ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19759, 14 December 1935, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

“ESCAPE ME NEVER.” ELISABETH BERGNER’S ART. AT THE CIVIC THEATRE. In “ Escape Me Never," as the carefree gamin whose life strays into tragic paths Elisabeth Bergner reveals emotional" talent that has never been surpassed on the screen. It is from Hie novel “ The Fool of the -Family,” by Margaret Kennedy, who wrote “ The Constant Nymph.” It was In “ Escape Me Never" that Elisbeth Bergner scored a great success in London, and later in New York. In the film her husband, Dr. Paul Cziner, the brilliant film director, has brought out in the noted Austrian actress that elfin quality which is one of her greatest and most appealing gifts. When, as the pitiful little waif, Gemma Jones, she lifts her empty hand, somehow you see it weighted with all the sorrows of her tragic little life; she lets It fall and, like a cup inverted, her life suddenly becomes pitifully empty again. Watch her as she steals into the hospital to ask what lias become of her baby. Keep your eyes on the drama of tier arms, as teacup in hand, she takes the measure o'f her rival. She makes of the lovable waif who is befriended with her baby by a selfish, egotistical composer, who Anally marries her, a living person. Her subsequent unhappiness as she sees her husband making love to his brother's fiancee moves the audience as few stories could do. Although Bergner dominates the film with her genius she has the assistance of the principals of the original West End stage cast. Hugh Sinclair docs well as the callous husband and Griffith Jones makes the most of the part of his more matter-of-fact brother. As the society girl Avho infatuates both brothers Penelope Dudley Ward makes a promising screen debut, and others in Ihe cast are Irene Vanbrugh, Leon Quartermaine and Lyn Harding. The film has been skilfully produced, and is presented against beautiful backgrounds of Venice and the Dolomites. The London scenes include a beautiful ballet actually filmed at the Drury Lane Theatre. ‘-SPECIAL AGENT.” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. Rcllr Davis and George Brent are avain paired as screen lovers in ■'Special Agent.” The pielnrc reveals I lie r workings of Ihe 1 nited Slides Treasury I icparl mrnl. showing an enlirely new angle of Ihe ''overiii nr ill's aelivilies in wiping , _ out tho ikilinn's public enemies. The story is crammed with dramalie silualions m which seerel service ope,alive- ho'e , i( ..illi j„ un p ir lo rim down criminals and gel evidence In convict llmni. Thrilling mhenlure and daring exploits follow every step of Hie secret operali'Cb in their battle with ll.c

“killers.” Brent, in the role of a newspaper reporter on a New xorK daily, is trying to get evidence against the criminals and at the same _ time prevent the murder of Miss Davis, his sweetheart, who unwittingly has taken a job as the personal secretary to the head of the band. The polished but ruthless killer is played, by Ricardo Cortez. The featurettes include ' Love Department," an amusing comedy; “Believe It or Not," a travelogue oddity; a Bobby Jones golf lesson; and “Melody Master." "THE THREE MUSKETEERS.” AT THE STATE THEATRE. “The Three Musketeers" comes with the full enchantment of Alexandre Dumas’ popular romance. Against a background of seventeenthcentury France, with' the intrigueridden court of Louis XIII., the dark streets of Paris, the duelling ground behind the Luxembourg, the ambushed road to Calais, the story rushes to its powerful climax. The swashbuckling, the serious and comic duels, the court intrigues, the furtive and tempestuous love-making, the robust comedy, and the loyalty of the musketeers —all these ingredients, which'have kept the romance popular for 90 years, are preserved in fine balance. Walter Abel,' coming as a new personality to the screen with a distinguished stage record on Broadway, portrays d’Artagnan with fiery conviction. His interpretation of the role fulfils its requirements of chivalry, tenderness and lighting spirit. Out of his Gascony chateau he rides to challenge high adventure add offer his sword to the king. In quick-won comradeship with tlie three best blades in France, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, he plunges into the defence of his queen’s honour, threatened by the powerful Cardinal Richelieu.

A coloured cartoon, “Parrotville Post Office; “Unusualities,” a novelty film; a travelogue, a comedy and Gazettes complete the programme.

“ACCENT ON YOUTH." AT THE REGENT THEATRE. Starring Sylvia Sidney and Herbert Marshall, “Accent on Youth” revolves about a man in his forties who thought that he was 100 old lor love until found out that no man in love is ever old Marshall is tin; man. A successt'nl'playwright, lie loves his scerelarj, knows Hint she reciprocates Ins teclillß vet hesitates to propose. 'Mum his young rival (Phillip Hoed) iliuls Hi,, sluing liard, Marshall aids him. Herd marries the girl and lakes her ■may on a honeymoon, bill Unit is not il, ( . V,„| of' Hie story. Away from Marshall, site is happy for only a

shorl lime. Heed's ronianlic nonsense, his lack of reeling, lurn her I hough is hack lo Hie older man. In a hilarious t)n<l sequence. Miss Sidney manages to convince Marshall that lielly |o\es her" ami forees him lo shun! up againsl her liuslmid for her. il all end a hyppil} on a comedy note.

Wesley Ruggles directed the picture, which '’features in the supporting cast Astrid Allwyn, Holmes Herbert and Ernest Cossart. The entertaining supporting programme includes “Manhattan Rhythm, introducing some delightful melodies, and the interesting Cinesound and British News. G DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. AT THE ROXY THEATRE. ■ i The week-end programme will be of a very generous nature, including “Werewolf of London,” a thrilling story Interpreted by Warner Oland, Henry Hull and Valerie Hobson; "Car 99,” an exciting drama, with a cast headed by Fred Mac Murray and Sir Guy Standing; and “Doing the Town,” a sparkling musical comedy. In “ Werewolf of London ” Henry Hull has the titte role in this screen study of a scientist who becomes infected with lycanthrophobia and turns periodically into a murderous creature half man, half wolf. “ Car 99 ’’ Is based on true information obtained from the seoret files of one of the most efficient police organisations in America. Fred MacMurray portrays a young police cadet who is encouraged in his work by his prttty sweetheart. In a clash with a gang of dangerous bandits, he loses his prisoners through carelessness, and sensational developments occur.