Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 208, 3 September 1938, Page 18

Amusements Reviewed

"THREE COMRADES." ST. JAMES'. Brcuer r . 0,,y . k-ibbee. Lionel Atwiil. Director: Drank Liorzagc (M.G.M.) K,®r f ' 0n '' lc °f l ' lc same name by -mil Remarque--who came to literary <>,?iet lho with "All lour cn . t,lC! Western Front"— and with l obe, t T J " i S V" S - Mil garet Sullavan, nonet t lay lor, hauchot 'lone and llobert }o>m Sl the leading rules, the picture. I nice Comrade*. which was presented tor the first time at -St. James' Theatre :csti'iilay, IS .sine to attract public attention. But it deserves that support for the jeasoii that it is a good picture. It is based on Remarque's book, but it must be siattvj th;ii hum it have been cut tho more coiitrovei sial aspects both in the political and the romantic theme, and tuat it is presented merely as a story in «Inch stand out, clearly delineated, four most interesting characters in a story of i umatice. drama and tragedy. With Hollywood appreciation of public wants the drama ami the tragedy is well relieved with hmnoi.r.

It has a similar background to "Little ■Man, What Now?" in the period of readjustment in Germany immediately following the (-rent War, and it has an interesting ni-pect in showing the circumstances Irom which present day Nazi Germany has emerged. There is, however, no waving of | .ity banners. The audience is lott. to find out for itself the cause it espouses- and that, in the main, is merely the cause oi any three young men cast adrilt, following a cra/v war, into an even more crazy peace. Thrown out ot gear by the happenings which they have experienced, ami trying to merge themselves into civil life, the three men bit life with a bump, and know enthusiasm. political turmoil. social upheaval, and all the conflicting forces that were present in that Germany of despair and litter seeking. All three are devoted to the same girl, and that throws another aspect into the many faced problem. They arc sure only of one thing, iiud that is friendship, and in its romantic theme the story is lightened by the selfsacrifice of their attitude to one another. The story has been well dressed by the producers, and there are some effective street-fighting scenes. Guy Kibbee adds the lighter touches. The major characters nil give splendid work, with Margaret Sullavan handling her role exceptionally well. Young, the rebel against the changed order. Tone, who believes in leaving well alone, and Taylor, who is mostly concerned with the romantic aspect, make a good team as the "Three Comrades." A Robert Benchley oddity, "How to Raise Baby, - ' is a most amusing interlude in the- short programme, well suited to the week that includes "Father's Day," and the news reels and other items are also interesting. ROXY—TIVOLI. Rugged George O'Brien is in the saddle again in "Gun Law," main attraction on tlie programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. This fine natural actor is well suited to Western parts such as he has in this film, with his impressive physique and appearance, and he has a strong following among Western film fans. His leading lady this tiipe is Rita Oehman, a newcomer to the screen,. who is said to be headed for a brilliant; future, while Ray Whitley is also prominent. O'Brien is cast as Tom O'Malley, a United . States marshal sent to a small town in the West to investigate and clean up a gang of bandits thought to be responsible for outbreaks of lawlessness, including , several '•Md-ups. Action is fast throughout the film, and it reaches a thrilling, climax in tlie suppression of the law-breakers. Another cowboy actor of long standing in Ruck .Tones has the leading Tole in "Stone of. Silver Creek," another Western, in which .Jones, as William Stone, "helps the militant local minister, Timothy Tuclcer (Xiles Welsh) stamp out vice and evil that is rampant in his small frontier town. Marion Shilling. Noel Francis, Peggy Campbell and Rodney Hildebrand have prominent part*. ADELPHI, RICHMOND AVENUE. Roistering child star Jane Withers Is seen at her best in "Forty-five Fathers," now At the Adelphi Theatre, Richmond Avenue, Jack Oakie, Bob Burns and Kenny Baker have leading parts in "Radio City Revels," second film on the programme. REGENT, EPSOM. "Wfce Girl," at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, stars blonde Miriam, Hopkins and" the handsome Englishman, Ray Milland. The associate feature is "Tamn's Revenge/' with-. 4 the Olympic ' Games decathlon winner,, Glenn Morris,., to the title role, aitd famous former swimming champion, Eleanor Holm, as bis mate. SEGAL, POIVBONBY ROAD.' '

The world'stinieat sweetheart, Bhirley Temple, is the star of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," now at the Regal Theatre; Ponsoaby Road. Jack Haley, Michael Whalen, Randolph Scott and Gloria Stuart have leading supporting roles. The second picture on the progiammeis "She's Got Everything," with Ann Sothern and Gene .'Raymond. J DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Beautiful French atory of "Wings of the Morning,": Annabella, has the leading feminine role in "Dinner at the Rita," now at the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. Her leading man. i* Paul' Lufcaa. The" famous radio comedians, Clapham and Dwyer, are featured in the second film, "Variety Hour." :<« .?. « -j * EMPRESS, NEWTON. «•&'* Thq two stars whose popularity baa been on the rise lately, Irene Dunne and Douglas Fairbanks, junior, are featured in "The Joy of Living," main attraction at the Empress Theatre, Newton. "Radio City Revels," the second film, stars Jack Onkie and Bob Burns, with tenor Kenny Baker , also prominently cast. ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. v Former world champion ice skater, Sonja Henie, has the leading role in "Happy Landing," tat the Alexandra Theatre, Green Lane. Don Ameche and Cesar Romero are her leading men. "Go Chase Yourself" is the associate feature, with the comedian, Joe Penner, heading the cast. , CAPITOL; BALMORAL. Preaton, Foster and Sally Eilers are costarred with the Australian comedian, Cecil. Kellaway, in "Everybody's Doing It," ,at the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. The second feature, "Park Avenue Logger," stars George O'Brien arid Beatrice Roberts. An episode of the serial, "Radio Patrol," is also shown. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. One of the greatest pictures of a few years back, "Smilin' Through," with ICorma Shearer and Fredric March, is .shoWri again at the Mayfair Theatre. Sandringham. Noah Beery, Junior, and Dorothea Kent are co-starred in the associate! "Some Blondes are Dan? gerous." AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. Ann Sothern and Burgess Meredith have leading roles in "There Goe« the Groom," main item on the programme at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. The associate feature, '"Please Teacher," stars comedian Bobby Howes with Vera Tcarce. GLIDE RINK. There will be a midnight gala evening session at the Olid" Skating Rink to-night, at the corner of Khyber Pass and Park Roarl. The Glide Rhythm Masters will be in attendance, and some races will be 'decided. f "' SKATEWAYSi Alf Wheatle.v 'aiid his "band will be present to-night tn provide music for the fkri'tei-h n't the Skateways rink, nt the top of Khyber l'ass. when another of their "\r - nights" will be held. •

— — — — MWWWWM m 9 "HEART OF ARIZONA." MAJESTIC. ■ \v*inlL ons CaßaW y William Boyd. I ,!°tv .. George Hayes. »»•* p.«v»' v.-.v... US Start* V.V.-.V • Director: Lesley B^lander (Paramount), j HUNTED men." starring Lloyd .Nolan and Mary Carlisle. Among Western heroes of recent years, v-larcnce L Mulford's character, Hopalong Cassidy, has always held a pre-eminent P ee*!, and his latest film, "Heart of Arizona, did not disappoint the large audience present for the Auckland premiere at the Majcstic Theatre yesterday. Appearing in the leading Mulford role for the eighteenth time, William Boyd, original llopalong, scores another win. Kvery element demanded in a Western is "illy capitalised in "Hearts of Arizona," which may be set down, as one. of the bost of the series, to,date. Appearing with Bovd in leading roles are Russell Hayden, in hintsclf an integral part of any Hopalong production. George Hayes, back again after an absence from several pictures, John Elliott, Billy King and Natalie Moorhead. As the film opens. Belle Starr (Miss Moorhead) is being released from prison after serving a five-year term, unjustly imposed because she was embroiled in the rustling activities of her good-for-nothing husband. Hopalong befriends her, but their troubles are far from over. After Belle's release rustlers become active. Her husband blots against her, but Hopalong foils him when he tries to rustle the Bar 20 cattle. Things look black, and evidence points to Belle's guilt. In an effort to escape punishment for their thievery, the guilty gang engage in a pitched battle with Cassidy's Bar CO cowboys, and after a thrilling and tragic conclusion the film finishes on an exciting note. Equally engrossing is the associate feature. "Hunted Men," the story of a big gangster who. by his own admission, was "no bigger than the gnn in his hand." Star of the show is Lloyd Nolan, a player who has gained a great reputation for bis portrayal of gangster rojes. Others in the east are Mary Carlisle, wise-cracking Lvnne Overman, J. Carrol Naish, Anthony Quinn and Dorothy Peterson. It will be remembered that Nolan and Miss Carlisle were an effective pair in the drama, "TipOff Girls." The story centres around the adventures of notorious gang leader .Toe Albany, fleeing from justice after murdering a man in cold blood, and tells of the tragic disruption of a bouse in which he takes refuse. The desperate last stand of Albany is the culminating point in a film that has never a dull moment. MAYFAIR. Packed tight with humour and clever clowning from the increasingly-p'opular Ritz brothers, "Kentucky Moonshine," now in ifs second week at the Mayfair Theatre, is proving highly popular with Auckland audiences. It is not often that slap-stick and skilful comedy is blended with such successful results, and in; doing so the Ritz boys prove themselves one of the outstanding comedy teams on the modern screen. They Improve considerably on their previous performances, excellent as they were, and the picture saos noticeably when they are not o» the scene. Besides their clowning they present some "swing" numbers in their typical style, while some of their dance routines are really high-class. "Reuben. Reuben, I've Been Swin<Wng." by the brother*, is one of itbe highlights of the film. Romantic interest and sortie pleasant sones are provided by Tommy Martin and Mariorie Weaver, while Slim Summerville and John Carradine have prominent roles. The storv concerns ss masquerade as "genuwine" Kentucky hillbillies by the brothers, and Marjorie Weaver in an attempt to gain a contract: when they hear that a radio star is leaving for Kentucky to search for local talent.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. The captivating little French actress Annabella appears with William Powell in her first American-made film. "The Baroness and the Butler," at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. With her fascinating French accent more an asset than a handicap. Annabella is just as nharminz as she was In "Wings of the Morning." her first starring picture which was made br a British company, while the suave William Powell gives another fine performance as the ambitions butler. The stpry is of the complications that occur when the butler in the household of -the conservative Prime Minister of # Hungary is elected leader of the Opposition. As he had r ,had, in the meantime, the-audacity to fall in love with the Prime Minister's daughter fAnnabella), it can be imagined that the plot becomes rather involved, but if also provides for plenty of comedy. J PRINCESS, DOMINION ROAD. Hollywood and Hollywood methods are hurlasquea in /"Stand-in," main feature on the programme at the Princess Theatre, Dominion Road. Leslie Howard and Joan Blondell have the leading roles. A thrilling detective myatery, "Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo," is the second picture, •tarring Oland. LONDON, CITY. An eerie myatery drama, "Dracula's Daughter," with Otto Kruger, heads the bill at fhe London Theatre, City. The second picture, "Melody of - the Plains," featurea Fred Scott and Gloria Holden, 'and crammed with fun, music and excitement.' ■ * j! | STATE, DBVONPORT. •One of the mightiest spectacles ever seen on the screen, "In ■ Old Chicago, is the inain attraction at. the State Tneatre, 'jSeronport. Alico Faye, Tyrone Power and Don Ameche haVe leading role# .in the story, which if woven round the great fire which rued • oM Chicago to the ground. STATE, ONEHUNGA. Gary Cooper, BigrM Gurie and Binnie Barnes ate prominent in "The Adventures of Marco Polo" at' the State Theatre, Onehunga, a story of the adventures of the first western merchant to penetrate into the Far East. Smith Bailew, the singing cowboy, is featured in the other film, "Rawhide." AVONDALE THEATRE. The film veraion of Robert Louis Stevenson's drama of the South Seas, "Ebb Tide, ia now showing at the Avondale Theatre. Osear Homolka, Frances Farmer, and Ray Milland head the cast of the film, whieh is in Technicolour. The remainder of the programme consists of featurettes. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Rex Beach's immortal romance of the Yukon in the gold rush, "The Barrier," is the main feature on the programme at the Strand' Theatre, Onehunga. Leo Car* rillo and Jean Parker have the main roles. "Lovers and Luggers," the second attraction, is a drama of pearl-fishing in Australian waters. TUDOR, REMUERA. An impressive drama of a modern woman lawyer in New York, "Portia on Trial," is the main attraction on the programme at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. Frieda Inescort, Walter Abel and Ruth ; Donnelly have the leading roles. A specially-selected variety of featurettes | completes the programme. i 7 GAIETY, TAKAPUNA 1 One of the most sweeping comedy successes seen in Auckland for some time, "The Awful Truth," starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, heads the programme ! at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. Specially- • selected featurettes comprise the remain--1 der of the programme. BERKELEY, MISSION BAY. „ "That. Girl From Paris" is featured on the programme at the Berkeley 'Theatre, • Mission Bay, and stars operatic• singer - l Lily Ports, with Jack Oakie. Gene Ray- ; mond and Mischa Auer. The specially- > s-lected featurettes which comprise the r remainder of the programme include a "March of Tims" film.

EMBASSY. Now in its third week of exhibition, "Merrily We Live," continues to attract enthusiastic crowds to the Embassy Theatre, and is rapidly proving one of the most popular films of its, type of the year. Indications are that it may even surpass Hall Roatii'g previous big comedy success, "Topper," as it is equally as funny without being quite ao improbable. Some of the stars of "Topper," in Billie Burke, Constance Bennett and Alan Mowbray, have been retained for the new film, while the cast is strengthened by the addition of such well-known players as Tom Brown, Patsy Kelly and Bonita Granville, with Brian Aberne, as the leading man, giving one of the best exhibitions of his career. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the picture, however, is the superb performance of Billie Burke, as the "daffy" mother of the cecentrie Kilbourne family. This actress does a wonderful job that may be classed as one of the highlights of her acting career. The story concerns the efforts of Mrs. Kilbourne to rehabilitate tramps, and the complications that occur when she sets to work on novelist Brian Aherne, whom she mistakes for a tramp when he is roughing it on holiday. STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. I" "Damsel in Distress," now showing at the Star Theatre. Karangajiape Road, Fred Astaire is without his usual dancing partner. Ginger Rogers, but nevertheless he nianasres to make a success of the picture. with Joan Fontaine taking the place of the nimble-footed Ginger in some of the routines. Most of the dancing, however. is provided by a new team in Fred Astaire, George Burns and Gracie Allen, and though not quite up to the standard of the Astnire-Rogers combination in technique. it is quite pleasing, and provides much of the humour of the film. "Artists and Models." with Jack Rcnnv, Ida Lnpino. Richarr) Alien and Gail Patrick, completes a really fine programme. The dry-wittcd Bcnnv is largely responsible for the siiecrss of this picture, but the genera] standard of the performers is high. PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON.

The famous love affair between Napoleon and Marie Walewska, reputedly the only won.an be ever loved, is brought to the screen in "Marie Walewska." now showing at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton. Charles Boyer, in wonderful makeup, gives an impressive performance as the "little Corporal," while Greta Garbo plays the part of the beauteous Marie with typical distinction. Other notable figures in the cast are Henry Stephenson, Reginald Owen, Alan Marshall, Leif Erikson and Dame May Whitty. The production ie extremely lavish, and the elaborate, expensive backgrounds • make a most impressive setting for the drama. Wendy Barrie and Miseha Auer arc co-starred in "Prescription for Romance," second feature on the programme. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. One of the greatest achievements of modern film production j "The Hurricane," with John Hall and Dorothy Lamour, heads the programme at the Aetor, Dominion Road. Edna May Oliver, Walter Pidgeon and Maureen O'Sullivan have leading roles in "My Dear Miss Aldrich," the associate fcatur£. GREY LYNN CINEMA. A spectacular drama of the South Seas, "Ebb Tide," heads the programme at the Grey Lynn Cinema. Oscar Homolka, Frances Farmer and Ray Milland have leading parts in the film, which is in Technicoiour throughout. Speciallyselected featurettes make up the balance of the programme. ROYAL, KINGSLAND. Franchot Tone and the Irish actress, Maureen O'Sullivan, are co-starred in "Between Two Women," now showing at the Royal Theatre, Kinesland. The musical comedy. "Merry-Go-Round of 1938." featuring Bert Lahr, Media Auer and Alice Brady, is the second picture on the programme. * BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. One of the best stories of life at a big American college is brought to the screen in "Navy Blue and Gold," main attraction on the programme at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. Robert Young, James Stewart and Florence Rice have leading role*. "Daughter of Shanghai." with Anna May Wong, is the second picture. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Something unusual in the way of Westerns is "Bad Man of Brimstone," now showing at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. Wallace Beery, Dennis O'Keefe and Virginia Bruce have leading roles. "Night Club Scandal," the second film, stars" John Barrymore and Lynne Overman. RIALTO, SUNDAY. "Queen of Hearts," with Gracie Fields, heads a double-feature programme at the Rialto Theatre on Sunday, the proceeds of which are to go to local charities. Zane Grey's thrilling story, "White Death," is the other picture. KING'S, NORTHCOTE. Diminutive operatic soprano Lily Pons sings in "Hitting a New High," at the King's Theatre, Northcote. Also prominent in the cast are Jack Oakie. Edward Everett Horton. Dolores del Rio is costarred with George Sanders in "International Settlement," a drama of war-torn China, also on the programme. WINDSOR, PAPAKURA. Luli Deste, John Boles and Jack Oakie head the cast of the amusing comedy "She Married an Artist" at the Windsor Theatre, Papakura. "Something to Sing About, the associate feature, co-stars James Cagney and Evelyn Daw in Cagney's first musical. STRAND, SUNDAY. "The People's Theatre, its Aims and Social Significance," is the subject to be dealt with by Mr. A. A. Irvine and Miss Florence Eccles at the Strand Theatre on Sunday night, under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. There will be a picture programme, headed by "Melody of the Plains," with Fred Scott and Gloria Holden. PETER PAN CABARET. Mnaic for popular dancing at the Peter Pan Cabaret will be provided by Lauri Paddi and his band, featuring Johnny Madden, to-night. Dress is optional.

STRAND THEATRE. Few actors or actresses have risen to fame and stardom as rapidly as the pretty, 15-year-old Canadian songster, Deanna Durbin, and yet, despite her sudden ac-' quisition of fame, she still retains that charming naturalness and simplicity that was such a feature of her first film. In '"Mad About Music," in its second Auckland season at the Strand Theatre, she gives her beet performance to'date, and the picture is one that should have universal appeal. Her singing voice seems a little more mellow than previously, while she acts with more restraint than in her two other big pictures, and is even more attractive. She sings some delightf»l songs, and one of them, "I Love to Whistle, is being whistled by message boys all over the city. With a girls' school in Switzerland as background, the film is a refreshing change from other sophisticated musicals. Herbert Marshall, as Deanna s psucdo father, gives an excellent performance, while Gail Patrick, as her mother, is little inferior. The associate feature. Carnival Queen," stars Dorothea ivent and Robert Wilcox, and is an exciting drama with a carnival show as its background. REGENT. T he impressive drama of the life of the workers in New York city, "Big City" is now in its second week at the Regent J heatrc. i lie two Academy award winners for 1937, Spencer Tracy and Luise i ln f r ' . oat i an exceptionally strong cast, which includes, besides numerous wellknown screen actors, no less than 15 veteran athletes of the squared ring and track. Notable among these are Jack Dempsey. -lames J. Jeffries, Maxey Rosenbloom and Jimmy McLarnin, former world boxing champions, Man Mountain Dean wi II s onr| enberg, wrestlers, and Frank \V vkofr and Jim Thorpe, track stars. In the development of the plot, which concerns a taxi war fostered by gangsters, Anna Benton (Luise Rainerl, immigrant wife of taxidriver Joe Benton (Spencer Tracy), is alleged to have been responsible for a bombing outrage, and her deportation is ordered. Just as the boat on which she is travelling is about to leave her husband discovers the real culprits, tlie gansrsters. He appeals to the Mayor, whom lie finds addressing a meeting of veteran ringsters at Jack Dempsey's restaurant, and. on hearing his case, the eauliflowev-eared diners decide to take the law into their own hands. They proceed to the wharf, where they make a most, artistic job of beating up the gangsters' hired sluggers. and get Anna Benton off the boat in the nick of time. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. Packed with tuneful melodies and with a plot that is more substantial than is usual for a musical comedy. "Firefly" is enjoying such success at the State Theatre, Symonds Street, that its season there has been extended. Jeanette McDonald, queen of musical comedy, has a new romantic partner in the tenor. Allan Jones, and the experiment of teaming the two is proving a great success. Many memorable numbers are sun?, notably the songhit of the dav. "Donkey's Serenade," as well as "Sympathy" and other popular tunes. The plot is laid in old Spain/ and there is some magnificent scenery and colourful backgrounds. Perhaps the most attractive is the road scene for the "Don-1 W's Serenade" number, with a spritelike little urchin dancing ahead of a muledrawn coach plaving on his whistle. CHARITY PERFORMANCE. Miss Boyle's pupils present two pantomimes, "Cinderella" and "The Toymaker's Dream." in the concert chamber of the Town Hall on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday next. All orphans and crippled children will be admitted free. DANCING. Peter Pan Cabaret, popular dancing; Lauri Paddi's band. St. Sepulchre's Hall, modern dancing; Len Meredith's band. Arts Hall, old-time dancing; Norm. Crowder's Silvertone band. Crystal Palace Ballroom, modern dancing; Epi Shalfoon's band. Manchester Hall, maxina competition; St. Patrick's dance. St. Mary's Hall, popular dancing; Connon's orchestra. Parnell R.S.A. Hall, popular dancing; J. Clough's band. Rialto Cabaret, popular dancing; Thursday next. Manchester Unity Buildings, popular dancing; Tuesday next. Masonic Hall, Newton, old-time dancing; Operatic Quintet orchestra, Rialto Ballroom, Newmarket, popular dancing; My-T-Fine Dance club. Coronation Ballroom, popular dancing; Ted Croad and his Chevalier band. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, "Pirate" carnival, popular dancing; Full-o'-Fun Dance orchestra.