ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19364, 18 September 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. , THEATRE ROYAL. “Looking for Trouble” is well ; written round the life and work of j telephone “trouble men”—iSpencer Tracey as the experienced hand and Jackie Oakie as his working j partner. Whether up among the i wires, in a night club, or in a private j office or house, these two always | strike more trouble than the mere faults of a huge telephone system in a big city. And they make it enter- | taining. When they are not rectifying telephone trouble they are in trouble with the girls. The production gives some thrilling situations, particularly when Tracey's rival turns criminal and ■causes trouble for the heroes. The climax of the him, a terrible earthquake which involves the one person who can clear Tracey’s sweetheart of murder, is exciting and breath-taking. 'Constance 'Cumming and Arline Judge ■have the principal feminine roles. “LAZY RIVER.” There can be nothing more galling :o a would-be blackmailer than to find, after he has gone to a good deal of trouble, that his intended victim has become practically 'bankrupt, and that all the threatening in the .world would I not gain a penny, dn such a position did William Orexel find himself in “Lazy River," to be screened to-mor-row. All through the picture there Is a great deal of fun occasioned by the antics of two “toughs.” STATE THEATRE 'Richard Dix plays the title role of the romantic melodrama “Stingaree," and Irene Dunne plays the other principal role, in which she has a chance to display her beautiful singing voice. “Stingaree” is a dashing and debonair bandit who terrorised the countryside round Melbourne in 1870. He was strongly reminiscent of Robin Hood and spent his spare time composing music. The story, adapted from the popular "Stingaree” series by E. W. Hornung, author of “Raffles,” deals with a great love between the bandit and an opera singer, which commences when he comes to rob the home where the girl occupies the position of a humble relative and servant. The bandit kidnaps her and escapes to his mountain lair through a cordon of mounted police, who are sworn to kill him. By sacrificing his liberty, he starts the singer on her road to fame. “AUNT SALLY.” Catchy songs, lilting tunes and exceptionally clever dancing, as a background to the antics of the inimitable Cicely Courtneidge, make “Aunt Sally,” to be screened to-morrow, one of tlie funniest and most spectacular English pictures yet seen. Accompanying all the stage spectacles, the famous Debroy Somers Band gives a 'splendid performance. The tunes and choruses introduced include “You Ought, to See Sally on Sunday,” “We’ll All Co Riding on a Rainbow,” “My Wild Oat” and “If I Had 'Napoleon’s Hat.” REGENT THEATRE. Thrills and laughter are provided by “The Thin .Man,” one of the most delightful of the year’s releases. Seldom have mystery, comedy and suspense been combined so artistically. William Powell, in his second starring feature, surpasses any of his splendid ■portrayals of the past; Myrna Loy, reveals hitherto unexpected talents as a comedienne; Maureen O'Sullivan and Nat Pendleton head a splendid cast of featured players. And “Astra” the dog Is the cutest canine conceivable. “The Thin Man" is the picturisation of •Dashiell Hammett’s best seller. As a retired detective Powell goes to New York with his wife for the holidays. There, against his will, he becomes involved in a triple murder mystery which remains a baffling, bewildering problem until the very last reel. "OPERATOR 13.” "Operator 13,” to be screened tomorrow, abounds in thrilling moments, in scenes of tense drain a and vivid romance. As a spy, 'Marion Davies causes Ihc death of hundreds of men, and among them The man who was to have been wedded that very night to Ihe daughter of the house in which she is staying as a guest. The audience felt the tragedy of her position. Gary Cooper plays opposite Miss Davies with complete success.

CIVIC THEATRE. An excellent mixture of comedy, melody and beauty, “Melody in Spring” presents that reliable comedy team of Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland, a new romantic singing personality, Lanny Ross, and the beautiful Ann ■Sothern. The story involves Ruggles, a wealthy dog-biscuit manufacturer, who sponsors the nation’s biggest radio hour; Miss Boland, his wife; Miss Sothern, his daughter; and Ross, a 'hopeful tenor, anxious to get on the radio programme. Both men have hobbies, which get them Into hilarious difficulties, Ruggles being a collector of antiques and souvenirs, while Ross climbs mountains. “Ending With a Kiss,” “Melody in Spring,” and “The Open Road,” are sung by Mr Ross, who possesses a pleasing tenor voice. STRAND THEATRE, MORRINSVILLE. “The Masquerader,” featuring Ronald Colman, will head the new programme at the 'Strand Theatre, Morrinsville, to-day. As a play, “The Masquerader” was a great success when staged in New Zealand some years ago by Guy Bates Post, and as a film it proves even more successful. It tells an intriguing story of a British member of Parliament who, through drink and drugs, becomes a physical wreck, and whose place is taken by a cousin, Who bears an uncanny likeness to him. Intensely dramatic Incidents develop owing to the strange impersonation, but everything ends happily. Ronald 'Colman gives a striking dual impersonation as the two men—one ca weakling, the other a strong man—and is supported by an excellent cast. ROXY THEATRE. “ The Crime on ihe Hill,” a British picture, will be screened at the Roxy Theatre to-day. Five people are murdered, and the hunt for Ihe murderer provides one of the most exciting stories brought to the screen. There are plenty of thrills, a charming romance, and some comedy touches to relieve the tension. The strong cast includes Sally Blane, Judy Kelly, Sir Nigel Playfair, Jimmie Godden, and other well-known players.