ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22399, 21 April 1936, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE A picture fully as impressive as the book from which it has been adapted, "Crime and Punishment," is at the Majestic Theatre. The book is the finest of a remarkable series by Dostoievsky and it shows a sense of the dramatic which is readily transferred to the screen. Far from dealing with the sordid side of life, of brutality and crime, the story exalts human emotion of the better kind in a series of dramatic events. It contains withal a remarkable study of a kindly detective, played by Edward Arnold, and a human and touching love theme. A balanced cast has been chosen to do justice to the book, including I'eter Lorre, Marian Marsh and Tala Birell. CIVIC THEATRE A first-class exhibition of tap dancing and singing is to be found in "Follow the Fleet," which has earned a second week's screening at the Civic Theatre. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire are the leading players and their somewhat fiery romance is set to a nautical background. Well-trained choruses give added effect to the musical interludes and the songs, by Irving Berlin, are gay and tuneful. Desmond Tanner's presentations on the grand organ have proved a popular item 011 the programme. "The Lady Consents," with a cast headed by Herbert Marshall and Ann Harding, will commence 011 Friday. REGENT THEATRE An English musical comedy, "Street Singer's Serenade," heads the current programme at the Regent Theatre. Of prime importance is the introduction of a new singing personality to the screen, Arthur Tracy, the "Street Singer," who has achieved popularity in radio work in America. Tracy's voice is bound to please all who hear him sing, and he has in all 10 songs. Anna Neagle, who appeared in "Nell Gwyn," is his leading lady. An insignificant chorus girl, who discovers the street singer's merit, she finds herself advanced into a prominence almost equal to his, and her romantic leanings toward him are gratified in the closing scenes. The second of the "March of Time" series heads the supporting pictures. "The Big Broadcast of 1936" will be the Regent Theatre's next attraction. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's epic of adventure, "Mutiny on the Bounty," maintains its popularity after four weeks' screening at St. James' Theatre. The film presents a vivid picture of sea life in the 18th century, and the photography, whether of storm scenes at sea or of the peaceful life of the natives of Tahiti, is excellent. Clark Gable, Charles Laughton and Franchot Tone are the leading players. EMBASSY THEATRE The musical success "Rose of the Rancho" will have its final presentation at the Embassy Theatre to-morrow night. The principals are Gladys Swarthout, the latest operatic singer to appear 011 the screen, and John Boles, and the story deals with life amid the ranch lands of California. The settings have a charm all their own. The film has in addition a superlative musical score.

" LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY" A story which has always proved popular with womenfolk, "Little Lord Fauntleroy," will open a season at the Embassy Theatre on Thursday. The charm of the story by Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett has .been admirably transferred to the screen by one of Hollywood's leading .producers, David 0. Selznick. Freddie Bartholomew, last seen in "David Copperfield" and "Anna Karenina," has the leading part and he fills a difficult role with distinction. Dolores Costello appears as "Dearest" and C. Aubrey Smith as the grumpy, gruff and lovable old Earl. Human emotion has been well studied in this film and the medium between sentimentalism and mere theatricalism has been struck. STRAND THEATRE A programme providing more than the average measure of laughter is being presented at the Strand Theatre. "Squibs," the first attraction, contains as much good English humour as any other picture of recent date. Gordon Harker and Betty Balfour have the chief parts and Stanley Holloway with his picturesque accent also gives a performance of merit. "Kentucky Minstrels" is the second attraction. The coloured actress Nina Mae McKinney, Harry Scott and Eddie Whaley are" the principals and, with musical interludes and dancing, the film has few dull moments.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Richard Arlen is the dominating figure in "The Galling of Dan Matthews," the main item on the programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The tale is that of an American pastor who seeks an outlet for his energies in a battle of muscle and wits with an illicit liquor group. "We're Only Human," featuring Preston Foster, Jane Wyatt and James Gleason, is a further attraction.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Noel Coward's brilliant drama, "The Scoundrel," heads the programme at the Rialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. Coward himself takes the principal part, and Julie Haydon is his leading lady. The film provides a measure of stimulating and provoking entertainment. "Two in the Dark," a mystery tale, is a second attraction. NATIONAL THEATRE Ronald Colman gives his usual finished performance in "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," at tho National Theatre. Joan Bennett has the feminine lead and Nigel Bruce and Colin Give also appear. On the same programme is an uproarious farce, "Vintage Wine," with Sir Seymour Hicks. STAR CINEMA "It Happened One Night," at tho Star Cinema, has won itself a reputation as an example of polished, amusing entertainment such as only Hollywood can produce. Clark Gable and Claudetto Colbert share the acting honours. May Robson appears in the second film, "Lady for a Day." TUDOR CINEMA Dumas' tale of adventure and romance, "The Three Musketeers," heads the current entertainment at the Tudor Cinema. Paul Lukas, Walter Abel, Margot Grahame, Heather Angel and Ralph Fv>rbes arc in the cast. LONDON CINEMA Fredric March has the central role in "All of Me," to commence to-day at the London Cinema. STATE THEATRE "Broadway Melody of 19;36" is enjoying a successful season at the State Theatre. This picture is a combination of popular songs, entrancing tap dancing, humour and spectacle. Eleanor Powell, Robert Taylor and Jack Benny are at the head of a capable cast.

PLAZA THEATRE After a period in which lie has always appeared as a spiritless husband, Edward Everett Horton has been cast in a more virile role in "His .Night Oat," at the Plaza Theatre. Horton iias appeared in so many supporting roles that it comes as a surprise, and a very pleasant surprise, to see him given fuller scope for his ability. Told he has only three months to live, the hero resolves to enjoy his last days' on earth and escapades, which include defying the police and a group of •'gangsters," aro his peculiar way of doing so.