ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 258, 28 July 1941, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

Plaza Theatre.—Soaked in that typical spirit and humour which carries the British ’’Tommy” through the war's most, difficult situations an(| freely embroidered with all sorts of behind-the-lines activity, “Old Bill and Son,” starring Bruce Bairnsfather's world-famous character is sending Plaza Theatre audiences home feeling vastly pleased with themselves, the war, and life generally. For -Old Bill and Son" is not just another war picture, but gets off the beaten track to show audiences the private life of a British soldier, and because they know the portrayal is true to type, those who see it are reassured by it —-if any reassurance was necessary—that things aren't so had after all and vte will muddle out of the war somehow so long as we have plenty of men like this.

King’s Theatre.'—-Fresh from her success as leading lady iu "Goue With the Wind,” Vivien Leigh again comes to the screen to win deafening applause in the title role of “Lady Hamilton,” at King's Theatre. A powerfully dramatic film, ‘‘Lady Hamilton” tells of the private life of Horatio Nelson, famous in the annals of naval history, this part being taken by the talented Laurence Olivier. Miss Leigh portrays a woman who, by her resourcefulness, rises from the masses to marry Sir William Hamilton, British Ambassador to Naples. There she becomes a person of influence in the court of Naples through her friendship with the queen and, as a result meets the great admiral. The picture tells of the flowering of their romance, till it ends with the death of Lord Nelson at Trafalgar.

Opera House.—" Peter the First.” the new Russian film at- the Opera House, is set in the Russia of the eighteenth century, a backward country living on the remnants of a civilization that had ceased to progress. Entrenched in privilege, living in ease that was luxury compared with the conditions of the former people, the Russian aristocracy had insufficient vitality even to save itself. Peter gave the country the leadership—which involved some cruelty and crudity—to make the country live- and vital once more. It is particularly interesting to note that, while this film gives more than ordinary attention to the smaller folk, the "man-in-the-street” who impinges upon the plot here and there, it is a story ol personal endeavour aud personal suffering.

St. James Theatre.—"The Trial ol Mary Dugan,” showing at the St. James Theatre, has proved itself to be an engrossing film with the main issue always in doubt. Laraine Day, as the secretary, Mary Dugan, is accused of the murder of her employer, and wi|h the evidence piled against her and also a past which she cun no longer conceal, the result seems a foregone conclusion. However, on the return of her lawyer-fiance, Robert Young, from abroad, things look a little brighter as the young man takes up her ease ami by forceful, of unconventional methods, breaks the attack of the prosecution.

Regent Theatre.—Featuring Allan Jones and Susanna Foster, the new youthful singing star, as partners in a diversify of vocal numbers against a background of youthful frolic and musical jollity, "Magic In Music,” the new big number at the Regent Theatre, fully justifies its name by the mirth and gaity il creates. A musical medley that swingfrom the classical to the popular, i; sweeps highbrow and lowbrow into a giddy whirl of fun aud melody, in which rnul-al prejudices are dissolved in laughter and the common love of harmony.

Majestic Theatre. —A London blackoui of today, one of the most amazing ami thrilling scenes ever put on celluloid. i< the spectacular opening of "Waterlou Bridge.” starring Vivien Leigh and Hubert Taylor, ami showing now at the Majestic Theatre. It is a romance played against the exciting background of Lon don as it. was during the war year of 1917.

State Theatre.—ln ''Meet Boston Blaekie,” at the State Theatre. Chester Morris tidies the title part of Boston Blaekie, who, as might well be gathered from Hie mime, is a er.icksman. P.laeliie is seen against the Imekgrmiml of Coney Island, with its sideshows, blaring music, gay crowds, and ainuseim'iil devices, nnd it is in this garnish world licit he becomes involved in the plots of a gang of intermitiomi! spies. The other main item of this donblefeaftire programme is "Glamour for

Sale,” a story of rackets in the hostess clubs, with Anita Louise in- the leading part, supported by Robert Owen. Tudor Theatre.—Screening now at. the Tudor Theatre, ’’Cheers for Miss Bishop is another "Goodbye Mr. Chips. ’ Displaying an unexpected taleut. for emotional acting, Martha Scott has added laurels to a career which is. still in its early stages iu her portrayal of the lovable Miss Bishop, while the veteran Edmund Gwenn Ims the reputation of never having played a weak role, ami upholds it unmistakably in this, his latest. Also on the programme is ’Blondie Goes Latin,” which stars Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake. De Luxe Theatre.—ln “East of the River,” the chief attraction at the De Luxe Theatre, Marjorie Rambeau, as the mother who brings up two children, one a scholar and the other a gangster, gives some brilliant acting, and John Garfield is excellent as the recalcitrant sou. Brenda Marshall adds another feather to her cat) in her role of a “dame wno, finding herself accepted by an honest family. sees the folly of her ways and, alter some tense moments with her old associates. manages to throw over the past“Meet 'Flash' Casey” is the title of the supporting film, ami this picture teatures Eric Linden and Boots Mallory. SUBURBAN THEATRES Kivoli (Newtown).— -“My Love Came Back'" Olivia de I lavillaml. Jeffrey L.vnu ; "The Stranger on the Third 1 loor, John McGuire, Margaret Tallichet. Kinenta (Kilbirnie).— "Hired ri rie, Rosalind Russell, Brian Aherne, A Little Bit of Heaven, Gloria Jean. Hou 6r oT Luxe (Lower 1 lutt) .—"Trail of the Vigilantes,” Franchot lone, Ihe Housekeeper’s Daughter,” Joan Bennet., Adolphe Menjou. Voi’ite (Brooklyn).— "Constantinope FxnrSss” Rex Harrison. Valerie Hobsoii; "Brother Orchid.” Edw. G. RobinAnu Sotheru. „ Regal (Karori). —“The Alidas 1 ouch, Barr? K. Barnes. Judy Kelly : ”W .vomiim."' Wallace Beery, Leo Carillo. Tivoli (Thorndon). —"1 1 -’ OTe ou Ai-nti” William Powell. Myrna Loy, ‘‘And One Was Beautiful,” Robert CumD Enqd^ a ( MtuuF Bay) Horsemen" ; "Law ami Disorder,” Barry K. 'Ua pi to?''(11 i i-ii m a r).—" WbatA Li f e,” Betty Field; BatAscot (Newtown).— Ibe Ma‘k of Zcrro ” Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, “Hide, Kelly, Rifle.” Eugene Pallette. .Miirion Stephens. King George (Lower Hutt). Aice Girl" Deanna Durbin, Franchot lone, Wither Brennan, Robert Benchley. Prince Edward (Woburn).— Rcbeeea.” Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine. March of Time.