ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1933, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. SUCCESS OF “TOPAZE.” John Barrymore, the celebrated star of “Rasputin and the Empress,” and “Grand Hotel,” portrays the' principal role in “Topaze,” the present attraction at the Opera House. “Topaze” will be screened finally to-day at the matinee and evening sessions. “NO MAN OF HER OWN.” An actor in the role of card-sharper, a professional handler of “suckers,” may not sound attractive, but in Paramount’s “No Man of Her Own,” which opens at the Opera House to-morrow, Clark Gable, with his irresistible smile to aid him proved a very definite' exception. As Jerry Stewart, a gambler for high stakes, who lost only when he "wanted to, he gives a splendidly thought out characterisation that must rank with his best efforts. The action is swift moving, the drama never misses fire, and Gable, fascinating as ever to all female hearts, is seldom out of the picture. Carole Lombard, as Connie Randall, the girl he falls in love with even to the extent of renouncing his unlawful ways, gives him excellent support in a most charming manner, and Dorothy Mackaill, looking as beautiful as ever, completes a triangle which brings the complications of love for the first time into Stewart’s life. The plot is simple in its essentials, •but always interesting and the dialogue is .particularly good, full of the deftest touches and bright humour. The cast is one with all-round strength, dominated by the personality and first-class acting of Clark Gable. » EVERYBODY’S TO-DAY. “THE OLD MAN.” “The Old Man,” which will be filially screened at Everybody’s Theatre, New Plymouth, to-day at 2 p.m. and 7.45 p.m., is a typical Edgar • Wallace thriller. It •has mystery, drama, romance and com-edy-all the elements with which Wallace was wont to entertain. It is set in an old-world manor and a Tudor inn, and goes from surprise to surprise until the climax comes with the revelation of the mystery man’s identity. Majsie Gay, London’s foremost comedienne, Cecil Humphries and Anne Grey head the allstar cast, , . TOM WALLS TO-MORROW. In his latest production, “Leap Year,” which will commence at Everybody’s Theatre to-morroyv at 2 p.m. and 7.45 p.m., Tom Walls proves that he is still Britain’s foremost farceur. The story admirably suits Walls’ whimsicality and scintillating wit, for it abounds in subtle humour from first to last. He dominates each scene in a manner picturegoers delight in witnessing. Assisting him, and playing her first principal role, is Anne Grey, whose frocking, together with that of Jeanne Stuart, will be ad- i mired by-all women. These smart gowns were designed by Lady Violet Paget, well known as a stage actress and now one of London’s foremost designers. The entire production, replete with a brilliant cast; lavish settings and first-rate photography and sound, is outstanding entertainment. The story revolves around the predicaments of a gay diplomat who falls in love with a beautiful stranger who insists on retaining her identity. He loses sight of her for four years, and when they do meet he is entangled in an unwilling engagement with the daughter of his chief. The fascination -of the story grows as the difficult problems besetting the resourceful diplomat pile up with intensity. How he solves them causes much hilarity and enjoyment. The box plans are at Collier’s. REGENT THEATRE. FAMILY NIGHT TO-NIGHT. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s hilarious comedy, “What! No Beer?” which co-stars Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante, will be finally screened at The Regent Theatre, New Plymouth, to-night. A magnificent supporting programme includes the final chapter of “The Jungle Mystery.” COMMENCING TO-MORROW. How romance brings about a change of heart in a would-be cattle thief forms the theme of “Robbers’ Roost,” the George O’Brien-Maureen O’Sullivan picture which will begin, at The Regent to-morrow at 2 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. The plot is from Zane Grey’s story of the same name, and under the direction of Louis King the film is reported as an unusual one. Maude Eburne and Robert Greig supply much of the comedy of the film, and the cast includes Reginald Owen, Doris Lloyd, William Pawley and Walter McGrail. Gorgeous natural settings are' said to add to entertainment qualities of the Fox offering. The final chapter of “The Jungle Mystery” will be screened at the matinee only. INGLEWOOD TALKIES. “ONE HEAVENLY NIGHT.” Widespread interest is being aroused in the appearance of Evelyn Laye in ( the musical comedy film “One Heavenly Night,” to be screened at the Inglewood . Town Hall to-night and to-morrow. This musical comedy has proved immensely ! popular wherever it has been screened. It introduces to New Zealand audiences . the charming English artiste Evelyn . Laye, the idol of the London stage, England’s greatest gift to the screen, the golden-voiced, golden-haired idol of two j continents, in her first talking picture. j, She will prove a revelation of charm • and loveliness and has already been ac- , claimed the screen’s most magnetic personality. “One Heavenly Night” is a sparkling musical comedy romance and a | triumph fox - England’s great artiste. The j story concerns the adventures of an ; adorable masquerader flirting her vyay •] into high life and the heart of a dashing, , titled playboy. There are thrills and ] laughter to keep one happy for days. , , Miss Laye is the masquerader, Jphnjj

Boles is the dashing nobleman and Leon Errol supplies the comedy. The settings are magnificent,- the melodies and songs in the picture have become the most popular tunes of the day. The picture will give patrons the grandest entertainment of their lives. NEW THEATRE, OPUNAKE. “A BILL OF DIVORCEMENT” A young girl, engaged and about to be married, suddenly learns to her horror |hat past generations of her family have been affected by a peculiar, subtle, mental disorder; although not insanity to the point of madness. This trait has cropped up In past generations. It may. re-appear, if not in herself, perhaps in her children. How she meets this crisis is depicted in “A Bill of Divorcement,” to be shown at the New Theatre, Opunake, to-night and to-morrow. The problem and its solution offer one of the most interesting, situations in modem drama, according to John Barrymore, who is starred in the film. Barrymore is supported-’by Billie Burke and by Katharine Hepburn, the recent sensation of Broadway. “A Bill of Divorcement,” the title of which has been described as somewhat misleading as far as the chief theme of the story is concerned, was written by Clemence Dane, and as a play enjoyed exceptional success on the English and New York stage. This play has made stars, and as an RKO Radio picture, is acted by stars.