ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19458, 24 December 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

THRILLS AND HUMOUR. “CHARLIE CHAN IN. LONDON.” AT THE CIVIC THEATRE. "Charlie Chan in London” is one of the swiftest and most enthralling 01 all Chan screen dramas, and its cast is headed by Warner Oland, the creator and only satisfying interpreter of the Chinese sleuth. Philip MacDonald, well-known British novelist, has based this newest exploit of the wily Oriental on the novels of the late Earl Derr Biggers and has created a story which is filled with suspense, swift action and mounting excitement. Clashing with sinister international forces, Charlie not- only saves a youth unjustly sentenced but tracks down the head of a ring of spies, responsible for a murder and the theft of imporaant air-force documents. The threads of the story meet in an intricate maze of plot and counterplot, leading finally to an enthralling climax. There is a fox hunt, packed with suspense, m which Charlie pursues his human quarry across the countryside. There is a desperate dash to save the life of still another victim of the mysterious murderer. Warner Oland, as before, is the canny Charlie Chan. .The present characterisation even exceeds those of the past in subtlety and dramatic effect. Drue Leyton and Raymond Milland supply the romantic interest, and there is delicious comedy provided by E. E. Clive, as a bucolic detective sergeant, and Elsa Buchanan as a very British maidservant. The beautiful coloured cartoon, “ The Babes in the Wood,” a comedy “ The Stage Manager,” and some entertaining Gazettes complete the programme.

“WONDER BAR.” AT. THE THEATRE ROYAL. “Wonder Bar” is a story on the grand scale, with spectacular ballets, entertaining songs and a r 6™ story. A 1 Jolson is the mastei ° ceremonies, and his extensive s| ag sense stands him in good in ' Beautiful Kay Francis has the feminine lead, and fills it well. The wife of a rich banker, sfie is in ™ tn Ricardo Cortez, who plays the and to whom she has given a valuable diamond bracelet. Dolores Del Rio, Ricardo’s dancing partner, is also in love with this Harry, and A 1 Jolson with Dolores, so there you have the plot. Everyone meets at Jolson s “Wonder Bar” in Paris, a positive paradise for rich Americans, and liete is played the sort of tragi-comedy which goes to Hashing legs, music and revelry. Jolson introduces, a black-face number, and rides right up to heaven on his misery mule, with entertaining results. Dick Powell sings, and Guy Kibbcc, Ruth Donnelly and Hugli\Herbcrt are amusing in their roles. The outstanding feature of the production are the spectacular ensembles. , , ' The supporting programme includes “Let’s Play Post Office," a sparkling musical revue; “Italy Old and New, an interesting travelogue; and "Pure Feud,” a novelty.

“DAMES.” 1 “Dames,” a spectacular musical comedy, will be screened on Wednesday, with an all-star cast headed by Joan Blondell, Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Three hundred beautiful girls dance and frolic in complicated ensembles that are said to be the most novel and most sensational yet created, .loan Blondell heads the cast in the role ol' a chorus girl madcap who delights in embarrassing 'dignified gentlemen, and who eventually weds « millionaire "SERENADE.” _ \ AT THE STATE THEATRE. The famous composer, Franz Schubert, is again the subject of an outstanding film in “Lovetime,” a beautiful romance, full of tender sentiment, drama and gay humour. The picture has for its basis the immortal melody “Serenade,” which is perhaps the most popular of the composer’s works. However, it differs from previous pictures of this nature in that tiie music of Schubert is interpreted by an orchestra. Moreover, the humorous note has been well brought out by such talented comedians as Herbert Mundin and Harry Green, who keep the aaudieneo chuckling with funny comedy. The story, which Ms laid in romantic Vienna, tells of one of

Schubert’s earlier romances, and the beautiful settings and delightful music make a special appeal. The polished Nils Asther appears in the leading role, and is given an opportunity to depart from his usual type of characterisation. The English girl Pat Paterson shares the romantic leads with Mr Asther, and is very charming and convincing. The rest of the cast give good support. < Besides the beautiful “Serenade” the Schubert melodies introduced include the "Moment Musicale,” “Who Is Sylvia?” “Impatience," the Unfinished Symphony, and “Alschied,” all very beautiful and appealing. Of special local interest in the supporting programme are scenes taken at the recent Canoe Club regatta. These are very clear and interesting. Comedy, gazettes and novelty films arc also shown.

“BLOSSOM TIME.” I AT THE REGENT THEATRE. “Blossom Time," the romantic musical play of the life of Franz Schubert, the Viennese composer, starring Richard Tauber, Is set in Vienna of the 1820’s. It introduces many of Schubert’s beautiful melodies, including the “Serenade,” “Faith in Spring,” “Once There Lived a Lady Fair,” the Marche Militaire, “Thine Is My Heart,” and “Hark, Hark, the Lark.” Franz Schubert, poor and unknown, lived in an attic over the establishment of a dancing master. Here, late one night, when the family were in bed, came Rudi, Count von Hohenberg, post haste and breathless for a dancing lesson. Called down to play the piano at the impromptu dancing lesson, Schubert found that Rudi was making love to the dancing master’s daughter, Vicki. Uneasy at first, then jealous, Schubert realised that his tender affection for the young girl had strengthened into love. To save her from making an all-too-easy mistake, Schubert sold his piano in order to buy the silk dress of her dreams, which Rudi, gay and generous, had promised her. Unluckily, Vicki never knew that Schubert bad sent the dress, and she continued to meet Rudi, while Schubert, having spoken to her father, had promised not to delcaro himself to Vicki until he had won money and fame with a concert. In spite of a series of calamities, Schubert’s songs finally won him the enthusiasm of the public. But he was not to marry the girl he loved, and after many difficulties lie stood aside to let her marry,the officer.

A coloured cartoon, “The Brave Tin Soldier," and interesting English and Australian Gazettes make (lie first part of the programme very entertaining.

ROXY THEATRE. The radio star Russ Colombo, Roger Pryor, June Knight, Catharine Doucet and Armctta arc featured in “Wake Up and Dream.” Colombo is heard in several song numbers of the typo .which have mado him one of the outstanding stars of the radio. The cast also includes Andy Devine, Wini Shaw, Richard Carle? and many other favourites. "Should Ladies Behave,” is based on “The Vinegar Tree," Paul Osborn’s scintillating comedy of a group of people who get' into amusing difficulties at a week-end house party. Alice Brady and Lionel Barrymore head the clever cast. The popular comedians Laurel and Hardy are ■seen in one of their most amusing productions, “Twice Two.”