AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18585, 20 December 1934, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

MUSICAL COMEDY, PLUS BAFFLING MYSTERY The Fail Carroll “Vanities,” with its gorgeous settings, delightful singling, hilarious comedy and beautiful girls, has been blended with mystery to make one of the finest- pictures seen at, the Regent for many a. day. It- is released under the title of ’“Murefer at- the Vanities.’’ As a stage spectacle the Vanities” is a remarkable effort— the last word in American revue splendor. Literally hundreds of girls combine to present some really brilliant scenes, one of which, “The Sea of Mermaids.” is without doubt a

triumph of stage technique. “Murder at the Vanities” may be described as two shows in one. Carl Frisson, as the principal male of the show, Lander, again proves his singing ability in some bright numbers, and supporting him are .Tack Oakie. as a. hard-worked but nevertheless flippant producer, and Victor McLnglqn. as aii American stage detective. Kitty Carlisle takes the female lead, and is

particularly well supported by a. large east. Altogether the' picture is a firstclass success, and something a little different- from the general run of vevjne dramas. There is also u- •fine programme of “shorts.” The delightful performance given on the stage by two tiny performers and a ballet, in a song and dance number, was heartily applauded hist night and an encore demanded. The children were trained by Miss Maureen Keanv.

OPERA HOUSE

EDDIE CANTOR IN ‘•WHOOPEE’

“Whoopee,” which is now showing atthe Opera House, is a picture thiitj should be enjoyed by those who like bright entertainment. In the -first place the film has been done in technicolor; and it is this fact that gives to the dancing scenes so much of their charm.-, There are a number of surpassingly beautiful shots of this nature, and the backgrounds, mostly out- of doors, apethemselves a feature of the picture. In, this respect the picture works up to a magnificent (Linux in the final scenes, in which are shown some gorgeous specs tacles in an Indian encampment, where; against a background of sunlit rocks and blue skies, fan dances in natural; color are performed by a ballot of perl fectLy-jrained and remarkably beautiful) girls'. The story concerns the adveiß; tores of no less a person than Eddie. Cantor, who is cast as a confirmed invalid. Unfortunately for him, and much against his wishes, he becomes a party to an elopement in which the other member is the intended bride of the county shtriii. Cantor has a hectic time dodging -the two-gun sheriff and his men. and his antics keep the audience in the best of humors.' There is a new selection of supporting items.

KING’S THEATRE

“MARIE OALAKTE”: AN UNUSUAL PICTURE A most successful future has been predicted by critics for the beautiful artist, Ketti (Lillian, who makes her screen debut in the. thrilling drama, “Marie- Galante,” which is being snown at the King’s Theatre. Miss Gallian should prove popular with local audiences for she has a strong personality, while her acting ability lias been described as superb. She is introduced by the Fox Film Corporation, which was also responsible for the success ot Janet Gaynor, Sally Filers and Madeleine Can-oil. Her first, picture is an unusual one as it has the novel background of the Panama Canal. In a setting of international intrigue, a story of compelling interest is- unfolded. It tells of the exciting adventures of a beautiful girl whose presence in this area is a complete mystery. Heading a. particularly strong supporting castare Spencer Tracy, Ned Sparks and Helen Morgan. In addition to a wide selection of short films, there is an interesting record, of the travels of the Duke of Gloucester in Australia.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

ENLIGHTENMENT IN “DAMAGED LIVES” Thousands of people all over New Zeu, land have been flocking to see “Damaged Lives.” Iu most towns it lias broken the records established by “ the House of Rothschild.” Lack of knowledge of some of the most important facts of life has been and is responsible for an appalling number of wrecked minds and shattered bodies. Shrouded in a cloak of falso modesty and prudery, dangerous infectious diseases, sometimes called social diseases, have been permitted to prey upon humanity, when frank enlightenment as to the facts would have proven an invincible weapon againstthem. “Damaged Lives” emphasises the necessity for wholesome education about the sinister menace of both ancient and modern civilisation. Sponsored by the various social hygiene associations of the world, “Damaged Lives” is at once an intensely dramatic talking picture and a forceful influence that cannot be ignored by those who see it. In addition to the main picture there is shown a supplementary film which depicts with startling realism, hut with delicacy and reassurance, the scientific phases of these diseases, together with essential facts that all should know. Though “Damaged laves" is a lesson to adults of all ages, it is not suitable for children, and t-hose under the age of 16 will not be admitted. There arc bright supports. “Damaged Lives” will screen to-night at 9.10 o’clock for the benefit of patrons who wish to view the celebrations in town in the early part of the evening