ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18345, 3 June 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE MIDDLE WATCH.”

MERRY BRITISH FARCE. AT THE STRAND THEATRE. British pictures, especially British farce-comedies, have become very popular; and “The Middle Watch," screened at a midnight matinee at the Strand Theatre last night, is likely to add to that popularity, for it is undoubtedly one of the outstanding films of the year. “The Middle Watch” was produced by British International Pictures from the stage play by lan Hay and Stephen King-Hall, and so smoothly does the action develop that the story seems to unravel itself with an engaging spontaneity. It is a comedy of the finest type, with any amount of comical incidents woven into a plot which In itself contains numerous, elements of humour. On H.M.S. Falcon, which Is anchored ta Shanghai, a party is given toy the officers and two girls who remain on the ship for dinner are thrown into a state of consternation on learning, as the evening draws to a; close, that the picket boat has broken down and. they cannot return to the shore. The predicament ot the girls is explained to the captain, a shy and retiring bachelor, who arranges for them to occupy his sleeping quarters. Just when it appears that this breach of the King’s regulations will pass off unnoticed, a signal is received from the flagship commanding the Falcon to put to sea immediately in order to rescue the people on a steam yacht in distress. The admiral comes on board, as his wife and daughter are passengers on the yacht. The subsequent efforts of the captain and the commander to conceal the innocent, but totally unauthorised, guests provide plenty of hilarious situations.

Owen Nares plays the role of the captain, and the manner in which his shy abhorrence of the gentler sex gives place to a belated, but none the less arduous, infatuation, is a masterly piece of acting. He Is ably supported by Jack Raine, who plays the commander. The two girls who cause all the trouble are played by Jacqueline Logan and Dodo Watts, whose vivacity and charm lend added attraction to the picture. Much of the straight comedy is supplied by the admiral, Frederick Volpe, who gives a delightful character study, and by a marine and corporal, played by Henry Wenman and Reginald Purdell. The scenes where Wenman, as Marine Ogg, is placed on sentry-go in front of the girls’ sleeping quarters are among the brightest parts of the picture.

THEATRE ROYAL. Two feature films will be screened at the Theatre Royal to-day. The first is "Sweethearts and Wives,” starring. Billie Dove and Clive Brook, and the second "Courage,” with Belle Bennett and Leon Janney in the leads. “Courage,” the adaptation of the successful stage play by Tom Barry, is a poignant drama of a mother’s self-sacrifice for her children. Belle ’Bennett brings a genuine depth of feeling to the part of the happy-go-lucky and spendthrift, yet nevertheless tender mother. In spite of the distressing influences of a spiteful rich sister-in-law, insistent creditors and furniture-movers, she finally earns the gratitude of her family of seven children. As the woman’s elder daughter, who breaks her engagement with a wealthy Harvard student, believing her mother has acted dishonourably, Marion Nixon makes an appealing character, A cast of six talented child artists Is headed by Leon Janney, as young Bill Colbrook, who chivalrously defends-his mother’s honour.

Billie Dove, the beautiful and gifted actress, has the part of a genteel Englishwoman who poses as a French maid in “Sweethearts and Wives,” and Clive Brook appears as a "divorce detective.” It is a thrilling drama, with much romance and many touches of humour.

CIVIC THEATRE. “City Lights” which has had a run of over a week in Hamilton, will he screened for the last time tonight. Charlie Chaplin presents himself in his world-famous character and he is the central figiire in the turmoil of the city. A blind flower girl is the second of importance and brings lo the screen for the first time Virginia Cherrill, who until assigned the leading feminine part in the picture was a Chicago society girl. The other of the trio is an eccentric millionaire, portrayed by Harry Myers. Important to the telling of the story Is the flower vender’s grand-mother, enacted by Florence Lee; the eccentric •millionaire's butler, Allan Garcia, and a prize-fighter, Hank Mann. Although 'there is not a spoken word from the beginning to the end of "City ■Lights" the production Is completely synchronised with music and sound effects. In this respect, Chaplin adds another accomplishment to his versatility, introducing for the greater part entirely original music of his own creation, the arrangement of which Is credited to Arthur Johnson.

ROXY THEATRE. Photographed and recorded In the beautiful Lake Lodise region of Canada, “Under Suspicion,” thrilling song romance of the Northwest, features Lois Moran and J. Harold Murray. The story relates the adventures of a British war ace, who, in order' to protect the family honour and cover up a serious blunder of bis younger brother, takes the name of John Smith and disappears. He later turns up in the forces of the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police, where he soon falls in love with his commandant's beautiful 'daughter. The development of the romance forms a most fascinating drama, which reaches its climax in the exciting revelation of Smith’s true identity.

HIGH SCHOOL PLAY. "THE HEADMISTRESS.” The Hamilton High School boys will present a play this week in the High School assembly ball, commencing on Thursday night. They play -that has been selected is a musical extravaganza entitled "The Headmistress.” There is some beautiful music in the production and the many humorous lines will bo keenly appreciated by I lie audience. The boys have been enllinsiaslically working at Ihe many practices and a splendid evening’s entertainment can be assured. There will also be several dances by the girl

pupils of the school. A full orchestra under the conductorship of Mr E. A. Apthorp, will provide the music. The proceeds will be devoted to providing dressing rooms for the new swimming bath. IVIISCHA LEVITZKI, PIANIST. The forthcoming visit of Mischa Levitzki to the Theatre Royal on Thursday, June 11, is an event of first importance in the musical history of Hamilton, for the world-famous pianist is at the height of his career. Recollections of the brilliant virtuosity displayed by the musician on his first tour of New Zealand ten years ago—when lie was a youth of 21—is mingled with a knowledge of Levitzki's more recent achievements in Europe and America, where lie is now recognised as one of the greatest of living musicians. Referring to Levitzki’s opening concert of the present Australian and New Zealand tour, the Melbourne Argus critic wrote: “Levitzki has developed into one of the most consummate technicians who lias ev.er visited Australia. His sensational power and vitality, combined with dazzling velocity make him a superb Liszt player, and in ihe Sixth Hungarian Rhapsody, and l'hc ’Campanella’ Study—given as an extra —he fairly electrified his audience.” As Levitzki is hooked lor a big tour of Europe, his New Zealand tour is limited lo a few weeks, and Hamilton is one of Hie three, centres —other Ihnn the four chief cities — selected by Mr E. .1. Gravesloek for a Levitzki concert. The box plan will open on Friday, and applications from country patrons should be sent Jn before that date, as very heavy hooking is anticipates.