ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22398, 20 April 1936, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE The popular comedian Edward Everett Horton makes a welcome reappearance in tho leading role of "His Night Out," which heads the programme being presented with success at the Plaza Theatre. One of the latest productions to come from the Columbia Studios the picture further enhances the excellent reputation enjoyed by this company. Horton is seen as a much more dashing and virile character than in his previous films. Events move swiftly to a romantic and pleasing climax and the talc never fails to grip the interest. There is a particularly line associate programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE Stirring entertainment is provided in "Crime and Punishment," tho dramatic picture which is being presented at the Majestic Theatre. Based on the novel by Dostoievsky the story is one which in ordinary hands might have suffered greatly in its reproduction on the screen. "With exceptional skill the producer, Joseph Von Sternberg, has created a veritable masterpiece, it does not concern ruthlessness and brutality as tho title suggests, but rather deals with human emotions and their reaction to a series of dramatic events. Edward Arnold gives a fine performance in tho leading role and receives sound support from Peter Lorre, Marian Marsh, Tala Birrell and Robert Allen. There is a wide selection of shorter pictures. CIVIC THEATRE Excellent teamwork is provided by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the leading roles of "Follow the Fleet," the current film at the Civic Theatre. Ihe picture has an amusing story and, as with most pictures with the sea as a background, it makes splendid entertainment from start to finish. Both the leading players have excellent reputations, but in this latest picture they are seen at their best, 'ihe theme lends itself to many complicated situations and tho manner in which they arc finally solved holds the interest. In addition to a selection of shorter films Desmond Tanner is heard in several numbers on the Civic grand organ. REGENT THEATRE With a unique story based on the actual lives of tho two principals, "Tho Street Singer's Serenade" is the current attraction at the Regent Theatre. It is the first of the new Herbert Wilcox "World Standard" productions and it makes first-class entertainment. In the leading role is Arthur Tracy, celebrated in the United States for radio and gramophone recitals. Playing the opposite part is Anna Neagle, one of the most attractive players in films. The picture was filmed almost entirely in the Lyceum Theatre, London. Heading the associate programme is the second of the "March of Time" productions. In this interesting commentary on current affairs the audience is given an insight into the activities of the various munition factories throughout Europe. EMBASSY THEATRE Exceptionally largo audiences are being attracted to the new Embassy Theatre, which is becoming a favourite among Auckland theatregoers. The comfort afforded to patrons, the tasteful decorations and brilliant lighting effects combine to make the house one of the finest in the Dominion. In accordance with the announced intention of the management to present only first grade films "Rose of the Rancho" is the current attraction. The picture is one of tho finest of its type presented in Auckland for some time. It introduces !Miss Gladys Swarthout, who has a fine reputation in the Metropolitan Opera House. Another good picture. "Little Lord Fauntleroy," will commence a season at the theatre on Thursday. Freddie Bartholomew, who won great popularity with his performance in "David Copperfield," gives another fine portrayal in ono of the leading roles. Dolores Costello is as charming as ever in the principal feminine part, while C. Aubrey Smith also has a major role. Rich in sentiment and produced without consideration of expense, the film makes first class entertainment. STRAND THEATRE Large audiences are being attracted to tho Strand Theatre, where a well varied double-feature programme is being presented. Betty Balfour, Gordon Harker and Stanley Hollowav appear in the leading roles of "Squibs," the first attraction, and they all give characteristic performances. The story is an entertaining one and strongly sustains the interest. Another powerful cast gives a vivid interpretation of "Kentucky Minstrels," which is being screened on tho same programmo. Nina Mae McKinnev is the principal, while Harry Scott and Eddie Whaley appear in tho supporting parts. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An entertaining double-feature programme is attracting large audiences to the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The first film, "The Calling of Dan Matthews," is a picture with a definite human apepal, and makes absorbing entertainment from start to finish. "We're Only Human," an action-filled drama concerning police and crime, is the second attraction. STATE THEATRE "Broadway Melody of 1936" is being screened with outstanding success at the State Theatre. Tho film, in addition to being rich in spectacle, is noted for the polished acting of a large and distinguished cast. Eleanor Powell, Robert Taylor and Jack Benny all have major parts and they further enhance their reputations. There is a fine associate programme, which includes a number of films of topical interest. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO That remarkable figure, Noel Coward, after writing the scenario, took tho leading part, the title role, in " Tho Scoundrel," the unusual film drama being shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. "Two in tho Dark" also is on the programmo. STAR CINEMA "It Happened One Night" is the first of the two full-length films being screened with success at the Star Cinema. Clark Gable and Claudetto Colbert are the principals. "Lady For A Day," one of tho finest films presented in Auckland, also is being screened. NATIONAL THEATRE Being screened again to-day at the National Theatre is the delightful comedy-romance "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo." Ronald Colman, debonair as over, and the demure Joan Bennett have the leading roles. TUDOR CINEMA "Private Worlds" heads the wellvaried programme being presented with success at tho Tudor Cinema. There is a wide selection of shorter films. VICTORIA THEATRE "Broadway Melody of 1938" and "Strange Wives" are the two films being screened with success at the .Victoria Theatre*

ST. JAMES' THEATRE One of the finest films shown in Auckland for many years "The Mutiny on the Bounty" is now in its fourth week of a popular season at St. James' Theatre. The fascinating drama of the South Seas has been recorded by a number of writers, but happily the picture lias been based on one of the most authentic and yet entertaining of the versions. The acting throughout the picture is of the highest order and Charles Laughton further enhances his reputation in the leading role. Franchot Tone, who will always be remembered for his portrayal in "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," has a major part, while Clark Gable also is seen at his best. LONDON CINEMA " Should Ladies Behave" is the first of the two full length films being presented at the London Cinema. "Britannia. of Billingsgate" is the second attraction.