ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22356, 29 February 1936, Page 20

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE "I Dream Too Much," an RKO Radio picture, -which commenced a season at the Civic Theatre yesterday, is a musical, film of the highest class. The principal part is taken by _ Lily Pons, coloratura soprano of the Metropolitan Opera, New York, who makes a highly-promising film debut. Judging by the applause which followed her singing during last night's performance, "I Dream Too Much" should be assured of an extended _ season. Besides possessing a magnificent voice, Miss Pons has an engaging personality which adds considerably to the charm of her performance. Among' the numbers sung by Miss Pons are "Caro Nome" from Rigoletto (Verdi), nnd the Bell Song from "Lakme" (Dolibes). Her rendering of the latter piece, one of the most illustrious of opera arias, is l'eally memorable. T.ho producers have skilfully compromised between grand opera and popular melody and several modern compositions are also presented. The music of these was written by Jerome Kern, who composed the score of "Roberta." So many recent musical films have told i-he story of a great singer's slow and painful climb to success that it is refreshing to find in "I Dream Too Much" a departure from what is now a rather hackneyed theme. Here Miss Pons is seen as a provincial French girl with a golden voica and a very definite desire to escape from her cramped surroundings. At a local mardi grds she meets a friendly American youth who believes that it is his mission in life to compose operas. After a whirlwind courtship they are married and go to Paris to live. Anxious only for her husband's success, she unexpectedly makes a career for herself when she bursts into a producer's office and sings her husband's music. His wife's success as a singer brings disillusion to the composer, who broods bitterly over his failure. But she restores his confidence finally by getting his great opera produced as a musical comedy and persuading him that his genius is for popular music. The part of the young composer is excellently played by Henry Fonda, who reveals sincerity and understanding in what might easily be an unattractive part. A delightfully comic role is taken by Eric Blore, who will be remembered for his humorous characterisation of a butler in "Top Hat." Not the least important member of the cast is a performing seal, "the Duchess," whose behaviour adds more than a little to the gaiety of the picture. From a technical viewpoint, the film is almost perfect. The photography is clear, the settings sumptuous and the recording beyond reproach. The supporting items include a newsreel, with pictures of the late King's funeral, a travelogue, which _ presents scenes from the island of Majorca, and a. colour cartoon. Selections are also given by the Civic orchestra. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Full of life and energy, and gowned and photographed to show her to good effect, Joan Crawford makes a striking figure in her latest film, "I Live My Life," at St. James' Theatre. "No More Ladies," "Forsaking All Others" and " Chained " established . for Miss Crawford a fine reputation, to maintain which would he a difficult task, but in "I Live My Life" she even improves upon her previous reputation, her acting and vivacity proving highly attractive. Brian Aherne, Miss Crawford's new leading man, shares her success. His interpretation of Terry O'Neill is reminiscent of his Lewis Dodd in "The Constant Nymph." The theme is away from the beaten track and the change of the hero from a serious and moody archaeologist to a man of the town is a new departure for Hollywood which should prove well worth repeating. An excellent series of supporting films, including a Pete Smith Oddity and a Fitzpatrick travel gem in colour, completes a programme of an exceptionally high standard.

STRAND THEATRE A skilful combination of all that is entertaining in song, dance, comedy and dialogue is the underlying reason for the universal popularity of the latest Ginger Rogers-Fred Astaire film, "Top Hat." After a favourable reception in the southern centres and at the Civic Theatre, "Top Hat" yesterday commenced what should be an equally successful run at the Strand Theatre, for it is a picture which may easily be seen twice. A comparison with previous pictures made by the same cast shows the great progress made in the song and dance settings and effects. One number in particular, " Top Hat," is a triumph of effective blending of black a,nd white, and the patter and dancing of Astaire against the background of a, male chorus is something delightfully novel. It is this originality that proves o§e of the picture's chief charms. STATE THEATRE One of the finest of a series of musical films lately produced by Warner Brothers, "Flirtation Walk," is enjoying a favourable season at the State .Theatre. Pleasing singing by Dick Powell and equally attractive dancing by Ruby Keeler are allied with Pat O'Brien's distinctive touches of humour. Philo Vance's tale, ''The Casino Murder Case," is the second film. Paul Lukas and Rosalind Russell have important parts.

NATIONAL THEATRE Based on the exploits of the French bluebeard, Landru, the film "The Black Room," now .at the National Theatre, offers ideal opportunities for the mystical and supernatural type of acting through which Boris Karloff has become known. Eerie happenings in ghostlike surroundings create an atmosphere for deeds of horror, the work or the master magician, Karloff. Marion Marsh is the leading lady and Robert Allen and Colin Tapley are others in the cast whose acting merit has been well tested. A welcome contrast to the first film is "That's Gratitude," which has as its dominant player the comedian Frank Craven. Mary Carlisle and Sheila Mannors assist him in scenes containing many farcical moments. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "Treasure Island" was the finest story of adventure written for some years, and with such a subject it is not surprising to find in the screen version of the book something outstanding in film entertainment. "Treasure Island" is now at the Prince Edward Theatre and is supported by "Murder in the Rear Car." LONDON CINEMA

Fay Wray after ah absence of some months from the screen is given a role full of possibilities in "Ann Carver's Profession" at the London Cinema. "There Goes the Bride," featuring .Jessie Matthews and Owen Nares, is the second film. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA A light musical comedy, "Music is Magic," heads the current programme at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. Stirring scenes of the splendour of the Roman Empire form a striking background to "The Last Dav? of Pompeii," which completes the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE "Boys Will Be Boys," a public school farce,, in which the inimitable Will;; Hays makes his second screen appearance, is the principal attraction on the week-end ' programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre. a Million" is the second picture.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Cicely Courtneidge's infeotious gaiety is imparted for the first time to an American picture in "The Perfect Gentleman,", which opened a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. Although the popular English comedienne makes her Hollywood debut in the film, the inevitable "grooming" process has already been at work, and she exchanges a little of her exuberance for an elaborate coiffure and a beauty to which she has hitherto had few aspirations. Her vivacity is as great as ever, and she finds a splendid foil in Frank Morgan. The pair make an hilarious comedy team and keep the fun at a high pitch throughout. They are cast as a singer and an impecunious English major, who joins her in her stago act. Their adventures provide many opportunities for delightful fooling, which reaches a climax when they set out to auction such highly dangerous objects as a priceless Chinese vase, a large tea-set, a boomerang, a bow and arrow, and a blunderbuss at a society garden party. Another delicious scene occurs when Cicoly Courtneidge dances the rumba with a debt collector in an effort to recover a worthless cheque her partner has given him. A strong supporting cast includes Richard Waring as the major's young clergyman son, who is continually being embarrassed by his father's escapades, Heather Angel as his fiancee, XJna O'Connor, cast as the major's liighljr disapproving sister, Herbert Mundin a much-wronged debtcollector, ana Henry Stephenson. A Patsy Kelly-Thelma Todd comedy, "Top Flat," heads a varied and interesting programme of shorter films. Other attractions are a Fitzpatrick travelogue, "Rainbow Canyons," in colour, an Our Gang comedy, "Beginner's Luck," and a newsreel

REGENT THEATRE "Peter Ibbetson," the Paramount film version of the novel by George du Maurier, which was Bhown for the first time at the Regent Theatre yesterday, will come as a strange adventure in the experience of the average -theatre patron. That the adventure is one that will be fully appreciated is beyond doubt, for, although tho picture is far removed from the ordinary run of screen entertainment and introduces a motif that is altogether unusual, it has an appeal, and receives an interpretation that must win complete approbation from all who see it. Du Manner's phantasy of the childhood sweethearts who, parted by disaster, find a happy reunion in a dream life, is a theme whifh "offers many a hazard to successful translation to the screen. What may win sympathy and become convincing through the poetry of words may not necessarily be as impressive through the more realistic medium of the screon. The producers of "Peter Ibbetson," however, gain the reward of courage and make a brilliant offering where there might easily have been a blatant and a banal one. Tho idyll so subtly created by a master writer, the~beautiful sentiment so naturally woven in an atmosphere that is altogether ethereal, is as convincing to the observer as the prose is to the reader. In a word, the fascination of the picture is as great as the fascination of the book. Delicate writing is matched by delicate production, and the blending of romance and tragedy is contrived in such a manner that the picture, in keeping with the theme, is lifted far above the level of the commonplace. The result has been achieved with obvious attention to the settings, which are as beautiful as they are appropriate to the ideal portrayed, the suggestion of triumphant spirituality being both adequate and graceful. The principal players accomplish an unusually difficult task with distinction. Gary Cooper fills the role of Peter Ibbetson, the architect sentenced to life imprisonment, with simplicity and understanding, never wasting or over-emphasising a gesture, and always acting with the restraint that makes such a part successful. Ann Harding, as Mary, Duchess of Towers, is equally impressive. Her, performance is as able as it is dignified, a note of intensity, which never verges on extravagance, giving many of the scenes a perfection that is not always The sincerity of both these players' work makes a picture which will be long remembered. John Halliday appears briefly as the Duke of Towers, and is responsible for one or two powerful scenes, while Dickie Moore and Virginia Weidler act delightfully as Gogo and Mimsey in the opening sequences. An interesting and varied supporting programme is shown, including an item in technicolour, "Popular Science," which demonstrates how many of man's inventions have been copied from nature, and a particularly amusing cartoon depicting the exploits of "Popeye the Sailor." The Regent Orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Trevor Eady, plays attractive musical numbers. RIALTO THEATRE An unusual type of mystery firm, "Remember Last Night,'' will be shown .again at the Rialto Theatre to-night. It is one of the most entertaining pictures of its type to have been seen for some months. Also on the programme is the amusing "Thanks a Million."

EMPRESS THEATRE Tom Brown and Virginia Weidler are the prominent players in Gene-Stratton-Porter's tale "Freckles" at the Empress Theatre. "Calm Yourself'' and a Thnlma, Todd-Patsy Kelly comedy are also on the programme. . ADELPHI THEATRE Conrad Veidt gives a masterly study in "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" at the Adelphi Theatre. "Hi Gaucbo" is a further attraction. VICTORIA THEATRE Entertainment which comprises "Shipmates Forever" and "Murder at Monte Carlo" will be presented to-night at the Victoria Theatre. AVONDALE CINEMA To-night's programme at the Avondale Cinema will comprise "Reckless," with Jean Harlow and Franchot Tone, and "Devil Dogs of the Air." REGAL CINEMA "In Old Kentucky" and "This is the Life," two pleasing comedies, head the current programme at the Regal Cinema.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The crime drama "Whispering Smith Speaks" airti the Wheeler and Woolsey comedy "The Rainmakers" will be screened to-day at the State Theatre, Onchunga. f ■ " STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT George Arliss, celebrated character actor, is seen again in "The Guv'nor," the film that will be shown to-night at the State Theatre, Devonport. • . PRINCESS THEATRE Lovers of operatic music should see "Here's to Romance" (Nino Martini), which is being shown x with "The Return of Peter Grimm" at the Princess Theatre. ■ < BRITANNIA THEATRE " The Age of Indiscretion," with Helen Vinson, will be shown to-night at the Britannia Theatre.

PLAZA THEATRE That the musical film is fast becoming first favourite with many picturegoers is again demonstrated by the overwhelming applause which has greeted " First a Girl," at the Plaza Theatre, during the past week. The latest picture m which the leading London stage actress Jessie Matthews appears., "First a Girl " turns upon the adventures of a little milliner's assistant, played by Miss Matthews, who when suddenly forced to take the place of .a friend as a female impersonator makes such a success of the part that she is signed on for a tour of Europe. Her subsequent adventures provide some of tho most diverting scenes one could wish for. Some awkward situations are overcome only at great embarassment to the girl, but her lot becomes worse when a jealous woman sees through her pose and deliberately works for her discomfiture. A happy ending is nevertheless provided in the best musical comedy style. Opportunity is taken during the progress of tho story further to develop Miss Matthews' capabilities in singing and dancing. Elaborate settings have been evolved, striking in conception and skilfully produced. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A colourful chapter in the history of the United States comec to the screen in "Annie Oakley," the new film that is enjoying a successful season at the. Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The plot ify based mainly on fact, dealing with young and beautiful country girl from the Ohio backwoods, who originally shot', quail for a living, later joining the j celebrated Buffalo Bill Wild West Show and becoming the world's crack rifleg shot. Too much praise cannot be given" Barbara Stanwyck, the principal, herr characterisation of Annie Oakley being} superb. She convincingly dramatizes the role with sympathy and charm. A bright and fast-moving film, "Dancte Band," is the second item on the pr<i>gramme. It is a unique musical comedty and sparkles with infectious gaiety fro p start to finish. Buddy Morgan appears in a light-hearted role as the leader Df a celebrated dance band, and his engaging cheerfulness in face of all Ifiis romantic setbacks wins him warm sicpport. June Clyde, as the leader of a rival band, is the leading feminize player, and the by-play between these two proves highly amusing. Speciajjty dancing is a highly attractive feature *of this film.

, STAR CINEMA

Heading the double-feature l»rogrammo at the Star v Cinema is hilarious comedy "Trouble in Paradise." The cast includes such wellknown performers as Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis, Herbert Marshall, Edward Everett Horton and C. Aubrey Smfith. With its sparkling dialogue and amusing plot, the film provides outstanding screen entertainment. The second !half of the programme includes an unusual film entitled "If I Had a Million." It consists of a series of interviews with screen celebrities and has had a most encouraging reception wherever it{o has been shown. SUNDAY PICTURES An enthralling drama of thef air, " The Lost Zeppelin," will head to-mor-row night's programme at the Btrand Theatre. A gazette and splendid supports will precede the main picture, and Mr. J. It. Stewart, of the Auckland City Council, will speak oil " A Rational View of War."

Cicely Courtneidge and Claude Hulbert are the princfpals in "The Ghosi Train," the splendid film thaty heads the Sunday night programme at the Rialto Theatre. Proceeds will Ibe devoted to local charities. TUDOR CINEMA Noel Coward's performance in the name-part of one of Jus most brilliant plays, " The Scoundrel," bjtas been described as one of the finest an recent months. " The Scoundrel " is now being screened at the Tudor Cinema and is preceded by specially selectod fcaturettes. CAPITOL THEATER There are some dramatic moments in " Imitation of Life,'' at the Capitol Theatre. " One New York Night " contains some delightful comedy* with Una Merkel and Franchot Tone in the limelight. Tim McCoy is tho dominant player in the matinee attraction, " Riding Tornado." STRAND THEATRE. ONJEHUNGA A programme headed by Men Without Names " will be presented to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. Lillian Gish, of the sillent screen, Roland Young and Lumsdein Hare hare leading roles in the secondUfilm, " His Double Life." MAYFAIR THEATRE Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon figure in a vivid historical dframa, "The Scarlet- Pimpernel," now act the Mayfair Theatre. The picture has a full plot and for romantic interest, scenic and historical accuracy and gifted acting ranks high among recent productions. A .-colour symphony, " Goddess of Spring," also is on the> programme. Ruck Jones appears at tlie matinee in " South of the Rio Graridfe."