ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19763, 19 December 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. REGENT THEATRE. An operation whereby the hands of a murderer are grafted on to replace those of a famous pianist who has been Injured in a train accident, and his subsequent desire to kill, forms the basis of the macabre but highly original and well-acted mystery drama "Mad Love.” Formerly tilled “The Hands of Orlac," the film may well he classed in the “horror” variety, but in spite of a rather gruesome theme it is made to seem probable and alarmingly realistic by the superb performance of the Continental character actor Peter Lorre, who portrays an insane siurgeon who is responsible for the operation. His performance is one of real histrionic value, and his uncanny personality grips the audience. The story tells of his infatuation for the wife of the pianist. The pianist finds after the operation that his hands have an uncontrollable desire to ‘throw knives, and he is accused of the murder of a man who has been stabbed. In the meantime his wife has gone to the surgeon’s house and finds a wax statue of herself which the surgeon worships. To hide, she takes the place of the statue, but is discovered by the mad surgeon, and the film moves rapidly to a most unexpected climax. Appearing in a fine supporting cast are Colin Clive, Frances Drake and Ted Healey. The supports include “Good Little Monkeys,’l a cartoon in colour; “Nurse to You,” a Charlie Chase Comedy; “Gaol Birds of Paradise,” a revue; and Metrotone News. CIVIC THEATRE. “Evergreen” tells the tale of a famous music-hall star who apparently retains her youth for 30 years, to the amazement of the public. The musichall atmosphere gives scope for the introduction of some entertaining song and dance numbers. Jessie Matthews, the London stage and screen star, gives a fine performance as Hetty Green, rising to great emotional heights and singing and dancing cleverly. Barry Mackay, a handsome young Englishman, has tho romantic role opposite Miss Matthews, and there is a particularly strong supporting cast, Sonnie Hale and Betty Balfour being seen at their best.

“PASSING OF THIRD FLOOR BACK” The superlative acting of Conrad Veldt is the most striking feature of the screen version of Jerome K. Jerome’s play, “The Passing of Hie Third Floor Back,” which will be screened to-morrow. Although the German actor speaks fewer words than practically any other member of the cast ho dominates every scene in which he appears.

THEATRE ROYAL. "The Murder Man" contains all the improbabilities usual in the American newspaper type of talkie, but firstclass acting and a surprising twist in plot make it a picture abovo the average. The film takes its title from the nickname bestowed upon the hero (Spencer Tracy) by the New York newspaper which employs him as crime reporter, specialising in culpable (and of course newsy) homicide. Not only does he let the police chiefs know whom to arrest and charge when a wealthy financier is shot dead in his car, but his evidence against the accused at his trial secures the man’s conviction. There is a dramatic climax. Virginia Bruce, as Hie girl who finds time to spare from her “advice to the lovelorn” to take an interest in the erratic reporter, gives a polished performance. Tile supporting programme includes a Patsy Kelly and Thelma Todd comedy and a musical colour rovue, “Starlit Days at the Lido.”

“.MEN WITHOUT NAMES." “■Men Without Names," to head the new programme to-morrow, is said to be the answer to “G Men." It tells a sensational story. STATE THEATRE. "Sweepings" is an entertaining story that combines pathos, humour and romance very cleverly. Lionel Barrymore portrays ilie appealing role of a father who amassed millions for his children by founding a great merchandising

property, only lo sec ’ his offspring dissipate his wealth in riotous living. The colour and romance of the South in pre-rebellion days and the adventure and excitement of the Far West in the days when the red man ruled tlie plains, are blended in Zane Grey’s “The Golden West.” An old family feud destroys the love of a boy and a girl. The youth goes west, where lie meets and marries another girl, and a son is born. The father and mother arc killed by Hie Indians, and I lie child is reared to manhood by the savages, finally to become their leader. George O'Brien plays a dual role.

ROXY THEATRE. “Cavalcade" is a picture which combines acting of a very high order with a remarkable presentation of I some of the most stirring and tragic ! episodes of the twentieth century, iln the older people it gives rise to mixed emotions and stirs memories, i “Lest We Forget ” To the young, j for whom even the Great War Is history rather than living fact, marred with tragedy, stark and terrible, it serves a notable purpose. Before their eyes unfolds a drama fraught with many things, but most of all with a clear portrayal of the horrors of war and the duty they owe to those • shattered wrecks whose lives were battered and broken in the last Great War. The great cast includes Diana Wynyard. Clive Brook, Herbert Mundin, Frank Lawton and thousands of j extras.