ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20272, 14 August 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES “SEVENTH HEAVEN.” AT THE CIVIC THEATRE. “Seventh Heaven” tells of romance and drama in war-torn France, although it is definitely not a war film. The appealing love -story written by Austin Strong and adapted from the stage play presents once again a pair of star-crossed lovers. Simone Simon, in the part of Diane, a waif of the slums of Paris, is very appealing, and James Stewart plays opposite her with success. For the background of the film a vivid and picturesque Montmatre has been recreated, -set in the disturbed days of 1914. James Stewart appears as Chico, of unfulfilled aspirations, who saves Diane from a beating and also from the gendarmes. To do this he has to pose as Diane’s husband. When the Great War breaks out Chico joins the army, but before he leaves for the battlefields he realises that he is in love with the waif he befriended. He promises to return to her in spirit every day at that time, and in spile of news of Chico’s death Diane keeps her sad tryst. In a powerful conclusion to the tender love story Miss Simon reveals her powers as an emotional actress. Entertaining featurettes comprise the first part, of the programme. “HISTORY MADE AT NIGHT.” AT THE REGENT THEATRE. Murder, melodrama and romance are blended with intrigue in “History is Made at Night.” It is a sophisticated drama, but at the same time possesses a strong appeal In tlfe reality of the situation, in the sound acting, and in the good story. When Charles Boyer appears alone there Is a suggestion of whimsicality. A combination of these two attributes must result In something good in screen entertainment. One of the most enjoyable scenes in the picture occurs when Mr Boyer and Miss Arthur enter a Paris restaurant after closing time, flatter the chef into preparing a meal for them, bribe the orchestra with champagne and dance till dawn. The story deals with the romance of the three main characters and portrays their emotional reactions In the many tense situations In which they are placed. There are two men in the triangle this time, and Jean Arthur, the woman, is the wife of one of them, a shipping magnate. She opens the story with a note to her husband purporting to explain how it is they ca-ii-not get along together. The supporting programme includes “Mickey’s Elephant," a coloured carjtoon; “The March of Time," topical happenings; the Cinesound Review, and the British Air Mail News. “MOUNTAIN JUSTICE.” AT THE STATE THEATRE. The fanaticism and intolerance of dwellers In the romote hill districts of the United States are brought to the screen in highly dramatic manner in “Mountain Justice.” Josephine Hutchinson appears as Ruth Harkins, a mountain girl who has a taste of life and education In the regions “outside” and returns home eager to bring health and education to the children of the backwoods. Her one sympathiser in this endeavour*is DrBarnard, a genial old gentleman, portrayed by Liny Kibbee. The girl’s most bitter opponent is her father, Jeff Harkins. The girl’s enthusiasm for the life of the “outside” regions is quickened by the arrival of Paul Cameron, a New York lawyer, who has come to prosecute her father for Ills attempted shooting of a representative of a power company. As the part of the lawyer is taken by George Brent, it follows that a romantic Interest develops between the two. “Midnight Taxi” is an exciting drama in which the clever ringleaders of the counterfeiting ring solve one of the toughest problems facing the “queer money” makers when they hit upon the ingenious idea of using taxi drivers to distribute the contraband. Newsreels and other “shorts” complete the programme. “TROUBLE IN MOROCCO.” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. “Trouble in Morocco” provides plenty of excitement. Jack Holt is tuc leading performer, appearing in the role of a reporter investigating a rumour concerning gun smuggling in Morocco. In order to gel. information lie invites a legionaire to drink with him. When lie wakes up after a prolonged drinking bout lie discovers that he is wearing the uniform of the Foreign Legion, and lie is unable lo convince the authorities.that, lie is a Journalist. The presence of another reporter, a beautiful girl, In quest of the same story of gun-running, adds Interest to llic story, and llie profesBlonal rivalry of the two contributes largely lo the entertainment of the film. The landscape of French Morocco provides a colourful setting. “Four Days Wonder” relates the adventures of Judy (Jeanne Dante), who combines the best features of Sherlock Holmes, Philo Vance, Nero Wolfe and Tom Sawyer. Fearful of arrest after her aunt’s accidental death, Judy flees to a country town, with exciting results. Entertaining “shorts” complete the programme. “SWING TIME.” AT THE ROXY THEATRE. The plot of “ Swing Time ” concerns itself with the interweaving relationships between Fred Astaire as a liappv-go-lucky, sporting song-aud-dance man, Betty Furness as his smalltown fiancee, Ginger Rogers as an instructress in Eric Bio re’s dancing academy and Georges Melnxa as a haughty hand leader, with Victor Moore and Helen Broderick doing their [amusing and misguided best lo

straighten out matters. The strikingly effective “ The Waltz in Swing Time ” Is the dance hit of the picture and “ The Way You Look To-night ” and “ Bojangles of Harlem ” are big successes. Hopalong Cassidy returns to a llfo of adventure as a two-gun peacemaker —forced to match wits with a woman —in “ Hopalong Cassidy Returns.” There will he the usual newsreel session at 7.30 p.m. NEW FRANK NEIL SHOW. HAMILTON NEXT WEEK. With memories still fresh of the snap and sparkle of previous vaudeviWo shows presented in New Zealand by Frank Neil, in conjunction with Messrs J. C. Williamson, Hamilton audiences will welcome the announcement of another Neil vaudeville season. The company will open at the Theatre Royal next Monday with “Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue.” As a special Coronation production it met with great success in Australia. Principals of the company Include Con Golleano, wire-walker; Irene Vermillion, acrobatic dancing star and her remarkable Dart Trumpeters; Charles Norman, musical comedy comedian; Bob Parrish, American coloured radio star, who was discovered by Eddie Cantor; Jack and Sylvia Kelleway; the Broadway Tappers, with a huge supporting cast of 30 English and American variety stars; and the Tivoli Ballet. The climax to the revue is a most realistic ship scene, the Queen Mary arriving in port. (in Tuesday night there will be a complole change of programme, when “The Talk of the Town” will be prescnlcrl. It is pointed out by the management, that there are no nudes or anything to offend anybody—Just a great clean entertainment., with some of tho greatest variety acts in Hie world today. “AREN’T WE ALL?” THE HAMILTON PLAYBOX. Much interest is being taken in the production at the Civic Theatre next Wednesday night of Frederick Lonsdale's brilliant comedy “Aren't We All?” Under the direction of Mr A. E. Manning, the cast chosen by tho Hamilton Playbox is rehearsing enthusiastically, for they realise that they have a worth-while play to work on, and are determined to give of their best. The story of the play Is very entertaining. Margot, on returning home from a tour abroad, finds her husband kissing a girl friend, and on this incident is built up a comedy filled with romance and delightful sentiment, with diverting situations (sometimes amusing and sometimes tense) and some of the wittiest and most, sophisticated dialogue heard on The final line will probably make the audience gasp, hut everyone will admit its truth! The box plan is now open and seats CONCERT AND AUCTION SALE. An entertainment of an unusual character is to he held on Monday, August 23, when a combined concert and auction sale will he held in St. George’s Hall, in aid of that church’s organ fund. The Hamilton Citizens’ Bund will contribute lo the programme

and a large collection of foodstuffs, wearing apparel and miscellaneous goods will be offered for sale by auction. By the courtesy of Buses, Ltd., patrons of the concert residing in Hamilton, Hamilton Hast and Claude - lands will be taken home iu u blue bus free of charge.