ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18946, 16 May 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES.

THEATRE ROYAL,

Thrilling entertainment will bo offered patrons of the Theatre Royal to-day, when “The Monkey’s Paw” will open a season. It is the screen adaptation of W. W. Jacobs’ weilkn'own short story, and the 111 m is a faithful representation of the tale which has thrilled hundreds of readers. In graphic fashion, for the photography is splendid, the film recounts the fateful effects on the lives of an English family caused by a monkey’s paw, which has magic properties. Given by an Indian fakir to an English soldier, the paw will grant any'wish of its owner, and the talking play lakes an amazing and terrifying turn when the paw is stolen by John White, a timid and elderly clerk. A feature of the supporting programme wll be the screening of “Easy street," a synchronised Charlie Chaplin comedy.

CIVIC THEATRE,

Winifred Shotter, the demure heroine of many Aldwyeh Theatre farces, has never been more charming than in “The Love Contract," which will be screened at the Civic Theatre to-day. It is a film with a universal appeal. Winifred Shotter appears as a wealthy girl who is ruined by the manipulations on the stock exchange of Neville Carrington, a part played with distinction by Owen Nares. The pair ‘meet when Carrington arrives to inspect the girl’s house, of which he is a tentative purchaser, and, intrigued by the spirit of his victim, he offers her a position as his chauffeur. -The girl accepts, but the stipulation _is made that if she retains tier position for three months she will retain possession of her house, and the way is paved for a plot replete with interest and intriguing situations.

STRAND THEATRE

A notable cast interprets “Smilin” Through,” the sincere production which is drawing large audiences to the Strand Theatre. Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard play the leading roles with distinction, and there are also Fredric March, Beryl Mercer, 0. p peggie. the well-known character actor, Ralph Forbes and Forrester Harvey. “Smilin’ Through” is the talking picture version of the silent film which was such a great success, and combines romance, pathos and humour very convincingly. The settings are. unusually effective. Norma Shearer contributes a portrayal that, is Uni 1] whimsical and charming, and her frocks are very beautiful.

ROXY THEATRE,

Very good fun, which means excellent enlerlainment, distinguishes “Jack’s the Boy.” This merry story cf a Police. Commissioner (Jack llul•bert) who, regarded as a time waster by his father, resolved to tell the whole world —which, of course, has London as its centre- —that he possessed brains and acumen, .is one long delight. Unknown to liis father, Jack Brown joins the fo-ee, and, assisted by llie Ir.itlcr, is able k. camouflage his actions and constant disappearances so successfully that for six months his father is ignorant of his presence in tlie force.

“CINDERELLA.”

J. C. WILLIAMSON PANTOMIME

.T. C. Williamson’s company will stage that, most, popular of all pantomimes, “Cinderella,” on Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock and evening at 7.4:>. Colour, pageantry, music and animal acting—the well-remembered features

of the old-time pantomime—are cleverly combined in this production with the modern developments of genuine comedy and vaudeville specialties to make a joyous occasion for young and old alike from the ageold nursery romance of Cinderella and Prince Charming. George Wallace is said to be at his best in the role of Buttons, and Syd. Beck, a famous pantomime comedian, is genuinely humorous in the character of the Dame. Miss Josie Melville is one of the daintiest artists who has ever appeared in New Zealand, and she has achieved a triumph in the part of Cinderella. Miss Miriam Lester is the possessor of an e-xcellent soprano voice, and she has a number of tuneful numbers attached to the character of Prince Charming. Messrs Murray and Walton created a furore in Auckland by their representations of a horse, and so did Maurice Diamond as the Cat. Others in the cast are Cliff O’Keefe (the Demon King), Billy Maloney (Minnie Mum), • Dorothy Dewar (Dandini), Maida Jones (Goldy Locks), Sara Stockpoole (the Fairy Queen), and Maurice Barling (Baron Hardup). The outstanding features are the amazingly agile Cleveres, five international acrobats, and the New Big Four. The army of children performers and Maurice Diamond’s Beauty Ballet will present some original ballets, and other features are the scenery, dresses and lighting, effects. The afternoon performance will be exactly similar to that staged in the evening. The box plans will be opened at v o’clock on Friday morning. As the performance is a lengthy one the even ing performance will commence at 7.45.