ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Tuneful and refreshing entertainment is the keynote of "The Music Goes Round," which heads the current programme at St. .James' Theatre. The film is particularly notable for the introduction of the song "The Music Goes Round and Around." It has comedy in full measure and some clever negro dancing. The plot is original and rfie acting throughout is of a high standard The picture starts with a typical American battle of words. The participants are a New York theatrical producer and a popular stage and radio artist. Rochelle .Hudson and Harry Richman are the principals. There is ft particularly line associate programme. PLAZA THEATRE The successful screen adaptation of Shakepcare's "Midsummer Night's I)i •cam" is the principal attraction on the programme at the Plaza Theatre. The picture has been claimed to be one of the greatest experiments made in the film industry for some years. The production definitely proves that the screen is one of the best possible mediums for interpreting these great works. The stage could never hope to show fairies dancing-up moonbeams and Bottom's head slowly dissolving into that of an ass. The dialogue has been cut to a minimum and the cast is one of the most impressive assembled for some time. Lan Hunter and Verreo Teasdale make an admirable Theseus and Hippolyta, while the changing moods of the young lovers are well portrayed bv Ross Alexander and Dick Powell. Other well-known players arc Joe E. Brown, Jean Mnir and Victor Jory. MAJESTIC THEATRE A distinguished cast gives a bright interpretation of "Dancing Lady," which is attracting large audiences to the Majestic Theatre. Clark Gable is the principal and ho receives sterling support from Joan Crawford. Others in the cast who have major parts are Fred Astairo and Franchot Tone. The film is noted for its particularly largo choruses and spectacular ballets. It is a fast moving drama which tells the adventures of a runaway boy and his dog. "Tough Guy," with Jackie Cooper in the principal role, also is being screened. CIVIC THEATRE The ever-popular child actress, ShirIcy Temple, is seen at her best in "Captain January," which heads the programme being screened at the Civic Theatre. Always remembered for her appearances in such pictures as "The Littlest Rebel," Miss Temple acts with the charm and sincerity of an artist of mature experience. She is fortunate in this film to have the support of a particularly large and distinguished cast. Guy Kihbeo and Slim Summervillo have major roles. The story is a novel one and makes first-class entertainment from start to finish. There is a fine programme of shorter films.

STRAND THEATRE One of the most popular actresses on the screen, Gracie Fields, is seen at her host in " Queen of Hearts," the main film being presented at the Strand Theatre. Miss Fields lias a most congenial part nnd appears as a little seamstress who aspires to the stage. Her mind is filled with dreams of her success and she almost worships one particular matinee idol. She eventually has an opportunity to take part in a theatrical production and shows considerable ninging and dramatic ability. There is a pleasing climax. John Lodcr is the principal. NATIONAL THEATRE One of the finest mystery films which has ever been screened in Auckland. " Sinister House," is the principal attraction on the current programme at the National Theatre. The story is an unusual one. and with the polished acting of Preston Foster. Margaret Callahan, who appeared in " Seven Keys to Baldpate," Alan Mowbray and Ralph Morgan, it makes excellent entertainment from start to finish. The peculiar customs and manners of India are presented in " India Speaks," an instructive and interesting film, whieili is also being presented. EMBASSY theatre Now in its fourth week of a most successful season, "Little Lord Fauntlerov," the current attraction at the nfnv Embassy Theatre, makes delightful entertainment. A universally popular story in America, it has been particularly well adapted to the screen. Under fhe skill of the noted producer, David O. Selznick, tho technique is all that could be desired. Freddie Bartholomew is the principal and he gives a very sound performance. There is a wide selection of interesting shorter films.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Thrilling adventure in California is the keynote of "Yellow Dust," the first of the two entertaining pictures being presented at tho Roxv and Tivoli 'Jhcatres. Richard Dix, in his usual virile portrayal in the leading role, gives a fine display of horsemanship, and the story moves with a swing from start to finish. There is a large supporting cast comprised almost entirely of players of proved ability. Another film with an outdoor background, "Moonlight on the Prairie," also is being shown. Richard Foran is the principal in this picture and ho gives an excellent performance. STATE THEATRE One the most distinguished actresses on the modern screen, My ma Loy, is the principal of "Whipsaw," which is enjoying great popularity at tho State Theatre. She is fortunate in this picture to have the support of such a talented player as Spencer Tracy. The story is a novel one and grips the interest from st.irt. to finish. It introduces a charming romance and the acting throughout, is of a particularly high standard. There is a wide selection of shorter pictures. STA*R CINEMA "Private Worlds," with Claudetto Colbert and Chas. Boyer in the leading roles, is the principal film being screened at the Star Cinema. The film has a fascinating tale and makes entertainment of the most absorbing type. There is a talented cast in "College Rhythm," which also is being presented. TUDOR CINEMA "Hi •ewster's Millions" is the principal attraction being presented with success at the Tudor Cinema. There is a well-chosen supporting programme. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE Tho powerful drama "Magnificent Obsession" is the principal film on the programme attracting large audiences to the Crystal Palace Theatre. There is a wide and interesting selection of shorter films. RI ALTO THEATRE Two full-length and entertaining pictures, "Where's My Man" and "The Clairvoyant," comprise the programme at the Rialto Theatre. LONDON CINEMA "Three on a Honeymoon" is the principal attraction on the double-feature programme being presented at the London Cinema. Sally Filers and Zasu Pitts are the leading players. A thrilling western drama, "Whirlwind," also isDeing presented.

REGENT THEATRE Oilg of the best-known figures in motion pictures, Charlie Chaplin, makes a welcome reappearance to the screen in "Modern Times," which heads the programme at the Regent Theatre. A United Artists' production, the film further enhances the reputation of this company. Charlie Chaplin gives a bright display of his artistry and has a role to which he is admirably suited. The tale attempts to depict the never-ending bustle of modern life, its pressure on the individual and the necessity for the individual to do distasteful work in order to live. There is a particularly line associate programme.