ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18378, 11 July 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“MOROCCO” AT CIVIC

NEW PERSONALITY OF SCREEN.

GERMAN ACTRESS SCORES

Much has been heard of Marlene Dietrich, the German actress who has scored a great success in American films; therefore much interest , was taken In her first appearance in Hamilton last night, at the Civic Theatre, in “Morocco.” One of the most strikingly beautiful women the screen has yet presented, Miss Dietrich possesses In addition a fascinating personality which exercised a peculiar magnetism over last evening’s audience. The picture, "Morocco," possesses just the necessary touch of the bizarre and the picturesque to make an excellent background for this talented actress. Gary Cooper, whose work is always Bound and appealing, plays the main supporting role as a private In the French Foreign Legion, whose cynical Ideas of womanhood receive a severe shock when he meets a vaudeville artist (Marlene Dietrich) appearing in a Moroccan cafe. Between this strange pair—the man with no faith In women and the woman distrustful and suspicious of every man she meets—there springs up a romance which blossoms Into a deep and enduring love. Adolphe Menjou is seen as a wealthy cosmopolitan who falls a victim to the fascinating charm of the cafe entertainer, whose past <s shrouded in mystery. Finding in the legionary a man whose innate chivalry triumphs over the cavalier attitude in which he has wrapped himself, the girl offers him her friendship and trust, and eventually falls in love wit'.i him. The legionary, for his part, is in love with the girl, but discovering that she is friendly with the millionaire Frenchman, and not understanding the circumstances, he throws away his chance of happiness and returns to the legion disillusioned. The girl meanwhile accepts the hospitality of her admirer, and tries to forget the legionary without success. 'Hearing that he has been wounded she realises her true feelings and goes to him. The conclusion of the picture is unexpected, but very finely presented. Miss Dietrich’s voice is not the least feature of her great charm. It is lowpitched and resonant. Her English Is excellent, and she has a clarity of utterance which makes for greater attractiveness.

THEATRE ROYAL. Adapted from Earl Derr Biggers’ story, "Charlie Chan Carries On” heads the current programme at the Theatre Royal. The story opens at Scotland Yard with the news of the murder of an elderly American millionaire. • In Nice another of the “round-the-world” party to which millionaire belonged is killed, and them al San Remo a woman is slain whom the detective had counted upon to identify the murderer. From this stage i onward the picture shows in a thrilling manner the way in which Charlie Chan, the Chinese detective, "carries on.” Eventually he solves the mystery, after the Scotland Yard detective has been seriously wounded by the desperate criminals he was pursuing. In the principal role Warner Oland, who sprang Into prominence by his excellent characterisations of "Dr. Fu Manchu” and other Oriental roles, is an Impressive figure as Chan. Marguerite Churchill and John Garrick (well remembered here In theVstage version of "Rose Marie” and later in films) are included in the supporting cast. The suspense is always well maintained, and “Charlie Chan Carries On” impresses as an absorbing detective story. The supporting programme is very Interesting and entertaining.

STRAND THEATRE. Marilyn Miller, Hie charming actress who captivated Hamilton film-goers by her vivacious performance In “Sally,” will make a welcome reappearance at the Strand Theatre today In "Sunny.” Produced entirely in colour, the 111 m is brimful of entrancing songs and entertaining comedy Interludes. It shows Miss Miller In a role which suits her particular accomplishments to perfection. Sli? invests the part of a dancer—a member of an'itinerant circus troupe—with a wistful charm which makes a great appeal. Although there is a talented supporting cast, including Lawrence Gray, in the romantic leal, Clyde Cook and Joo Donahue, who creates some diverting comedy, 0. P. Heggie, and Inez Courtney, it is th? engaging personality of Miss Miller which dominates tbo picture. Much of the action takes place on board a liner on which Sunny (Miss Miller) has been inadvertently detained as it loaves England for America, and one of the most lavish scenes depicts a wedding on the ship. The ceremony lakes place in the dancing saloon of ihe vessel, and colour is lent to the background by a large cast of beauti-fully-gowned "extras.” The stage success from which ) "Sunny” is adapted ran for two years on Broadway, during the whole of which time Miss Miller interpreted the title role. There are four songs and three dances In the musical comedy.

ROXY THEATRE. The re-appearance of Buster Keaton should he a very popular event at ilia Boxy Theatre to-day, for the ”froze.)faced" comedian, as lie is so aptly termed, is adept at making an audience laugh, in "Forward March" lie has endless opportunities for funmaking, Hie result being a comedy that proves thoroughly cnterlaining from beginning to end. There is a strong supporting programme. *