ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20263, 4 August 1937, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. theatre: royal. A mystery story replete with suspense, comedv and romance, marks ‘‘One New York Night.” Franchot Tone, romantic leading man, and Una Merkel, pretty comedienne, are cofeatured. The story revolves around a mysterious murder which takes place in a cosmopolitan hotel where a unique cross-section of life is reflected in the various guests who become involved in the crime. Mystery enters when the body of a wealthy broker disappears under unusual circumstances, thus catapulting several people into a scandal. "Mark of the Vampire,” featuring Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allen and Bela Lugosi, tells the tale of a ghastly crime, laid in the midst of a strange vampire cult. Strange “undead” things that roam in the night, a haunted castle that is the centre of the gruesome oult, and a detective who pits his wits against supernatural horrors, figure In the hair-raising story. CIVIO THEATRE. “All In” is one of those merry farces in which Ralph Lynn, the popular “silly ass” of stage and screen, excels. Imagine Ralph as a scoutmaster, a racehorse owner, and a wrestling stadium proprietor—and one gets some idea of the amusing complications of the film. The English comedian has rarely been seen' to better advantage; he keeps the audience chuckling with his inane remarks and the embarrassing situations in which he finds himself. Claude Dampier, another clever funmaker, gives good support, and Gina Malo is a very attractive heroine. It is an entertaining production, and will please Mr Lynn’s hosts of admirers. “THE WOMAN I LOVE." Paul Muni, whose work in “The Life of Louis Pasteur" received the Academy award last year, plays the leading role in “The Woman I Love,” which will head the new programme on Friday. He gives a great performance and reoelves excellent support from Miriam Hopkins, Louis Hayward and others. A dramatic a and romantic story is unfolded in the film. STATE THEATRE. 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 %it“that made him so appealing. A charming romance Is developed in the story, and there is muoh merry humour. The strong supporting cast includes Billie Burke, Gail Patrick, Alison Skipworth, Frances Grant and Sterling Holloway. “Michael and Mary” tells of a romance that lasted through the years, and the close Interest of the audience Is held throughout by the interesting dialogue and the absorbing situations. It is an unconventional love story, working up to a poingant climax as the aging couple are faced with the necessity to make a tremendous decision. Mr and Mrs Herbert Marshall have never been seen to better advantage, and Frank Lawton and ‘ others give excellent, support. Rarely is such fine acting seen on the local screen. REGENT THEATRE. Janet Gaynor, as the film-star wife of a spoiled and dissolute husband—himself a former screen idol—gives a great performance in “A Star is Born,” and 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. Incidents in the football match between the Springboks and Taranaki are also screened. "THE LAST OF MRS CHEYNEY.” A brilliant cast headed by Joan Crawford, William Powell and Robert Montgomery appears in “The Last of Mrs Cheyney,” which will be screened on Saturday. The story, ultra-modern as a stage play, has been advanced to the current minute In dialogue and atmosphere, so that it is more than ever smart aind sophisticated. ROXY THEATRE. A new screen star—talented and beautiful —is revealed in "Girls’ Dormitory.” Simone Simon made her debut in a stirring film that stands as one of Hollywood’s achievements. Herbert Marshall and Ruth Chatterton are starred in the production and their performances aid in making “Girls’ Dormitory” one of the most human and revealing stories of first love ever brought to Hie screen. Action, drama, fomanee. erynedy and mobriv have -tveen skilfully worked 'ldfo 'hit Texas Rangers.” Pre- ’ seated by a east headed by Fred Mas- | Murray and Jack Oakie, the film lifts a page from the history of the twoI gun organisation which made Texas j safe for pioneers. [ Heenzo (Hean’s Essence) economical and effective. Colds, ’flu, etc. (16)