ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20262, 3 August 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. STATE THEATRE. # “Doubting Thomas,” with Will Rogers in one of his most entertaining characterisations, and “Michael and Mary,” with Edna Best (in private life Mrs Herbert Marshall) and Herbert Marshall in the leading roles, will be screened to-day. The late Will Rogers was a genial philosopher and humorist, and one of the most natural actors of the screen. “Doubting Thomas” reveals him in one of his most entertaining parts, full of that homely wit that made him so appealing. A charming romance is worked out in the story, and there is much merry humour. The strong supporting cast includes Rillie Burke. Gail Patrick, Alison Skipworth, Frances Grant and Sterling Holloway. “Michael and Mary” made a vivid impression when screened here a year or two ago. It tells of a delightful romance that lasted through the years, and the. close Interest of the audience Is held throughout. Mr and Mrs Herbert Marshall have never been seen to better advantage, and Frank Lawton and others give excellent support. ROXY THEATRE. The story of Florence Nightingale’s single-handed battle against the prejudice, greed and incompetency of some of the leading surgeons and government officials of the middle of the last century, Is known to the world, but never has It been depicted so strikingly as in “The White Angel.” The daughter of a wealthy and prominent English family, Florence Nightingale was discontented with the formalities and inanities of a social butterfly’s life, and yearned to do something worth while. Learning of the terrible conditions of the London hospitals, she resolved to devote her life to this service, with exciting and romantic results. Kay Francis is satisfying in the leading role. “Three Kids and a Queen” is an entertaining story of the kidnapping of the richest woman In the world. May Robson gives a great performance, and is well supported by Charlotte Henry, Franklin Darro and others. REGENT THEATRE. “A Star is Born,” filmed In technicolour, is a fine production. Janet Gaynor, as the film-star wife of a spoiled and dissolute husband—himself a former screen idol —gives a great performance, far removed from the merely “sweet” characterisations in which she used to specialise. Fredric March is convincing as the former screen star who falls in love with this unsophisticated seeker after fame from the country, and who lives to see her outshine and ultimately edge him into oblivion. It is Granny (May Robson) who believes in the girl and encourages her in her pilgrimage to Hollywood, and it is Granny who brings help and succour when breaking-point is almost reached in those desperate, poignant moments when Vicki seeks a sanctuary from the world clamouring at her feet. The natural colour adds muoh to the charm of the film. Incidents in the football match between the Springboks and Taranaki are also screened. THEATRE ROYAL. “ MARK OF THE VAMPIRE.” The author. of “ Mark of the Vampire ” is one of the co-authors of the story “ Werewolf of Paris,” the eerie tale of a man who turned into a wolf, which amazed the literary world when it was first published a few years ago. The writer is Guy Endore who, to- I gether with Bernard Schubert, concocted even more hair-raising situations for the new film thriller. Tod Browning, past-master at the art of directing blood -curdling dramas, filmed “ Mark of the Vampire ” and its cast includes Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Bela Lugosi of “ Dracula ” fame, Lionel Atwill, Jean He::holt, and Henry Wadsworth. 4 One New York Night ” is an exciting mystery story, featuring Franchot Tone and Una Merkel. Concern- I ing a murder committed in a modern, metropolitan hotel, the story presents a unique cross section of life seen in the various guests who become involved in the mysterious crime. CIVIC THEATRE. Popular Ralph Lynn, prince of j “silly asses.” will return to the local i screen to-day in “ All In,” a very amusing farcical comedy. Imagine Ralph as a scoutmaster, a racehorse owner, and a wrestling stadium pro- i prietor—and the screamingly funny, sequences may be pictured! The English comedian has never been seen to I better advantage: lie keeps the audi-: ence chuckling with his inane remarks and the embarrassing situations in which he finds himself. Claude Dam- ; pier, another clever funmaker, gives ! good support, and Gina Malo is a very : attractive heroine. It is a very en- 1 tertainlng production, and will please j Mr. Lynn’s hosts of admirers. i “ The Woman I Love.” “ The Woman 1 Love,’’ to be screen- ' ed on Friday, is a strong drama, with Paul Muni (winner of last year’s Academy award for his work in “ The Story of Louis Pasteur”) in the leading rMe. Miriam Hopkins and Louis Hayward have the romantic leads and there is a strong supporting cast.