ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22629, 18 January 1937, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE "Tho Groat Ziogfeld," a mammoth revue, is likely to enjoy a prolonged season at St. James' Theatre. No expense was rpa red in the making of this picture, a long one of about three hours' duration in which interest never flags. Praise is due to each member of the cast with special mention for William Powell, for his characterisation of Flo Ziegfeld, Luise Rniner, ns Anna Held and Mvrna Lo.v, as Billie Burke. PLAZA THEATRE Arthur Treacher, who has attained fame through his excellent acting in the rolo of butler in countless films, lias been given tho most important part of his screen career in "Thank You, Jeeves," an adaptation of the story by P. G. Wodohouse, now at the Pla/.a Theatre. This picture, a Twentieth Century-Fox production, lias recaptured much of the good humour and nonsense in Wodchouse's book and as such can ho wholly recommended. There are a number of capable players in the supporting cast. * MAJESTIC THEATRE A new screen team, Joel McCrca and Jean Arthur, appear in the leading parts of "Adventure in Manhattan." a gay story of adventure and romance which has,commenced at the Majestic Theatre what promises to he a most successful season. This gripping story in made all the more enjoyable by its setting, on Manhattan Island, New York, and it has interest for both the traveller and the story-lover. "Where the Power God Dwells," a film of the oil industry, cricket and golf scenes and newsreols complete the programme. CIVIC THEATRE An Eastern setting has been chosen by George Arliss for his latest film now at the Civic Theatre, "East Meets West," and it can be said without fear of contradiction that Arliss is as great in it as in any of his previous pictures, "Disraeli" included. As the wily sultan of an Eastern Power whose cunning and subtlety arc too much for the Western diplomats with whom he has to do, Arliss is completely convincing. His mannerisms are expressive without being overdone and his voice is used to perfection. Komnoy Brent "si Inl Lucie Mannheim have assisting roles. REGENT THEATRE Tho rise to wealth of Barney Glasgow, rouseabout in a lumber camp, until he becomes the owner of vast forest lands of unlimited value is traced in a thoroughly human story, "Come and (Jet It," the current attraction at the Regent Theatre. When Barney's son Richard comes of age and thwarts his father in one of his dearest schemes, tho story assumes brilliance. Edward Arnold, Frances Farmer and .Joel McCrea must lie commended for distinguished acting, with Mad.v Christians outstanding among the supporting players. NATIONAL THEATRE

Texas at tlie time when history was being made day by day in the Stato is the setting chosen for a most ongrossing story, "The Texas Rangers,"

which has been transferred to the National Theatre. The pioneers who matched Indian cunning with equal cunning and Indian courage with equal bravery are its characters, and a dashing lot they are. As the daughter of a military commander, .lean Parker has one of her most congenial roles, while Fred Mac Murray and Jack Oakie have parts just as well suited to their capabilities. There is a quantity of ready humour and some delightful songs. EMBASSY THEATRE "The. Garden of Allah," filmed in technicolonr and graced by the presence in the cast of some of Hollywood's best players, has attracted good houses' at every night of its season at the Embassy Theatre. M'arlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer have leading roles. To commence on Thursday is a matrimonial drama of undoubted appeal, "Sweet Aloes." Kay Francis is at her best in the leading role and Roland Young and George Brent arc in support. STRAND THEATRE Paul Robeson, acclaimed as not only a first-class bass singer but as a skilled actor, has the dominant role in "Song of Freedom," which has aroused interest during its season at the Strand Theatre. The singing in this film, outstanding as it is, has been backed up by a thoroughly satisfactory story and dialogue which is always to the point. A further attraction on the same programme is "In the Soup," in which the English comedian Ralph Lynn makes merry. STAR CINEMA "Whipsaw," a gripping comedy drama presenting a mystery story of brilliance, is at the Star Cinema. Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy have leading roles. "Bonnie Scotland," the second attraction, is notable for the superb clowning of Laurel and Hardy. Their adventures take them to India, America and Scotland in a series of incomparable incidents.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Edmund Lowe gives an outstanding portrayal in tho leading role of "Seven Sinners,'' tho current attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Constance Cummings plays opposite him. "Star For a Night" is the second film. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Thrilling entertainment is provided in the Warner Brothers' film "Isle of Fury," which heads the current doublefeature programme at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. Also being shown is "A Son Comes Home," an exciting gangster picture. LONDON CINEMA "Brewster's Millions," an English comedy with Jack Buchanan in a prominent role, and " I lie Mine With tho Iron Door," with Richard Arlcn and Cecilia Parker in the cast, are the current films at the London Cinema. STATE THEATRE A glorious musical film, "Naughty Marietta," after being shown in theatres throughout New Zealand with unfailing success, has been secured for a return season at the State Theatre. Jeanette Mac Donald, soprano, and Nelson Eddy, baritone, provide so mo superlative singing. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA Barton Machine and June Travis are the players in the entertaining circus film, "Bengal Tiger," which heads the programme at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres to-night. TUDOR CINEMA W arner Oland is seen at his best in the thrilling mystery film, "Charlie Chan's Secret," which heads the current programme at the Tudor Cinema. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Show Boat" and "End of the Trail" are the films to be shown at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night.