ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19462, 29 December 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMME

STATE THEATRE. s “Friday the 13th" is the intriguing 0 title of the film to head the new programme at the State Theatre to-day. It is an unusual picture, dealing with 2 the fallacy of superstition, and maml tains the interest of the audience i throughout. Opening 'in startling , manner with the crash of a motor bus in which two people are killed, the j climax of the story is presented early. ] The accident occurred on a Friday, • . the 13th of the month, and the audi- ' ' ence is taken back and the reasons for i the travelling of the various passengers r are traced. Through skilful produc--1 tion and direction the film loses none. . of its interest owing to the lack of continuity, and makes splendid entertainment. Jessie Matthews and Sonnie ; Hale, two English players of distinci tion who can always be depended upon > l'or clever characterisations, are supported by an excellent cast. , THEATRE ROYAL. In “The Merry Wives of Reno” Margaret Lindsay plays the part of a young wife whose marital complications take her to Reno, through error. A neighbour of hers is drawn Into the same mistaken situation. The attempts of the two husbands to straighten out affairs bring about a ridiculous confusion that abounds in laughs. With the comedy is combined the serious romantic interest of the young couple, and Miss Lindsay’s emotional work is a fine contract to her lighter moments. Miss Lindsay is a striking brunette, and before going to Hollywood was a favourite of the London stage. There is an unusually impressive cast in the picture, including Donald Woods, Guy Kibbee, Glenda Farrell, Hugh Herbert, Frank McHugh, Roscoe Ates, Ruth: Donnelly ,and Hobart Cavanaugh. This J picture is based on the hilarious, comedy of the world’s most famous divorce mill. CIVIC THEATRE. i “The Broken Melody” Is the story of j Paul Verlaine, a young composer, who t falls under the spell of the seductive Simone St. Cloud, and In order to marry her leaves his sweetheart, Germaine. Simone proves unfaithful, and Paul is sent to Devil’s Island for killing her lover. During his ghastly sojourn in this place Paul evolves an operatic masterpiece. He later escapes and subsequently takes part in his ; own opera. Recognised by the Gover- , nor of the island, Paul, together with- j Germaine, whom he has now married,’ j plays out the part,/ and in doing so j earns the Governor’s silence. John j Garrick is seen as Paul Verlaine and Margot Grahame is the faithless wife; Merle Ob.er.on is "cast as Germaine. ; Among ' the musical numbers are “Sorrow and Tears” (Broken Melody), sung by John Garrick; “Just Call Me Cherie,” sung by Marie Oberon; "Unless I'm With You,’-’ sung by John Garrick; “Devil’s Isle,” sung by con-’ vict chorus of 50 voices; “Sea Shanty," sung by Male Chorus; “My Heart’s Song,” sung by Merle Oberon; “The Broken Melody," operatic finale and full chorus., REGENT THEATRE. “The Last Gentleman” -is George Arliss’ second film under his new starring contract with Twentieth Century Pictures. As Cabot Barr, who calls together his relatives in the vague hope of finding a worthy heir, Mr Arliss offers another of his perfect portraits. Among those present 'are Edna May Oliver as his sniffling but likeable daughter, and Frank Albertson as Alan, her adopted son, Janet Beecher as the widow of Cabot’s late son, and Charlotte Henry as her daughter Marjorie, and Donald Meek as Judd, Cabot’s only living son, a thoroughgoing scoundrel, who has been secretly recording his father’s eccentricities in the hope of proving him insane and inheriting his estate. The story is rich in humour and a distinct departure from the usual film story. The capable work of every member of the I cast makes “The Last Gentleman" entertainment that delights everyone. ROXY THEATRE. Three features will be screened at the Roxy Theatre to-day, and should make a generous week-end programme. In "Sons of the Desert” the popular Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have the support of another clever comedian, Charlie’Chase, and the fun waxes fast and furious. They have never been seen to better advantage. “Melody in Spring” is as melodious ?■ and romantic as its title, with Lanny Ross, the radio star, singing beauti- ® fully, and Ann Sothern, Mary Boland ?; and Charles Buggies giving fine characterisations. “Hello, Pop," Is a a gorgeous musical revue, with tuneful a songs, clever dances, spectacular 11 ballets and crowds of lovely girls. ,