ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 118, 12 February 1941, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

St. James Theatre.—"Torrid Zone” is a story of peculiar happenings mi a South American plantation, but il its the sort of film that depends less on the plot—which is tidy enough—than mi the atmosphere created by the characters. James Cagney's acting is the kind of wine that needs no bush ; he is so dvmuiiic, so exciting in every movement, that the story does not matter while he is in view, i’at O’Brien manages by liis high-pressure talk to fray everyone’s uerviw. including his own; ami Anne Sheridan is alive and vital as the chief woman in the ease. But even the minor characters, especially the fatalistic bandit Resario, help lo lift the show out of the normal rut.

The drama. "A Dale With Destiny," will begin a season at lhe Si. James Theatre on Friday. Basil Rathbone is the star, supported by Ellen Drew, John Howard, Ralph Morgan, and Barbara Allen.

Plaza Theatre. —The story of “The Mark of Zorro” is the famous am! exciting tale of the night-riding maeked a veliger” who flourished in the most exciting days of Old California, leaving behind the jagged sword mark that struck terror to every heart but one, that of the beautiful and gentle senorira who gave him her love. Tyrone Power's role is crammed with hard-riding, furious fighting, ardent romance, and climaxed by a realistic duel with Basil Rathbone, who, with Linda Darnell, heads the featured cast.

Majestic Theatre. —Generally acclaim ed" lhe best film yet made in Australia

"Forty Thousand Horsemen" contains action', romance, national sentiment.—all the best elements of box-office success. Measured even from the standards oi overseas production, il is n wonder!ill piece of entertainment. The film is a magnificent tribute to the memory of the e-rand men of the first Light Horse, who made that, charge of deathless memory, the famous Beersheba Charge, said not to be surpassed by any such charge in historv. It. was made for the film by members of the present Light Horse, who ride as their fathers rode with all the dash ami devilry of inspired courage.

De Luxe Theatre. —The struggles of a young couple who marry and face the world together in spite of terrific odds, forms rhe theme of "We Who Are Young.” featuring Lana Turner and John Shelton. Thrills, chills ami action are features of “The Fntal Hour.” starring Boris Karloff. There are four murders in this picture, and one of them occurs right in police headquarters, before the eyes of the law.

Regent Theatre.—ln “I Take This Woman." Hedy Lamarr plays a society beauty who. after a troubled romance, finds "her life at. the side of an earnest doctor in a tenement, district. Spencer Tracy plays this doctor, a sincere, lovable man who love, his gorgeous wife ami fiearly wrecks liis career to bring her happiness. And it is the woman herself who finally brings them both happiness. The action ranges from penthouses of the rich and spectacular New York night-clubs to the drab setting of the tenements where life is lived with all the drama that the world knows.

King’s Theatre.—The first full-length March of Time production, “The Ramparts We Watch," has several remarkable features, lint lhe most remarkable is the inclusion of the Nazi propaganda film, "Baptism of Fire,.”. designed to strike terror into the hearts of neutrals and enemies.

Vivien Leigh, the screen’s star sensation of the year, and Laurence Olivier, the first man in her heart in private life, are co-starred in Columbia's new British production, "21 Days Together.” Miss Leigh is cast as a young refugee who finds happiness and security in a strange land; a young bride whose dreams are suddenly smashed, whose hopes are killed, whose future is clouded by disaster. Olivier has a sombre, broodingly romantic role with a touch of modern day flippancy. Al first' he is seen as a young man in love, his interest in life and laughter quickened by Ihe very thought of his beloved; when disaster strikes. liis moods change. Romantic he remains, but he takes on added emotional worth—a young man haunted by fear, driven by conscience. The film is based on John Galsworthy's novel, “The First and the Last.”

State Theatre.—Opening the , season today is "Charter Pilot,” in which Lloyd Nolan and Lynn Bari cease their strife as a wise-cracking flying ace and radio queen, to battle with sabotage in lhe skies, poison gas having been put i‘n the oxygen tanks of a plane already in lhe air. )Vith Nolan winging to the rescue iu another plane, and Miss Bari broadcasting the drama to millions of listeners, the film speeds to a thrilling finish. Tlie cast includes Arleen Whelan anil George Montgomery. Miss Bari’s 1-ole calls for a deft combination of comedy, ilrania. and quick repartee. Also lo he screened is a moving story ot a homeless, hungry boy with no money, no past, and no job. "Street of Memories." t’< at living Lynne Roberts. Guy Kibbee. anil John McGuire, in a strong cast. As an outcast boy who has lost his memory, McGuire falls in love wilh Miss Roberts aiul poverty-stricken "Skid Row.” Her attempts to rehabilitate him and their fight for a chance in life provide an unusual love story. Rex Theatre.—"Gangster’s Boy” and "Mr. Moto’s Last Warning" will be screened tonight and tomorrow night. Tudor Theatre.—The hilarious complications which result when a man-hating authoress and a doctor who despises “career women" are forced to pretend that they are married form the basis of "The Doctor Takes a Wife.” "Babies for Sale” exposes the adoption racket in America. SUBURBAN THEATRES .Ascot (Newtown).—“Kentucky,” Loretta Young and Richard Greene: “The Gorilla," Patsy Kelly and' the Hitz Brot h ers. Empire (Island Bay).—"Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever.” Mickey Rooney; "Black Friday," Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi. Tivoli (Thorndon). —“Du«t Be My Destiny." John Garfield; "('aptain Caution." Victor Mature, Louise Plait. Kinenia (Kilbirnie). — "Invisible

Stripes.” George Brent. Jane Bryan; “Blondie Takes a Vacation,” the Bumstead Family. , Rivoli (Newtown). —“Gunner George,’ George Formby; "The Man From Montreal,” Richard Arlen. Andy Devine.

Vogue (Brooklyn).—“Edison The Man.” Spencer Tracy; “Women in the Wind.” Kay Francis, William Gargnn. Capitol (Miramar). —“Crime Takes a Holiday," Jack Holt and Marcia Ralston; “Kid Nightingale,” John Payne and Jane Wyman. Regal (Karon). —“Charlies (BigHearted) Aunt.” Arthur Askey, Richard Murdoch: “March of Time.” King George (Lower Hutt). —“Convoy.” Clive Brook and John Clements. De Luxe (Lower Hutt). —“Johnny Apollo," Tyrone Power and Dorothy Lainour; “Slightly Tempted,” Hugh Herbert. , , Prince Edward (Woburn). — ’lts a Wonderful World,” Claudette Colbert. James Stewart: “Brother Rat and a Baby,” Wayne Morris. Priscilla Lane.