ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19758, 13 December 1935, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. CIVIC THEATRE. Elusive, captivating, quaintly elfish Elisabeth Bergner has a role in *' Esc-ape Me Never” that is peculiarly suited to her talents. A volatile, appealing thing, she is a child, with all a child’s whimsicalities, throughout her life, yet she is as certainly a woman bearing her sorrow’ steadfastly, never looking back, never quite losing heart, fierce in her love for her child, there is in her little form a strange power, a peculiar personality, that makes her seem half-wild. Laughing joyously one moment, in tears the next Gemma Jones, the little gamin of Venice, is surely one of the most delightful personalities that have appeared on the screen. Hugh Sinclair does well as the callous husband, and Griffith Jones makes the most of his part as his more matter-of-fact brother. Others in the cast are Penelope Dudley Ward, Irene Vanbrugh, Leon Quartermaine, and Lyn Harding. REGENT THEATRE. “ When parents divorce—what rights, have the children? ” This is ■the question asked, and answered with dramatic intensity in “Age of Indiscretion,” amazing drama of children of separation and the Law Courts. The new picture, with Paul Lukas, Madge Evans, May Robson, and little David Jaok Holt involved in the main action, is a graphic echo of several famous court oases of recent times. Delving into the intimate facts, it has produced a gripping piece of human interest entertainment touched with high drama. May Robson plays a dominant character as the millionaire mother-in-law battling with her millions to wrest a child from the arms of his father following a separation.

“ACCENT ON YOUTH.” ‘As the central figure in “Accent oij Youth” Sylvia Sidney plays the part of a girl who has to choose between a dashing youth and a charming middle-aged man, both of whom love her. Miss Sidney is supported by Herbert Marshall and Phillip Reed. As a play “Accent on Youth” was a hit on Broadway. STATE THEATRE. The great novel by Dumas is treated In direct and unaffected style in the film, “ The Three Musketeers.” Walter Abel, an actor from New York, is carefree and handsome as d'Artagnan. Paul Lukas, as Athos, seems to indicate that his right place Is in costume plays. Moroni 10-lsen makes a hearty, loveable Porthos, while Onslow Stevens appears as Aramis. The Queen is done by Rosamund Pinchot and Ralph Forbes appears as the Duke of Buckingham. The Queen is insufficient inspiration for the daring undertaking of d’Artagnan and the three Musketeers in the teeth of Cardinal Richelieu's agents. Margot Grahame, as Lady do Winter, acts with delicate grace. There are some exciting, spectacular and romantic scenes. THEATRE ROYAL. Another phase of the United States Government’s efforts to rid the nation of its arch criminals, is shown for the first time on the screen in “ Special Agent,” with Bette Davis and George Brent in the featured roles. “ Special Agent” is a powerful drama with a glowing romance, based on the daring exploits and thrilling adventures of the underoover men of the Treasury Department. These sleuths relentlessly follow the trail of gamblers, extortionists and racketeers of every sort, until they get their men and land them behind the- bars of federal prisons for violation of the income tax. In “Special Agent” the inner workings of these operatives are revealed. Bette Davis has the role of personal secretary to the .ruthless head of a powerful band of racketeers. She gets her job without realising what it is, but after learning the secrets of the gang, she can not step out, because she will Immediately be “put on the spot.” ROXY THEATRE. “West of the Pecos,” the latest Richard Dlx starring vehicle, has sweep, power and scenlo grandeur, and faithfully portrays the vivid days of the old West. And in addition, Dlx has another good role. The story, from the pen of Zane Grey, shows Dix as Pecos Smith, a two-gun cowboy who was “born under a covered wagon,” and has never known any law but that of a clear conscience and a quick draw. “ One Hour Late ” is the dashing comedy romance of a stenographer who spent so much time day-dreaming about her wealthy young boss that she did not notice real romance was standing right beside her. TO-MORROW’S ATTRACTIONS. To-morrow’s programme will include the exciting drama, “ Werewolf of London,” featuring Warner Olaml. Valerie Hobson and Henry Hull; “ Car Oil,” a thrilling story starring Fred McMurrny and Sir Guy Standing; and “Doing the Town,” the sparkling musical comedy.