ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18619, 23 April 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“MATA HARI.”

GARBO AS GLAMOROUS SPY. AT THE STRAND THEATRE. “Mata Hart” provides the most brilliant of all screen actresses, Greta Garbo, with a role unlike anj tiring she has previously attempted. she appears as a Eurasian dancer, using her conquests in war-time Paris to serve her ends as a member of the German secret service. To her, men betray the secrets of their country, for her, men go to meet a firing squad in the dawn with their lips firmly sealed. Then into her life comes a young Russian officer who has flown across enemy lines and is ordered iO return with secret despatches. Like the others, he is ensnared and his country’s secrets stolen from him, and then she realises that love for once has come into her life. It is a role that might easily lapse into the heroics of melodrama, but in Greta Garbo's hands it is safe from such treatment. Dignity and restraint are combined with that languorous charm which is her foremost characteristic. She is seductive as the dancer who oan make slaves of men; she is the competent woman of affairs as the German agent feigning love for a general of the Russian army; as the woman who finds love she is wistful, pathetic figure; and as the woman who farewells her blind lover and marches with a firing squad into the dawn of the morning she is the personification of sublime dignity and courage. There is everything to marvel at in the completeness of Garbo’s portrayal. Nor must there be forgotten the brilliant work of the supporting cast. Ramon Novarro is a satisfying romantic lead, and laurels once more are gained by Lionel Barrymore as the Rusisan general, slave to the brandy bottle and a dancer’s charms. lie sketches a sinister figure with the broad, sweeping strokes of an artist. It is a magnificent piece of work. Admirable, too, are the characterisations given by Lewis Stone as a German agent, and Alec. J 3. Francis as an old lawyer.

“Pearls and Devilfish” is a thrilling supporting picture, showing a diver being attacked by a devilfish and his gallant rescue.

CIVIC THEATRE. Ever since its command screening before the Prince of Wales in London, the British comedy production, “Mischief,” has received most enthusiastic reports from critics, reviewers, the public and rival producers. There can be little doubt that it is an excellent example of what good British directors can get out of British stars and British authors. For “Mischief” comes from the facile pen of Ben Travers, and the film version, now delighting large audiences at the Civic Theatre, stars Ralph Lynn in one of his funniest roles. Winifred Shotter, another popular British player, tops the supporting cast, which includes Kenneth Kove, Jack Hobbs (comedian only), Maud Gill, Jean Stuart and Bromley Davenport. Although opening somewhat leisurely, the film later speeds up, working through a whirl of great fun to a furious climax. Owing to the fact that the season cannot be extended, two sessions will be held to-night, in addition to the matinee screening.

theatre royal. “Grumpy," for years a great stage hit, and even more successful as a talkie, will commence a return season at the Theatre Royal to-day, with Cyril Maude repeating his fine performance in the 'title role. The story of the presumably old curmudgeon, whose harsh exterior hides a very warm heart, is very appealing, and gives full scope for the display of Mr Maude’s great gifts as an actor, lie is thoroughly convincing in the dramatic scenes and gives delightful point to the- comedy which lightens the tension frequently. A charming romance develops during the action, and the old man plays a great part in bringing happiness to the lovers. “Grumpy" Is a classic of stage and screen, and should be seen by all lovers ol’ artistic work. An entertaining programme of “shorts” will also be screened.

ROXY THEATRE. ‘‘■Clancy In Wall Street," which will head the new programme at the Roxy Theatre to-day, features the popular comedian Charles Murray. As the title Implies, It tells of an Irishman's adventures among the big speculators of Wall Street, and Is a hilarious comedy, In which Mr Murray, as usual, comes out on top. The fun is fast and furious and there- is much romance. The supporting programme la full of interest.