ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 95, 16 January 1935, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

Regent.— " Count of Monte Cristo.” State.— “Judge Priest.” Plaza. — “The Fountain. Paramount— “Cliper World.” Grand Opera House.—" The Hayseeds.” De Luxe. — “The Gay Bride. ’ St. James— “ What Every Woman Knows.” .. Majestic.— “ Wagon Wheels • and ‘ Here Conies the Groom.” King's.— “ Have a Heart. “What Every Woman Knows” at the St. James Theatre Wliole.-nme 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, ,1. M. Jiarrie, ol a brave little tseotswoman's loyalty, and a good man's rather stupid egotism. Quaint little Maggie Wylie, when she marries John Slmml, senses more about him than his talent as it studen' of politics. She knows hetman—and never tells. Her great trial is when John Shand, the successful M.P., ■falls to the lure of the exquisite Lady Sybil. •’The Notorious Sophie Lung." A thoroughly modern and entertaining detective story’ the chronicle of a charming, beautiful girl, who single-handedly outwits both the police and her rivals, Paramount's "The Notorious Sophie Lang” conies to the St. James Theatre on Friday, with Gertrude Michael, Paul Cavanagh, Leol Errol, Arthur Byron and Mison Skipworth in the featured roles-. Miss Michael plays the title role as the famous international jewel thief who filches both gems and masculine hearts, by employing her cleverness and exotic charm. “The Gay Bride,” De Luxe Theatre Comedy Frivolous comedy and excitement are the ingredients of "The Guy Bride, which is at the De Luxe Theatre. Caro.e Lombard is the star. With her ate Chester Morris. Nat Pendleton. Leo Carillo and Zasu Pitts. Carole Lombard is a hard-working girl who makes a peroxide pasw at the great racket-king Pendleton, and he makeo his will and dies Next the mighty Carillo and later another of his ilk have their turn, aud it takes the itnpecuniouw 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 Case 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 AVilliam and Mary Astor in the chief roles. 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. The 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. Randolpa 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. “The Fountain” Showing- at the Plaza Theatre The cinema presentation ot Charles .Morgan's famous war novel "The Fountain” is al 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 in 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 iu 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 sordidne.-s, 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 effectivelybrought 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.” “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 bis 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 ns the girl Mercedes. How, when Dantes has lost, hope of over seeing daylight again, the sago old Abbe Faria, who occupies the next coll, te’ls 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 ami revenge his past is perhaps too well known Io require retelling here. Louis- Calhern Sidney Blackmer and Raymond Walburn are superbly villainous as the black-hearted do Villofort, Mondego and Danglers, respectively. “Blossom Time.” Franz .Schubert, probably the loveliest melodist of nil 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 pl'ny.s 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. zVll honour, too, goes the way of the director, Paul Stein. The big cast also includes lovely Jaue Baxter as Vicki; Curl Esmond as Rudi; Paul Graetz. Lester Matthews, and Athene fieyler.” Will Rogers in “Judge Priest” at the State Theatre Will Rogers gives one of his greatest performances iu “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 .itulge and his Civil War cronies, the film gives Rogers probably the finest opportunity <W 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 di licious 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 all happily east. “Upper World” Showing at the Paramount Theatre Events leading to murder—and happiness—comprise the engrossing therne 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 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 place 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.” lias returned, and is at the Grand Opera House. 'l’lie sturdy manliness ami humour of Dad are delightfully depicted by Cecil Kellaway. with Mum faithfully portrayed by Katie Towers. Tai Ordell anil Molly Raynor supply the comedy relief in copious splashes. Am well as- capital chorus anl ballet work by a J. C Williamson group, there is delightful singing by the principals, “Our Wife,” featuring the irresponsibles, Laurel a.id Hardy, ami “Treasure Island.” a lilting burlesque, complete an attractive programme. “Have a Heart” Featuring at the King’s Theatre yietro-Goldwyn-Mnyer's "Have a Heart.” the first starring vehicle for Jean Parker, who will be remembered as Beth in "Lillie Women,” is now showing twice daily at the King's Theatre. 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 iloll making after a tragic accident. Miss Parker has a role ideally suited to the vivid warmth of her screen personality. “A Very Honourable Guy.” Joe E. Brown's latest hilarious comedy, “A Very Honourable Guy,” commences at the King's Theatre on Friday afternoon. The story is hilariously funny, and Joe makes the most of a comedy tilled with fast action.