ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18407, 14 August 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. THEATRE ROYAL. The story of “Temptation” tells of L irry I > mov in, i weak but lovable character, who is released from prison on i arole. To elude gangsters, who seek to lure him back to a life of ••rime, he goes to New York. During the weeks of hardship that follow fye meets and falls in love with Jiil’e Becker, a hard-working, self-support-ing girl. Julie, already engaged to a prosperous business man, Sam Gordon, lioes all in her power to dissuade Donovan, although deep in her heart she loves him. Desperate at what ho interprets as Julie's coldness, Donovan plans once more to embark on a life of crime. Julie suddenly realises that she cannot go through with her marriage with Sam; she cannot sacrifice love for material comforts. By her quick action and splendid courage Julie prevents Larry from going thrugh with his rash plans. The climax is novel and surprising. In “A Notorious Affair” beautiful Billie Dove plays the wife of a musical genius whom she struggles to ho.’d against another woman. Basil Rathbone plays opposite her as the husband. Paul Gherardi. Kay Francis, Montagu Love and Kenneth Thomson are in the supporting cast. STRAND THEATRE. In "Going Wild” Joe E. Brown, the comedian, plays the part of a newspaper man who is mistaken for the author of a famous book on aviation. Events—including his falling in love —force him to continue the pose and to agree to fly a plane in an unlimited speed race. Obviously a man who never had been in a plane bofore, like the newspaper man role Joe plays, could not be expected to do the miraculous and master aeronautical technique overnight. And thus wlmn he takes off in Hie race he flies crazily in a way to thrill audiences as well as to make them roar with laughter. Two types of love are depicted in "Man to Man.” One is the love of man and woman; the other of father and son. Phillips Holmes has the role of Hie boy, Lucille Powers of Hie sweetheart. Grant Mitchell, in the role of "Barber John,” and tlie youthful Holmes, contribute Hie love of father and son. a devotion which meets an acid test. CIVIC THEATRE.

For sheer fun of the spontaneous, rib-tickling variety few comedies of the current season excel the hilarity of "Cracked Nuts.” Based on a ludicrously funny situation, Hie picture carries its two stars, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, through a a amazing series of comic and thrilling situations. Wheeler and Woolsey are rivals for the throne of a mythical kingdom, but their enthusiasm cools when they are told that before one can attain the crown the oilier must die by public execution. Wheeler and Woolsey bring laughs with practically every 'appearance throughout the show. Dorothy Lee, rapidly becoming one of the most clever, engaging and capable Ingenues on the screen, lends admirable support. Edna May Oliver, whose characterisation of Mrs Wyatt in "Cimarron” stood out as a comedy gem, has been given another role well suited to her talents. The remainder of the cast Is excellent.

ROXY THEATRE. "The W Plan” thrilled a large audience at the Roxy Theatre last night. This is a British production, and tells a very exciting story of an international scheme to obtain possession of important plans. Intermingled with the sensational main theme are a charming romance and much, humour. An excellent cast of British players is engaged. CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT. The entertainment to be given in St. Peter’s Hall to-morrow afternoon and on Monday evening by Hie pupils and teachers of St. Peter’s Sunday School should dra\\ large audiences. A varied programme has been arranged, including vocal and piano solos, concerted numbers, nursery rhymes, ballets, etc. There will be much to interest and amuse. The funds go to a worthy cause—the provision of a children's home.