Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 18

Amusements Reviewed

"UP THE RIVER. MATFAIR. (_ hipper Morgan Preston Poster Tommy Grant Tony Martin Phyllis Brooks rw, iD 2 Is <>n Slim Summerville » Ra * Arthur Treacher Warden Willis Alan Dinehart .„ , Director: Alfred Werker (20th Century-Fox). Screened for the first time in New ZeaJana, a -Gth Century-Fox comedy melodrama, bp the River," attracted large audiences at the Mayfair yesterday. As the title suggests, the story is one about prison life, but this production offer a extremely good comedy situations that do not fail to provoke hearty laughter. The serious side of the story has been toned down in favour of comedy. An enjoyable change and a welcome relief from the cycle j>i grim prison dramas, "Up the luver is more or less a burlesque of prison life. Music and dancing have been worked into the plot logically and the romance is pleasant. There are, happily, n ® sombre messages of social reform, the usually sombre walls of a penitentiarv j being transformed into a background for some of the funniest situations imaginable, riotous sequences and bright peppy music. When Preston Foster and Arthur .Treacher, two confidencc men, are returned to prison, the inmates are happy, for they were the two best football players the prison team ever had. Being popular, they get many privileges. Another prisoner, Tony Martin, was looking forward to parole so that he could marry his sweetheart, who had herself served a prison term. They had both been mixed up with a crooked bond salesman (Sidney Toler), but realising they had made a mistake they decided to go straight. Martin learns that Toler ha?! gone to his home and was victimising his mother along with others in the small town, but Miss Brooks was helpless to do anything, Toler havine threatened to expose her and Martin, whose family did not know he was in prison. Becoming desperate, Martin plans to escape during

a concert performance in the prison, but Foster and Treacher, knowing his chances would be ruined if he did so, knock him out arid escape in his place. With the help of the warden, who had followed them, thyr trap the swindler, forcing him to return the money and leave town. (Teacher and Foster return to prison in time to win the football game for their side. The performances of the starring players are all exceedingly good, Arthur Treacher accounting, for his funniest performance to date. "Up the River ,f is first-class entertainment. A fine programme of supports includes an educational production, an amusing cartoon and a. comedy, "Sisters of the Skillett," in v IC tt '^ oan Abbott, here recently with the Hollywood Revue, is heard singing.

CIVIC. Set against the background of arid desert through which the vitally important Suez Canal was carved, "Suez" is drawing good crowds in its extended season at the Civic Theatre. An unusual air of realism is created by lavish and spectacular settings, of which the highlight is that in which a raging simoom «Weepa down on those at work on the construction of the canal, with devastating effect. In the chief role, as (Ferdinand rifK Lessepe, the French engineer, Tyrone Power tops all previous performances with outstanding portrayal. He acta con- ) TT'Cipgly throughout, and shows restraint , n $T- Asking the character overpower-

jnigly -resolute or too nobly' courageous, f-oretta Young. and Annabella are both inpressive as the women who_spur him on *,? continue his apparently;:, hopeless against the forces which ' oppose him m his work, of ;the canal, while Joseph Schildkraut is typically convincing in, a supporting role. ;t NONCE EDWARD, NEWTON. .Wallace Beery has not been in many noctures; lately; but every , one that he has ,nade has been a success. His last is Seven Seas," at the Prince MwSrd Theatre, Newton; As the owner ;>f a cafe on the waterfront at Marseilles, ne inves an excellent porformance, in which he maintains the high standard he *ct for himself .in his earlier films, such VdU» and "Bad Man From unmstone. _ An outstanding portrayal ia 1. tp vetl br Frank Morgan as Beery'i

rvicnd,, while romance is provided by Mauteen O Sullivan, as a waterfront store-' keeper, and John Beal, who is cast as Beerif#] son.- ITie popular tenor, Allan & with the famous little •mger of 'Wing" music, Judy Garland, iri. the second attraction, "Everybody Sing. - Selected featurettes are also showing. -vr PRINCESS, DOMINION ROAD

. Pat O'Brien, Frank McHugh and Wayne Mortw bead the cast of the impressive Of life in the United States Navy. "Submarine D-L" at the Princess Theatre, Dominion Boad. "Havin* Wonderful Time," the entertaining comedy-drama with Ginger Roger* and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., is abo showing. STAT*, DEVONPORT. < The thrilling' film of the downfall of «., ftmona international jewel thief, -Algittte, is allowing at the State Theatre, Devonport, thiaevening.Charles Boyer, Hedy Lamarr and Sigrid Gurie are the principals. A "March of Time" feature is the highlight of the supporting programme of . shorts. ' CRYSTAL PALACE—RIALTO. : .Lifht and .'enjoyable entertainment is provided iwittaom at the Crystal Palace and Riarto Theatres this evening, wheM : Ioe» with Bobby haads a double-feature programme. This is the best film Breen has made, and ,*. i* ,^ eer ' in » much'more attractive light, than before as n happy-go-lucky youngster, who leave* home when be is wrongly charged / with stealing . some. . money.. A newcomer- to.'the screen, aix- ?&*&}& . makes a. highly ausmetou* debnt in some outstanding iceakating numbers, which ; add. considerably 1 of the film. Irene Costello andCWles Ruggles are also in ■, Hilarious comedy is the keynote Of the associate feature, "The Affairs of Annabelstarring Jack Oakie and Lucille .Ball. It deals with the" adven- ; tores of an actress and her hair-brained press agent in thpir attempts -to get publicity.

f STATE, ONEHUNGA. .Barbara Stanwyck is co-featured-with Herbert Marshall In the dramatic story of mother-love, "Always Goodbye," at .the State Theatre, Onehunga. Marshall is c ?*t « a young doctor, who comes to the , of Miss Stanwyck when she has a child after the death of her lover. "Alf's Button- Afloat," with the Crazy Gang, is also showing. r mayfair,sandringham. I k ,p a P ra ' B magnificent film, "Lost 18 A fc - the Mayfair Theatre* sandringham, this evening. Ronald ColFflwirS p ane *J Vr ff tt are tte "tars, and .TaJ? * r d Everett Horton is also in the amusing comedy, "Bringing W " h Ca3 7, Gran t and Kathae -"6pburn, la on the same programme. STAR, PAPAKURA. _The popular little Canadian actress. Dearna Durbin, » the star of "That Certain Age. atthe Star Theatre, Papakura. Melvyn Douglas, Jackie Cooper and Irene iucn_are also in the cast. "Venus Makes Rouble, with JamDunn and Patricia JMiifl, is the associate feature. rialto, Sunday. '? I^, iage . of , Corbal," with Noah Beery and Nills Asther, heads a double-feature programme at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, to-morrow evening, proceeds from which will go to aid local charities; Binkle cfcuart and Danny Malone are featured in the second attraction, "Rose of Tralee." || ft" STRAND, SUNDAY. ;;;"Tahiti Through Clear Glasses" is the subject of an address to be given in the Strand Theatre by Dr. Guy B. Chapman to-morrow evening, nnder the auspices of m 5??,r and Rationalist Association. Tom Walls and Diana Churchill are the ■ttrta of "Dighonour Bright," which heads the eupportipng picture programme.

j "YOUTH TAKES A FLING." STRAND. Helen Brown Andrea Leeds •roe Meadows Joel McCrea * ran * Frank Jenks 'if* 10 • Dorothea Kent Mrs. Merrivale Isabel Jeans Madge Virginia Grey Director: Archie Mayo (Universal). Also: "His EXCITING NIGHT," with Charles Buggies and Ona Munson. >i\?" man a PP ca ' ,s ) 'the strong point of '\outh Takes a Eling," an entertaining comedy-romance which opened its Auckland season before appreciative audiences at the Strand Theatre yesterday. There is nothing "super" about the 6tory. It is not spectacular, nor is it in any way overdone. Its appeal lies in the fact that it might well have been taken from the lite of almost any pair of young people. Joel McCrea gives one of the finest performances of his career as Joe Meadows, a shipping clerk who is very much in love with the sea, though he lias never been far from his native Kansas. Andrea Leeds gives a fine portrayal of a department store girl, who falls in love with Joe and sets to work to transfer hie affections from tha sea to herself.

Her almost ..frantic endeavours to engage his affection, how Joe causes the postponement of a wedding when lie tries to help her out of trouble she gets into when she ruins an expensive wedding dress entrusted to her for delivery to the owner, and how, in the end. she succeeds in winning .Joe's love after his first taste of the sea has proved too much for him, all make an appealing story which holds the interest well without recourse to "dynamic*'* incident.

"His Exciting Night,'' the supporting feature, moves at the pace of a cyclone. There is something happening every minute, and yesterday's audiences found no lack of screamingly funny situations. Charles Ruggles has the leading role and gives a splendid performance as the meek bridegroom who on his wedding night is the victim of his scheming employer, Richard Lane. ,

In response to Lane's instructions, Ruggles is whisked away immediately after the wedding. Maxie Rosenbloom, a former boxing champion, takes the part of the husband of a vaudeville actress who is foisted on to Charlie as part of a complicated plot to spoil the marriage. Actress and unhappy bridegroom ate forced to flee from him together, only to fall into the clutches of a crazy taxi driver. However, all ends well and the employer's plot falls to the ground. Other players in the cast are Stepiu Fetchit, the shambling negro comedian, Benny Baker, Raymond Parker and Francis Robineon; • PLAZA. Gary Cooper has been seen in some excellent .films in the past, but he gives a performance in his latest, "The Cowboy and the Lady," that tops anything he has ever done before—-with the possible exception of his magnificent work in "Mr. Deeds Gee's to Town." His role in the current film, now showing at the Plaza, as a 6imple-minded cowboy has something in common with his portrayal of the "pixilated'poet" in his earlier vehicle. He is also again given opportunity to shatter the stupid illusions of snobbish city folk and to make them look foolish at times. In every other respect, however, "The Cowboy and the Lady" is different from the other production. It

deals with the complications that arise after a cow hand from Montana marries the beautiful young daughter of a candidate, for the- presidential , nomination (Merle Oberon). Patsy Kelly,\ Mabel Todd,. Walter. Brennan and Henry N Kolker are outstanding among the 'supporting players, while credit is due to H. C. Potter for a superb piece' of work in directing the film. . ~ '.y; ; EMPRESS, NEWTON. Romance and comedy are blended in "Three Blind Mice," at the Empress Theatre, .Newton. Loretta Young, Marjorie Weaver , and Joan Woodbury are the "mice," while Joel McCrea and David Niven are the other principals. Ginger Rogers and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., are in "Having Wonderful Time," on the

same programme. ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. \ Gracie Fields-and Victor McLaglen are cast as two African pioneers in the goldrush days in "We're Going to be Rich," at the Alexandra" Theatre, . Green Lanel "Outlaw of the Orient," with Jack Holt; is the associate feature,.: while * "March of" Tune" is also acreened;. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Nelson Eddy, as an American college hero, makes love to Eleanor Powell, as a European princess, in the musical comedy, "Rosalie," at the Grey Lynn Cinema. - The : pystery .drama centring round a broadcasting studio,' "Danger on the Air," with. Nan. Grey and - Donald Woods.via the associate feature. '

NEW ROYAL, KINGSLAND/

The life of the working classtg of New York is vividly depicted in "Big City," at the New Royal Theatre, Kingsland. The principal roles are filled by the two Academy Award winners for 1937, Luise Rainer and Spencer Tracy. The Ritz Brothers are seen at their best in "Kentucky Moonshine," also showing.

ADELPHI, RICHMOND AVENUE. , A number of Mings by the famous composer, Irving Berlin, adds attractive- ! neas to "Alexander's Ragtime Band," at the Adelphi Theatre, Richmond Avenue. Tyrone Powfr, 'Alice Faye and Don Ameche. are _ the, principals. v ; "Passport Husband," with Stuart Erwin, rounds off the entertaining programme:

! NEW REGENT, EPSOM. The lovely Australian actress, Merle Oberon, -shares acting' honours with the talented Englishman, Brian Aherne, in the'romantic drama, "Beloved Enemy," at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom. • Convict 99,' starring the English comedian, WiU Hay, is also shewing. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT.- ~ "Dad and Dave Come to Town," one of the ,b«t of the Australian films, is at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. Bert Bailey and, Fred Mac Donal d: are tile - stars, with Shirley Ann Richards and Alee Kellaway heading the supporting cast. Lan Colm and Joan Gardner are the stars of "Wings Over' Africa," also showing. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. - Danielle Darrieux, one of the most beautiful and talented foreign importations to Hollywood, is starred in "The Rage of Paris," at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Mischa Auer are also featured. The second attraction is "College Swing," with Burns and Allen. f DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Vivacious little Shnone Simon heads the cast of the entertaining. romantic comedy; "Josette," at the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert, and sings a couple of attractive song numbers/ Don Ameche and Robert Young are the other principals.' "Mr. Moto Takes a Chance," with Peter Lorre,-ia also showing. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. The hilarious comedy of romantic mixwf», "Live, Love and Learn," is at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell are the stars jv ». _ Benchley giving his usual delightful characterisation at • Montgomery s friend. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Taylor. Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone and Robert Young are the prmcipals of "Three Comrades," at the S=^ m,a Theatre > Ponsonßy. It is a "T"?' set a sainst the? sombre background of post-war Germany. The h Ti ar, r* C ° medy '. Gladiator," with Joe. E. Brown, is associate feature. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Robert Taylor gives oue of his best performances ,n "A Yank at Oiford" ALwonn n'« r ii— eatre rP omi » ion Road. Maureen 0 Sullivan and \ ivien Leigh are ato m the cast. An "Our Gang" comedy is the main fwiture on • the supporting programme of shorts. :

"SPRING MADNESS." MAJESTIC. Alexandra Benson Maureen O'Sullivan Sam Thatcher Lew Avres Kate McKim, Ruth Hussey '•Thc Lippencott" .. Burgess Meredith Frances Ann Morriss Joyce Compton Director: S. Sylvan Simon (M-G-M). Also: "WOMAN AGAINST WOMAN," with Herbert Marshall and Virginia Bruce.

To see Maureen O'Sullivan at her best; to laugh and laugh again and to see American college life in its lighter side, Auckland picture-goers arc advised to visit the Majestic Theatre this week, where last night "Spring Madness" opened its season. .Everyone likes to be made to laugh; everyoue appreciates' scintillating wit;- everyone rejoices in seeing absurd situations—and this is the picture to see and hear all of these. In fact, in it there is no element of humour missing. The j film is far better than the old type of college pictures. Though the actors never forget they are supposed to be college! students, they are never merely "collegi- j ate," so to speak. "Spring Madness" is I fresh, clean, modern and essentially j human, suitable for all types of audiences.

Maureen O'Sullivan plays the leading feminine part, and opposite her is Lew Ayres, whose biggest part this is for a long time. He will be popular. Burgess Meredith shows in this film that he is extremely versatile. Those who saw Him in "Winterset," that great, sombre drama, would never dream o£ seeing him in a picture like this—and acting as well here in another role as ever he did in "Winterset." He was never humorous in the other picture; in "Spring Madness" he is seldom anything else. He is / another of New York's brilliant stage actors, who has stepped into the world of films. Ruth Hussey made her name in "Rich Man, l'oor Girl" and she enhances her refutation here.

"Woman Against Woman," the supporting picture, is, as its name suggests, a drama whcic the feelings of women play the dominating part. The fact that such actors as Herbert Marshall, Virginia Bruce and Mary Astor take the leading parts speaks for itself of the calibre.of the film. The story, a marital drama, has been handled with intelligence and taste, and holds the interest throughout. Every person in the cast, and the three principal •players especially, act their part consummately. It is a film into the spirit of which every member of the audience will enter. It rings true; and that is one test of a good picture. ST. JAMES'. After a two yeare' absence from the screen, Norma Shearer returned to score her greatest triumph in the title role of "Marie Antoinette," at the St. James' Theatre. She dominates the entire film, and interprets the differenct sides of the ill-fated queen's character in brilliant fashion. Almost as good is Robert Morley, the English actor, who makes his screen debut in the film. He plays the part of Louis XVI., and gives a powerful performance, showing vividly the gradual change in. character, from weakness to strength. Tyrone Power is sound as the Count Axel de Person, the Queen's lover, while John Barrymore contributes his usual fine character-study of Louis XV. Others prominent are Joseph Schildkraut, Anita Louise, Gladys George and Henry Stephenson. Magnificent settings and backgrounds aid in creating the correct atmosphere for the film, which is said to have cost more than two million dollars. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. So confident is the' management of the State Theatre, Karangahape Road, that its programme will be thoroughly appreciated by' all who" see it that they are offering a money back guarantee to prospective patrons. There is good reason for this confidence, for the main film is "The Story of Louis Pasteur," commonly referred to as one of the best films ever i made. Paul Muni, whose reputation as a dramatist is unequalled on the screen, is in the title role and his performance was considered good enough by the powers that be in Hollywood to earn him the Academy Award. This was .one award which met with the wholehearted ap-

proval of all movie-goers, for his portrayal of the great French medico wbose wisdom, skill and courage were, and 'liave been responsible for, the saving of so many magnificent. Not only are the performances of all concerned highly entertaining, but- there is real educational value attached the film by reason of its depiction of the methods used to overcome the diseases' that were so deadly in the days-of Pasteur. "Over the Goal," with Jjine Travis and William Hopper, is Jhe associate' feature. EMBASSY. As a terror Of the Paris underworld who risks his own life to save the one .decent woman he has ever met, Anton Walbrook heads the cast of "The Rat," at 'the Embassy Theatre. Walbrook will be remembered for his outstanding performance as the Prince Consort in "Victoria the Great," and lie is just as impressive in this film, although his role is, of course, of a totally different type. Ruth Chatterton, whose high reputation has. been built' up on the strength of fine performances over a number of years in Hollywood, is co-starred with him. She is cast as a sophisticated lady of Paris, who becomes infatuated with the crook when she meets ' him on a walk through the

slum quarters of ; the. French capital. He has become attached to the daughter of a dead friend, wno had been left in his charge, however,- and, when she shoots a man in self-defence, he tries to take the blame himself. The case is black against bim, until,,. In a sensational courtroom licene, the.. Society woman stillies her own name to cfear him.

TUDOR, REMUERA. Ereol Flynn and Joan Blondell head a strong cast in the amusing romantic comedy. "The Perfect Specimen," at the Tudor Cjnema, Remuera. Edward Everett Horton is ■ excellent in an important supporting role.. A Walt Disney coloured cartoon is featured on the supporting programme. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. The adventures of a party of air-liner passengers when they are "wrecked on a Pacific- Island form the basis for the plot of "Sinners in Paradise," at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. John Boles and Madge Evans are the stars. "Law of the Underworld," with Chester Morris, is the associate feature. 11l PEERLESS, ST. HELIER'S. Frank Morgan gives a delightful characterisation at the head of the cast of For Three," at the Peerless Theatre, St. Helier's Bay. Pleasant romance is introduced 6y Robert Young and Florence Rice, while Edna Mae Oliver is good in the supporting cast. Selected featurettes are also showing. AVONDALE THEATRE. The story of the travels of the famous Venetian merchant who first penetrated to the East is told in "The Adventures of Marco Polo," at the Avondale Theatre. Gary Cooper, Sigrid Gurie and Basil Rathbone are principals. Associate feature is "Think Fast Mr. Moto," with Peter Lorre in the title" role. ' REGAL, PONSONBY ROAD. "Rascals," starring -Jane Withers, is at the Regal Theatre, Ponsonby Road. It is one of her best films, and she is ably supported by a strong cast, which iucludes Borrah Minevitch and his harmonicaplaying "rascals." A tine programme is completed by "I'll Give a Million," with Warner Baxter and Marjorie Weaver. LONDON, CITY. "Rose Marie," co-starring Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy, is at the London: Theatre, City. ■ Eddy is cast as a member of the Canadian Mounted Police and Miss Mac Donald as an opera star. Selected featurettes go to make up the balance of the programme. | BERKELEY, MISSION BAY. 1 Glorious melodies by several of the old masters are featured in "Stolen Heaven," at the comfortable Berkeley Theatre, Mis-i fjon Olympe Bradna, Gene Raymond and Lewis Stone are the princi-1 ?£?*[•.. •V'?.® remainder of the programme ! consists of selected featurettea. •

REGENT. Lavish backgrounds and settings, and brilliant performances by all members of the cast, are features of "The Adventures of Robin Hood,"' which entered its fifth week at the Regent Theatre yesterday. It is \\ arncr Brothers' show piece of the year, and the producer spared neither money nor energy to make it an outstanding film. Technicolour was used for the entire filming, and some of the scenes of pagentry and feasting have rarely, if ever, been equalled for spectacle and effect. Long-limbed Errol Flynn is the star, as the famous English nobleman who massed a band of daredevil outlaws together in Sherwood Forest to harass the Norman oppressors and protect the downtrodden lower classes. Olivia de Havilland capably fills the role of Maid Marion, while Claude Rains, as Prince John, and Basil Rathbone, as Sir Guy de Gisbourne, are the other outstanding members of the supporting cast. ROXY - TIVOLI. Moviegoers who like fast action interspersed with light comedy and a little music are especially catered for by the programme showing at the Rosy and Tivoli Theatres this evening. Main attraction is "Springtime in the Rockies," starring popular Gene Autry. Autry is classed with the 10 most popular male stars on the screen America, and, while he may not merit quite such high ranking in this country, there is no doubting that he has a very large following. His fans will see him at his best this evening, for he has plenty of scope in which to display his talents, and he uses it to good advantage. He is cast as the foreman of a ranch owned by a -young lady attending an agricultural college (Polly Rowles). When this young person graduates, she comes out. to the ranch, to put it on a "scientific -basis." With her. first move she arouses the hostility of her neighbours, 'but Gene, who has fallen in love with his employer, rallies round with his mates and they set matters right—but not before there is plent of hard riding and exciting incidents. "Blondes at Work," the second attraction, co-stars Barton Mac Lane with Glenda Farrell.

CAPITOL, BALMORAL. Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper are co-starred fn the entertaining romantic comedy, "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife," at the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. The film was directed by the ' famous Ernst Lubitsch. "The Invisible Eenemy," with Alan Marshall and Tala Birrell, is the associate feature. WINDSOR, PAPAKURA. The thrilling adventure romance set amidst Chinese revolution, "The General Died at Dawn," "is at the Windsor Theatre, Papakura. Gary Cooper is costarred with the English actress, Madeleine Carroll. The murder mystery, "Night Club' Scandal," with Lynn Overman and John Barry more, ie also showing. CHEZ PAREE CABARET. The Chez Paree band will play music for both modern and old-time dancing at the Chez Paree Cabaret, Buckland's Beach, this evening. This cabaret has rapidly become popular with Aucklanders, excellent suppers especially finding favour. AMUSEMENT PARK. Admission to the Amusement Park in Civic Square this evening is free, and patrons will be able to enjoy all forme of entertainments, ranging from side-fibows to the giant "octopus ride." PETER PAN CABARET. Dancing may be enjoyed under the niual ideal conditions at the Peter Pan Cabaret this evening. Johnny Madden and his Swing Kings will be in attendance, and dress is optional. Booking is already reported to be heavy. PIRATE SHIPPE CABARET. The Pirate Shippe orchestra of six instruments' will be in attendance at the Pirate Shippe Cabaret, Milford Beach, this evening, when the usual Saturday night old-time dance carnival will be held, special arrangements fcr vehicular patrons are advertised. DELTA, NEW LYNN. Talented young Freddie Bartholomew heads the cast of "Kidnapped," screen version of Robert Louis • Stevenson's famous historical romance, at the Delta Theatre, New Lynn. Warner Baxter and Arleen Whelan arc also featured. The second attraction is "Tarzan's Revenge." DANCING.

Peter Pan Cabaret, popular dancing; Johnny Madden and his Swing Kings. Pirate Shippe Cabaret, old-time dancing; Pirate Shippe orchestra. Arts Hall, old-time dancing; Norm Crowder's Silvertone Band. Masonic Hall, .Newton, old-time dancing; Operatic Quintette Orchestra. Labour Hall, modern dancing; Lew Mati's Hawaiian band. St. Columba Hall, popular dancing; Grey Lynn U.S.A. Club. • St.. Mary's Hall, Great South Road, popular dancing; Connon's dance band. Merrilands, Great South Road, popular dancing; .Merrymakers dance band. . Penrose Hall, popular dancing; EUersr he Athletic and Northern Qjr<ele Cluba,

STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Action is the keynote of "Four Men and a Prayer," at the Star Theatre, Karangahape Road. Although a little far-fetched at times, it provides thrilling entertainment from start to finish, with all players giving good performances, against lavish and realistic backgrounds. There are some scenes which may be considered by some to be a little gruesome, but these are compensated for by . comedy interludes. Starring male role opposite the feminine lead, Loretta Young, is filled by Richard Greene, the handsome. Englishman who makes his screen debut'in the'film, and makes a thoroughly good job of it. He is cast as one of four brothers (the others are portrayed by George - Sanders, David Niven and William Henry) who set out on a quest to clear their father's name after the father has been murdered after expulsion from the army. "Easy Living," with Jean Arthur and- Ray Milland, is the associate feature. AMUSEMENT GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE—Coven® Garden Russian Ballet. CIVIC SQUARE —Amusement Park. ~ WEBTERN SPRINGS STADIUM—MidgSt Car Racing. PICTURE THEATRES. STRAND—Andrea Leeds and "Joel McCrea in "Youth Takes a Fling" and Charles Rug-pies In "His Exciting Night. ROXY —Gene Autry In "When It's Springtime In the Rockies" and Glenda Farrell and Barton Mac Lane In "Blondes At Work." REGENT—ErroI Flynn and Olivia De Havllland in "Robin Hood." ... ClVlC—Tyrone Power and Loretta Young in "Sutz."

PLAZA—Gary Cooper and Merle Oberon In "The Cowboy and the Lady." BT. <1 AMIS' — Norma shearer and Tyrone Power in "MarieAntttlnetie." MAJESTIC—Maureen • O'Sullavan , and Lew Ayres hi ."Spring 1 Madness" ..and 'Her? Bert Marshall - and Virginia. Bruce m "Woman Against Woman." EMBASSY—Airton Walbrook and Ruth Chatterton in "The Rat."' MAYPAIR—Tony Martin and'Phyllis Brooks in "Up the River." LONDON—"Rose Marie." ADELPHl—"Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Passport Husband." ALEXANDRA—"OutIaws or the . Orient" and "We're Going to Bo Rich." AMBASSADOR—"Sinners hi Paradise" and "Law pr the Underworld." ASTON—"A Yank At Oxrord." AVONDALE—"Adventures or Marco Polo." BERKELEY (Mission Bay) — "Stolen Heaven." BIRKENHEAD—"The Rose of Tralee" and "Midnight Intruder." BNITANNIA—"Three Comrades" and "The Gladiaitor." CAPlTOL—"Bluebeard's Eighth Wire" and "Invisible Eeaiemy." CHYBTAL PALACE—"Breaking The Ice" and "Affairs or Annabel." DELTA — "Kidnapped" and "Tarzan's Revenge." , . ,• DE LUXE—"Josette" and "Mr. Moto Takes a Chance." , EMPRESS—"Three Blind Mice" and "Having Wonderful Time." 6AIETY—"Live, Love and Learn." GREY LYNN—"Rosalie." KINQSLAND—"Big city" and "Kentucky ' Moonshine." • v • . LIBERTY—"Let George Do-. H.". MAYFAIR—"Lost Horizon" aad. "Bringlnir Up Baby." For. Three." PICTUREDROME—"Love Under Fire/' PRINCE EDWARD—'-'Port- or Seven Seas" and "Everybody Sing.'.' PRlNCESS—"Submarine Dl" and "Havlnir Wonderful Time." 8 REGAL—"Rascals" and "I'll Give a Million."

REGBNT (Epsom)—" Beloved Enemy" and "Convict 9?." RlALTO—"Breaking the Ice" and "\ffairs or Annabel." BTAR (Newton)— I "Four Men and a Prayer" and "Easy Living." STATE (Devon port)—" Algiers." BTATE (Symonds Street)—" The Lite or Louis Pasteur." STATE (Onehunga)—"Always Good-bye" a'ld "AU's Button Afloat." (Onenun..)--The Baga or ...,JK TIIS and naming Frontiers." TIVOLI—"WOern It's Springtime in the Rockies.'? and "Blondes At Work." TUDOR—"Perrect Specimen." ■ VICTORIA—"Dad and Dave Come to Town".