ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20269, 11 August 1937, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. STATE THEATRE ‘‘Menace” unfolds the strange and sinister story of three people, a oharming woman and two men, who live under the death threat of a murderous madman. -Trailed from Agrlca to California by the unknown man who threatens their lives, these three people take refuge together in a secluded house high in an Isolated mountain pass. There, with mingled feelings of fear and oourage, they await the coming of the killer, who already is among them, posing as a guest of the house. Just when they are ready to believe they have outwitted their enemy or that their own fears have played them false, the killer strikes suddenly and dramatically. Gertrude Michael and Paul Cavanagh are oast as the lovera whose lives are threatened. “Midshipmaid” is a merry musical comedy, featuring the popular Jessie Matthews. REGENT THEATRE. “The Last of Mrs Cheyney” H an entertaining comedy. To Joan Crawford falls the title role of an American widow in whose hands gullible English people of social standing beoome easy victims to a plot to trick them out of a fortune in jewels. William Powell, as Mrs Cheyney’s butler, Charles, Is revealed as the “brains” of a gang of international thieves, but a lovable criminal. who makes sacrifices to protect the good name of the woman he loves. Robert Montgomery appears as romantic young Lord Dilling, who uncovers the plot to fleece his British friends. Frank Morgan gives a clever characterisation- as Lord Kelton, the likeable Englishman. Incidents in the football match. Springboks v. Wellington, are a feature of the supporting programme. THEATRE ROYAL. A well-contrasted double-feature programme is being soreened. “Murder in the Fleet” is an exciting murder mystery, filled with thrills and sensation. It is a story of sinister spies and strange secrets, and the solving of the mystery holds the tense interest of the audience. The naval setting makes an unusual background to the exoiting story. Handsome Robert Taylor, the screen sensation of the year, has the leading male role, and charming Jean Parker plays opposite him. In the strong supporting cast are Ted Healy, Una Merkel, Nat Pendleton and Jean Hersholt. “Calm Yourself" Is a very entertaining production, combining romance and comedy In entertaining fashion, and the audience Is kept amused and interested throughout Madge Evans and Robert Young arc charming in the romantio leads; and receive excellent support from Betty Furness, Frank Morgan, Herman Bing and Raymond Hatton. ROXY THEATRE. “ Hearts in Reunion ” Is an unusual film, for it brings to the screen the Dionne Quintuplets, the most discussed children in the world. In a delightful story. Round these delightful children has been built an Interesting and entertaining tale, whloh reveals their dally life and at the same time provides plenty of romance, drama and comedy. In addition to the quintuplets the film has an Impressive cast. Jean Hersholt appears as the doctor, and there are also Esther Ralston, Slim Summerville, Helen Vinson, Alan Dinehart, Rochelle Hudson and other clever people. “ Without Orders," the seoond star feature, provides plenty of thrills, with Its sensational and dramatlo Incidents. It is a story of the air, with some aerial incidents that make the onlookers hold their breath. Sally Ellers and Robert Armstrong have the romantio leads, and there is a strong supporting oast. CIVIC THEATRE. “Call It, a Day” Is a delightful romantio comedy. lan Hunter and Frieda Inescort appear as a suburban British couple, and Olivia de Havilland, Bonita Granville and David Willes are their children. They form a nice, normal family whose lives have always gone smoothly until their emotions are. turned topsy-turvy by the Influence of the first day of spring. lan Hunter very nearly strays into an affair with an actress client (played by Marcia Ralston). His wlfo is “propositioned” by Roland Young. Olivia de Havilland conceives a wild passion for the married artist who is doing her portrait. The son finds unexpected charms in the girl who lives next door (Anita Louise), and Bonita Granville, who plays the 15-year-old daughter, finds a soul-mate in Dante Gabriel Rosettl. “SEVENTH HEAVEN." “Seventh Heaven,” an appealing romance with Simone Simon and James Stewart in the leading roles, will be screened on Friday. FRANK NEIL’S REVUES. Frank Nell's Coronation Revue Company will appear at the Theatre Royal on Monday and Tuesday nights. The opening revue, ‘‘Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue.” presents artists from London, New York, Paris and Berlin. Among those \Vho appear Is Con Colleano, one of the world’s greatest wire-walking experts; Bob Parrish, who was first discovered by Eddie Cantor, will he‘heard In a number of popular songs; Trene Vermillion, talented acrobatic dancer, is another of the foremost, artists; and supporting her are Charles Norman, popular musical cqrnedy actor; Bernard McCaffrey. baritone; and the Harris Sisters. who present a remarkable balancing act. The company also Includes Sisson and Neale, whistler and harpist; and tho Broadway Tappers, novelty dancers. Mr Neil is one. of the leading entrepreneurs in the Southern Hemisphere. with companies permanently established in the chief cities of AusIralla. The Herald. Auckland, says: “It would be hard to remember when Auckland has had ttie opportunity of seeing more versatile, capable and entertaining artists Ilian those in Frank Noil’s Revue Company." On the second night there* will be a complete change of programme, entitled "The Talk of the Town." The box plans will open to-morrow.