AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20064, 22 March 1935, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

“GAIETIES OF 1935” CONCLUDING PERFORMANCE “Laughing Time” was the title of the concluding performance of the “Gaieties of 1935,” which was presented to a packed house in the Theatre Royal last night. No company of recent years has enjoyed greater popularity than that of Mr Stanley McKay, and if the promise of a return season is fulfilled, the company should again be favoured with crowded houses. Singing, dancing, acrobatics, humorous sketches and numerous other items combined to make a three-hour entertainment of outstanding merit, and judging by the applause which greeted every number, there must have been very few disappointed patrons. The team of acrobats was one of the cleverest ever to appear in Timaru, and the popularity they enjoyed was well deserved. Some of the feats performed were extremely clever, calling for an unusual amount of skill and strength. All the vocalists acquitted themselves well. The work of the ballet throughout was outstanding, while the solo dancers won favour with their clever performances. The yodelling Newtons were twice obliged to respond, the novelty of their performance appealing to the large audience. The company was extremely strong on the comedy side, Frank Perrin and Ike Delavale keeping up a running fire throughout. In this department they were ably supported by Nell Fleming, Dot Arnold and Cis Perry. In a performance of the kind, the general presentation counts for a good deal, and the absence of unnecessary delays last night was greatly appreciated by the audience. In fact there were times when the fun moved at such a rate that full appreciation was sometimes lost.

“BERKELEY SQUARE” APPEALING ROMANCE "Berkeley Square,” the appealing romantic film now at the Majestic Theatre, will be screened finally tonight. Leslie Howard and Heather Angel have the leading roles. “Riptide” A picture which has been awaited with keen anticipation is "Riptide,” which will commence a season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. Norma Shearer, who ranks as one of the foremost actresses on the screen, makes a welcome return after an interval of two years, and she demonstrates convincingly that she has lost none of her former charm and ability. Her previous films, “The Divorcee,” “Let Us Be Gay” and “Smilin’ Through,” were all outstanding successes, but it is said that they are eclipsed by her brilliant performance in this sophisticated drama. An outstanding supporting cast includes players of such recognised ability as Robert Montgomery, Herbert Marshall, Mrs Patrick Campbell and the late Lilyan Tashman.

“LADIES SHOULD LISTEN” BRIGHT FARCE AT REGENT The brilliant farce-comedy now at the Regent, “Ladies Should Listen,” with Cary Grant, Frances Drake and Edward Everett Horton in important roles, will have its final screening today. “Mr Cinders” To-morrow As may be guessed from its title, “Mr Cinders,” the British musical comedy, Which onens at the Regent to-morrow, is a modern if a rather topsy-turvy version of that old nursery tale and pantomime subject, "Cinderella.” While much of the charm of “Cinderella” is, however, of sentimental or traditional origin, “Mr Cinders” is worthy to appear in any comedy company. This entertaining production can best be described as a modern and masculine complement to the old fairy tale a kind of “Cinderella Through the Look-ing-glass.” Clifford Mollison, who plays the part of the docile and goodnatured “Mr Cinders,” is an orphan who has been adopted by a kindly uncle who is, unfortunately, under the thumb of his wife, a masterful woman who has decided social ambitions regarding her two sons. With a timehonoured story and a fool-proof plot, the interest in “Mr Cinders” centres on the comedy and music. It is a musical comedy well up to standard, well directed, and thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.