ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities," has been made into an absorbing film which is enjoying a successful season at St. James' Theatre. The story, from the point of view of the film studio, is the finest and most suitable of all Dickens' works for screen adaptation, and the completed film is said to compare most favourably with " David Copperfield." Ronald Colman's part as Sydney Carton offers him exceptional opportunities for his unusually fine dramatic acting, and as Lucie Manette, Elizabeth Allen excels herself. The admirable Miss Pross is portrayed by Edna May Oliver, and Blanche Yurka, Basil Rathbone, H. B. Warner and Donald \\ oods give line characterisations PLAZA THEATRE The colourful background of the circus is the setting for yet another thrilling mystery film, " Charlie Chan at the Circus," to commence to-morrow at the Plaza Theatre. So far in his film exploits Chan has cleared suspects, reunited lovers and placed criminals in custody, but he has never had a more baffling invstery to solve than that which confronts him in this film. One of the best performers of a circus troupe is murdered in mysterious fashion and Chan is called in. iho murdered man has been unfriendly with every member of the troupe and consequently there is a mass of clues to bo cleared up. When a cobra is found in Chan's room he becomes convinced that the guilty person is among the personnel of the circus. He sets what will generally be admitted to be an ingenious trap and with his customary skill reveals the murderer, MAJESTIC THEATRE The English comedian Stanley Lupino appears in liis funniest role in "Honeymoon for Three," the Majestic Theatre's next attraction. Lupino, prior to his entry into his uncle's bank, where he is to abandon his carefree life for one of hard work, attends a farewell gathering and when returning home, slightly inebriated, enters the flat of a young lady. Irate parents demand that he should marry the young lady, but her fiancee insists that they make a honeymoon for three to America, there to get a divorce. Lupino, however, begins to like matrimony and and finally the married couple decide to remain married. An associate feature which should be well received is "Good Badminton," demonstrating the finer points of the game.

CIVIC THEATRE Shirley Temple will charm Auckland audiences again in " Captain January," to commence to-morrow at the Civic Theatre. This film is described as her best. She is again the little girl of happy disposition and the ability to laugh of! her worries. Saved from a ship-wreck by an old lighthouse keeper, she is brought up by him and learns to love him deeply. Her life is a supremely happy one until an officer from the lost ship turns up to take her back to her relatives. In tlie closing scenes, however, she is reunited with her okl friend —an ending which is sure to be well received. The usual songs and dances have been included, the items being original and bright. EMBASSY THEATRE Large audiences have attended the Embassy Theatre during the past two j weeks to see "Little Lord Fauntleroy," ' David 0. Selznick's screen version of ; the story by Mrs. Frances Hodgson Burnett. Under his skilled production i this story, thought by many to be on tbe sentimental side, has been turned into a human and charming tale, ! Utmost use has been made of the oppor--1 tunities for costuming offered, with encouraging results. Freddie Bartholomew , gives nis finest performance as the little hero, an American boy sent to England :to live with his old grandfather, : a morose and unfeeling old man who lias I forbidden his daughter-in-law to enter his house because she married his son [without his consent. C. Aubrey Smith I portrays the Earl with his accustomed | polish and grace, and Dolores Costello ■ Barrymore shows in her part as | "Dearest," Fauntleroy's mother, that | her absence from the screen has riot i affected her powers of acting. There is a large supporting cast, which includes such capable players as Una O'Connor, Henry Stephenson and Mickey Rooney. Walt Disney's colour cartoon " Music Land," is among the shorter films.

RIALTO AND CRYSTAL PALACE Jane Withers gives lier most delightful characterisation in "Paddy O'Day," at the liialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. The story is that of a little girl in America and her adventures there in company with a friend (Pinky Tomlin). "King of Burlesque," the second item, is an up-to-date musical production. Warner Baxter and Alice Faye are the principals. STRAND THEATRE A. bright musical film, "Follow the Fleet," will conclude an extended season at the Strand Theatre to-day. The story is told with a light touch and is enhanced by dancing and singing of quality. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire again appear together in the major roles and their particular brand of wit is better than ever. Lavish choruses and ballets are presented with a nautical background. Irving Berlin is responsible for the musical score, which includes a number of gay and tuneful melodies. TUDOR CINEMA Margaret Kennedy's tale "Escape Me Never" is the* main attraction at the Tudor Cinema. The film is one of unusual quality, and is made notablo by the brilliant acting of Elisabeth Bergner. LONDON CINEMA Enjoyable comedy is presented in "Six of a Kind," at the London Cinema. There is a large east, including Mary Boland, Charles Ruggles, W. C. Fields and Alison Skipworth, and each gives a - performance of merit. STATE THEATRE A large cast of stage, screen and radio artists was assembled for the production of "The Big Broadcast of 1936," to have its final presentation at the State Theatre to-day. Richard Tauber and the Viennese Boys' Choir are among those contributing items. EPSOM RECENT AND ALEXANDRA Richard Dix is the principal in "The Tunnel," at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. The story follows the construction of a tunnel under the Atlantic in gripping fashion. "I Dream Too Much," marked by glorious singing by Lily Pons, is the second item. CAPITOL THEATRE "This is the Life." in which Jane Withers appears, will be shown tonight at the Capitol Theatre. An associate film is "Chinatown Squad." PRINCESS THEATRE Entertainment comprising " The Countess of Monte Cristo" and "Let's Talk it Over" will be presented to-night at the Princess Theatre. STATE.THEATRE, DEVONPORT "What Price Innocence" will be presented with "Obey the Law" at. the State Theatre, Devonport, to-night.

REGENT THEATRE Gracie Fields appears in the leading role of "Queen of Hearts," a British musical comedy now at the Regent Theatre. Miss Fields presents an entirely new range of songs in her own celebrated manner. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Exceptionally bright entertainment is provided in a programme comprising "Miss Pacific Fleet" and "Here Comes Trouble," at tlyj Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell, two girls stranded in a naval base without any prospect of paying their fare back to New York, come across two merry sailors through whom they meet with some hilarious adventures. Hugh Herbert is the leading man. "Here Comes Trouble" follow# the adventures of a marine engineer who, after losing his rank as the result of a night ashore, stumbles across a plot to rob a passenger on his ship of a valuable gem. Through sheer luck he manages to secure the gem and restore it to its owner, thus providing himself with a happy ending to his scrapes. Arline Judge and Paul Kelly are the principals. STAR CINEMA "The Gay Divorcee" is the main attraction at the Star Cinema. Under the guidance of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire there is unfolded a delightful tale of comedy and romance; "Paris in Spring," in which Tullio Carminati and Mary Ellis appear, is tho second film. NATIONAL THEATRE The popular Hollywood actor who has recently passed through Auckland, Charles Farrell, has a commanding role in "Falling in Love," at the -National Theatre. John Stuart is the principal in "Home Sweet Home," the second attraction.