RANCHOT TONE AT THE PLAZA.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1935, Page 2

RANCHOT TONE AT THE PLAZA.

“WAGON WHEELS” TO-MORROW

Owing to an error in no way connected with the management of the theatre “Reckless,” which was to have been screened at the Plaza, Stratford, last night and to-day, has been temporarily cancelled. However, with a great deal of trouble “One New York Night,” starring the popular Franchot Tone, has been secured, and will be screened finally tonight. The plot has to do with the disappearance from a hotel of a dead man’s body, a stockbroker who is very much disliked. A young cowman from Wyoming, a private secretary, a telephone operator, a Russian countess, and many other guests find themselves directly mixed up-in the unsavoury affair. Franchot Tone, who has attained such widespread popularity as a romantic actor, portrays the role of the cowman who is visiting the big city in search of a brunette to marry. Una Merkel is seen as a blonde telephone operator who joins forces with the cowman to clear certain suspicions directed at the countess.

Heading an impressive cast which includes Gail Patrick, Monte Blue, Raymond Hatton and Jan Duggan, Randolph Scott returns for another of his hardriding, whirlwind fighting and thrilling roles in the Paramount picturisation of Zane Grey’s “Wagon Wheels,” whch will open a two-days season with a matinee to-morrow at 1.30 p.m. In this handsomely directed and mounted film, whic’.« details some of the actual and historic adventures that beset the sturdy pioneers wko took the first waggon train across country in 1844 to Oregon, Scott plays the role of an Indian-fighting frontier scout. He wins the love of a lovely widow and her child, when he saves the entire caravan from death at the hands of savages.

“ROBERTA” MUSICAL PLAY.

MADGE ELLIOTT, CYRIL RITCHARD.

Great interest is being taken in the first appearance at New Plymouth since their marriage of Miss Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard who, with the J. C. Williamson Ltd. musical comedy company, are to present at the Opera House on Monday night the first production of the spectacular and tuneful musical play “Roberta.” The plot is taken from the novel “Gowns by Roberta,” by Alice Millar. In “Roberta” there is a succession of ornate showrooms, bars, cabarets, and, above all, mannequin parades. The wings pour forth an endless succession of lavishly gowned girls. The play is a living architecture of feminine clothes beautifully set off with lighting and delightfully melodious music. The keystone of the pattern is an ingeniously conceived ballet, “Shadows in Silver,” in which the dancers, clothed in metal tissues of contrasted colours go through a series of dramatic postures under moving lights and shadows. Even this dance is only a small item in a stupendous fashion parade. Miss Madge Elliott’s dignity and grace are admirably suited to the part of Stephanie, the wistful princess. Iq. “Roberta” she dances better than ever and she uses her voice perfectly in the gracefully sentimental numbers. Cyril Ritchard leads an army of clever comedians, including Leo Franklin and Marie le Varre. The appearance of Miss Ethel Morrison, who is New Zealand-born but has done most of her acting .in New York, will be welcomed, particularly as she was engaged for the character she portrays while she was performing in America. Miss Diane Du Cane, a notable English artist, Vera Wallace, Arthur Clarke, John Dobbie, Leslie Crane, Charles Zoli, Mary Rigby, Jean Slapoffski, Jerry Connolly and his instrumentalists are included in the cast. The box plans will be opened at Colliers on Friday morning.

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL EVENT.

GLADYS MONCRIEFF COMPANY.

A leading Australian newspaper, referring to Miss Gladys Moncrieff before she left Australia to fulfil her engagement with the New Zealand Broadcasting Board,' said: “Gladys Moncrieff is to-day the outstanding figure of the Australian musical world. On tire stage or concert platform, on gramophone records or “over the air,” it is recognised that for light opera and musical comedy numbers there is no finer singer in the world today. She is at the zenith of her artistic powers. Her glorious voice has to-day a richness and charm that only comes to a singer with a wealth of experience. She has, moreover, developed considerably in artistic perception and emotional force, aqd no artist of this or any other day surpasses her in personality, talent and popular esteem.” Miss Moncrieff will appear at the Opera House, New Plymouth, on October 25 at the head of her own concert company in what promises to be the most outstanding musical event for many years. Each supporting artist is a star in his own right. Gil Dech, noted English pianist, conductor and composer will be heard in classical and novelty numbers. Other performers will be John Robertson, New Zealand’s cornetist, Vincent Apsey, the brilliant English violinist, Wilson Ewart, the leading bar-.one in Australia, and Frank Perrin, the English comedian. Miss Dorothea Ryan will be the accompanist. The box plans will be opened at Colliers Music Depot on Tuesday.