ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22405, 29 April 1936, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES To those who like a picture with a quantity of action in it the programme comprising " East of Java " and " Too Tough to Kill," which will commence at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day, is entirely suitable. Very real danger attended the filming of many of the scenes in the former film, and the work was held up for some time when the leading actor, Charles Bickford, was mauled by a wild bea3t. The photography is skilful throughout, and gives realistic impressions of wild beasts in their natural haunts. There is an attractive human story, enacted by Frank Albertson, Elizabeth Young and Leslie Fenton. Too Tough to Kill "is as arresting as the title it bears. The hero is one of Nature's gentlemen, strong, vital, and, when the occasion demands it. gentle. Victor Jory and Sally O'Neill have the important roles. REGENT THEATRE Entertainment ot grec; variety is presented in "The Big Broadcast of 1936"' at the Regent Theatre. Radio, screen and stage artists combine to present original items, and celebrities in the musical world, including Richard Tauber and the Viennese Boys' Choir, contribute. A newsreel dealing with the liner Queen Mary, a Popeye cartoon and items by the Regent Orchestra complete the programme. "QUEEN OF HEARTS" The popularity of any fdm in which Gracie Fields appears is never in doubt, particularly when the film is such a one as "Queen of Hearts," which will be shown at the Regent Theatre on Friday. The film is a delightful combination of sentiment, song and comedy f with Miss Fields' exuberance colouring every scene. Her role is that of a humble Beamstress, Grace Perkins, with decided leanings toward a matinee idol, Cooper, who is appearing in the "Queen of Hearts" revue. Happening to meet him when he is somewhat inebriated one night, she drives him home in his own car, although her driving knowledge is sparse. She then decides to pose as a wealthy woman interested in Cooper's revue. There are many complications before the heroine's tenacity is suitably rewarded, thus providing the first "happy ending" of any of Miss Fields' pictures. Four songs are presented during the film, including the waltz "My First Love Song." ST. JAMES' THEATRE Franchot Tone is the principal in "Exclusive Story," at St. James' Theatre. The story is that of a young attorney attached to a large metropolitan newspaper, who wages war against the promoters of the illicit lotteries in America. Madge Evans appears as the heroine and Stuart Erwin as a reporter. PLAZA THEATRE Claire Trevor is the principal player in the dramatic production "My Marriage," at the Plaza Theatre. With a background of the society life of New York, the film traces the struggle j of a girl who is scorned bv society when her father is denounced as an associate of gangsters. Her efforts to clear his name are given their just reward in a satisfying climax. Kent Taylor and Pauline Frederick have prominent parts. "SHOW THEM NO MERCY" A powerful piece of propaganda against crime, "Show Them No Mercy," will open a season at the Plaza Theatre on Friday. This picture, it is claimed, is tho last to be made ■ concerning the G-men of America, and it promises to be a memorable one. Two young people with their baby are accidentally caught up with a group of criminals and their lives are threatened when the criminals are tracked down. In a stirring climax the latter are finally rounded up. Roclielle Hudson, Bruco Cabot, Cesar Romero, Ed Brophy and Warren Hyiner have prominent parts. MAJESTIC THEATRE No finer tale of adventure has been brought to the screen than that told in "Mutiny on the Bounty," at the Majestic Theatre. From the first scene of the press gang in action to the final one of the trial of mutineers there is not an uninteresting moment. The scenery surpasses anything previously brought to the screen and the photography of changing sea scenes is excellent. The cast includes Clark Gable, Charles Laughton and Franchot Tone. EMBASSY THEATRE Unusual popularity will be achieved by the Embassy Theatre if it continues to present films of such appeal as the current attraction, "Little Lord Fauntleroy." Produced by David 0. Selznick this film has the elements of greatness which made his previous costume film, "David Copperfield," such a success. Freddie Bartholomew has the principal part and he has done it justice. Dolores Costello Barrymore has returned to the screen in tho rolo of "Dearest" and C. Aubrey Smith, Henry Stephenson, Una O'Connor and Mickey Rooney also appear. STRAND THEATRE The popularity of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astairo has been greatly increased by their latest effort, "Follow the Fleet," which is being shown at the Strand Theatre. Foremost among the film's virtues is the remarkably skilful dancing. Perfect teamwork and a number of entirely new steps have been introduced and elaborate settings add to the effect. Irving Berlin's music is better than ever, being light and appropriate. The settings are mainly nautical and are enhanced by the use of choruses, blackout and skilful employment of light and shade. STATE THEATRE "Rose of the Rancho,' 'in which the mezzo-soprano Gladys Swarthout appears, is tho current attraction at the State Theatre. The story is set in tho ranch lands of California and traces a tastefully-produced love theme. LONDON CINEMA Richard Arlen, Chester Morris and Genevieve Tobin appear in "Golden Harvest," at the London Cinema. There aro excellent supporting pictures. PRINCESS THEATRE A programme comprising "Uncertain Lady" and "The Black Cat" will bo presented to-night at tho Princess Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE "Bonnie Scotland," now at the Crystal Palace Theatre, is the most successful full-length film yet made by the comedians Laurel and Hardy. Particularly amusing is the dialogue which runs through every scene. STAR CINEMA "Shanghai," a colourful of romance and adventure in the East, is being shown before largo audiences at the Star Cinema. Loretta Young has the principal part. CAPITOL THEATRE A guest night programme at the Capitol Theatre consists of "A Night in Cairo" and "Tho Silver Spoon."

CIVIC THEATRE The everlasting matrimonial drama which never fails the film director has been treated with welcome originality in "The Lady Consents," at the Civic Theatre. Ann Harding and Herbert Marshall give their usual polished performances as husband and wife and Margaret Lindsay has the role of a young girl who comes botween the two and for a while seriously threatens their happiness. The finale is unexpected and should prove popular. "I FOUND STELLA PARRISH" The dramatic actress Kay Francis gives .the finest performance of her career in the absorbing film, "I Found Stella Parrish," to commence a season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. The story has been cunningly conceived. It is a mystery story far superior to the usual film of the type and the climax, which is skilfully developed in a series of exciting incidents, will evoke surprise and applause. Lan Hunter and Paul Lukas distinguish themselves in supporting roles. NATIONAL THEATRE A tale of the human emotions, starkly realistic and impressive, is unfolded in "Crime and Punishment," at the National Theatre. The etory is Dostoievsky's best and it has improved rather than suffered in its transference to the screen. A cast, which includes Peter Lorre, Edward Arnold and Marian Marsh interprets the theme. "Lady of Secrets," the second film, brings back before the public an old favourite in Ruth Chatterton. rialto theatre "Midshipman Jack," in which Bruce Cabot and Betty Furness distinguish themselves, heads the programme at the Rialto Theatre. "Their Big Moment," a vehicle for the fooling of Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts, is tho second film. TUDOR CINEMA Operatic excerpts and modern songs are included in the score of "Here's to Romance," at the Tudor Cinema. Nino Martini is tho principal of this tale of romance in Paris and Now York.