ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19399, 27 October 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. * STATE THEATRE. Treating an age-old marriage problem In an entirely new and original way, “Sour Grapes" shows how 'the dying spark of romance is rekindled and glows with a steadier flame. Chagrined by her husband’s waning romantio Interest, the wife of the story looks afield for sympathy and understanding in a much younger man. Flattered by her Interest In him, this youth, who Is engaged to a girl of his own age, becomes madly infatuated with the wife, and vows undying devotion. The wife, as deluded as her new-found flame, becomes convinced that her happiness lies with him. When she informs her husband of this state of affairs the plot takes an original twist, and surprising events follow in rapid succession and with dramatic effect. As the husband and wife, Brook and Miss Wynyard star in “Sour Grapes,” supported by Helen Vinson, Irene Ilervey, Theodore Newton and Arthur Iloyt.

i REGENT THEATRE. ' An amusing escapade of the great Florentine goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini, forms the basis of “The Affairs of Cellini." The film is presented in a brilliantly light and satirical manner which makes excellent entertainment. The subtle quips and humour of the principal players are delightful. Swaggering braggart that he is, Cellini is nevertheless a loveable and romantic character.- All the splendour of the rule of the Medicis is well recaptured and the picture provides a sophisticated and brilliant satire of the corrupt yet vigorous Florentine Court. Fredric March, who appears in the title role, gives a polished characterisation, which must rank with his best to date. His nonchalant air is certainly true to the role of the “Great Romtmtic," who could never cease from posturing even to himself. As the duchess, a frank deceiver, Constance Bennett Is elegant and piquant, and her portrayal is full of grace.

THEATRE ROYAL,

The Theatre Royal, which has been otherwise engaged throughout the week, will resume its film programme to-day. “A Very Honourable Cuy" will bring hack to the local screen the popular Joe E. Brown, known as

“the big-mou!hcd comedian." The story told is very diverting and holds the interest of the audience throughout with its witty dialogue, intriguing situations, charming romance and touches of drama. Joe Brown has great opportunities for his comedy gifts, and makes the most of them giving a performance that keeps the audience chuckling. He lias excellent support from charming Alice White and the rest of the cast, and altogether the film should make a very popular week-end attraction,. Some entertaining “shorts" will ho included in the first part of the programme.

CIVIC THEATRE

Light-hearted gaiety and comedy galore, with the added attraction of delightful musical numbers and a long list of gorgeous scenes—that is ‘‘King of the Ritz." it has a cast of scintillating stars, who brightly sustain tho comedy right up to the excruciating climax, Stanley Lupino, Betty Slocklield, Hugh Wakeiield, Gina Malo, Gibb McLaughlin and Henry Kendall each contributing brilliant work. The catchy numbers were specialty written by Raoul Morelti, and are sure to prove popular. The sets arc amongst the most spectacular vet erected for a British production. The dresses worn with such grace by Betty Stockfleld will be the envy of every woman who secs the picture. The clever extravaganza is from the celebrated play by llcnry Kistemaeekers, but, unlike many adaptations, it has lost none of its wealth of witty and clever dialogue in the process of translation. On the contrary, with such a comedian as Stanley Lupino, and with such a supporting cast as

the above, it is an assurance of enjoyment for all who love an evening of happy laughter at and with bright, high-spirited people.

ROXY THEATRE.

The return of Mae West to the Roxy Theatre to-day will doubtless draw large audiences. In "I’m No Angel" Miss AVest exploits her personality lo the utmost, and is given great opportunities for the utterance of those "wisecracks” which audiences find so amusing. The story includes drama, comedy and romance, and is very entertaining from beginning to end. The supporting players back up the star capably. “Affairs of a Gentleman” is an unusual murder mystery, and is a splendid contrast to-the other film. The interest of the audience is maintained throughout as the exciting plot works up to a sensational climax.

STRAND THEATRE, MORRINSVILLE.

“The House of Rothschild" is one of the greatest pictures ever made, and is an ideal subject for George Arliss. Although the film focuses on the manner in which Nathan Rothschild enabled the Allied forces lo conquer Napoleon, it also stresses the intimate human side of epoch-

making events. It shows the devotion of the Rothschilds to one another, the love of Nathan for his wife, the romance between Julie, Nathan’s beautiful daughter, and Fitzroy, AVellington’s handsome aide, and finally another powerful form of devotion is exemplified in the patriotism of Nathan, whose love of England leads him to place his entire fortune in the war against Napoleon.