ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18930, 27 April 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“THE HALF-NAKED TRUTH” AT THE STRAND THEATRE. The sudden rise of an unknown side-show dancer to a famou# stage actress is the main theme of The Half-naked Truth.” Lee Tracey gives a splendid portrayal as an enterprising showman who, by one of his many publicity schemes, raises an insignificant side show dancer (Lupe Velez) to fame, only to dash her down again when she thought that she was in a position to spurn his further aid. Lupe \elez is the ideal I type for her role, as a tawdry sideshow dancer, and is equally delightful In the part of “Princess Exotica,” the name she assumes when she becomes a prominent stage actress. A splendid performance is given byEugene Pallette, who, as Achilles, is largely responsible for the comedy wh'ch pervades the film. An excellent portrayal is also given by Frank Morgan, who takes the part of Merle Farrell, a producer. The story revolves around the efforts of James Bates to make Teresita famous, which l he succeeds in doing, by one of his ! audacious publicity schemes. Suci oessful, Bates wants to marry Tere- : slta, who, proud of her stupendous i success, rebuffs him, with the result 1 that Bates uses another ingenious | publicity scheme to ruin her oareer. i Achilles, meantime, has returned to ! the side-show business and engages | Teresita in her former role. The business, however, Is in serious straits and Achilles, in desperation, urges Bates to help him out. Bates, who has established a thriving publicity business in New York, cannot withstand the plea of his former comrade and, returning he is reconciled to Teresita. THEATRE ROYAL. The mystery and intrigue of the Orient, are the dominant features of “The Mask of Fu Manohu." In it a small band of Englishmen Is seen in a desperate battle of wits with the notorious Chinaman and his fanatical followers. The story is told of an expedition from the British Museum setting forth into the Gobi Desert to find the lost tomb of the great Genghlz Khan. The bloodthirsty Fu Manchu is engaged.in the same quest, seeking the golden mask and sword of the fereat hero of the Orient in the belief that they are symbols of world power. One by one members of the exploring party fall into his power and death In a multiplicity of horrible forms stares them In the face. There is a crashing finale full of aotion and excitement. Boris Karloff, now regarded as Hollywood’s greatest delineator or “uncanny’' roles, gives the character of Fu Manchu a new ■significance. He is a figure of demoniacal strength. Outstanding in the support cast are Karen Morley, as a girl member of the exploring party; Lewis Stone, as head of the Secret Service; Myrna Loy, as Fu Manchu’s daughter; and Jean Hersholt, who wields an excavator’s shovel better than any coolie. Some If the Chinese interior settings are magnificent and the scene inside the tomb of Genghlz Khan is a fine piece of piotorial Imagination. CIVIC THEATRE. “Letters of Fire,” a melodrama of tabloid journalism starring Edward G. Robinson, impressed audiences at the Civic Theatre to-day. Those who have seen It agree that the star tops his performances in “Little Caesar” and “Smart Money.” His portrayal of the managing editor of a scandal sheet, who finally rebels against the policy of the paper to wreck lives for the sake of boosting circulation, is dynamic and intensely human. The brilliant support includes Marian Marsh, FI. B. Warner, Anthony Bushed, George E. Stone, Frances Starr, Ona Munson, Boris Karloff, Robert Elliott, Aline MacMah'on, David Torrence, Evelyn Hall and Harold Waldridge. A second attraction, “The Play ■Girl," marks the return .to the screen of 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 inGEORGE ARLISS TO-MORROW. In “The King's Vacation" (to be screened at the Civic Theatre tomorrow) George Arllss takes the part of a king. Tills picture deals with the political troubles of a small European kingdom during a period of strife and depression. Contrary to the usual stories of this type, Mr Arless gives up his throne in this picture in favour of the republic, and leads the life of a retired gentleman, whence the picture gets its title. ROXY THEATRE. An atmosphere of eerie thrills has been cleverly captured in “ The Ghost Train," a film version of the great stage success. Jack Ilulbert, the comical janitor of “Sunshine Susie," is included in the cast with Cicely Courtneidge. A deserted railway station in Cornwall forms an appropriate background. "The Doomed Battalion” tells a thrilling story of a friendship between Luis Trenker and Victor Varconi. Over his friendship the dark cloud of war casts its shadow, and the friends are called to the colours of their nations. A series of dramatic incidents build up to a climax packed with suspense.