ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE A delightful comedy film, the Gauniont British production, "The Man in the Mirror," commenced a season before crowded houses afc the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The principal attraction of this picture is the performance of Edward Everett Ilorton, who appears as .Jeremy Dilkc, a timid man who is constantly bullied by his wife and his mother-in-law, parts taken by Genevieve 'J'obin and Viola C'onipton. Another of his woes is the bullying he suffers from his partner in business. He gazes into the mirror after a particularly unhappy day and sees there the reflection of his other self, the man he has always longed to be. This second self, cool and arrogant, immediately steps out of the mirror and proceeds to dominate the life of his less aggressive companion. The first action of the second self is to put Mrs. Dilko severely in her place, and then to deal with the mother-in-law. The business partner is the next person to receive attention and this unscrupulous person; played by Carry Marsh, is thoroughly beaten in a business deal by the man he considered was not nearly his match. Not content with this, the second self proceeds to pay attentions to his partner's wife, an amusing character portrayed by Ursula .Jeans. The film ends with a very satisfactory solution for a film of its type. Outstanding among the shorter features are scenes of the Coronation of King George and Queen Elizabeth, these films having been rushed to New Zealand by air. Other items include a delightful ".Musical Mood" in colour, entitled "Caprice," an amusing Terrytoon cartoon, and a Fox Movietone newsreel of the latest events in Australia.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Miss G race Moure's glorious soprano voice is again heard in "When You're in Love," a Columbia picture, which opened a season before crowded attendances at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. With an agreeable story, spirited singing and hilarious comedy, the iilm is in every way worthy of Miss Moore's earlier successes, ."One Night of Love" and "The King Steps Out." Miss Moore's acting is polished and assured, and her talent for light comedy, evident throughout the film, makes her performance all the more delightful. Musically, the film is entrancing. Miss Moore's songs include Schubert's "Serenade," the waltz aria from " Romeo ami Juliet " and " One Fine Day" from "Madame Butterfly" (Puccini). Her operatic songs are sung with exquisite verve and her singing of several modern compositions by Jerome Kern proves thoroughly attractive Miss Moore's energetic, and comic interpretation of a popular song "Minni. the Moodier." is a. musical frolic which both singer and audience enjoy to the full. The scenario was written by Robert Kiskin, whose collaboration with Frank Capra proved so successful in such films as "It Happened One Night" and "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town." Kiskin directed the film as well and, as might be expected, his work i'eveals many distinctive touches of natural comedy. As the care-free artist who marries Louise Fuller (Grace Moore) to enable her to return to the United States, Carv Grant gives an attractive performance. Supporting roles are excellently handled by Aline MacMahon, Henry Stephenson, Thomas Mitchell and Luis Alberni. Newsreels, a cartoon in colour and a spectacular film depicting progress in aviation complete a most enjoyable programme.

CIVIC THEATRE The first films of the Coronation ceremonies in London, and a rollicking comedy,J "Love is News," are the main features of the programme at the Civic Theatre, which began yesterday. Brought from London by sea and air in a little more than two weeks, the special Coronation newsreel is a vivid and impressive record of that great day on which King George and Queen Elizabeth went to their crown- | ing. Their Majesties are seen leaving Buckingham Palace in the Royal coach, and the camera faithfully records every incident as they pass through streets lined with cheering thousands to Westminster Abbey. There are glimpses of the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose arriving at the Abbey, and Queen Mary is a stately figure as she stops from her coach to be greeted by the Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk. Then comes the most impressive moment of the ceremonies when the Archbishop of Canterbury lifts the Crown of England and places it on the King's head. The final scenes show the Royal coach returning to Buckingham Palace, and there are glimpses of the contingents of troops from every corner of the Empire—Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Rhodesians, Indians, Australians and Now Zealanders. Last of all are shown the King and Queen standing 011 the palace balcony with Queen Mary and the little Princesses, who wave shyly to the crowds below. "Love Is News" is a gay romance of newspaper publicity and an heiress who was tired of it all. Pestered by reporters who regard her every action as "front page" news, she takes her revenge by announcing her engagement to the most persistent newspaperman of them all, and allows him to experience the "delights" of publicity. The film becomes more hilarious than ever as the heiress seeks every opportunity to keep the reporter in the news, and there are many laughable scenes. Loretta Young is both charming and amusing as the heiress, and she leads Tyrone Power a merry dance. He shows that he has as deft a touch of comedy as serious acting, which lie displayed in "Lloyds of London." He is ably supported by Don Ameclie as the dynamic city editor, who dismisses his reporter almost every half hour. Some of the most hilarious moments in the film are provided by Slim Summerville as the village .Judge who sends both heiress and reporter to gaol. Jane' Darwell and Walter Catlett are also included in the cast. The supporting programme includes a travel film and a cartoon.

TUDOR CINEMA Robert Taylor, Barbara Stanwyck and Jean Hersholt have the major roles in "His Brother's Wife," the current attraction at the Tudor Cinema. Several shorter films also will be shown. STATE THEATRE "Ramona" and "Little Miss Nobody" are the two films to be screened at the State Theatre to-day. The popular child actress Jane Withers has the leading role in the former and Don Ameclie and Loretta Young are seen in "Ramona," which has been filmed entirely in natural colour. STAR CINEMA Dick Powell and .Joan Blondell are seen in "Stage Struck," which, with "The Country Beyond," is being presented at the Star Cinma. LONDON CINEMA George O'Brien has the leading role in "When a Alan's a Man," which will be shown at the London Cinema today. "Rumba" will be an added attraction. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE An attractive programme of motion pictures is to he presented to-night at the Prince Edward Theatre, the principal film being the delightful production "New Moon."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE .Although it . lias been showing in Auckland for more than two weeks, "Hose Marie" is still attracting large audiences to St. James' Theatre. Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Mac Donald, the popular singing players of "Naughty Marietta," have the principal roles and their performances exceed the expectations aroused by their former production. The beauty of the film does not depend on singing entirely, for it was filmed in the Sierra Nevada mountains and for the lirst time recordings of musical numbers were made out-of-doors. A varied selection of shorter pictures also is being shown.

NATIONAL THEATRE One of her best performances is given in "Stowaway" by Shirley Temple. After a successful season at the Civic Theatre this picture has been transferred to the National Theatie. Not only does Shirley Temple display her ability as a dancer, but she also sings several new songs, including "That's What j. Want for Christmas," "I Wanna Go to the Zoo," and "Goodnight, My Love." Romantic interest is added to the film hv the appearances of Robert Young and Alice Kaye, while Eugene Pallette, Arthur Treacher and Helen Westley have comedy roles. In addition to "Stowaway," another picture, "Strangers on Honeymoon," is being screened. This thrilling mysterycomedy was taken from "The Northing Tramp," a novel by the late Edgar Wallace. Hugh Sinclair, Constance Cuminings, Noah Beery and Beatrix Lchmann have the leading roles, and Albert de Courville was responsible for the direction, it is a Gaumont-British production.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The programme now being offered at the lioxy and Tivoli Theatres comprises two full-length pictures, "Sea Devils" and "Girl Overboard." Victor McLaglen and Preston Foster have the major roles in "Sea Devils" and appear as members of the crew of a coastguard cutter on patrol duty off the United States of America. Some thrilling scenes of the work of the patrol, including a rescue at sea and the blowing up of an iceberg, are shown. Ida Lupino supplies romantic interest and Donald Woods also is in the cast. Gloria Swanson and Charlotte Wynters are the principals in "Girl Overboard." Some of the most exciting scenes in this film are those showing a fire on board a large luxury cruise liner and the rescue of the passengers. Added to this is the solving of a murder in which the two girls arc thought to be implicated. Walter Pidgeon and Billy Burrud have supporting parts.

EMBASSY THEATRE The high quality of London Films' productions is fully maintained in "Dark .Journey," which is still being shown at the Kmbassy Theatre. Conrad A r eidt, and Vivien Leigh, who recently appeared with distinction in "Fire Over England," have the two major roles, and both give outstanding performances as spies in the employ of the Central and Allied Towers respectively. Most of the action takes place in the neutral city of Stockholm, but some thrilling scenes show the activities of German submarines and the sinking of one by a British Q-boat. The programme includes some interesting shorter films.

STRAND THEATRE "Girl in a Million," a most entertaining musical comedy, is having an exceptional season at the Strand Theatre and is now in its fifth week in the city. Sonja Hcnie, who until recently was world amateur figure skating champion, has the leading role and is supported by Don Ameclie. Ned Sparks, Adolph Menjou and the Ritv. Brothers. On the same programme is "End of the Road," in which Sir Harry Lauder has a prominent role.

» CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A magnificent drama of the life of i a surgeon is presented in "Green Light," which is to be screened at the 1 Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to--1 j day. Errol Flynn appears in the lcadi ing male role. A further attraction ' will be a delightful'comedy film, "Back ' : to Nature." ! ASTOR THEATRE "The Story of Louis Pasteur" is to be screened with "\ou May Be Next" at the Astor Theatre to-night. NEW ROYAL THEATRE "The King Stvps Out" will be shown with "Come Out of the Pantry" at the New Royal Theatre to-night. MAYFAIR THEATRE "Poor Little Rich Girl" and "Without Orders" will be screened at the Mayfair Theatre to-night. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Three Smart Girls" and "Racing Lady" will be presented to-day at the State Theatre, Onehunga. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT "The Big Broadcast of 1937" is to be screened with "Lady Be Careful" at the State Theatre, Devon port, to-day. PRINCESS THEATRE Entertainment at the Princess Theatre to-day includes "Lloyds, of London" and "Secret Valley." GREY LYNN CINEMA "Our Relations'" and "The Crime of Doctor Forbes" will bo the principal attractions at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night. BRITANNIA THEATRE Entertainment-, including "The Devil is a Sissy" and "King of the Royal Mounted," will be presented at the Britannia Theatre to-night. ALEXANDRA THEATRE Bobby Breen is seen in "Rainbow on the River," which is to be screened to-night at the Alexandra Theatre. ADELPHI THEATRE "Texas Rangers" is to he shown with "Laughing at Trouble" at the Adelphi Theatre to-day. EMPRESS THEATRE Films at the Empress Theatre today will include "Polo Joe" and "That Girl From Paris." REGAL THEATRE "Hearts in Reunion" and "Hopalong Cassidy Returns" will be presented at the Regal Theatre to-day VICTORIA THEATRE "Come and Get It" will be shown with "Sworn Enemy" at the Victoria Theatre to-day. CAPITOL THEATRE Entertainment at the Capitol Theatre to-night will include tfie films "Earthworm Tractors" and "Girls' Dormitory." There will be a fine supporting programme. 'PEOPLE'S THEATRE The People's Theatre is to present Clifford Odet's dramatic play, "Till the < Day I Die," for a limited season, coin- ; morning on June 12, at the Old Gram- , mar School, Symonds Street. Particu- . lars of membership and booking ( arrangements are advertised. 1

| REGENT THEATRE j Intensely thrilling entertainment is to be found in abundance in "Love From ~i Stranger," which commenced a season before largo audiences at the Regent Theatre yesterday. " Love From a Stranger" comes from the studios of Trafalgar Films, and was produced by Max Schaeli. Basil Rathhone wins the acting honours with his remarkably intense portrayal of a homicidal maniac, while Ann Harding also is responsible for some really outstanding dramatic acting. Her part is that of an office worker who is successful in a lottery. The money does not bring her happiness, however, as she quarrels ivith her fiancee. She decides to leave for Paris, and offers her flat to let. A handsome stranger comes to inspect it, and lie makes a strong impression on her. She meets him again on the boat to Paris and the two are married there. The couple return to England and settle down in an isolated cottage in Kent, where the girl commences to discover several strange facts about her husband, and it is in these scenes that Basil Rathbono display remarkable dramatic ability. The wife calls in the local doctor to attend to her husband, and from the doctor she discovers by chance that the man she has married is a homicidal maniac. From this point the story is brought to a powerful climax, with a very satisfactory conclusion. Together with "Love From a Stranger," several very entertaining shorter items are being presented. These include Paramount and Pathe newsreels of the latest events overseas, and another of the fine "Screen Traveller" series, this time of life in Java. Other features include a pleasant musical film and a delightful cartoon in colour, entitled "Donald and Pluto." relating some very amusing adventures with a magnet.