ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19598, 10 June 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

HAMILTON THEATRES.

SOME INTERESTING PROGRAMMES Hamilton is fortunate in its picture theatres, for the programmes _ presented are, as a rule, very entertaining. On Saturday there were the usual large audiences, and the films screened gave great satisfaction. There was a wide choice —romantic comedy, grim drama, sensational spectacle, and thrilling episodes of the wild.

“THE PAINTED VEIL.”

AT THE REGENT THEATRE. Greta Garbo, probably the most discussed personality of the screen, can always be depended .upon to give a vivid characterisation, and in “The Painted Veil” she lives rip to h,er reputation. The story is adapted from Somerset Maugham’s novel of the same name, and lvatrin, the leading character, is presented hy Greta Garbo with characteristic insight. One reaps enjoyment from every gesture and inflection, her performance being marked hy all the accomplishments which make her acting so different from that of other players. It is a simpler story than most of Miss Garbo’s vehicles, and she is very convincing as the girl who almost ruins her life by an infatuation for another man, but finds that true happiness lies with her husband. She looks very lovely in some of the “ shots,” while her deep voice is very attractive. Herbert Marshall, as the husband, launched on a medical career in the East, contributes that touch of restraint which invests liis scenes with dignity, liis habitual reserve is once more in evidence, adding power and effect where they are most needed. In addition to the efficiency of these two there is the notable work of Forrester Harvey, who impersonates the rather vulgar tout extremely likeable Waddington. George Brent, as Marshall’s rival in love, and Warner Oland gives excellent performances in subsidiary roles. The entertaining “shorts" include " The Old Pioneer," a gorgeous coloured cartoon; a Cines'ound Review, including scenes connected with the ill-fated flight of the Southern Cross; "Three Chumps Ahead," an amusing comedy; and a Paramount News Gazette. “LIVING ON VELVET." “Living on Velvet,” to be screened on Wednesday, is a gay and exciting romance, with a cast headed by Kay Francis, George Brent and Warren William. On Saturday Constance Bennett and Clark Gable will be seen in “After Office Hours.”

“ONE MORE SPRING.”

AT THE STATE THEATRE. "One More Spring,” Robert Nathan’s whimsical and humorous fantasy about the depression, lias been transformed into a pleasant comedy drama, and in it popular Janet Gaynor and Warner Baxter are associated again. . The story deals with the adventures of several victims of the economic collapse, who take up their abode in Central Park, New York, thanks to a sentimental park employee. The entire action takes place in the park during the rigours of winter and the promise of spring. Into this novel •setting drift a number of strange types, each almost destitute. There is Otkar, a ruined auctioneer, whose only possession is a bed in which he boasts that Napoleon slept; Elizabeth, a girl who cannot find employment; Rosenberg, a famous violinist, who does nothing but dream of his former triumphs; and Sheridan, a banker, who is saved from committing suicide. These ill-assorted people eke out a precarious existence and eventually find that their hitherto drab lives have been brightened by their adventures together. Winsome Janet Gaynor, as Elizabeth, is once more the winning little actress of “Seventh Heaven." The exploitation of personality, is forgotten in the sincerity of her acting, and throughout she is natural and charming- Warner Baxter is polished as the ruined tout -optimistic auctioneer, and the violinist who has no use for the “silver lining,” is strikingly portrayed hy Walter King. Others in the strong cast are Roger lmhof and Stepin Fetchit. The direction of Henry King, who was responsible for “State Fair" and “Carolina,” is excellent. For the rest, it is pure romance, with the saving quality of a touch of drama and humour. Included in an entertaining subsidiary programme are an Australian Gazette and a clever cartoon, “Tom, Tom the Piper’s Son.” Another interesting film shows the dangers which are faced in tlie everyday work of motion picture photographers, and includes scenes of Admiral Byrd’s 'departure from New Zealand. “ROBERTA.” “Roberta," a musical comedy which, ny the way, has just been staged in Australia hy Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard, has been brought to the screen very successfully in America, and will be screened on Saturday. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, whoso dancing in ‘The Gay Divorcee” created a sensation, have the leads.

“DEVIL DOGS OF THE AIR.”

AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. Ono of the most authentic Ilyins pictures ever screened, “Devil Dogs of the Air,” Is delightfins audiences at the Theatre Royal. This thrilling story is set in the United Slates air base at San Dieso and has Margaret Lindsay, Jimmy Cagney and Pat O’Brien as the featured players. It is packed with remarkable acrobatic feats, many of them at an unusually low altitude, as well as shots of exceptionally fine piloting in bringing damaged 'planes to a safe landing. The scenes wero taken for the most part at the United Stales Naval base at San Diego, California. It was produced under special arrangements with the United States Government, and marine olllcer-s acted as technical advisers. A score of warships, 'dozens of aeroplanes, and the giant U.S-S. Macon took part. Spectacular air stunts, with aeroplanes 'crashing in mid-air, bursting into ilame, and spinning to the ground, while idiots leap for their lives in parachutes, arc gome of the many thrills in the picture. Jimmy Cagney has ono of his old parts as Tommy (VToole. "the world’s greatest aviator," lough, conceited, but withal likeable; Margaret Lindsay

in the female lead is as attractive as ever; while Pat O'Brien as O'Toole’s officer gives an excellent portrayal.

The supporting programme is extremely well varied, including Billy Hill and his orchestra in popular song hits. “Hear Ye,” a snappy musical comedy, is another bright feature, and a newsreel and “Bosco’s Mechanical Man,” a highly diverting .cartoon, are also entertaining. TO-MORROW’S ATTRACTIONS. To-morrow two feature attractions will he screened “You’re Telling Me," an amusing comedy with W. G. Fields, Joan Marsh, Adrienne Ames and Larry Crabbe,, and “Wharf Angel," a thrilling drama with Dorothy Dell, Victor McLaglan and Alison Skipworth.

“BABOONA” AND DRAMA. AT THE CIVIC THEATRE. “The Man Who Knew Too Much" is one of the most exciting films seen in Hamilton for some time. It concerns a plot made hy international criminals to assassinate a famous European statesman who is visiting London., The story opens In Switzerland, -where a young man, his wife and small daughter, are accidentally involved in the- gang’s activities when they make the acquaintance of a secret agent, and after he is murdered they discover a message he left. As a hostage the criminals kidnap the little girl, and in their efforts to regain her the parents put in train a series of .thrilling events which evdntually lead to the unmasking of the, villains and the frustration of the whole plot. The central characters are splendidly portrayed by Leslie Banks, Edna Best and the talented child actress Nova Pilbeam, while Frank Vosper and Peter Lorre are equally good as the arch-villains.

“Baboona” is an epic of the African jungle, made on an aerial tour of that country by the celebrated explorers, Mr and Airs Alartin Johnson. There are many amazing scenes of animal life, including infuriated lions charging a grounded aeroplane, a stampeding herd of buffaloes, a fight between a wild hog and a leopard, and many others- The scenery is magnificent. The majestic and weird peak of Alount Kenya is shown from several spectacular angles, arid there are huge expanses of jungle. “LUCKY DEVILS.” “Lucky Devils,” to be screened tomorrow, offers a new theme in motion pictures. Film stunting is revealed in all its danger, intricacies and heart-throbs. There are planes bounding over burning structures; fighting on narrow walls; crashing automobiles; leaping from trains onto speeding cars; parachuting treacherous distances from ’planes. ROXY THEATRE. Little Shirley Temple gives a charmingly natural performance in “Now and Forever,” and Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard act the roles of two daring, adventurous people who are unsatisfied with what life has io offer, until a lovely child changes their altitudes and leaches them the meaning of true love.

In “The Hollywood Party” Mickey Alouse appears with human actors, introducing many movie stars, and preseals a Walt Disney Silly Symphony in which “Hut Chocolate Soldiers," a new popular song hit. ts featured, An amusing Popeyc ihe Sailor cartoon is also included.