Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 16

Amusements Reviewed

"THE STORM." M.WKSTU'. Mob Kohcrtx Charles Hick ford 1 npHiln Cogswell .. Burinii Mai-Lane \?!'' l T Preston Foster •lim Roberts Turn Broyrn 1 '''KJf.v Nan CJroy Hansen \niiv IWino Hire, -lor: Jinn.l,l V„n.r.-. Universal. Alio '■Mr:. ItKKDKK IN HOOM 13,"' mystery ilrailia, starring' I'. Ur Murray Hill. A programme comprising two big nature films, one a line sea melodrama, the other an exciting thriller adapted from an Ed gut Wallace novel, is sure to plea.se those vho visit the Majestic Theatre. Yesterday at all sessions, when the new programme was first screened, the thcalic was crowded. Last night's lull house demonstrated its approval of the lilm. "The .Storm,'' a Universal production, tells nil 'motional story of adventure ami tin ills in the lives of wircless operators on American merchant vr-HM'N. It must rank as one of the greatest sea pictures ever produced, action,

■ .\c itcmi'iit ami .-.pcctaclc being the principal ingredients, ot tins stormy, deep-sea melodrama, which has as its background the Seven Seas. Kilmed against a colourful background of giant ships and thundciing stoi ins at sea, the narrative possesses power and realism. Top flight performances are given by the east of popular stars, which includes Charles Jfickfoid, Harton MacLanc, l'reston Foster, Tom Brown, Nan Grey, Andy Devine and Frank Jcnks.

Sweeping across the screen with unusual force, the film unfolds as one of the most virile action dramas to come out of Hollywood in recent years. Roberts, a tine operator, who nevertheless has a reputation for getting into trouble when on shore, finds that his young brother (Barton MacLnne) has decided to follow in his footsteps. He does everything to stop this, particularly as his best friend (Preston Foster) has just lost his life through sticking to his -post when his ship founders after having struck an iceberg. The' youngster",' however, has his way, and. what .is . wocsc,. Irani. bis. elder brother's point of view, decides to marry a nurse (Xan Grey). It takes an explosion at sea, an Atlantic storm, and an intricate tuirgicnl operation performed at the height of the storm, with the aid of radio instructions from a doctor on shore, to determine the happy ending. The acting is of a high, order,, and the sea scenes aro splendidly done.- Bickford adds to his standing" tib- a- skilled portrayer of rugged he-man roles in stirring fight scenes nlong the waterfront and aboard ship. Some rough and rugged comedy i» included, as • is. also a love story. "Mr. Reeder in Room 13" is that kind of a film that would be a headliner on any picture programme. Well acted and produced, it tells an exciting story concerning a gang of counterfeiters and the exploits of a. young man who finds excitement and adventure when he enters the secret service.

EMBASSY THEATRE. | Sophisticated and ordinary citizen, young and old alike, have the opportunity again this week at the Embassy Theatre of seeing a film that must appeal to all types and classes of the cinema public. The reason is that the amusing comedy, •'Threo Loves Has Nancy," is in its second week. Brisk and fast-moving dialogue marks the action, and the film has the added attraction of featuring three of the screen's great, in Janet Gay nor, Robert Montgomery and Franchot Tone, i Others in the cast are Guy Kibbee, Claire Dodd, Reginald Owen, ChaTley Grapewin and Emma Dunn. The story introduces three central figures—a successful author (Montgomery), his publisher (Tone) and a naive little girl from the South (Janet). The two gentlemen live in adjoining flats, and when, through force of circumstances, the little lass moves into their swank apartment and takes over the cooking, fun is fast and furious as the two friends find themselves rivals for her hand. Outstanding supports are also being shown. REGENT THEATRE.

"If I were king this picture would have a command performance," said the noted American columnist, Jimmy Fidler, writing of the screen version of Justin Mct'arthy's immortal story of the vagabond poet, Francois Villon, "If I Were King, which is now in its second successful week at the Regent Theatre, Starring Ronald Colman in the first film in which he has appeared since "The Prisoner of Zenda, this production is the notable silver jubilee film from Frank Lloyd, the man who gavo the screen "Cavalcade" and "Mutiny on the Bounty." Colman plays the role of his career, but with a perfect character study of Louis XI. of France, Basil Rathbone impresses equally. Others in the cast axe Frances Dee, Ellen Drew, C. V. France, Alma Lloyd and New Zealand s Colin Tapley. The story is, of course, the unchanged account of how the beggar-poet Tuled France for one turbulent week, routed the forces of Burgundy .with his gutter army, and wag banished from the kingdom for falling in love with a beau* tifnl princess. The glamour of those old days when the French capital was-threat-ened has been captured to the full. REGENT, EPSOM. The little Indian lad Sabu has'the leading role in the screen version of one of Kipling's works, "Elephant Boy," which is the main'film at the Regent Theatre, Epsom. Associate feature is "Gateway," with Don. Amechc. A March-of Time feature is also being screened. ' ' PIRATE SHIPPE. A grand old-time dance, carnival will be staged to-night at the Pirate Shippe, Milford Beach. The Pirate Shippe orchestra will play the music. Special transport \ arrangements are advertised. CRYSTAL PALACE AND ' ALEXANDRIA.

Presenting on the screen for the firs

time a young- English player of extraordinary dramatic ability, the prison drama, "Prison Without Bars," heads an outstanding double feature programme at the Crystal Palace and Alexandra Theatres. She is Corinne Luchnire and her performance is one of the finest seen for a long time. Featured players are two English stars of long standing, Edna Best and Barry K. Barnes, who will be remembered for his work in "The-Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel." Music, romance and comedy are skilfully blended in the inimitable Hollywood manner in the co-fea-tured attraction. "Hold That Cored:" John Barrymore, Jack Haley; and Joan Davii are the stars. Good supports are also being shown.. r ')' *"1

| STATE, | TJ 4 Loretta Young, Tyrone Power.and Annabelli form,the imposing leading team in Walter Winger's "Suez." v sale of ; ,the life of tbo!»Frenchman, do.,Lesseps, which .is at the State Theatre, Devonport. Also showing is."Next Time I Marry," starring James Ellison and Lucille Ball. ' PRINCESS, DOMINION ROAD. Thrilling sequel to "Dead End" is the drama,.. "Crimo School," which heads the programme at the Princess Theatre, Doniinion Ron<U The "Dead End Kids" lira outstanding. The amusing comedy, "Tlio Oroat Garrlck," with Brian Aherne nnd Edward Everett Horton, is also showing. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. Popular dummy Charlie McCarthy, his master, Edgar Bergen, and Adolphe Menjon provide the highlights in the comedy, affiul Induction." which is now Aiwh-oJ* t ' c • (}a ! iety Tl »eatre. Takapuna. part HIS in ' the leadin 8 VICTORIA, DEVONPORT

MAYFAIR THEATRE. Now in its seventh successful week, the screen version of George B. Shaw's play ''!'.•> gmalion" continues to draw the crowds to the Mayfair Theatre. It is no wonder, for the Shaw excursion into the cinema world has marked a new era in the production of English pictures. Playing outstanding roles are Leslie Howard and Wendy Hiller. Howard is the phonetics professor who adopts a Covent Garden flower girl, Eliza Doolittle (Miss Hiller), and sets out to make the complete* lady of her. Didactic and brilliantly clever, the film is one that should not be missed. There are several scenes in "Pygmalion" which arc among the most amusing ever seen here. For example, the -scene in which Eliza makes her first social appearance and has the company aghast when she rises the great Australian adjective is a gem of comedy. Associate feature this week at the Mayfair is another comedy, "Down on the Farm," which presents more ol the antics of that amusing combination, the Jones Family, in even better form than usual.

STRAND THEATRE. A poor little rich girl, trying her best to get the family back to those happy days before wealth and social position spoiled home life is the role boisterous child star Jam. Withers plays in her latest comedy attraction, "Always in Trouble," which is in its second week at the Strand Theatre. An ideal role has been chosen for Jane. Again she thinks out the brightest of plans, and again they go astray, causing many amusing situations at the same time. Tall, saturnine Arthur Treacher contributes another of his usual impeccable characterisations. Others in the cast are Jean Rogers, Eddie Collins and Robert Kelland. In the course of her saving mission ,Jane is shipwrecked, marooned on a desert island and threatened by smugglers before a solution to her problem is found. Completing a well-balanced doublefeature bill is the musical romance, "Follow Your Star,"' which presents another Street Singer attraction. Arthur Tracy is at his best in this film of drama, pathos, comedy and melody.

PLAZA THEATRE. Colourful racing scenes, exciting finishes, a story of infinite possibilities and excellent characterisations all combine to make the ideal entertainment in the film, "Kentucky," which continues its successful season at the Plaza Theatre for another week. The stars are Loretta Young and Richard Greene, and both play excellent roles. However, pride of place for acting must be given to Walter Brennan, winner of the 1938 Academy Award for a supporting role by reason of his "Kentucky" performance, who plays the part of an irascible, impoverished Southern gentleman and horse fancier. Darryl F. Zanuck s production is the finest racing film ever released here. He has captured all the glamour of the racing scene and has succeeded in portraying all that" is best in the sport of kings. The Technicolour scenes of the great American race tracks are outstanding. Several leading United States horses are seen. The sporting nature of the programme is reflected in the supporting section, in which * newsreel shows the New Zealand three-year-old champion, Defaulter, defeating Spear Chief. STATE, SYMONDS STREET.

Being screened for the first time in a suburban theatre is the 1939 release, "Woman Against Woman," which is the principal attraction at the State Theatre, Symonds Street. Three players of long standing as stars handle the leading roles in this entertaining romantic drama. They are Herbert Marshall, Virginia Bruce and Mary Astor. The story of this triangle love drama is told in a novel and interesting manner. A college comedy, bpnng Madness" is the associate feature. Sstars are Maureen O'Sullivan and Lew Ayres, while Burgess Meredith, Ruth Hussey and Ann Morriss are in support. Lively and amusing throughout, the film can toe recommended as an ideal "gloomchaser. Excellent supporting items are screening at the State.

PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON.

Her best screen performance to date, in the film which marks her departure from childhood, is given by Deanna Durbin in her latest musical feature "That Certain Age," which is the principal attraction at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton Associated with her are the youthful player Jackie Cooper, Melvyn Douglas and Irene Rich. Deanna's beautiful singing voice is heard in several fine numbers. Associate feature at the Prince Edward is a thrilling dramatic production The Last Express." A mystery film of great worth, it stars Ken Taylor and Dorothea Kent. Outstanding shorter items are also being screened. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Three great stars, Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Lew Ayrcs, handle the leading roles in "Holiday," which is the principal attraction at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. Another great cast is "Man Proof," the co-feature, main players being Myrna Loy, Franchot Tone and Rosalind Russell. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. . A musical treat awaits patrons of the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, to-night, for the principal attraction there is the brilliant musical, "The Firefly," in which Jeanette Mac Donald sings with Allan Jones. Warren William heads the supporting cast. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. The "Dead End Kids" show their outstanding dramatic abilities in the powerful production, "Little Tough Guy," main attraction at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. Jack Hulbert's "Parai dise for Two," in which American Patricia Ellis appears, is co-featured. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Laurel and Hardy clown their way • through the amusing comedy, "Swiss ' Miss," set_ against an alpine background. ! The film is at the Grey Lynn Cinema. ' An inspiring tale of naval life is unfolded j in the co-feature, "Our Fighting Navy," > which stars H. B. Warner and Richard ! Cromwell. AVONDALE TOWN HALL. At the Avondale Town Hall Samuel' % Goldwyn's brilliant show, "Goldwn Fol- ' lies," heads an outstanding double feature I programme. . Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy are prominent associate fea- ' tures. "Smashing the Rackets" is a thrilling crime drama. EMPRESS, NEWTON. Boisterous little Jane Withers is costarred with "'Henry Wikoxon and Gloria Stuart in "Miss Fix It," at the Empress Theatre, Newton. The Damon Runyan satire on gangster life, "A Slight Case of Murder," is co-featured. Edward G. Robinson plays the leading role. REGAL, PONSONBY. Skating star Sonje Henie is dazzling in her latest film, "My Lucky Star," which is the main attraction at the Regal Theatre, Ponscnby. Her leading man is Richard Greene. A comedy, "The Affairs of Annabelle," .is also showing. Jack Oakie and Lucille Ball are the stars. BE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. English comic Sandy Powell is at his best in "It's a'Grand Old World," which is the principal attraction at the De Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. Associate feature is an .hilarious story of prison life, "Up the River," starring Tony Martin, Preston Foster,- Slim.Summerville and Arthur Treacher. ADELPHI, RICHMOND. One of the best Shirley Temple films I ever made, "Little Miss Broadway," is the main attraction nt the Adelplii Theatre, Richmond. Featured players are George Murphy and Phyllis Brooks. The thriller. "West of Shanghai," with] Boris Karloff, is also being shown.

CIVIC THEATRE. For those who ask something out of the ordinary in their cinema entertainment, which means all of us, "Trade Winds," now screening at the Civic Theatre, is the picture to see. Its producer, Walter Wanger, lons recognised as, a master in his own field, sticks to no stereotype plan. His infinite versatility has given the screen, some of its greatest triumphs, and that versatility is again demonstrated in '"Trade Winds.'' The story is that of a detective in pursuit of a girl believed to have done away with herself in a death-dive over San Francisco hridge. His quest takes him into many glamorous places, Honolulu, Japan, Indo-China and Singapore. It is worth while seeing '"Trade Winds" if only for the outstanding beauty of the* scenic sequences. Fredric March and Joan Bennett arc the stars, with Ralph Bellamy and -Ann Sothern prominent in support. Wanderlust in film form, "Trade Winds" strikes a new note. Even keeping in mind such recent Wanger films as '"Blockade" and '"Suez," the producer can claim to have done nothing better. Tay Garnett directed and wrote the screen play. ROXY-TIVOLI.

New York's slums form the background for the powerful dramatic production, "King of the Newsboys," which heads an outstanding programme at the Koxy and Tivoli Theatres. Taking the leading role is Lew Ayres, now recognised as one of the screen's finest character players, while Helen Mack is in the tfeminine lead. Others in the cast are Alison Skipworth. Victor Varconi, Sheila Bromley and Alice White. The story is that of a slum-bijed youth who loses his childhood sweetheart to the wealthy publisher of a horse-tipping news sheet. Then he sets out to fight his way to success, and start? a rival sheet. There are many thrilling battles ag the two fight for circulation. The New York circulation field and the publication of racing tips form the background for the story. Romance, action, comedy znd suspense are deftly welded in the production. The film was directed by the Englishman Bernard Verhaus, who makes an auspicious American debut. Also on the programme is the thrilling crime drama, "Convicted," starring Charles Quigley and Rita Hey worth. It completes a wcll-balan< ed doublcHi'eature bill.

ST. JAMES' THEATRE. Colour of two varieties—colour in film and tone —combine to make a musical romantic treat in the fifth co-starring attraction of the screen's most notable singing team, Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy, the treat being '-Sweethearts," which is now in its second successful week at St. James' Theatre. A lavish, production in Technicolour, it is highlighted by some of the most beautiful melodies ever composed by Victor Herbert and by the sparkling dialogue of the American poetress and writer, Dorothy Parker, and Alan Campbell, who collaborated in writing the screen play based on Herbert's operetta. Frank Morgan is superb in a supporting role. - while others present are Mischa Auer, Ray Bolger, Florence Rice and Herman Bing. The story is about a married couple who long to get away from the stage musical 111 which they have been appearing on Broadway for six years. Their manager sets out to stop theniy and the result is an amusing situation that loses nothing in the telling. "Sweethearts" is designed to appeal to all types of audience. W . S Van Dyke directed and Hunt Stromberg was responsible for production. STAR, PAPAKURA.

"Three Comrades," a dramatic story of war and its aftermath, is the mam film the Star Theatre, Papakura. Robert Taylor, Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone and Robert Young are leading players. Co-feature is a comedy, "Breakfast tor Two," with Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall.

CHEZ PAREE.

An outstanding programme of dancing ■ is promised patrons of the Chez Paree Cabaret, Buckhnd's Beach, to-night. The Chez Paree dance band will play the music. Details are advertised. STATE, ONEHUNGA. "Crime School," a powerful drama of youth and crime and a powerful document in support of prison reform, is at the State Theatre, Ouehunga. The End Kids" give outstanding performances. Co-feature is the drama, "Road Demon," starring Tom Beck. AMUSEMENT PARK. There is fun for all at the Amusement Park, Civic Square, every night. Admission is free and no charge is made for parking facilities. Details are advertised. LONDON, CITY. Joe Morrison and Paul Kelly are costarred in the amusing comedy feature, "It's a Great Life," which is the main attraction at the London Cinema, Ci£.v. Associate feature is "The Mighty Treve.." featuring Noah Beery and Barbara Reed. TUDOR, REMUERA. "The First Hundred Years" is the title of the bright and entertaining comedy now screening at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera. The stars are Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce. A Robert Benchlpy oddity heads an outstanding supporting programme. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Samuel Goldwyn's epic story of the first travelling salesman, "The Adventures of Marco Polo," is the main attraction at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandi-ingham. Taking the leading role is Gary Cooper, others in the cast being Basil Rathbone and Binnie Barnes. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Wallace Beery, Maureen O'Sullivan and Frank Morgan are in leading roles in "Port of the Seven Seas," which heads an outstanding programme at the Astor Theatre, Dominion Road. Edgar Wallace's "The Squeaker," with Edmund Lowe, is the associate feature. ROYAL, KINGSLAND. That great little songster, Judy Farland, appears with Allan Jones in the entertaining musical feature, "Everybody Sing," which is the main attraction at the Royal Theatre, Kingsland. Another starlet, Jane Withers, appears in the cofeature, "Rascals." SKATEWAYS. To-night at the Skateways rink in Khyber Pass Road skating conditions will be ideal. The Skateways band will play the music. Details are advertised. THE BERKELEY. Ann Shirley is co-starred with James Ellison in the heart-warming and human drama, "Mother Carey's Chickens," which is at the Berkeley, Mission Bay. Fay Bainter is outstanding in a supporting role. Excellent supports are also being screened. CAPITOL, BALMORAL. Robert Taylor, Maureen O'Sullivan and Lionel Barrymdre are the featured players in "A Yank at Oxford," which is at the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. Taylor plays b:is best role to date. Also showing is "Judge Hardy's Children," with Mickey Rooney. STRAND, SUNDAY. Mr. A. Hall Skelton will speak on Fictitious Ofigin of Bible Characters" at the Strand Theatre to-morrow night under the auspices of the Rationalist Association. A special picture programme to be screened features "Orphan of 'the Wilderness," with Gwenn Abott. WINDSOR, PAPAKURA. Beautiful. Technicolour is one of the [main attractions of "Gold is Where You Find It," now at the Windsor Theatre, Papakura. George Brent and Olivia De Havilland are the stars. Also showing is "When G-Men Step In," a thrilling crime drama. '• PETER PAN CABARET. . Johnny Madden and his Swing Kings will play the music for popular dancing to-night at the Peter Pan Cabaret. Details of booking arrangements for cubicles isj advertised. . "

STAR, NEWTON.

Dasliing Enrol Flynn has a part "made to measure" for him in the exciting historical romance, '"The Charge of the Light Brigade," which is the principal attraction at the Star Theatre, Karangahabe I.oad. Opposite handsome Errol is beautiful starlet Olivia dc Havilland. All the excitement and glamour of that fatal Balaclava charge is caught to perfection. In different vein, the second attraction has hilarity as the keynote. It is called "Polo Joe"' and features cavern-mouthed comic Joe E. Brown. Joe ia this film poses as a polo ace to imprcne his lady , love, but it is a different story when he is forced to take part in an actual match. In this manner does the Star programme appeal to all tastes and all moods. DANCING. Peter Pan, popular dancing; JohnnyMadden and his Swing Kings. / Pirate Shippe, Milford, old-time carnival; Pirate Shippe band. Chez Paree, Bucklands, dance carnival; Chez Paree band. Arts' Hall, old-time dance; Norm Crowder's band. Crystal Palace ballroom, modern dancing; Epi Shalfoon's band. , Rialto ballroom, monster carnival night; Rhythm Rascals' band. Ambassador's Hall, old-time dancing; Parker's orchestra. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Technical Old Boys' and Ventura Dance Club. i Manchester Unity Hall, St. Patrick's Dance: Art Larkin's band. Parnell R.S.A. Hall, popular dancing; Dixie Boys' band. St. Mary's Hall, popular dancing; Connon's band. St. Columba Hall, popular dancing; Grev Lynn K.S.A. club. Labour Hall, Hawaiian Dance Club; L. Mali's band. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. ' H.M. THEATRE—"The Women." CIVIC SQUARE —Amusement Park. PICTURE THEATRES. MAYFAIR —LesIie Howard and Wendy Hitler in "Pygmalion" and the Jones Family in "Down on the Farm." STRAND — Jane Withers and Arthur Treacher in "Always In Trouble" and Arthur Tracy in "Follow Your Star." ROXY—Lew Avi-es in "King or the Newsboys" and Cliarjes Ouisrley and Rita Ueyworth in "Convicted." PLAZA—Laretta Young and Rlchara Greene in "Kentucky." ClVlC—Fredrlc March and Joan Bennett in "Trade Winds." ST. JAMES'—Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MaeDonald in "Sweethearts." MAJESTIC —Charles Rlckford and Barton McLanc in "The Ptorm" and "Mr. ileeder in Room 13." REGENT —Ronald Coiman and Frances Dee in "It I Were King." . EMBASSY — Janet Gaynor and Robert Montgomery in "Three Loves Has Nancy." LONDON—"It's a Great Life" and "The Mighty Trove." ADELPHI —"Little Miss Broadway" and "West or Shanghai." ALEXANDRA —"Prison Without Bars" and "Hold That Co-ed." AMBASSADORS —"Little Tough Guy" and "Paradise For Two." ASTOR—"Port of Seven Seas" and "The squeaker." AVONDALE — "Goldwyn Follies" and "Smashing the Rickets." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)—" The Last Gangster." BIRKENHEAD—"Let's Get Marrted." BRITANNIA—"HoIiday" and "Manproof." CAPITOL —"A Yank at Oxrord" and "Judge Hardy's Children." CRYSTAL PALACE — "Prison Without Bars" and "Hold That Co-ed." DELTA—"We're Going To Bo Rich." DE LUXE—"rt's a Grand Old World" and "Up the River." EMPRESS —"Miss Fix-it" and "Slight Case or Murder." GAlETY—"Letter or Introduction." GREY LYNN—"Swiss Miss" and "Our Fighting Navy." . KINGSLAND —"Everybody Sing." LIBERTY —"Topper" and "Having a Wonderful Time." , i MAYFAIR—"The Adventures or Marco Polo." PEERLESS—"MerriIy We Live." PICTUREDROME—"Fit For a King." PRINCE EDWARD—"That Certain Age" and "The Last Express." PRINCESS —"Crime School" and "The Great Garirick." REGAL—"My Lucky Star" and "Affairs or Annabel." REGENT (Epsom)—" Elephant Boy" and '•Gateway." SOUTHERN CROSS — "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Leave It To Me." STAR (Newton)—" The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Polo Joe." STATE (Devonport)—"Suez" and "Next .. Time I Marry." STATE (Symonds Street) — "Woman Against Woman." STATE (Onehunga)—"Crime School" and ■"Road Demon." STRAND (Onehunga)—"The Firehy." THE REX —"The Rage or Paris." TIVOLI —"King or the Newsboys" and "Convicted." TUDOR —"The First 100 Years.'* VICTORIA —"Little Tough Guy" and "The Rat."