ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22627, 15 January 1937, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE In a role which is new, even for so versatile an actress, Jean Arthur must be given credit for an outstanding portrayal as the heroine of "Adventure in Manhattan," the sophisticated comedy which will commence screening to-day at the Majestic Theatre. A new leading man has been found for her in Joel MeCrea, whose polished acting has already won him fame on the screen, and this pair, by the success they have made of the picture, have shown the wise choice of the casting director. An additional feature on the programme is entitled "Where The Power (Jods Dwell," and deals with tho courage and skill of the nion in charge of tho great oil wells in America. Many of the scenes are laid in Sumatra, and portray the life among the natives there. CIVIC THEATRE As a crafty Sultan in ari Eastern State who replenishes his coffers by deft diplomacy, George Arliss is responsible for a sterling performance in the leading role of "East Meets West," which is to bo shown for the first time to-day at the Civic Theatre. There is woven into tho main plot, which is political rather than romantic, a dramatic • love interest centring around a hard-drinking Customs official, played by Ronald Ward. This actor deserves great credit for an excellent characterisation, as do Ballard Berkeley, as Nezim, and Romnev Brent as Dr. Shagu. As the heroine. Lucie Mannheim, who is now to Auckland audiences, plays one of the best parts of her career. Directed by Herbert Mason, the iilm is a product of the Gauniont-British studios. REGENT THEATRE Lumber camps and the "Northwoods" of America form the background of tho long-awaited film "Come and Get It," which is to be screened initially at the Regent Theatre to-day. Samuei Goldwyn, whose films are characterised by a magnificence and sweeping action which have made his name, has charge of the direction, and the production is another outstanding success. Frances Farmer and Joel MeCrea give line portrayals in the principal roles, which call for a great deal of skill and ability. Edward Arnold, who will be remembered for his characterisation of "Diamond Jim," has a place at the of tho supporting players.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Spectacle, music and fine acting combine to make ideal entertainment of "The Great Ziegfeld," which continues to enjoy an extended season at St. James' Theatre. In the role of the great American stage personality and showman, Floronz Ziegfeld, William Powell gives an exceptionally fine performance. Opposite him are cast Myrna Loy as Billie Burke, Luise Rainer as Anna Held and Virginia Bruce as Audrey Dane.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Melodrama of the most thrilling type abounds in "The Isle of Fury," which is now at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres and is proving exceptionally popular among Auckland theatre-goers. Starting on an almost primitive note in a little-known island in the Pacific, the tilm works up to a highly dramatic climax. All the thrills associated with pearl fishing, and a plot woven around a collection of pearls of fabulous value, make the production outstanding among recent films. The principal parts are taken by Margaret Lindsay and Humphrey Bogart. The second attraction "A Sou Comes Home," is a gripping tale of the pursuit of criminals in America. A note of pathos is introduced when, of two brothers, the innocent one is arrested while the guilty one is allowed, at least temporarily, to go free. Wallace Ford and Julie Haydon are the principals. NATIONAL THEATRE Dedicated to the body of men whose duty it was to keep law and order among the early settlers of America's vast uncivilised territories, "The Texas Rangers," which has just concluded a successful season at the Plaza Theatre, will have its first screenings at the National Theatre to-day. Fred MacMurray, who has come into fame on the screen through consistently good performances in roles which demand more skill than most, and Jack Oakie, whose already high reputation is added to by his portraya| in this film, have the principal parts. Jean Parker, another player of considerable merit, enlivens hoc role of the heroine by a vivacious and natural style of acting which adds much to the appeal of the production.

STRAND THEATRE Transferred from the Civic Theatre, where it has been enjoying a highly successful season, "Song of Freedom," with Paul Robeson in the principal role, is to commence screening at the Strand Theatre to-day. On the same programme) is to be shown "In The Soup," a farco of the type in which Ralph Lynn excels One scene, which deserves special mention, is laid in a court-room with Ralph Lynn as a lawyer defending the wrong case. This and other similar scenes all contribute to making the film ideal comedy <\nCertain mcnt.

EMBASSY THEATRE A masterpiece in the new tcclmieolour, "Tho Garden o.f Allah,' with Marlene Dietrich in the chief feminine part, continues to attract largo audiences to the .Embassy Theatre. Cast in the role of tho wife of an escapee from a Trappist monastery, she receives able support from Charles Boyer. The photographic execution of desert and other scenery must be adjudged some of tlu< best to have been done on the screen for a considerable time. The film is produced under the direction of David O. Sclznick by the United Artists' company.

STATE THEATRE Ever-popular among lovers of good acting and singing, "Naughty Marietta," in which Jeanette Mac Donald scores another triumph, will be shown to-night at the State Theatre. Nelson Eddy has the other prominent role. Those, two players are responsible for the success of the songs "Sweet Mystery of Life" and "I'm Falling in Love With Someone." TUDOR CINEMA Warner Oland appears in his now famous role of the suave Chinese detective,'in "Charlie Chan's Secret," which is to bo shown at the Tudor Cinema to-night. Rosina Lawrence has the other main part. PRINCESS THEATRE Jessie Mathews appears in a prominent role in "It's Love Again," which is to be shown with "Star for a Night" at the Princess Theatre to-night. CIVIC THEATRETTE Wild excitement in the open spaces of America abounds in "Western Code," tvhich will be shown at the Civic Theatrette to-day. Tim McCoy is the principal actor.

PLAZA THEATRE The hilarious comedy creation of P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves the butler, is played in outstanding manner by Arthur Treacher in "Thank You Jeeves," which is to have its first screenings • at the Plaza Theatre today. The film, which has been acclaimed in many southern towns, notably Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, is another success from the studios of Twentieth Century-Fox. The broad "Oxford accent," in which Wodehou.se is a literary genius, is captured in the best style by Treacher, who is the equivalent genius on the screen. The loss important roles are ably handled by a I a rue ea/st headed by David Niven and Virginia Field, both of whom are responsible for outstanding performances. Among the selected features in the supporting programme are some of the latest newsreels, and a short picture entitled "Secrets of Life." STAR CINEMA "Whipsaw" and "llonnie Scotland," two highly entertaining films, will >bc shown at the Star Cinema to-day. Myrna Loy appears opposite Spencer Tracy in the first picture, while tho principal actors in tho second are tho inimitable pair Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A highly entertaining performance in her inimitable comedy style is given by Patsy Kelly in the diverting farce "Keilv the Second," which is to commence a season at tho Prince Edward Theatre to-<iay. Charlie Chase has the other main part. The second attraction is "The Three Godfathers," a drama of the prairies. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Herbert Marshall appears opposite the brilliant French actress Simone Simon, in "Girls' Dormitory," which, with "Charlie Chan at the Race Track,' will be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. Warner Oland has a prominent role in the latter ti I m.

STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Irene Dunne, Paul Robeson and Allan Jones are the principal actors in "Show Boat," which will do screened at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night. "End of the Trail" also is on the programme.

STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT "The Texas Rangers" (Fred MacMurray), and "To Mary, \\ ith Love," (Myrna Loy), comprise to-night's programme at' the State Theatre, Devonport. LONDON CINEMA The delightful comedy "Brewster's Millions," which deals with the "difficulties" of spending money quickly in large quantities, will commence a season at the London Cinema to-day. Jack Buchanan has the leading role.