ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 10, 7 October 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

“Bullets or Ballots” at the De Luxe Theatre Anothor gripping characterisation is provided by Edward G. Robinson in “Bullets and Ballots,” at the De Luxe Theatre. He plays the part' of a New York detective who puts his fingers on the high-up rackateers. The east includes Joan Biondell, Humphrey Bogart, Barton McLane, and Frank McHugh. The supporting programme includes two numbers played by Iris Mason at the Wurlitzer organ, and selections by the Orchestra De Luxe. “The White Angel.” “The White Angel,” First National’s dramatisation of the life of Florence Nightingale, with Kay Francis in the stellar role, will open at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday. The story of this wealthy English girl who renounced a life of social frivolities to become a war nurse and laid the groundwork for what subsequently became the Red Cross, is filled with absorbing drama, tragedy and romance. In bringing the story of Florence Nightingale to the screen, First National has searched out the intimate details of a career rich in theatrical values. The picture is enacted ny an exceptionally talented cast of principals, with more than one thousand persons iu extra roles. lan Hunter, famous on the London stage, and in films, and Donald Woods, have the two leading masculine roles. The De Luxe Theatre and Warner Bros, are celebrating this drama of a noble figure by assisting the New Zealand Red Cross “Florence Nightingale Endowment Fund.” An outstanding featurette ou this programme will show Sybil Jasqn, the charming little child star, in “The Changing of the Guard,” a technicolour musical. Drama and Comedy at St. James Theatre “Coronado,” a jbright and humorous musical show, and “Living Dangerously” comprise a programme of wide appeal at the St. James Theatre. “Living Dangerously” is a brilliant English production, with Otto Kruger in the leading role, in which two doctors figure prominently in an emotional drama. “Dracula’s Daughter.” “Dracula,” the dreaded vampire, played with gruesome realism by Bela Lugosi, was the first of a new type of screen thriller, and its success has probably never, been equalled. Dracula is dead—he met a well-merited end: but the ingenuity of scenario-writers has brought to the screen “Dracula's Daughter,” which is claimed to be enshrouded in the same tense, uncanny atmosphere that pervaded “Dracula.” In conjunction with an exciting aerial drama, “Border Flight,” “Dracula’s Daughter” will commence a season at the St. James Theatre on Friday. Spy Thriller at the Regent Theatre “Till We Meet Again,” which is in its last two days at the Regent Theatre, is a fine example of the best type of spy drama, splendidly enacted by Herbert Marshall and Gertrude Michael. It is not overloaded with the complicated detail of espionage systems, yet it has the authenthic atmosphere of suspense and excitement. “The Last of the Mohicans.” Once again the producers of “The Count of Monte Cristo” have translated to the screen a story that is a favourite one with every generation. They have chosen this time “The Last of the Mohicans,” James Fenimore Cooper’s immortal elassie of the hand-to-hand struggle for a nation yet unborn, and have lavished on it all their great resources. The Wellington season will start at the Regent Theatre on Friday. Hawkeye, Chingachgook, Major Heyward. Cora and Alice, the famous characters who moved adventurously through the pages of the book, are brought to vivid life upon the screen. The grandeur, the excitement and adventurous sweep of this remarkable -story has been captured with stirring realism The picture should prove an important item on the cinema list of the millions of lovers of the book, as well as those unfamiliar with the stirring story of the pioneer men and women who faced death and danger and exciting adventure for the glory of a brave new world carved from a trackless wilderness.

“These Three,” Drama at New Opera House How three young lives are wrecked by neighbours placing too much faith in gossip. .is unfolded in “These Three,” whicn will conclude a short return season at the New Opera House to-morrow. Miriam Hopkins has won through sheer merit the reputation of a first-rate actress; and Merle Oberon', who m bracketed with her at the bead of the cast, has developed rapidly, while Joel McCrea is not found lacking when compared with them. “Sanders of the River.” The swift action and tense excitement of the Edgar Wallace story, cleverly translated to the screen and finely acted, make absorbing entertainment of “Sanders of the River,” which is to commence a. return season at the New Opera House on Friday. Paul Robeson lends a flue dignity to the leading role of Bosambo, the fearless chieftain, and his magnificent bass is uplifted in Mischa Spoliansky s stirring songs. Nina Mae McKinney plays Lilongo, his wife, and Leslie Banks has the name role. “It’s Love Again” at the Plaza Theatre “It’s Love Again,” Jessie Matthews’ new musical comedy, is now at t^ e Plaza Theatre. The plot is similar to that of “Evergreen, and the music is just as snappy but. it has a refreshingly brisk action which keeps the audience in a constant state of enjoyment. Sonnie Hale, who has been an admirable foil for Jessie Matthews in previous films, is again at. his best,, and the romantic male lead is attractively handled by Robert Young. “Small Town Girl” at the Majestic Theatre The screen version of Beu Ames Williams's powerful story, "Small Town Girl,” which is at the Majestic Theatre, loses nothing in the acting of Janet Gaynor and Robert Taylor. Janet Gaynor, attractive as ever, has shown herself supremely capable of playing a part calling for considerable power. She appears first as a shop assistant in a small town, living with her family on the premises Bored with her humdrum life she chooses an easy way out by marrying a wealthy young doctor while he is intoxicated. Historical Drama at the State Theatre ’ln all her brilliant screen career, Katharine Hepburn has never given a finer performance than in the title role of “Mary of Scotland,” tile new film at the State Theatre this week. Fredric March plays opposite her as the Earl of Bothwell. ' Taken from an unhappy —a bitter —period in English and Scottish history, the story lends itself readily to adaptation to the screen. Grace Moore at Paramount In the fourth week of its Wellington season, Grace Moore’s latest film, "The King Steps Out,” is now at the Paramount Theatre. Handsome, talented Franchot Tone plays opposite the dna. The songs in the film were compo.-ed by Fritz Kreisler, world-famous violinist and composer. “Dinner at Eight.” A favourite of several seasons ago, "Dinner at Eight,” will be revived at the Paramount Theatre ou Friday.