ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 259, 29 July 1941, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

Regent Theatre. —‘Magic in Music,” the new big number at the Regent Theatre, fully justifies its name by the mirth and gaiety it creates. Allan Jones and Susanna Foster, the new youthful singing star, are featured as partners in a diversity of vocal numbers against a background of youthful frolic mid musical jollity. A musical medley that swings from the classical to the popular, it sweeps highbrow uud lowbrow iuio a giddy whirl of fuu and melody, _iu which mutual prejudices are dissolved in laughter and the common love of harmony.

Opera House. —The new Russian film at the Opera House, "Peter the First, is set in the Hussia of the eighteenth century, a backward country living on the remnants of a civilization that' had ceased to progress. Entrenched in privilege, living m 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 (be leadership—which involved some cruelty and crudity—to make the country live and vital once move. It ns particularly interesting to note Hint, while this film gives more than ordinary attention to the smaller folk, the "man-in-tbe-street” who impinges upon the plot here and there, it is a story ot personal endeavour and personal suffering.

King’s Theatre. —Vivien Leigh again comes to the screen, fresh from her success as leading lady in “Gone With the Wind,” to win deafening applause in the title role of "Lady Hamilton,” now at the King’s Theatre. A powerfully dramatic film, ’’Lady Hamilton tells of rhe private life of Horatio NeFon, famous in the annals of naval history, this part being taken by the talented Laurence Olivier. Miss Lei”h 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 fowmtis of their romance, till it ends with the death of Lord Nelson at Trafalgar.

St James .Theatre. —An engrossing film with the main issue always in doubt, is "The Trial of Mary Dugan, showing at the St James Theatre. Laraine Day, as the secretary. Mary Dugan, is accused of the murder of her employer. However, her lawyer-fiance, Robert Young, breaks the attack of the prosecution The screen s new comedy sensations, Bud Abbott anti Lou Costello, star in the next attraction, “Buck Privates.”

Tudor Theatre. —Displaying an unexpected talent for emotional acting, Martha Scott in “Cheers For Miss Bishop,” now at the Tudor Theatre, has added laurels to a career which is still in its early stages in her portrayal of the lovable Miss Bishop, while the veteran Edmund Gwetiu has the reputation of never having played a weak role, and upholds it unmistakably in this, bis latest. Also on the programme is “Blondie Goes Latin,” which stars Penny Singleton and . Arthur Lake.

De Luxe Theatre.—As the recalcitrant son in “East of the River,” the chief attraction at the De Luxe Theatre, John Garfield is excellent. Marjorie Rambeau, as the mother who brings up two children, one a scholar and the other a gangster, gives some brilliant acting. Brenda Marshall adds another feather to her cap in her role of a “dame” who, finding herself accepted by an honest family, sees the folly of her ways, and, after some tense moments with her old associates, manages to throw over the past. “Meet ‘Flash’ Casey” is the title of the supporting film, any! this picture features Eric Linden anil Boots Mallory.

Plaza Theatre. —“Old Bill and Son,” starring Bruee Bairnsfather’s worldfamous character, is sending Plaza Theatre audiences home feeling vastly pleased with themselves. ’The film is soaked in that typical' spirit and humour which carries the British "Tommy” through the most difficult situations. 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 tilings aren’t so bad after all, and we will win out of the war somehow so long as we have plenty of men like this.

State Theatre.—The story of “Meet Boston Blaekie,” now at. the State Theatre, has Chester Morris in the name part. The other main item is “Glamour for Sale.” a story of rackets in the hostess clubs, with Anita Louise iu the leading part. 'rhe romance and tradition of the bluegrass country, nil in beautiful technicolour, go to make “Kentucky,” which will begin tomorrow, one of the greatest film attractions ever produced. It stars Loretta Young and Richard Greene. “Dead Men Tell” will also be shown.

Majestic Theatre. —One of the most amazing scenes ever filmed, a London blackout, is the spectacular opening of "Waterloo Bridge,” starring Vivien Leigh ami Robert. Taylor, and showing now at the .Majestic Theatre. It. is a romance played against the exciting background of London as it was during the war year of 1917. Clark Gable. Spencer Tracy, Claudette Colbert and Hedy Lamarr play the loads in "Boom Town.” which will begin ou Friday, SUBURBAN THEATRES Rivoli (Newtown). —"The Divorce of Lady X,” Laurence Olivier, Merle Oberon ; "Blondie Plays Cupid,” Penny Singleton, Arthur Lake. Kinenia (Kilbirnie).; —"Melody Ranch,” Gene Autry, Jimmy Durante; "Mein Kampf—Mv Crimes.” De Luxe (Lower Hutt). —“Trail of the Vigilantes,” Franchot Tone; “The Housekeeper's Daughter,” Joan Bennett, Adoplhe Menjou. Vogue (Brooklyn).—“Pride and Prejudice,” Laurence Olivier, Greer Garson; “Stranger on the Third Floor,” Peter Lorre, Margaret Talliehet. Regal (Karori). —"Escape,” Norma Shearer. Robert Taylor; "The Hidden Staircase,” Nancy Drew. I Tivoli (Thormlon). —"My Love Came Back,” Jeffrey Lynn, Olivia De Havilland; "Constantinople Express,” \ Hex Harrison, Valerie Hobson.

Empire (Island Bay).—"Hollywood Hotel.” Rosemary and Lola Lane; "Range War,” William Boyd. Capitol (Miramar). —"What A Life,” Jackie Cooper. Betty Field: "Devil Bat.” Ascot (Newtown). — "Hullabaloo,” Frank Morgan, Virginia Grey ; “The Perfect Specimen,” Errol Flynn. Joan dcllKing George (Lower Hutt). — 'Nice Girl,” Deanna Durbin, Franchot Tone, Walter Brennan, Robert Benchley. Prince Edward (Woburn). —"Dr. Erlich’s Magic Bullet.” Edw. G. Robinson; “Dancing- Co-ed,” Lana Turner. Richard Carlson.