CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 94, 18 October 1939, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Four Daughters" concludes tonight at the Regent Theatre. *•.,.'■ "The "our Just Men" commences tomorrow. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Ea"st Side of Heaven," which is the main attraction at the St. James Theatre, embraces all the elements that tend to provide bright .entertainment, and the theme is splendidly woven to retain the interest throughout the film. The main theme cen tres around the exploits of a crooning troubadour, Bing Crosby, and a: switchboard operator, Joaii Blondell. Otoing to a family difference in the Barrett household, Bing is placed in charge of that clever baby star, Sandy, and the exciting situations that arise are bright entertainment. The humour is supplied by Mischa Aver, and C. -Aubrey Smith gives a polished performance of the egotistical grandfather. A feature Of a fine supporting programme is a newsreel showing latest war activities in England, ifrance, Poland, and GermanyPARAMOUNT THEATRE. A double-feature programme of rare ' merit is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. "SCarfaCe," the film version of the torrid, lead-spattered career of America's prince of gangsters, Al Capone, heads the' bill; its scope and lesson would make the production exceptional were the\ players secondraters, but With a stair of the calibre of Paul Muni the picture is lifted,to the peak of gangster dramas. He is not alone. Ann Dvorak, Karen .Morley, Boris Karloff, and George Raft are also in the cast. (Sahgster-player No. 1. Edward G. RobinsOny is the star-of "Confessions of a Nazi Spy, which, of all films, thoroughly deserves its return season in Wellington^ Its production was, dangerous, but it was a risk well taken. It gives complete insight to Nazi espionage activities iri the United States. Another topical and excellent feature is a "March of Time" pictorial bulletin, "Inside the VTagin'bt Line." '■ . DELUXE TUEATKEv There are two features showing on .he new programme at the D§ Luxe Theatre. The first is "Convicted, which is the story of a brave girls fight for the life of her brother. Convicted of a murder which he actually never committed, the man finds that his only hope is with his Sister, a flight club dancer; Who, against the advice of,her friends, and particularly of the police, commences to hunt down the men she suspects to be guilty. .Rita Hayworth and Charles: QUigiey take the main parts. The second picture, 'Invitation to Happiness." features the popular Irene Dunne, who takes the part of the daughter of a wealthy oil magnate who becomes persuaded into buying a halfrshare of a promising boxer. He does this much against his daughter's advice, but matters take on a different aspect When the daughter falls in love with the boxer. MAJESTIC 'rHEATRE. Another delightful chapter in the listory of the Hardys is unfolded at -ehe Majestic Theatre, where The Hardys Ride High?' is featured. The irrepressible Mickey Rooney as Andy Hardy, whose busting self-importance makes him. a very human character, and Lewis Stone as Judge Hardy, with his wealth of Sympathy and understanding, provide the mam background for the story of how Judge Hardy inherits a couple of million dollars temporarily. The readjustment required by the translation of the Hardys from a small-town atmosphere to the extra-: vagance of a mansion and plenty of money has a varying effect on each member of the family, the parents being the least perturbed. Supports include some interesting sidelights, of the reaction to the war in Britain and in Europe. ..'/' TIVOLI THEATRE. , "Marie Antoinette," which is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, is a triumph of the motion Picture art. More than that, it is a triumph for Norma Shearer. Magnificent in its pageantry, with beauty of brilliant costume and setting, flawlessly cast with such famed film names as Tyrone Power, John Barrymore, Anita Joseph Schildkraut, Gladys George, and scores of others, these were secondary to Miss Shearer's absorbingly human interpretation of a woman sometimes carefree, ofttimes desperate, seeking for happiness. The story has gripping power on the screen because it is so simply told. Miss Shearer's "Antoinette" is a girl eager to be in love and to be loved, who finds herself married to a moronic husband, a role superbly played by Robert Morley. The supports will include "Jitterbug Follies," "Story of Alfred Nobel," "Dual Personalities," cartoon, "Passing Parade," and an "Our Gang" comedy. ■ ' , * KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Sacrificing that intangible asset generally termed glamour, which has heretofore been the bulwark of her career, Kay Francis has taken, the opportunity presented by "My Bill," which is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema, to prove that she is, first and foremost, an accomplished actress; "The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt," starring Warren William, is the associate film. ~■'''•■ t* . . . ■. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. Robert Taylor and Jean Harlow are co-starred in the comedy-drama, "Man in Possession," which is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre, War-torn China is the setting for the exciting new Columbia film, "North of Shanghai," with' James Craig and Betty Furness, the associate -film. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. The love of Alexander Graham Bell for the lovely Mabel Hubbard was voiced in miraculous achievement, for the woman he adored could not hear him say "I love you." Out of her deafness came the inspiration for the telephone. Darryl F. Zanuck's production of "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" is showing at the King GeOrge Theatre, with Don Ameche, LOretta Young, and Henry Fonda sharing top honours. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Sinner Take All," a mystery story, heads .the programme at the Palace Theatre. With Bruce Cabot, Margaret Lindsay, and Joseph Calleia in the leading roles, the story is a dramatic account of murder in Manhattan. The second feature, "Tarzan Escapes," is a drama of one man against his civilised enemies. * STATE THEATRE, PETONE, Drama, romance, thrills, chills, and comedy are expertly blended ,t0 make "Four Girls in White," Which is showing at the State Theatre, one of the most satisfyingly entertaining pictures of the year. Florence Rice, Una Merkel, Ann Rutherford, Mary Howard, and Alan Marshal head the Cast. GRAND . THEATRE, PETONE. The never-told-before drama of the heroic "Splinter Fleet," "Submarine Patrol," is showing at the Grand Theatre. Richard Greene, Nancy Kelly, Preston Foster, George Bancroft, Slim Summerville, John Carradine, Joan Valeric, Henry Armetta, and Maxie Rosenbloom are included in the cast. REX THEATRE. Two interesting and entertaining films are showing' at the concession screenings at the Rex Theatre. They are "Student Doctors Can't Take Money" and "Wives Never Know.'

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEAfTRE^

'■■-.' STATE THEATRE. A hard-fighting metropolitan editor and a dazzling girl reporter swing into' action and bring to bay a modern Jekyll arid Hyde in the breathtaking mystery, "News is Made At Night," which heads the new bill at the State Theatre. > Murder and revenge keep no hours as Preston Foster, a stOp-<at-nothing editor, and Lynn Bari, the daring reporter, hurl themselves at the two-fold task Of freeing a man innocently sentenced to death, and discovering the master mind that has Victimised' a nation. It is headline news, sensational and incredible, as the editor and his girl reporter tear the mask Of respectability from a master swindler suppbsedly dead for eighteen years and reveal a trail of murder and blackmail- Charlie Chan chases his most baffling set of clues in the city Of quick divorce in "Charlie Chan in Reno," starring Sidney Tbler, the supporting feature. When a glamour .girl's life is Cut short.with a pair of scissors and on_ ,Of the loveliest ladies ifi this playground Of beautiful Women is accused of murder, the famous Earl perr Biggers sleuth flies half-way round the world to solve the crime. ■■• 'KINGS-THEATRE. ' "The Four Feathers," now in its second week at the King's Theatre, continues to attract large audiences. Its popularity is Well deserved, for it has everything that the large-scale adventure film should have. "The Four Feathers" proves that, as well as comedy and * domestic drama, the producers and actors of Great Britain can really handle the more extensive and impressive campaign type of film. A large part of the picture deals with the Egyptian campaign, and includes skirmishes with the dervish army, same splendid scenes Of the Battle of, Omdurman, and the final taking of the forts. Those who stand out^in the film by reason of their fine acting include Ralph Richardson, John Clements, C. Aubrey smith, and June DUprez. The supports, which include a "March of Time" feature on Japan, are excellent. '. .PLAJ-A . comedy at its best is to be found in "Climbing High," a goo.d effort by Michael Redgrave and Jessie Matthews, which is showing at the Plaza Theatre. It is a hilarious sstory of the adventures of a Canadian girl(Jessie Matthews:) studying art in London, of her romance With a very eligible young millionaire (Michael Redgrave), Whom She thinks is out bf funds aiid work, and of the Chapter of accidents that follow the employment of both of them by a fashionable a advertising photographer, There is also a- designing "Lady Cynthia" who tries to hodk the eligible bachelor, an escaped lunatic, and other ingredients to keep the fun moving/ The newsreels contain interesting pictures of events in London On the faterui Sunday when war began, and pi stf&uequent happenings in the Empire capital.. tudob theatre. How a sinister criminal gang, operating from: London headquarters, is routed by "The Saint*" a modern Robin Hood Upholding the law iri a peculiarly adventurous manner, forms the theme of "The Saint in London," transferred to the Tudor Theatre. Third in the series of Leslie Charteris's thrilling mystery dramas filmed by RKORadio, this production presents George Sanders in the stellar role, with Sally Gray topping the feminine cast. James Ellison, Helen Wood, and Ace, a remarkable sheep dog, find themselves in, plenty of trouble and excitement in the course of "Almost a Gentleman,' the associate film. A mysterious killing and a kidnapping provide important thrills to the absorbing plot. NEW OPERA HOUSE. TO calL"Mayerling," the French film now showing at the New Opera Souse, a great picture is not enough. It has such qualities that its place among the finest films of talking picture history is assured. One morning. Of the year 1889, the wtifld was shocked to learn of the discovery of Rudolph, Archduke Of Austria, and the Baroness Marie. Vetsera, shot dead at Mayerling, the hunting lodge of the Archduke. The-'film shows the events which- led to the tragedy. It shows how Rudolph, unfitted by temperament for his position, sought to escape its restrictions ' Liberty became an obsession with him. As he grew more tormented, the crisis approached. Arid it was then that Marie Vetsera came into his life He found in her the understanding he craved But the conventions still pressed.; And, ordered by the Emperor to give ncr up within 24 hours, Rudolph sought his hunting lodge; and there the two escaped. •* The film is magnificently acted, particularly by Charles Boyer and, Danielle Darrieux. ROXY THEATRE. In ''On the Great White Trail," which is showing at the ROxy Theatre, Renfrew (James Newill) finds himself forced to trail, and arrest the father of a girl with whom he has fallen in love because her parent was the victim of .circumstantial evidence. Jack Buchanans newest film. "The Gang's All Here," the associate film, is a firstclass comedy. new Princess theatre. A bored young society girl has the awakening of a lifetime when she steps off Park Avenue for a new thrill and marries a tough newspaper reporter to get her name in the gossip columns, in Paramount's "Cafe Society," which is showing, at the New Princess, with Madeleine Carroll and Fred Mac Murray in the starring roles. The associate feature is "Boy Trouble,' starring Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland. Also showing is a "Popeye" cartoon and the latest Paramount newsreel. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Shirley Temple, elected the No. 1 star of the screen, has for her first technicolour production "The Little Princess,"' which is showing at the Regal Theatre. She reveals all her charm and radiance in what is easily her finest: aim. Superimposing a fast-moving,actiOn-paCked story on a background of social condition, and principle, Republic's "I Stand Accused, the associate film, is stirring entertainment- , . VOGUE THEATRE. BROOKLYN. The most romantic adventure story of all time, "Prisoner of Zenda." starring Ronald Colman. Madeleine Carroll, Mary Astor, David Niver Raymond MasSey, and C. Aubrey Smith, is showing at the Vogue Theatre. "Down on the Farm." starring the popular Jones Family, is the supporting feature. Selected supports are also showing. EMPIKJf TriEAlrttE, ISLAND BAY. "The Three Musketeers," starring Don Ameche and the Ritz Brothers, which heads 'the programme at the Empire Theatre, is a musical comedy version of Alexandre Dumas's famous novel. The associate feature is "I'm, From the City," with the popular1 comedian Joe Penner heading the cast. ASCOT THEATRE. The giant musical of New Universal, "Top of the Town," is showing at the Ascot Theatre and stars Henry Armetta and Mischa Aver. With its modern swing music and catchy songs and dances it has wide entertainment appeal. Also showing is "Young Fugitives," with Dorothea Kent and Robert Wilcoxj The" supporting items are of unusual interest. i

RIVOLI THEATRE. ' When an emotional, impetuous heiress falls in, love with a staid professor of zoology it means Trouble with a capital "T" for the professor, complications for them both, and comedy for theatre patrons. At least that is the case with RKO Radio's corned "Bringing Up Baby," which is Showing at the Rivoli Theatre, with Katherine Hepburn as the heiress, and Cary Grant as the professor who becomes, involved with a leopard, a country gaol, a mad search for a priceless fossil, and a multitude of other trials during the course of tlie story's unfolding. A girl's revenge for the murder of her brother and its sensational effect on an instrumental espionage plot against tlie United States forms the basis oi "They Made Her a Spy," featuring Sally Eilers and Allan Lane, which is the associate film. PROFESSIONAL BOXING. The Wellington Boxing Association will stage a twelve-round professional bout between Vie Caltaux, of Auckland, and Syd. Sloane. of Australia, at the Town Hall on October 26. It is expected that this will be one of the most attractive bouts of the season. Caltaux is now well known to Wellington patrons, his performance here being among the brightest of the season. Sloane showed in his bout with Billy Parris (he won by a technical knockdut) that he is a really shrewd, competent, and hard-hitting boy. In Caltaux he Will have One of the toughest welterweights ih the country opposing him I In addition to the main bout there will be some first-class amateur preliminaries. Particulars are advertised. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Hailed as the "surprise" picture ol the year, and starring Andrea Leeds and Joel McCrea ih a story which reveals the heartaches which conflicting ambitions may bring to reckless young love, "Youth Takes a Fling" is showing at the Capitol Theatre, "Exposed," featuring Glenda farrell and Otto Kruger, is the associate film.