ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22402, 24 April 1936, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE A welcome change from the fiction tales with which the screen is flooded is provided in " The Big Broadcast," to start to-dav at the Regent Theatre. The picture shows the extent to which Hollywood lias been invaded by stage and radio artists, while such celebrities in the musical world as Richard Tauber and the Viennese Boys' Choir have silso been persuaded to contribute. Film players with established reputations include the entrancing crooner Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie, Mary Boland, Wendy Barrio, Ethel Merman, Lvda Roberti and Charles ituggles. Two sets of comedians whoso items should bo well received are Burns and Allen and Amos and Andy. Ray Noble will appear with his band, and the famous Elephant Ballet will be seen in ntovel items. Much trouble has been taken to present items which are original and entertaining, and variety has been the object all through. No expense has been spared to procure correct settings for each item, and the results have certainly justified the expenditure. The Regent Orchestra will contribute to the supporting programme and a Pop-eye cartoon also will be shown. ST. JAMES' THEATRE His reputation increased a hundredfold by his brilliant performance in " Mutiny on the Bountj'," Franchot Tone gives another outstanding study in " Exclusive Story," to commence at St. James' Theatre to-day. Tone, in a remarkably short space of time, has risen from obscurity to the top flight of screen actors, chiefly through his innate ability to act and a flair for comedy, which has been the saving of many of his parts. The story has to do with the lottery " racket," which reached proportions such as to become a serious social evil in American towns. Small shop owners were forced to sell tickets for lotteries which were never drawn, and profits were tremendous. Trouble began, however, when rivalry arose between promoters of different lotteries, and deaths followed. The daughter of one of the shop-owners, a part played by Madge Evans, appeals to a large metropolitan newspaper for help, and the paper, in the form of its youne attorney (Franchot Tone), and a reporter (Stuart Erwin) comes gallantly to the rescue. Combats with criminals are filmed realistically and through the story, sombre at times and gay at others, runs a romance between the attorney and the girl. Joseph Calleia heads the supporting cast. PLAZA THEATRE A story which goes behind the artificiality of society in New York is told in " My Marriage," which will commence at the Plaza Theatre to-day. A girl born and bred in the highest social circles becomes a prey to the scorn and persecution of society when it is discovered that her father has been in league with " racketeers." She attempts to flee, but a young man (Kent Taylor) marries her and brings her back "to face her enemies. The influence of his mother, however, is set against the wife, and the husband eventually deserts her. The girl faces all charges with courage and candour, and meanwhile is working with a friend of her father in clearing up the mystery regarding her father. After thrilling encounters with the forces of the underworld she returns to regain her husband's love and her prestige in society. Claire Trevor and Kent Taylor are the principals, and Pauline Frederick plays tho part of the unsympathetic mother. MAJESTIC THEATRE One of the finest films to have been presented in Auckland for some years, " The Mutiny on the Bounty," is the current attraction at the Majestic Theatre. Noted for its polished acting the picture possesses a particularly strong cast. Recognised as one of the foremost character players in modern films, Charles Laughton, give an outstanding performance in the principal role. He acts with great confidence and his characterisation of Captain Bligh must rate as one of the best screen portrayals for some seasons. Others in the cast are Clark Gable and Franchot Tone. The film version of one of the most fascinating dramas ever enacted in the South Seas, the picture makes absorbing entertainment from start to firiish. STRAND THEATRE After two weeks at the Civic Theatre " Follow the Fleet," the latest of the Ginger Rogers-Fred Astaire musical productions, will be transferred to-day to the Strand Theatre. The film is equal to any previous effort by these two. The dancing scenes, indeed, are better, and the intricate steps presented have a completely original nature. Elaborate settings ore introduced for both singing and dancing scenes, and Irving Berlin's music has all the melody and gaiety which proved so popular in " Roberta," " Top Hat " and " The Gay Divorcee." The story is full of the romantic nonsense which Miss Rogers and Astaire have porfected. STATE THEATRE In continuation of the State Theatre's progressive policy of screening films directly after their Queen Street sessions, "Rose of the Rancho" will commence a season to-day. The film introduces a mezzo-soprano of quality, Gladys Swnrthout, of the Metropolitan Opera House. Miss Swarthout's voice has been perfectly recorded in a variety of songs and she sings one duet with her leading man, John Boles. The story, a suitably romantic one, has its setting in California and the picturesque nature of tho ranch lands has been captured in a number of fine photographic effects. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Two excellent films will bo presented at the Prince Edward Theatre for a short season commencing to-night. A distinguished cast gives a bright interpretation of "What Every Woman Knows," tho first attraction. Brian Aherne, Madge Evans and Helen Hayes appear in the leading roles. The two popular comedians, Laurel and Hardy, are tho lending artists of "Sons of the Desert," which also is being screened. LONDON CINEMA Frances Dee, Alison Skipworth and Geno Raymond have the leading roles in "Coming Out Party," at the London Cinema. Otto Kruger dominates the second film, "Tho Crime Doctor."

DELTA THEATRE Charles Laughton has the lead in " Thß Private Life of Henry the Eighth" at the Delta Theatre. " The Farmer Takes a Wife" is the second film. VICTORIA THEATRE "Pursuit" and "Here Comes Cookie" are the two entertaining films to be shown at the Victoria Theatre tonight. TUDOR CINEMA ' Dolores Del Rio and Reginald Owen are the leading players in the enchanting romance "Madame Dubarry" at the Tudor Cinema. CAPITOL THEATRE An attractive programme is being ofFered patrons, of the Capitol Theatre. " Roberta," with Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire and Irene Dunne, is the first attraction, and " We're in tho Money" is the second film.

CIVIC THEATRE . A quiet but highly entertaining of a marriage which is upset the advent of a third person, only tdj prove itself in . the end a thoroughly sound one, is to be found in "The Lady Consents." commencing to-day at the Civic Theatre. Herbert Marshall and Ann Harding appear as a married couple who, after seven years of;happi]jt)ss, seem completely satisfying to each, other. It comes as a surprise, therefore, when a young giri whose youth and gaiety have a certain oharm seri-;, ously takes the husband's interests, away from his wife. No subterfuge is used to keep the affair from the wife,* and she accepts the situation with apparent calm. Tho marriage is dissolved. Only a month elapses before the man is longing for the peace and rest of his first marriage, and it is not long before the girl hurts him with the confession that he is to her only a social ladder* At this stage the first wiSe takes a hand in proceedings with surprising results. EMBASSY THEATRE A picture with a wide appeal heads the new programme at the Embassy Theatre. This is the Selznick International version of ''Little Lord Fauntleroy," which was adapted for the screen by Hugh Walpole. The young American hoy who becomes a lord and settles in England with a gruff and unsympathetic grandfather is seen in a more modern guise than that, in which he is depicted in the book, but there will be few who will * cavil at the transformation, or regret the absence of the plush and lace in which the original Lord Fauntleroy is tradi-. tionally attired. The "Ceddie" of David0. Seiznick's newest picture is a delightful and lovable personality and will bo regarded as one of the screen's mostdistinctive figures. For he is none other than Freddie Bartholomew, who ranks with filmdom's greatest juvenile players, and who gave such a memor-* able performance in "David Copperfield." On this occasion he is equally successful. He has a much more arduous part to fill and does it in such an * engaging manner that his conquest oF» the irascible old earl, whom he is des-v tined to succeed, is as natural as it is convincing. How he wins the old" man's affection, and indeed, brings" about a complete transformation of a= heartless nature, makes a charming story, and one in which rich humour and dignified pathos are blended in * splendid proportion. Dolores Cbstello Barrymore appears as "Dearest," the mother of the young lord who is parted; from her son through the stubborn objections of the grandfather, _ and brings a fine sympathy to the interpretation of the role. C. Aubrey; Smithy gives a colourful performance as the-, earl, revealing an accomplished touch, in the difficult task of presenting af : character which changes vastly as the' story unfolds. Henry Stevenson has a. t prominent part as Havisham, the earl's,: solicitor, while Guy Kibbee, "Una O'Connor and Mickey Rooney, another, juvenile, add greatly to the enjoymentin other important parts. An ing item among the supporting films'; is "Music Land," a Walt Disney Symphony" cartoon, which is right up to standard both in brilliance of colour-,-ing and in cleverness of conception. A. newsreel and a film, "Dog Days," an ; entertaining study of various breeds of -, terriers, complete a programme of high-, merit. ,•? ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES % The adventure which befalls every-, sailor is brought to the screen in "Dangerous Waters," a stirring tale of 1 action which heads the current programme at the Roxy and TivoliTheatres. Jack Holt and Robert Arm*" strong have the leading roles and twofiner performances could not have been' desired. Holt is cast as the master of-; a ship which the rascally crew designs to sink and reap the insurance. All wits are needed to foil them of theirs purpose and the execution of his aim.,* provides an enthralling story. "Don't j Get Personal," the second film, is of a'"! lighter nature. James Dunn, Sally? Filers and Pinky Tomlin are cast a&" three merry rogues whose adventures? are sure to intrigue the audience. NATIONAL THEATRE The distinguished character actor, Peter Lor re, has the leading role in the * outstanding film production, "Crime.and Punishment," that will commence a season at the National Theatre to-day. » Adapted from the celebrated Dostoiev- ; sky novel of the same title, the film pro- i vides ample scope for an actor of Lorre's \ ability. Others in the cast are Edward » Arnold, Tala Birrell, Robert Allen and 1 Edward Arnold. Being screened for theN first time in New Zealand is "Lady, off Secrets," with Ruth Chatterton, Otto-; Kruger, Lionel Atwill and Marian Marsh. . 'S * - i " LIVES OF A BENGAL LANCER " f An epic of tfie life of soldiers onactive service on the North-Wesfci Frontier of India, "Lives of a' Bengal Lancer," will be presented to-) night at the Crystal Palace, Rialto and ; ; State, Onehunga, Theatres. The has all the essentials of sound screen entertainment, romance, drama, scenic; and historical interest and humour.. Gary Cooper, Richard Cromwell and; Franchot Tone are the principals. STAR CINEMA Heading to-night's programme - ats the Star Cinema is Shanghai," an , Oriental drama in which the main parts nre taken by Loretta Young, Warner • Oland, Alison Skipworth and Charles; Boyer. J PRINCESS THEATRE "Marry the Girl," "West of the; Pecos" and "The Roaring West" com-* prise the programme offering at the Princess Theatre. > • . * EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA "Bonnie Scotland," a full-length filing with Laurel and Hardy in the fore* front, heads the programme at ths Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres/ "To Beat the Band" is the second attraction. 'J