ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 159, 2 April 1937, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

“Three Smart Girls” Transferred to Paramount

Deanna Durbiu, 14-year-old songstress, has captivated all who have seen her ia her first film, "Three Smart Girls,” during the past month at the St. James. Theatre, and the film has now been transferred to continue its season at the Paramount Theatre. This picture sets forth the hilarious adventures of three young girls intent on saving their father from a fortune-hunting international beauty, who wants to marry him only for his wealth. There is a comedy of errors, based ou mistaken identity, which adds to the fun-provoking story. Just to make the film more interesting there is a triple romance woven into the narrative. The dialogue is brightly amusipg, aud the situations get funnier by the minute. The ravishing Binnie Barnes portrays the huntress of fortunes; Alice Brady is seen as her scheming mother. Ray Millaud helps the “Three Smart Girls” prevent the marriage, and wins the heart of one of the sisters, played by Barbara Read. Deanna Durbin is the youngest daughter, The other one is portrayed by Nan Grey, who is whirled into romance with John King. Charles AVinninger is the millionaire father. “Craig’s Wife” to Open at St. James Theatre To-day Rosalind Russell and John Boles as Mr. and Mrs. Walter Craig, will be seen in the film version of “Craig’s Wife,” which will open to-day at the St. James Theatre. The stars are. supported in lesser roles by an imposing cast, including Billie Burke, Jane Darwell, Dorothy Wilson, Alma Kruger, Thomas Mitchell, Robert Allen, and Raymond Walburn. “Craig’s Wife” is the story of a cold and calculating ’.,oman who marries merely to attain her lifetime goal—absolute independence. She stands aloof from everyone. even subtly, her own husband, whom she considers merely a necessary evil. Her home is her temple, her symbol of aijd she jealously guards it from all. Soon, however, she goes too far in her machinations, and her adoring husband, who has neve before suspected that she only looked upon him as another valuable piece of furniture in her sumptuous home, leaves her. Gradually her world comes toppling down, until she stands alone, a tragic figure, surveying the ruins of her life.

“Beloved Enemy” to Remain at Regent Theatre

Once again the story of the Irish rebellion of 1921 comes to the screen in "Beloved Enemy,” which has been held over tor a second week at the Regent Theatre. .Merle Oberon, in a less exotic role than she is usually given, is cast as the daughter of Lord Athleigh, an English diplomat sent to report ou the uprising. Brian Aherne takes the part of secret leader of the Irish. Ra Hould, the 12-year-old Duuedin .boy, takes a prominent part as a young Irish lad who brings Lady Helen Athleigh and Denis Riordan, the leader of the rebellion, together. The picture opens iu thrilling fashion with the searchlights of an English armoured car sweeping the doorways of the houses, the inhabitants cowering back until the troops have gone by. The action moves swiftly through a succession of stirring events, with Riordan fleeing before the raids of the English militia. Throughout the film there is a continual tension as the intelligence department slowly draws an evercloscr net.

“Charlie Chan at the Opera” at State To-day

In “Charlie Chan at the Oj'era.” which will begin a season at the State Theatre to-day, -Warner Olaud comes to the screen again in a detective role which he has made almost a.s famous as that ot Sherlock Holmes, Earl Der digger s suave and inscrutable Chinese detective, Charlie Chan. This time Boris Karloff, famous for his roles in “Frankenstein” and other creepy films, is the menace opposing Chan. Key Luke, the volatile young Oriental, again plays the role of Chan’s headstrong son. and Margaret Irving and Thomas Beck are also in the cast.

A Fox Movietone newsreel showing scenes of the arrival of the Clipper fly-ing-boat ta Auckland, and reproducing Captain Musick’s speech in reply to t-he welcome heads the supporting programme.

Second Week of “Libelled Lady” at Majestic

Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy, unite their exceptional acting ability in “Libelled Lady,” which is to remain for a second week at the Majestic Theatre. The action of the film centres about a society girl who considers that a .newspaper has insulted her and files a damage suit for five million dollars. Needle, s to say, the sued newspaper is thrown into an uproar and its managing editor solicits the aid of a former star reporter to extricate the paper from its difficulties. In his scheme to make tlie heiress drop her suit, the r nerter succeeds in making her fall iu love with him. It is when he, in turn, falls in love with her, that complications begin, and the tale takes an unexpected and hilarious turn. . Two New Films at De Luxe Theatre To-day Continuing its policy of presenting two big pictures, the De Luxe Theatre will screen to-day a bright and varied pro. gramme. The first attraction co-stars sprightly Jack Oakie and charming Sally Eilers in “Florida Special,” a mystery-thriller-comedy. In this story of romance and intrigue,' a heterogeneous lot of characters are thrown together on a speeding train. Young Virginia Weidler has the leading role in “Girl of the Ozarks,” a film 1 depicting all the charm of a section of America where life re. tains primitive simplicity. “Lloyd’s of London” in Second Week at Plaza The emotional glory of a woman’s love, the flaming courage of a hero's lie, and the vengeful fury of a husband’s bate bring intrigue, romance and adventure to “Lloyd’s of London." the Twentieth Cen-tury-Fox picture, which has been held for a second week at the Plaza Theatre. Tyrone Power, as the enterprising head of the great underwriting firm, is destined for screen fame through his portrayal opposite beautiful Madeleine Carroll of a forbidden love, a romance which changed the fate of a nation. Freddie Bartholomew is co-starred with Miss Carroll, and the cast also features Sir Guy Standing, C. Aubrey Smith, and Virginia Field. Set against the turbulent canvas of the beginnings of British supremacy of the seas, the romance serves to focus into a stirring kaleidoscope the birth of the Empire and the growth of the world’s most extraordinary aud exciting business organisation. Tlie Buttle of Trafalgar is the climax of the picture. The supporting programme includes a Fox Movietone newsreel showing scenes at the arrival of the Sikorsky clipper fly-ing-boat at Auckland on Tuesday. “Dimples” and “Back to Nature” at King’s Love, life and laughter take to wheels as the hilarious Jones family hits the romance trail in a car trailer in "Baek to Nature,” which will open with “Dimples" at. the King’s Theatre to-day. In this newest adventure of the Jones family, Jed I’routy. Shirley Deane, Dixie Dunbar, Tony Martin, Spring Byington, I.enueth Howell, George Ernest, June Carlson, Florence Roberts and Billy Mahan are feat ii red.

Shirley Temple sings, dances and dimples her way into the heart of the rowdy, romantic Bowery iu "Dimples.” Frank Morgan heads the east supporting the little star, including Helen Wesley. Robert Kent, Astrid Allwyn, Deli.ua Byron, the Hall Joliusoa Choir and Stepin Fetciut,