ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18393, 29 July 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. CIVIC THEATRE. tt “Cimarron" is making a big impression. Perhaps the film's great success may be attributed to the _ factthat apart from the spectacular crowd scenes, in which thousands of men and animals are depicted with a broad sweep of action, the essent'al drama remains, the narrative of the vicissitudes which beset two people -—the steadfast Yancey Cravat and his cultured wife, Sabra. No more forceful actor than Richard Dix could have been chosen for the part of the pituresque attorney-editor who swears to reveal in Ihe first edition of .iis paper the identity of the murderer of an editor In the notorious “mushroom" town of Osage. Irene Dunne plays the part of Sabra Cravat with a poise and detachment which make a living character of the refined wife who, having braved the hardships of the arduous journey to Oklahoma In spite of the vigorous objection of her parents, nevertheless finds it difficult to reconcile herself to the ruthless though just methods employed by her husband to maintain his editorial dictatorship. The woman is speechless with horror to see her husband file a sixth notch on the handle of his revolver following the death of Lou Youtis, an unscrupulous murderer. STRAND THEATRE. " one cl by circumstances as either a i or a murderer, and unable to clear himself of either false charge, John -Keith is the centre of one of -the most amazing stories of the Far North, James Oliver Curwood’s "River End," the Warner Bros, and Vitaphone screen production. A magnificent oross section of life in the great Canadian wilderness, where men and woman. Judge quickly and forgive slowly, “River's End" offers Charles Bickford and Evalyn Knapp in this stirring melodrama of the snow country. The majesty of white distances, -skyey mountains and: dark forests ,is miraculously caughit 'by camera and microphone in “Riser's End." Charles Bickford believes “River’s End" to be his greatest picture, and those of his admirers who have already seen the production are certain he is right. “River’s End” was directed by Michael Curtiz and includes as David Torrence, Zasu Pitts, J. Farrell McDonald, Walter McGrall, Tom Santschi, Junior Coghlan and numerous others. There is an excellent supporting programme. THEATRE ROYAL. "Girl of the Golden West,” based On David Belasco’s noted stage play, has lost none of Its effect In transference to the screen. The story of the girl who, lone-handed, conducts a saloon In a rugged mining,camp high In the mountains and her romance with a stfanger who suddenly rides Into the camp, is one packed with incident, surprise and emotional Intensity. ‘ After vouching' for fho stranger to the sheriff and the miners In her saloon, the girl suddenly finds that he Is a noted desperado for whose arrest a large reward Is offered. When the sheriff visits her cabin to secure the wanted man, who Is lying In hiding, wounded, an exciting climax ensues. Ann Harding, who will be remembered for her excellent work In “East Lynne," proves herself to be among the screen's most competent players by her remarkably fine handling of a role which is of a type hitherto foreign to her. The picture owes much to her artistry. James Rennie and Harry Bannister: (Miss Harding's husband In real life) share the principal male roles as the bandit and the sheriff, while J. Farrell McDonald and Bert Roach are among the well-known figures In the capable supporting cast. ROXY THEATRE. The story of "The Man Who Came Back" holds the attention throughout. Charles Farrell, as the son of New York’s wealthiest man, never knows any dlsclpllno or parental guidance. It Is not strange, then, that he becomes a wastrel, a fact that his father suddenly realises when the son becomes Involved in scandal. The old man forces his sdn Into the world. Tho youth struggles for a time, but habit and appetite prove stronger than hls resolve. In Shanghai he meets a girl he had known and loved in San Francisco, but had been too weak to claim. The spark of love Is fanned to flame, and eventually helps both of them to fight tho way back up tho ladder. DAWBON-HAMBOURG CONCERT. Peter Dawson and Mark Hambourg, the two world-famed artists, united for this tour by the youthful concert director, Mr Hugo Larsen, will give a concert In Hamilton next Wednesday night. The box plan opened this morning, and, as was only to be expected, thero was a brisk demand for soats. These groat artists have been acclaimed everywhere, and have drawn huge audiences everywhere. The opening of (ho season in Wellington was described as the most tumultuous in that city since the visit of the noted bass singer Chaliapin some years ago. So insistent was the demand for more from both the artists that almost a complete programme of encores was given, Mr Dawson singing no fower than 17 songs, and Mr Hambourg playing IS numbers in all. Writing of the Wellington opening concert a critic said: “Dawson and Hambourg held the rapt attention of a huge audience for over three hours. Hambourg’s Interpretation of the ‘Appassiouala’ Sonata was a revelation of keyboard control and individualism. With Chopin he was equally happy, displaying infinite tenderness ami sympathy. Peter Dawson aroused tremendous enthusiasm with his glorious voice and rare artistry."