ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 81, 30 December 1940, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

liiiig's Theatre. — Onlj two films could be described ns having anj thing in common with "Tom Browii'k Silmoldays -

iliey arc "Good-live. Mr. Chips” and "Buys' 'l'nwn," iii'ilher of which bore any riseiiiiiliuwe to this story. It is the atmosphere of youth growing up in cir-ciiiustaiu'i-o peciili.'ir to the making of manhood that is I'olllllloll 10 all three pu.i uies. Like the worid-lanimis book from which it was adapted, lhe film al the King's ’riieatre bases its appi'ti! on lhe tremendously human attributes of its print-ipa 1 i-nactors and on the feeling which it engenders that all is right with tlie rising generation. Sir Cedrie Ilard-wir-ke'e- performance as tlie headmaster is u.d'orgciialde and must rank with the year's- acting triumphs. Jimmy Lydon, east as 'l'oni Brown, turns on a magnificent iffort which will place him on the pinnacle of child-acting fame. Freddie Bartholomew Ims a congenial part.

I’laza Theatre. —Having its New Zealand premiere, Maurice Maeterliuk’s charming story. "The Blue Bird.” is being shown at the Plaza Theatre. The picture brings Shirley Temple to the screen in tier finest; production to date, and adds to its uuiversai appeal by an excellent use of technicolour. Spring Byington and Eddie Collins have supporting roles. Tlie story, which should appeal to young amt old alike, is beautifully photographed iu colour, aud this brings about just the right atmosphere of phantasy aud fairy-tale so necessary in a picture of this uature. As might be expected, the production is ou a lavish scale. Some of the sequences are truly remarkable- —the forest fire, for instance, is a masterpiece of technical ingenuity.

.Majestic Theatre. —One ot the most popular of musical operettas, “New Moon," is presented with unusual beauty in the screen version at the Majestic Theatre. United again to continue their serii'S of musical triumphs, Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald give excellent performances, as well as making the most of the many Romberg melodies for which the operetta is famous. These include such numbers as "Lover Come Back to Me,” "Stout Hearted Meu” aud "Wanting You,” the solos and duets of the principals being backed by brilliant choruses, aud the whole being set in scenes of spectacular interest.

Regent Theatre.—A great and lasting tribute to the British people and to_ the skill, courage and daring of tlie Britisti Navy and Mercantile Marine, "Convoy,” at the Regent Theatre, is definitely a picture for the times. Here is a film that shows tlie sailor's magnificent mettle, his value to the nation, in “Convoy” he is seen in normal moments and during the battle. Dis good spirits amt persistent humour, his persiflage, his faith in his ollicers, his devotion to duty, and his complete lack of heroics—all are shown here in complete fidelity. The ships as well as the men of this story come to life. Notable are the sequences depicting the fight between the British ship “Apollo” aud the German raider “Deutschland.” Clive Brook has the leading role.

St. James Theatre.— All the gaiety of the music-loving city of Vienna is brought to the screen in "Spring Parade,” which will continue its successful season at the St. James Theatre today. Older now, though with no diminution in her youthful charm, Deanna Durbin sings and acts delightfully in the leading role. Set against Vienna in the gay ’nineties, the picture has a background well suited to the star's personality. Deanna appears as :i village maid who goes to the city m search of the destiny foretold her by a fortune-teller. The story involves the star in her first real romance of the screen. Her charming voice is heard in several numbers, while comic relief is supplied by Miseha Auer. Robert Cummings takes the romantic lead opposite Miss Durbin.

State Theatre.— Authentic .scenes of the activities of a modern aircraft factory which accompany the building of a high speed pursuit aeroplane, add interest to the exciting romantic drama, "Men Against the Sky,” at the State'Theatre. Hero of innumerable thrilling films, the veteran actor, Richard Dix, appears in the main role as a man who was once an aee-pilot and who returns to test and perfect a newly designed pursuit, aeroplane. The part of his loyal sister is admirably taken by attractive Wendy Barrie, white other principals include Kent Taylor and Edmund Lowe. Georgy O’Brien gets more than his usual quota of action, speed, aud thrills into "Triple Justice,” a story or revenge, whose climax is a deadly gun battle at a Mexican fiesta.

'The third feature is "Siege,” a record of the horror of Warsaw following the overrunning of Poland by the Germans, an incontrovertible record of the depths of Nazi brutality. Those who attend the State Theatre from 11 o’clock tomorrow night, to welcome in the New Year will be able to join in singing favourite melodies as well as see two first-release, full-length films, "Riders of the Dawn” and "King of tlie Sierras.” Rex and Sheik, amazingly intelligent horses, are the star performers in "King of the Sierras.” 'Riders of the Dawn” is. a musical-Western.

Opera House.— Mickey Rooney again appears as the irrepressible Andy Hardy iu. the latest of the popular Hardy family series, “Andy Hardy Meets Debutante,” to be shown again today at the Opera House. A number of modern songs is sung by the talented juvenile Judy Garland, who appears in a leading role, and among other favourites in the picture are Lewis. Stone and Ann Rqtherford. Many are the laughs to be had, as well as instruction from the numerous wise sayings of Judge Hardy, Andy’s father.

Tudor Theatre.— Jon Hall is excellently cast as the great border scout in “Kit Carson,” at the Tudor Theatre. The story tells of some of the adventures of Carson and how Captain John Fremont, the •United States Army officer, led a scientific* expedition into California and started the movement that brought that part of the North American continent into the Union. Lynn Bari is seen as Dolores Murphy, Dana Andrews as Captain Fremont, and Harold Huber as Lupez. Bat O'Brien, Edward Arnold, and Ruth Terry have the principal roles iu "Slightly Honourable,” tlie associate feature.

De Luxe Theatre. —"The Man Who Dared,” with Charles Grapewin, Jane Bryan mid Henry O’Neill, now showing at the De Luxe Theatre, tells how a middle-class family throws off a yoke of the underworld. “Flight Angels,” with Dennis Morgan and Virginia Bruce, is the associate feature.