ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES - THEATRE Only four days remain of the Auckland season at St. James' Theatre of "Romeo and Juliet," adapted from possibly the most tragic and poignant play of William Shakespeare. Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard have 'the leading roles. A picture that has eagerly been awaited for a long time, "Rose Marie,"' with the most popular singing team on the screen, Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MaeDonaid, will commence a season at St. James' next Friday. Since "Naughty Marietta" was shown in Auckland filmgoers have expressed a wish to see and hear the principals together again and in this most popular of musical comedies they should achieve outstanding success. Practically the whole film was screened out of doors in the magnificent mountain-lake settings of the Sierra Nevadas and such world-famed songs as "Indian Love Call," "Hose Marie, 1 Love You," "Song of the Motilities" and "Pardon Me, Madame" are sung in the majesty of glittering lakes and tall pines. Supporting players include James Stewart, Reginald Owen and Allan Jones. The collaborators in "Naughty Marietta," W. S. van Dyke and Hunt Stromberg, are responsible for the production, which is from the studios of MetroGold wyn-JV layer. PLAZA THEATRE Scenes of the British Army at work and play form a large part of "Sally of the Regiment," which is now being screened at the Plaza Theatre. The story concerns the "regeneration" of it New Yorker who comes to England to escape arrest by the police on a charge of murder. He is drafted into the Army and there becomes acquainted with the daughter of a sergeant-major in his regiment, Sally Briggs, played by Anna Lee. The scene shifts to China and after many adventures the film is brought to a dramatic conclusion. Wallace Ford has the leading role and other parts are taken by John Mills, Grace Bradley and Frank Cellier. Several excellent shorter films, including a Terrytoon cartoon and a musical film, complete the programme. MAJESTIC THEATRE Comedy, romance and delightful music combine in "Pennies from Heaven," which is now being screened at the Majestic Theatre, to form a most appealing musical comedy of an unusual type. Many new songs, including "Pennies from Heaven," "So Do I" and "Let's Call a Heart a Heart," are introduced. Bing Crosby, Madge Evans and Edith Fellowes have the major roles and Louis Armstrong and his band also appear. "Sensation," with John Lodge and Margaret Vyner, is being shown in conjunction. CIVIC THEATRE A modern comedy with one of the most popular actors of to-day, George Arliss, in the two leading roles forms the mam attraction at the Civic Theatre. "His Lordship" has many entertaining elements, combining a murder mystery, romance and comedy. Arliss has the parts of the Foreign Secretary, Lord Dunchester, and his twin brother. The appearance of the two characters at once has been made possible through the use of the "splitscreen" process. Others in the cast include John Beal, Romilly Lunge, Rene Ray and Jessie Winter. Several newsreels, "The Royal House of Windsor" and a comedy complete the programme. NATIONAL THEATRE The entertainment value of a film in which Mae West appears is always assured and "Go West, Young Man," her latest picture, is no exception. Transferred direct from the Regent Theatre to the National, it is continuing its successful Auckland season. As usual Miss West's picture is full of bright and witty dialogue and abounds with humorous and compromising situations. A large and talented cast supports Miss West and includes Warren William, Randolph Scott, Alice Brady, Isabel Jewell and Lyle Talbot. "Go West, Young Man" is from the Paramount Studios. Being screened in conjunction is "The Big Broadcast of 1937," a spectacular musical romance. A great number of prominent radio, stage and screen artists make their appearances, chief among them being Jack Benny, Larry Adler, Burns and Allen and 'Martha'Rave. Much of the success of the film is provided by Leopold Stokowski and his symphony orchestra, who play several numbers. In addition to the musical attractions of this picture there is an appealing story interwoven.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The successful season of "We Who are About to Die" and "Smart Blonde," which are the current attractions at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres, is being continued. "We Who are About to Die" is a tense and dramatic story of the last days of a condemned man and it describes in vivid detail life in a penitentiary for one who is to be executed. The leading role, that of a prisoner, is taken by John Beal. His fiancee is portrayed by Ann Dvorak, and Preston Foster appears as the detective whose clever work finally frees Beal. This picture was produced by the R.K.0.-Radio Corporation. "Smart Blonde" is a murder mystery, with a strong element of comedy" and romance. Glenda Farrell plays the part of Torchy Blane, who is the "smart blonde." Barton Maclane appears as a detective in love with her and minor roles are taken by Craig Reynolds and Winifred Shaw. Warner Brothers were responsible for the production. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO One of the most successful musical comedies for some time, "Three Smart Girls," is the main attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. "Three Men On a Horse" is being shown in conjunction.