ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 93, 14 January 1935, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

“The Fountain” Showing at the Plaza Theatre The cinema presentation ot Chai'let. Morgan's famous war novel "The Fountain” is at present at the Plaza Theatre. Before reviewing the charm of the principal film it must be said that "The Fountain” is preceded by a varied programme somewhat rare anywhere for uniform excellence. In addition to attractive up-to-the-minute reels of Fox Movietone news, a musical Mexican production m colour is a delight apart, both for its tints and its tone. A new comedy feature aptly described as “Dumbeli Letters,” guaranteed to be genuine epistles in the nature of “howlers” in business and other correspondence, makes mirth that is a perfect counterbalance to tlie more serious sentiment of "The Fountain,” which fills the second half of the generous programme. The theme is a story of great love without sordidness, and tlie atmosphere of war is free of explosions.' Its significance is portrayed by Miss Ann Harding, Brian Aherne and Paul Lukas with admirable reality, and with emotion not allowed to break into hysteria. Altogether, a good entertainment. “Tlie Gay Divorcee.” Plenty of' humour is interspersed throughout l he brilliant musical comedy "The Guy Divorcee,” which will come to tlie Plaza Theatre on Friday after a highly successful season at Auckland. The humour is quietly but effectively brought into the picture by Fred Astaire, whose association with Edward Everett Horton forms a strong combination. The audience is kept at high pitch throughout the screening, and the film promises to enjoy a successful run in the city. It is a lavish production, based upon the musical comedy stage, and serves to introduce a talented pair of dancers in Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, whose new dance, “The Continental.” is executed with all the rhythm and grace of an accomplished dance team. Five new song hits are sung in the picture—“ Night and Day,” “A Needle in a Haystack,” “Don’t Let It Bother You.” “Let’s Knock Knees,” and "The Continental.” Will Rogers in “Judge Priest” at the State Theatre Will Rogers gives one of his greatest performances in "Judge Priest,” the new Fox film drama, which is at the State Theatre. Adapted from the famous Irvin S. Cobb stories of the small-town jtulge a’td his Civil War cronies, the film gives Rogers probably the finest opportunity i'£ his screen career. His portrayal of the drawling but quick-witted Southern jurist is the blending of a splendid talent with a rich and splendid role. His performance stands alone for sheer dramatic power, and seldom has he had such opportunities to call both tears and laughter from his audience. Life in the sleepy Kentucky town of the early ’nineties supplies the background for the storv. and much delicious humour is supplied by the negroes There is a world o£ humanity in this worth-while picture. Anita Louise, Tom Brown, David Landau, Rochelle Hudson, and Francis Ford are all happily cast. Among the supports are views of the Duke of Gloucester at the Auckland Cup meeting, and at Rotorua, and a stirring film of the Boy Scouts’ jamboree in Victoria. A topical Fox Australian News, an International News, and an hilarious comedy, "Big Flash,” also figure on the new programme. “Count of Monte Cristo” Still at the Regent Theatre "The Count of Monte Cristo” continues to be a powerful attraction at the Regent Theatre. The thrilling story of Edmond Dantes, the young Frenchman, torn from his sweetheart’s arms by his enemies and unjustly imprisoned and left to rot in the grim Chateau d’lf. is made to order for Robert Donat, and Elissa Landi is ideally east as the girl Mercedes. How, when Dantes has lost hope of ever seeing daylight again, the sage old Abbe Faria, who occupies the next cell, tells him of a secret treasure buried on the island of Monte Cristo, and educates him so that when he finally escapes he may face the world a superman and revenge his past is perhaps too well known to require retelling here. Louis Calhern, Sidney Blackmer and Raymond Walburn are superbly villainous as the black-hearted de Villcfort. Mondego and Danglars, respectively. There is a strong supporting programme. ‘‘Blossom Time." Franz Schubert, probably the loveliest melodist of all time, is the central figure of “Blossom Time,” Richard Tauber’s first all-English picture, which comes to the Regent Theatre next Friday. A critic states: "Richard Tauber plays the role of Schubert as though he were Schubert himself. His portrayal is masterly. In addition, his magnificent voice has never before been so gloriously recorded. All honour, too, goes the way of the director. Paul Stein. The big cast also includes lovely Jane Baxter as Vicki; Carl Esmond as Rudi; Paul Graetz. Lester Matthews, and Athene iSeyler.” Double Feature Programme at the Majestic Theatre Two film stories, each outstanding in its class, comprise tlie entertainment at ihe Majestic Theatre this- week. The first. "Here Comes the Groom.” is a comedy ll.at is really funny, and it forsakes wellworn themes. It tells of the matrimon’al fortunes o f a rich girl, played by Mary Roland, who has married a “masked crooner.” lie deserts her on her wedding day. and tlie bride, tn excite her real ’over's jealousy, persuades’a burglar to masquerade as tlie vanished husband. The second picture, and featured one. “Wagon Wheels.” is a splendid story of Zane Grey’s. This film depicts the heroic trek o’* colonists moving by caravan from Missouri to Oregon and their adventures by the way. Randolph Scott is a scout and guard for the party. Gail Patrick presents the role nf a young girl whom adverse for une drives on the long march. An old favourite. Monte Blue, reappears as a treacherous trader who organises. raids by Indian marauders on the wagon columl? There is beautiful singing, happy comedy asides and splendid character portrayal “Upper World” Showing at the Paramount Theatre Events leading to murder —and happidess—comprise the engrossing theme of “Upper World.’’ which is at the Paramount Theatre, and should continue there as a decided attraction. Briefly, the story is of Alexander Stream, railroad magnate. whose wife so engrossed in the social whjrl that she postpones her wedding anniversary dinner, in order to go to an everyday dinner party elsewhere. Stream is one of the greatest railroad men in the United States, and is negotiating the final stages of a gigantic merger when he rescues a young lady from drowning. Acquaintance* ship ripens into friendship, and gradually she takes the place of his wife in Stream’s life. Tn the meantime her other Inver sees that blackmail may P r n ve a pleasant way out of his difficulties. 1 he action then begins. Warren William. Marv Astor, and Ginger Rogers are the stars. Miss Iris Mason is at the Murlitzer. “The Gay Bride.” De Luxe Theatre Comedy Frivolous comedy and excitement are the ingredients nf “The Gay Brmc. which iP at the De Luxe Theatre. Carole Lombard is the star, and the hit >»ne makes is uo moan effort, even for the vivacious orchid that she are Chester Morris. Nat Pendleton. Leo Carillo and Za«u Pitts. Carole Lombard

is a hard-working girl who makes a peroxide pass at the great racket-king Pendleton, and he nrtkee his will and dies. Next the mighty Carillo and later another of his ilk have their turn, and it takes the impecunious Chester Morris, who falls in love with the orchid threequarters of the way through the film, all his time and ammunition to protect her front titty other’s rightful revenge. The supports are excellent >ind include s most impressive film record of the funeral of the late Archbishop Redwood. Miss Mason is at the organ “What Every Woman Knows” at the St. James Theatre Wholesome sentiment and deep humanity are always intellectually stimulating and richly entertainnig. That is the case, wjth . "What Every Woman Knows,” the.sweet revealing play by a great humourist, J. M. Barrie, of a brave little Scotswoman’s loyalty, and a good man's rather stupid egotism. Quaint little Maggie Wylie, when she marries John Shand, senses more about him than his talent as a student of polities. She knows her ■man —and never tells. Her great trial is when John Shand, the successful M.P., falls to the lure of the exquisite Lady Sybil. Maggie is' very touchingly played by Helen Hayes, while handsome Brian Aherne is ideal as John Shand. The programme also includes the amusing farcical comedy, “I'll Be Suing You,” and an interesting Series of views of the funeral of the late Archbishop Redwood. “The Hayseeds” at the Grand Opera House A premier Australian production, "The Hayseeds,” has returned, and is at. the Grand Opera House. The sturdy manliness and humour of Dad ;ne delightfully depicted by Cecil Kellaway. with Mum faithfully portrayed by Katie Towers. Tai Ordell and Molly Raynor supply the comedy relief in copious splashes. As well as capital chorus and ballet work by a J. O Williamson group, there is delightful singing by the principals. "Our Wife,” featuring the irresponstblcs, Laurel and Hardy. and "Treasure Island.” a lilting burlesque, complete an attractive programme. “Have a Heart” Featuring at the King’s Theatre Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Have a Heart,” the first starring vehicle for Jean Barker, who will be remembered as Beth in “Little Women,” is now showing, twice daily at the King's Theatre. The wholesome theme of the picture concerns the regeneration of a crippled girl through a romance that gives her the will to overcome her handicap and marry the ■man of her heart. Into the simple yet sincere plot are packed comedy, pathos, tragedy, hope and courage. As Sally, the young dancer who is forced to take up doll making after a tragic accident. Miss Parker has a role ideally suited to the vivid warmth of her screen personality. The male lead is played by James Dunn as Jimmie Flaherty, vendor of ice-cream. Outstanding featurettes are in support.