ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18877, 22 February 1933, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES.

CIVIC THEATRE. In “Lord Babs’’ the British film version of Keble Howard’s hilarious farce, Bobby Howes has one of the most amusing parts in his brilliant career. As an incompetent steward on board a ship, inheriting a title and £20,000 a year, his efforts to evade a match-making papa are excruciating, especially when, as a last resource, lie feigns to lie afflicted with mental regression. His infantile antics are not the least diverting highlights of a succession of laugh-provoking situations. Bobby Howes is supported by an exceptionally strong cast, which includes such favourites as Jean Colin, Alfred Drayton, Pat Paterson, Clare Greet, Hugh Dempster and Arthur Chesney. “Lord Babs” Is essentially a picture for present times, because it is impossible for anyone to see it without indulging in a good wholesome laugh.

THEATRE ROYAL. The Initial screening at the Theatre Royal to-day of “Too Busy to Work” will doubtless be received with acclamation by large audiences. The film affords excellent entertainment. "Too Busy to Work” is notable for the outstanding contribution of Will Rogers, lie takes full advantage of the type of philosophy with which his role is invested and his characterisation should gain him mors admirers. Adapted from the story "Jubilo,” by Ben Ames Williams, “Too Busy to Work" has all the elements of an audible screen success, and holds the close attention of the audience throughout with its comedy, romance and dramatic action. Marion Nixon is a charming heroine and the rest of the cast give good support.

STRAND THEATRE. “The Phantom President" is an intensely amusing political comedy, featuring George M. Cohan, Claudette Colbert and Jimmy Durante. The picture deals with an election campaign, with Mr Cohan making his talking picture debut after a quarter of a century of stage success, In a dual role — a candidate lacking personality to win votes and a medicine showman hired to impersonate him beoause be is not only very like him but a personalityoozing figure. All goes well until the showman discovers the candidate is not straight and that he is himself in love with Miss Colbert, the candidate’s girl. Then an amusing and dramatic climax ensues. Durante is cast as the showman’s pal, a comic figure who aids in the campaign.

‘TES3 OF THE STORM COUNTRY.”

As the flery-tempered daughter of an elderly sea-captain, Janet Gaynor presents a brand-neAv type of characterisation in "Tess of the Storm Country,” her latest picture,- in which she is co-starred with Charles Farrell. Opening at the Strand Theatre next Friday, the film is said to be the most thrilling of all the Gaynor-Farrell offerings, and has a notable supporting cast. ,

ROXY THEATRE. “A Bill of Divorcement," the new screen offering at the Roxy Theatre, is the powerful story of conflicting sacrifices and conflicting loves of two women hound to the life of a .man. The central character of this starring picture is played by John Barrymore. Billie. Burke and Katharine Hepburn are in support, and othefs of note are in the large cast.