ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18929, 26 April 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES. STRAND THEATRE. A clever portrayal by Lee Traoy In the role of a publicity expert Is the •salient feature of “ The Half-naked Truth," which heads the new programme at the Strand Theatre. So entertaining Is he that Hamilton filmgoers will await his further appearanoe In films with interest. Aoting In conjunction with Lee Traoy are Lupe Yelez, .the dynamic Mexican actress, the comioal and rotund Eugene Pallette, and Frank Morgan, who appeared In “ Secrets of the Frenoh Police.’’ Lupe Velez, as a dancer who is raised to stardom by ■the efforts of the astute advertising man, has a role ideally suited to her temperament, and Eugene Pallette haa never been funnier than as Achilles, the “ strong man ” or a variety show. THEATRE ROYAL. Fu Manohu, Sax Rohmer’s sinister Oriental character, makes another appearance on the screen in "The Mask •of Fu Manohu,” the thrilling new production which heads the programme at the Theatre Royal. Boris Karloff, of “ Frankenstein,” is sufficiently evil as the Chinese Emperor whose terrible mission is the extermination of the white race. The sinister Chinese captures the members of a British expedition Into the Gobi Desert and threatens them with death and torture. The objeot of the expedition, ithe discovery of the golden mask and sword of Ghengis Khan, clashes with the ambition of Fu Manohu and he resorts'to desperate and terrible measures to consummate bis aims. Lewis Stone has been allotted a prominent part In the film as head of the Seoret Servdoe, while Karen Morley is seen to advantage as the heroine.

CIVIC THEATRE. A double-feature programme will be screened at the Clvio Theatre tonight. “ Letters of Fire ” tells an Intensely dramatlo story, with the interest kept at fever heat throughout. It provides many thrills, and is filled with romance and drama, with many comedy touches. Edward Robinson gives a splendid performance in the leading role, and is well supported by Marian Marsh and H. B. Warner. “The Play Girl" marks the .return to the screen o’f Winnie Lightner, who first won popularity In " The Gold-diggers,” and also in the strong cast is beautiful Loretta Young. It is a bright production, In which humour predominates, but there is plenty of romance and appealing human interest. GEORGE ARLISS ON FRIDAY. No one oan accuse Mr George Arllss of not being versatile, for during the time he has been making talking pictures be has portrayed various characters, including a statesman, business man, and a musician, and now In his latest picture, "The King's Vacation ” (to be screened at the Civic Theatre on Friday) be takes the part of a king. This picture deals with •the political troubles of a small European kingdom dining a period of strife and depression. Contrary .to the usual stories of this type, Mr Ariess gives up his throne In this picture in favour of the republic, and leads the life of ri retired gentleman, whence the picture gets Its title. ROXY THEATRE. An atmosphere of eerie thrills bas been cleverly captured In “ The Ghost Train,” a film version of the great stage success, to be screened at the Roxy Theatre to-night. Jack iHulbert, the comical janitor of “ Sunshine Susie," is Included In the oast with Cicely Courtneidge. A deserted railway station in Cornwall formsvan appropriate background.