ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22413, 8 May 1936, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Yet another of the Charlie Clian mystery films, entitled "Charlie Chan at the* Circus," will open a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. A murder is committed in a circus, the victim being one of the most daring and attractive of the acrobats. The usual welter of clues faces the Chinese detective when he is called in and at first his task seems hopeless. When a cobra is found in his room the task of detection bocomes more serious, and Chan concentrates on members of the circus troupe as the suspects, each having been 011 unfriendly terms with the dead man. Finally a subtle trap is laid and the murderer revealed in convincing manner. Warner Oland is as good as ever as the detective and his quips and quaint proverbs are novel and arresting. The background of circus life has its attraction, many circus turns being shown. MAJESTIC THEATRE There is a plot in "Honeymoon for Three," commencing to-day at tho Majestic Theatre, which should provide the maximum of comedy in the minimum of time. A young man renowned neither for his sobriety nor for his zest for work is commanded to enter his uncle's bank, there to earn an honest penny for himself. On the evening before he joins the bank he attends a farewell party, and returning home in tho early morning stumbles by accident into the flat of a young lady. The irate parents demand an immediate marriage. The lady's fiancee, however, insists on the married couple taking a honeymoon to America, there to secure a divorce, and he accompanies them. How the hero decides that there are worse things than matrimony and decides to remain in the blessed state is told with finish and skill, each scene being more amusing than tho last. Stanley Lupino is the principal. CIVIC THEATRE The greatest attraction in the film world last year, Shirley Temple, appears in the leading role of "Captain January," which will open a season at the Civic Theatre to-day. This talented actress holds many records for the size of tho audiences which see her pictures and for takings, and her films are improving noticeably. "Captain January" is claimed to be her best to date. The little girl whose part she takes is a passenger on board a ship ■which is wrecked, and she is rescued by a kindly lighthouse keeper who takes care of her and brings her up. Her life is completely happy until an officer from the vessel turns up and takes her hack to relatives whom she neither knows nor likes. The solution comes when she is returned to her friend of the lighthouse. Gnv Kibbee, Slim Snmmerville and Buddy Fbsen are the supporting players. REGENT THEATRE ' Great interest will centre to-day in the first presentation at the Regent Theatre of Charlie Chaplin's film, "Modern Times." Overseas critics describe the film as a triumph of comedy and pathos, comparing more than favourably with previous Chaplin productions. The comedian is substantially the same —a little, pathetic man, with small moustache, battered derby hat, bamboo cane and boots with turned up toes. With a street gamin whom lie befriends (Paulette Goddard) he wanders from one job to another, seeking vaguely for rest and quiet in this whirling modern civilisation, and never finding it. Apart from tho brilliance of the comedy scenes the film is a clever and incisive study of modern life and trends. STAR CINEMA Entertainment of an unusually high standard will be provided in the doublefeature programme to have its first presentation at the Star Cinema to-night. Two first-ciass productions from the studios of Metro-Goldwyn-Maver will be screened. "Forsaking All Others " is the first film. The story is a powerful one, and sustains the interest until tho last scene. The acting throughout the picture is of the highest standard and Joan Crawford, Clark Gable and Robert Montgomery are among the principals. One of the finest films dealing with wild animal life, "Sequoia," alio is being screened. Jean Parker is the leading player, and she acquits herself with credit PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A refreshing comedy, "Chained," heads the well varied programme being presented at the Prince Edward Theatre. There is a large and distinguished cast and Clark Gable and Joan Crawford are the principals. The story, although slight, proves an admirable vehicle for the talents of the artists and strongly sustains the interest. One of the most fascinating of Zane Grey's books, "Wanderer of the Wastelands," has been well adapted to the screen and also is being shown. Buster Crabbe is che principal, and he receives sound support from a Innre cast.

EMBASSY THEATRE The continued popularity of " Little Lord Fauntleroy," at the Embassy Theatre, is a sure sign that the costume film will always command a good reception. This film follows a well-loved story, which, with the aid of good photography, elaborate costumes and detailed settings, has been presented in very acceptable form. Freddie Bartholomew takes the role of the lad Cedric, a difficult part with pitfalls, but one which he handles with ease and assurance. Dolores Costello Barrymore is cast as his mother and C. Aubrey Smith as the Earl of Dorincourt.

STATE THEATRE A drama of modern life, bright, amusing arid illuminating is " I Live My Life," to commence to-day at the State Theatre. Joan Crawford and her new leading man, Brian Alierne, are the principals and to their performances the film owes much of its success. jNliss Crawford is cast as Kay Bentley, a society girl intent on living life to the full, and Aherne has the role of an archaeologist who gives up his work for her sake. The'conflict between city and country is brought out in the unusual story which is told. NATIONAL THEATRE An excellent double-feature programme will be presented at the National Theatre for the first time today. The thrilling drama, "Show Them No Mercy," with Rochelle Hudson, Bruce Cabot and Cesar Romero as the principals, is the first attraction. An hilarious comedy, " Ev-->ry Saturday Night." also is being screened. LONDON CINEMA Jack Holt gives his usual good performance in "I'll Fix It," which will commence to-day at the London Cinema. "Say It With Flowers" is the second film. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA A drama of the future, " The Tunnel " is the first of the two films being presented at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. " I Dream Too Much" also is being screened. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO " Paddy O'Day " is the first of the two entertaining films being screened at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. The theme is fascinating and the acting throughout is of a high standard. " King of Burlesque " is the serortrl nttrnctinn

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Vividly presenting the dangers, the glories and the romance of life ill the time of the French Revolution, "A Tale of Two Cities," at St. James' Theatre, shows what splendid screen entertainment may be produced from historical novels. Dickens' characters, all different and all interesting, are portrayed by an unusually capable cast. Ronald Colman has been perfectly cast as the wastrel, Carton, who makes one final heroic gesture in laying down his life for a friend. Lucie Manette is charmingly played by Elizabeth Allan and Edna May Oliver takes the role of Miss Pross. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A fine programme is being presented at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. " Miss Pacific Fleet " and " Here Comes Trouble" are the two attractions. In the first film 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, with whom they meet some hilarious adventures. There is a large cast and Hugh Herbert is the principal. The wanderings of a marine engineer form the principal theme of * " Here Comes Trouble," the second film. The story is fascinating and grips the imagination from start to finish. TUDOR CINEMA "Escape Me Never" is the film being presented at the Tudor Cinema. There is a' wide selection of shorter pictures. UNIVERSITY REVUE The annual revue of Auckland University College will be presented at the College Hall on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. A particularly bright programme has been arranged and the proceeds will go to the Crippled Children's Fund. ENTERTAINMENT AT HOWICK The Howick-Pakuranga Musical Society presented a three-act comedy, "Charley's Aunt," at the Monterey Theatre, Howick, on Wednesday night. Staged under the direction of Mr. Norman Day, the play was a great success. CHAMPION MAORI CHOIR The Rotorua champion Maori choir and noted Arawa party will present two concerts in the Town Hall to-night and to-morrow night. The party includes the most talented soloists from the Rotorua district, and a splendid team trained in chorus work, action songs and poi dancing. A number of hakas and war dances will also be given. Booking arrangements are advertised.