Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 303, 23 December 1939, Page 5

Amusements Reviewed

"GOOD-BYE, CHIPS." ST. JAMES'. Sir. Chips Robert Donat Katherine Greer Garson John Colley- Terry Kilburn ' Staefel Paul von Hernreid Wetherby Lyn Harding Director: Sam Wood. (M.G.M.) Superbly staged and marked by one of the most brilliant characterisations of the year, the screen version of James Hilton's "Good-bye, Mr. Chips" found large and appreciative audiences to-day, when it began its Christmas season at St. James' Theatre. Though always recognised as England's .No. 1 in roles of this sort, Robert Donat has done nothing better than his portrayal of the English schoolmaster. Praise must also go the way of a newcomer to the 'local screen, Greer Garson, who has all the potentialities of a great actress. Young Terry Kilburn, who at a tender age has many -film successes to his credit, including a magnificent portrayal of Tiny Tim in "A Christmas Carol," again demonstrates his skill in a difficult role. Completely English in setting, the story tells of Mr. Chips coming to the traditionladen Brookfield School; of the shyness and ineptitude which keep him from close contact with his pupils; of hie marriage; of his growth as a beloved part of the school after hie wife's early death has brougfft him sorrow and wisdom, and of the love and respect of four generations of Brookfield boys which he has earned when it is time for them to say "Good-bye, Mr. Chips." A delightful coloured miniature, based on Mendelssohn's "Wedding March," is a feature of the supporting programme, which also contains newsreels up the usual high St. James' standard. " "ISLAND OF LOST MEN." MAJESTIC. Kim Ling Anna May Wong Gregory Prin J. Carrol Nalsh Herbert Eric Blore Chang Tai Anthony Qulnn Director: Kurt Neumann (Paramount). Iso "6000 ENEMIES," starring Walter Pidgeon. Stirring melodrama abounds in "Island of Lost Men," one of two full-length pictures showing at the Majestic Theatre. To those picturegoens who like action and plenty of it, the programme should give the greatest enjoyment, because in "Island of _Lost Men" there are thrilling situations in abundance, and in "6000 Enemies," a story in which the gangster element figures in more than one murder, the audience is kept at high pitch. Anna May Wong. J. Carrol Naish, and Eric Blore are the principals in a strong cast in "Island of Lost Men," a spectacular picture with all the fascinating atmosphere of the jungle and its savages, remarkably well screened as the search goes on for a long lost Chinese general. Walter Pidgeon, Rita Johnson and Paul Kelly are supported by a strong cast in "6000 Enemies." A district attorney, who has prosecuted and sent to prison ma--y criminals, is himself gaoled and placed witji those he has successfully prosecuted. Various attempts are made in prison to murder him, and gangßters outside murder his brother. Eventually the convicted attorney is able to bring the head of the gangsters to book and all ends well.

An added attraction on Christmas Night and Boxing Night will be the personal appearance on the stage of the popular Australian radio pait, Fred and Maggie Everybody.

"GOLDEN BOY." CIVIC. Lorna Moon Barbara Stanwyck Tom Moody Adolphe Menjou Joe Bonaparte William Hoiden Mr. Bonaparte Lee J. Cobb Roxy Lewis Ed Brophy Director: Rouben Manioulian (Columbia). For the holiday season the Civic Theatre offers a fine new programme that should please every class of picturegoer. A lairje audience last night showed its appi-ecia-tion, particularly of the headliner "Golden Boy," a Columbia melodrama with a decidedly sporting flavour. It is a powerful story told in straight sequence of the prize ring, neither glorifying nor condemning th« fight business, but packing an entertainment wallop from bell to bell. The featured players are Barbara Stanwyck and Adolphe Menjou, both of whom give sparkling accounts of themselves, but the story puts the principal emphasis on William Hoiden, a newcomer, whose handling of the title role is something to talk about. Another new artist, Lee J. Cobb, "steals" the picture repeatedly as the fighter's father, and gives a fine character study. All the others listed add to their reputation by their performances. Based on the play by Clifford Odets, the story takes an Italian boxer from his first fight to the rank of title contender. A girl, a manager, the boy's father (who wants him to be a violinist) and a gangster influence him this way and that, always logically and interestingly. The telling is skilful and the total effect is excellent. The place is New York and the time the present. "Golden Boy" is a picture well worth seeing.

The secondary film subjects are all good. There is a travelojflie about the "Zu.vder Zee," a most interesting "Screcn Snapshots," while an organ programme of new wartime songs, specially presented for soldiers on leave, is played by the Civic's new organist, Mr. Lionel Corrick.

EMBASSY THEATRE. Taking its patrons through a dreamland of fantasy with quaint characters that win hearts every moment, tlie Embassy Theatre liaa a big Christmas treat for Auckland erg with its screen version of the book bv L. Frank Baum "The Wizard of Oz." An outstanding cast is seen, 1 starring Judy Garland, as little Dorothy, Frank Morgan as the Wizard, Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow, Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion, and Jack Haley as the Tin Woodman. Some great songs are featured, including "The Land of Oz." "If I Were King of the Forest" and "Over the Rainbow." A show that all should see, "The Wizard" is a film that has played its way into screen history. Great credit must go, of course, to the producer, Mervyn le Roy, and the director, Victor Fleming, for a fine job of work.

WILLIAMSON'S ICE SHOW. To-night at His Majesty's Theatre will be presented for the first time in New Zealand J. C. Williamson's colourful and unique revue, "Switzerland," an ice show and ice ballet, which will signalise the initial ' appearance here of Miss Megan Taylor, the world's champion skater, Sir. Eddie Marcel, a brilliant London comedian, Phil Taylor, said to be the world's greatest trick skater, and a number of other famous skaters, skaterinas, comedians and revue artists. Since Monday last the theatre has been in the hands of Mr. C. Pugh, the refrigerating engineer, and an ice rink of 40ft by 30ft is nowready. Except for the interpolation of a song or two on the ice "Switzerland" is a mostly silent show. There is, however, the comedian, Mr. Marcel, who, it is said, keeps his audience in a simmer of laughter the whole time he is on the 6tage. Miss Taylor cuts delightful figures and capers, while the MacKinnon Sisters present expert interludes which attain a high standard of excellence. The ice polka, by Diana Grafton and Ronald Priestly, is one of the features of the show, and so is the wonderful dancing on the ice by Elsie Heathcote. ROXY—TIVOLI.

That the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres' programme is ideal holiday entertainment is proved by the big crowds at every session, to see a double-feature programme headed by "Yodelin' Kid from Pine Ridge," latest Gene Autry film. Autry has an amazing following in this country, as he has in the United States, and again in this production his fine singing voice is heard to advantage. In the leading feminine role is Betty Bronson, making a big comeback. Smiley Burnette and the Tennessee Rangers are others who appear in the film. This is a story packed with thrills. Notable for its excellence of cast is the associate feature at both theatres, "Coastguard." Randolph Scott and Frances Dee appear in the romantic leads, with Ralph Bellamy featured.

"FIRST LOVE." REGENT. Connie Harding Deanna Durbin Barbara Clinton Helen Parrish Ted Drake Robert Stack James Clinton Eugene l'allette Walter Clinton Lewis Howard Director: Henry Koster (Universal). Most fortunate of alj the last decade's crop of clever youngsters in that ehe has added to her other attractive accomplishments the gift of growing up gracefully, Deanna Durbin gathered in crowds of new admirers by her lead in "First Love," which opened its Auckland season at the Regent Theatre last night. Lest anyone should be misled by the title to imagine the picture a young girl's dream of J'°™ lance - let it be said at the outset that 'first Love" is sparkling comedy and drama entertainment with features that appeal to all classes, and the added attraction of tuneful music. Moreover, it is supported by a highly interesting selection of shorts that combine to enhance the nights amusement. The young Canadian star retains her pristine freshness of voice, and has the happy knack of naturally enlisting the sympathy and support of her audience iu whatever set of circumstances her song niay be called for. In this she shows the hallmark of ripening maturity as an actress. Robert Stack is her vis-a-vis in the romantic interludes and justifies any maiden s secqnd glance. The great joy of those interested in the histrionic side of the show, however, is the character work of Eugene Palette, Charles Coleman and Kathleen Howard. The first-named appears as a henpecked millionaire in le belli on, and Kathleen Howard as an old ■"aid school teacher who knows her !V£ habet T , ]ove backwards —she thinks. r irst Love is a great holiday season teature. . Among the striking items of the supporting programme is a skylogue—a descriptive journey by 'plane from Australia to London, with peeps at historical places on the way. 'Story of the Trout" is a study of iasmania s industry in maintaining the popular angling eport. Queen Elizabeth's message to the women of the Empire is a teature of the newsreel survey of war zone evemts.

SUBURBAN THEATRES.

Crystal Palace and Rialto.—Sir Arthur Conon Doyle at his best in "Hound of the Baskervilles," with Richard Green and Basil Rathbone.' Co-featured is "My Bill " with Kay Francis. De Luxe, Mount Albert*— All technicolour drama "Heart of the Notth" stars Gloria Dickson. Associate feature is "The Saint strikes Back, starring George Sanders. Regent, Epsom.—Lew Ay res and Lionel Barrymore start a new medical series with the brilliant "Young Dr. Kildare." Both are responsible for outstanding performances. Astor, Dominion Road.—Virile Victor McLaglen is with Frank Jenks in the thrilling "The Devil's Party," while in the other film. "Flirting with Fate," is Jt>e E. Brown. State, Symonds Street.—Easily the most spectacular screen ice show ever produced, "Ice Follies of 1939," the main film, starnng James Stewart and Joan Crawford. Outstanding supports are showing. Star, Newton.—Shirley Temple's film together with the comedies "Hold That Co-ed," starring George Murphy, and "Oliver the Eighth," a Laurel and Hardy show, appears on the holiday bill. The Berkeley, Mission Bay. —Irene Dunne is co-starred with Charles Boyer in the romantic drama "Nearest Thing to Heaven," in which Miss Dunne sings two fine songs. Capitol, Balmoral.—That great actress Elisabeth Bergner has the leading role in the brilliant drama "Stolen Life." A thrilling spy story, "Trapped in the Sky," is also screening. Prince Edward, Newton.—Singing star Nelson Eddy has a virile part in the pioneering drama "Song of the Plains," with Virginia Bruce. "Undercover Doctor," with Lloyd Nolan, is co-featured. Britannia, Ponsonby.—The triumphal musical show, "The Great Waltz," stars Luise Rainer, Feriiand Gravet and Miliza Korjus. "Nights Work," with Charlie Rugglee, is the other film. Victoria, Devonport. — Cronin's "The Citadel," the main film, stars Robert Donat and Rosalind Russell. Co-featured is "The Lady and the Mob," with Fay Bainter starred. Cinema, Grey Lynn.—Nelson Eddy has a leading role with Virginia Bruce in the drama, "Song of the Plains," while in the associate feature, "Hotel Imperial," Ray Mi'lland is the main player. Tudor, Rem u era.—The exciting newspaper drama, "This M»n is News," is the principal attraction. Barry K. Barnes and Valerie Hobson are the English players in the main parts. Gaiety, *Takapuna.—A rollicking comedy with a kick from start to finish is "Four's a Crowd," which has the attractive pair Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. Ade'phi, Richmond Road.—Edward G. Robinson has the brilliant Humphrey Bogart with him in "The Amazing Dr. Clitt&rhouse." Associate feature "The Gorilla" is a Ritz brothers comedy. Alexandra, Green Lane.—Emily Bronte's amazing "Wutlipring Heights" in its film version stars Merle Oberon and David Niven. In the co-feature "Chasing Danger" is Preston Foster. Princess, Dominion Road.—Starred in the musical "Rose of Washington Square" is singer Alice Faye. The associate feature is a comedy, "The Jones Family'in Hollywood." State, Devonport.—Alice Kaye and Connie Bennett are the co-starring players in "Tailspin," a thrilling feature, while in "Racket Busters" are Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Dickson. State, Onehunga. — Warner Baxter returns to an old role in "Return of the Cisco Kid," while in the associate feature "Ask a Policeman" is the English comic Will Hay. Empress, Newton.—The thriller "Captain Fury" has Brian Aherne and Victor McLaglen in the leading roles. English favourite comedian Tom Walls is the star of "Old Iron." Regal, Ponsonby. — The Astaire-Rogers combination has never been better than in "V t ernon and Irene Castle." Co-fea-tured is "They Made Her a Spy," starring Sally Eilers. Town Hall, Avondale.—A poignant story of a famous Americau home for boys, "Boys' Town," starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, is co-featured with "Mr. Wong, Detective." Strand, Onehunga. — Two first-rate actors, Spencer Tracy and the versatile Mickey Rooney, play leading roles in "Boys' Town." Screened in conjunction with fVis film is "The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt." Ambassador, Point Chevalier.—Two of the clearest boy actors on the screen, Freddie Bartholomew and Mickey Rooney, star in "The Boy from Barnardo's." "The Storm" is the co-feature. New Royal, Klngsland.—The film version of the "Mikado," with Jean Colin and Kenny Baker, is co-featured with a hilarious Jones Family corned}-,- "Down on the Farm." Windsor, Papakura.—"Only Angels Have Wings" is the holiday attraction. In this thrilling aviation i drama Cary Grant and Jeari Arthur are co-starred with effect. Mayfair, Sandringham. — Dick Foran appears in the leading role of "The Secrets of a Nurse." In the associate feature, "Professor, Beware," is the everpopular Harold Lloyd. SUNDAY SHOWS. Strand Theatre.—Miss Ann Lennon will speak, under the auspices of the Rationalist Association, on "The Pagan Origin of Christmas." Fred Scott is the 6tar of "Melody of the Plains." Rialto, Newmarket.—"Where the West Begins" is the title of the musical which stars Jack Randall. Gordon Harker ie starred in the Edgar Wallace film "The Frog."

"SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES." NEW CENTURY. Susannah Sheldon . . . Shirley Temple Monty Randolph Scott Vicky Standing . . Margaret Lockwood Little Chief Martin Good Rider Pat O'Hannegan . J. Farrell Mac Donald Director: William A. Seiter (Fox). Latest and most modern of Amalgamated Theatres' chain of moving picture houses, the Century was officially opened last evening with a gala performance of the Christmas attraction, "Susannah of the Mounties," in which that little actress of worldwide popularity, Shirley Temple, has the leading role. A big audience was in attendance despite the counter-a.ttraction of the shoppers' Christmas Eve, and it was rewarded not only with a programme which should prove an attractive holiday offering, but also by surroundings which combine comfort and beauty in a marked degree. Speakers at the official opening ceremony, performed by Mr. R. A. Allen, secretary of Amalgamated Theatres, drew attention to the many fine features of the new theatre, which replaces the old Mayfair in Queen Street, and paid a tribute to the contractors and to the men who had carried out the job. It was pointed out that some of the workmen had been at work almost up to the time for the opening of the theatre. They had proved what a.n excellent job of work could be done by New Zealand workmen. Cheques were presented to a number of the workmen as a mark of the company's appreciation. "Susannah of the Mounties," which was presented for the first time last night, is an excellent seasonal offering and it should have an especial appeal to juvenile audW ences. Not only does it feature Shirley Temple, but it does so in an atmosphere of action, with whooping Indians on the war trail, and other colourful incidents of frontier life in Canada in the 'eighties, when the Canadian Pacific railroad was being built across the continent. In the leading male role Randolph Scott is depicted as an inspector of the Royal North-vest Mounties in the days before the wide-brimmed Mountie hat replaced the "pillbox." Shirley is the sole survivor of an Indian attack on. a wagon train, adopted by Scott, and the story concerns their dual adventures among hostile Redskins. It is a role well suited to the charming little actress and she holds all attention through the picture, which is rich in "star" material. Margaret Lockwood is the beautiful heroine and supporting roles are played excellently by J. FarTell Mac Donald, Maurice Moscovitch, Victor Jory and a tribe of Blackfoot Indians. The supporting programme is good. STRAND THEATRE. Bing Crosby sings again in the brilliant musical comedy, "East Side of Heaven," which, before big holiday crcftvds, began a season yesterday at the Strand Theatre. Though Bing is the star of the show, it is a fact that a lot of his thunder is stolen by an 11-months-old baby named Sandy, who, since the making of this film, has blossomed out into a full-blown star _in his own right. It is to him that Bing sings several of his inimitable sweet swing numbers that lull Sandy to sleep in full view of the camera lens. "That Sly Old Gentleman" is the pick of the bunch. Joan Blondell has the feminine lead in "East Side of Heaven," and the comedian, Mischa Auer ( is responsible for some of the film's brightest moments. C. Aubrey Smith plays a small role with his usual dignity. The film has had the advantage of excellent direction, the man responsible being David Butler. Associate feature on this laugh programme is entitled "The Family Next Door," starring Hugh Herbert, better known in film circles as "Woo Woo." The beaiKtiful Joy Hodges has. the feminine lead, and comedian Eddie Quillan is in fine form, too. It is a grand Christmas comedy show. OXFORD THEATRE. Alexander Dumas' superb tale of old France, "The Man in the Iron Mask," heads the Christmas programme at the Oxford Theatre, Queen Street. In this film there is a great chance for young Louis Hayward, who plays the dual role of the King of France and his twin brother, who is locked away for fear of a coup against the throne. Joan Bennett has the feminine lead, and that great character actor, Joseph Schildkraut, is in a prominent part. CABARETS. Peter Pan. —Theo Walters has a big holiday musical programme. Cabaret Metropole.—Sammy Lee and his Americanadians play the music. Pirate Shlppe.—An old-time holiday carnival is featured at Milford. Chez Paree. —For Buckland's Beach patrons is the Chez Paree Band.

RADIO PROGRAMMES.

IYA.—B.O, "All Baba and the Forty Thieves"; 9.25. "Christmas Phantasy"; 9.33, Carina trio (concerted vocal); 9.45, "Melody Time," with Nat Shilkret and his orchestra; 10.0, Sports summary; 10.10, Dance music. 2YA.—7.30, Summary or play in Plunket | Shield cricket match, Auckland v. Wellington; 7.40, "Holiday Traffic," talk by W. A. Sutherland; 8.0, Herbi Burton Novelty Instrumental trio; 8.15, Popular music by Versatile Three; 8.46, Julie Werry. soprano; 9.25, Dance programme; 10.0, Sports summary. IYX.—B.O, "Seaside Melodies"; 8.12, Gladys Moncrieff, soprano, Patricia Rossborough, pianiste; Richard Tauber, tenor; 8.30, "Woman in White"; 9.0, "Soldier of Fortune." IZM. —7.0, Sports summary and comments, Bill Hendry; 8.0, Dance session. Highlights from to-morrow's programmes are:— IYA.—II.O a.m., Church or Christ service, from West Street church; 3.30 p.m., Piano and orchestral music by d'lndy; 7.0, Presbyterian service, from St. Andrew's Church; 8.30, "Music rrom the Theatre"; 9.15, Christmas greetings rrom Prime Minister and Leader or the Opposition; 12.0, Midnight Mass relayed rrom St. Patrick's Cathedral. 2YA.—11.0 a.m.. Salvation Army service, rrom the Citadel; 2.0 p.m., Elgar's "FalstafT," a symphonic study; 3.0, "Brains in the Family"; 7.0, Anglican service rrom St. Thomas' Church; 8.30, Recital by Rosario Bourdon Symphony; 9.13, Christmas greetings Trom Prime Minister and Leader or Opposition; 9.30, "He That Should Come"; 12.0, Midnight Mass, rrom St. Gerard's. 1YX.—8,30, Band music; 9.15, "Three Magic Words." IZM.—IO.O a.m.. Sacred and orchestral selections; 8.45 p.m.. Serenades and minuets; 9.30, A vision or Christmas. Highlights Trom Monday's programmes are:— IYA 10.0 a.m.. Combined service, Trom Pitt Street Church; 11.0, Anglican service, rrom St. Mary's Cathedral; 8.0 p.m., "The Rose"; 8.18, Paul Robeson, bass; 8.24. "Potpourri or Christmas Carols"; 8.30, "The Radio that Hitler Fears"; 8.45, '"Ravenshoe"; 9.25, "I Remember"; 9.55, "Nursery Rhymes Phantasy." 2VA.—10.10 a.m.. Devotional service; 2.0 p.m., "Unimportant People"; 2.45 Progress reports on Plunket Shield cricket match, Auckland v. Wellington--6.4 5, Summary or day's play in cricket match; 7.0, "H.M.S. Pinarore"; 8.15 Band programme, with ballad Interludes. 1VX.—8.30, "Christmas Cheer." |1M. —a.m., Special Christmas session--7.45 p.m., "Loma Doone"; 9.0, Past 1 ana present favourites.

"FIFTH AVENUE GIRL." PLAZA. Mary Grey Ginger Rogers Mr. Borden Walter Connolly Mrs. Borden ....... Verree Teasdale Mike James Ellison Tim Borden Tim Holt Director: Gregory La Cava. (R.K.0.) Sparkling screen play enlivens the story of "Fifth Avenue Girl," Ginger Rogers' latest film success, which opened a season at the Plaza Theatre last night. Although it is a dressed-up affair, containing some of the smartest dialogue of the season, the picture is solid entertainment of the family variety, which has an almost universal appeal. Comedy is better than in Ginger Rogers' previous "hit," "Bachelor Mother," and this time the colourful dancing lady ends forever speculation as to whether she was previously merely a partner for Fred Astaire. Though Miss Rogers' name stands out in the cast her performance, fine as it is, is hardly better balanced nor memorable than those of the distraught Walter Connolly, sophisticated Verree Teasdale, Tim Holt and James Ellison. Few casts ever assembled have done so well by their material and themselves. In spite of all the dressing up and glitter the story ia a very real one, not a new theme, but the tale of a tired rich man who wins back his straying family by doing a little judicious straying on his own behalf ... a story that haa never before had such a telling. DANCING. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Epi Shalfoon's band; Kialto Ballroom, Rhythm Rascals; Orange Coronation Hall, Ted Croad's band; St. Columba Hall, old-time dance; Stratton Studio, Dan Callinan's band; Gaiety Hall, Carlton band; St. Mary's Hall, Connon's band.