ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22401, 23 April 1936, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT' THEATRE The screen debut of Arthur Tracy is one of many welcome features of "Street Singer's Serenade," which will be presented for" the last time at the Regent Theatre to-night. The story is in the best tradition of English musical films. It has gaiety, an attractive musical score, some excellent comedy and finished acting. Assisting Tracy with the main theme is Anna Neagle, Inst seen in her triumphant part in "Nell Gwyn." "THE BIG BROADCAST" All the liianv facilities for entertainment which the screen ran offer have heen combined in "The Big Broadcast" of ]936, to open a season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Such popular figures as Jack Oakie, Mary Boland, Charles Hiiggles, Wendy linrrie. Ethel Merman, Lydn Roberti and others are in the list of contributing artists. The celebrated German tenor Richard Tauher presents items of a popular nature, and in contrast there is King Crosby. Amos and Andy and Burns and Allen are two pairs of comedians whose presentations should be popular., The Vienna Boys' Choir, whose glorious singing was heard recently in Auckland, also will appear. ST. JAMES' THEATRE A film which will certainly rank among the- best pictures of the year is "Mutiny on the Bounty," at St. James' Theatre. It has a worth-while plot, carefully seileetod players, scenic interest, romance and superb photography. At the head of the cast are Clark Gable, Charles Laughton and Franchot Tone. "EXCLUSIVE STORY" Underlying the film " Exclusive Story," to succeed "Mutiny on the Bounty" at St. James' Theatre to-mor-row, is an earnest crusade against the lottery, which its becoming a major social evil in the larger towns of America. The story is told through the medium of a young attorney, who in the guise of a newspaper reporter attacks the forces behind the evil. His battle with the sinister forces of the underworld is as exciting as any previously screened and his romantic adventures provide bright entertainment. Franchot Tone isi the hero and Madge Evans his gallant assistant. Stuart Erwin appears in a full supporting part. PLAZA, THEATRE The comedian Edward Everett Horton lives up to'his reputation in "His Night Out," at thfe Plaza Theatre. In the somewhat disheartening position of having only three months to live, the hero resolves to end life with a flourish and accordingly follows his slightest whim without regard to consequences. Neither police nor criminals can restrain him, for it is a belligerent Horton that engages the attention of the audience. The climax is all that a climax should be. "MY MARRIAGE" Claire Trevor is the principal figure ip "My Marriage" the story of the social life and problems of New York, which will commence at the Plaza Theatre to-morrciw. Miss Trevor has the part of a girl who arouses the sympathy of the audience when her father is shown to bo in , league with "racketeers." She has many troubles in her life as a result, all of which are faced with exemplary courage until finally she is rewarded with complete happiness. Pauline Frederick and Kent Taylor have supporting roles. MAJESTIC THEATRE The story by Dostoievsky, "Crime and Punishment," has been skilfully prepared for the screen in a film of the same name which is being shown at the Majestic Theatre. Dealing with the human emotions with insight and imagination, the story is most vivid. The sense of the dramatic which Dostoievsky possessed to a great degree proved an invaluable asset when the .•ftory -was adapted for film purposes. Edward Arnold, Peter Lorre and" Marian Marsh aire the principals. v EMBASSY THEATRE A well-known story is brought to the screen in "Little Lord Fauntleroy." to commence to-dity at the Embassy Theatre. The story by Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett is one of deep human appeal and the character of the little hero, if too good to be true, has its attractiveness. Freddie Bartholomew has been chosen, for this role, no light task for a juvenile actor, and his performance does him credit. Dolores Costello Barrymoro has the role of the boy's mother and C. Aubrey Smith that of the gruff grandfather. David 0. Selznick produced the film and, judging'by his past successes with historical pictures, his latest production should prove immensely popular. NATIONAL THEATRE Ronald Colman's part in "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," at the National Theatre, has been acclaimed as his finest to date. Colman appears as an imperturbable gambler who stakes his all on the tables at the Casino. Needless to say, he wins fabulous sums, and, not content with his good fortunß, he breaks the bank. He also wins for himself a charming young lady, a part played by Joan Bennett. A film with an exceptionally capable cas.t, "Lady of Secrets," will commence to-morrow. STRAND THEATRE Delightful English comedy of unlimited appeal may be found in "Squibs," the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. The story has any amount of amusing situations and the players, who include Stanley Holloway, Gordon Harker and Betty Balfour, do it full justice. "Kentucky Minstrels," the second attraction, has an attractive tausical programme. Nina Mae McKinney, Harry Scott and Eddie Whaley have the prominent parts. The Debroy Somers Band presents attractive numbers. STATE THEATRE "Broadway [Melody of 1936," the musical extravaganza now being shown at the Sta'te Theatre, will have its final screening to-night. Eleanor Powell, a clever tap dancer, Jack Benny and Robert Taylor head the cast.

LONDON CINEMA A romantic drama, "All of Me," at the London Cinema, hag a cast including Fredrie March, Miriam Hopkins and George Haft. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA Laurel and Hardy are the heroes in "Bonnie Scotland," a riotous farce which is being shown at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. The musical production "To Beat the Band" completes the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Paramount's epic of active service on the North-western frontier, "The Lives (if a Bengal Lancer," lias been secured for screening at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Gary Cooper has the leading role and Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwoll and Sir Guy Standing are supporting players. For action, drama and scenic attraction this film is outstanding.

CIVIC THEATRE Admirable teamwork by Frecl Astaire and Ginger Rogers is one of the reasons for the success of ''Follow the Fleet," at the Civic Theatre. Neither is off the stage for long, and it is for their singing and dancing that the audience waits. Irving Berlin's music has been effectively presented, the choruses and settings for the songs being colourful. "THE LADY CONSENTS" The eternal /triangle again crops up in "The Lady Consents," a modern problem drama which will succeed "Follow the Fleet" at the Civic Theatre tomorrow. Ann Harding and Herbert Marshall are in the lead as a husband and wife whose seven years of happiness are threatened by the advent of a girl whose youth and gaiety estrange the husband from the wife. Margaret Lindsay and Walter Abel have supporting roles. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Stirring happenings at sea form the theme of " Dangerous Waters," which heads the programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Fire, intrigue and romance are mingled to make absorbing entertainment, and the hero, played by Jack Holt, has much to do in foiling some unscrupulous members of the crew who attempt to sink his ship to gain the insurance. Robert Armstrong and Grace Bradley are supporting players. There is a spirit of, infectious gaiety about the second film, " Don't Get Personal," a romance dealing with the adventures of three young people with an old ear and a lot of time in their possession. Sally Filers, James Dunn and Pinky Tomlin are the central players. STAR CINEMA A delightful comedy romance, "It Happened One Night," is the principal attraction at the Star Cinema. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert have been given the chief roles and they do them full justice. May liobson is the dominant player in the second film, " Lady for a Day." TUDOR CINEMA Alexandre Dumas' tale "The Three Musketeers," at the Tudor Cinema, combines intense historical interest with an unusually strong plot. Paul Lukas, Walter Abel and Margot Grahame head the cast.