ENTERTAINMENTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17986, 3 April 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS.

DHE CIVIC. i i , “ The Girl from Havana,” which fells a delightful slorv of romance and sensation, pleased patrons of the c.osy Civic Theatre last night. The cast is-an excellent one, and interprets the intriguing story with great power. Some splendid short subjects are included in the programme. These are always a popular feature. “SHOW BOAT” COMING. One of the most moving romances ever told on the screen, as well as one of the most spectacular productions ever made, will be offered patrons _ of the Civic Theatre when Universal’s sound and dialogue superfilm, “Show Boat,” begins its season. This colourful epic of the Mississippi Valley and of Chicago in the last generation, embodying the glamorous love story of Magnolia, 'the young show boat girl, played by Laura La Plante, and Ravenal, the romantic young gambler, played by Joseph Schlldkraut, is based upon the internationally famous novel of the same name by Edna Perber. Included in the presentation are the movietoned highlights of the celebrated New Yorlc musical production, "Show Boat” staged by Florenz Ziegfeld, with noted Broadway stars. THEATRE ROYAL. The story of “ Broadway ” is a dramatic tale' of two young innocents who became involved in a gripping underworld plqt in connection with rum-running, hi-jacking and the night, club activities of Broadway. Most of the action is laid in the backstage section of a sumptuous Broadway night club, in the rehearsal rooms. The picture is a startling slice of Broadway night life at its dizziest. The dining and dancing- lloor of the night club is the most,, elaborate every constructed for motion pictures. With more than an acre of floor space, surrounded by tables, balconies and ramps, all done in the most modernistic style, the lavishness is indescribable. Photographed in Tcchnicolour, it is gorgeous- The cast in- J eludes Glenn Tryon, Evelyn lirent, Merna Kennedy, Thomas E. Jackson, Otis Harlan, 'Robert Ellis, Paul Porcasi, | and a score of other prominent actors arid actresses. The virile dialogue of the play has been fully retained by Edward T. | Lowe, Jr.,"who arranged the screened dialogue, and the excellence with which the actors put their lines over makes the picture as realistic as a stage play. TALKIES AT CAMBRIDGE. “ The Cock-eyed World ” is drawing to the end of a successful season at. Cambridge. The film features Victor MeLaglon, Edmund Lowe, and Lily Damila—Lowe and MeLaglon again the lighting marines. The story takes the marines to Russia, *to the tropics and to New York and Coney Island. Lily Damita, more fascinating than ever, is their girl of the tropics; Leila Karaeily their Russian girl, and Jean Gary their New York girl. Quelling an uprising in the tropics is their only opportunity to do the battling the marines are noted for, and Walsh has even in this comparatively minor engagement, eclipsed for drama, force and thrills any battle of “What Price Glory.” “The Cockeyed World” has every ingredient that makes for real pastime—humour, sparkling dialogue, hectic love scenes, tense drama and a happy combination of all those things that appeal from the screen. The supporting cast is excellent, with El Brendel, former star of musical comedy and vaudeville, reaping plenty of honours with his incomparable portrayal of a Swede marine, “Olsen.” In addition io the dialogue there are several song numbers. FRANKTON’S OWN. An interesting programme, beaded by the feature, “My Friend from India,” will be screened to-night. A comedy and gazette arc included.

STRAND THEATRE. The striking mystery play, “ Behind That Curtain,” is thrilling large audiences at the Strand Theatre. Warner Baxter, Lois Moran, Gilbert Emery and Philip Strange, artists of wide experience on the speaking stage as well as on the screen, portray the leading roles. The story opens in London, with the mysterious murder of a barrister whose investigations into their private affairs promise to involve two of the principals, John Beetham, an explorer,-

played by Baxter, and Eric Durand, an adventurer with a shady past, portrayed by Strange. There ensues a series of thrilling events in which a prominent figure is Sir Frederick: Bruce, head of Scotland Yard, a role splendidly depicted by Emery. Running counter to the mystery element is a generous love theme, of which the principals are Eve and Beetham. The picture preserves the swift movement, the thrill of mystery, and the tender romance that have made "Behind That Curtain” sucli a success as a novel. Baxter is superb, and Miss Moran is all that could be asked for.