ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19456, 21 December 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. i STATE THEATRE. -Nova-Pilbeam, the 14-year-old star of “Little Friend,” uses no juvenile tricks, and has none of the forwardness that so often mars the work of otherwise talented young performers, yet she rises at times to an intensity of feeling which shows rare dramatic power. The scene in which she witnesses the breaking-point in the relations of her father and mother Is one to touch the hearts of any audience. In contrast with it there is the control and qiuet firmness of the child in the witness-box before the judge and a crowded court, her final effort to save her parents from the humility and sorrow of divorce, and in the climax the breakdown of the whole court proceedings. These are the leading features in a film which is unusually strong in human interest. The part of the father, immersed in business and with little leisure to devote to his wife, is ably taken by Malheson Lang, Lydia Sherwood is the wife, Helen, who is the cause of all the trouble. REGENT THEATRE. Audiences who enjoy excellent operatic singing and a romantic story should And entertainment of a rare quality in the outstanding film “Blossom Time,” to be screened to-day. The story tells of the life of the famous composer Franz Schubert, and the main features of the film are the splendid renderings of some' of his well-known melodies by Richard Tauber, the celebrated German tenor. This is the first time that Tauber has sung in English on the screen. He sings eight of Schubert’s masterpieces,, including “March Militaire,” “Thine Is My Heart," “Hark, Hark, the Lark,” “Faith in Spring,” “Once There Lived a Lady Fair” and “Serenade.” The chief romantic interest is supplied by the English actress Jean Baxter and Carl Esmond, two players of distinction, all of it being in English.

. THEATRE ROYAL. For “Family Night” a Laurel and Hardy comedy, “Pack Up Your Troubles,” has been added to the programme. In this film the popular comedians are seen at their funniest. “Have a Heart” is a tender romance, telling of a girl who was prepared to. make a great sacrifice for the man she loved. As Sally, a young dancer who is made a cripple through a tragic accident, Jean Parker gives a fine performance. The story of her romance with James Dunn, playing Jimmie Flaherty, employee of an ice cream company, whose heart is as warm as its product is cold, is a blend of wholesome simplicity, pathos and comedy. Una Merkel and Stuart Erwin provide much of the comedy that relieves the tender sentiment of the story. “WONDER BAR." Six brilliant stars, with a dozen featured players, to say nothing of 500 other performers, appear in “Wonder Bar,” to be screened tomorrow. A 1 Jolson has his old stage role which he enacts with all of his old-time fire and enthusiasm. He sings two catchy new songs in English and a Russian gipsy melody, as well as acting as master of ceremonies at the gay Parisian night club where the drama is set.- Kay Francis Is stately and charming as the flirtatious wife of a wealthy banker who has lost her head over a cabaret singer. CIVIC THEATRE. With Constance Bennett starring in a colourful role, an exciting atid romantic drama of war time espionage is the current attraction. The film, “After To-night,” deals with the activities of a feminine secret service agent operating in the danger zone and in Vienna. Miss Bennett never has been seen to better advantage than sho is in her role of an Allied spy who carries out her missions behind tho Austrian lines during the World War. Playing with skill and understanding, she invests the character with realism and sympathy. Gilbert Roland gives an exceptional performance as an Austrian intelligence officer whom duty makes tho relentless enemy of the woman he loves. While'all of the dramatic situations centre about Miss Bennett and Roland, excellent supporting bits are contributed by Edward Ellis," John Wray, Miseha Auer, Evelyn Carter Carrington and other capable players.

“CHARLIE CHAN IN LONDON.”

Charlie Chan, smoothest of modern sleuths, is on the trail again in “Charlie Chan in London,” the thrilling mystery to he screened to.-morrow. This time Charlie aids an English girl whose brother lias been convicted of murder. With only 05 hours to spare before the brother mounts the gallows Charlie sets out to prove Hie young man’s innocence—and succeeds after many thrilling incidents. ROXY THEATRE. “The Love Nest” is a screamingly funny comedy, featuring flic nopidar London star Gene Gcrrard. The dialogue is most amusing, while the complications keep the audience chuckling. A charming romance is unfolded amid the humour. Gene Gcrrard has a very likeable personality, so that no matter how farcical the situations may be he is always convincing. The rest of-the cast give good support. “The Red River” is a thrilling Western romance, with Buck Jones as popular as ever in an adventurous characterisation. REGENT BALLROOM. The dance-loving public is fully rclognising that the re-opening of the (tegent ißallroom is filling a long-felt want, and despite the sultry conditions prevailing, another large crowd of happy dancers, spent a very enjoyable time last Saturday. The two Radio Dance Bands arc very popular. Mr. A. E. Savage, conductor of the Regimental Band, has taken over the leadership of the old-time band. The Radio Dance Band (modern) is composed of some of Waikato’s _ leading players.