ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 189, 8 May 1941, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

State Theatre’s New

Programme

Readers of detective fiction will need no introduction to Ellery Queen. He is appearing at the State ’jneatre this week in the guise ot Ralph Bellamy in the film eutitied "Ellery Queen, Master Detective,” and the . famous criminologist is just as amiable, exciting and cooi-ueuded as the man read about in the novels. When .John Braun, physical culturist and health food advocate, is told by his doctor that he has two months to live, he is heart-broken, tor this seems to him to deny all his teachings aiid make his life's work little more than a farce. Because of this he'makes a new will and testament leaving the whole of his estate to his wife, cutting out oil the other beneficiaries, who included most of his staff. Braun’s daughter Barnara is in love with the young doctor, but as her father has reason to doubt his integrity and has taken a violent dislike to him, she has left home and is sheltering iu the flat of her friend Nikki (Margaret Lindsay) Nikki has a fervent admiration for Ellery Queen and is a writer herself, though not a successful one. When Ellery hears of the case, he visits the flat and mistakes Nikki for Barbara. In order to let Barbara get away, Nikki allows herself to be taken to the Braun mansion, where she is locked up in the next room to old John Braun. When she finally plucks up courage to announce her presence, she is horrified to find that Braun is dead.

Ellery comes on the scene, and she confides in him. He immediately sees what an awkward position the girl is in, and as he believes in her innocence, he hides her while the chase is on. Just how he solves the death of John Braun aud the happenings which lead up to it are told in an exciting story with quite a lot of humour added for good measure. Bellamy is excellent as Ellery, while Charlie Grapewin (Grandpa of the “Grapes of Wrath”) is very good as old Inspector Queen. The second feature, “Across the Sierras,” has the new cowboy star, Bill Elliot, in the lead. Bill takes the part of that old-time hero of the west, Wild Bill Hickock. For a while Bill has ideas of actually settling down and taking on farming, discarding his six-shooters in the bargain, but fate has a way of being too much for him, and in the long run he decides that quiet, domestic life is not for him. ;

Regent Theatre.— Two superb actors and a fine supporting cast portray the beautiful love story “Back Street,” which was written by Fannie Hurst This new Universal film, which will be released at the Regent Theatre today, has in the star roles Charles Boyer and Margaret Sullavan, who play the parts of Walter Saxel and Ray Smith. Walter and Ray meet and fall in love quickly. Though he is engaged to another woman, he plans to marry Ray, but through an unfortunate interference the two do not meet at the appointed place. Five years pass and the scene shifts from Cincinnatti to New York, where Ray has become established as a successful clothes designer. Walter Is now a prosperous broker, a married man and the father of an infant son. Ray and Walter meet accidentally and fall in love again, this time without any prospect of church or civil solemnization. Though Walter is willing to divorce his wife, his inamorata is unwilling to have him take such a step for fear of harming the children. They continue their relationship till well On to middle age. In supporting roles, Frank McHugh gives a sound portrayal as a sensible salesman of Celtic origin, and Richard Carlson as the clean, honest and well-intentioned neighbourhood lover of Ray. The picture was directed by Roberjt Stevenson.

King’s Theatrb.— The story of “The Great Dictator,” which is still being shown, at the King’s Theatre, is based partly on fact. Charlie Chaplin plays the dual role of a little Jewish barber who served in the Great War, and the crazed Hynkel, Dictator of Tomania. Jack Oakie gives a realistic portrayal of Benzina Napoloni,’ and Paulette Goddard plays the part of the little barber’s sweetheart. Other excellent characterizations are given by Billy Gilbert, Henry Daniell, Reginald Gardiner, and Maurice Moscovitch. ' '. '

Majestic Theatre, — Largely by; the cooperation of the, British Admiralty . has a note of authenticity been given to the thrills that race through “Contraband,” which will end an extended season at the Majestic. Theatre today._ There, are scenes of London in the blackout and other effects which give it a strongly topical note. Conrad Veidt plays th 6 part of Captain Andersen, skipper of the Danish ship Heloig, and Valerie Hobson is one of several mysterious passengers. “Go West,” in which the Marx Brothers are the principal performers, will be shown ,at the Majestic Theatre from tomorrow.

luto the lives of everyone come certain events which become impossible to, pass by. It is no exaggeration to say that “Gone With the Wind” has become a household word. The interest which centred around Margaret Mitchells book was immense, and that interest has been to a large extent transferred to the film version, which, after being eagerly awaited for a long time,- has at last conie. to New Zealand, and will have its first screening at the Majestic Theatre on Friday May 16. Acclaimed throughout the world by critics, the film has in the leading parts Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable. Leslie Howard and Olivia de Uavilland. Dealing with its subject iu such a realistic and absorbing way its enormous length is saiil to be scarcely noticed as the attention of audiences is so engrossed. Contributing greatly to the quality of the production is the beautiful Technicolor. But it is not by technicalities that the film has become such a great success. Rather is it bv the inspired acting of those in it.

Plaza Theatre.—A gangster film “with a difference,” ‘Tall, Dark and Handsome,” will end a season at the Plaza Theatre today. Cesar Romero is the principal performer. Chockful of fun, songs and dances, “Young People,” the 20tii Century-Fox film which stars Shirley Temple, Jack Oakie and Charlotte Greenwood, will be shown at the Plaza Theatre from tomorrow. “Young People ’ is Shirley Temple’s twenty-second picture and it is her happiest hit. In it Shirley sings five grand tunes written by Alack Gordon and Harry Warren: “Fifth Avenue.” “Tra-la-la-la," "1 Wouldn t Take a Million,” “The Mason-Dixon Line” and “Young People.” Jack Oakie is at his best in a particularly humorous role, and Charlotte Greenwood appears leaner, lankier and funnier than ever. The story pattern concerns two smalltime vaudeville entertainers, Oakie and Greenwood, who adopt Shirley. Stic grows up with them on the stage—-but they decide the stage is not. the place to raise children, so they retire to a small New England farm. Their attempts to be well liked in the reticent town meet with rebuffs and sly pokes at which they are slow to take offence. The denouement comes when Shirley, in an attempt to put over a sophisticated revue at the annual school performance, is booed oft the stage bv the shocked and indignant parents. The film lias a stirring am surprising climax which caps the unusual story.

St. James Theatre. — Veteran stage and screen comedian, George Formby is the principal player in “Cull a Cop.” whieli will be presented by the management of the St. James Theatre from-tomorrow. There will be sessions at 2.15, 5 and S pm The supporting programme will include the latest “March of Time,” "Arms and the Alan —U.5.A..” and newsreels from England.

De Luxe Theatre. — Ann Sothernjs latest success, “Alaisie AVtis a Lady.” is the main attraction at the De Luxe Theatre, and brings to the screen the best of this actress’s wit, eharm and vivacity. Ever since the first “Maisie” film, Miss Sothern has developed her technique without losing any of her original appeal. The associate feature attraction. “All Girls Are Alike,” stars AVayne Morris in a dual role.

Tudor Theatre. - How tin- American nation's frontier was pushed westward by the efforts of Alormon men and women whose courage and convictions were unquestioned, is told in "Brigham Young,”

main feature-length film at the .Tudor Theatre. “Ride, Kelly, Ride ’ is th« associate feature. SUBURBAN THEATRES Tivoli (Thorndon). —“Spring Parade,” Deanna Durbin. Robert Cummings; "Lucky to Ale.” Stanley Lupino.” Kinema (Kilbirnic). —"Bulldog Sees It Through. Jack Buchanan; "Blondie on a Budget,” I’enny Siugletou, Arthur Luke. Rivoli (Newtown i.—" Ramparts AAe AVatch.” "Baptism of Fire,” and “The Great Plane Robbery.”

Regal (Kurort).—“Maryland,” Brenda Joyce. John Payne.

Capitol (Miramar). —“Murder in the Ain.” Ronald Reagan. Lya Lys; “Down AVent .McGinty,” Akim Tamiroff, Brian Donlevy.

Ascot (Newtown). —"Enemy Agent,” Richard Cromwell. Helen Vinson; “That’s Aly Story,” Claudia Alorgan, William Lundigan. King George (Lower Hutt). —“All This and Heaven Too.” Bette Davis, Charles Boyer. Prince Edward (AVoburn). —“Before I Hang.” Boris Karloff; “Triple Justice,” George O'Brien, Virginia A'ale. De Luxe (Lower Hutt). —“Flight Angels.” Virginia Bruce, Dennis Alorgan; "The Earl of Puddlestone.”

Empire (Island Bay). .—“Convoy,” Clive Brook. John Clements; “Alelody and Romance,’’ Margaret Ixickwood. Vogue (Brooklyn).—“Four Sons”; "The House of Fear." Ireue Hervey. AA'illitun Gargan.