ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 19

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE The American naval midshipman is glorified by the Hollywood producers in "Gentlemen of the Navy," the film which commenced an Auckland season before large audiences at tho Majestic Theatre yesterday. The picture is notable principally for tho outstanding performance by that veteran English actor. Sir Guy Standing. Cast as a retired American admiral in his dotage he gives a fine portrayal worthy of a more serious picture. The picture is dedicated to midshipmen and is stated to have been produced with the active co-operation of the Navv. I eclinically the picture leaves nothing to be desired. The photography is excellent throughout and many striking scenes have been obtained. One of the latest pictures to come from the Paramount studios, it further enhances the reputation of this company. I lie comedy is very amusing in parts ami provoked some hearty laughs at yesterday's screenings. Particularly clever were the scenes where Tom Mrown, as a rather bumptious and "cocky" cadet, is seen being set, to work on the night of the academy dance to find a tour-leafed clover on the football field, a box of safety matches being the only illumination provided, this ordeal being in the nature of a disciplinary measure. A bright supporting programme includes a Popeye the Sailor cartoon entitled "For Better or For Worse," a Betty Boop cartoon, another of tho amusing Paramount Screen Souvenirs, a very topical Paramount Newsreel and a short picture, "Babes in Hollywood " with Virginia Weidler, David Holt and Baby Le Boy.

CIVIC THEATRE One of the most interesting phases in American history, that dealing with the Spanish-American war in Cuba in 18!>S, has been drawn upon for the subject matter of "A .Message to Garcia," which opened a season yesterday at the Civic Theatre. The feat of taking a message from the President of the United States through the Spanish lines to the stronghold of the loyal Cubans, in the centre of the island, is given prominence, and vivid and interesting glimpses are given of Spanish rule on the island. Brief mention of the fate of the battleship Maine, which was blown up by tho Spanish, gives the origin of the war, in ending which tho message through to Garcia played an important part. It becomes imperative that a message be put through to Garcia, who is in command of tho Cuban troops, telling him where relief forces from the United States are to bo landed, and a young Canadian lieutenant, Rowan, offers himself for the task. The obstacles which stand in his way appear insurmountable and endless, first a blockade and search of all ships going to Cuba, street patrols ever on the watch, and lines of sentries stationed throughout the island. When finally he stumbles into the enemy camp his efforts promise to be of no avail, but a satisfactory solution is found, at the cost of the life of a stouthearted ally. John Boles gives a creditable account of himself as the lieutenant who bears the message. A fine performance is given by Wallace Beer.v. This player is in his element in his rolo of a twisting scoundrel who sells bullets filled with sawdust to each of the fighting armies, pilfers anything within sight with the aid of a diminutive monkev, and finally lays down his life on behalf of the country from which he is an outcast. Filthy in appearance and a rogue by reputation, he maintains a philosophy all his own which enables him to bear all his trials, and his study is perhaps the best part of tho nlm. Barbara Stanwyck makes an attractive and spirited heroine, who is a brightening factor amid the depressing jungle country in which she is seen. The supporting programme includes a musical variety item, "Thanks, Mr. Cupid, a newsreel of some first-rate ice hockey, and items on the grand organ by Desmond Tanner.

EMBASSY THEATRE Those who have not yet had an opportunity of enjoying the splendid proi era mine at the Embassy ha\© only a week left in which to see it hefore it is transferred elsewhere. The main attraction, "These Three, a United Artists' film based on Lilian Hellman's sensational play, "The Children's Hour," is outstanding both for the quality of its acting and the very human appeal of its story. Three of * Hollywood's best-known players Merle O'beron, Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea, have the leading roles and each gives a convincing performance. Bonita Granville gives an exceptionally clever characterisation of a spoilt school girl. STATE THEATRE Seldom has such a galaxy of talent been assembled for one production as in "Forsaking All Others," the entertaining film at the State Theatre. Clark GiTble and Joan Crawford head the notable cast, which includes such wellknown plavers as Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell, Charles Butterworth and Billie Burke. The film has been described as one of the most successful of several sophisticated comedies produced in Hollywood, and it provides ideal light entertainment. Ann Harding and Herbert Marshall are the players in " The Flame Within," the second attraction. Maureen O'Sullivan and Henry Stephenson are in support. LONDON CINEMA Louise Fazenda and Noah Beery are the plavers in "Caravan," which heads the double-feature programme at the London Cinema. Edna May Oliver is seen to advantage in "We're Rich Again," the .second film. Billie Burke and Reginald Denny also have prominent parts. VICTORIA THEATRE An attractive programme comprising "The Eagle's Brood" and "Honeymoon for Three" will be presented at the Victoria Theatre to-night. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Here Comes the Band," a bright and tuneful musical production, and "The Virginia Judge," which contains some delightful humour, will be shown to-night at the Strand Theatre, Onelinn ga . BRITANNIA THEATRE A romance of the war days, "The Dark Angel," will bo shown to-night at the Britannia Theatre with Iho Perfect Gentleman." Frodric March, Herbert Marshall and Merle Oberon head the cast of the first film.

TUDOR CINEMA A thrilling crime film "Woman Wanted" is the first attraction at tho Tudor Cinema. Maureen O'Sullivan and Joel McCrea are tho principals and they both give fine performances. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA Warner Baxt<jr and Alice Faye make bright entertainment of "King of Burlesque," at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. " 1 J'ivp for Love," in which Dolores Del Rio appears, completes the programme. PRINCESS THEATRE Irene Dunne and Robort Taylor appear with credit in "Magnificent Obsession," which heads the current programme at the Princess Theatre.

PLAZA THEATRE Hilarious farce is presented in " r lhe Private Secretary," a British picture, which commenced a season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. Adapted from tlio well-known play by the late Sir Charles Hawtrey, the film achieves distinction by its deft presentation of comical situations and by the excellent performances of its players. The themo deals mainly with the most humorous of all farcical figures, the timid curate who, in comic tradition, suffers much to provoke the laughter of many. A young man 111 debt, unwilling to face either creditors or a wealthy and formidable uncle from the Far Fast, tricks a guileless curate into taking his place in town while he lies low at the country house ot a friend There ,be poses as the new private secretary and rashly falls in love with the daughter of the manor. Meanwhile the curate, who is, incidentally, the real secretary, chased by the creditors and terrified by tho uncle, flees in search of his employer. He arrives at the manor, where the graceless hero is already suffering from the presence of the uncle and a persistent creditor. After a series of diverting incidents, including a spiritualist •' seance," the picture ends with explanations all round. Edward Everett Horton, the inimitable comedian of " The Gav Divorcee " and " Top Hat," gives a classic performance as the grave-faced, slightly pompous and painfully precise curate, born to be tho butt of unscrupulous persons. As the irascible uncle, the late Oscar Asche acts with great gusto, a considerable amount of the humour of the pieco being drawn from his lively interpretation of his role. A competent supporting cast includes Judy Gunn, Sydney Fairbrother and Alastair Sim. Newsreels. a gazette, a cartoon and a comedy with intricate acrobatic dancing comprise tho supporting items.

REGENT THEATRE A milestone in the Australian film industry, "Thoroughbred," opened its Auckland season at the Regent Theatre yesterday. The picture represents the greatest single advance yet mado in Australian films, for it reveals the polished methods of Hollywood and Elstrce. It, takes its tempo from the thud of flying hooves on turf, and from beginning to end the action never flags. Planned round the Australian breeding industry, and culminating in thrilling scenes at the Melbourne Cup meeting, it is one of the most thrilling racing stories to come to the screen, for the scene quickly changes from the sun-bathed paddocks of a palatial stud farm to the overseas den of a gang of international racing criminals, to city scenes in Melbourne and then to Flemington. The racing scenes are brilliant, reaching a standard comparable with that set by overseas studios, and reflecting great credit on the photographic staff. Of almost equal merit is tho Australian pastoral country. Additional importance is lent the film by tiie fact that it is tho first Australian production in which an internationallyknown plaver takes tho leading role. Helen Twelvetrees makes a charming heroine, as the young Canadian girl whose hand is sought by the dyed-in-the-wool Australian and tho polished Englishman. Frank Leighton gives a splendid portrayal as tho young Australian. bursting with national pride and glorying in his clumsy aggressiveness. Then there is John Longden, as his rival, while other good performances are contributed by Nellie Barnes, Harold .Meade, Nellie Ferguson and Elaine Hamill. The director was Ken. G. Hall, who was responsible for "On Our Selection" and "The Silence of Dean Maitland." Among the supporting films are £t Cinesonnd newsreel. and two British gazettes showing events in the Homeland and on the Continent.

STRAND THEATRE Headed by the Gaumont-British film, "Jack of All Trades," with Jack Hulbert in the leading role, the doublefeature programme at tho Strand Theatre provides first-class entertainment. The cheerful British comedian is at his best as one of tho unemployed who obtains a prominent position in a London bank by intimidating tho chairman's secretary. Able support is given by Robertson Hare and Gina Malo. "Everybody's Old Man," the second attraction, has for its leading player Irvin S. Cobb, a picturesque figure who has not appeared on the screen for some time. Rochelle Hudson, Norman Foster and Alan Dinehart are the supporting players. NATIONAL THEATRE Tho first of several adventure stories which are to bo brought to the screen within the next few months, "Captain Blood," the film version of Rafael Sabatini's exciting sea story, commenced a season at the National Theatre yesterday. The film retains tho romantic atmosphere of tho original novel to a remarkable degree, and many stirring scenes are realistically depicted. Errol Flynn gives a notable performance in the title-role, while Olivia de Haviland makes a delightful feminine lead. Supporting roles are equally well filled, prominent parts bein<j; taken by Lionel Atwill, Basil Rathbono and Guy Kibboo. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Fred Astairo and Ginger Rogers reach the summit of their popularity together in "Follow tho I'lcot," a gay musical romance with a nautical background which is attracting large audiences to the Rialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. Astaire is cast as a blundering suitor who alternately soothes and rebuffs his lady, played by Miss Rogers. The dancing and singing numbers are excellent and tho dialogue keeps the audience continually amused. EMPRESS THEATRE William Powell and Luise Rainer appear in the leading roles of "Escapade," a romance of gay Vienna, which is being shown at the Empress Theatre. Powell appears as a prominent artist who paints a compromising portrait of a lady. His efforts to escape retribution are more than amusing. "Tit for Tat" and "We're Only Human" also will be shown. CAPITOL THEATRE Claudette Colbert appears in a suitable role in "She Married Her Boss," at the Capitol Theatre. Laurel and Hardy appear in "Bonnie Scotland," the second attraction. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT A film which has to do with the gangster menace in America, "Show Them No Mercy," will be shown with "East of Java" at tho State Theatre, Devon port, to-night.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNCA "Metropolitan," in which Lawrence Tibbett appears, and "Moonlight on the Prairie" are the films to be shown at the State Theatre, Onehunga, tonight. REGAL THEATRE "Paddy O'Day" and "Two in tho Dark" will be shown to-night at tho Regal Cinema. The latter is an absorbing mystery drama with Walter Abel and Margot Grahame prominently cast. ADELPHI THEATRE Kay Francis gives a splendid performance in "I Found Stella Parrish," which is being shown with "Another Face" at the Adelplii Theatre.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE "Rendezvous,'' a picture in which light romantic entertainment so typical of Hollywood is the keynote, is the first picture on the splendid programme at St. James' Theatre. The laconic William Powell is admirably cast as a man who throws aside his ability with code messages so that he may fight for his country in the firing line. The plot centres round the efforts of a woman with plenty of money and influence to have him detained in America. The manner in which the two are finally reconciled is recounted in a well-planned climax.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Introducing a number of catchy new songs and with a large cast of exceptionally talented artists "Stars Over Broadway" is the first of the two lulllength films being screened with success at the Roxv and Tivoli Theatres. Pat O'Brien and Jean Muir are tlio principals and they both give sound portrayals. The picture follows a long succession of highly popular films from Warner Brothers' studios and makes bright entertainment from start to finish. .Tames Melton and Jane Fromail, two well-known American radio artists, contribute some excellent vocal work, while Frank Mel I ugh has full opportunity to reveal his flair for comedy. One of the best-known Western players, Buck Jones, is the principal of "Man Trailer," the second attraction. With a thrilling story and plenty of action this film moves swiftly from start to finish. STAR CINEMA Entertainment of an unusually high standard is provided in " The Legion of Valour," the principal film on a well-varied programme at the Star Cinema. A thrilling crime story, enacted bv a cast, of prominent Hollywood players, the picture grips the interest from start to finish. Bruce Cabot, Virginia Bruce and Richard Arlen all give characteristic portrayals, while the supporting cast includes such artists as Alice Brady and Harvey Stephens. Technically, the picture leaves nothing to be desired, and is packed with exciting and highly dramatic incidents. A wide selection of topical subjects is embraced in the shorter supporting films.