AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18596, 5 January 1935, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE

"DEATH ON THE DIAMOND" & '' WHAT PRICE INNOCENCE ''

Comedy, a detective mystery, and gripping drama mingle with" the excitement of Ihe baseball field" in "Death on the Diamond." the first attraction on the new double-'eature bill now showing at the Majestic. ' The story, featuring Robert Young, Madge Evans, and Nat Pendleton, deals with mysterious crimes in a baseball team during elimination matches. Gamblers have bet heavily against Ihe Ft. Louis team, and when mysterious n.urdcrs occur in (lie team suspicion falls on more than oU people. The action is blended with ' hilarious comedy, and thrills of actual baseball contests, end it is not. until the final fade-out, that the mystery is solved. "What Price Innocence?"' is the pertinent title <J the second feature. It is a story of youth—the 'present day, fastliving, supposedly wise, sophisticated youth, plunging at life without really understanding its problems and responsibilities. The stars are Jean Parker, Willard Mack, and'Minna Gombcl. The seventh chapter of "Perils of Pauline" also will be screened.

REGENT THEATRE

"THOSE WERE THE DAYS": A

FUNNY FARCE "Charley's Aunt" will always be remembered as being funny enough, but "Those Were tile-Days"'is even funnier. "Those Were the' Days," which commenced this morning, proved so refreshing that it n.et'with all-round approval. All the best of the song '"hits" of an almost forgotten age,, with comical incidents by the score, make entertainment of the very 'first ■ order. The acting is excellent, the settings perfect, and the scenes of yesterday that an? recalled make the onlooker realise just .how much the world 'is" changing its customs without changing its love for good, clean comedy. ' The story is farcical, but none the less enjoyable. There is only one drawback, die laughter drowns some of the dialogue, but all are equal offenders in that direction. The principal players are Will Hay, Marguerite Allen, Claude Allister, and Jimmy Godden. The featurettes are all in nappy vein, and include "Beauty and the Bus," a ToddKelly comedy; "'Gentlemen of Polish," a" newsreel; a cartoon,-and newsreels. —On the Stage: Ivan Perrin, Pianist— A special 'stage attraction will be presented' to-night, when Mr. Ivan Perrin, New Zealand pianist, will be heard in a potpourri of classical and popular novelties. Mr. Perrin lias completed a most successful season of six weeks in Auckland and Wellington. To-night he will play vMarche Hongroise" (Kowaiski), "Electric Girl," "Down South," and, by -equest, "Little Dutch Mill."

KING'S THEATRE

"OLSEN'S BIG MOMENT" AND "JIMMY AND SALLY"

An attractive double-feature pro gramme will be presented at King'sTheatre to-night—-El Brendel in" a

delightful comedy, "Olson's Big Moment," and James Dunn and Claire Trevor in "Jimmy and Sally." 'The story of "Olsen 's Big Moment," which concerns itself with an apartment house janitor who becomes involved in* a romance between a wealthy bachelor and a beautiful young girl who is not in love with him, provides Rl Brendel with a welcome opportunity to project his inimitable humor in his own .Swedish way. Brendel was last seen in "My Lips Betray," with Lilian Harvey and John Boles. Walter Catlett, who is a star comedian in his own right, has the principal supporting- role in the film, and Brendel's antics and'Catlett's gags form a combination which gives the film the distinction of being one of the funniest comedies ever released from the Pox film studio. The remaining members of the east include Barbara Weeks, Susan" Fleming, John Arledge, Maided Turner, Edward Pnwley, and Joseph Saners.'

Tin 1 story of "Jimmy and. Sally" describes the loves, and sorrows of a typical American pair of lovebirds. It delves deeply into their lives, and touches gently and sympathetically oh tlieir numerous misunderstandings. The boy and girl, deeply in love with one another, are forced to postpone their marriage, not merely because they lack money, but because of his tbo extravagant ideas. How he accomplishes the conquest of a career and his sweetheart brings the film to a stirring conclusion. James Dunn and Claire Trevor as Jimmy and Sally give fine performances, and Dunn, who sings for the first time on the screen, renders a sparkling song entitled "It's the Irish in Me." The principals are supported by an excellent cast, including Harvey Stephens, Lya Lys, Jed Prouty, Gloria Roy, Alma Lloyd, and John "Arledge. The film as a. -whole is skilful,'tuneful, and delightful—a highly diverting and entertaining comedy romance with music, and the story is ideally suited to the DunnTrevor combination.

OPERA HOUSE

"ON THE AIR" AND " BRIEF MOMENT" A picture, which, on account of the variety of the entertainment and the versatility of the performers, should not fail lo receive a good reception is "On the Air," which heads the double bill at the Opera House. Practically every radio star of note in Britain is featured in the picture. The audience is fust shown Hoy Fox and his band playing popular musical hits, and in turn' are";presented Chipham and Dvvyer, the famous comedians; Teddy Browne, in xylophone, saxophone and drum items; Scott and Whaley, in clever hack chat, patter and pianoforte; Bradley's Rhythm Girls; Wilson, Keppell and Betty, who give a number of clever Egyptian dances ; Reginald l'nrdrll, in a character song, "1 1 Muck My Guitar" ; Dave Burnaby, who sings "Down in the Valley Under the Trees" ; Max. Wall, who gives an exceedingly clever exhibition of tup dancing; Mario Petto, a banjoist ; Harry Champion,, in an old-time turn, "Any Old iron?"; acrobatic feats by Lame Devine; and vocal numbers by Eve Heck. Betty Astell ahd.'.Anoha Winn. The second feature is •'Brief Moment," featuring Carole, l.oln hard and Gene Raymond.