ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 94, 15 January 1935, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

Regent.—“ Count of Monte Cristo.” State. —“Judge Priest.” Plaza. —“The Fountain.” Paramount. —“Upper World.” Grand Opera House. —“The Hayseeds.” De Luxe. —“The Gay Bride.” St. James. —“What Every Woman Knows.’’ Majestic.—“ Wagon Wheels” and “Here Comes the Groom.” King’s.—“ Have a Heart.” “The Fountain” Showing at the Plaza Theatre ' The cinema presentation of Charles 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 “Dumbell Letters,” guaranteed to be genuine epistles in the nature of “howlers” in business and other correspondence, makes mirth that is a perfect counterbalance to the 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 the 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. “The Gay Divorcee.” Plenty of humour is interspersed throughout the brilliant musical comedy “The Gay Divorcee,” which will come to the 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.” Double Feature Programme at the Majestic Theatre Two film stories, each outstanding in its class, comprise the entertainment at the Majestic Theatre this week. The first, “Here Comes the Groom," is a comedy that is really funny, and it forsakes wellworn themes. It tells of the matrimonial fortunes of a rich girl, played by Mary Boland, who has married a “masked crooner.” He deserts her on her wedding day, and the bride, to excite her real lover’s jealousy, persuades a burglar to masquerade as the vanished husband. Tlie second picture, and featured one, “Wagon Wheels,” is a splendid story of Zane Grey’s. This film depicts the heroic trek of 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 of a young girl whom adverse fortune drives on the long march. An old favourite, Monte Blue, reappears as a treacherous trader who organises raids by Indian marauders on the wagon column. There is beautiful singing, happy comedy asides and splendid character portrayal. 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 jilflge and his Civil War cronies, the film gives Rogers probably the finest opportunity o_f 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 story, and much delicious humour is supplied by the negroes There is a world of humanity in this worth-while picture. Anita Louise, Tom Brown, David Landau. Rochelle Hudson, and Francis Ford are nil happily cast.

“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 cast as the girl Mercedes. How, when Dantes has lost hope cf 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 Villefort, Mondego and Danglars, respectively. “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 shortly. 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 'Seyler.”

Wellington Burns Anniversary

This is a month which makes Scotsmen rejoice, first because of the festivities associated with the New Year, and then because of the anniversary on January 25 of the great Scots national poet, Robert Burns, who was born on that day in 1795. This year the Wellington Burna Club will be assembling at the Y.M.C.A. on the evening of January 26 to celebrate the memory of the poet. There will be a characteristic Scots supper—including oat cakes, shortbread, and, as centrepiece, the Haggis—supported by a highclass programme. Mr. G. Stark-will open by isingiug "A Guid New Year,” and after the main toast will sing the rollicking song Burns wrote about h'mself, “There Was a Lad Was Born in Kyle.” The toast “To the Immortal Bard” will be in the hands of Mr. David McLaren. A poem, “The Songs of Robert Burns,” specially written by a member of the club will be recited by Miss Gracie Kerr. Other toasts will be "The Scots at Home and Abroad”—which will lie presented by an Englishman and to which the Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, probably will respond—and, as a return courtesy, “Time English.”

“The Gay Bride,” De Luxe Theatre Comedy

Frivolous comedy and excitement are tlie ingredients of “The Gay Bride,” which ja at the De Luxe Theatre. Carole Lombard is the star. With her are Chester Morris, Nat Pendleton, Leo Carillo and Zaeu Pitts. Carole Lombard is a hard-working girl who makes a peroxide pass at the great racket-king : Pendleton, and he makes 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 from the other’s rightful revenge. “The Caso of the Howling Dog.’' A new type of murder mystery drama has been introduced to the screen by Warner Bros, in “The Case of the Howling Dog,” which comes to the De Luxe Theatre on Friday, with Warren William and Mary Astor in the chief roles. “Have a Heart” Featuring at the King’s Theatre Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Have a Heart,” the first starring vehicle for Jean Parker, 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. “A Very Honourable Guy.” Joe E. Brown’s latest hilarious comedy, “A Very Honourable Guy,” commences at the King’s Theatre on Friday afternoon. “AVhat Every Woman Knows” at the St. James Theatre Wholesome sentiment and deep humanity are always intellectually stimulating and richly entertaining. That is the case with “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 politics. 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. “Upper Work!” Showing at 1 ' the Paramount Theatre Events leading to murder —and happiness—comprise the engrossing theme of “Upper World,” which is at the Paramount Theatre. Briefly, the story is of Alexander Stream, railroad magnate, whose wife is so engrossed in the social whirl that she postpones her wedding anniversary l 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. Acquaintanceship ripens into friendship, and gradually she takes the plate of his wife in 'Stream’s life. In the meantime her other lover sees that blackmail may prove a pleasant way out of his difficulties. The action then begins. “Thank Your Stars.” Commencing next Friday at the Paramount Theatre is “Thank Your Stars.” a tuneful comedy romance. “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 are 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 irresponsibles, Laurel and Hardy, and “Treasure Island,” a lilting burlesque, complete an attractive programme.