ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22493, 10 August 1936, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE Another of tho Zane Grey stories conies to the screen in "Desert Gold," the new attraction at tho Majestic Theatre. It tells of tho last desperate efforts of tho Red Indians to preserve their territories from the ever-encroach-ing white man. It is a fast-moving story in the traditional stylo with the daring hero, unscrupulous villain, grateful Indian and stupid "tenderfoot." Horselovers in particular cannot fail to enjoy tho film, there being some splendid riding. Buster Crabbe and Marsha Hunt head the cast. Also on tho programme is "The Charm School," with Jack Oakie, Joe Penncr and Frances hangford. CIVIC THEATRE A nine-year-old boy tenor, Bobby Breen, makes his initial screen appearance in "Lot's Sing Again," the new lilm at the Civic Theatre. Well known to American audiences over the radio, the hoy singer began his career five years ago in the Silver Slipper Night Club, Toronto, and after a period in vaudeville received a lucrative radio engagement. Full range to his talents is given in the new picture and his magnificent voice is heard to advantage in a perfect rendering of "La Donna c Mobile," from Rigoletto, and many other numbers. The story itself is cleverly handled. There is a bright supporting programme. REGENT THEATRE The beautiful Marlene Dietrich is cast as a feminine jewel thief in "Desire," tho delightful comedy that is being screened at the Regent Theatre. Beset by hordes of policemen and detectives, who are trying to identify, her with a number of daring robberies, ijic charming heroine encounters a young engineer, played by Gary Cooper, and an amusing romance ensues. In light and enlivening fashion the couple join forces and there is an eminently satisfactory conclusion. The supporting programme includes a specialty dance number by a clever stage artist, Rowena Jackson. There is a bright newsreel. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Now in its second consecutive week at St. James' Theatre, the outstanding film drama "The Unguarded Hour" continues to attract large and enthusiastic audiences. The picture, which is an adaptation of a well-known stage play, is historically and technically flawless. A noted barrister, whose triumphs in Court are many and varied, is the central character, and the story revolves about tho difficulties he encounters when circumstantial evidence places him under suspicion of murder. There arc a number of tense Court scenes. Franchot Tone has the leading role and Loretta Young plays opposite to him.

EMBASSY THEATRE Yet another celebrated operatic singer makes his screen debut, this time Beniamiuo Gigli, who takes the leading part in "Forget-Jle-Not," the new picture at the Embassy Theatre. Tho film is notable for the perfection of the sound recording as well as for good acting and an interesting story. Gigli, who is regarded as one of the world's foremost tenors, sings such popular numbers as "Venetian Serenade," "Lullaby" and "Say You Will Not Forget," which should make a wide appeal .loan Gardner, who will be remembered for her brief but impressive appearance in "The Scarlet Pimpernel," has the leading feminine part and plavs with delicacy and charm in a difficult role. A Walt Disney colour cartoon also is on tho programme.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The life of an ex-bank robber, who is suspected of committing another crime shortly after completing a sentence of 1"> years in prison, is the theme of "The Last Outlaw," which is the first film on the double-feature programme being presented at the Roxv and Tivoli Theatres Harry Carey and the popular Hoot Gibson head the talented cast. it is one of the latest R.K.O. Radio productions, " Love on a Bet" (Gene Raymond and Wendy Barrie) is the second attraction. Guest night will be observed at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow night. "Grand Slam" (Glenda Farell) will be the first film on tho programme. "Parachute Jumper" also will be shown.

NATIONAL THEATRE Still attracting large audiences tho noted film "Follow the Fleet" is being screened at the National Theatre. The production is notable for the fine acting of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astairo in the leading roles. They have parts which admirably suit them and they dominate the story from start to finish. The comedy is based on a number of previous highly successful films of n similar type and it makes hilarious entertainnwnt from start to finish. An R.K.O. Radio film, it further enhances the reputation of this company. STRAND THEATRE "Tho Ex-Mrs. Bradford," an amusing and cleverly-constructed comedy now being screened at the Strand Theatre, provides further scope for the abilities of William Powell. In the typo of role that established his reputation in "The Thin Man," Powell has in this picture a particularly charming and graceful leading lady, Jean Arthur. Ho appears as a surgeon who has divorced his wife because of her habit of involving him in unpleasant murder mysteries. Smart repartee runs through the film, while the photography is most unusual. Variety and interest characterise the pictures that eompriso the subsidiary programme LONDON CINEMA Francis Lederer and Elissa Landi have the leading rolos in "Man of Two Worlds," a pleasing comedy that heads tlie current programme at tho London Cinema. Also being shown is "Tho Party's Over," with Stuart Brwin and Ann Sothern. TUDOR CINEMA - "Hands Across the Table" (Carole Lombard and Fred Mac Murray) is the main film being shown at tho Tudor Cinema. '1 here is a wide selection of interesting shorter pictures. BRITANNIA THEATRE A distinguished cast gives n vivid interpretation to "Little Lord Fauntleroy," the first film being shown at the Britannia Theatre. "Grand Exit" also is being screened. STAR CINEMA Large audiences are being attracted to tho Star Cinema, where "One Rainy Afternoon" is tho principal attractioii on a well-varied programme. There is a wide selection of interesting shorter films and tho whole programme makes first-class entertainment. VICTORIA THEATRE Two full-length films, "The Big Broadcast" and "Ah, Wilderness," eompriso tho programmo enjoying a successful season at the Victoria Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO "Love Before Breakfast" (Carole Lombard and Preston Foster) is the first film on tho current programmo at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres Richard Dix has a congenial role in "Special Investigator," the second attraction.

PLAZA THEATRE One of tho latest films to come from tho R.K.O. Radio studios, "Alice Adams," the current attraction at tho Plaza Theatre, makes excellent entertainment. The film is actually the version of Booth Tarkington's novel of the same name. This book won the Pulitzer prize for the best novel of 1922. It is a penetrating and careful sketch of family life and the same sincere atmosphere has beon preserved on the screen as in the novel. Tenderness, comedy and subdued pathos arc realistically blended during the narrative of a lonely girl's life in a typical American small town. By giving a performance which will rank with her best, Katharine Hepburn again reveals the ability which made her portrayal in "Morning Glory" such an outstanding success. Fred Stone, the celebrated American actor, also gives a fine performance, and there is a largesupporting cast. The associate programme includes a number of topical and interesting pictures. DRAMA FESTIVAL The fourth annual festival of the Auckland area of the British Drama League will commence in the Town Hall concert chamber to-morrow night. Excellent plays, well produced, always prove exceedingly popular and, as this year's entries arc particularly good, the programme should be most entertaining. Twelve societies, introducing 15 plavs, will appear before Miss Elizabeth Blake, tho official critic. Booking arrangements are advertised.