ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19430, 3 December 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. STATE THEATRE. That happy combination —a Ben Travers farce, with Ralph Lynn and Tom Walls in the leading roles is seen again in “A Cup of Kindness.” The film is particularly notable for the wit of the dialogue. The title was adapted from “Auld Lang Syne,” and it would seem that the plot was inspired by the not uncommon spectacle of people who either do not know one another or do not like one another linking hands and singing this old song with all appearance of sincerity. Tom Walls is oast as Mr Tutt, who openly dislikes his neighbour, Mr Ramsbotham, played in a diverting manner by Robertson Hare. Mr Tutt is intensely proud of his. gentility and considers the Ramsbothams are far below his social dignity. Mr. Tutt, however, has two sons (Ralph Lynn and Claude Hulbert) and one of them is in love with Ramsbotham’s pretty daughter, with the most amusing results. The strong team of comedians has been provided with a story that lends itself so well to innumerable ludicrous situations that the film cannot help but be amusement of the /brightest type. Ben Travers has wide experience in suiting the tastes of these well-known players, and the picture enhances his excellent reputation.

Interesting gazettes, a comedy, and some entertaining novelty 111 ms complete the programme.

THEATRE ROYAL. “The Blue Squadron” presents something entirely new in aviation romances. Carlo Banti and Mario Spada are inseparable companions, both intensely interested in aviation. Carlo is gay and daring, but Mario is more scientiflcially inclined, with a genius for inventing aeronautical devices. Just after the 'Great War, with Italy a hotbed of discontent, a discussion arises among young students —Carlo and Mario included —on the subject of Fascism. The two friends decide to -join the new movement, and while furthering the cause become involved in a street brawl in which Carlo saves Mario’s life from agitators, thus cementing their friendship even more firmly. A misunderstanding over a girl, however, causes a rift in the friendship, and many exciting things happen before it is resumed. A sensational scene shows how, when a plane has soared thousands of feet abo' e the Alps, a leakage of fumes forces the pilot to abandon the machine and make a hazardous parachute leap. He lands in an almost inaccessible spot in the mountains and his rescue by his friend in a tenTflc storm provides a thrilling climax. Esmond Knight, Greta Hansen and John Stuart head. the. cast. An all-colour musical comedy, “Devil’s Cabaret,” interesting Gazettes, Donald Novis in melodious song hits, and the Vincent Lopez Melody Boys, are included in the supporting programme. :

CIVIC THEATRE. n.'. A breezy romance between a smart young detective and a fresh girl reporter is told in "Hold That Girl,” which features James Dunn and Claire Trevor. A youthful detective falls in love with a girl reporter whom lie meets while trying to apprehend a maniac. Their romance is an exciting affair, because they are always getting into arguments about their conflicting assignments. The girl arouses the jealousy of the detective by becoming friendly with a gangster, and is assigned to get information regarding a jewel robbery on which the detective is working. She conceals herself in the car in which the jeweller is being kidnapped. When she is discovered and brought to the hangout where she learns that her gangster friend is the leader, she realises that she 'has become involved in a complex situation. The young detective, who has followed the car, arrives on the scene in time to save the girl and arrest the gangsters.

With 'George O’Brien in the featured role and a setting of gay, scintillating backgrounds, “Ever Since Eve," is a bright, breezy, rippling love story developed amid the gay spots of Broadway. There is colour; —life an overtone of frivolity and music as George O’Brien dons a dinner jacket and acquires the nonchalance of the man-about-town. It is a new George O’Brien who takes a 'fling at society and emerges with a debutante as his bride! Mary Brian has the feminine lead and the supporting east is headed by hilarious Herbert Mundin and 'Betty Blythe.

REGENT THEATRE. The cast of “Bulldog Drummond Strikes 'Back” is an exceptionally strong one. In the first place there Is the vivid performance of Donald Colman, who has never been seen to better advantage. The traditional part or Algy is given a new but inimitable interpretation by Charles Bulter-

worth, who is a perfect foil for the .exuberance-of Ronald Colman. 'Considerable humour arises from the casual manner in which Algy repeatedly leaves his wife on. their honeymoon, in order to aid and abet Drummond 'in bis / .Loretta Young brings grace and charm to the part of the “lady in distress" who appeals to Drummond for assistance and Una Merkel shows a fine sense of comedy as the mortified young wife. Moreover, there are some excellent character studies, especially those of two unimaginative police constables by Halliwell 'Hobbes and E. E. Clive. Warner Oland plays a typical Oriental part as the “villain of the piece,” Prince Achmed. tFrom Itihe opening scene, in which the hero leaves a London fog to discover a body in an (apparently) deserted house, until the exciting finish the plot nioves easily; people vanish with bewildering rapidity and regularity, a mysterious radiogram in code Is found, the callous Prince Achmed’s nefarious .plan is discovered, and the film moves swiftly to a spectacular climax. A Mickey Mouse cartoon, “Old .Melodies Revived,” and a one-minute murder mystery are entertaining “shorts.” .

ROXY THEATRE. " . r “Romance in the Rain,” is one of the most topical, romantio and tuneYul comedies of the year. Roger Pryor is featured in this film, with Heather Angel, Victor Moore, Esther Ralston, Ruth Donnelly, Christian Rub and others. The story deals with a modern Cinderella who wins a contest and loses her heart to the man who gave her the opportunity, but was blind to her charm. He goes as far as providing a Prince Charming for her and she rebels. “Her Sweetheart," a vivid drama based on the famous stage hit, “The Late Christopher Bean,” has Marie Dressier as Abby, the faithful old servant. Lionel Barrymore is seen as the kindly country physician who under the lash of avarice turns to a scheming, grasping scoundrel seeking to rob her —only to have the woman’s faith turn him back again to his lifelong path of honour.

ST. MARY’S CONVENT CONCERT. At the Civic Theatre to-morrow night the pupils of St. Mary’s Convent will give a concert. Sextettes and quartettes for pianos will provide an unusual feature, and should be very Interesting and enjoyable. Items by an orchestra, vocal and instrumental solos and quartettes, and songs in character will also be given. ' “MERRY-GO-ROUND.” In the State Theatre to-night Miss Isabelle Brook will present her pupils iu “Merry-go-round,” which will include clever dance numbers, latest songs, etc. One of Auckland’s best dancers, Miss Mardi Brook, will assist.