ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19066, 3 October 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES

CIVIC THEATRE. A brilliant, lovable young doctor whose other self is a maniacal monster, terrifying an entire city—that is “Dr Jekyll and 'Mr Hyde," one of the most thrilling dramas brought to the screen. Under the direction of Paramount a new dramatisation of ‘‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” was written especially for screen production with Frederic March in the title role and Miriam Hopkins and Rose Hobart in the leading 'feminine roles. This blood-curdling drama depicts the dual personality of a great character. It is the strangest- most shivery character in all theatredom’s history. ‘‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde” tells of the romantic, beloved physician who loses and regains control of himself at will, becoming, in the fearsome shadows of the night, a loathsome monster seeking demoniac pleasures.

ROXY THEATRE. '-There are few more popular comedians than Joe E. Brown, and his return to the Roxy Theatre to-night in “Tenderfoot” will doubtless prove a very welcome event. In this film the “big-mouth” comedian opportunities, and his funmaking keeps the audience in merry mood from beginning to end. Not only is there plenty of fun, but there is a charming romance and a touch of sentiment.

THEATRE ROYAL. In “Fra Diavolo” melodious and amusing comic opera, Dennis King is heard .in several stirring musical numbers, supported by a splendidly-trained chorus of 150 voices. The song of the bandit chief, Fra Diavolo, is particularly fine. Hardly less colourful and tuneful are the other numbers, notably "Lady Pame'a,” "Drink for Joy Bestowing,” “Robbery Song,’ “Victoria,” and “Proudly and Wide My Standard Flies." Graceful dances and clever comedians, scenes of lo\e and laughter, and picturesque backgrounds combine to make a delightfully romantic story. As Fra Diavolo (the Devil’s Brother) Dennis King is seen in the picturesque role of a brigand-marquis. Thelma Todd as Lady Pamela appears as a lady charmed by the masquerading robber. Most of the humour and hilarity emanates from Stanlio and Ollio (Laurel and Hardy. Forced to join Diavolo’s gang after having been waylaid and robbed, these two simple souls are inimitab’e as the servants of the bandit chief. “ MELODY 'CRUISE." Breezy, racy, rollicking comedy is the essential ingredient in the new programme to be screened on Thursday. in “ Melody Cruise” those who enjoy bright entertainment are well catered for. “ Melody Cruise,” for ■something like an hour and a-half, carries the audience on a trip from Los Angeles to New York, but the sea trip itself is nothing to what takes

place when unexpected situations begin to arise because a millionaire “playboy” begins to fall in love with several good-looking young ladies on board. From beginning to end the story sweeps along merrily in syncopated tempo, the while typical noises of a great city become Nature’s own trap-drummers. As a musical production “ Melody Cruise” contains much that makes it a really first-class picture. ■ _

STRAND THEATRE. “Reunion in Vienna,” a penetrating, sophisticated and cynical commentary on royalty in exile reveals Robert E Sherwood as one of the most brilliant contemporary satirists. Diana Wynyard, fresh from lier triumph in “Cavalcade,” and John Barrymore, in a part which gives exuberance full rein. act as they have never acted before. The story deals with the fallen Hapsburg monarchy, and the settings are fittingly regal and luxurious. But the outstanding element in the production is sophisticated comedy, in which John Barrymore is supreme in mirthmaking situations. In striking contrast is the characterisation by Diana Wynyard of the one-time lover, still deeply devoted to the royal person • age, but now married to an eminent psychiatrist with whose dogmas there are many clashes. Then there are the fine character studies by Frank Morgan, Henry Travers and Una Merkel.

DRAMA FESTIVAL. Last week’s Drama Festival provided one of the most interesting and enjoyable entertainments given in Hamilton, and its continuation at.the Winter Show Hall next Thursday night is sure to draw another large audience. Three one-act plays well be presented —“Maker of Dreams,” by the St. George Dramatic Club; “The Man Who Came Back,” by the Playbox; and “The Young Idea," by the Playreaders. McLachlan’s ‘orchestra will again provide the incidental music.