ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22353, 26 February 1936, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Characterised by a strongly dramatic theme, romantic interest find superb scenic photography, "Annie Oakley," which will open a season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day, offers excellent screen entertainment. Based on tho life of Annie Oakley, the film presents with graphic detail episodes in the career of the backwoods girl whoso shooting skill as a member of the Buffalo Bill wild west show was considered one of the most spectacular items on tho show's programme. Annie Oakley in her first scenes in the film, is pitted against Toby Walker and, although beaten as far as marksmanship is concerned, she is admitted to the troupe. The two are mutually attracted, but remain professional enemies, to the great benefit of their shooting. When a mishap injures Toby's eyes he accidentally shoots Annie, and Buffalo Bill, persuaded by Toby's rival that the act was deliberate, dismisses Toby. In the final scenes Annie is seen to return to Toby in a happy denouement. Barbara Stanwyck, Preston Foster and Melvyn Douglas have the major roles, and much of the film's undoubted quality is due to them. A comedy filled with unusual situations is the second film, "Dance Band," a tale of the fortunes of tho youthful loader of a famous dance band whose lot is bound up with that of tho leader of an equally celebrated ladies' band. Buddy Morgan as tho first band leader shows satisfying determination and his lady, Pat (Juno Clyde) relents at the right moment for a satisfactory finish. ST. JAMES* THEATRE What promises to bo an extremely successful combination of players in Joan Crawford and Brian Aherne is enjoying a good season at St. James' Theatre in the light dramatic film, "I Live My Life." The two are ideally suited as a team, Miss Crawford's gaiety and self-assurance being contrasted with Alicrne's more serious nature and conscious determination. As an archaeologist digging for fossils in a backwater of tho Mediterranean, Aherne is suddenly dazzled with the presence of a society girl, Kay Bentley (Joan Crawford) and with a farm resolve to win her he follows her to New York. His success in the thorny path of true love makes a, pleasing climax. PLAZA THEATRE A musical production incorporating a series of striking and novel song and dance effects, "First A Girl,' is drawing large audiences to tho Alaza Theatre. Experience on the London stage has equipped Jessie Matthews with full ability to hold tho close interest of an audience and in "First A Girl" she gives an individual performance which is the dominating part of a fine picture. She commands every major scene and her songs and dances have rarely been equalled tor originality and presentation. Miss Matthews' husband, Sonnie Hale, whose part was one of tho best things in "Tell Me To-night," gives a first-class performance. Griffiths Jones and Anna Lee are the other players. MAJESTIC THEATRE "Grand Exit," at the Majestic Theatre, is a picture of thrills and excitement tempered with brilliantly-exe-cuted dialogue between Edmund Lowe and Ann Sothern. The part of investigator of a series of mysterious fires is the masterful type of role in which Lowe excels and he lias seldom been seen to better advantage. The photographic effects are deserving of the fullest praise. " THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN " Two delightful characters pass through a time of trials and tribulations to a happy future in The lerfect Gentleman," winch will be presented at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Major Horatio Charteris (Ralph Forbes) is a gentleman to his fingertips, of meticulous appearance in spit© of his poor circumstances, with lodgings over a fish shop in Soho. Of the old school, he is full of glorious stories about his past, an impractical dreamer, and as befits a gentleman of his time, somewhat addicted to the bottle. lut to flight bv his creditors, he arrives, slightly merry, at the home of his son John, the curate, and offends the Bishop from whom John expected advancement. The Major then meets charming April Maye (Cicely Courtneidge) who is going to conquer the metropolis with her warm heart and her music-hall turns. It is only after many nps and downs, all met with the stoutest of spirit, that the Major establishes his son in a good living and wins-his lady. CIVIC THEATRE Ronald Colman has a theme to suit his talents perfectly in "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," now in its second week at the Civic Theatre. Assisted by Joan Bennett in tho romantic line, Colman gives a fine study of a resolute gambler who risks all upon the tables at the casino. Colman wins when he needs to and fails when lie does not —that is in tho natuie of things—but the film is none tho less entertaining for that. " I DREAM TOO MUCH" A coloratura soprano the like of whom has not been heard in a film in Auckland before, Lily Pons, will appear in her first screen venture, 1 Dream Too Much," at tho Civic Theatre on Friday. Written especially for Miss Pons as singer and actress, the story follows several recent productions in depicting the gradual rise to eminence of an opera singer. Widelydifferent paths of life are traversed in the course of the film, each one forming a novel background for Miss Pons superlative singing. The Bell Song from Delibes' "Lakme" aiul Caro Nome from "Rigoletto" aro among her selections, which also include a number of popular songs. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Wheeler and Woolsey's riotous humour fills "Hold 'Em Jail" at the Prince Edward Theatre with a wholesome gaiety. The extraordinarily piquant situations into which these experienced comedians fall and their pointed remarks make a good story better. A bright musical comedy, i his Man is Mine," is a second attraction. Irene Dunne, who will be remembered for her part in "Roberta," and Ralph Bellamy have the more important roles. NATIONAL THEATRE A double-feature programme including "Boys Will Be Hoys" and "HardBock Harrigan" is now being screened jit the National Theatre. Will Hay and Gordon Harker are given almost unlimited scope in the former film and George O'Brien dominates tho latter. STATE THEATRE All that is of appeal in heroic deeds and feats of bravery has been captured in "The Last Outpost," at the State Theatre, a tale of active service in India and the Soudan during the recent war. Cary Grant and Claude Rains are tho leading players.