the vitality of her acting rather than the ingenuity of tho situations that fixes the seal of success to tho film. The appearance of Sonny Hale—Miss Matthews' husband —another noted English actor, adds considerably to tho enjoyment. As one of Britain's loading comedians, his work can always be depended upon and his performance is up to h' s hest standard. The picturo is produced 011 a lavish scale, several spectacular ensembles being a feature. Anna Lee and Griffith Jones fill prominent roles with distinction. Scenes of mourning in London following the death of King George V. are shown in the supporting programme. These include views of. ohe processiori to Westminster and the part played bv members of the Royal Family, while the proclamation of King Edward VIII. is also recorded. Additional items include gazette features and a comedy. RECENT THEATRE The delightful singing of Gitta Alpar makes "I Give My Heart," which commenced a season at the Regent Theatre yesterday, a musical film of more than ordinary merit. Handsomely staged and excellently produced, the picture fully maintains the standard set by British International Pictures in. such previous musical successes as "Blossom Time" and "Heart's Desire." "I Give My Heart" is based on the well-known 'stage play "The Dubarry" and it contains all the lovely music which made the original production one of the most popular of recent years. No better choice for the role of the Dubarry in tho film could have been made than Gitta Alpar, for she appeared in the original stage version. Miss Alpar's fine singing voice and pleasing personality have been skilfully employed and she makes a highly promising film debut. The story deals with the rivalry between Choiseul, Minister to Louis XV., and the Marechale de Luxembourg for the privilege of finding a successor to Madame do Pompadour, the dying favourite of the king. The Marechale sees m a little milliner, Jeanne (Gitta Alpar), a suitable candidate and, after La Pompadour's death, it is arranged for the King ((Owen Nares) to meet Jeanne and he immediately succumbs to her charm. Chdiseul tries to discredit Jeanne, but fails, and she is recognised as the King's favourite. Margaret Bannerman, who was formerly well known on the New Zealand stage, gives a polished performance as the Marechale de Lu*embourg._ Patrick Waddington presents a pleasing characterisation as Rene Lavallery. Waddington has a good tenor voice and he and Miss Alpar are heard together in several delightful duets. Owen Nares makes a welcome rettfrn to the screen as Louis XV. He makes the King aetruly regal and charming figure. The producers have spared no pains to present the lavish extravagance of the ago on the screen, and there are many memorab.e scenes, splendidly photographed. The outstanding item of the supporting programme is a Paramount review of important events of 1935. Disasters on land and sea, imnortant international conferences and the war in Abyssinia are among the many subjects represented. Other items include a Gazette, an Australian newsreel and musical selections by the Regent Theatre orchestra under the baton of Mr. Trevor Eady. STATE THEATRE The tale of two courageous and gallant officers on active service in India and Egypt during the war is unfolded in " The Last Outpost," one of the most dramatic soldiering talcs of recent years, which heads the State Theatre programme. Claude Rains and Car.v Grant are the chief players and to them is due in no small measure the.success of the film. A semi-tragic romantic theme is woven into the story when a nurse in a Cairo hospital (Gertrude Michael) enters the tale. The scenery is one of the picture's strong points, while scenes of fighting on several fronts form a dramatic background to the personal issues decided. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA Warner Oland's characterisation of the Chinese detective Charlie Chan is proving popular at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres, where "Charlie Chan in Shanghai" is being; screened. Winifred Shotter and Sonnie Hale provide typical English comedy in the second film, "Marry tho Girl." CAPITOL THEATRE Mae West has a full part in "Now I'm a Lady," tho chief film at the Capitol Theatre. "Border Town" is tho second picture. At the matinee this afternoon "Hello Trouble," featuring Buck Jones, will be screened. TUDOR CINEMA A bright and appealing story is enhanced by splendid acting by Francis Lederer and Frances Dee in "The Gay Deception" at tho Tudor Cinema. The supporting films have been carefully selected. BRITANNIA THEATRE A novel plot and excellent acting by George Brent, Bette Davis and others are to be found in "Special Agent" at the Britannia Theatre. "Hooray for Love" completes tho programme. LONDON - CINEMA Leo Carrillo, Grace Moore's leading man in her last picture, has a full part in " Obey tho Law," at tho London Cinema. " Among the Missing " is a second attraction. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Robert Montgomery is seen in his best light in " The Mystery of Mr. X " at tho Prince Edward Theatre. A talo set amid fhe jungle, " Tarzan and His Mate," will also he shown.

EMPRESS THEATRE Gracie Fields' vivacious performance makes bright entertainment of "Ixtok Up and Laugh" at the Empress Theatre. Also being shown is "The Last Days of Pompeii." REGAL THEATRE Nino Martini's rich tenor voice is heard to full advantage in "Here's to Romance" at the Regal Theatre. Also being shown is "The Return of Peter Grimm.''

ST. JAMES' THEATRE A programme which combines excellent supporting features with a main picture of considerable merit, "I Livo Mv Life," commenced a season in Auckland at St. James' Theatre yesterday. f The early part of the programme is almost enough entertainment in itself, including as it does news reels, a Fitzpatrick travel talk in colour on Honolulu, scenes of the funeral of King George and then an amazing display of gymnastics. The most impressive part of the programme was, of course, that of the King's funeral. It showed the arrival of the coffin at the station, the funeral procession with King Edward VIII. and his brothers following it and a number of scenes which stir the hearti The reading of the proclamation of tlw new King, the sound' of trumpets and all that was associated with it made a most impressive film. The colour film of life in Honolulu was given applause as were all the other features of the supporting programme. The display of gymnastics showed in action many of the States champions /ind their achievements were a revelation. The main picture. "I Live My Life," combines a great amount of humour with much that is romantic. The principal artist is Joan Crawford, who appears with Brian Aherne. They make a charming pair—ho as a young archaeologist who has made an important discovery, and she as the daughter of a wealthy American who hides her identity. They meet an island, where the young man has discovered an ancient statue. For many years he has been away from the usual pursuits of young men in more civilised places. The attraction is sudden and the archaeologist finds himself in love with the young woman he believes to bo the secretary of the owner of a yacht. So great is his attachment that he follows her to New York, there to discover her identity. The humorous aspect has been exploited to the full and both Miss Crawford and Ahcmo contribute a large part of it. They are ably supported by a cast which includes Frank Morgan, Aline MacMahon and Eric Blore. Morgan gives a delightful portrayal of the wealthy American, while Eric Blore gives a splendid performance as Grove, a butler and on the yacht a personal attendant of the owner with an approving eve for the daughter's welfare. Tho picture is full of bright dialogue no matter where the scene and at no stage is interest allowed to lull. STAR CINEMA William Powell and Ginger Rogers appear together for the first time in "Star of Midnight," the delightful comedy-mystery drama that is being shown to-night at the Star Cinema. Polished American comedy at its best, "Star of Midnight" provides outstanding entertainment. Also on -the programme is the memorable musical production, "One Night of Love," with Grace Moore and Tullio Carminati. This picturo has probably been one of the most successful Hollywood effort since the introduction of talking films. SUNDAY PICTURES "Loose Ends," a fine English film in which Owen Nares, Adriene Allen, and Donald Calthrop have the leading roles, will be shown at the Strand Theatre, tomorrow night. The film will be preceded by an attractive supporting programme and an address on the British Israel movement by Mr. A. Hall Skelton. "The Frightened Lady," a weird mystery drama, will be shown at the Rialto Theatre to-morrow night. Gordon Harker is the principal. An attractive supporting programme has been arranged. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The celebrated character actor, George Arliss, makes a further screen appearance in "The Guv'nor," the splendid English film that, will be shown to-night at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Also on the programme is a Charlie Chase comedy. ASTOR THEATRE Two exceptionally fine films, " If I Had a Million" and "One New York Night'' (Una Merkel and Franchot Tone) head the programme that is to bo screened to-night at the Astor Theatre. 4 MUNICIPAL THEATRE, AVONDALE "West Point of the Air" heads an outstanding programme at the Municipal Theatje, Avondale. "Death at Broadcasting House" will also be shown. ADELPHI THEATRE Entertainment consisting of "Music is Magic" and "The Last Days of Pompeii" will be presented at the Adelphi Theatre.