AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 139, 15 June 1938, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

" WALKING DOWN BROADWAY." ROXY - TIVOLI. Joan Bradley Claire Trevor I'eter Clayhourne . . Michael Whalen Linda Martin Leah Hay Tiny Branson Dixie Dunbar Sandra De Voe Lynn Bari Vicki Stone Phyllis Brooks Also: "A THOfSAND DOLLARS A MINUTE," with Koger Pryor. All is not gold that glitters ... all that is Broadway is not gay and glamorous. The story of how six young showgirls learned the truth of these two maxims, is told in "Walking Down Broadway,'' which opened its Auckland season before interested audiences at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Because of its vital theme, its sympathetic treatment of the life of each girl in turn, and its teeming drama, this production must be ranked as one of the most interesting of the season's releases. "Walking Down Broadway" probes behind the glitter of theatre spotlight and in doing so unravels the skeins which Fate has woven for six girls—six girls who knew laughter and longing desperation and ultimate triumph. Nor are the roles entrusted to unknown players. The six girls in the story are portrayed by Claire Trevor, Leah Raye, Phyllis Brooks, Dixie Dunbar. Jayne Regan and Lynn Bari —all youngsters who have shown proof in the past that they possess more than average ability on the screen. Others prominent in the film are Michael Whalen, Tom Beck, Douglas Frowley, Walter Woolf King and Jed Prouty. The curtain rises on New Year's Day. The Manhattan Revue is closing after a successful season. In dressing room 19 are the six girls who are most concerned in this story. These girls, so vastly different in their outlook on life, have to part, but they agree to sign a paper in which they say what they hope to achieve during the coming year. They plan to meet again when the year is out. Thereafter the film tells how the rendezvous eventuated, but not before drama, tragedy, failure, romance and success have all played a part in telling something of the life of those who amuse, beguile and entertain the millions of Broadway. Roger Pryor has the role of a newspaper reporter who is given the colossal task of spending 720,000 dollars in 12 hours to win a wager, in the second attraction, "1000 Dollars a Minute." There are many hilarious situations. Edward Brophy. Leila Hyams. Edgar Kennedy anil Herman Bing are included in a fine cast of comedy players.

CIVIC THEATRE. Tom Sawyer and his delightful pal Huck Finn, products of the fertile brain of Mark Twain, have appeared in print and on the talking screen, to charm millions, and now they are seen for the first time in Technicolour. The film is David O. Selznick's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," which is set down for local release at the Civic Theatre on Friday. Few liberties have been taken with the original, for there is enough action, character and humour there without attempting to improve it. Young Tommy Kelly is seen in the title role, and others with important parts are Jackie Moran (Htick Finn), May Robson (Aunt Polly), Walter Brennan (Muff Potter), Ann Gillis (Becky) and Victor Jo<ry (Injun Joe). There is no need here to tell the story of Tom's adventures, but it is stated that the immortal story has been given an added charm. It is a dramatic, amusing and thrilling presentation. For instance, when Tom is exploring the cave in which he and Becky are lost and he comes face to face with Injun Joe—what greater sequence could have heen imagined? ST. JAMEB' THEATRE.

"The Firefly," film version of the famous 25-year-old operetta by Rudolf Friml and Otto Harbaeh, is fulfilling it* promise of a successful season, and it is pleasing large audiences at e* ery screening at St. James' Theatre. The film has many attractions. The very fact that •Teanette Mac Donald is in the starring role •« proof that the picture is something out of the ordinary. A number of Friml'i beautiful melodies are heard in the film, and the leading lady sings superbly. Scenes are laid in Madrid and France, and the story deals with the strugrrle of the Spanish people, wit'h the aid of Wellington and his troops, against Nanoleon and hi* mighty forces. Miss Mac Donald has the role of a spy. and she once again proves that in addition to being a magnificent singer she is also a fine actrers. Her lover is played by Alan Jones, whose robust voie-» is heard in several tuneful numbers. "Giannina Mia" is. perhaps, hi.< bent song. Other eong<s heard in the film are "Sympathy" and "When a Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart." Tt is a mcmiificent production, one not to be missed.

MAYFAIR THEATRE

Based on the immortal song by Leslie Stuart, bhe romantic drama "Lily of Laguna" is one of the best English films released for some time, and it should have a successful season at the Mayfair Theatre. Finst screenings will be at Friday's sessions. Taking leading roles in this production are the well-known English players Nora Swinburne, Richard Ainley and Talbot O'Farrell. The number "Lily of Laguna" is, of course, the highlight of the show, but other famous songs presented are "If You Could Care For Me,"

"Mighty Like a Rose," and "Charmaine." In the development of the plot Glorin Grey, well-known f t»«e star, gives up her career to marry. It is an unhappy union, and she leavt* her husband. Their daughter is told that she is dead. Fate then decrees that mother and daughter should be rivals for the same man, and in a tense climax a reunion is brought about. A prominent nart in the production is taken by Dudley Rolph. who lias a pleasing voice, and John Payne's noted negro choir. In the supporting cast of the film are Edgar Driver and Jenny Laird.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Tl:e new programme to be presented for the first time on Friday at the Majcstic Theatre offers a wide variety of entertainment. First there » a Clarence E. Mulford Western, then a romantic drama, "Scandal Street" and then from the stage there will be Arnie Hartman. Hartman has l>een rightly called a wizard of the piano-accordion. Those who heard him in the Frank Noil show and more recently over the radio, will testily to that. In the Mulford film, which is entitled "Partners of the Plains," the role of Hopalong Cassidy is taken by William Boyd, a player noted now for his performances in this role. Others in the cast are Harvey Clark, Russell Hayden, Owen Gaze and Hilda Plowright. There is drama in plenty, as an unusual plot is unfolded. "Scandal Street," which is associate feature, is an entertaining romantic drama, starring Lew Ay res, Louise Campbell and Roscoe Karns. Jt is a story of small town life, in which the charm of a young girl causes the women to wage a war of gossip against her. Edgar Kennedy Porter Hall anil Virginia Weidler are in the cast. REGENT THEATRE. Past editions of the musical Big Broadcast annuals have thrown into screen prominence such personalities as Bing Crosby anil Jack Benny. It is claimed that "Broadway Melody of 1938'' has two players due for rapid screen promotion in Shirley Ross anil Bob Hope. The film should prove as popular as its predecessors when it is screened on Friday at the Regent Theatre. First place in" the billing must go. of course, to our old friend W. C. Fields, back on the screen alter much too long an absence. He is snid to be in top form, and as one criticsaid, "using everything from mayhem to trick photography to get laughs." Dorothy Lamour and Martha Raye come next, together with the Ross-Hope combination. Others worthy of mention in the actual cast are Ben Blue. Lynne Overman, Lief Erikson and Lionel l'ape. But there are further attractions. Kirsten Flagstad. Metropolitan Opera star, is outstanding among the interpolated specialities, and Tito Gnizar gives two notable classic >;ongs. Then there is Shep Fields and his Rippling Rhythm Band to charm with modern melody. EMBASSY THEATRE.

The outstanding juvenile talents of Mickey Rooney. Judy Garland and New Zealand's own Ronald Sinclair, thrown into relief against a background of exciting racetrack adventure, are combined in exploiting the absorbing story oi adolescent friendship in "Thoroughbred* Don't Cry," which is drawing large crowds to the Embassy Theatre. Ronald demonstrates that he is a worthy successor to the more famous Freddie Bartholomew, but his performance. and that of young Judy, is shaded by the work of Rooney. the youth who pleased so much in "The Devil Is a Sissy" and "Captain's Courageous." In the part of the effervescent and conceited jockey boy, he has been perfectly cast Screen veterans Sophie Tucker and C. Aubrey Smith are prominent in the supporting cast. Highlights of the musical side of the film are Judy's songs, which she renders in her own inimitable fashion. The story is that of a young English bov and his grandfather, who go to the United States to race their horse. It is a human and heart-warming tale, and nothing is lost in the telling. Every sequence counts.