AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 345, 28 January 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre. “Beloved Vagabond.” The world’s favourite—the Real Chevalier —is back again to steal anew the hearts of entertainment-lovers in a sparkling adaptation of W. J. Locke's world-popular romance, “The Beloved Vagabond,’ which will ’be shown at the Plaza to-day and to-mor-row. Two versions of the production —French and English—were made made at. Elstree, with Maurice in the title role in each instance. This is the first time since 8.1.P.’s memorable “Atlantic” that a bi-linqual talkie has been made in England.- Two wellknown English playwrights, Arthur Wimperis and Hugh Mills, contributed to the writing of the screen play and dialogue for the film. Arthur Wimperis wrote the brilliant dialogue cf “Henry VIII,” and he was also responsible for the dialogue of many successful films of the past few years. Hugh Haslem Mills is the author of the play, “Laughter in Court,” which C. B. Cochran is shortly producing in the West End. Playing opposite Chevalier as “Blanquette,’ Ae little French entertainer, is Margaret Lockwood, charming 18-year-old "find,” who, after exhaustive tests with hundieds of other applicants for this coveted role, passed with flying colours.

“San Francisco.”

Nine musical numbers, ranging from songs familiar to every household in the world to the greatest cf operatic arias, are sung by Jeanette MacDonald in the new Metro-Gokl-wyn-Mayer musical romance, “San Francisco,’ showing from Saturday to Wednesday at the Plaza Theatre, with Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy sharing stellar honours. The following numbers will be heard in the new W. S. Van Dyke uroduction: “Jewel Song” from “Faust’; Trio (Prison Scene from “Faust”); “Nearer, My God, to Tee”; “Love Me, and the World Is Mine”; “Ave Maria”; "San Francisco”; “My Heart Is Free”; “Battle Hymn of the Republic”; “Sempre Libera” from “Traviata." “Audioscopiks” Is Progressive. There threatens to be something more than ordinary laughter at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday wEen M G-M’s “Audioscopiks” are screened

for the first time. Giving the illusion of a third dimension, the amazing novelty strikes an entirely new note in talking screen cntertfTnment. When a man pokes a stick into the audience, it’s definite to assert that every man jack will instinctively duck. When a drunk on the screen appears to squirt a soda siphon right into the auditorium, one can almost feel the splash. It is necessary to watch “Audioscopiks” through coloured glasses. These are supplied free by the n»anagement.

King’s Theatre. “White Death.” Filmed in glorious sun-kissed set-1 tings, Australia’s first romantic com-i edy drama, showing at the King’s | tonight and tomorrow, is different i delightfully different —screen enter- I tainment. “White Death” is a giant, man-eating white shark which has struck terror into the hearts of the natives and has been responsible for many deaths, including those of the wife and son of a missionary stationed at Hayman Island. Zane Grey, [ who appears at “himself” in the film, is commissioned to catch this scavenger of the deep, and after catching several other sharks and a swordfish, the great author-fisherman finally hooks the “White Death.” Playing the leading comedy role opposite Zane Grey is Alfred Frith, famous Australian stage comedian. Others in the cast include Nola Warren, and John Weston.

“Two-Fisted Gentleman.” . Jimmy Dunn is teamed with a talented newcomer, June Clayworth, in the leading roles of Columbia’s “TwoFisted Gentleman,” which shows on Saturday and Monday at the King's. Though Miss Clayworth has appeared in several recent films, her current role is her first of major importance. The story of “Two-Fisted Gentleman” is the saga of a leather-pusher

who skids to fistic oblivion via the night club route. More specifically, it is the tale of Mickey Blake, a trim, courageous fighter managed by the brains of the family, his ring-wise wife, played by Miss Clayworth. Supporting the leading players are George McKay and Thurston Hall. Gordon Wiles directed. On the same programme is the thrilling Western, "Law Beyond the Range.” ADRIAN GOWNS. Garbo, Shearer and Crawford are | assured of having Adrian-designed I gowns for the next three years at | least. Adrian has signed a new I M-G-M contract. Garbo recently | gave Adrian an original etching of her home in Sweden.