ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19639, 27 July 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. . THEATRE ROYAL. Humour and sentiment-are blended in entertaining fashion in .“McFadden’s Flats,” in. which Walter C. Kelly (famous on the stage as "The Virginia Judge") appears as an Irishman, and Ajidy Clyde (another popular comedian) as a Scotchman. Kelly plays an Irishman who rises from hod-carrier to builder, but never abandons his feud with the Scottish barber whom he secretly likes. The children of these two, Richard Gromwell and Betty Furness, are romantic about each other until Kelly sends his daughter to a finishing school, where she soon forgets her old friends. Kelly’s growing extravagance soon gets him into financial difficulties, and he learns that Clyde’s money had secretly carried him all along. Everything is saved, however, when a millionaire takes Kelly into partnership, and both be and his daughter learn that old friends are the best.

“Legong,” a beautiful romance of an en'chanted isle, produced in the natural colours of the tropical, paradise of Bali, is shown in support. The cast is all-native, and the quaint customs and dances of the villages are full of charm and interest.

CIVIC THEATRE. The delicacy and sympathy with which, Gene Stratton Porter wrote of the, lives of humble folk is faithfully expressed in, the- screen- version of “Laddiel” Here, as in the book, is depicted Avil.li a charm of treatment the simplicity, pride and-affection of an ordinary family. Set amid the picturesque Indiana farmlands, the-

story tells of the fight made by Laddie Stanton, a young farmer, for the girl he loves, Pamela Pryor, the daughter of an English aristocrat, who went to America to escape the disgrace of his son’s misdeeds. Embittered and disillusioned, Pryor looks upon the farmers with, contempt, and when Laddie seeks his permission to marry Pamela he ridicules their love, calls Laddie a common yokel, and orders him from the house. The return of the erringson leads to P,ryor’s forgiveness and happiness for the young lovers. John Beal is xvell cast as Hie hero, playing tiie part with deep sincerity. As Pamela Pryor, Gloria Stuart gives a convincing performance of a gentleAvoman torn between love for Laddie and respect for her father. Donald Crisp makes a forbidding parent. A seven-year-old girl/Virginia Weidler, A\’h p is Laddie’s “Little. Sister,” provides the comedy, but is equally lovable in some tender scenes.

The supporting programme includes “Porrotville Old Folks," a coloured cartoon; “Isle of Spice,” a scenic gem; “Dumbell Letters," an amusing novelty; a travelogue and neAvsreels. Lawrence Beavis, Avho is trundling a AvheelbarroAv through NeAV Zealand, played several selections on a steel guitar.

STATE THEATRE. “Brewster’s Millions" is an ambitious musical version of the celebrated farce of the same name which ran ■through record seasons in London before the Avar. The story concerns a young man who, through the eccentricity of an uncle, is forced to spend £500,000 to. qualify for a legacy of. £6,000,000; and his desperate efforts to do this make rollicking comedy. This part is taken by Jack Buchanan, who has all the opportunity he requires for the hilarious burlesque in which he excels. The plot also allows the easy introduction of a delightful musical . score, of Avhich the best two numbers are “I Think I Gan” and “TJip Caranga.”. This latter is the basis of a magnificently conceived ballet scene, introducing the latest dance success of the same name.

•Cast opposite Mr Buchanan is Lili Fred Emney and Amy Veness. The setting’s are particularly good, and range from beautiful interiors of a London mansion to a market. square in Corsica.

REGENT THEATRE. The long-awaited comedy “Ruggles of Red Gap” xvill have its initial presentation at the Regent Theatre today. This film has aroused special interest in that it is the first comedy in Avhich the celebrated character actor Charles Laughton lias appeared, and although his role is very different from those in Avhich he has previously been seen it is still a character part, and is presented Avith such skill and understanding that it lias been judged oiie of the best of his career. The film follows the Chaplin style of comedy, relying for its humour more upon a really amusing story, ably presented by a talented cast, than upon sophisticated dialogue and lavish settings. The story contains a certain amount o£ satire upon the English class system and American democracy, and although occasionally bordering upon pathos is always amusing. Others in the strong cast are Charles Ruggles, Mary Boland, Zasu Pitts and Leila Hyams.

ROXY THEATRE. Three attractions will be presented •to-day. “Menace” is the sensational story of a madman’s vengeance, with a number of people terrorised- by an unseen menace. The cast includes Gertrude Michael, Paul Cavanagh, Henrietta Crosman and John Lodge. “Student Tour” is a gay musical comedy, full of melody, humour, dancing, romance and lovely girls. Nelson Cody, the singing star, heads a cast including Phil Regan, Jimmy Durante, Gharles Butterworth and Monte Blue. “Midnight Patrol” brings back the popular Laurel and Hardy in one of their funniest farces.

CAMBRIDGE CINEMA. Sylvia Sidney, who has essayed almost every possible type of film role in her career, appears in one she has never before attempted in her new film, “Behold My Wife." In this picture Miss Sidney appears as a beautiful full-blooded Indian girl. Gene Raymond has the romantic lead ■opposite her, and the story holds the interest of the audience throughout.

“George White’s Scandals” holds a strong story that sustains interest with its romantic element draAvn from small-town Americans lured by the calls of Hollywood. Contributing to the gaiety are George White, Alice Faye, James Dunn, Ned Sparks, Lyla Roberti, 'Cliff Edwards, Arline Judge, Eleanor Powell, Emma Dunn and others. The song hits introduced are: “According to the Moonlight." “Hunkadola,” “Oh, I Didn’t Know (You’d Get that Way),” “It's an Old Southern Custom,” "I Got Shoes, You Got Shoesies" and “I Was •Born Too Late.”

The many Gene Stratton Porter readers Avill acclaim the vivid translation of the fiction masterpiece “•Laddie” to the screen, in the picture of the same title. Filled Avith the same charm that made the book the favourite of an estimated 40,000,000 readers, and possessed of the same dynamic drama, “Laddie” has a stellar cast headed by John Beal and Gloria Stuart.

“ALADDIN AND OUTf» The second performance of “Aladdin and Out,” by the girls of the Hamilton High School, drew another large audience last night, and the production, with its melodious music, merry comedy, clever dancing, and •spectacular scenery and effects, Avas ■much enjoyed. Everyone connected with the production Avorked Avith a Avill, the result being a very successful performance. Prior to the extravaganza the boys of the school sang the Toreador Song from “Carmen” and the Irish air “The Meeting of the Waters.”

“Aladdin’and Out” \yill be staged for the last time to-night./