ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20265, 6 August 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. STATE THEATRE. One of the most popular characters in motion pictures, the smiling Chinese detective, Charlie Chan, makes a welcome return to the screen in “Charlie Chan at the Olympics." In the title role of this thrilling production the successful Swedish actor Warner Oland is responsible for another exceedingly entertaining characterisation. Several screen players were tried ‘n the role of Charlie Chan before it was offered to Oland, but he made such a vivid impression that he has become closely associated with the part. The Olympic Games provides a spectacular setting for a highly exciting film. A feature of "Charlie Chan at the Olympics" is the appearance of the famous American sprinter Jesse Owens, who won three events at the Berlin Olympiad in record time. The presence of a murderer among the crowd at the stadium provides the principal dramatic interest of the film. Katherine De Mille and Keye Luke head a large and accomplished cast of supporting players. THEATRE ROYAL. The return of Charles Laughton in one of his most successful films, “If J Had a Million," will be a successful event. He is suported by such talented players as Gary Cooper, Mary Boland, May Robson and Charles Ruggles. "The Mighty Treve" relates the adventures of a young fellow (Noah Beery, Jun.) who set-s out to make his way in life. He meets a charming girl (Barbara Read), and romance hovers in the air. But so does the girl's uncle, lie has an uncontrollable fear of dogs, and when lie sees Noah’s dog around Ills house he orders Noah and the animal off his ranch. The climax of Hie picture is reached when ranch owners accuse the dog of kilting their sheep. CIVIC THEATRE. An impressive romantic drama, "The Woman I Love," in which Paul Muni and Mariam Hopkins appear in the principal roles, will be screened to-day. A high I v accomplished portrayal of a French war lime aviator is given by Muni, who last year won. the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Award for his magnificent I characterisation in the litle role of the i biographical film "The Story of Louis Pasteur." At the same time Miriam Hopkins is responsible for a perform - ance which excels even iter brilliant work in "These Three" and “Men Arc Not Gods.” The screen version or a very successful war novel. "L’Kquipage,” by Joseph Kessel, "The Woman 1 Love," is the story of the emotional

conflict arising from the love of a young French aviator for the wife of Ills host friend, who also is an airman. Louis Hayward is cast as the young airman. Paul Muni as his colleague, and Miriam Hopkins as the latter’s wife. The story works up to a veryexciting climax REGENT THEATRE. In "A Star is Born," featuring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, there are wonderful night stiots of Hollywood, taken from its famous boulevard. Millions of lights twinkle, and the whole scene resembles a field of luminous flowers. Other Hollywood backgrounds include the Chinese Theatre on a premiere night, the famous Hollywood Bowl during an evening concert, Malibu Beach, playground of the stars, and the authentic interior of the studio where the film was made. Hollywood's stars. radio crooners, gossip writers, publicity writers, producers and directors are all to be seen. "THE LAST OF MRS CHEYNEY." Joan Crawford is perfectly cast in “The Last of Mrs Cheyney,’’ to be ' screened to morrow. Stic makes 1 credible, f.musing and decidedly intriguing the character of the American girl who has set her heart on being a "lady,” and. given the opportunity Io do so. makes the most of it. with somewhat unexpected results. To William Powell is .given flic role uf Hie Sutler, Charles ROXY THEATRE. "Girls’ Dormitory” tells of an exclusive finishing school attended only i>y the daughters of the very rich. In this school the girls are taught everything except that which 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 tier 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 cast. "The Texas Rangers," with Fred Mac. Murray, Jean Parker and Jack uakie in the leading roles, recreates scenes 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 hi which to live.