ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22351, 24 February 1936, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

recent theatre A British film of quality "I Give My Heart" heads the current programme at the Regent Theatre. Adapted from the successful stage play "The Dubarrv," the film combines all that is delightful in the musical score with technical improvements in product'on and presentation. Gitta Alpar wellknown for her duets with Richard Tauber 011 gramophone recordings, has the role of Duharry, and tho impression her work leaves is that 110 finer choice could have been made. Miss Alpar has a transcendingly beautiful voice of range and purity, an attractive appearance and a naive gaiety which becomes her well. Tho story is set amid the beautiful surroundings of the Palace of Versailles, built at untold cost by I*>uis XV. Topical features such as the ascent of Montgolfier's balloon, are introduced as well as interesting insights into the manners and modes of the day. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Humour and romance in well-judged quantities are the main ingredients of "1 Live My Life," at St. James' Theatre. Joan Crawford's name heading the cast is enough recommendation to many people, but one that may not bo so widely known is that of Brian A heme, her leading man. Ahorne gave a glimpse of his acting quality in "Tho Constant Nymph" and "The Fountain," hut in his latest picture he has progressed amazingly. In tho role of a man of depth, albeit an archaeologist, Aherne presents a fine study. He lias a dislike of cities and city products, which include Miss Crawford, as Kay Bentley, daughter of a wealthy vachtowner. But when he is persuaded that she is only the owner's secretary he resolutely follows her to New York. How ho finally wins her is the theme of a fine picture. PLAZA THEATRE British musical comedy of the best type has been most attractively brought to tho screen in "First a Girl," at the Plaza Theatre. The latest in dances and songs are introduced in elaborately arranged settings, while tho humour of dialogue' and situation is brilliantly conceived and well presented. Jessie Matthews, formerly a stage actress, repeats the success she achieved as Susie Dean in "The Good Companions," with the difference that her more recent part suits her capabilities better. Suddenly called upon tc# deputise for a female impersonator. Miss Matthews, as Elizabeth, a little messenger girl, makes such a success of the affair that she is forced to continue in the role and before she realises the fact she is drawn into a European tour. Victor, the friend for whom she first played the part, stands by her in countless awkward situations. Further embarrassment is caused when a woman jealous of Elizabeth begins to suspect her true sex. All ends satisfactorily, however, and Elizabeth :is free to behave once more as a girl who is really a girl. MAJESTIC THEATRE There are no dull moments in "Grand Exit," the current film at the Majestic Theatre. From the first scenes, when Edmund Lowe, as a fire investigator, accepts an offer from a large company to seek the cause of several mysterious fires affecting its books, the story moves at rapid pace. There are thrilling shots of fiercelyburning buildings and the gradual tracking down of the incendiary is as absorbing as any piurder mystery. A fine supporting programme includes an Andy Clyde comedy and scenes of the proclamation of King Edward. STRAND THEATRE The intrepid producer of wild animal films, Frank Buck, again has made a film out. of the common run in "Fang and Claw," which is being screened at the Strand Theatre. At great personal risk, Mr. Buck raises expeditions to travel to Java, where the wild animal life is photographed in its native haunts. Shots of the capture of a maneating tiger, of huge pythons and of crocodiles are shown with full sound effects. By way of contrast with these fearsome sights there are amusing glimpses of the monkeys at play, their antics providing many laughs. Trish comedy at its best is given in "His Family Tree," featuring James Barton. NATIONAL THEATRE The boys of Narkover School with their schoolmaster, Dr. Alexander Smart (Will Hay), and the butler * Gordon Harker), provide comedy in "Boys Will Bo Boys," at the National Theatre which cannot fail to appeal. There is an uproarious plot, which commences with the advent to the school of Dr. Smart as headmaster on the credit of a forged testimonial. When the butler, a reformed criminal, relapses into kleptomania, amusing scenes follow. A stolen necklace travels about in disconcerting fashion and the entrance of a widow with a sentimental attraction for Smart complicates that gentleman's lot. A dramatic tale of the life of men who work under the earth is told in "Hard-Rock Harrigan,"' the second film. George O'Brien has the leading part. STATE THEATRE A film after the type of "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," one of the finest screen achievements of last year, has been made in "The Last Outpost," now at the State Theatre. From the skil-fully-constructed story by F. Britten Austin, the film moves with pace throughout, each scene contributing toward the development of the theme. ! A romance between a British officer (Cary Grant) and a nurse in a Cairo hospital (Gertrude Michael) is traced through the sterner background of scenes of active service. Claude Rains, as an intelligence officer, gives a restrained performance fully up to the work of Grant and Miss. Michael. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "The Mystery of Mr. X" and "Tarzan and His Mate" will have their final screenings at the Prince Edward Theatre to-night. Robert Montgomery has the leading part in tho former film, which follows up a series of murders in London streets. Guest night will be observed to-morrow, when "Hold 'Em, Jail" and "This Man is Mine" will bo screened. BRITANNIA THEATRE An excellent programme, which includes "Hooray for Love" and "Special Agent," will bo screened to-night at tho Britannia Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Gracie Fields' boisterous humour provides stimulating entertainment in "Look Up and Laugh," at'tho Crystal Palace Theatre. "The Return of Peter Grimm" is the second filmp VICTORIA THEATRE "Four Hours to Wait" and "Wc'ro in the Money" head the current program me at the Victoria Theatre. "The Healer" and "Men Without Names" will commence to-morrow. TUDOR CINEMA Francis Ledorer and Francis Deo have tho principal parts in "The Gav Deception," at tho Tudor Cinema. There is a fine supporting programme. RI ALTO THEATRE Entertainment comprising "Boys Will Bo Boys" and "The Return of Peter Grimm" will bo presented to-night at the Rialto Theatre.

CIVIC THEATRE After a successful appearance in a dramatic role as Clive in "Chve. of India," Ronald Colman turns with conspicuous success "to ft lighter role in "The Man "Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," which is now in its second week at the Civic Theatre. Colma.li brings to his part a debonair appearance and an imperturbable demeanour, forming a striking contrast with the volatile nature of the regular patron's of the tables at Monte Carlo. The scenes of tho tables where fortunes are made and lost between sunset and sunrise are excellently done, while the scenic effects are of an unusually high standard. Interwoven into the gaming scenes is a romantic idyll with Joan Bennett playing opposite Colman. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES .Ludicrous situations in the best musical comedy style are a feature of the bright production "The Goose and the Gander" at the Roxy and 1 i vol i Theatres. Kay Francis, as the masterful woman who has a number of people with whom she has accounts to settle, dominates the cast. George Brent, as her opposite player, Genevieve 'lobm and Ralph Forbes also appear. Hugh Herbert and Helen Broderick oiler original coinedv in their latest picture, "To beat the Band," on the same programme. All the thrills and picturesque appeal of Buffalo Bill's celebrated show are screened in "Annie Oakley," which will commence on Wednesday. STAR CINEMA i Tho charm of a good voice is nowhere i more apparent than in "One Night of Love," at the Star Cinema. With Grace | Moore as the leading player, the film lias comedy, romance, drama and music, ■ and its merit was recognised in a run ' of nine weeks at its first screening in ! Auckland. William Powell and Ginger Rogers make an ideal team in "Star of Midnight," which completes the programme. Powell, as an amateur detee- | tive'J gives a polished performance and ! uncovers the criminal with a masterly : touch. Excellent dialogue adds the final j touch to a well-produced film. LONDON CINEMA i A film containing a finely-constructed I story and many dramatic scenes, "Obey i the Law," will be shown to-day with "Among the Missing" at the London j Cinema.