Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 136, 11 June 1938, Page 18

Amusements Reviewed

"THE LAST GANGSTER." MAJESTIC J*** , Kroza-- Edward G. Robinson Paul >v.rtU .lamee Stewart ralva ( Krozac Koso Stradtwr ".< urlj" Lionel stander 1 asf'er John I'arridine Af.-py Kil». Aldu Baxter Director: Edward M.G.M. King o£ a kingdom outride the law. Napoleon of the Now Yoik underworld, defiant of right but maintaining power by might, Joe Kiozar was a typical Xo. 1 American gang.-tev o'. the nioueyed years bvtore the depression. But Joe rode for a fall. Too shrewd to be arraigned for any ol th»? killings at his command, he v. a* apfuehended on the relatively innocuous count of income-tax evasion and gent lor a ttu-yeax "stretch' , to Alcatraz penitentiary. To that juncture "'The Last (iavgser,' , which opened a season at the Theatre yesterday, is obviously based on the life of notorious Al Capone. But the film, which here may emphatically be described as the beet yet of its tj pe, goes still further and depicts what may lie ahead of gangsers after release irom prison walls. Briefly the story follows Joe. a role admirably suited to the remarkable talents of Edward G. Robinson, from his arrival in Xew York with .< bride wedded *>n the Continent, to his arrest on the tax charge. While his attorney strives for an appeal, Krozac is transported with other criminals to the Pacific Coast and sent to Alcatraz. During that time his wife, even then in ignorance of the character of her husband, has a child and calk to see Joe on the island fortress. A gangster makes enemies, and she ultimately discovers when Joe is away for 10 years, bis caiibre. A young reporter, sickened of crime writing and taking compassion on the bride, takes her away to Massachusetts and later marries her. Meanwhile Krozac is slowly being broken in spirit. When he is released his one _ determination is to find his son, but he is greeted when eet free by his companions from the underworld. They thwart hie motive*, temporarily, and at the same time earn their own demise, but that is telling too much of the story. Not for an instant doee "The Last Oangster" glorify American crime. On the contrary, it must be one of the most Mihtle propaganda films against the crirni i relei ? se<l from an American studio lacking in melodrama, devoid of comedy the picture » solid drama throughout— bnt a drama when seen that will not soon be forgotten. The now famous G-men are *nown m an interesting perspective. Atao in the cast are James Stewart and Rose Srradner.

Featurettes include a Lanrel .nd Hardy tarce, a cartoon and newsreels.

REGENT THEATRE. . Colourful adventur; on a beautiful tropic island is seen in the Technicolour production "Her Jungle Love," which is now »n the second week of a successful season at the Regent Theatre. This marks another success for the lovely star of ".Jungle Prircess" and ♦The Hurricane," Oorothy Lamour. while for leading man she has Ray Milland, who appeared with her m her first starring attraction. Lynne Overman s wisecracking is one of the features of the production, and others in the cast are J. Carroll Naish, Dorothy Howe and Jonathan Hale. Miss Lamour is seen as the lovely inhabitant «f an island on which two airmeu crash. One of them falls in love with her. Complications arise when an English-educated native chieftain comes on. the scene with bis followers, who believe in the sacrifice of white men to their sacred crocodiles. In a tense olimax his objective is defeated by a violent volcanic eruption. The Regent programme features several fine supporting films, notable being "Meet the Maestros, which introduces several famous American band leaders.

ROXY—TIVOLL An unusual and exciting plot w developed in the gangster drama "Law of the Underworld," which is having a successful season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Vividly picturing the adventures of a pair of lovers who find themselves innocently involved in the sinister activities of a group of gangsters, the film presents Chester Morris as the gang leader who poses as a society leader, Ann Shirley and Richard Bond «s the young lovers, Walter Abel as a special prosecutor, and Eduardo Cianelli in * typically villainous role. In the development of the plot the lovers are.robbed of their savings. When they make an effort to get them back they are forced to take part in a fatal jewel robbery. Under suspicion of murder, things look blade for wen, and the situation develops into a tense finale. Also being screened at these theatres is a faet-m*ving comedy feature, "Venus Makes Trouble," which stars James Dunn and Patricia Ellis. This is the story of a small town sales promoter who goes to New York to make good in a large way.

princess, dominion road. • Two youa g stare, Jen Hull - and Dorothy f Lamour, play leads in Samuel Goldwyn's : spectacular, "The Hurricane," which is the principal attraction at the Princess Theatre, Dominion Road. Co-ieatured k •There Goes the Groom," with Ann ;- Sothern and Mary Boland. STATE, ONEHUNGA. : World-famous .negro singer,. Paul Robe- . eon, ie Mm in the* film version of Rider Haggard's **King Solomon's Mines," which n now screening at the State Theatre, I Onehunga. Co-featured ie "High Flyers," I eomeoy ; e*pe*i^Wheetejr •• and xyooJeey. ? , , ~; J REGENT, ICPSOM. s "Cttve o£ India," telling., the life ftory : 01 lav xntnan /pioneer, >wi*n xvonajti I ColnjSm tafc% the tiSe featured attraiMbn afr the Tneafre, Rpfcom. i Alao being acreened is "Joagle Princew," flHrtwrai K*jr Jlilland nd Dorothy i Lunoor.

f STATE, DEVOHPORT. I K'ng of tapdancers, Fred Astaire is seen again j% thanMeturJ«aiion of Wodehonee's . "A I>em«*lTS t%trea«,~ which k at the • State THeajgWsMPwtHipuit. Bora* and - Allejßawre Si fiie otst. Also showing is ; "Windbag % : 48*fleifi" with the English s wOl Bay.

VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. . v , Adding another success to the list of % Umm oi BiU Powell and Lnise Baiaer. "The Emperer'e Candlesticks," now at Stanley Lupine.

CIVIC THEATBETTE. Evenpopnlar Jack Holt takes the leading Toli in the thrilling Western production, *End of the Trail.** which w now ecreeamg at the Ctrie Theatrette. ComT>l«ting line programme is a gangater melodrama; ""One Way Tickey starring Lloyd 'Nolan. , t v* ■y 7 '"\ " -■-« AMBASSADOS, FOEBT CBKTALTOL Veteran actor LewM Stoa* bloVk ing pnp in the prodnctien, *Ticf- Kan Who Cjriei WoK," weieh w th*Yeatnred i tfc T«s*lj" *«t*> Ambaisader Thaair*. tnere-le a mueical, with and Ann Sot hern. / '$oJjjj(S!f- CINEMA. -■ {■ G|gpsCteie«r. George Raft and Frances Peat Mai tfe leading charac«em in the. Fm WUtie it Sea." which is the principal the Grey Lynn Cinema: T*ia is a stirring sea saga. Also being shown ie "Thirteenth Chair," starring Lewis Stone. % % THE BERKELBI§§k% .' "The Awful Truth," starring Irene : t>aantjmi Cary Grant, is the main fibn .... \at flie Berkeley, Mnsion Bar. The dog ?S«» s"*» *!•» has an important part. On itrsm • m ue lounge, Tae manaiieto the

"MADEMOISELLE DOCTEUR." MAYKAIR. Anne Maria Lpss»t L'ita I'arlo Lieutenant Vefr Carr John Loder Mathesius and Simonig Krich v<.n St i-oheiui <»ahv Claire L««e Hans Huffman UyJ«-s Islu'm f'ou<J.\van Clifford Evans Director: Kichard Thorpe, (apitol-Tr;ifalgar. Spy dramas have always been favourites with Auckland audiences, and •'Mademoiselle Do.te,n," which had its Xew Zealand premier at the Mayfalr Theatre last evening, is not likely to prore an exception. In fact in of plot and brilliance of characterisation it w a step above the average and its swift movement and colourful backgrounds made it an appealing subject. With the necessary of codes and disguises, excitement and pictorial punch, and the conflict between love and duty, "Mademoiselle Doctetir" is excellent entertainment. There are two fascinating pert orm an cos that give colour to what is essentially a dramatic film, those of Dita Parlo and E:ioh von Stroheim, whose badn«ss w such that it makes good theatregoers grind their teeth. Dita Parlo is the charming blonde Continental star in the part of Anne Marie Lesser, a spy who actually worked for Uermany during the war. Her role is that of the woman who joins a German *py organisation to avenge the killer of her boy, friend, and at long last finds herself faee to face with him in the young officer she has learned to love. However, this ultimate problem is achieved only after many adventures in espionage and counter-espionage, climaxed with a German air raid. Erich von Stroheim, whose deliberate bull-necked study of Teutonic tenacity makes him a dominant persony *?J he P ,ct,, re, Rives substance to a very difficult role. John Loder's British captain k an intriguing study, and the romantic Interest is by no means eubwith which the film is invested

EMBASSY THEATRE. Ronald Sinclair, Mickey Rooney, Judy trarland—that is a combination which looks a sure thing" on paper, and on the screen it is as patrons of the Embassy Theatre will testify. The rilm. "Thorough, brede Don t Cry." should have a long and successiul season there. Most interesting feature of the fihn for New Zealandere is the appearance of the boy star from their own country, better known as Ra Hould, and as Ronald Sinclair demonstrating great dramatic ability. Even so, it cannot be denied that Mickey Rooney w the star of the film. In hie recent falme—euch as Captains Courageous" and The Devil is a Sisay"—he has demonstrated just how good he is, and in his effervescent role of a conceited American jockey he is superb. Judy Garland again pleases with her catchy way of putting across song numbers, and others prominent in the cast are C. Aubrey Smith, Sophie Tucker and Frankie Darro. The film deals with the adventures of an English boy, Roger, who comes to America with his grandfather to race a horse. It is a heart-warming tale, entertaining in its simplicity.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. Effervescent, fast moving and sophisticated, the ( romantic comedy "Second Honeymoon" is a notable addition to the year'e light comedy productions. It is peeving popular during ite season at the Crystal Palace and Kialto Theatres. Taking leading roles in the fihn are Tyrone Power and Loretta Young, and both give outstanding portrayals as husband and wife who divorce each other after a quarrel. Both remarry, but things are complicated when the wife decides she has made a mistake. Associate features at bo'-h theatres is a film versiop of the thrilling Edgar Wallace novel "The Squeaker," with Edmund Lowe taking the leading role—that of a member of the detective force who is dismissed and wins his way back by the sensational capture of a gang leader.

GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. Paul Robeson has another singing role in the film, "Jericho," which is now screening at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. '"Partners in Crime," the associate feature, stars Lynne Overman and Roscoe Karns, adepts in the gentle art of "wisecracking."

BRITANNIA, PONSONBT. An outstanding cast is seen in the romantic comedy, "The Bride Wore Red," which is the principal attraction at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. Joan Crawford and Franchot Tone are prominent. "Hitch Hike Lady." with Alison Skipworth, is co-featured.

LONDON, CITY. Charles Bickford and Elizabeth Young are co-atarxed in 'the romance of the Orient, "East of Java," which iff the featured attraction at the London Cinema, City. Screening aa associate feature ie "Ourselves Alone," with John Lodge and John Loder. >

, > TUDOB, SSMTJERA. The bright moalcal comedy, "You're a Sweetheart," is the main attraction at the Tuder Cinema, Remuera. Alice Faye, Don Ameche and Charles Winningcr are the principal playere. Several tuneful new numbers are presented by Mies Faye.

ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Fibn version of Hope's book, "The Prisoner of Zenda," is the main attractfoe at the Aster Theatre* Dominion Boad. Ronald Colmaav Madeleine Carroll and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., are starred in this epic tale of adventure in olden days.

MAYFAIR, BANDRINGHAM. Youthful songster, Bobby Brcenj {s at his best i» "Make a Wish,* which fe bow showing at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham. Basil Rathbone also has an important part in the film. Co-feature is "The Great Hospital Mystery," with Sally Blane and Jane Darwell.

SEGAL, PONSONBY. Glen Morris, noted American athlete, ha* the title role in the film, "Tanan's Revenge," which is now screening at the Regal Theatre, Poosonby. Eleanor Holm, swimming star, is co-etarred. "Action for ■filander, . with dive Brook, completes the bilL ■■ { - ■■-■..

DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Dainty little Shirley Temple has one of her btmt roles to date in the delightful film. of the Alps," which ie now eeriening at the Dβ Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. "Borrowing Trouble," with' the Jones F&mfljr, is-also showing..

HOJtTHCOTK. Lovely Dorothy Lamour ie co-starred with Lew Ayrea in the war film, "The Last Train from Madrid," which is the main attraction at the King's Theatre, Nbrthcote. Screening as associate feature is "Step Lively, Jeeves," with Arthur Treacher.

ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. ' In the film version of Rider Haggard's famous "King Solomon's Mines," the negro singer, Paul Rdhsaou, ie at his best file film is at the iAlexandra. Theatre, Qreen Lane. Co-featured is "Forty Naughty Girls," with James Gleason and Zaeu Pitts.

V: WINDSOR, PAPAIEirKA. >' The thrilling boxing tale, "Kid Galahad," is at the Windsor Theatre, Papakura. Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bog art take promineut parts in the production. Also showing is "It Happened :in Hollywood," with Richard Dix and Fay Wray.

v SKATEWAYS. Skating under ideal condition* will be available for patrons of Skateways rink, at the top of Khyber Pass Road, at toni«htV~«eßSion. Thfe popular Skateways band will jjjpovide t b>|, music ■ H "'■ Clyde' JKowelTa Supreme SkaflnV Band .will provide music for ekaters at the Glide Stink, at ;th e corner *f Park Road I and Khyber Paes Road to-night. " New

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. | It first-week results can be taken as any indication, Jeanctte MacDouald'u newest singing production, "The Firefly," should have a long and successful season at St. •lames' Theatre. And the production certainly has extraordinary attraction*. The glorious voices of Allan Jones and Miss Mac Donald; the Rudolf Friinl music; the outstanding story by Otto Harbach; the interpolated musical effects by Herbert Stothart; and the general excellence of Hunt S/romberg's production detail, play •u vital part in making "The Firefly" the success it is. Some of the outstanding songs- are Gianuina Mia,' , "You Xeed Sympathy," and "When a Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart.' , The etovy concerns the entry 01 a Spanish girl into the espionage business in jn attempt to loil the designs 01 the Bonepartes, arid with its Spanish and French settings the film possesseuj a, glamour out of the ordinal-}*. Miss Mac Donald sings in voice, and Jones, who will be remembered for his singing in *'A Night at the Opera," fully proves himself. A tine selection of supporting iteme makes the St. James" progra.nime an outstanding offering. CIVIC THEATRE. Brought to the screen in all its exciting and dramatic reality, the devastating Chicago fire of 1867 is the highlight of the Darryl F. Zanuck production "In Old Chicago," which is now in its second week at the Civic Theatre. But that Lβ not the only attraction. There is also a heartwarming and human story of the adventures of one of Chicago's pioneer families, the O'Learys; there is an opening scene that for its simple drama is awe-inspiring; and there is also a faithful picture of the political fallacies and abounding vice of the period. Leading parts are taken by Tyrone Power, Alice Faye and Don Amecie, while important supporting player* are Alice Brady, Tom Brown, Andy Devine and Brian Donlevy. Much of the action takes place in '"The Patch," centre of the saloon area of the city, where the rotten nature of civic control was most marked. But the scene which will last longest in the memory is that in which homeless thousands seek the comparative safety of the river in escaping the dangers of a conflagration -which destroys everything before it. It is great entertainment. ,

STATE, SYMONDS STSSET.

Many films about the American naval academy at Annapolis have been released ot recent months, but none better than "Xavy Blue and Gold," which is the prin- j cipal attraction at the State Theatre, Symonds Street. The film also offers an outstanding cast, some of the players being James Stewart. Robert \oung, Tom Brown, Lionel Barry more, Florence Rice and Billie Burke. It is the attitude of Stewart, Young and Brown to academy that forme the basis for the plot. It is an Annapolis story told in a different way, and the (sympathetic portrayals of the leading characters make it a film to be remembered. Also being screened at the State is a hilarious comedy, presented by the old friends Laurel and Hardy in "Country Hospital," a typical piece of i foolery. STAR, NEWTON. The greatest of England's feminine singers and dancers, Jessie Matthews, comes again to please New Zealand audiences in her latest musical, "Sparkles," which is the principal film on an outstanding programme now showing at the Star Theatre, Karangahape Road. Another attraction in "Sparkles'' is the appearance of the well-known Hollywood "stooge" Nat Pendleton, former wrestling champion. Jessie certainly sparkles in this production, einging with verve and dancing in several new routines. Another Chan mystery, "Charlie Chan at the Opera," completes the Star's programme. Popular Warner Olaiu again handles his famous role, and this Tie is co-starred with the horror expert, i. iris Karloff. Keye Luke again has his "Nj. 1 son" part. It is one of the beet to date.

PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. With a programme consisting of the bright musical, "Merry-Gc-Round of 1938," and the sea drama, "Souls At Sea," the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, offers entertainment designed to appeal to all tastes, i In the first film, there is offered a variety of talent, most of the stars being well-known stage players. Alic,e Brady and Miecha Aner take leading parts, and much fun is added by Bert Lahr and Jimmy Savo. Lahr provides the highlight of the film with bis now worldfamous "woodchopper" routine. Several new song numbers are presented. Gary Cooper and George Raft make a fine team !in "Souls at Sea," which is the etory of slaving days, based on actual fact. The *ea scenes are magnificent, and Cooper is seen at his best. A finer programme has not been seen here for some time.

EMPRESS, NEWTON. "Tarzan's Revenge," latest adventures of the Edgar Rice Burroughs character, is bow screening at the Empress Theatre, Newton. Glenn Morrie and Eleanor Holm take the leading parts. The musical "52nd Street," with lan Hunter and Pat Paterson, is also showing.

ADELPHI, RICHMOND. Film version of Edna. JTerber'e famous tale "Stage Door," is the main attraction at the Adelphi Theatre, Richmond. Ginger Rogers and Katharine Hepburn are the st»rs. Screening as associate feature is "Non-Stop New York," starring John Loder and Anna Lee.

RIALTO, SUNDAY. An outstanding programme will be shown at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, to-morrow night. First film is "Death at Broadcasting House," with lan Hunter starred, and "Invitation to the Waltz," with the Continental star Lilian Harvey in the leading part.

STRAND, ONEHUNGA. . England's George Formby, one of the beet comics on the screen, takes the leading role in "Keep Fit," which is the principal attraction at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. Also screening is "Hopalong Rides Again," an exciting Western, which stars William Boyd.

AVONDALE TOWN HALL. Boisterous Jane Withers is the leading light in "Can This Be Dixie," which ie the featured attraction at the Avondale Town Hall. Slim Summeryillo is also in the cast. The faet-moving drama, "West Bound Limited." with Lyle Talbot starred, completes the bill.

STRAND, SUNDAY. . Mrs. M. B. Soljak will speak on "The Martyrdom of Woman" at the Strand Theatre to-morrow night, under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. The picture programme to be screened ie headed by "The Keeper of the Bees," which, features popular Neil Hamilton.

CAPITOL, BALMORAL. English comic, Sandy Powell, handles the leading role in '"Can You Hear Me Mother?" which k now screening at the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. Also being shown at the Capitol is "Crimson Romance," starring Ben I-yoo and Sari Mantza.

DANCING. Peter Pan Cabaret: Popular dancing: Lauri Paddi's band. Pirate Shippe, Milford: Old-time carnival; Pirate Shippe band. Arts Hall: Old-time dance; Norm Crowder a band. Masonic Hall, Newton: Old-time programme; Operatic Quintet orchestra. Municipal Hall, Newmarket: Old-time •dancing; Bob Adams' band. Orange Coronation Hall: Embassy Dance Club; Ted Croad'a band. Rialto Ballroom, Newmarket: Old-time dance; My-T-Fine Dance Club. Zealandia Hall, Balmoral: Popular dancing; Zealandia Dance Club. '' Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent: Old-time dancing. Oddfellows' Hall, Avondale: Popular dancing; I Roseland Dance Club. St. Sepulchre's Hall: Modern dancing; Technical Old Boys' Football Club, v Crystal Palace Ballroem: Modern dancing; Bpi Shalfoon's bind. St. Coiamba Hall: Old-time dance; Casino orchestra, ' ■ Ambassadors' xlall: Old-time dancing; Parker's orchestra.

Parnell R.6jC Hall: Popular dancing: Clough'a band.

STRAND THEATRE. ' Hollywood's ace producer, Samuel Goldwyu, is noted for his unusual knack of knowing just what the public wants, and this is. demonstrated to the fall in his latest production, _ "The Adventures of Marco Polo," which is experiencing a remarkable season at the Strand Theatre. For leading man Goldwyn has Gary Cooper, stated to be the most highly-paid star in the serpen world, and in the feminine lead is a new screen figure in Sigrid Gurie, Swedish "find." The etory is, of course, the etory of Pole, pioneer trader and adventurer, and deals with hie trip to Peking to see Kublai Khan, Oriental potentate. When he arrives there he fin<l« the court dominated by a Saracen Prime Minister, Ahmed (Basil Rathbone). who sends him to another part of tbe country to get rid of him. Later he funis, himself between tbe forces of two rebel leaders, and in a thrilling climax he saves Khan's kingdom. In the supporting ca«t are such well-known names as Basil Rathbone. Georce Barbier and Harold Huber. A March of Time feature is also showing.