ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Grace Moore, best-known soprano on the screen, scores yet another triumph in " The King Steps Out," the bright musical comedy being shown at the Plaza Theatre. Now in its third week at the theatre, the film shows no sign of diminishing in popularity. Miss Moore appears as a gay young princess who pays a visit to the Austrian Court, where she finds, an unusually attractive king in the person of Franehot Tone. -This is the first time these two players have been cast together and the combination seems to be admirable. Walter Connolly also gives a fine performance. For the benefit of those people who wish to see the picture for a second , time, there has been a complete change of supporting programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE Now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, the New Zealand film, "On the Friendly Road" continues to enjoy exceptional popularity. A simple but appealing plot is dealt with capably by a group of well-known Aucklanders, which includes "Uncle Scrim," Jean Hamilton. Arnold Goodwin, Stanley Knight, Neville Goodwin, Harold Metcalfe, Alan Leonard, James Martin, Taffy the Dog and a clever Maori actor, Paia- There are many fine scenic views in the Waitakere Ranges and at Northcote, the photography in these sections being beyond criticism. A bright vein of comedy that runs right through the picture produces many laughs. The Majestic's usual high standard in supporting programmes is maintained. CIVIC THEATRE Having for its background the colourful Foreign Legion of France, the longawaited film, "Under Two Flags" continues to attract large audiences to the Civic Theatre. American critics have declared it to be the most outstanding production to have come from the Fox20th Century studios in recent years. Finely acted, and produced with telling realism, the tale makes excellent entertainment. Ouida's simple story of love and jealousy in a desert setting still weaves its spell on audiences young and old. Many stories have been woven around the Legion, but the sad tale of Cigarette and her great love and even greater sacrifice will live for years to come. Ronald Colman, Claudette Colbert, Victor McLaglen and Rosalind Russell are the principals. REGENT THEATRE

Wartime espionage is the basis of the plot in "Till We Meet Again," the new attraction at the Regent Theatre. Fastmoving action is provided by a battle of wits between the British and German intelligence services. The scene opens in London, where Herbert Marshall, as a matinee idol, and Gertrude Michael, as a Viennese actress, are separated on their wedding eve, the story later moving to Germany, where the pair find themselves on opposing sides. There is a capable supporting cast. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy appear together in the film, "Wife Versus Secretary" that is now in its second consecutive week at St. James' Theatre. Adapted from a Faith Bladwin novel, the film is a typical example of the polished and sophisticated American drama of to-day. A fairly inconsequential plot is made attractive by amusing situations, clever dialogue and sparkling repartee. An interesting supporting programme includes another of the "How to Behave" Oddities. EMBASSY THEATRE After a prolonged absence from the screen, the beautiful Russian actress Anna Sten, imported to the United States by Samuel Goklwyn, is seen again in "A Woman Alone," a new film being screened at tbe Embassy Theatre. Opportunity is taken to depict the differing strata, customs and failings of Russian society, and the jealousy and hate existing between the various classes before the revolution. Miss Sten is cast as a woman whose love threatens two men. The plot deals with her efforts to save herself and them. Henry Wilcoxon also is in the cast. STATE THEATRE Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy make their second appearance in operatic films in "The Bohemian Girl," the tuneful film now being shown at the State Theatre after a successful Queen Street season. Based on the popular opera of the same name, the picture provides ample opportunity for the clowning of the inimitable couple, and makes excellent entertainment reminiscent. of the memorable "Fra Diavalo" of two or three years ago. Included on the supporting programme are a coloured Fitzpatrick Travelogue and a Sportlight.

NATIONAL THEATRE "Human Cargo," with Claire Trevor, Brian Donlevy, Ralph Morgan and Alan Dinchart, is the main attraction on the double-feature programme being presented this week at the National Theatre. Dealing with the activities of tho celebrated "G-Men," who appear to have robbed the American gangsters of their glamour, the film contains action in plenty. Also 011 the progiamnie is an amusing musical film, "Redheads 011 Parade." The sprightly Dixie Lee has the feminine lead, and Jack Haley, popular Broiulway stage comedinn, plays opposite to her. and contributes in no small measure to the success of the production. STRAND THEATRE That bright little actress, Shirley Temple, further enhances her screen reputation by a clever performance in "Poor Little Rich Girl," tho picture at. present being shown at the Strand Theatre. Cast as the daughter of 11 rich man, she is seen in an environment devoid of happiness or friends. Seeking adventure, she departs from her homo and finds enough to satisfy most juvenile hearts. A feature of the film is a series of brilliant screen im-personations-bv Miss Temple. The cast includes such well-known actors as Gloria Stuart, Jack Haley, Michael Wlialen and Jane Darwell. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Being screened for the first time in New Zealand is the 20th Centur.v-Fox picture "The Border Patrolman," which heads the current programme at the Rosy and Ti vol i Theatres. George O'Brien has the lead in a capable cast. Tho second film is "The Country Beyond," the plot of which is based 011 the ever-popular James Oliver Curwood novel of the same name. Paul Kelly and the beautiful Rochelle Hudson are the principals CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO "The Petrifi(jd Forest," a film that has attracted widespread attention wherever it has been shown, is the principal attraction on tho new programme at the Rialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. The well-known English actor Leslie Howard has the main part. TUDOR CINEMA Hilarious American farce comes to the screen, in "A Night at the Opera," which will be shown again at the Tudor Cinema to-night. There are several delightful musical numbers in the film.