ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22595, 7 December 1936, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE Tho feeling that there is always something exciting about to happen is expericnced when one is seeing lho General Died at Dawn," the current attraction at tho Regent lheatre. Gunrunning on tho JSfangtse River, romance and intrigue on tbe Shanghai express, heroism and treachery on the Shanghai waterfront —such aro tho features ol this film. Behind tho story one can gain a fair idea of Chinese manners and modes which prove unusually interesting. Gary Cooper excels in his role or an American adventurer, and Madeleine Carroll backs him up nobly. ST. JAMES* THEATRE Another outstanding Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, " His Brother s Wife " earned instant approval when presented at St. James' Theatre over the week-end. Under the experienced handling of Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor, tho story is carried along smoothly with the least possible digression. Two young people, very much in love with each other, are separated and tho girl marries the man s brother. Hero the story takes a modern turn, for instead of waiting for the death of the husband, as used to be the procedure, the masterful lover carries off ins brother's wife, and tho divorce which follows ends their problems.

PLAZA THEATRE it is not often that two such experienced and popular comedians as Gordon Harker and Ned Sparks appear in the same film, and it is not surprising, therefore, that "Two's Company, at tho Plaza Theatre, is remarkably entertaining. Harker s English type o humdur and Sparks American stjle fit together excellently. The more serious characters which occur ill most comedies to offset the wit of the comedy players are enacted by Mary Brian and latrick Knoivles. MAJESTIC THEATRE Skilful direction and polished acting has transformed an imaginative theme into one of extreme probability in " Devil Doll," at the Majestic lheatre. A scientist who discovers a method ot reducing living beings to one-sixth ot their size and deprives them of any motive-power is the central character. Lionel Barrymore, Maureen 0 Sullivan. Frank Lawton and Henry B. Walthall head the cast. CIVIC THEATRE Something of the war atmosphere is caught m "The Road to Glory, 5 ' which opened a season at the Cnic Theatre last week. The director of this film has dealt with the life of officers on leave and in the trenches, and in the emotions which the one I'rench girl arouses in two brother officers he has found a moving and an original theme. The acting is flawless, for the m "J or parts aro given to Warner Baxter, Fredric March and Lionel Barrymore, with Juno Lang in the feminine lead. Gregory Ratoff in a supporting role gives an equally effective performance. NATIONAL THEATRE A light comedy of manners, "My American Wife," has been attracting as large audiences to the National Theatre as it did when it was at the Recent Theatre. Francis Lederer gues a highly polished performance, infusing into his" part the carefree air and gaiety so necessary to it A European count who marries an American, he is pised by his father-in-law as a man of straw. His efforts to become a tvpical cowboy provide the theme for the iest of the film. In supporting roles Ann Sothern, Billie Burke and Fred Stone are outstanding.

STRAND THEATRE One of the most heroic women in historv, Florence Nightingale, is the principal figure in an historical production at the Strand 'theatre, Ihe White Angel " The story of this woman s resolve to combat the cholera raging among the soldiers of the Crimean War and of her work in Scuta!i hospitals is an inspiring one, made vivid by convincing acting. Kay Francis as Florence Nightingale completely overshadows the rest of the cast. embassy theatre There is a liveliness and happy note of humour about "The Gay Desperado," at the Embassy Theatre, which has already done much to popularise it with Auckland audiences. Satire on the American mentality which takes to heart, and tries to imitate the methods of "gangsters" peeps out of every scene. Nino Martini, a tenor of outstanding ability, and Leo Carrillo, are associated with Ida Lupino in the lead ing roles.

STATE AND STAR THEATRES Excellent acting by Walter Huston, as Sam Dodsworth, Ruth Chatterton, as his wife Fran, and Mary Astor, as another woman who comes between them, is one of the many fine qualities of "Dodsworth," at the State and Star Theatres. The settings range from New York, whero the liner Queen Mary is seen against Manhattan skyscrapers as a background, to Paris, Vienna and Switzerland. The dialogue is pointed and lucid throughout.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Edmund Lowo handles a dual role with complete success in "The Great Impersonation." the current attraction at tho Rial to and Crystal Palace Theatres. Valeric Ilobson has an important supporting role. TUDOR CINEMA The world's foremost tenor, Beninmino Gigli, is heard in operatic excerpts and ballads in "Forget Mo Not," at the Tudor Cinema, Joan Gardner is the leading lady. LONDON CINEMA Sydney Howard and Claude Hulbert appear in tho leading roles in "Mayor's Nest," which is being shown with "Give Her a Ring," at the London Cinema. "IN TOWN TO-NIGHT" Madame Valeska's pupils will present n revue, "In Town To-night," in the Town Hall concert chamber to-night. There will be 100 talented performers and Lon Wilson and his troupe of hand balancers will assist.