AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18855, 5 November 1935, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

KING'S THEATRE

"BECKY SHARP": SEASON" EXTENDED Large audiences continue to be attracted lo the King's Theatre, where I In., brilliant pageant of natural color, "Becky Sharp," is the main attraction. The season has been extended until Thursday. Marking a new era iu popular entertainment, the film is ii succession of perfectly satisfying pielures, with the added quality of movement. Almost every imaginable color is used and the producers have realised the value of setting bright lines against neutral tones. Although the main interest lies in the splendid use of this living color, the story itself, which is tin. adaption of Thackeray's -'Vanity Fair," is one of unusual merit. Everything is made to revolve around the fickle little adventuress. Reeky. lii this part Miriam Hopkins gives a performance which is carefully thought out and yel is mark,.(.l by r'i delightful spontaneity. Appearing 'apposite her. Alan Mowbray is spfendid. while Sir Cedric Hnrdwieke is excellent as the sinister Steyue. Frances Dee is a charming Amelia and Nigel Bruce makes Jos Sedley a tine figure of fun. A prominent role is also taken bv the New Zealander Colin Tapley. The supporting programme is in keeping with such ;i magnificent production.

The 39 ".steps" starts on Friday

—Coming: Gladys Moncrieff Party— The noted Australian soprano, MisGladys Moncrieff, who has been making ;'i most successful tour of New Zealand, will appear at the King's Theatre, (lisborue. on November 26. 27. and 28. Two other popular artists. Oil Dech. pianist, and John Robertson, Cornell's!', will accompany Miss Moncrieff. All have been giving broadcast, recitals in the centres, and the opportunity of bearing them at the King's Theatre will be isigerlv awaited by Gisborne musiclovers! The box plans, of which full particulars are advertised, .will open ;,( (he theatre at 8.30 a.m. on Friday.

REGENT THEATRE

''CARDINAL RICHELIEU''

"Cardinal Richelieu." featuring elic popular George Arliss at the Regent I'iieatre. is based on the famous play iv Sir Edward liulwer-l.ytton. The i'orv opens with the feudal lords ploting against Richelieu because he has persuaded the weak ruler. Louis A'll l, o issue a decree confiscating their amis. Their leader. P.aradas. the .Mother Marie and Louis' wife. ,)aeei! Anne, poison the King's mind

igroinst L'icholiou. and he is about to sign the Cardinal's dismissal when the alter slyly appears and frustrates the plan. A charming love story is proluced -by Lenore. Richelieu's beloved Mitle wto'rd, and Andre" de Pons, a fiery oung conspirator against the Cardinal, whom Richelieu wins over and marries f 0 the girl lo outfox the profligate King's scheme to make her one of his ■ourtesans. When the sly Baradas convinces the impulsive youth lliat Richelieu'had tricked'him into the marriage for the King's convenience, Andre agrees to kill the Cardinal. Andre goes to do the deed, but Richelieu again wins him over, and feigns death when Baradas' men break in. While Baradas rushes to bring the news to lie King, Richelieu learns that Queen Marie and Queen Anne arc on their ray to Spain with a- secret treaty winch will put Marie's weak son, Prince Gaston, on the throne. lie overtakes them at an inn, gets the treaty and rides back post-haste to expose the ronspir.titors and win back ais place in the heart and Court of Louis Xill. Maureen O'Sullivan is ■ast as I. 'more, Cesar Romero as Andre, Edward Arnold as the King, Francis Lister as Prince Gaston, and Douglass Dumbrille as Rarad,as.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

TWO FINE PICTURES

"Bella Donna," the first feature at ihe Majestic, is attracting a large amount, of attention. Written by Robert (lichens, the story of "Bella Donna," through the original novel and later by the stage play and silent films, has proved to be one of flic most popular ever penned. For the talking version Twickenham Studios gathered together a distinguished cast. After months ot searching and tests. Mary Ellis, the famous English actress, was chosen for the title role of Bella Donna previously portrayed by -Mrs. Patrick Campbell (on the stage) and Pola Negri and Pauline Frederick (silent films). No better choice could have been made for the very important role, the star giving a portrayal that makes a modern figure of the famous vamp. Conrad Veidt is credited with eclipsing all previous performances as P.aroudi, the Egyptian lover, who fascinates the white woman. Sir Cedric Hardwicke is east as Dr. Isaacson, whilst the popular John Stuart is seen as Nigel Armini. Rella Donna's young husband. Perfectly pictured and acted with artistry by such a sterling cast, "Bella Donna'' is a film with irresistible appeal. The second film, "I (live My Love." with Wynne Gibson and Paul Lukas. is also of excellent quality.