ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 295, 10 September 1941, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

State Theatre.—lrving Berlin has probably written as many hit tuues as any man living. His first big success vvas "Alexander’s Ragtime Baud/ and it is this number which is featured iu the grand finale of the film of the same name, which is showug a return Wellington season at the State Theatre. Berlin himself says he still thinks "Alexander’s Ragtime Band” the best ragtime tune ever written, and he should know if anyone does. But the picture is by no means a onetune film. Many other of Berlin's famous successes of past years are woven into the story, aud charmingly rendered by Alice Faye who, with Tyrone Power aud Don Ameche, heads the cast. Though it is old, it is still one of the best of the reminiscent films which have become popular with Hollywood producers and the public recently. The second feature is “The Cowboy and the Blonde,” with Mary Beth Hughes, George Montgomery, aud Alan Mowbray. Regent Theatre—ln “I Wanted Wings” Ray Millaud, 'William Holden and Wayne Morris 'play pilots-in-training, and Brian Donlevy their chief mentor. Veronica Lake and Constance Moore supply the feminine interest. Yet. the real story of this film is not concerned with the fiction characters, but with the real-life business of the American Air Force. Hedy Lamarr and James Stewart are teamed together at the head of the cast of “Come Live With Me,” which opens at the Regent Theatre tomorrow. An unconventional twist is given the story in that it is Hedy Lamarr who asks the little question. . Majestic Theatre.—The film version of George M. Cohau’s musical success, "Little Nellie Kelly/’ gives Judy Garland her first adult role. The story centres around the life of an Irish girl who marries against the wishes of her father. JudyGarland has a dual role in the picture. King’s Theatre—The story of ‘Freedom Radio’ centres round Dr. Karl Roder (Clive Brook) a famous Viennese throat specialist. The Nazi ideology threatened to break up Roller’s home, as the doctor and his wife are unfortunately in separate camps. Diaua Wynyard takes the part of the wife, who firmly believes that through the Fuehrer and his works, ultimate salvation for Germany is a possibility. When she discovers that her husband is working against this regime, her very real love for him is torn by her loyalties to the new creeds. — \ Plaza Theatre.—An author who can be depended ou not to sacrifice any of his opinions to circumstances of' the moment, is Bernard Shaw, and he has in no way toned ‘Major Barbara” down because of the war. He teaches so that his listeners follow easily iuto fields of discourse where philosophy almost unwittingly becomes a matter of easy conversation. Wendy Hiller, Rex Harrison and Robert Morley are in the leading roles, while Emlyn Williams and Sybil Thorndike have parte of secondary importance. Opera House. —"The Lady Eve,” which was directed by one of Hollywood’s most promising young men, Preston Sturges, has Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda iu the main roles. Fonda has a slow, deliberate movement of . figure itod voice which act as an excellent foil for the quicksilver action of his leading lady. . De Luxe Theatre. —"'Tilly of Bloomsbury” is a picture that ranks high in acting values. Kathleen Harrison and Sydney Howard are the principals. “In Old Colorado,” with. Hopaloug Cassidy and Lucky Hayden, is a story of the early days in the West. "Model Wife,” with Joan Biondell, Charles Ruggles, Lee Bowman aud Dick Powell, aud ‘‘Half a Sinner,” with Heather Angel aud John King, 'open on Friday. St. James Theatre. —Biug Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lumour head the cast of “Road to Zanzibar,” which has iu it some good song numbers which include "You’re Dangerous” aud "You Lucky People, You.” But while Crosby adds music, Miss Lamour provides more tangible delights for the audience. Bob Hope’s gags keep the fun unfailingly alive. His "pat-a-cake” game with Biug is the menus of disposing of a whole tribe of ferocious natives. Tudor Theatre.—"The Great American Broadcast” stars Jack Oakie, Alice Faye and John Puyue. Paul Lukas and Kay Walsh star in the second feature, "The Chinese Bungalow.”

SUBURBAN THEATRES

Regal (Karori).— -"Brigbain Young,” Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell; “Blackwell's Island,”. John Garfield. Ascot (Newtown). —“Dark Victory/ Bette Davis, George Brent; “Meet The Wildcat,” Ralph Bellamy, Margaret Lindsay- . , Tivoli (Thorndon). —‘No lime lior Comedy,” James Stewart, Rosalind Russell; "Brother Orchid,” Edward G. Robinson, Ann Sothern. Kiueina (Kilbirnie). —"The House of the Arrow,” Kenneth Kent, Diana Churchill; "Stage to China,” George O’Brien, Virginia Vale. Empire (Island Bay).— ‘Tree of Liberty,” Cary Grant, Martha Scott; "On Dress Parade,” the Dead End Kids. Rivoli (Newtown). —"A Star is Born,” Janet Gaynor; "The Kid from Kokomo.” Capitol (Miramar). —“Our Gallant Sous,” Gail Patrick, lah Hunter; "Showdown,” William Boyd. Russell Hayden. King George (Lower Hutt). —"Rose Marie,” Nelson Eddy, Jeanette MacDonald. Priuce Edward (Woburn). —"We Are •Not Alone,” Paul Muni, jane Bryan; “Heroes in Blue,” Dick Purcell, Bernadino Hays.

De Luxe (Lower Hutt). —"Gambling on the High Seas,” Wayne Morris, Jane Wyman; “Three Men From Texas,” 'William Boyd, Russell Hayden. Vogue (Brooklyn).—"2l Days Together,” Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier; "Sky Murder,” Walter Pidgcon, Karen Vern.