ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22596, 8 December 1936, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE All the elements of a good stage play are to bo found iu "His Brother's Wife," the current St. James' Theatre attraction, and it is not surprising that the film has proved such a success. The acting of the principals, Barbara Stanwyck and .Robert Taylor, is flawless and skilful direction has made the most of the story. "Violets in Spring" heads the supporting programme. PLAZA THEATRE Two comedians of outstanding merit, Ned Sparks, of Hollywood, and the Knglish actor, Gordon Harker, appear in "Two's Company," at the Plaza Theatre. There aro highly amusing situations and the dialoguo is witty throughout.

MAJESTIC THEATRE It is seldom that male and female impersonators have any prominence in screen parts, yet Lionel Barrymore makes many of his appearances in tho Majestic Theatre attraction, "Devil Doll," disguised as an elderly woman. That he still holds the interest of the audience is' a tribute to his remarkable acting ability. Maureen O'Sullivan, Frank Lawton and Henry B. Walthall have supporting roles. CIVIC THEATRE An actress who hitherto lias not received the attention or praise her work deserves is June Lang, leading lady in the wartime drama, "The Road to Glory," at tho Civic Theatre. Two brother officers, the greatest of friends when on duty, are subjected to great emotional strain when they find their affections are lavished on tho same girl. The most is made of the story and Fredric March and. Warner Baxter handle the situations skilfully. REGENT THEATRE Crowded houses have expressed their complete satisfaction with "The General Died at Dawn," at the Regent j Theatre. China is the setting for a story ' which contains more than its share of j incident, and great pains have been j taken to capture the correct atmosphere. Gary Cooper, hero of "The Lives of a Bengal Lancer," and Madeleine Carroll, the outstanding British actress, have the leading roles. TIVOLI THEATRE Five different attractions are included in the guest night programme to be shown at the Tivoli Theatre tonight. "Laughter in the Air" is the first, and it presents Ted Healy and his band, J. Farrell McDonald and Myrt and Marge. "I Like it That Way," the second item, is an entertaining comedy with Gloria Stuart and Roger Pryor heading the cast. A musical revue, one of the "Strange as it Seems" series and a musical cartoon complete an unusually attractive programme EMBASSY THEATRE The glorious voice of Isino Martini is heard in popular and operatic selections in "The Gay Desperado," at the Embassy Theatre. Apart from the satire 011 American "gangsters" and their liking for the bizarre there is a pleasant story with more than a touch of humour. Leo Carrillo, who seems at last to have found his true element, has a frankly comic role and Ida Lupino makes a charming heroine. STATE AND STAR THEATRES Some of the finest acting seen 011 the screen within recent years is presented by Walter Huston in the leading role of "Dodsworth," the entertaining film which continues to be enthusiastically received by large audiences at the State and Star Theatres. Based on the successful novel by Sinclair Lewis, tho film recaptures the quality of the original. Ruth Chatterton, who takes the part of Dodsworth's shallow and self-centred wife Fran, also is outstanding.

NATIONAL THEATRE Thoroughly enjoyable light entertainment is presented in the comedy film, "My American Wife," the main attraction on the current double-feature programme at the National Theatre. Francis Lederer and - Ann Sothern are the principals. Bing Crosby heads the talented cast in "Rhythm on the Range," the second film. STRAND THEATRE The life story of one of the most noble women in British history is excellently portrayed by the talented actress Kay Francis in "The White Angel," the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. Tho film depicts the courageous work of Florence Nightingale in combating the cholera epidemic raging among the soldiers in the Crimean War.

MAYFAIR THEATRE " The Old-Fashioned Way," a gay comedy ? and " We're Not Dressing," a musical production, comprise the guest night programme at the Mayfair Theatre. AVONDALE THEATRE Members of the People's Theatre will present Clifford Odets' play " Waiting for Lefty " in the Avondale Theatre to-night, to-morrow night and on Thursday night. Tho play is a forcible indictment of the modern social system. TUDOR CINEMA Edward Everett Horton is in a delightfully humorous mood in "Her Master's Voice," at tho Tudor Cinema. A coloured revue and interesting newsreels complete the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A mystery film of unmistakablo ontortninment value, "The Great Impersonation," heads tho programme at tho Rialto and Crystal Palace Theatres. Valerie Hobson and Edmund Lowe havo important parts.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Bombay Mail," a melodrama, and Galsworthy's ''One Mora River" are to be shown at tho State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA A delightful comedy romance, "Tho Bride Walks Out," is the main item on the current programme at the Regent, Epsom and Alexandra Theatres. PRINCESS THEATRE Entertainment headed by "Poor Little Rich Girl," in wbich Shirlev Temple appears, is offered at the Princess Theatre.