ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22499, 17 August 1936, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Gaumont-British Films have achieved an outstanding success with their production "Rhodes of Africa,'' which is being accorded an enthusiastic reception at the Civic Theatre. Portraying as it does one of the finest feats of Empire building in our nation's history, the film does ample justice to its magnificent material. Walter Huston gives one of tlie finest portrayals of his career in the part of Rhodes, whilo Oscar Homolka, as Paul Kriiger, the conservative Boer leader, is equally good. Peggy Ashcroft and Basil Sydney also contribute outstanding portraits. RECENT THEATRE An exciting story of the French revolution recapturing all the colourful spirit of adventure which characterised Rafael Sabatini's well-known novel from which it was adapted, is presented in the British Empire Films production "The Marriage of Corhal," which is now being shown at the Regent Theatre. Nils Astlier gives an excellent characterisation of the young revolutionary leader, Varennes, while Hazel Terry, as the Countess Cleonie, and Hugh Sinclair, as the Marquis of Corbal, both contribute outstanding portrayals. Noah Beery heads the supporting cast. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Now in its third week at St. James' Theatre, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production "The Unguarded Hour" continues to be well received by large audiences. Brilliantly acted and cleverly directed, the film is notable for the excellent characterisation of Franchot Tone, who takes* the part of a young prosecuting attorney. By his clever manipulation of circumstantial evidence the young barrister obtains a fine record of convictions, but his position is altered when he himself becomes the victim of circumstances. Only by the testimony of his wife (Loretta Young) is his name finally cleared from suspicion. PLAZA THEATRE The reputation of the clever humorous writer Ben Travers is further enhanced by the highly diverting comedy film "Pot Luck," which heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. Based on one of Travers' more recent novels the film has for its leading players- threo of the best-known artists appearing in British comedies to-day. Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn provide the greater part of the humour, but Robertson Hare also gives a very amusing performance. The three comedians are engaged in solving the mysterious disappearance of a priceless Oriental vase, and their adventures in a gloomy old manor, where most of the action takes place, provide wide opportunities for the introduction _of the highly diverting ;\ntics at which they excel. Diana Churchill has the leading feminine role and her performance adds considerably tq the success of tho i fdin.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Grippingly realistic and at times highly dramatic scenes of convict life in America are presented in the films which comprise the double-feature programme at tlie Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. "Parole," the first attraction, deals with the conduct of the hundreds of paroled prisoners who are released every year, but return to lives of evil-doing and become a menace to peaceful communities. Equally impressive is the second film, "Road Gang," in which Donald Woods gives an outstanding performance. An entertaining programme has been arranged for the Tivoli Theatre to-mor-row night, when guest night concessions will be available. NATIONAL THEATRE An outstanding cast has been assembled for the entertaining film "If I had a Million," which heads the excellent double-feature programme at the National Theatre. Charles Laughton and Gary Cooper have the prominent roles, while the feminine lead is taken by Frances Dee. The supporting cast includes such well-known players as Charles Ruggles, W. C. Fields, George Raft and May Robson. "Hopalong Cassidy," a stirring Western film based on a novel by Clarence E. Mulford, is the second attraction. William Boyd takes the part of Hopalong Cassidy and there is a talented supporting cast.

STRAND THEATRE Adapted from Sinclair Lewis' famous novel which was awarded the Nobel prize a few years ago, "I Married a Doctor," the film now being shown at the Strand Theatre, presents first-class dramatic entertainment. Pat O'Brien and the delightful Josephine Hutchinson. who performed so well together in "Oil for tho Lamps of China," have the leading roles and both individually and as a romantic team their performances are deserving of the highest praise. Supporting parts are equally well filled, Ross Alexander, Guy Kibbee and Louise Fazenda being outstanding. EMBASSY THEATRE One of the most ambitious musical films yet produced by British studios and one of tho most successful, "Forget Me Not," continues to be well received by large audiences at the Embassy Theatre. The celebrated tenor Beniaminq Gigli, who is regarded by many competent musical critics as the greatest operatic tenor singe Enrico Caruso, has the leading role and his magnificent renderings of excerpts from grand opera, in addition to several songs specially composed for the film, provide a firstclass musical treat. STAR CINEMA Clark Gable and Constance Bennett both give excellent performances in the entertaining film "After Office Hours," which heads the double-feature programme now being presented at tho Star Cinema. Ramon Novarro, well known for his splendid acting in romantic roles, plays opposite tho accomplished actress Evelyn Lave, in "The Night is Young," which also is being shown. STATE THEATRE Stirring entertainment is provided in the lilm version of Rafael Sabatini's famous sea story "Captain Blood," which is being well received by large audiences at the' State Theatre. Errol Flynn, a comparatively new player, scores a great success in the title role, while other important parts are capably portrayed by Olivia de Haviland and Basil Rathbone. Commencing to-morrow an excellent double-feature programme comprising the films "Modern Times," in which the world-famous comedian Charles Chaplin appears, and "Dangerous," with Bctto Davis and Franchot Tone, will be presented. LONDON CINEMA Lionel Barrymore has a prominent role in "One Man's Journey," the main attraction at the London Cinema. "Sisters Under the Skin," in which Elissa Landi appears, also is being shown. TUDOR CINEMA Thoroughly enjoyable light entertainment is presented in "I Live My Life," the current film at tho Tudor Cinema. Joan Crawford and Brian Aherne are tho players.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Thrilling entertainment is provider in "The Mystery of the Maiy Celeste,' which heads the programme at the Majestic Theatre. Iho film provides a very feasible solution to a mystery of the seas, which has puzzled the world for over 60 years and at the same time presents an absorbinglv interesting story. "Feather in Her Hat" also is being shown. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Loretta Young and Charles Boyer have the leading roles in "Shanghai,'' the main attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. "Wines in tho Dark," in which Myrna Loy plays opposite Cary Grant, is the second film. CAPITOL THEATRE So enthusiastic has been the reception accorded the film "Mutiny on tho Bounty" at the Capitol Theatre that the management has decided to extend tho season for another two days. "At the Bottom of the World" also is being shown.