ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18047, 16 June 1930, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S ATTRACTIONS

THE CIVIC THEATRE. “Navy Blues,” starring popular William' Haines , drew another large audience on Saturday night. The produclion sparkles with poignane bits of heart interest interspersed among tbe comedy sequences. Haines’ whimsical humour is not lacking, and there aie many funny sequences. But in the love story that is the central theme of the picture Haines strikes a deeper note to show himself not only a good comedian but a fine actor of the serious and romantic emotions. The story is . simple—the love of a sailor aboard a destroyer for a girl on shire; cruises and absences, shore leave, and a mis- * understanding; finally" a reconciliation that follows a sensational fighting rescue. The story moves with light- . ning-like speed, and one glimpses Manila and the Orient, life at sea and intimate details of the work of a sailor in a vividfl shifting background of 1 action. Anita Page : makes a chanting 1 heroine as the little “ home girl ” • ashore in the navy post port; and Karl Dane, as the huge Swedish sailor, creates amusement. ' The dialogue is i filled with navy- slang, and a theme song, “I’ve Got the Navy Blues,” is a lilting bit of melody. < J TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. ] ■\ • ■ ( j Elinor Glyn has written a story with - an unusual plot, - marked by several • dramatic developments, in “ Such Men ( Are Dangerous,” a Fox Movietone pro- . duction, which will be screened for - the first time at Cambridge to-night. • Ludwig Kranz has gained financial suecess, but owing to his ugly face has been unable to gain feminine admn’ation and love. Elinor, a beautiful young girl is forced into a loveless marriage with him by her sister. On the even- [ ing of her wedding Elinor, realing taht - she cannot go through with the mar- j riage, runs away. Kranz is filled with rage at her departure and transferring < his business to his secretary flies to ■ Paris. As he is crossing the English. ■ Channel he, unobserved, descends by I means of a parachute and is thought • to have committed suicide. In Paris with the aid of facial surgery Kranz i has his features transformed so that < he appears as a handsome man. Un- i known to Elinor he makes love to her and gains her affections. His intention is to cause her to confess her love to him and then, revealing himself to . her, cast her from him. Elinor, however, informs him of her love for the i husband who offered her money in : place of love. Kranz is overcome by his love for her and all his thoughts for revenge leave him. Warner Baxter takes the part of Ludwig Kranz and Catherine Dale Owen that of Elinor. THE STRAND THEATRE. “ The Mighty,” which opened at the Strand Theatre on Saturday night, presents the striking story of a man of the underworld, a born gunman whose prowess during the war brings him back a national hero, accepted and held by society against his wishes. George Bancroft, the “ he man ” of the screen, has the leading role, supported by Esther Ralston, Warner Oland, • Raymond Hatton, O. P. Heggie and Dorothy Revier.. Bancroft plays the role of the returned hero of the war, After he has 'been so firmly entrenched in the graces of the underworld, he gathers his gang and prepares to make a haul that will put . him on easy street for dlife. Here comes the great conflict of emotions. Shall he oast his lot with his. old gang or .with the new “gang”? . The answer is dramatically shown in one of the most thrilling scenes ever recorded on the screen. Thirty-five motorcycle officers, riding their machines in cavalry formation, and all shooting their automatics as rapidly as the hammers could explode the shells, provide one of the thrills. ‘ THEATRE ROYAL. Two star features were screened at the Theatre Royal ’on Saturday night. “ Dark Streets ” depends for its story on the resemblance of the brothers, Jack Mulhall portraying both of them. One grew up in the way of the law, becoming a policeman, and the other found a career outside the law. They attempt to protect each other, although still remaining within the code of their own worlds. To complicate matters they are both in love with the same girl, played by Lile Lee. Glenn Tryon and Merna Kennedy are paired again in “ Skinner Steps Out,” 1 one of the brightest farce-comedies of ' the season. But Tryon, as the star, ' land Miss Kennedy, lis leading lady, attain new histrionic heights in this l picture. Tryon appears as “ William 1 Henry Skinner,” a young man who is i a hero to his wife and a “ dub ” to his 3 employers' and fellow-workers.. Miss Kennedy has the role of “ Honey,” the 1 young wife, whose adoring belief in l her husband finally inspires him to at- ■ tain social and business recognition. THE ROXY. f i ! The re-opening of the theatre at g Frankton, now known as the Roxy, on Wednesday, is creating much interest, and a successful career is confidently predicted for the latest addition to Hamilton’s places of amusement. “ Rio Rita,” which will head the programme, is the talkie version of the great stage success, and has drawn j, crowded houses everywhere, Its tune- ' ful melodies, dramatic story, beautiful coloured sequences, gay ballets, etc.. 3 combine to make it an outstanding attraction. Bebe Daniels in the title role and John Boles as her lover sing .- and act splendidly, and are well,supd ported by an excellent-cast.