ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18850, 21 January 1933, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS.

‘LOOKING ON BRIGHT SIDE’ POPULAR GRACIE FIELDS. AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. “Looking on the Bright Side” is a delightful entertainment, not only because Of the gaiety which prevails throughout the action, but also because of the tunefulness of the musical score, which Is an integral part of the film. Then there is the likeable personality of Grade Fields. The theme is not new to picture theatre patrons, but with Miss Fields to lead the aotlon with her charm and vivacity there is a spirit of frivolity and a flavour of romance which are very appealing. In the film the popular London comedienne varies humour and sentiment with artistry, her performance being the more noteworthy because of the vocal ability displayed In such melodies as "He’s Dead, But He Won’t Lie Down,” “Looking On the Bright Side,” “You’re More Than All the World to Me," and “After Tonight We Say Good-bye.” Miss Fields’ rols Is that of a manicurist in love with a hairdresser, whose ambitions as a song writer spell dissatisfaction with his tonsoria. duties. Grade sings his compositions so well that a prominent theatrical producer, Osoar Schultz, grasps the opportunity of oapitalising them, and the hairdresser soon finds hlms#lf on the pedestal of sucoess-. His good fortune turns his head, and in his reaction to an unaccustomed affluencr and adulation he forgets the girl to whom he owed so much. How ue is brought to his senses makes an entertaining film. The audienoe leaves ihe theatre humming the lilting and happy theme song. The players who fill the supporting roles contribute in full measure to the romantic atmosphere of the story. Julian Rose’s presentation of the Jewish theatrical producer is one of the cleverest and most humorous pieces of characterisation in the picture, and Richard Dolman is a likeable juvenile lead. There is an exceptionally interesting supporting programme. Two news reels deal with recent events in various parts of the world, and there ]g an illuminating film, “How I Play Cricket,”’ in which Don Bradman, the Australian test player, demonstrates many of his batting strokes. Of outstanding note is the scenic picture, "Jewel of the Pacific,” produced and described by Mr Frank Hurley. The life and occupation of the residents of Lord Howe Island are Intimately depioted and the panoramic beauties of sea, mountain and tropical bush form a romantic background.

STRAND THEATRE. Sir Charles Ivtngsford Smith’s landing at New Plymouth after the Tasman flight will be seen on the screen at the Strand Theatre to-day, and is sure to attract . much interest. A Mickey Mouse cartoon should be another popular feature of the programme. The mad but merry Four Marx Brothers are starred in “Horse Feathers," a film that is sheer foolery, with the- bemoustached Groucho talking and punning at a terrific rate, slow-moving Chico answering in Italian dialect and occasionally playing the piano, red-wlgged Harpo chasing his blondes, and almost-nor-mal Zeppo making love to the ingenue. Grouoho is a college president who took that Job to get his son, Zeppo, out of school, where he has spent 12 years or so; Chico is the village bootlegger, and Harpo the village dogcatcher. Between them they manage to tear the college and everything else to pieces. CIVIC THEATRE. At the Civic Theatre yesterday the programme was headed by “Fireman, Save My Child,’ an amusing comedy featuring Joe E. Brown, the “bigmouthed” comedian. Mr Brown is one of the most popular players on the screen, and can always be depended upon to keep the audience chuckling. In "Fireman, Save My Child,” he Ims good scope for the display of his talents, and makes every point in the amusing situations and dialogue. The result is that the audience is thoroughly amused from the opening to the close of the film. A strong vein of romance runs through the picture, providing the necessary heart interest. In addition to Mr Brown there is a strong cast of supporting players, so that nothing is lacking to ensure success.

In view of the tremendous interest In the England-Australlan test matches the Him showing Incidents in the second test makes a vivid appeal, and is followed olosely by the audience. One of the popular Australian Cinesound Reviews proves as interesting and entertaining as ever; Mr Charles Lawrence, the announcer, is a real ■humourist. A coloured scene, “A Trip to Toyland," is very charming, and a “ Naggers ” comedy and a merry cartoon complete an entertaining programme.

ROXY THEATRE.

A double-feature programme will be screened at the Roxy Theatre today. “Letty Lynton" Is a very strong modern drama, sophisticated in theme, and holding the close attention of the audience throughout. The problems which beset Letty Lynton are told convincingly and frankly in dialogue and situations. Joan Crawford, one of the greatest actresses of the screen, appears in the title role, and Is supported by Robert Montgomery and other talented players. “Scandal for Sale” is the Intriguing title of the second feature film to be shown. The arrival of tho Southern Cross at New Plymouth will also be screened

“PLEASURE BOUND.”

WILLIAMSON’S REVUE COMPANY. This morning the lmx plans were opened for the presentation here of •‘Pleasure Bound,” the big spectacular vaudeville revue, in which Frank Neil's revuo company will make its first and only appearance here under the direction of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., at the Theatre Royal, Hamilton, on Wednesday night. The company presented no fewer than 51 performances during its season in Auckland, which is a record for that city. Since sho last appeared here. Mis?. Ella Shields has added considerably to her repertoire, and in “Pleasure (Continued in next column.)

Bound” she will present "Sing a Song of Sunshine,” ''River, Stay Away from My Door,” and “Here We Are Again. At almost every performance Miss Shields is called upon to sing “Burlington Bertie," the song Unit has made her famous the world over. Mr George Wallace is undoubtedly one of the funniest comedians New Zealand plavgocrs have enjoyed. 11m skill as a dancer, raconteur, singer of ludicrous songs, and general merrymaker is enjoyed at Us best in '■Pleasure Bound.” The Four Daring Diabolos, Continental adagio dancers, dec (rilled playgoers of Auckland by their thrilling act, ami a feature ul the production is the work of .Maunoo Diamond’s remarkably line team ot j,allot girls. Modern ballads arc sung by Miss Miriam l.eslcr, who has a delightful soprano voice. Miss Maida Jones is a blonde, who is equally accomplished as ’ .soubrot'K dancer and comedienne, while Miss Maggie Buckley and Miss Lily Molloy sing and act in numerous sketches. Messrs Murray and Walton aro two remarkably accomplished eccentric dancers who are very popular with Auckland j audiences.