ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22355, 28 February 1936, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE An eminently successful comedy team in Cicely Courtneidge and Frank Morgan makes its debut in the riotous comedy, "The Perfect Gentleman," now at the Majestic Theatre. Frank Morgan is well known for his parts in "The Affairs of Cellini" and as the governor in "Naughty Marietta." His comedy is, if anything, even better in his latest picture. Cicely Courtneidge, whose appearances with Jack Hulbert in English productions have always been warmly greeted, is making her first appearance in an American film, and her whimsical, madcap type of i amusement is a new departure for ! Hollywood. As Major Charteris, Frank Morgan finds himself a liability to his respectable vicar son and his betrothed. He leaves his lodgings (over a fish shop) when -his creditors become troublesome, and luck instantly descends upon him at a music hall. April Maye (Miss Courtneidge) is given a hostile reception, and the major comes to her "rescue. After falling in and out of every conceivable scrape, the major gallantly establishes his son in a good living, and is rewarded with ththand of his lady. ■ CIVIC THEATRE Following after such renowned artists as Grace Moore and Mary Ellis, and, in the male line, Lawrence Tibbett, Nino Martini and others, yet another sieger from the Metropolitan Opera I House, Lily Pons, will appear on the screen in Auckland in "I Dream Too Much," commencing to-day at the Civic Theatre. A coloratura soprano of preeminent quality, Miss Pons has sung with success in both Paris and New York, chiefly in grand opera. "I. Dream Too Much" follows the well-tried theme ;ot the gradual rise to success of an j operatic singer, but departs from the j usual ending in that the successful ' artist, played by Miss Pons, gives up her singing to share a home with the faithful sweetheart who has watched her advance further and further beyond him. The Bell Song from "Lakme" by Delibes and "Caro Nome" from "Rigoletto," in addition to a number of pleasing modern compositions, are included in Miss Pons' selections, each song exhibiting the remarkable range, clarity and resonance of her voice. REGENT THEATRE As an example of the way in which i American film studios can bring to the screen with all its charm the tenderest of love tales, and yet not detract from it by mis-handling, "Peter Ibbetson," commencing to-day at the Regent Theatre, is a fitting successor to "Smilin' Through." Following closely upon the book by George du Maurier, the film traces the tragic tale of a boy and girl in Paris whose affection for each as children blossoms out into deep-rooted love when they meet again in the prime of their lives. He is then an architect of growing fame and she the wife of the Duke of Tours. In a strikingly photographed scene Peter Ibbetson kills the Duke and is thrown into prison. It is at this stage that, by means of the latest technical processes, the transition from fact to a world of dreams is effected, smoothly and lucidly. The romance between the separated pair continues in their dreams until death brings a close to Ibbetson's torment in prison. Gary Cooper and Ann Harding, Dickie Moore and Virginia Weidler, Ida Lupino and John Halliday are the players. ST. JAMES* THEATRE A splendid programme headed by the light dramatic film "I Live My Life'* is; to-day commencing a Second week's run at St. James' Theatre. Joan Crawford and Brian Aherne, the one as a Park Avenue society girl and the other as an archaeologist mildly interested in fossils, have charge of a romantic theme which begins with their meeting on an isle in the Mediterranean and ends in their marriage in New York. The wilfulness of the lady and the determination of the gentleman are at times brought into sharp conflict, but a happy ending is assured. NATIONAL THEATI*E For the theatre-goer with a liking for blood-curdling screams arid weird, apparently supernatural happenings, embroidered into a screen story of great dramatic suspense, "The Black Room," now at the National Theatre, should have ihstant appeal. Boris Karloff, a veteran in this type of picture, provides the majority of the excitement as the master of a house where ghost-like events are the common rule. Marion Marsh and Robert Allen ably support him. The comedian Frank Craven supplies entertaining comedy in good measure in a second film, "That's Gratitude." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A fine version of R. L. Stevenson's delightful tale "Treasure Island" is now being screened at the Prince Edward Theatre. Wallace Beery as Long John Silver and Jackie Cooper as Jim Hawkins are the players with the most prominent roles, and their work is excellent. "Murder in the Rear Car," featuring Una MerkeL and Charles Ruggles, is the second picture. TUDOR CINEMA Noel Coward's production "The Scoundrel," by the unusual and thought-provoking type of entertainment that it offers, should be of wide appeal to patrons of the Tudor Cinema, where it will be screened to-night. Coward himself appears in the name part, with Julie Haydcn as a supporting player. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Will Hay's unrivalled humour is given full vent in the English comedy classic "Boys Will Be Boys." now at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Gordon Har. ker has an important supporting role. "Thanks a Million," featuring the popular Dick Powell, is a further attraction. STATE THEATRE . Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, an experienced pair in musical comedy, are the principal players in "Flirtation Walk," which will head to-day's programme at the State Theatre. Variety is provided by the second item, "The Casino Murder Case." EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA "Music is Magic," a bright musical comedy, heads an excellent programme at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. A drama of the Roman Empire, "The Last Days of Pompeii," completes the programme. LONDON CINEMA A well-mounted musical comedy, "There Goes the Bride," will open a season, together with "Ann Carver's Profession, at the London Cinema today. VICTORIA THEATRE "Shipmates Forever" and "Murder at Monte Carlo" comprise the entertaining offering at the Victoria Theatre. BRITANNIA THEATRE A programme which includes "The Age of Indiscretion" and "The Camels are Coming" will be presented to-night at the Britannia Theatre.