ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18651, 1 June 1932, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. 3 oivio theatre. “Her Majesty Love” contains entertaining song and dance numbers, much clever fun and an enchanting love storv. It tells of a barmaid who becomes affianced to a rich young man, who is persuaded by his family to break the match for the sake of his oareer. Much against his will he accedes to their wishes, while his heartbroken sweetheart, at the promptings of her father, marries an aged and much-divorced count. marriage is scarcely an hour old, however, before the lovers are reunited. The plot provides ample scope for some very fine acting, and the tale is made the vehicle for continuous and delicious humour. There is also some delightful singing and dancing, Marilyn Miller in particular charming everyone in her contributions. , _ Tin Miss Miller plays the part of Lia Toerrek, the cabaret barmaid, in a oharmihg way, and by the simple sweetness of her manner holds the sympathy of the audience throughout. Ben Lyon, as Fred von Wellingen, the rich junior director of a large manufacturing firm, gives a convincing and finished performance. W. C. Fields, as the father of Lia, Ford Sterling, who plays the part of Fred’s brother, and Chester Conklin, are responsible for a great deal of the humour. As a good laughter tonic “Her Majesty Love" is to be commended.

BTRAND THEATRE. British comedy talkies have a charm of their own, and the British International production, “The Love Race, which will open a season at the Strand Theatre to-day, is no exception to the rule. It contains a running fire of Wit, and the enthusiastic manner in which each member of the cleverly-constructed oast plays his part adds to the charm of the rollicking comedy. The film was directed by Lupino Lane, the well-known comedian, and he succeeds in producing a picture that is full of absurd situations, comic remarks and laughable turns. Stanley Lupino has the leading role, and he is capably supported. According to a critic, “The Love Raoe" is a succession of smiles, giggles, and guffaws. He continues: "No one can possibly see it wdthout enjoying to the full the fast-moving fun and wit that have made a great name for British comedies. Lupino himself provides enough amusement for the average comedy, but In conjunction with several other almost equally clever comedians he rises to great heights; in fact, if any fault can be found with his acting or that of his comrades it is that some of the smart, witty dialogue is lost In the audience’s laughter.

THEATRE ROYAL. *■ Eminent critics are unable to agree which of the two famous- Barrymore brothers, Lionel and John, gives the better performance in “Arsene Lupin,’ Iho exciting melodrama in which they appear on the audible screen together for the first time. Campbell Dixon, Him critic for the London Daily Telegraph, says: “They are perfect foils, with Lionel, playing with his brother for the first time In his long and distinguished career, having a shade the belter of the duel.” On the other hand, Ewart Hodgson, in the London Dally Express, comments: “As I judge acting, John Barrymore emerges from the struggle a winner on points. He acts with greater ease. Hlg range of expressions Is wider. He is not afflicted by mannerisms." Mordaunt Hall, film oritic for the New York Times, says: “Lionel, like his handsome brother, does a great deal to give to the production a pleasing reality combined with an adroit vein of amusement. Never for a single instant Is either of these distinguished players off key." Tully Marshall and John Marshall are other members of the cast. The popular comedians Laurel and Hardy will head the supporting, programme in “Helpmates." '

ROXY THEATRE. “Mother's Millions" presents a highly diverting and at times strongly dramatic story of folk who had to fight for their wealth for their own happiness. The leading figure is .a fabulously wealthy women with *a fighting heart, who beats the crooked manipulators of millions at their own game. But hers is a fight for tho happiness of others, and the manner in which her triumph is reached forms one of the most entertaining talking pictures of recent vveoks. The picture was written especially for May Robson, beloved character star of the legitimate stage. Others In the cast of screen favourites are Frances Dade, James Hall, Lawrence Gray and Edmund Breese.