ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19889, 19 May 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. THEATRE ROYAL. “Payment Deferred” is the film I version of one of London outstanding stage hits. Known as the mystery drama with the most startling i climax ever devised, “Payment Dej ferred” tells the story of a murderer I who escapes detection for his own i crime only to be convicted later for a ; crime which he did not commit. The . signifleent feature of the play, both in its London and New York productions, was the sensational performance of Charles Laughton as the middle-class London bank clerk who is driven to murder his rich nephew to save himself and his family from a debtor’s prison. Mr Laughton also enacts the murderer in the film version. Maureen O’Sullivan and Dorothy Peterson head the supporting cast. TO-MORROW’S ATTRACTIONS. Two feature films—’’Music Hath Charms,” featuring the great English band conductor Henry Hall, and “Riding Wild,” a Western thriller, starring Tim McCoy—will be screened to-morrow. CIVIC THEATRE. “Roberta,” starring Fred Astaire, Irene Dunn and Ginger Rogers, which will be revived to-day, as a musical comedy was a great success on the stage. Incidentally it was played throughout New Zealand last year by the company headed by Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritcliard. When it was brought to the screen, with the wider scope afforded, it was even more successful, proving an ideal vehicle for the dancing stars Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. These popular favourites have a number of clever song and dance numbers. They talk with their feet in a whirlwind dance routine done to Jerome Kern’s song hit “I’ll Be Hard to Handle.” dancing stars do a wide variety of stepsOne of their feature dances is a poem in motion, done to the melody of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Irene | Dunn’s singing is also a feature. The story also provides a charming romance and plenty -of bright humour. REGENT THEATRE. Sylvia Sidney reaches the top of her form as a dramatic actress in her latest starring vehicle, “Mary Burns, Fugitive,” a gripping romantic drama of an innocent girl hunted by the law. Caught in a web of circumstantial evidence, an innocent victim of circumstances, her portrayal of Mary Burns is sympathetic, sincere and distinguished- “Mary Burns, Fugitive,” serves also to introduce Alan Baxter. A recruit from the Broadway stage, he is a refreshingly new personality, bringing understanding in a difficult role as a college-bred gangster. Young, engaging, with plenty of talent, Mr Baxter bears close watching. Carrying off his part with restraint and dignity, Melvyn Douglas, as the wealthy, brilliant scientist, delivers a sincerely acted portrayal in the leading role opposite Miss Sidney. Pert Kelton, in her first dramatic role, acquits herself in an able manner. STATE THEATRE. Two films of well-contrasted typo will be screened to-day. “GrossCountry Cruise” has Lew Ayres and June Knight in the leading roles, while “ Splendid Fellows” is an Australian production featuring Eric Coleman (a brother of Ronald Colman) Isabelle Mahon and Frank Leighton. “ Cross-country Cruise,” as its title implies, deals with the exciting things which happen on a oruise across country, and the interest of the audience is held throughout with its romance, Its mystery, its drama, and its comedy. Mr Ayres and Miss Knight give splendid performances, and are sup- > ported by a strong cast. “ Splendid Fellows ” is one of the best of the Australian productions and tells a diverting story of love and adventure. Eric Colman, who takes the leading role, is very much like his famous brother. ROXY THEATRE. Plenty of comedy and touches of pathos are provided by “Ginger,” with little Jane Withers and Jackie Searle in the leading roles. When Jane, little, independent, self-reliant product of Ninth Avenue, is taken into the Park Avenue home of the pampered Jackie Searle trouble and lots of fun follow. "Guard That Girl” is an exciting melodrama. Who hurTe'd the knife at the million-dollar heiress? Who plunged the mansion into murderous darkness? These questions are answered in thrilling fashion in the film. The plot has to do with a threatened heiress, a bevy of suspici-ous-looking relatives, and two young men who risk their lives. TO-MORROW’S FILMS “Charlie Chan in Paris,” to be screened to-morrow, is a thrilling murder mystery, with Warner Gland as the suave lOriental detective. “ Dr. Socrates,” featuring Paul Muni and Ann Dvorak, deals with a thrilling fight between science and crime- “ Surprise” is a delightful musical comedy featuring the Duncan sisters.