PARAMOUNT THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 122, 16 February 1935, Page 14

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

Double-Feature Programme Stamped with the hallmark of reality and human experience, “Housewife,” which is now showing at the Paramount Theatre, presents a picture of life as it might easily be. The story, by Robert Lord and Lillie Hayward, deals with the eternal triangle, but Warner Bros, have given the theme a new and novel treatment. As the stars, George Brent, Bette Davis, and Ann Dvorak give carefullystudied performances, which serve to intensify the enthralling interest in the picture. The picture glorifies the women of the home, for it is the wife in this instance who is the inspiration for her husband’s success. It is she who, after she has engineered the success, stands by with an aching heart while he makes love to a more glamorous rival. The plot is carefully worked out, and not for a moment does interest in the picture lag. In direct contrast, “Havana Widows” provides a light, farcical comedy touch, and it is a picture from which the laughs are never absent for any length of time. Joan Biondell, Glenda Farrell, Guy Kibbee, and Frank McHugh are the stars, and they team perfectly as a first-class laugh-raisiug quartet. Miss Iris Mason presents some attractive numbers on the Wurlitzer organ. KING’S THEATRE . Drama and Comedy A daring expose of the anachronistic politics ruling in America during . the world-wide depression has been achieved by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in '“Gabriel Over the White House,” the chief item in a double-feature programme at the King's Theatre. The picture was adapted from the story by an anonymous American who knew his politics as few others know it and who had the courage to place under critical and constructive review the turmoil and utter chaos brought about by maintaining worn-out systems. As his speaking-piece he has selected Jud Hammond, a newly-elected. President of the Unital States, a man who mouths the dogmas and long-established creeds of his party. .An accident happens and. suffering from an injury to the bead, Hammond in thought and action enforces the true natural and democratic laws as worked upon by Lincoln, Jefferson and other great Presidents who laid the foundations of a great nation. Racketeering, corruption and in the sphere of applied politics, outworn principles are wiped out and reforms are enforced, to the confusion of Congress. This story, in the light of present-day difficulties, is gripping in theme. Walter Huston is the modern Gabriel, and his portrayal of the dual personalities of the President is masterly. Karen Morley and Franchot Tone have never been seen to better advantage, and a large cast lentil invaluable support. Ed Wynn, the owl-eyed comedian, leads a large group of artists in an hilarious comedy-drama. “The Chief,” the supporting feature. The tough Bowery boys are all at sea when confronted with' Wynn’s displays of imbecility. DE LUXE, "LOWER HUTT One of the most exciting films that have come from Hollywood for a long time will be shown at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, to-night and On Monday. It is “Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back,” starring Ronald Colman and Lor-’ etta Young. Also in the cast are .Warner Oland, Charles Butterworth and Una Merkel. On Tuesday and Wednesday will be shown Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper in “The Bowery,” and this will be followed on Thursday and Friday by the educational drama ‘’’Damaged Lives. ’ PALACE, PETONE Merry x entertainment is “Those Were the Days,” starring Will Hay. to be shown at the Palace Theatre, Petone, today and’ to-night. GRAND, PETONE “Wake Up and Dream” is the film to be shown at the Grand Theatre, Petone. to-day and to-night. Also is featured “Million Dollar Ransom.” KING GEORGE, LOWER HUTT Jan Kiepura, famous tenor, is the star in “My Song for You.” which is to be presented to Lower Hutt audiences at the King George Theatre to-day and tonight. PRINCE EDWARD, WOBURN A .Tim version of the well-known “Sapper” character will be seen at the Prince Edward Theatre, Woburn, to-day and to-' night in “The Return of Bulldog Drummond.” MAJESTIC, UPfER HUTT The musical film “Take a Chance,” with James Dunn, June Knight, Lillian Roth and Buddy Rogers, begins at the Majestic Theatre, Upper Hutt, to-day and to-night.