ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18723, 25 August 1932, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. theatre royal. / The poignant spectacle of an inarticulate but quite sincere young man of the masses lighting against the obstacles of misunderstanding is "vividly portrayed -by James Dunn in his latest romantic drama, ‘ Society Girl,” which opened last night at the Theatre Royal. Peggy Shannon has the title role and Spencer Tracy is featured in support. Dunn’s innate honesty of characterisation, the quality he so impressively demonstrated in ‘‘Bad Girl,” is again his chief charm in this interesting study of manners and morals as they ire contrasted between the four hundred and the four million. Peggy Shannon brings an unusual society girl- to the production in that she knows both how to talk and act as a pampered pet of the elite. The third member of the featured cast, Spencer Tracy, whose record for the past season includes such sterling performancs as ‘‘Disordrly Conduct” and “Young America,” again clearly demonstrates that he is one of the screen’s most forceful personalities. The remainder of the cast, including Walter Byron, the distinguished Plnglish player; Bert Hanlon, the comedian; and Marjorie Gatson, contribute much to the keen interest of the picture. Sidney .Lanefield directed the picture, which is the film version of the John Larkin, jun., play of the same name.CIVIC THEATRE. “The Man Who Played God,” which has made such a vivid impression, will be screened for the last time tonight. Never has George Arliss had a harder task, and never has he accomplished it so brilliantly. Compared with that of Royale, the great musician, his characterisations in his other productions were almbst simple and straightforward. In every detail the star’s performance is a polished one; flawless in its truth and compelling in Its power. In addition it is his most unusual and daring role to date, but by “daring" is not implied the usual screen idea of sex and ultra-sophisti-cation. Based on a most ingenious idea, an idea that has probably never before been utilised on the screen, the plot is logically and brilliantly developed. ' JACKIE COOPER TO-MORROW. “When a Fellow Needs a Friend” is the title of the film to be screened to-morrow. It is an appealing story, with the wonderful child actor Jackie Cooper giving a splendid performance, and Chic Sale in one of those old-man Impersonations which he has made famous on stage and ecreen. STRAND THEATRE. A thrilling murder mystery, with muoh romance and some humour, is the theme of “The Silent Witness.” The murdered man, Herbert Folsom, it develops at the investigation which is conduoted immediately, had many enemies who had reasons for wishing him dead. There was his wife, for instance, who wanted her freedom so that she should marry another. He found separation Without divorce highly convenient to a man of his philandering habits, and refused. There was the brother of the girl who killed herself because Folsom could not marry her if he would. There was the thug he hired as a bodyguard and valet and framed for theft. And there was ? Una Merkel plays the role of a girl in a neighbouring apartment who becomes part of the plot when William Collier, jun., breaks into her apartment in trying to get away from the scene of the murder. Collier is arrested on circumstantial evidence, but the girl believes him innocent, and it is her intuition that guides her in finally solving the mystery. Zasu Pitts has one of her usual comedy roles as the switchboard operator who couldn’t keep a date with her boy friend because the excitement kept her on duty at the board. “The Silent Witness” is one of the season’s best thrillers. ROXY THEATRE. "Carnival Boat,” to head the new programme at Ihe Roxy Theatre tonight, is a thrilling mystery drama, telling an unusual story, and tilled with romance, action, and humour. It •holds the interest of the audience from beginning to end. An excellent oast of players Is engaged.