ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19459, 26 December 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. theatre royal. "Dames,” a spectacular musicalcomedy romance, will be screened today, with an all-star cast headed b} Joan Blondell, Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. Three hundred beautiful girls dance and frolic in beautiful and complicated ensembles, and the picture contains a number -of catchy songs sung bv Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell and Phil Regan. The spectacular -scenes include "The Tunnel of Living Beauty,” “Tapestry of 'Girls,” "Eyes for You” and “Girls at the Ironing Board.” The story, by Robert Lord and Delmer Daves, carries a definite plot which is said to be one of the most hilarious on record. Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler furnish most of the romance, and three famous comedians —-Zasu Pitts, Guy Kibbee and Hugh Herbert —provide the comedy Others in the cast include Arthur Vinton, Sammy 'Fain and Arthur Aylesvorth. STATE THEATRE. Two of the screen’s greatest stars, Madge Evans and Spencer Tracy, have the leads in “The Show-off.” This is a most. amusing film, with Mr Tracy giving a great performace as the man who knew everythng and was always bragging —until something happened to bring-him to his senses. He boasted of his social position and his large estates; he told magnates how to run their businesses, and talked himself out of a job. He told a girl he loved her, and she married him. And then but people must see the picture for themselves. It is a riotous comedy, that touohes a deeper note with its sentiment. Madge Evans, beautiful as ever, makes the romance very real, and Spencer Tracy gives a very fine performance in the title role. s- ■ REGENT THEATRE. “Blossom Time,” with Richard Tauber singing beautifully, is as fragrant as its title. All through the film there are the beautiful melodies of Sohubett. In his garret he composes and sings, nursing tl\e ambition that *ome day his genius will flower. He wanders through the woods with his aohoolboys, and still he sings. At his oonoert he calms the tumult with his wonderful voice and establishes his name for ever. The Marche Militaire, “Faith in Spring,” “Once There Lived a Lady Fair,” “Hark, Hark, the Lark,” “Thine Is My Heart," and the famous Serenade are included in the numbers whioh Tauber sings. Jane Baxter as Vicki and Carl Esmond as Rudi make an attractive pair of lovers; Paul Graitz as Wimpassinger, the dancing master, acts particularly well; and Athene Seyler as the Archduchess is Also very convincing. CIVIO THEATRE. A new star, Ketti Gallian, has been born to the cinema world, and will appear to-day in “Marie Galante." This aotress is a most attractive personality, and* combines charm and liveliness with great acting ability, her first appearance being a great success. . In “Marie Galante" she has full scope for her many gift's. It is a story built round one of the world’s most intriguing localities,- the Panama -Canal, and Is full of romance, sensation and thrills with plenty of humour to relieve the tension. The story develops through entertaining situations to an exciting climax,_and hold the interest throughout. Besides the new star an excellent cast is engaged, including Spencer Tracy, Helen Morgan (the American stage -celebrity), and the <rozen-faced Ned Sparks.

ROXY THEATRE. The return of George Arliss in one of his biggest successes, “Voltaire,” is a very popular event. Mr Arliss excels in historical characterisations, and in “Voltaire” he lias full scope for his many gifts. Ills convincing acting, his perfect 'diction, his polished style—all arc revealed at their best in this film. The story tells of some of the most interesting and entertaining incidents of the life of Vpltaire, and the tense attention of the audience is held throughout with its romance, Us drama and its comedy.