ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18408, 15 August 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. CIVIC THEATRE. Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, the inimitable pair of “Cuckoos. “Half-shot at Sunrise” and “Hook, Line and Sinker,” give their comic genius free rein in “Cracked Nuts.” They move gaily through a series of ludicrously funny episodes in which sparkling dialogue adds point to the adroitness of the situations. In parts special?}' designed to suit their peculiar talents to perfection they appear as two former Brooklyn friends, each of whom, unknown to the other. Is a contender for the title of ruler of a turbulent and mythical European kingdom. Wendell Graham (Bert Wheeler), a youth with more money than sense, in order to Impress his prospective mother-in-law, finances a revolution on the condition that if It succeeds he should replace the deposed king. Zander Ulysses Parkhurst Robert Woolsey . on the other hand, has a right to the title by having defeated the original king of El Doranla at cards. The ardour of the rivals is cooled, however, when they discover that before one can assume office he must first despatch the other in a duel. The farcical story is set against a lavish background, with tho atmosphere of a European kingdom Dorothy Lee. a charming soubrettc, Edna May Oliver, the comedienne of “Cimarron.” and Leni Stengel are also / in the cast. STRAND THEATRE. The conflict between a renowned •urgeon’s duty to his exacting profession and tiic claims of his home lifi forms the theme of an intensely dramatic film in “Doctors’ Wives.” the new picture at the Strand Theatr?. Warner Baxter, the debonair actor of “In Did Arizona” and “Renegades,” is called upon for some highly emotional acting as the harassed doctor, but al no time are his dramatic talents found wanting. Joan Bennett, the thoroughly charming actress of “Disraeli” and “Scotland Yard.” gives a good performance as the uncomprehending but later penitent wife. Not the least appealing feature of the picture is the unusual nature of the plot. The requisite atmosphere has been skilfully created by the producers and some of the most recent mechanical marvels of modern science are shown in a number of the scenes. In a research laboratory are depicted an array cf devices ranging from modern X-ray diagnostic instruments to the strangest of practical and experimental science. Victor Varconi appears as the surgeon s life-long friend who falls In love with the doctor's neglected wife, and Marjorie Rambeau also has a strong role. THEATRE ROYAL. “The Lash,” has again established Richard Barthelmess as one of the finest actors on the screen. “The Lash” has everything. There Is adventure and romance, drama and comedy, history and fiction and all that any group of Individuals might select as the requisites of an all around good picture. There is hard-riding in “The Lash” and romantic love scenes to make two sighs grow where only one grew before. And the Barthelmess of “Son of the Gods” and “The Dawn Patrol” has never looked better or handsomer. Some beautiful love scenes have been incorporated in this version of the Bartlett novel of early California. Barthelmess has an excellent supporting cast including such players as Mary Astor, Marian Nixon. James Rennm, Robert Edeson, Fred Kohler, Arthur Stone. Erville Aiderson, Barbara Bedford, Leon Pedro. Tony Merlo and others. Frank Lloyd lias again submitted a superb directorial effort. His handling of the thrilling cattle stampede is one of the finest things we have ever seen. Altogether “The Lash” is splendid entertainment and should enjoy a long and prosperous ife. ROXY THEATRE. All the stirring adventures of the defiant “Don Juan” who ruled the lawless Western States of America with reckless daring live anew in “Billy the Kid,” an exhilarating adven-ture-romance. John Mack Brown gives a stimulating performance in the leading role. He has every gesture and modulation of voice for the part of the picturesque bandit who at the, age of twenty-one was regarded ?s “the mo&t dangerous man of the West" in the turbulent ’eighties. Wallace Beery appears as the sheriff, and Kay Johnson Is a charming heroine. GORDON BRYAN’S RECITAL. An unusually interesting programme has been arranged for the recital to be given at the Winter Show Hall on Tuesday night by Gordon Bryan, lha well-known English recitalist and examiner for the Associated Board of the R.A.M. and R.C.M.. London. The items will include classical and modern compositions. Mr Ernest ' Newman, England's most distinguished musical critic, recently wrote in the London Sunday Timos: “Mr Gordon Bryan Is a fine musician and an excellent pianist.” “THE WHISPERING WOOD.” An excellent entertainment, rich in witty dialogue and colourfu' scenes. Is promised In “The Whispering Wood." a three-act operetta Io be presented by the girls of the Hamilton Technical High School on Wednesday and Thursday of next week in the Theatre Royal. The story Is an adaptation of the well-known fairy taip “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” and has been specially arranged, in a setting of singing and dancing, for presentation by the girls. Tuneful music. beautiful ballets. talented principals and a strong chorus are features of * The \\ hisj ering Wo i. Half the proceeds are b. !><• devoted tn the relief of distre>». through th * Welfare Le igue. an I the i •[, nning funds will be used for school improve tnents.