AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 126, 31 May 1939, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

" PUBLIC tOWBOY NO. I." ROXY - TIVOLI. Gene Autry Gene Autry Frog Smiley Burnett.; Helen Morgan Ann Rutherford Sheriff William Karnum Quaekenbush James C. Sli'fton Tliad Slaughter .... Maston Williams Director: Joseph Kane .. (Republic) Also: "CRIME TAKES A HOLIDAY," with Jack Hult and Marcia Ralston. How old-fasliioned methods prove superior to modern technique in crime detection and *>uni»hment in the West is told in " Public Cowboy Xo. 1, which had its local premiere ut 'the Roxy an<l Tivoli Theatres to-day. Popular Gene Autry is the star, and Ann Rutheiloid his leading lady. Probably the best-liked cowboy actor on the screen to-day, Autry lias a great following, and his fans showed t onlay that they thought his latest offering right up to standard. Gene s natural, unanected manner and attractive personality are brought out to their best advantage, ana he should add to his supporters with his portraval of a courageous sherilt s deputy. Miss Rutherford, too, shows that her reputation as one of Hollywood* most promising starlets has a sound inundation, and she is convincing as the editress ot a daily paper at the town m which Gene holds office. , Gene's old saddle-mate. Frog, who almost as popular as himself, is again portrayed by Smiley Burnette, in typical stvle, and otheis who show up well aie William Fariium, James C. Morton and Maston Williams. , „ In the development of the plot Gene and his chief, the sheriff, are thrown irom office when they fail to uncover the mjsterv of a 'series or crimes by modern cattle-rustlers. Some city policemen are sent down to take their places, but <-reiie. Frog and the sheriff are the ones that hear of a specially-planned coup by the rustlers, and they capture the crooks, ihe up-to-date city oolice are prevented troin bein" "in at the death" when their car is bogged down in a swamp and their tear-gas bonrbr. explode in their hands. The people of the Western town decide that the old-fashioned methods of Gene and the sheriff are best, and Gene is enabled to get on with his love-making to the editress o£ the local newspaper. Gene finds time to introduce several catchy tunes without slowing up the fast

action. „ . Another popular action star, Jack xiolt, is starred in the associate attraction, "Crime lakes a Holiday. is seen as a forceful district attorney ot a community in which graft and corruption is rile. The interesting story tells how Holt, iisiiig typically effective methods, traps the man behind the "rackets" and clears his town of its black reputation. Maicia Ralston. Russell Hopton and Douglas Duinbrille are featured in the cast.

MAJESTIC. The district attorney v. racketeer theme is the basis of "the story of "Racket Busters." opening at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Though by no means an original idea it is nevertheless one that invariably provides gripping entertainment for the average audience, and it is dealt with in masterly fashion in this film. There is a strong cast ;.wl the fast-moving action that prevails throughout marks it as a definitely better-than-average offering of it* type. Main roles, those <>t the "racket" leader and the district attorney respectively, are filled by Humphrey Bogart and George Brent. Following his successes in "Crime School" and "Men Are Such Fools," Bogart has established a high reputation for parts of this type, while Brent proved that he is an actor of the first class in his last appearance in "Jezebel." Gloria Dickson, Allen Jenkins and Walter Abel are other notables in the cast. The other half of this programme— the last before the theatre closes for renovations is beaded by "Stranded in j Paris." an amusing comedy starring Jack Benny ami Joan Bennett. The popular Yacht Club Boys are featured.

CIVIC. One of tlie greatest comedies ever presented in Auckland. ."You Can't l ake It With You" is proving a popular attraction at tlie Civic Theatre. This film was directed t»y Frank Capra. and tlie screen play written by Robert Kiskin. who make up tlie team that was responsible for such epics as "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town'' and "Lost Horizon." Their latest offering is, perhaps, their best yet. and it will probably go down an one of the pictures of the year. The stage play from which the film was adapted has been running for approximately two years in Broadway, and til., screen rights were bought at tremendous cost. The cast is one of the strongest ever assembled for one film. Headed by Lionel Barry more, .lean Arthur and •Tames Stewart, it includes such notables aM Edward Arnold. M ischa A uer, Ann Miller. Donald Meek. Dub Taylor and a host, of others. The story tells of the hilarious complications that follow the meeting of two families, one headed by a retired business man of free-and-easy habits, and the other by a very businessl- - businessman, who are soon to be united by the wedding of the daughter of oue to the son of the other.

REGENT. "Tt ig far anil away the best of the Joseph Pasternak-Henry Koster-Deanna Durbin pictures, a triumph for each of tliese fortuitously affiliated artists, for Universal, and, in a large and important sense, for tlie motion picture art-industry." So said a famous American film critic of "Tlnee Smart Girls Grow Up," opening at the RClient Theatre on Friday. When the class of Deanna's former films is considered, this is sweeping praise indeed, but the commentator makes no reservations. Deanna is seen as the youngest of three sisters, who tries her hand at matchmaking when the romantic affairs of her sisters become tangled. As may be imagined, she does little more than make things worse at the start, but everything turns out all right in the end. Nan Grey and Helen Parrish portray her two elder sisters, Charles Winninger is again her father, and the supporting cast includes N'ella Walker. Robert Cummings and Wil--1 liam Lundigan.

EMBASSY. Brimful of sheer light comedy, "Four's a Crowd" is keeping big audiences at the Embassy Theatre rocking with laughter at every showing. The story is of the romantic and business complications that arise when the editor of a large newspaper, in order to boost his sales, makes violent attacks through his paper on the irascible millionaire grandfather of a girl with whom he is in love. Errol Fly Tin is at his best as the editor and Olivia de Havilland, well remembered for her stellar performance in "It's Love I'm After," is just as good as the object of his affections. The other two involved in the romantic tangle are I'atric Knowles, as the owner of the newspaper, and Rosalind Russell, as a witty and beautiful reporter. The grandfather is delightfully portrayed by j Walter Connolly, who gives one of the j best comedy performances of his career, and the cast also includes Hugh Herbert and Melville Cooper.

ST. JAMES'. Film version of one of the most-dis-1 cussed books of the day, "The Citadel" | should prove of particular interest to all who have read Dr. Cronin's novel when it opens at the St. James' Theatre on Friday. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced the film in its British studios at Denham, England, with Robert Donat, one of the finest actors in the world to-day, and popular Rosalind Russell in the leading roles. Prominent in the large supporting cast are Ralph Richardson. Rex Harrison, Emlyn Williams and Penelope DudleyWard. Superb direction by King Vidor and fine performances by all members of the cast, with Donat outstanding, result in the emotional power of Cronin's novel being retained on the screen. The dramatic story of the rise of a young and obscure surgeon of the Welsh collieries district makes one of the most gripping screenplays of the year, and it is made especially effective by lavisii and impressive production. One particularly thriili ing scene is one in which Donat descend' into a pit when a mine collapses.

MAYFAIR. Five of the most famous people in thnT world to-day bave the leading roles igt "Five of a Kind," opening on Friday th« Mayfair lheatre. They are the quintuplets, and this film marks tMtr third appearance on the «reen. In tJWir two former starring vehicles they did little more than have their photographs taken, but in their latest film they are revealed as real entertainers of unusual versatility. They have developed amazingly since their last picture and "Five of a Kind" will probably prove their most popular yet. Heading the supporting cast is that fine character actor Jean Hersholt as Dr. Dafoe, who has appeared in all the Quins' films. Cesar Romero and Claire Trevor,- as a pair of ace newspaper reporters, provide the romantic interest, and Slim Summerville and Henry Wilcoxon are also in the cast. The story is a modern one, with radio broadcasting as the theme. One of the best travel pictures to come to Auckland, "Dark Raptuvc," is the associate attraction. This was produced by Armand Denis and deals with the lives of the natives in the Belgian Congo, in South Africa.

PLAZA. Comedy and drama are effectively and tastefully blended in "Made for Each Other." opening ite Auckland season at the Plaza Theatre on Friday. James Stewart and Carole Lombard, the stars, are better known for comedy portrayals than for dramatic performances, but both show first-class acting ability in the more serious aspects of this film. The story is a simple one and its greatest appeal lies in this simplicity. The incidents that happen to the players might happen to anyone and Aucklanders will find much in the plot to compare with their own experiences. There is more than a touch of pathos, but this is not overdone, and is balanced by hilarious situations that are included in the running of the film. Following the leads of the principals, all the players give delightfully natural and convincing portrayals. In the development of the story Stewart and Miss Lombard marry after a short acquaintanceship. A baby is born, but domestic difficulties arise when Stewart's salary is decreased. How things go from bad to worse, until everything is finally adjusted, makes up the balance of the tale.

SKATEWAYS. With the floor in better condition than ever, and improved facilities for its patrons. Skateways skating rink, at the top of Khyber Pass, is attracting more and more Aucklanders to its sessions. Details of arrangements for the different sessions, from the learners' to the special gala evening sessions, are advertised.

AMUSEMENT GUIDE.

PICTURE THEATRES. CIVIC— Jpan Arthur and James Stewart In "You Can't Take It With You." BT. JAMES'—Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney In "Boys' Town." MAJESTIC—LIoyd Nolan and Gladys Swarthout In "Ambush." EMBABBY—F.rroI Flynn and Olivia De Havilland in "Four's a Crowd." REGENT —Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell in "Fast and Loose." MAYFAIR —Ronald Colman In "The Masquerader." STRAND—"Tne Mikado." PLAZA—Constance Bennett and Roland Younir In "Topper Takes s Trip." ROXY—r.ene An try in "Public Cowboy No. 1" and Jack Holt in "Crime Takes a Holiday." LONDON —Victor McT.nsrien and Cary Grant in "Gunga Din." ADELPHI—Guest Night. ALEXANDRA—finest Night. AMABASSADOR —Gue-st Night. ASTOR—"Mad Holiday" and the Wildcatter." AVONDALE—"Youth Takes a Fling." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)— Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." BRITANNIA—"The Count or Monte Cristo" and "Gang Show." BIRKENHEAD—"Mother Carey's Chickens." CAPITOL—"Dad and Dave Come to Town.'' CRYSTAL PALACE—(iuest Night. DE LUXE—"Flight Into Nowhere" and "The Gladiator.' EMPRESS —Guest Night. GAIETY—"DoubIe Dancer." GREY LYNN—Guest Night. KINGSLAND—Guest Night. LIBERTY —"l.ast or tin: Mohicans" anci "Radio City Revels." MAYFAIR—Guest Night. PRINCE EDWARD—Guest Night. PRINCESS—Guest Night. PICTUREDROME —Guest Night. REGAL—Guest Night. REGENT (Epsom)— Guest Night. STAR (Newton) —-"Rembrandt" and "One Rainy Afternoon." STATE (Devonport)-—Guest Night. STATE (Symonds Street) —"Too Hot to Handle." STATE (Onehunga)—Guest Night. STRAND (Onehunga)—Guest Night. TUDOR—"Married Before' Breakfast." TlVOLl—"Public Cowboy No. 1" and '•crime Takes a lloli-day." VICTORIA —Guest Night.