ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE A comedy of outstanding merit, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," is tho principal attraction on the well-varied programme being presented at tho Civic Theatre. The genius of Frank Capra, one of the best comedy directors in Hollywood, is revealed in this production. Among Capra's best-known triumphs is "It Happened One Night," and this latest film is well up to standard. It has the samo refreshing wit and liveliness and is marked throughout with ingenuity. Clarence 13. Holland's whimsical story has been excellently adapted for the screen by Robert Riskin, and the acting honours of the picture go to Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur and Raymond i Walburn. Capra's brilliance of direction is fully revealed in the courtroom scene in which Mr. Deeds simultaneously proves his sanity and regains the love of a charming girl. This episode provides a rousingly humorous climax. There is a iirst-class supporting programme. REGENT THEATRE With powerful acting by a large and talented cast, "Living Dangerously," tho current film at the Regent Theatre, is ono of the most notable pictures seen in Auckland for some years. Possessing an unusual theme, a scries of intense and moving situations and a thrilling climax, "Living Dangerously" has every ingredient which goes to make up excellent entertainment. Otto Krugcr gives an outstanding performance in the leading role, and ho receives sound support from Leonora Corbctt and Francis Lister. In addition, there is a fine associate programme, including a number of topical newsreels. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Claimed to bo a successor to "Viva Villa," a film which enjoyed great popularity a year ago. "Robin Hood of Eldorado" heads the programme attracting large audiences to St. James' Theatre. Well up to tho high standard usually set by Metro-Goldw.vn Mayer, the picture leaves be desired j in the way of technique. Full of action, j it has a story which cannot fail to j capture the imagination. The tale stir- I rounds the discovery of gold in Mexico and the general invasion of the country by Americans who have heed for little except riches. Warner Baxter is seen ! at his best in the principal role, and j he is fortunate to have the support of two such capable players as Ann Loring and Bruce Cabot. The supporting films include an amazing colour cartoon, "The Early Bird and the Worm," and an Our Gang comedy entitled "Arbour Day." PLAZA THEATRE One of the latest films to come from the celebrated Warner Brothers' studios, "Ceiling Zero," heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. The picture is undoubtedly one of the • host dramas of the air ever attempted or presented on the modern screen. It has dramatic qualities above the average and in a large measure stands as a a pictorial tribute to the intrepid pioneers of the air. "Dizzy" Davis, the daring hero of innumerable aerial accomplishments, perpetrates a little prank in pretending lie is too ill to take his regular flight when he merely wishes to have another opportunity of meeting an attractive young woman of his acquaintance. His action has tragic consequences and lie loses the comradeship of one of his best friends. James Cagney and Pat O'Brien, familiar figures in this type of film, are again seen at their best. Stuart Erwin also plays well as one of tho pilots, while another important role is taken by June Travis.

STRAND THEATRE One of the best known actors on the screen, George Arliss, gives a characteristic performance in the leading role of "The Guv'nor," the first of the two full length and entertaining films being presented at the Strand Theatre. A delightful romance, the picture is somewhat lighter than the usual film with which George Arliss has been associated but this in no way detracts from the excellence of his portrayal. Jack Hvlton and his band provides the principal attraction in "She Shall Have Music," which also is being presented. There is a notable cast, including such talented players as June Clyde and Claude Dampier. NATIONAL THEATRE One of the brightest British comedies seen in Auckland for some time, "Public Nuisance No. 1," is the principal attraction on the well-varied programme being presented with success at the National Theatre. Francos Day and Arthur Riscoe have the leading roles and their performances throughout merit the highest praise. The theme is always bright and the interest is held until the last hilarious scene. In striking contrast, a thrilling crime story, "Sing Sing Nights," also is being screened. Conway Tearle and Hardie Albright head a large and talented cast. STATE THEATRE Notable for her particularly fine voice, the French singer Lily Pons is the principal of "I Dream Too Much," the first of the two full-length and entertaining pictures being shown at the State Theatre. There is an amusing and absorbing story, while the score contains many popular songs specially composed by Jerome Kern, who wrote "Roberta." The leading roles of "Times Square Lady," the second attraction, are taken by Robert Taylor and Virginia Bruce, this film also makes fine entertainment and the supporting cast is headed by Helen Twelvetrees. LONDON CINEMA "Flying Devils" (Bruce Cabot) is the first of the two full length and entertaining pictures being presented at the London Cinema. Clifford Mollison and a large and talented cast appear in "Freedom of the Seas," the second attraction. TIVOLI THEATRE Guest night will be observed at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow night. Kay Francis and William Powell are the principals of the stirring film, "One Way Passage," the first attraction. Another powerful team, James Cagnoy and Madge Evans, appear in "Mayor of Hell," which also is to be presented TUDOR CINEMA The noted young actor, Robert Donat, gives a characteristic performance in "The Ghost Goes West," the principal film being presented at the Tudor Cinema. There is a fine selection of shorter pictures. STAR CINEMA A talented team, comprising S\lvia Sydney and Herbert Marshall; appears in "Accent on Youth," the principal film being presented before large audiences at the Star Cinema. The theme is a. powerful one and the interest is well sustained. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The stirring screen drama "King of the Damned," with Conrad Veidt in tho leading role, is the first film on the programme being presented at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. There is a wide selection of shorter pictures.

EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA "I Found Stella Parish," with Kay Francis in tho loading role, is the principal film being shown at tho Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Light entertainment of the finest type is provided in the double-feature programme being presented at the Majestic Theatre. The principal attraction is "Love Before Breakfast," a fast-moving comedy-romance which abounds in clever situations and bright dialogue. Carole Lombard is seen in one of the leading roles and she gives a delightful characterisation as a young society woman whose obstinacy leads her from one pitfall to another. Preston Foster plays opposite her and he also is impressive. "Sweet Surrender," a song and dance production, is the second attraction. EMBASSY THEATRE Strongly maintaining its popularity the Embassy, Auckland's newest theatre, is presenting an exceptionally fine programme. Produced by the Paramount studios, and filmed entirely in natural colour, "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine," the current attraction, marks a definite advance in the motion picture industry.' Where technicolour has been used previously the picture has been photographed within the walls of a studio, where specially trained technicians could give careful attention to the lighting effects. In this picture, however, practically all the action takes place outdoors. Jeffery Farnol's adventurous romance, "The Amateur Gentleman," will be presented at tho Embassy Theatre for the first time on Thursday. The film has a notable British cast, headed by Douglas Fairbanks jun., and Elissa Landi.