ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 13 April 1934, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. “HER SWEETHEART” MATINEE. Marie Dressier, the screen’s most beloved Star, gives the finest characterisation of her career in “Her Sweetheart,” which concludes its season at the New Plymouth Opera House to-day at 2 and 8 p.m. Lionel Barrymore heads the talented supporting cast. Laughter is the keynote of every film in which Cicely Courtneidge plays, and “Soldiers of the King,” which commences at the Opera House to-morrow, is ho exception from the rule. The title is rather deceptive, for it is not by any means a war picture. From beginning to end it is one continuous Scream, a burlesque on the lives of 4 troupe of theatrical artists,, and the title is derived from the fact that tile song, “Soldiers of the King,” is one of their chief numbers.. Cicely Courtneidge, who has co-starred With her husband, Jack Hulbert,, in most of his comedies, plays the dual roles of MaiSie Marvello and her mother, .Jennie Marvello. The name Marvello is taken by all members of the troupe, who appear in their show as one great family. While evety moment of the picture is sheer delight owing to the speed with which one laughable incident follows in the wake of another, one sequence, will stand out in the memories of all who see it. In this particular instance, one of the adagio troupe fails to appear, and at the last moment Cicely takes her place. It would be impossible, to imagine anything funnier. than the inelegant Cicely Courtneidge trying vainly to appear graceful as she is thrown from one man to another, and there will not be one person in the theatre capably of resisting the tremendous humorous appeal of this impromput “act.” The supporting cast comprises many famous English vaudevillians who perform their regular “acts” for your enjoyment, and the Courtneidge comedy is greatly enhanced by the presence of Edward Everett Hortofi, veteran comedian of many of the most successful pictures from Hollywood.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. SIR HUBERT WILKINS. Sir Hubert Wilkins, the noted, explorer, Will finally present his remarkable film' “Arctic and ’ Antarctic” at Everybody’s Theatre to-day at sessions commencing at 2 and 8 p.m. The picture can be described as an epic of polar eXploratioh and is considerably enhanced by the racy description given by Sir Hubert, who makes a personal appearance with the film. . . The versatility artistry and charming stage personality of Marion Davies and the haunting, plaintive crooning of Bing Crosby, Who appear together for the firsttime, are extremely cleverly exploited in “Cinderella's Fella,” which will begin at to-morrow at 2 and 8 P-ih. Woven into the picture are several picturesque ballet sets on an almost extravaganza scale, beautifully produced and with photographic phantasies' which lift the show out of the class of average production. The musical section of the film constitutes a substantial part, and is in keeping with the general high standard attained. The story deals with the career of a teacher al a girls’ school who revolts against the rigid code of behaviour and morals and breaks out into the “big, bad world,” which is simply the Hollywood cinema colony, where she, in the end deputises for'ah intensely temperamental Continental star who loses her part and also her hold oil the infatuation of her opposite number. Apart from the individual triumphs, the picture is noteworthy for its lavish ballets, its scintillating and tuneful music and pleasing vocalisations. Intending patrons are urged to secure early reservations ’ at Collier’s Music House. . ’ . ■

REGENT THEATRE. FAMILY NIGHT TO-NIGHT. “Treason,” starring Buck Jones and “Red Haired Alibi,” starring Merna Kennedy, will both be finally screened at The Regent to-night. The final chapter of “Clancy of the Mounted” Will also be screened. “The Mystery bf -the Wax Museum,” a Warner Bros’ mystery thriller filmed entirely in gorgeous colour, will have pride of place bn the new programme which commences at The Regent to-mor-row at 2 and 8 p.m. The picture, based on the play by Charles S. Belden, is filled with suspense and hair raising scenes in the activity of a terrible monster that stalks through the stfeets of New York City, and is believed to be in some way responsible for the strange disappearance of both living persons and bodies. The play was adapted by Don Mullally and Carl Erickson. The -leading persons in the cast include Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Glenda Farrell, Frank McHugh, Allen Vincent, Gavin Gordon, Holmes Herbert' and Arthur Edmund Carewe. The final chapter of “Clancy Of the Mounted,” will be ' screened at the matinee only.

INGLEWOOD TALKIES. “THE SPORTING WIDOW.” Richard Bennett, head of an illustrious family Of film and; stage stars, and himself a' veteran Of the stage and screen for "many ■ years, plays the principal masculine role in Paramount’s humaniriterdst comedy-drama, “The Sporting Widow” .which comes to the Inglewood theatre to-night and to-morrow. Bennett plays a part of ’ unusual . sympathetic qualities and rare human feeling. He CQ-featul-eS with" Alison Skipworth, Who ■plays the title role. After many years on the stage, Bennett turned to Hollywood and during the last few years has appeared in many Outstanding film productions. He will be remembered for his niore recent appearances in “Arrowsmith,” “Bought” and for Paramount, “This Reckless Age.” Upon completion of the latter, he. was awarded a long term contract with Paramount.