ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20264, 5 August 1937, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. ROXY THEATRE. The story of “Girl*’ Dormitory" is concerned with an exclusive finishing' school attended only by the daughters of the very rich. In this school the girls are taught everything exoept that vvhioh the rules forbid —life. The film is a dramatic, realistic portrayal of a young girl’s first love. Eager to live, yet half afraid, Simone at first whispers of her love only to her heart, but later, like a woman, she fights for the happiness that only love can bring. Simone Simon, Ruth Chatterton and Herbert Marshall head the strong oast. Setting a moving, romantio story against a background of action, "The Texas Rangers,” with Fred Mac Murray, Jean Parker and Jack Oakie in the leading roles, recreates soenes of early Texan history, showing for the first time the vast job undertaken by the State Rangers when they swore to drive out Indians, kill bandits and make Texas a reasonably safe place in whloh to live. Scenes of the Springboks’ match against Taranaki, a Popeye the Sailor ! cartoon and a ooloured cartoon are ,also screened, REGENT THEATRE. *‘A Star is Born,” filmed all in colour, 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, and Fredric March , is convincing as the former screen star who falls in love with the unsophisticated seeker after fame from the country, and who lives to see her outshine and ultimately edge him into oblivion. May Robson takes a prominent role as "Granny.” Incidents in the football matoh between the Springboks and Taranaki are also screened. “THE LAST OF MRS CHEYNEY.” “The Last of Mrs Cheyney,” to be screened on Saturday, has everything needed for delightful entertainment. For a foundation it has Frederick Lonsdale’s clever plot and his witty, gay and sparkling dialogue. Upon this has been built a production which abounds In dramatic situations. Then it is presented by a talented oast (headed by Joan Crawford), every member of which has a role which might have been specially created for her or him. BTATE THEATRE. “Doubting Thomas” reveals Will Rogers In one of his most entertaining parts, full of that homely wit that made him so appealing. A charming romance is developed in the story, and there is much merry humour. The strong supporting cast includes Billie Burke, Gall Patrick, Alison Sklpworth, Frances Grant and Sterling Holloway. "Michael and Mary" is an unconventional love story, working lip to a poignant climax as the aging couple are faced with the necessity to make a tremendous decision. Mr and Mrs Herbert Marsnall have never been seen to better advantage, and Frank Lawton and others give excellent support. ‘CHARLIE CHAN AT THE OLYMPICS’ The bland Chinese detective Charlie Chan solves what is undoubtedly his greasest murder case in "Charlie Chan at the Olympics,” to be screened tomorrow. Warner Oland again appears as the sagacious Oriental deteotlve. The Berlin Olympiad forms a colourful background for the film and a number of races, including the 1500 metres run, won by Lovelock, of New Zealand, are contained in the picture. The feminine interest is supplied by Katherine de Mills OIVIO 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. Claude Dampier, another olever funmaker, gives good support, and Gina Malo is a very attractive heroine. "THE WOMAN I LOVE.” Two aviators, closer than brothers, fight the enemy in the same aeroplane, and, unknown to each other, love the game woman, the wife of one of them, in "The Woman I Love,” the tensely riramatio film to be screened tomorrow. Paul Muni, ns the husband, Miriam Hopkins, as the devoted wife, and Louis Hayward, as the "other man,” have the main roles. Based on the adventures of the French flying ( corps during the Great War, tho film 'has a number of thrilling combat scenes in the air, hut the Intimate affairs of the fliers behind the lines dominate the story. THEATRE ROYAL. “One New York Night” Is a mystery story replete with suspense, comedy, and romance. Franchot Tone and l'na Merkel arc co-featured. The story revolves around a mysterious murder which takes place in a cosmopolitan hotel where a unique cros -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 Alien and Bela Lugosi, tells a thrilling story. Strange "undcad” things that roam in the night, a haunted castle that is the centre of the gruesome cult, and a detective who pits his wits against supernatural horrors, figure in the hair-raising story. “IE I HAI) A MILLION.” “If I Had a Million.” which will head the new programme to-morrow, will bring back to the local screen the distinguished actor Charles Laughton in one .»f his most striking jcharacterlaatlona