ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 297, 12 September 1938, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

“West Of Shanghai” & Comedy At De Luxe Theatre

The exotic atmosphere of the interior of North China —rarely if ever before shown in a motion picture and particularly timely to-day with China . in the headlines—comes to the screen in "West of Shanghai,” a melodramatic thriller which is now showing at the De Luxe Theatre.

The popular comedian, Joe E. Brown, has served out heaps of fun in his career, but rarely has he been as generous as he is in Columbia's “Wide Open Faces,” which is the second feature.

Regent Theatre Now Screening “That Certain Woman”

Bette Davis is again seen to ad- . vantage in a film that has plenty of scope for her emotional talents in “That Certain Woman,” a Warner Bros, melodrama, which continues its season at the Regent Theatre. Adventure, 'romantic love, martyrdom. motherlove are all portrayed by blonde Bette in the course of this excitiug drama, Henry Fonda carries the male romantie interest, and others in the cast include ■ lan Hunter, Anita Louise and Donald Crisp. “Second Best Bed.’’ The next attraction at the Regent Theatre is “Second Best Bed.” which opens its Wellington season on Thursday. Written by Ben Travers, the film stars one of Britain’s most popular comedians, Tom Walls. Janp Baxter is also starred. “Three Comrades” Continues At Majestic Theatre Set against the sombre background of post-war Germany, “Three Comrades,” which is in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, is a tragic drama of unusual power. Although it is in itself a bitter denunciation of the effects of war on a strong, prosperous nation, it. is not by any means a war picture, and the political aspect is totally excluded. Robert Taylor, Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone and Robert Voting head an excep-

tionally strong cast, which includes, among others, Lionel Atwill and. Guy Kibbee. The story tells of the adventures of three friends, Taylor, Tone and Young, on their return from the war to their homeland, Germany, which they find in a spirit of lawlessness, unrest and despair. “Everybody Sing.” “Everybody Sing,” which opens at the Majestic Theatre on Friday, is a musisal that will appeal to opera lovers and swing addicts alike. Allan Jones and Judy Garland, as the singing chef and the swinging schoolgirl, are outstanding in their singing, dancing and acting. The fine supporting cast includes such well known players as Fanny Brice, Reginald Owen, Billie Burke, Reginald Gardiner and Lynne Carver. The plot concerns the antics of a madcap theatrical family who send their daughter, Judy, to Europe because she keeps getting expelled from school for singing “swing” in classes. Judy, realising that her family has gone bankrupt, leaves the boat and joiiw forces with her family’s singing chef, Jones. Together they put on a musical show which makes a “hit” and saves the family from the poorhouse.

“The Rage Of Paris” At St. James Theatre Presenting the beautiful international star, Danielle Darrieux, in her initial American screen role, Universal’s “The Rage of Paris,” a dashing romantic co-m-edy, is now showing at the St. James Theatre. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., is co-starred with the versatile French actress who appeared in some of Europe’s most distinguished films, including the prize-winning “Mayerling,” before going to Hollywood. Among the featured players, Mischa Auer has the comedy role of a bewildered waiter, Helen Broderick, famous screen and Broadway stage comedienne, plays the part of a humorous, worldly-wise actress, and Louis Hayward is Fairbanks’s rival. Properly to present Miss Darrieux, whose beauty and talent have captured the imagination of millions abroad, Universal production officials have supported the star with a brilliant cast. “The Drum” Showing For Third Week At Plaza Theatre The possibility of films centred around the lives of Britishers on the North-west Frontier becoming tedious is very remote if future productions with that theme are of an equally high standard as “The Drum,” now screening at the Plaza Theatre for the third week. The film, entirely in teehnicolour, abounds in thrills, drama, and humour, and gives an excellent insight into the troubles encountered by British regiments in those, at times, troublous regions. The story deals with an attempted rising of the natives in Tokot (an imaginary State). “Sailing Along.’’ The popular English star, Jessie Matthews, comes to the Plaza Theatre on Friday in the new G.B.D. film, “Sailing Along.” Her dancing partner is Jack Whiting, who hag had considerable success on Broadway’s musical comedy stage.

Simone Simon In “Josette” At State Theatre

“Josette,” 20th Century-Fox’s latest comedy, co-starring Don Ameche, Simone Simon, and Robert Young, is now showing at the State Theatre. This spicy, tantalising story is gayer than a Mardi Gras, with these three delightful stars. Three new song hits by Hollywood’s best musicians are featured in the musical background of the film. These are “May I Drop a Petal in Your Glass of Wine?” “In Any Language,” and “Where in the World?” Bert Lahr and Joan Davis, new comedy team, head the featured cast of “Josette.” Two Comedies Showing At Tudor Theatre A new style of screen courtship is previewed in RKO Radio’s “Bringing Up Baby,” which is now showing at the Tudor Theatre. Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, principals in the novel love affair, meet with many madcap adventures when they become entangled in a circus. Charlie Ruggles, May Robson, Barry Fitzgerald, Waller Catlett, and Fritz Feld, also figure prominently. Joe Penner and Lucille Ball are costarred in another hilarious comedy. "Go Chase Yourself,” the associate feature. “Stolen Heaven” Showing At Paramount Theatre Gene Haymond and Olympe Bradna head the cast of Paramount’s romantic drama. “Stolen Heaven,’’ which is now showing for a return season at the Paramount Theatre. It is a story of two young lovers, threatened with separation because of indiscretions committed in the past, who are rescued from their difficulties by a devoted old musician, the only person who believes in them, Lewis Stone plays the role of their aged friends.