ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22820, 30 August 1937, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE The noted English comedian, Ralph Lynn, appears in the present attraction, "All In," which will continuo its season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Lynn takes a part similar to that which ho has made famous in many of Ben Travers' farces, that of the amiable, but rather brainless young man, who finds trouble wherever he goes. In this case it is as Archie Slott that lie is involved in numerous adventures,' although in the end ho finds happiness and comparative peace. Archie inherits a racingstable, and with it the Derby favourite "The Taint," but, when ho visits his now property, he is mistaken for a tout aiul thrown into a pond. Then he is inveigled into buying a wrestling stadium, threatened by a number of burly wrestlers demanding arrears of pay, and finally is himself an unwilling participant in a bout. The supporting programme is of a high standard. MAJESTIC THEATRE A film that demonstrates the remarkable progress made by the Australian picture industry during the past few years, Cinesound s latest production, "Tall Timbers," will'be shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Set in the Valley of the Giants, 3000 feet above sea-level in tho heart of the Australian bush, this film gains much from tho beauty of its photography, while the acting is also of a high standard. The story concerns the rivalry between two powerful timber companies, and has an unusual climax in a mighty "timber drive," in which over 50 acres of forest trees are felled simultaneously. The chief roles are capably handled by Prank Leighton and Snirley Ann Richards, with Campbell Copelin as the villain. CIVIC THEATRE Shirley Temple is seen at her best in "Wee Willie Wihkio," which is now in its second successful week at the Civic Theatre. She receives able support from a large cast including Victor McLaglen, C. Aubrey Smith and Douglas Scott. Tho noxt attraction at the Civic Theatre will be the magnificent technicolour production "Wings of the Morning," the screen version of one of Donn Byr.ne s "Destiny Bay" stories. Leading roles arc taken by the new "discovery ' Annabella, and Henry Fonda, who ap- ? eared in a previous colour film, Iho rail of the Lonesome Pine." RECENT THEATRE Tho screen version of Mark Twain's well-known historical fantasy "The Prince and the Pauper," which is now in its second week at tho Regent Theatre, will continue its season to-dav. The leading roles are filled by the Mauch twins, Billy and Bobby, as the young Prince Edward Tudor and his "play-mate, Tom Canty, son of a thief and murderer. Bobby Mauch will be remembered for his performance as the youthful Anthony Adverse in the recent picture of that name. The story of "The Prince and the Pauper" is an exciting one. with tho dramatic situations cleverly relieved by touches ol Mark Twain's whimsical humour. Errol Flynn is also on the cast. A further attraction is provided by an act on tho stage given by a number of live monkeys. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES William Boyd takes the part of the dashing cowboy "Hopalong" Cassidy in a new film trom a story by Clarence Mulford, "North of tho Rio Grande," which is now being screened at the Roxy and Tivoli v Theatres. The story opens in Cottonwood Gulch, which is being terrorised by a mysterious band of desperadoes, led by the equally mysterious "Lone Wolf."" The sheriff, "Lucky" Jenkins, takes a posse out in an attempt to destroy tho bandits, and, in the fight, a younger, brother of Cassidy is killed by the deputy-sheriff, although he was one of his own men. Jenkins, suspecting that his deputy is in col-, lusion with the desperadoes,, holds an, inquest into tho murder, but,, 111 spite, of his efforts, tho deputy ,is not convicted of the crime. Jenkins then sends for "Hopalong" Cassidy, asking him to nomo to Cottonwood Gulch and help him to clear up the mystery of his' brother's death, and also rid the town of its marauders. Cassidy agrees, but, instead of coming openly to the town, he stages a train robbery by means of which he is enabled to make contact with tho bandits themselves. After many exciting adventures he succeeds m liis efforts, and Cottonwood Gulch is peaceful once more. Tho second film is a thrilling drama of struggle between tho American underworld and tho police, entitled "Armoured Car." Tliero is also a strong supporting programme. EMBASSY THEATRE Alexander Korda's presentation "Storm in a Teacup" is still enjoying a successful season at the Embassy Theatre, and will be. screened at all sessions to-day. Tho story is set in a small Scottish town, which has an unusual number of vivid and humorous characters, capably drawn by the author, James Bridie, and transferred to the screen with outstanding success. Although the characters in this film are portrayed with exceptional cleverness by a cast including many wellknown English stage actors, tho dogs whoso activities have much to do with the development of tho plot deserve a large share of praiso, especially a mongrel named Scruffy. STRAND THEATRE Tho two films now being screened nt tho Strand Theatre are both mystery pictures, although of a different type. Tho first, entitled "Spy of Napoleon," is an historical film, dealing with espionage in Europe shortly after the French Revolution, and has Richard Barthelmess and Frank Vosper in leading roles. Boris Karloff, who made his reputation in "Frankenstein," takes a characteristic part in the second film, "Tho Man Who Changed His Mind." STATE THEATRE Jack Buchanan and Elsio Randolph aro the principal players in "Tliis'll Make You Whistle," which heads tho attractive double-feature programme to be screened to-night at tho State Theatro. Tho second film is "Girls' Dormitory," in which Simone Simon, Herbert Marshall and Ruth Chatterton appear in leading roles. STAR CINEMA A very dramatio story with a colourful Chinese setting, "The General Died at Dawn," is to bo screened to-day at the Star Cinema. A further attraction is tho romantic comedy "Sing Me a Love Song." Tho supporting programme includes a film of tho first Rugby test match. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO' Two full-length pictures will bo shown patrons of tho Ilialto and Crystal Palace Theatres to-night, entitled '.'Sea Devils" and "Pennies From Heaven." TUDOR CINEMA Tho entertaining picture "Three Smart Girls," will bo screened at the Tudor Cinema to-night, with Deanna Durbin and Barbara Read in the chief parts. BRITANNIA THEATRE A film dealing with tho Irish Revolution, "Beloved Enemy," will be screened at the Britannia Theatre tonight, together with "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford."

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Tho delightful comedy-drama, "After the Thin Man," is now in its third week at St. James' Theatre, and this product of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios is proving extremely popular with Auckland theatregoers. The successful screen team, William Powell and Myrna Loy, contribute outstanding comedy performances in the leading roles. The associate programme includes a Fitzpatrck traveltalk m colour, "India on Parade," one of the most delightful films of this There is also an amusing Pete Smitn sports film, "Golf Mistakes." MAYFAIR THEATRE Richard Tauber appears in his best singing role in motion pictures m "Pagliacci," tho Trafalgar Films production which commenced a season beforo largo audiences at the Mayfajr Theatre on Saturday. This film is said to be the first real attempt to adapt grand opera to the screen, and it is notablo for tho fact that the producers have not tried to alter the story to make it more in keeping with conventional screen ideas. As a motion picture, "Pagliacci" is refreshingly unusual. Tauber appears as Canio, leader of a band of strolling players. Ho has an intense love for his wife, Nedda, a part taken by Steffi Duna. It is the portrayal contributed by this pretty young actress that is tho outstanding attraction of the film. Her previous screen success was in a technicolour production, "Dancing Pirate," and in "Pagliacci" she acts with even greater ability. Nedda falls in love with a handsome young soldier, Silvio, in which rolo Esmond Knight is responsible for some very convincing work. His coach travels with the caravans of Capio's company over a difficult mountain pass, and, while' her husband is. helping to clear a snow drift Nedda joins Silvio. Meanwhile her caravan, unattended, plunges over the cliff into the ravine below, and Canio, thinking she is still within it, starts down the treacherous slope to'rescue his wife. When he finds she is still safe her explanation arouses his suspicions. These are strengthened by several incidents at tho next town at which the company is to perform. The film comes to a climax when they present their play, which concerns the punishment of an unfaithful .wife. The story is simple and straightforward throughout, and it is to this, perhaps, that it owes much of its appeal. In addition to the film proper, there is a prologue and an epilogue", both photographed in the new British process, chemicolour. This, in its darker shades, the greens and blues, is even more beautiful than technicolour. The final sequence of the film also is filmed in chemicolour. The associate programme includes a "Screen Traveller" short feature, "Damascus and Jerusalem," and a mountaineering film, "The Game is Up." In addition, there is a British Lion musical picture, and a comedy, "College Caper." LONDON CINEMA Entertainment to be presented to-day at the London Cinema includes the films "Man Trailer" and "One New York Night." ■ ;. •