AMUSEMENTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 119, 22 May 1941, Page 18

AMUSEMENTS

"VICTORY." KMBASSV. Hendrlt Heyst Fredric March Alma Betty Field Mr. Jones Sir Cedrtc Hardwlcke Mr. Schomberg -gig Rumann Mis. Schomberg Margaret Wycherly Rlcardo Jerome Cowan Director: John Cromwell. Faramount. A select group of some of Hollywood's best actors is to be seen in the Paramount screen version of one of Joseph Conrad's treat novel*, "Victory." which opened at the Embassy Theatre to-day. The picture stars Frederic .March and Betty Field, whose exceptional acting ability lias made her one of the brightest stars in Hollywood. Featured in the impressive cast are Sir Codric llardwicke. Sig Kumanh, Marginet Wycherly. .Jerome Cowan, Fritz Feld, Lionel Royce and Kafaela Ottiano. The role of the Swede, Heyst. in Conrad's story, offers March full opportunity to bring int.) play his acting talent. In it he is a cynical hermit who tries to withdraw from the world on a lonely .Javanese Island. H« thinks that few' things are worth fighting for—until ho finds love and faith in a woman, qualities he never knew before. Betty Field is seen in the role of the girl who helps March to victory over himself, with her love. The climax of the film conies when three unprincipled cutthroats invade their island paradise, prepared to do murder for the money they believe March has hidden. The three villuina are played by Sir C'edric Hardwicke. •Terome Cowan and Lionel Koyce. For moie than a generation. Conrad's story has been a romance and adventure classic and offers wonderful material for a eereen play; Hollywood has made good use of it. REGENT The North-West Mutinied Police has intrigued the imagination not only of Canada, but of the British Knipirc for the last hundred years. Its devotion to duty and its reputation of completing a task. however difficult, has established a record that no force within the F.mpire has surpassed. Stories have been told of the pursuit of desperate criminals into the frozen circles of the Arctic that are legends that cannot be forgotten. At the Kegent Theatre ".Vorth-West Mounted Police." ■one of the finest productions that' Cecil B. de Mille has given (he public, is screeniii|_ r . It presents the highlights of the work of this magnificent force in dramatic and exciting form. The presentation in Tee-hni-col'our adds considerably to the appreciation that the public has formed of this world renowned studio. Admirably selected fhe cast is headed by fiary Cooper. Madeleine Carroll. Paulette Goddard. Preston Foster and Robert Preston, none of whom have probably even been seen to greater advantage. People who appreciate €i film which combines romantic interest with stirring outdoor action could not wish for a better film. Three skilled playwriuhts are responsible for the screenplay which they secured from records of the Royal X'Oi th-Weet Mounted Police. ST. JAMES' There were many critics both within America and without who made disparaging remarks about "Gone With The Wind" before it was released and prophesied that even if it was a success in U.S.A.. is would never be appreciated in foreign lands. How wrong they were is evident from the receptions which have been accorded it in the countries in which it 'has been shown. One of the points to whicli critics clung tenaciously was that

"Gone Witih The Wind -, dealt with the American Civil War, end that they eaid «aa dead matter for anyone but Americans. Those who have seen the film which is showing at the St. James' Theatre, will sfo the fallacy in this argument. Although the American Civil War does come within thu'scope of the picture it is not the centre of interest, but merely an incident in a great gtory. The centre of interest is to l>e found throughout its enormous length in Scarlett O'Hara. Vivien Leigh, wh'ose part if: probably as difficult to play as any ever assigned to an actress in Hollywood, and which she performs with the utmost credit. Her performance as a tempestuous girl, although brilliant, has many winch closely match it. Clark Gable is said by the experts to give hit* very best performance, and there are others who shine in this superb film. CIVIC Against the background of a mid-West-1 era University town, where the college I hae juet opened its doors, ie told the exciting and entertaining etory of EHa Bishop in "Cheers for Miss Bishop." which is screening at the Civic Theatre. Ella is played by Martha Scott, one of the rserwi't; most captivating heroines, en attractive girl wlio attracts the love of tine? men. portrayed by William Gargan, Sidney Blackniev and Donald Douglas. Naturailv the romances and colourful life story ot Klla overshadow the eecondary etory of th • university and its manifold personalities. How these two threads interlock provide, "Cheers for Miss Bis*hop" with a rousing climax. In entertainment this picture | offers the moviegoer thrills and excitement in a etory intensely human, poignant and emotional. Its love etory k one of the screen's great love stories and ranks with ,»uoh other picture achievements an "Stella Dallas" , and "The Old Maid." Aiding this screen version ie the brilliant direction of Tay Garnett, the excellent dialogue and screen showmanship. "Cheers for Miss Bishop" adds up to ton-notch entertainment on all counts—it has dra.ma, emotion. comedy, suspense and exeitemen'.. It is a boon to those patrons wanting to enjoy themselves when they go to the'movies. PLAZA Nothing has caught the imagination of the public more than Chaplin's production of "The Great Dictator,"' which is screening at the Plaza Theatre. Not only is it a triumph of film production, but in the conception \vliieh "envisages the conflict be'-! tween the totalitarian view of Government i and the democracy that is the foundation j of freedom, it shows the talent which has endeared him to two generations of filmgoers. There is both humour and tragedy to be found in the etory that he presents •of the conflict between right and'wrong wihich faces the world. Chaplin is seen as Hynkel. Dictator of Tomania, which role gives him -full opportunity to display his ■ talen.t as a great actor aa well as a comedian. During the first part of the film Chaplin is seen in a role which has en- j deared him to the world—as a simple and comical soldier, taking part in a mighty ; conflict. Nothing can be said that is t>oo complimentary about the sup-port that the star has in this film. Jack Oakie has never appeared to better advantage than in his ! part of Napaloni, Dictator of Vacteria.j Paillette Goddard portrays a sympathetic j and attractive role. The picture, offers comedy and tragedy, satire and melodrama, slapstick and sentiment, over all of which | Chaplin predominates. MAJESTIC Life amidst greasy derricks and pounding machinery i* a breathless one and it:; thrills are brought reaJietically to the screen in "Flowing Gold," which will begin showing at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow. This story of love and adventure has for its setting the oilfields of Texas. At the head of its cast are Pat O'Brien. John Garfield and Frances Farmer. Iu addition to the fast-moving story tli3 camera catches eorae astounding ehota—a i huge 'overpowering avalanche, and the unique thrill of tapping a new "drum" and, seeing- the dark liquid shooting geyserlike into the air. In "Flowing Gold"' O'Brien is seen In the role of Hap O'Connor, a smart oil foreman. Garfield is cast aa Johnny Bl.ik-e. a young man embittered I with life-. But iu a boom town he met O'Connor aud a friendship grew 'up between theee two. Their conflicting .temperament* occasionally clash, but they* work together in a job which is ideal ! material for the movies. Abo screening I ie "Just William." with Dickv Lupino and 1 Rodrfy .McDowell. William'e father.ie a ■ candidate for municipal- elections. Siaway, 1 his chief, rival, alienates the favour of I wealthy Ml°6. Bott, whose power is a big I factor. William's participation in the I events leading to hie father's success form 1 th* baeie of & hgtt and merry comedy.

OXFORD-AVON Keynote of •'Young People."' which will begin .screening at the Oxfoid and Avon Theatre** to-morrow, is rollicking entertainment. It lias been called Shirley Temple's most enjoyable picture. Costarred with Shirley are Jack Oakie and Charlotte Greenwood. In addition to its joyful music this new tilm is ako possessed of an unusual etory which adtte to its attraction. Shirley has many opportunities to sins and dance, in which she excels aa always. Helping to make ''Young People' , an outstanding musical hit are ti\e new song* with a series of dances. The songs are "Fifth Avenue," "1 Wouldn't Take a .Million." "Tra-la-la-la:" "Tho Mason-Dixon Line" and the title tune. Ateo screening is "JJrown on 11.M.5. Resolution," a plain unadorned tale of duty bravely carried out in the spirit of naval tradition. Romance touches tlio earlier part of the story. A coup.e destined never to meet again dedicate; their son. Albert Brown, to the service of the navy. Ahmwt the sole survivor from H.M.S. Rutland, sunk by enemy action. Albert is made prisoner on the enoniy ship which j)iit.s into Resolution Islam! to.repairs. Brown contrive*; to escape and in so doing renders a great service, to his country for the enemy ciuii-er is caught and sunk. The successive sinkings- of two warships with their relentless nunnery and torpedo attacks are effective in the extreme. STRAND "Captain.-; Courageous" i- a film which has enjoyed an immense popularity an 1 continues to do so. In response to requests the Strand Theatre will commence screening this Metro-Goldwyn-Ma.ver epic tomorrow. Ttndy.ird Kipling's thrilling saji.i ot' the Gloucester tis-liet man is undoubtedly one of the greatest sea stories of modern literature. The same company whirl] di-l such full justice to '■.Mutiny on the Bounty"' has done equal justice, to "'Captain* t'oi la-'coiis." The leading- roles arc tilled by Spencer Tracy. Freddie Bartholomew. Lionel llarryiuorc niul .\lelvyn Douglas. As a rich American boy, pampered and spoilt. Freddie Bartholomew it, excellent. On a voyage to Kurope will) his millionaire father lie tails from ,i luxury liner and in picked up liy a fishing dory anions thr crew of which is Spenecv Tracy. L'p till this time Kieddie has. known no work, but on boaid the dory he is trained to the life of the hardy men of the sea. Tin , path is not an easy one for him. but with the help-of .Manuel, played by Spencer Tracy, he is regenerated into a tine lad. There are many unforgettable scenes, especially aboard the little dory when she is smashed and pounded by great sea J. Tracy port rays' a sympathetic role extremely well. A notable performance is. jjivpn by Mickey Kooney as the captain's sou. Victor Fleming directed. VOGUE. Magnificently produced from start to finish. "Marie Antoinette" is screening at: the Vosrue Theatre. Heading the- cast of this outstanding film are Norma Shearer unci Tyrone Power. Extremely lino scenes abound throughout, not the lea&t'' impressive of which is one in which t'he feeWe Fren<-h Kifi. , attempts to addreee a mob of unruly soldiers. STATE. Always one of the sci ecu's iiiu.-l colourful personalities. Wallace Heery appeals to full advantage in Wyoming, which is r-howiiig ;it flip .St-ate The.itro. His is ,\ dashing role full of action and excitement. The tilm is a fnK-im.ving one and Hcery's adventures are many. In support of the star arc Leo Canillo, Ann Rutherford and others. PATRIOTIC CONCERT To-night in the Town Hall a concert will be given by the Pnpaktir.i Camp Kind and the Lyric Harmonists choir. The entir. , pror-eods raised will be devoted to the Fitfhtinjl Forces Fund. The choir is eon- ! ducted liy Claude Laurie and among th<sonze to be presented am "The Peaw-art Cantata.' , "Poet, and Peasant"' and a sketch, entitled "A Day With Hunts.nen" are anions the it-ems to be given by the band. This musical programme should provide a thoroughly entertaining evening.

AMUSEMENTS GUIDE

CIVIC SQI , ARE— Amusement Part. PICTURE THEATRES REGENT—Gary Cooper and Madeleine Carroll In "North-West Mounted Police." PLAZA—Charlie Ohoplin and Paillette Goddard In "The Great Dictator." OXFORD—Ginger Rogers in "Kitty Foyle" and "Dr. Christian Meets The Women." EMBASSY—Fredric March and Sir Cedric Hardwicke in "Victory." STRAND—George Raft and Ann Sheridan la "The Road To Frisco." CENTURY—CharIes Laughton and Carole Lombard in "They Knew What They Wanted." ClVlC—Martha Scott and William Gargan in "Cheers For Miss Bishop." MAJESTIC—WeIter Ptdceon in "Sky Murder" and Richard Arlen ill "Black Diamonds." ROXY—Tim Holt In "Wacon Train" and Jack Randall in "Riders of the Da-.vn." ST. JAMES'—Clprk Gsble and Vivien Leigh In "Gone With The Wind." NEW ROTtl "Road To Singapore" and "Private Affairs." TEERLESS (St. Helier's)—"St. Martin's Lane." PRINCE EDWARD—Guest Night. MMNCESS— "Tin Pan Alley" and "Gambling on the High Seas." REGENT (Epsom)—" Rebecca." REGAL—Guest Night. RlALTO—"Torrid Zone" and "Pier 13." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Wyoming." STATE (Ontliani-a)—"Elizabeth and Essex" and "Charter Pilot." STATE (Drvonport)—"All This and Heaven. Too." STRAND (Onehunea)—"Spring Parade" and "The Circus Girl." TIVOLI—"Wagon Train" and "Riders of the Dawn." TUDOR—"Pride and Prejudice." VICTORIA—Guest Night. VOGUE—"Marie Antoinette." AVON (Newton)—" Kitty Foyle" and "Dr. Christian Meets The Women." ASTOR—"Man From Dakota" and "Our Neighbours, The Cartcrr." ADELPIII—"The Mark Of Zorro" and "Cross Country Romance." ALEXANDRA—CIosta lor Rebuilding. AMBASSADOR—Guest Night. AVONDALE—Guest Nisht BRlTANNlA—"Everything Happens At Night" and "On Dress Parade." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)—" Untamed." .CAPlTOL—"Virginia City" and "Heroes In Blue." CRYSTAL PALACE—"Torrid Zone" and "Pier 13." DE LUXE—"I Married A Nazi" and "Castle on the Hudson." GREY LYNN—"Poison Pen" and "Black Eyes." GAIETY—"When the Daltons Rode." LIBERTY (Painell)—"Blackweirs Island" and "Saint's Double Trouble." RADIO PROGRAMMES 1YA—7.35 p.m.. Winter Course Talk: "The Changing Society: The Changing Environment"9.25. studio concert by Auckland Waterside Workers , Silver Band; 10.0, uuy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians. 2VA—7.15 p.m., -Britain Speaks": 9.25. Charles Martin (pianist) in a Studio recital- 940 The "Paris" Symphony. IYX—B.O p.m.. Yehudi Menuhin (violin); 8.8 Lotte Lehmann (soprano); 9.0, Classical recital. 1ZM—7.45 p.m., "The Channings"; 8.0, Orchestral frSm C: the"'balle\?' Cal C ° meay Bems and music