ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE The combination of Ann Harding and ' 'Herbert Marshall, which has produced ■countless polished and enjoyable films, js the feature of "The Lady Consents" l a t the Civic Theatre. The story is again that of matrimonial troubles, but it is told with a light, deft touch which gives a twist of originality to every gcene. A happy marriage of seven years' standing is brokon up when the husband is attracted by a slip of a girl with social ambitions and it is only the astuteness of the wife which brings him back. Both the leading players are ideally cast, while Margaret Lindsay and Walter Abel in i 6U pporting roles give splendid performances. REGENT THEATRE All the various facilities for entertainment which cinema and radio offer have been made use of to produce "The Big Broadcast of 1936," at the Regent Theatre. Richard Tauber and the Viennese Boys' Choir are among the musical celebrities which contribute, and comedy is provided by two wellknown teams. , Amos and Andy and Burns and Allen. Bing Crosby sings in his own inimitable manner and numerous well-known screen players appear. The supporting programme includes scenes of the launching of the Queen Mary,, a Popeye cartoon, (glimpses of Cuddle winning the Doncaster Cup and selections by the Reagent Orchestra. "QUEEN OF HEARTS" The English comedienne Gracie Fields, none of the best known stag;e and screen actresses in Great Britain, appears in '■" Queen of Hearts," to commence at itha Regent Theatre on Friday. An 'exuberant vitality, a natural flair for the comedy which best appeals to Englishmen and a singing voice perpetuated in numerous records make up Miss !Fields' abilities and in "Queen of ;Bearts" she has been most suitably icast. _ ST. JAMES' THEATRE A courageous and successful attempt •io abolish the lottery "racket" in the larger towns of America is related in ; ("Exclusive Story," at St. James' j ,Theatre. The process of holding in- | numerable lotteries and forcing small I Ighop-owners to sell tickets for prizes jWhich do not exist is arrested by the sppeal of a girl to a largo city newspaper. The paper's attorney and a reporter take up the matter and eventually remove the menace. Franchot Tone gives a polished performance as .-the hero and Madge Evans acts opposite him. "A TALE OF TWO CITIES" i Auckland theatre-goers will welcome j*'A Tale Of Two Cities," which will 'open its season at St. James' Theatre lon Friday. After the overwhelming Buccess of "David Copperfield" film 'producers have realised that in the fßtories of Charles Dickens are all the attributes of sound screen entertainIjnent—a good plot, plenty of action, iiumour, characterisation, romance, historical interest and spectacle. I'Nowhere are these qualities better comibined than in the dramatic tale of the :French Revolution. Sydney Carton, fwastrel and vagabond, figured in one (Of the most memorable scenes in fic'tion when be atoned for all his sins Iby laying down his life for another. The film of //bis sacrifice is equally •memorable. PLAZA THEATRE Claire Trevor's reputation has been greatly enhanced by. her impressive acting in "My Marriage," •at the Plaza Theatre. Cast as a society girl who is shunned and scorned on all sides when her father is shown to have been in league with ,e " bootleggers," Miss Trevor is called upon for some delicate emotional acting. The way in which the heroine sets to work to clear her father's name will commend her to any audience. Kent Taylor is the male lead. / ~~ —— STRAND THEATRE The popularity of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire increases with every new film in which they appear and this is the case with "Follow the Fleet," which after two weeks at the Civic Theatre has been transferred to the Strand Theatre. This production contains dancing and singing, which alone would justify its production, and assisted by a romantic theme provides excellent entertainment. Irving Berlin supplies the music and his gay and tuneful melodies are as bright as ever. Both dancing and singing interludes are supported by spectacular backgrounds and the modern device of blackouts is used with striking effect.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES -- A well-balanced programme comprising "Dangerous Waters" and "Don't Get Personal" will be presented tonight at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Jack Holt appears in the former film as the intrepid captain of a ship which the crew wishes to scuttlo for the sake of the insurance. Heading the cast of the second picturo are Sally Eilers, James Dunn and the irrepressibly cheerful Pinky Tomlin.

NATIONAL THEATRE Dostoievsky's masterpiece, " Crime and Punishment," at the National Theatre, is notable for the dramatic nature of its story and climax. Peter Torre, a character actor of unusual ability, and Edward Arnold have prominent roles and Marian Marsh, Tala Birell and Robert Allen also appear. Ruth Chatterton appears in the second film, "Lady of Secrets." The supporting east includes Otto Kruger, Lionel A twill and Marian MarshSTATE THEATRE Paramouut's musical production "Rose of the Ranrho ' is being shown before appreciative audiences at the State Theatre. Gladys Swarthout is earning herself a large following through the excellence of her acting and singing. John Boles appears as the hero and he too reveals considerable singing ability. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO "The Calling of Dan Matthews," heading the current programme at the Rialto and Costal Palace Theatres, tells the story of a virile American pastor whose energy and courage prove a match for a group of illicit liquor traffickers. "The Phantom Light" completes the evening's entertainment.

TUDOR CINEMA Nino Martini brings a glorious tenor Voice to the screen in "Here's to Romance," which has been secured for screening at the Tudor Cinema. There ®re excellent supporting pictures. LONDON CINEMA "Golden Harvest" will head the programme to commence to-day at the London CinpnYa. Richard Arlen is thr* principal. STAR CINEMA A film which has admirably captured the spirit of the East, "Shanghai," is ihe current attraction at tho Star Linema. Loretta, Young, Charles Buyer and Warner Oland are the leading flayers.

MAJESTIC THEATRE "Mutiny on the Bounty," at the Majestic Theatre, will long be remembered.as an absorbing tale of adventure. The film is of two hours' duration, but the sense of time is lost as one exciting incident after another is unfolded. For sheer beauty of photography the film is outstanding. The effects of sky nnd sea have been reproduced in all their moods, while the Bounty sot against varying backgrounds makes a moving picture. Chief among tho cast are Charles Laughton, as tyrannous Captain Bligh, an excellent seaman, but an inhuman master; Clark Gable, ns tho mutineer Fletcher Christian; and Franchot Tone, as the young midshipman, Roger Byam. EMBASSY THEATRE Historical films have by now firmly established their popularity with theatre-goers, and "Little Lord Fauntleroy," at tho Embassy Theatre, is no exception. The story is a well-known one and under the treatment of David 0. Selznick it has been given new charms. As the little American lad who is sent to England, there to livo a cramped and restricted life with his gruff grandfather, Freddie Bartholomew scores a signal success. Without over-em phasising the sentimental side of tho character he conveys the lad's fancies and tendernesses in moving fashion. Dolores Costello Barrvmore appears as "Dearest" and C. Aubrey Smith as tho grandfather. Henry Stephenson, Una O'Connor and Mickey Ronncy, another talented juvenile, also are in tho cast. I