Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 14

Amusements Reviewed

"DODGE CITY." It KG E NT. Wade Hattou Errol Flynn Abbie Irving Olivia de UavUuiuU Ruby \ 1111 Sheridan Jeff Surrett Bruce Cabot Joe Clemens Frank Mcllir-'h Rusty Hart Vlan Hale Matt Cole John Litel Director: Michael Curtiz. Warner Bros. "Dodge City," a powerful drama of the western frontier of America where there was no law until Wade llatton (Errol Flynn) reluctantly accepted the office of sheriff, drew crowded audiences to the Regent Theatre yesterday. So realistic is this tec-hnicolour representation of pioneering days of the United States that the audience is held spellbound. History unfolds itself in a sequence of powerful episodes and the audience is given a graphic picture of life in "the roughest and toughest" cattle town in the history of the western frontier. It is a vigorous story of virile adventure with thrills galore. The production ' itself is a masterpiece, the picture being distinguished by its authentic recreation 01 the scenes and the times depicted. The droving of cattle over the prairies, the stampede and the wild scenes of frontier life, where law was disregarded and to be "quick on the draw" meant more than anything else if one desired a long life, are magnificently presented. The story of "Dodge City" is laid in the period when the small community in the south-western corner of Kansas became the West's greatest shipping centre. The small lawabiding section of Dodge City, impressed by Hatton'a courage, offered him the post of sheriff, but he declined at first. Eventually he took up the office when the man to whom he had sold his cattle was murdered and the death of a child was caused by street shooting. Hatton's rule was as just as it was firm. _ He ruled the catOe town with a hand of iron. He was fearless and incorruptible. What he said "went" and in a comparatively short space of time the lawless element was swept from the town and settlers poured in without fear of interference with their lawful purposes. The stampede of cattle 011 the Chisholm Trail is a notable scene and so is a brawl in a gambling hall where heads are broken and shooting is the rule of the night. A gun battle in a railway! mail car which ends in the sheriff and two I companions being locked in the car which is set in flames is a thrilling episode.

The acting of Errol Flynn throughout is splendid. He makes a most convincing trail boss and bad-town sheriff. The large cast includes Olivia de Havilland, Ann Sheridan, Bruce Cabot, Frank McHugli and Alan Hale.

The supporting programme is excellent. It embraces a tour of the Western Front by King George. This picture in itself is well worth seeing. CENTURY THEATRE. One of the most entertaining and exciting comedies to reach the screen for some time forms the current long-run attraction at the Century Theatre, under the title of "The "Housekeeper's Daughter." The picture was produced and directed by Hal Roach, producer of comedy successes such as the "Topper" series, "Merrily We Live," etc. It is being released with a: well chosen cast headed by Joan Bennett, Adolplie Menjou, Peggy Wood, John Hubbard, Donald Meek and William Gargan. The new film is a fast-moving, lively romance, smartly fashioned to contain all the elements of entertainment. Miss Bennett, portraying the alluring housekeeper's daughter, leaves her underworld boy friend fiat to return to her mother,' who works for the socially prominent Randall family. Learning that the family has left town for the summer, the heroine is pleasantly surprised to discover that the young and handsome scion of the family, played by John Hubbard, one of the screen's new leading men, has decided to stay in town and brave the summer heat. Young Randall is determined to break into newspaper work and he accomplishes this feat easily by using his lathers influence. Aided and abetted by the housekeeper's daughter, he attaches himself to a murder mystery and from then on the new proceeds at a terrific pace, introducing "merry mix-ups and unexpected complications. High comedy is blended with rich romantic interludes, and the gayest scenes of the film - revolve around a gang of underworld hoodlums who are scared off by a fireworks celebration. CIVIC THEATRE. The Australian critics thought plenty of complimentary thoughts about . Charles Laughton's latest film "Jamaica Inn," now screening at the Civic Theatre, if their printed reviews meant anything. The "Sydney Morning Herald" commented: "The story of 'Jamaica Inn' lias been composed for the screen by a number of wellaccredited writers, including Daphne du Maurier and J. B. Priestley. Not their

work, however, -but two other thing*, give the film its great dramatic impact. One 1 is the direction of Alfred Hitchcock, who j Fends Cornish tempests surging through, the narrative with bleak and imaginative j splendour. The other is Charles Laugh- I son's brilliant character study of a rapscallion of the time of King George IV. The. "Telegraph" remarked: "Charles Laughton strides through an early nineteenth century melodrama which is. fascinating because of its theme. ... I nl * has some crashing scenes of ■ storm and wreck; and a sensitive appetite for the contrast between the ugly inn scenes and the 6umptuousness of the squire's public life. . . . The peculiar quality that makes the direction of Alfred Hitchcock famous is present in the brutal scenes. ■ A fine touch of realism here and there.' , PLAZA THEATRE. Vividly, with magnificent flying "shots/' moving sentiment and fine touches of humour, Alexander Korda's | epic film, "The Lion Has Wings, tells the story of the R.A.F.'s part in the vvar. Britain's devotion to the pursuits of peace up to the very last is emphasised, and when war does come we see the Air Force going about its business with a single-mindedness all the more effective for"its freedom from hysteria. The flying "shots," made with the full co-operation of the R.A.F., have uncanny precision and rare beauty; and the reconstruction of the raid on a German battleship at Wilhelmshaven is a marvel of realism. Merle -Oberon- and June Duprez are seen as women in love with airmen, and Ralph Richardson, Anthony Bushell and llora Robson have prominent roles also. Ine Lion Has Wings" is thex-urrent long-run attraction at the plaza Theatre. NEW PLAY AT HIS MAJESTY'S. Not enough good stage play.* come to New Zealand, but next week one of the most outstanding London successes of the past two years. "I Killed the Count,' will be staged at His Majesty's Theatre. Alec. Coppel's now-famous mystery-comcd> has eiroved successful presentation m Vi elr.uKton and ill -Australia under the same personnel as will be used m the Auckland jea-son. This includes Harvey Adams, Doris Packer, Atlidl Fleming, Jane Conollv. Alec Pratt, Clifford Cowley, kric Reiman, Katie Towers, Hon Thomas, Dennis Glennv and Heming Barrett, -the plot of "I Killed the Count" is too pood to give awav. Suffice to say that this is the mystery play that was running concurrently- in London and Paris during 1037 and ivas revived in London again in 1039 and might still be running had not war broken out.

"FASCINATION SKILL BALL." One of the most popular indoor' W»j«® to Have been introduced into for years IS "Fascination Skill Ball, an amusing pastime now being presented at Swimming Pool now be.,,? coinl.le. edat -v- , Ihp "jiiiio or 1 ahCiiiiitioii Skill 1 Ball"' apparently originated in the 111 edStates, travelling thence to Canada and Australia. It has been played in Australia for the past two or three vears and was brought over to im Zea land for the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington. -lust before Christmas it found its way to Auckland, "'herc it has proved an undoubted _ siifcccss v ith all fiiiKsofl of the coma**jnity.

"CALL A MESSENGER." STRAXD. Jimmy Hogan Billy Halop "Pis" Huntz Hall Kirk Graham Robert Armstrong .Marge Hogan Mary Carlisle Frances O'Neill Anne Nagel Also: "INSIDE INFORMATION," with | Dick Koran, Harry Carey, June Dang. "Call a Messenger," released yesterday at the Strand, gives a new angle in picture work in a merger of the Dead Knd Kids and the Little Guys who join lists this time to merge in an attack on tlie criminal world. For those who like rough and tumble entertainment with the kids and the guys going straight for once in the interests of law and order there is irood fare here. Hilly Halop and Hunt/. Hall of the kids join with four of the second as junior toughicis diverted from a life of crime by a stretch of service in the Postal Union personnel, and they do a nice job of it without over-stressing humour, crime, virtue or any of the usual ingredients. The story is a plausible one and the variety of excitement provided is sufficient to satisfy the most blase of picturegoers. Going straight for gangsters' throats, the kids and the guys show that even the greatest enemies can get together —in the? right cause. "Inside Information," with pick Foran, Harry Carey and June Lang, adds to a tine programme. "TELEVISION SPY." MAJESTIC. Douglas Cameron .... William Henry Gweu I<uwson ...V... Judith Barrett .lames Llewellyn . William Collier, son. Forbes Anthony Quiini Dick Randolph Richard Denning Boris Tolin Kldredge , Also: "HAWAIIAN NIGHTS." with Johnny Downs, Mary Carlisle and two orchestras. Excellent screen entertainment is provided by the new programme which began at the Majestic Theatre yesterday and was highly approved by big houses at all sessions. Most picture patrons enjoy films dealing with espionage and those with a fine musical background, and there is one of each on this programme. "Television Spy," a Paramount production, is an impressive melodrama showing what would occur 1 if an American inventor perfected long distance television and foreign agents found out about it. The plot and the story are good and are unfolded in thrilling fashion. A particularly fine characterisation is given by William Collier, senior, playing the part of an invalid and irascible millionaire who finances the invention of the long distance equipment. The other artists all give noteworthy performances.

A delightful musical is "Hawaiian Nights," from the Universal studios. In this filrti swing music and Hawaiian -melodies are blended, while the chief action takes-place in and around the famed holiday resort of Honolulu. Highly entertaining, the story brings to Hawaii a young man interested in leading a swing band, but whose father insists upon his following the hotel business. He meets the daughter of a rival ftotelkeeper and aids lier in defeating his father's "grata" of the other hotel. The romantic leads are in the capable hands of Johnny Downs and Constance Moore, with Mary Carlisle, Eddie Quillan and other good players supporting. The music is supplied by Sol Hoopii's Hawaiian Band and Matty Malneck and his orchestra. ST. JAMES' THEATRE. The undoubted appeal of Robert Douat's latest film, "Good-bye. MrChips," is expressed in the fact that it has been running at St. James' Theatre since its release there before Christmas.

No picture lias so well expressed Donat's amazing versatility in the matter- of histrionics. Your Laughtons and your Arlisses may be brilliant char.icter performers. but they lack something which makes * Donat great. This is his youth, j his ability to portray, at the same time I as he is doing character work, a perfect romantic leading man's role. It has been eaid that there is no actor in Hollywood or the English studios who can take roles of eufch a description so well as Robert Donat. His appeal for all sections' of filmgoers ia a cinema marvel; one has only to recall "The Count of Monte Cristo," "The 39 Steps," "Knight Without Armour," and "The Citadel" to establish this fact. In fact, it might be said of Robert Donat that he has never yet | made a failure. In "Good-bye, Mr. Chips, which is a timely story, to say the leasti of it, a brand new star is. introduced in Greer Garson. R.OXY—TIVOLI. Two contrasting and thoroughly enjoyable pictures arc screening jointly at. the Roxv and Tivoli Theatres junt now. I hcj ■ire "On Trial." film version of a famous Elmer Rice play of the lawcomts, ami "Call of the Kockies." a powerful \\ estern melodrama with Charles Starrett as th® principal actor. A splendid troupe calling themselves "The Sons of "the lionecis and capable of smginc haunting \Yestein melodies or of riding, fighting and shooting like any regular screen cowboys, many enjoyable minutes in Call of the Rockies." "On Trial" features John Litel, Margaret Lindsay and baby Janet Chap man, with Nedda Harripm and James Stephenson bringing up the van of the supporting cast. Written in the <la> when the legitimate stage was in its lusty hevday, "On Trial" to-day loses none of its powerful melodrama. Action and dialogue are well balanced in this new him version of the famous play, which has been staged (and screened) 011 innumerable occasions. Suspense and surprise have been well exploited and emphasised to a greater degree even than in the original play or in any of the films that have been made from it. OXFORD THEATRE. $ lowerful romantic melodrama, with far >re melodrama than romance, is told in "file Real Glory," the him showing currently at the Oxford Theatre. Gary Cooper, perhaps, the most popular romantic star of the present-day screen, is the picture's star, while Andrea Leeds is his leading lady. David Niven and Owen head a capable supporting The Real Glory" has its locale in the Philippine Islands and deals with dramatic occurrences during the famous Moro Rebellion against American rule. EMBASSY THEATRE. Few romantic comedies based on daring themes have achieved success c >n the screen. An exception to this rule, Hollywood observes scrupulously—in spite of innumerable comments to the contrary—is the current Embassy Iheatie film "Yes." My Darling Daughter, starring Priscilla Lane and Jeffrey Lynn, who may be • remembered as the romantic lovers of "Four Daughters." The picture "was adapted from Mark R eccl sta SJ success of the same name. A faithful translation, it deals with the expressed desire of a .modern young girl to spend a weekend, unchaperoned, with her boy friend. The reactions of her family conventional vet surprising-and her own reactions form the play's theme and are dealt with in highly humorous and always decorous manner. That apparent contradiction bespeaks the artistry with which the film has been produced by . the Warner Brothers' Studio. Roland Young and May Robson give excellent portrayals in their own particular style of comedy, while Fay "Rainier, Genevieve Tobin, lan Hunter and Spencer Charters add to the comedy value of the offering. ROLAND FOSTER'S CONCERT.' The reappearance of Miss "Jean Mat-far-lane after her Australian broadcasting tour will be one of the attractions at Mr. Roland Foster's concert in the Lewis Eady Hall 011 January 30. Miss Ruth Scott will also be heard again after a long absence. Miss Jessie Shaw, a young contralto, from Te Awamutu, who will shortly be 'heard at the Wellington Exhibition, Miss Thelma Houston, of Sydney (Mr. Roland Foster), Mr. Tony Rex, Mr. Will Macfarlane and other artists will also appear. .

SUBURBAN THEATRES. Prince Edward, Newton.—Bing Crosby has the same marvellous voice in "East Side of Heaven," as he has. with him Joan Blondell and the wonder star, "Baby Sandy." Mickey Rooney is just as lovable in "The Hardys Ride High." Audioscopiks" is also showing. Britannia, Ponsonby.—A powerful dramatic story is told in "Honolulu." featuring Eleanor Powell and Robert Young. "Only Angels Have Wings" is the other feature, which is handled with great feeling and power, Cary Grant and Jean Arthur taking the main roles. Victoria, Devon port.—"Four Girls In White" is a story of unusual interest with a wide appeal. Florence Rice, Una Merkel, Ann Rutherford and Mary are starred. ' Also showing is "Escape From Yesterday," a film with an unusual theme. Cinema, Grey Lynn.—"Honolulu" is the main picture, depicting all the glamour and romance of the South Seas, with Eleanor Powell, Robert Young and Grade Allen in the main roles. The other film being shown is "Ambush." featuring Gladys Swarthout and Lloyd Nolan.

Crystal Palace and Rialto.—The regeneration of a coward in the great days of British Empire-building forms an absorbing theme for "Four Feathers." adapted from A. E. W. Mason's famous story. John Clements, one of England's most promising young leading men, has the principal role, which he plays to perfection. Ralph Richardson and C. Aubrey Smith have splendid characterisations to their credit in tlie film, which was produced by Alexander Korda as one of his most pretentious offerings for 1930.

State, Devonport.—Louis Hay ward has a fine dual-role performance as King Louis XIV. in Irs early days in the film version of Dumas' famous "Man In The Iron Mask." Joan Bennett has a splendid role as his betrothed Queen, the Infanta of Spain. Warren William makes a splendid aging D'Artagnan. "Way Down South" is

State. Onehunga.—Adapted from the late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous Sherlock Holmes mystery, Hound of the Baskervillcs," suffers in its new translation to the screen. "Xews Is Made At Xaght" is on. the same programme.

State, Symonds Street.—-A powerful melodrama of the days of the opening up of America's great "West by the railroad expansion, "Union Pacific" features Joel MeCrea and Barbara Stanwyck in particularly attractive roles. The film, 1 which Cecil B. de Mille produced and directed, has a cast running into thousands, yet manages to make its principals and main supporting actors say and do quite as much as any ordinary film. The picture has many graphic sequences. Two comedy performances worth mention in any review are given by Akim Tamiroff and Lynne Overman.

Star, Karangahapo Road.—Gay romantic adventures round the streets of Paris between dark and dawn form thd entertaining theme of "Midnight," in which Claudette Colbert and Don Ameclie have the principal roles. John Barrymore and Mary Astor head the supporting cast. Cecil B. de Mille contributes to the Star's programme with "The Plainsman, a powerful romantic melodrama of the W T est, starring Gary Cooper. A romantic leading lady is husky-voiced Jean Arthur, while James Ellison and Charles Biekford are chief supporting players.

Astor, Dominion Road.—All the emotions of the human makeup are evidenced in a coach trip across America's wild outback in "Stage Coach." which features John Wayne, Claire Trevor. Thomas Mitchell, Berton Churchill and John Halliday.

Berkeley. Mission Bay.—Mickey Rooijey and Freddie Bartholomew have convincing roles in "The Boy From Barnardo's," screening with a most entertaining programme of "short" features. These include the latest "March of Time" series.

Capitol. Balmoral.—Romance is the keynote of the Henry Fonda-Maureen O'Sullivan picture, "Let Us Live." sharing honours at the Capitol to-night with "Bulldog Drummond's* Secret Police."

Adelphi. Grey Lynn.—The invention of the telephone forms a thrilling story of the romantic drama "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell." starring Don Ameohe and Lorctta Young. "Charlie Chan in Reno" is another of Sidney Toler's most successful contributions to the famous Earl Derr Biggers mystery series.

Empress, Newton.—The traditional George O'Brien style of "W T estem" is followed .in "The Fighting Gringo," screening at the Empress with < "Second Fiddle." Sonja Henie's Jatest musical skatiiig film.

New Regent, Epsom.—Besides the hilarious mystery-comedy "The Gorilla," with the Kit/. Brotheiv, the New Regent is screening the powerful espionage melodrama "Confessions of a Nazi Spy." It was filmed as a result of spy exposes in the U.S.A.

New Royal, Kingsland.—A melodrama ai\d a light romance are teamed for the New RoyaL They are "Exposed," with Glenda Farrell and Otto Krugcr, and "The Nearest Thing to Heaven," a romantic vehicle for Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne.

Princess, Dominion Road.—Alexandre Dumas' famous historical romance "The Three Musketeers," becomes a first-rate comedy under the treatment of the Ritz Brothers. Richard Greene and Basil Rathbone are featured players in "The Hound of the Baskervilles," which is on flic same bill.

Alexandra, Green Lane—Peter B. Kyne's famous tale of the giant redwood forests of California comes to life in technicolour in "The Valley of the Giants" (Wayne and Claire .Trevor), which shows to-night together with "The Saint in London." George Sanders stars in the Leslie Charteris story.

De Luxe, Mount Albert.—"Rose of Washington Square" provides music, drama and romance. Tyrone Power and Alice Faye are featured. "Racket Busters." with Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Dickson, is the other attraction at the De Luxe.

Rega!, Ponsonby.—The world skating champion (before her professional career began), Sonja Henie, is as entertaining as she has ever been on the screen in "Second Fiddle," which will be shown to-night together with "My Bill" (Kay Francis).

Tudor, Remucra. —In "The Girl Downstairs," Franciska Gaal, the Viennese actress, Franohot Tone and Walter Connolly, interpret comedy in a hilarious vein. Supports include a range from the invasion of Finland to a. Walt Disney feature, "The Farmyard Symphony."

Gaiety, Takapuna.—Tn the all-colour comedy feature "Sweethearts," Jcanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy entertain in 100 per cent fashion. This film is a riot of laughter from start to finish. In addition there are fine supports.

Avondale.—"lf I W r ere King" features Ronald Col man with Frances Dee and Ellen Drew in one of the best pictures of the year. In "Strange Case of Dr. Meade."* Jack Holt and Beverly Roberts interpret mystery and thrills.

Strand, Onehunga.—Robert Montgomeir and Rosalind Russell are the stars in "Fast and Loose," with comedy and piquant situations combined in a story that is thrills from first to last. .Tack Holt as the star of "Whispering Enemies," the second big feature on the bill.

Ambassador, Point Chevalier. —"Heart of the North," iti Technicolour, is the main feature and is one of the most spectacular features shown in the city from the scenic point of view. Dick "Foran and Gloria Dickson are the stars. The second feature is "International Settlement," featuring Dolores Del Rio and George Sanders. There is a fine supporting programme.

Mayfair, Sandrinqham.—Humour will be the order of the day when '"You Can't Cheat an Honest Man." with Charlie McCarthy and W 7 . C. Fields, is screened on the same bill as "King of the Turf," with Adolphe Menjou starring.

Delta, New Lynn.—A fine romantic story is told in "Sweethearts," with Jeanebte* Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy starred. Frank Morgan has an amusing role as their manager. On the same bill is "Room Service," with, -lie Marx brothers, 1

Peerless, St. Heller's.—Charles Farrell is the only important male actor in a cast which includes such names as Constance Bennett, Alice Faye, Xancy Kelly and Joan Davis. The film is an aerial melodrama, "Tailspin/' which is showing -together with "Clim.bin«r High" (Jessie Matthews and Michael Redgrave). I Picturedrome, Milford.—George Form-by sines some of his most popular nunvbers in his amusing comedy of t'lio H.A.F., "It's lln The Air," showing to-night at the Picturedrome, Milford. CABARETS. Peter Pan.—Thco Walters' "Personality Band." Metropole.—Sammy Lee's "Americanadians." Chez Parce, Buckland's Beach.—Summer carnival. Pirate Shippe, Milford. —Old-time dance carnival. *