FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 156, 3 July 1937, Page 18

FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

"BULLDOG DRUMMOND ESCAPES." PLAZA. Hugh Drummond Ray Milland Inspector Nielson .. Sir Guy Standing Phyllis Clavering Heather Angel Merridew Porter Hull Algy Langworth Reginald Denny Dobbs E. K. Clive Constable Higgins . Chas. McNaughton Author : "Sapper" McNeile. Paramount A film that can send, cold, vibrant shivers down one's spine, that can make the audience laugh in joyful abandon, and sustain the interest until a denouement caiis a happy story, is the film lover's acme of perfection. 'Bulldog Drummond Escapes," which opened a season at the Plaza Theatre yesterday, in a measure produces all three. Good direction, happy casting and clear diction, with a concatenation of events, dramatic and amusing m turn, lieLp make one of the most wholly enjoyable mystery-drama films seen for many, many months. As the old favourite of the screen and the printed stage, the ace of sleuths, debonair, cool and handsome Kay Milland makes an admirable "Bulldog Drummond." Picture lam, winging his homeward way from abroad in a powerful monoplane, inward bound for London — the metropolis is enshrouded in gloomy fog, too dangerous to land—through the headphones comes the warning "keep flying." To Drummond that is only more spice to the pie of adventure; he lands, and makes a three-pointer, but he lands at the same time into a liotbed of intrigue and drama, in which international criminal brains mix counterfeiting, murder roguery. There is a girl in it, the feminine interest being delightfully supplied by svelte Heather Angel, and therein hangs the tale. Heather, the beautiful heiress, whose brother met his death in mysterious circumstances while on a hunting expedition with his employer, is detained against her will in a beautiful country homestead by an unscrupulous rogue. There is no evidence to suspect the man, in fact there is nothing to suggest that he is not a perfectly respectable landed esquire. But Drummond, as is his wont, unearths clues in the most unexpected places. Following up those clues—he has an admirable foil and ally in Reginald Denny, who is about to become a father and deliriously happy at the prospect—to the a.pparent displeasure to a commissioner of Scotland Yard. Drummond finds himself in some very tight situations. As sequences follow, the excitement reaches a high level, relieved here and there by a mellowing, subtle piece of clowning, but' with the unfolding of the theme the audience is left more and more in doubt as to the ultimate outcome. It is an urbane butler who at last conjoins the threads of a most enjoyable tangle, and the climax, with not a little bathos thrown in, could not fail to please the most hardened sceptic. In keeping with the excellence of the main features, the Plaza supports are of equally high standard and include interesting news snapshots from all quarters of the globe, a Grantland Rice "Sportlight" of more than usual appeal, a • fashion featurette and a charming cartoon. In all the entire programme is most satisfactory from every viewpoint. REGENT THEATRE. The lure of seeing Hollywood from the inside is proving a strong attraction with Auckland audiences. In the film, "A Star Is Born," which entered on its second week at the Regent Theatre yesterday, Janet Gaynor is the "star." As ii young girl who goes to the screen capital cherishing the high hopes and aspirations which most girls possess, Miss Gaynor shows that she has lost none of her acting ability. While working as an "extra" she meets Fredric March, who plays the role of ah established star. March, however, is on the down-grade, having lost interest in his career. Acquaintance with« Miss Gaynor soon, ripens to love, and March helps her to find fame as a brilliant actress. Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine and Lionel Stander are featured in the cast, which also includes Owen Moore, Peggy Wood, Edgar Kennedy and J. C. Nugent. This film is proving popular, not only because of the many intimate glimpses of Hollywood which it reveals, but because of the appealing nature of the story. The film shows many famous Hollywood landmarks in their natural colours for the first time. Among these are the. Trocadero, world-famous night flub, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Santa Anita race track, the Biltmore Bowl as it looks during the annual banquet of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Hollywood Legion Stadium, where the stars see their prize-fights, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Brown Derby, celebrated restaurant. STRAND THEATRE. Beautiful Jessie Matthews dances her way to romance and fame in her picture, "Head Over Heels," which is now showing at the Strand Theatre. It is some time since the brilliant actress' last appearance, which was made in that popular film "It's Love Again," during which her illness caused apprehension. Jessie, however, has returned in :what is stated to be one of her best musical films to date. Supporting the main picture will be "Sabotage," starring Sylvia Sidney and Oscar Homolka. This is a tense drama, packed with thrilling With such an accomplished actress as Miss fiidney in the leading role, it should not lack support from local audiences. NATIONAL THEATRE, An excellent comedy heads a doublefeature programme at the National Theatre. This is "Mind Your Own Business," with Charles Ruggles and Alice Brady in the leading roles. Ruggles is a columnist in a daily newspaper, and the fun begins when one day Miss Brady writes the column. Lyle Talbot and Benny Baker are also in the cast. The supporting feature is "O'Riley's Luck," with Eleanore Whitney, William Frawley and Tom Brown, in the main parts. It is a story with the American football game as a basis, and is said to have good romantic interest. Also in the cast are Larry Crabbe and Nydia Westman. "RUNNYMEDE" PAGEANT. Twenty-eight complete musical numbers were written specially for Dr. George de Clive Lowe's ambitiousproduction of the historic pageant "Runnyincde," to be .staged in His Majesty's Theatre on September 18. Solos, duets, quartets, sextets and chorus numbers (for a full operatic chorus of 01 singers) are included. Workers with Dr. de Clive Lowe are most enthusiastic regarding the quality of this music, its predictions for local popularity being numerous and emphatic. The composer had, until the beginning of the first rehearsal, never heard a note of his own compositions played in public, but the company gave him a heartfelt ovation on its conclusion. STAR, NEWTON. Two of the most popular screen comedians are the main attraction in the comedy, "Our Relations," now at the Star Theatre, Newton. They are. of course, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Never has such a ridiculous but essentially lovable pair captured the hearts of film audiences. As there is some talk of this popular team being seen together in no more pictures, those to whom Laurel and Hardy represent all that is to be desired in farcical humour, should not lose the opportunity of seeing the pair in this film. The supporting programme is stated to be excellent entertainment. STATE, ONEHUNGA. The popular Dick Powell and Joan Blondell are the stars in one of the year's best musical films, "Gold-Diggers of 1937," now at the State Theatre, Onehunga. The supporting feature will be "Land Beyond the Law," a cowboy film distinguished for plenty of Wild-West action. Dick Foran plays the leading role. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Walter Huston and Ruth Chatterton are the stars in "Dodswortli," now at the Astor Theatre, Dominion Road. This picture is based on a novel of the same name by Sinclair Lewis, and is recognised as one of the finest stories in modern American literature. Also showing will be "Grand Jury," with Fred Stone in the main role.

"THE SHOW GOES ON." MAJESTIC. Sally Lee (Jracie Fields. Jimmy Cyril Kitchards Martin Fraser Owen Nares. Michael O'Hara .... Arthur Sinclair. Sam Bishop Horace Hodges. Max John Stuart. Sally's Father Edward liigby. Sally's Mother Amy Veness. Director : Basil Dean. A.T.P. It is doubtful whether any star In the British liltn industry lias a drawing power equal to that of Gracie Fields. She is without doubt a great actress. By the single force of her radiating personality, Miss Fields places her films in a category by themselves. In the picture, "The Show Goes On," which opened its Auckland season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, Gracie Fields is the star. The supporting players, one l'eels, are there as a setting in which to display lier talents. Certainly, in their company she scintillates. The film was written and produced by Basil Dean, who has been .responsible for most of Miss Fields' previous pictures, and lias acquired as a result, a sound knowledge of the technique required to jiroduce a musical comedy with one of the screen's greatest personalities in the leading role. He has made the story quite simple intentionally. Gracie, encouraged by the splendid success of her part in an amateur show, becomes a professional. She makes the mistake, however, of singing her numbers in the conventional way. Realising this, the star develops her own inimifable style of singing, for which she has become famous the world over. Success follows immediately, and London audiences hail her with enthusiasm. One scene appeals particularly. This is where the now famous actress is espied among hundreds of passengers on the deck of the liner Queen Mary by soldiers on a troop-ship nearby. Responding to their insistent calls, she sings "You've Got To Smile When You Say Good-bye." The soldiers then take up the melody with splendid effect. Her song leaves a lasting impression. Apart from its merits as a tuneful number, it gives the key to Miss Fields' success. Behind her singing and her acting, Gracie can reveal her ' real-life personality. She has a reputation for generosity in helping along others less fortunate than herself, and it is, easy to visualise the truth of that, simply from her acting. Innate charity shines through every gesture and facial expression. And it is this very quality which British audiences have always been so quick to recognise and reward in their great artists. In "The Show Goes On" Miss Fields has more glamour in her screen personality than she has had in previous films. She is not the "Lancashire Lass" throughout the film. • Whether or not audiences will like it this way remains to be seen. The famous comedienne is now in Hollywood, and it will be interesting to see how American producers will interpret her distinctive personality. As accompanist to the star, Cyril Ritchard, whom Aucklanders know well from his appearance in J/.C. Williamson productions, has the leading male part. He plays it well. Owen Nares also gives excellent support as a sympathetic orchestra leader. As a character player this actor should have a bright future. The supporting programme is good fare. EMBASSY THEATRE. Originally a great success when made in German, "Dreaming Lips," starring Elisabeth Bergner,. which is now at the Embassy Theatre, should appeal to discriminating audiences in Auckland. Miss Bergner is recognised as one of the greatest dramatic actresses in Europe. She became an instant favourite in the film, "Escape Me Never," and in this, her latest picture, she plays with exquisite artistry and with a rare understanding, a difficult part. Cast as the girl-wife of an orchestra leader, Miss Bergner falls in love with a famous violinist. They become lovers and decide to tell the truth. When, however, the husband becomes dangerously ill, complications arise, and from that point, the story moves on to a stirring climax. The star is the whole picture. She portrays with remarkable depth of feeling the study of her tragic personality. Whimsical, loving and fascinating in facial expression, voice and gesture, Miss Bergner must take rank as a great actress. In the role of her husband, Romney Brent shows acting ability of a high standard, while Raymond Massey, as the lover gives excellent support. Also in the cast are Joyce Bland, Sydney Fairbrother and Felix Aylmer. Paul Czinner, husband of Elisabeth Bergner in real life, directed the film._ Included in the supporting programme is one of Walt Disney's colour cartoons, "More Kittens." ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. Freddie Bartholomew, unforgettable boy star of "David Copperfield," takes the leading role in "Lloyds of London," a romance filmed against a background of the early days of the British shipping industry, which is now at the Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn. As a support the popular Pop-eye will be seen in a cartoon entitled "Pop-eye the Sailor Meets Sinbad the Sailor." ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. Sonja Henie, former ice-skating champion of the world, is the star of the comedy-romance, "Girl in a Million," now at the Alexandra Theatre. Green Lane. The skill of Miss Henie and the strong story combine to make this film first-class entertainment. George O'Brien in "Park Avenue Logger" will also be seen. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. After playing to full houses at city theatres, "Theodora Goes Wild," is now at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. This film, with-Irene Dunne, star of "Roberta" and other successes, and Cary Grant in the main roles, makes, particular appeal because of its strong story. Also showing will be Merle Oberon and Brian Aherne in "Beloved Enemy." VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Produced in technicolour. "The Garden of Allah,": a film made from the wellknown novel of that name, has been a box office success wherever it has been shown. Glamorous Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer are the stars in this drama, now showing at the Victoria Theatre, Deyonport. As a supporting feature. Alice Brady will be seen in the riotous comedy, "Lady Tubbs." CINEMA, GREY LYNN. Rosalind Keith , and Robert Kent play the leading parts in the Zane Grey story "King of the Royal Mounted," now showing at the Cinema, Grey Lynn. Witli plenty of action and outdoor settings, this film has also a thrilling romantic interest. As a support Lee Tracy and Gloria Stuart will be seen in "Wanted, Jane Turner." STATE, DEVONPORT. Lovely Loretta Young plays opposite Tyrone Power in the newspaper comedydrama, "Love Is News," now showing at the State Theatre, Devonport. This film has splendid romantic interest, and with two stars of the calibre of Mis's Young and Power, it should appeal to patrons of the State. As a supporting feature, Constance Bennett will be seen in "Everythinn Is Thunder." PRINCESS, DOMINION ROAD. Filmed against a background of the mighty mountains, the Rockies of Canada, "The Great Barrier," starring Richard Arlen, is now at the Princess Theatre, Dominion Road. This thrilling adventure story is notable for the quality of the acting shown by the principals. "Valiant Is The Word For Carrie," with Wendy Barrie and Gladys George, is the supporting feature. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. A thrilling mystery story, "Accused," with three well-known screen celebrities, Douglas Fairbanks, jun., Dolores del Rio and Florence Desmond, in the leading roles, is now showing at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham. As a supporting feature, the action picture, "Daniel Boone," starring George O'Brien and Heather Angel, will also be seen. MUNICIPAL BAND. Among items to be played by the Auckland Municipal Band at the Town Hall to-morrow night are the Rienzi overture, "Tangled Tunes" and the suite "Peer Gynt." Soloists are Miss Jeanl Menzies, vocalist, and Hal McLennan, I flautist. '

"SWING HIGH, SWING LOW." CIVIC. Maggie King Carole Lombard Skid Johnson Fred Mac Murray Harry Charles Butterwortii .Ella, Jean Dixon Anita Alvarez Dorothy Lamour Harvey Howell .... Harvey Stephens Tony Charles .liulels Henri Franklin Pangborn Director : Mitchell Leisen. Paramount. Swing music is ill its heyday at present and for this reason alone "Swing Higlt, Swing Low" should prove one of the most popular of the musicals screened in the city recently. It is all about a trumpet. Fred Mac Murray plays it —and he certainly can play his trumpet. It is not a very popular instrument, but, played by Fred Mac Murray, in the part of Skid Johnson, it is tuneful and appealing. The lady of the piece is Carole Lombard and she dominates the picture with fine dramatic acting and clever fooling. This comedy pair, who appeared with success in "The Princess Comes Across," add materially to their reputation in this picture. Tropical Panama is the opening scene of the film and the glamour of the tropics is captured in one of the songs "Panamania." After finding herself stranded in Panama, Maggie King (Carole Lombard), goes to board with Skid's friend Harry (Charles Butter ivorth), and when she finds Skid can play the trumpet as she has never heard it played before she gets hirn a job in one of the local cabarets. The pair are married, and, fired with the enthusiasm of his wife, Skid goes to New York and is an instant "hit." He spends most of his time philandering with his partner, Anita Alvarez, leaving Maggie in' Panama "to weep and to mourn." She follows him to the city and, finding him in the other woman's room, decides to get a divorce and marry Harry Howell, a former fiance of hers. Skid then loses his job at the cabaret and sinks lower and lower—a drunken has-been, unfit even for the army. He has one more chance to go, but his nerves are all shot and he decides to let this last chance slip through his fingers. He has. however, counted without his wife and she appears to help him pull through. He almost fails, but with combined effort Skid and Maggie put the number across and the film ends on a hanpy note. This film is a remake of "Dance of Life," produced by Paramount in 1929. but there has been a change of locale and the story has been modernised. Throughout the picture the dramatic is most marked, and the film must be classed a go"d romantic drama. Charles Butterworth srives a fine portrayal as the "Stoo<ie." and his wit relieves many i.f the dull moments. He appears all too little. Dorothy Lamour, as the singer, plavs alluringly. The star of the picture is Skid Johnson's trumpet. Fred Mac Murray. who has always been recognised as an outstanding saxophone plaver. proves that h» can also play a "hot" trumpet. Carole Lombard's role calls for the sing'ng of some good new "torch" songs, and she sings tlwm well, especially the song "I Hear a Call to Arms." "SALLY" FOR AMATEURS. Miss Bettina Edwards, gifted Auckland dancer, has been chosen by the Auckland Operatic Society for the title role in "Sally," which will start a season at His Majesty's Theatre on July 15. Miss Edwards is one of Auckland's most accomplished dancers and has appeared in previous operatic productions—"Tutankhamen." "Abbess of Whitby" and "La Masc-otte." Besides being a solo dancer Miss Edwards was responsible for arrangement _of ballots in "La Mascotte." In "Sally ' she will have even greater scope for her artistic abilities. In one of her hist public appearances when a little givl Miss Edwards danced her way into favour in "Our Miss Gibbs," and she has also been seen more recently in exotic prologues put on by local picture theatres. Miss Edwards completed her training in London and then toured England in musical comedy and pantomime. She has a charming mezzo-soprano voice, having finished her vocal training at the McCunn Conservatorium, Sydney. One of Miss Edwards' best opportunities in "Sally" is in a Russian dance and a spectacular "Butterfly Ballet." Her songs will be. You Can't Keep a Good Girl Down," "A Heart Full of Joy and Glad ness" and Wild Rose': also duets with Mr. Philip Jav—"Look for a Silver Lining" arid "Whip-Poor-Will." DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Lily Pone, the brilliant singing star, will be seen to-night with Gene Ra3'mond and Jack Oakie .in "That Girl From Paris," at the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. Miss Pons has gained fame both on the stage and on the screen with her voicc, and she is rapidly developing into one of Hollywood's top-line singing i. actresses. Lee Tracy and Margot Grahame will be seen in the supporting feature, "Criminal Lawyer." EMPRESS, NEWTON. Preston Foster and Victor McLaglen are featured in the film "Sea Devils," now at the Empress Theatre, Newton. This thrilling melodrama has many exciting moments and good romantic interest. As a support, "The Great O'Malley," starring Pat O'Brien and Humphrey Bogart, will be shown. TUDOR, REMUERA. A thought-provoking story, ably directed by Alexander Korda, "Men Are Not Gods," now screening at the tudor is first-class entertainment. Vivacious Miriam Hopkins, in the leading feminine role, shares acting honours with Sebastian Shaw and Gertrude Lawrenco.

"THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY." ST. JAMES'. Fay Cheyney T . Joan Crawford Charles William Towell Arthur Robert Montgomery Lord' Kelton Frank Morgan Duchess Jessie Ralph Willie Nigel Bruce Kitty Benita Hume Cousin John Ralph Forbes Author: Frederick Lonsdale. M.G.M. Director: Late Richard Boleslawski. Here is another of those sophisticated comedy-dramas that American studios seem to have 110 trouble in turning out in a line of successes, "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," showing at the St. James' Theatre. The dialogue is clever, the plot is occasionally risque and the acting of most of the leaders of .the cast is uncommonly good. Robert Montgomery and William Powell match suavities in a manner that sometimes touches brilliance. For once, however, Powell is not the man who wins the lady in the case. This time Montgomery's whimsicalities win the day. "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney" is not a screen epic. It is a bright show that will please everybody. Perhaps some people will see it again because of its clever twists of story and its entertaining way of gliding from one delightful episode to another. With William Powell, Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, Frank Morgan and Benita Hume all trying to charm the audience, the picture is real entertainment. The three leading players give delightful performances. Miss Crawford is an American adventuress. Powell, assumedly her !).' !_r, is actually her confederate. Montgomery and Frank Morgan are English carls who desire to capture her attention and affections. Nigel Bruce is another Englishman who, with his wife, is a delighted watcher of the drama enacting itself under his nose. Joan Crawford uses her association with the English people to get into the country home of a duchess, Montgomery's aunt. Assisted by the sardonic Powell she rifles the duchess' safe, and is caught by Montgomery, who makes a suggestion that does not please her. The adventuress prefers to ring the alarm bell and bring the household flocking to her room. Sufficient that the plot is ironed out, that Montgomery wins the lady and that Powell walks out to bigger and shrewder coups with the blessing of all. There is. near the end, a particularly comical scene at an aristocratic breakfast table, when Morgan is pushed up to £10,000 in bidding for an indiscreet letter, referring to other members of his family, that he had written to' Mrs. Cheyney. Robert Benchley, in another of his miniatures, "The Romance of Indigestion," is the attraction 011 the supporting programme that should prove most popular. Benchley was the hero of "How to Sleep" and "How to Behave." There are also an excellent Australian newsreel dealing with the New South Wales victory over the Springboks and the latest episode in the "March of Time" series. PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. Headed by a strong cast, the P. G. Wodehouse comedy, "Piccadilly Jim," now at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, has been a great succces wherever it has been shown. Typical Wodehouse comedy distinguishes this film from the average comedy. In the main role Robert Montgomery displays acting ability of a high standard. He is ably supported by Madge Evans, Robert Benchley, Eric Blore, Frank Morgan,' Billie Burke and Ralph Forbes. Beautiful Jean Arthur takes the leading part in the newspaper comedy, "Adventure in Manhattan." Joel McC'rea and Reginald Owen lend excellent support. * ROXYTIVOLI. Sallv Eilers and James Dunn, one of the screen's popular combinations, are teamed together again in a sparkling comedydrama, "We Have Our Moments." which is the current fare jointly at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The story concerns a girl who becomes tired of being a school teacher in a small town. She leaves for Europe for one grand good time before she settles down to what promises to be a dull marriage. She finds herself involved in an adventure that is as exciting as it is humorous. A group of slick robbers make her the unwitting means through which they smuggle money into Europe. She finds herself facing long years in prison. Treated in a light vein, developer! with humorous situations and keen dialogue, the picture lias been photographed against the gaiety and glamour of a trans-Atlantic luxury liner and adventurous, romantic Monte Carlo. The east includes such talent as Misc-ha Auer, of "Mv Man' Godfrey," "Three Smart Girls" and "The Cay Desperado" fame: David Niven. Warren H.vnier, Marjorie Gateson, Thurston Hall. Virginia Sale, Franklyn Pangborn and Gradv Sutton. "Time Out of the Romance'' is also 011 the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. A well-constructed mystery film, usually meets with approval of most film audiences. With two such distinctive personalities as Boris Karloff and Warner Oland, "Charlie Chan at the Opera," now showing at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres, should appeal to local audiences. It also has romantic interest. The supporting feature will be James Oliver Curwood's adventure-romance "God's Country and the Woman," starring George Brent and Beverly Roberts. CAPITOL, BALMORAL. The world-famous child screen star Shirley Temple is the lovable star of the film "Dimples," now at the Capitol 1 Theatre, Balmoral. Shirley gives her usual splendid performance in this film, which has been very successful elsewhere. Also showing will be "Night Waitress," a romance v-ith Margot Grahame .tnd Gordon Jonei, in the mai- -»les.

STATE, SYMONDS STREET. There are many screen fans who consider that Eleanor Powell has few equals as a dancer. In her latest picture, "Born to Dance," now at the otate Theatre, Symonds Street> Miss Powell has enhanced her reputation. Her singing and dancing in this lavishly produced film are of the highest order and should gain her many more admirers. The film was made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer following the great success achieved by such costly productions as "The Great Ziegfield." Others of a notable cast are James Stewart, Virginia Bruce, Buddy Ebsen, Frances Langford, Una Merkel, Sid Silvers and others. The supporting programme includes special Coronation scenes filmed in the Abbey. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. The eternal triangle in a new guise, with John Boles an unwitting foil for a self-centred wife, makes "Craig's Wife" good entertainment at the Gaiety, Takapuna. Rosalind Russell is the beautiful, if detested, wife and Billie Burke lends added talent. " TOWN HALL, AVONDALE. Robert Donat, handsome star of "The Count of Monte Ciisto" and "The Thirtynine Steps," achieves higher acclaim for his portrayal in the famous Scottish comedy "The Ghost Goes West," showing to-day at the Town Hall, Avondale. "The Lonely Road." featuring Clive Brook, is a second attraction. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. A ripple of laughter in the first sequences swells to a smashing crescendo in "We Went to College," screening today at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. Walter Abel, Charles Butterworth and Una Merkel supply the laughs. The second feature is "The Man Who Could Work Miracles." REGAL, PONSONBY. The wide-mouthed Joe E. Brown will be seen to-night in "Polo Joe" at the Regal Theatre, Ponsonby. This is a screamingly funny film of the type that Joe has been seen in before. The supporting feature will be "Big Broadcast of 1937," in which Jack Benny, Burns and Allen, and other radio and stage stars are featured. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Charles Laughton, famed character actor of British films, is the star in the picture "Les Miserables," now at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. Fredric March is also in the cast. As a support the comedy, "Too Many Wives," with Anne Shirley in the leading role, will be shown. This comedy is notable for an excellent love interest. RIALTO, SUNDAY. A double-feature programme will be shown at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, to-morrow, under the supervision of the Mayoress of New market, Mrs. S. Donaldson. Conrad Veidt will be seen in "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," while Tom Walls takes the main role in "The j Blarney Stone." DANCING. Peter Pan: Popular night to-night; Tlieo. Walters' band. Movie Ball, July S. Pirate Sliippe: Old-time carnival, "Maid of Mountains" setting. Crystal Palace Ballroom: Kowhai Old Pupils; Epi Shalfoon's orchestra. St. Mary's Hall, Great South Road: Select and popular dances. Avondale Oddfellows' Hall: Ken Gillam's Lyric dance band. Masonic Hall. Newton: Old-time programme; Operatic quintet orchestra. Newmarket Municipal Hall: Old-time carnival; Bob Adams' orchestra. Labour Hall, Newton: Old-time dancing; Casino Royal orchestra. Arts Hall, Kitchener Street: Old-time dance; Jack Renton's band. St. Sepulchre's Hall: Ventura Dance Club; Len Meredith's band. Rialto Ballro'om, Newmarket: My-t-fine Dance Club; Blind Institute orchestra. I oresters' Theatre, Onehunga: Manukau Rovers' Football Club. Ambassadors' Hall, Dominion Road: Ambassadors' Dance Club; Blind Institute band. Zealandia Hall, Balmoral: Zealandia Dance Club; Zealandia band. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent: Old-time dancing. O'Neill Street Hall: Lew Cocks' band.

STRAND, SUNDAY. A film programme headed by the musical romance, "The Students' Romance," will be shown at the Strand Theatre, City, to-morrow, by the Rationalist Association and Sunday Freedom League. An address on "The Bible in School," by Mr. C. E. Major, will follow the programme. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. An absorbing drama of early Californian gold rush days is told in "Sutter's Gold," screening this evening in conjunction with "The Man Who Lived Twice," which presents Ralph Bellamy an d Marian Nixon at the head of a popular cast. COMMUNITY SINGING. Community singing will be held in the Town Hall on Wednesday at noon. Mr. Vernon T. Drew will conduct the singing, and Mrs. Barrington Snow will be the accompanist. AMUSEMENT GUIDE. TOWN HALL—Wrestling:, Georg-e Walker v. Tony Felice. PICTURE THEATRES. MAJESTIC —Oracle Fields and Cyril Rltchard in "The Shmv Roes On." ST. JAMES' —William Powell and Joan Crawford in "The Last or Mrs. Cheyney." EMBASSY—Elisabeth Bergner and Romney Brent in "Dreaming- Lips." PLAZA—Ray Milland and Heather Angel In "Bulldog- Drummond Escapes." CIVIC —Fred Mac Murray and Carole Lombard In "Swing High, Swing- Low." ROXY -James Dunn and Sally Eilers In "We Have Our Moments" and Michael Whalen and Claire Trevor in "Time Out For Romance." STRAND—Jessie Matthews In "Head Over Heels" and Sylvia Sidney In "Sabotage" NATIONAL— Chas. Rug-g-les In "Mind Your Own Business" and Eleanore Whitney iin "O'Riley's Luck." REGENT — Janet Gaynor and Fredi-ic March in "A Star Is Born." LONDON —Robert Young- in "The Vagabond Lady" and Jack Holt in "The Best Man Wins." ADELPHI —"Lloyds or London" and "Popeye Meets Sinbad." ALEXANDRA—"GirI in a Million" and "Park Avenue Logg>er." AMBASSADOR—"The LoneJy Road" and ".Man Who Lived Twice." ASTOR —"Dodsworth." AVONDALE —"The Ghost Goes West" and "The Lonely Road." BRITANNIA—"Theodora Goes Wild" and "Beloved Enemy." CAPlTOL—"Dimples" and "Night Waitress." - CRYSTAL PALACE—"Charlie Chan at the Opera" and "God's Country and the Woman." DELTA—"The Road jto Glory." DE LUXE—"That Girl From Paris" and "Criminal Lawyer." EMPRESS—"Sea Devils" and "Great O'Malley." GAlETY—"Craig's Wire." GAIETY (Otahuhu) —"Sweet Aloes" and "Step Lively, Jeeves." GREY LYNN —"Old Hutch" and He*rats In Reunion." KlNG'S—"Banjo On My Knee" and "fugitive in the Sky." KINGSLAND—"IIIs Brother's Wire" and "Thank You, Jeeves." LIBERTY—"Sons or Guns" and "Big Brown Eyes." MAYFAlß—"Accused" and "Daniel Boone." ORPHEUS (Otahuhu) —"Three on the Trail" and "Everythmg Is Rhythm." PICTUREDROME—"SmaII Town Girl." PRINCE EDWARD—"Adventure in Manhattan" and "Piccadilly Jim." PRINCESS—"Great Barrier" and "Valiant is the Word ror Carrie." REGAL —"Polo Joe" and "Big Broadcast or 1 037." REGENT—"Les Mlserables." RlALTO—"Charlie Chan at the Opera" and "God's Country and the Woman." SOUTHERN,, CROSS —"The Last or the Mohicans" and "Hair Angel." STAR (Newton) —"Our Relations." STATE (Symonda Street) —"Born to Dance." STATE (Devonport)—"Love Is News" and "Everything Is Thunder" STATE *(Onehunga)—"Land Beyond the Law" and "Gold Diggers or 1937." STRAND (Onehunga)—"We Went to College" and "The Man Who Could Work Miracles." . . THE REX—''Roaming Wdy" and "Grand Exltl " " -MAijfi TUDOR—"Men Are Not Gods." TIVOLI—"We Have Our Moments" and "Time Out For Romance." VICTORIA—"The Garden or Allah."

OTAHUHU THEATRES. The attractive acting pair, Kay Francis and George Brent, have the main leads in "Sweet Aloes," screening to-day at the Gaiety, Otahuhu. in a story which cannot fail to exert an appeal. The laughdrenched Wodehouse epic, "Step Lively, Jeeves," -with the inimitable Arthur Treacher, Patricia Ellis and Robert Trent, is also 011 tlie programme and is an' evening's entertainment' in itself. "Three On the Trail" is the main feature at the Orpheus, being one of the ever popular "Hopalong Cassidy" series, and it is screened in conjunction with "Everything is Rhythm." KING'S NORTHCOTE. Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea are featured in "Banjo On My Knee," now showing at King's, and "Fugitive in the Sky," with Warren Hull and Jean Muir providing a well-balanced programme. LONDON, CITY. An excellent double-feature programme is showing at the London Theatre, City. The main attraction will be Robert Young and Evelyn Venable in the drama, "Vagabond Lady." With Jack Holt and Edmund Lowe in the main roles, "The Best Man Wins," which is also showing, ehould appeal to audiences. PETER PAN CABARET. This evening will be another of the management's "popular nights" at the Peter Pan Cabaret, with option of dress and halfcrown admission, to include supper. Latest dance music will be provided by Theo. Walters' popular Australian band combination.