ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20126, 23 February 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES, i THEATRE ROYAL. “Big Executive" is a fast-moving drama of Wall Street. Ricardo Cortez, cast in the title role, gives a fine performance. Cold and ruthless in his business dealings, he exhibits a very different manner when winning the heart of Elizabeth Young. He finds plenty of business and romantic oppo- . sition in Richard Bennett, who, in the j role of a 97-year-old financial baron, ! fires a bombshell right in the middle of his plans. “The Thundering Herd,” featuring Randolph Scott and Judith Allen, is one of Zane Grey’s most widely-read novels. It is the story of the love of a young buffalo hunter and a girl, bound to a cruel foster-father. Through terrific odds the young couple fight their way to happiness. CIVIC THEATRE. Magnificent settings and brilliant acting by the principal artists make “Sweet Aloes” another triumph for the producers. Tile film is an outstanding example of the successful adaptation of a stage play to the talking screen. Kay Francis, who lias been widely acclaimed for her portrayal of Florence Nightingale in “The White Angel,” appears as the heroine of the story, a part taken in London by Diana Wynyard. George Brent, as her husband, makes a welcome return to prominence. The picture, which is a dramatic and appealing tale of the love between husband and wife and between mother and child, has received lijgh praise overseas for the forceful realism of its presentation. Roland Young gives an extremely touching portrayal of a sympathetic author who brings the tangled lives of his friends to a happy ending. Olliers in the cast are Henry j Stephenson, Patric Knowles and Frieda Inescourt. ROXY THEATRE. “Les Miserables” is the film version of Victor Hugo’s widely-read book, and has been adapted very successfully. The role of Jean Valjean, convict hero, who spends five brutalising years in the galleys of a French prison ship for the theft of a loaf of bread, and finds his whole future darkened by a petty crime, is i one of the greatest undertakings of J Fredric March’s brilliant screen career. Charles Laughton, as the fanatical detective, Javert, who has dedicated his life to the literal interpretation of the law, offers a characterisation which affords a psychologi- j cal glimpse into the strangs workings j of the mind of a manhunter. “Stars Over Broadway," which fea- j tures some melodious song hits, Is a I thrilling comedy-drama with music, with an all-star cast including Pal \ O’Brien, Jean Muir, Miss Frornan, • Melton and Frank McHugh. STATE THEATRE. Two feature films —“West of the Pecos,” featuring Richard Dix, and “Give Her a Ring,” with Clifford Mollison and Wendy Barrie in the leads —will be screened to-dav. “West of the Pecos” Is, as its title Implies, a colourful story of the West, filled with romance, action and adventure. Zane Grey never wrote anything better, and the story has j been brought to the screen very successfully. With its exciting situations and its interesting dialogue it holds the interest of the audience throughout, and the sensational climax coimes ail too soon. Richard Dix gives a fine performance in the leading role, and is supported by an excellent cast.

“Give Her a Ring” is in effective contrast to the other film, being a gay musical comedy, with melodious songs, clever dancing and merry comedy. The audience is delighted by the sparkling entertainment provided. The clever English players, Clifford Mollison and Wendy Barrie, have the romantic leads, and have the support of oilier clever people. REGENT THEATRE. “Come and Get It" is a powerful drama, with the unusual theme of the love of a father and a son for the same woman. The story traces the life of a timber magnate, who marries the daughter of his employer in order to get more power, and in doing so he deserts the girl he loves. Years later, a married man with an adult family, a queer twist of circumstances causes him to fall in love with the daughter of his former sweetheart. Edward Arnold takes the role of Ihe lumber “king,” Barney Glasgow, and makes a great success of it. His acting is only surpassed by that of Frances Farmer, who is seen as Glasgow’s sweetheart, and later as the sweetheart’s daughter. Other members of the cast are all good, particularly Joel McCrea, who antagonises his father by winning the girl, Mady Christians, Walter Brennan and Mary Nash.