ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 115, Issue 19272, 2 June 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“DUCK SOUP.” THE CRAZY MARX BROTHERS. AT THE CIVIC THEATRE. Those crazy Marx Brothers—Zeppo, Groucho, Chico and Harpo—are back again, in their latest comedy, “Duck .Soup.” The brothers gave memorable pertormances in “Animal Crackers" and “Horsefeathers,” but their latest production surpasses all their previous successes. From beginning to end of “Duck Soup” audiences are kept in continual merriment by the amusing antics of the brothers and their rapid wit.

The story deals with the adventures of the quartette in a mythical republic, Freedonia, the land of care-free dalliance and the home of the knave, which is threatened by revolution. Groucho Marx as Rufus T. Firefly becomes dictator of Freedonia, with his brother Zeppo as his secretary. The ambassador of the neighbouring State of Sylvania is anxious for a revolution in Freedonia, as a possible • means of increasing his country's territory, and with this idea in view he attempts to foment unrest in Freedoms by sending Chico and Harpo Marx as spies into Groucho’s territory. Events move quickly, the humorous situations caused by the actions of the Marx ■Brothers leaving never a dull moment for the audience. War eventually breaks out between the two States, and Harpo and Chico desert to Groucho’s forces. By a mischance the four brothers and a wealthy Freedonian widow, a Mrs Teasdale (Margaret Dumont), are besieged in an isolated house, from which they broadcast a plea for help to the whole .world. While succour, in the shape of regiments, tanks, fire brigades and motor cycle detachments is rushing to their aid, events reach a sudden climax when the Marx Brothers capture Trentino, the Sylvanian ambassador. Splendid portrayals are given by the strong supporting cast, notably Louis Calhern as the ambassador, and Margaret Dumont and Vera Marcall.

A varied supporting programme Includes an hilarious, comedy entitled “Three Little Swigs,” featuring Leon Errol, a Screen Songs feature, "I Like 'Mountain Music," and several news reels. I . .

REGENT THEATRE. * Playing the finest role of her career, Greta Garbo returns more beautiful than ever to the screen in the title role of “Queen Christina.” The picture contains a story that Miss Garbo has

had in mind for several years and for which she explored deeply into the archives of Sweden’s museums upon her last visit to her homeland. “Queen Christina” is the story of Sweden’s glamorous regent of the seventeenth century, who sacrificed her country and her throne for love and religious motives. As portrayed by Miss Garbo she is a seventeenth century woman who might have lived in the twentieth century. The picture relates how Christina, besieged on all sides by wars, obtains peace for her country against the wishes of Sweden’s triumphant armies. She meets Antonio, the handsome Spanish envoy (played by John Gilbert), and falls madly in love with him. Their love affair irks the entire nation. They demand that Christina marry Prince Charles, who is of her religious belief, and the Queen eventually is compelled to expel her lover from the country. The woman, however, wins (jut over the queen, and Christina abdicates to follow Antonio, only to find that he has been slain in a due© Finally Christina is seen sailing away from her homeland.

THEATRE ROYAL. “The Kennel Murder Case” is an exciting mystery play, and shows how Philo Vance, the well-known detective of literature and film, sheets home the crime to the murderer. Archer Coe is found dead in his bedroom with a revolver in his hand and not a sign of a struggle and with the door locked. He has a bullet in his brain and a scalp abrasion. The police consider it a case of suicide until Philo Vance walks into the scene, and through a series of deductions proves that it is a murder and not a suicide, and then proceeds to discover the murderer. Not only is “The Kennel Murder Case” one of the most mysterious of all Van Dine’s stories, in which seven persons are found to have both a motive for the crime and an opportunity to have committed it, but it carries a strange love tangle which is eventually unravelled by Vance. The picture has a strong cast in support of William Powell, and includes such noted players as Mary Astor, Eugene Pallette, Ralph Morgan, Helen Vinson, Jack La Rue, Paul Cavannaugh, Robert Barrat, Arthur Hohl and Henry O’Neill. ROXY THEATRE.

Two feature films will be screened at the Roxy Theatre to-day, and should provide good entertainment for the holiday week-end. “Only Yesterday” is a strong comedy-drama, with highly romantic situations, interesting dialogue, many dramatic scenes, and touches of humour. A cast of talented players is engaged. The second attraction is “The Crosby Case,” another interesting story that holds the attention of the audience throughout.

POUESHNOFF—HORACE STEVENS. Hamilon will very shortly have the privilege of a visit from Pouishnoff, that perfect master of the keyboard, and his colleague vocalist, Horace Stevens, who created such a furore in Australia, and are now having a wonderful season in Auckland. No fewer than 14 appearances were made by these artists in Melbourne alone, in the gigantic Festival of Music arranged by the enterprising Hugo Larsen, director of the tour. “Noble in Bach, titanic and convincing in Liszt, intimate and magical in Chopin,” is how the Melbourne Age hailed Pouishnoff, while the Sun said: “Pouishnoff ranged himself among the absolutely great pianists' Melbourne has known."

Horace Stevens needed no introduction to Australian audiences on his return to his native land, laden with honours from all the great concert halls of the world. “An aristocrat of the voice,” said the Melbourne Sun. “Every item was a gem,” said the Herald. . Mr Hugo Larsen claims that only a section of the music-loving public can get the maximum pleasure from hearing one artist perform the whole evening. In arranging the tour of Pouishnoff and Horace Stevens he has kept in mind that immense public who ask for variety in their enteitainment, and in these two world-famous men he has the artists who are eminently qualified to supply this want. The Hamilton concert will take place on Monday, June 11, at the Theatre Royal.