CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 31, 6 February 1936, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Gitta Alpar in "I Give My Hoar I" is to be shown finally at tne Regent Theatre tonight. Tomorrow the star attraction will be Miriam Hopkins in the United Artists' film "Splendour." DE LUXE THEATRE. "Moscow Nights," a drama of love and espionage, is to be shown finally at the De Luxe Theatre tonight. Bing Crosby, who has entertained millions witn his singing, has ai last realised a secret ambition to be a tap dancer. In his latest Paramount picture "Two for Tonight," featuring Joan Bennett, Mary Boiand, and jjynne Overman, coming tomorrow to the De Luxe Theatre, Bing is given a chance to do a short tap routine. Although it is strictly a comedy routine, supposedly Bing's idea of what a troupe of chorus gn-Js shouid look like in action, the singer has danced and is content. "Two for Tonight" is a gay, romantic comedy, with music, in which Bing is cast ,as a singer, one of tho three' sons ■of Mary Boland. In an elfort-to sell a song to.a deaf music publisher, Bing is hurt when an aerb- ■ plane- crashes. The pilot of the machine, Miss Bennett, given the impression, by.Miss Boland that Bing is. an author, arranges an interview with her boss, ■ Lynne (Dverman, theatrical producer. Overman orders Crosby to write a play for his star, Thelma Todd. Events lead the singer to a night ciub in ,search of more material to liriisli his play." After.-an hilarious seltzer waler, syphon ""equirting contest jii the club, Bing lands in gaol. An exciting, Jaugh-provoking climax brings Bing to the realisation of the girl no really ■.loves. The song numbers mclue "I "Wish 1 Were Aladdin," "Takes Two to Make a Bargain," "Two for lonight," and "From the Top of .tour Head to the Tip of Your Toes." , PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The technkolour musical revue en titled "What! No Men?"'"Carnival, starring Lee Tracy, Sally Biers, and Jimmy Durante, and the "Girl Friend featuring Ann Sothern, are to be screened finally at the ■ Paramount Ir? creating tlie role of Clarence E. Mulford's "Hopalong Cassidy," coming tomorrow to the Paramount Theatre, William Boyd, realising he must keep faith with thousands of readers of the Mulford stories, has made every effort to make the flesh and blood characterisation correspond with the celebrated fiction hero as closely as possible. Directed by Howard Bretherton, "Hopalong Cassidy" deals with the exciting adventures of the courageous "Hop- " along" and his two range-riding pals, in the days of the old, lawless West, when cattle barons and ■cattle-rustlers-fought for supremacy with a quick draw' on a six-gun.' How ."Hopalong''. and his pals round up a ruthless gang of rustlers and avenge their crimes against honest ranch.owners makes for heart-stirring drama' and full-blooded action. The cast includes Jimmy Ellison, new screen sensation; Paula Stone; daughter of comedian Fred Stone; Robert i Warwick, • Charles' Middleton; Kenneth Thomson, Frank McGlynn, jun., Willie Fung, George Hayes. The additional feature. is "Here Comes Cookie," starring ' George Burn's and Gracie Allen. KINGS THEATRE. <; "Three, Kids and a Queen," to' be shown'finally tonight'at 'the •'King's Thea.tre,. features May .Robson. Never before has Miss Tfcobsori been'seen in a characterisation so human as this, As Mary' Jane Baxter-she is presented -as a bitter'and imperious old' maid, crabbed, and yet filled with .an acid quality of delightful humour, and eyen. in her most indignant moments one feels that she is slyly poking fun at a world in which she is very much disappointed. The story is filled' with absorbing interest to its unusual climax. Also on -the same programme is "Stormy.".-a thrilling drama. The- chief attraction in the change of programme tomorrow will be Shirley Temple and Lionel Barrymore in "The' Little 'Colonel.'! • ' . ; PRINCESS THEATRE. "Broadway. Gondolier" and "Lily of Killarney" will be finally shown tonight at: the Princess Theatre. A double-feature programme, which should prove' most popular, will commence tomorrow at the Princess Theatre. .Fred. Mac Murray, handsome star,' and lovely Madge : Evans, are coupled in the leads of Paramount's thrilling- secret service film, "Men Without Namesl" which is the principal attraction. The "Men Without Names" of this film are- the men in the American Government's Department of Jus-tice—the'super-sleuths and scientific detectives whose bravery, daring, and skill have stemmed the wave of crime in that country. A motion picture that easily ranks as one of the season's most enjoyable comedies is "Lady Tubbs," the Universal screenplay which forms the additional attraction, with Alice Brady starred and Douglass Montgomery and Anita Louise in featured roles. The film play has a rollicking,, dashing quality about it that makes a picture of rare delight. Outstanding short subjects comprise a .musical revue in teehnicolour, entitled "What! No Men?" a sportlight, a musical novelty, and a newsreel. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "Caravan" and "Mystery Woman" are to be shown finally at Shortt's Theatre .tonight. There are laughs aplenty in "Handy Andy," starring the late Will Rogers, which is "coming to Shortt's Theatre tomorrow. Rogers portrays a druggist who', wants to work in peace. But his wife, expertly played by Peggy Wood, nags him to sell out and learn to play. And -he does. First he becomes a pigeon fancier, and lets his pets fly all over the house. Then he takes up golf • with excruciatingly funny results. The climax comes, however, when his wife persuades him to take a trip to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There Rogers rebels violently when his wife tries to make him dress in a fancy costume to attend a ball. The second picture is "My Old Dutch," which presents a panorama of Cockney life spread over the past forty years. Betty Balfour and Gordon Harker are costarred. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The principal attraction at the Umpire Theatre, Island Bay, is "Roberta." which is playing a return season in response to numerous requests. The dancing of Fred Astaire , and Ginger Rogers in this production is a revelation, and the tuneful numbers and gorgeous gowns make it a picture to be long remembered. Irene Dunne plays the leading supporting role. The supporting feature is "Hat, :<Coat, and Glove," starring Ricardo Cor-i-tez. The picture derives its title from ■ ■the three pieces of wardrobe apparel which are found in an artist's studio, . where his model is found dead, the 'i artist being charged with the murder. "Barbara Robbins and John Beal head a large supporting cast. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The picturisation of Phil Stong's famous story "Village Tale" heads the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre. Kay Johnson and Randolph Scott.are featured. The picture presents a cross-section of average community life in a typical small Western village, showing how the lives of the people are interwoven in the intricate net that is society, and how public opinion is both the judge and jury in such a narrow existence. The intriguing drama "Open All Night," starring Frank Vosper, is the second attraction. SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. At the Seaside Pictures tonight at 8 o'clock Claudette Colbert will be seen in "The Gilded Lily," Paramount's comedy-drama. The story starts with Miss Colbert as a stenographer who sits on a park bench with her beau and munches popcorn. From there she rises to the heights of society only to return to her fornier associates. Excellent supports-will be screened,

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

MAJESTIC THEATRE. j i Tolstoi's great romance set against . a background of Imperialistic Russia in the days before tiie revolution, . "Anna Karenina," is brought vividly [ to' the screen in the picture of that I name, now showing at the Majesticl, Theatre with Greta Garbo at her best; in the title role. Fredric March, as Count Vronsky, who falls in love with 1 the beautiful wife of Karenina. is a per- ■ ' feet partner for Greta Garbo. his acl-j ing being in keeping with the hign j standard which he has achieved in j Dasl successes. Freddie Bartholomew,; the English boy star who created such a sensation in "David Copperiicld." has the role of Sergei. Anna's son. and although he is not so brilliant as he was in the former picture, he, nevertheless, lives the part with skill. Other not-' able figures in the cast are Basil Rathbone, as Karenin, Maureen O'Sullivan. who makes a charming Kitty, and Reginald Denny, as. Vronsky's friend Yashvin. Supporting items include a coloured cartoon, a Pete Smith oddity, and Metrotone Newsreels. ST. .lAMES THEATRE. A 'gangster ' picture with a refreshingly, new plot and a pleasing and unexpected series o£ developments, ."She Couldn't Take It," is to be shown finally tonight at the St. James Theatre. Another big Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer triumph, "Here Comes the Band," will commence a season at the St. James Theatre tomorrow. The picture features Ted Lewis, and. his orchestra, Virginia Bruce, Nat Pendleton, and Ted Healy. It is claimed to be "Th 2 Musical Show of Shows," with new song numbers, including "Headin' Home" and "Roll Along. Prairie Moon." Comedy and magnificent singing abound. A varied supporting programme will also be screened, among the features being a coloured cartoon, a comedy, a traveltalk, and a film of the All Blacks' match with England. PLAZA THEATRE. Adapted from a thriller by E. Phillips Oppenheim, "The Great Impersonation" is "to be shown finally at the Plaza Theatre tonight. The change of programme' tomorrow will feature Ronald Colman in "The Man' Who Broke-the ■ Bank at Monte Carlo.". ': STATE THEATKK. ■Although' now ■■in its third week "Top Hat," featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, continues to- charm large audiences "at the State Theatre. This brilliant pair meet at a fashionable hotel where, incidentally, some superb settings are made. Ginger Rogers objects to Fred Astaire's sleight of foot when first becoming acquainted with it* as he practices on the parquet iloor of a suite above hers. She goes to make' her complaints personally but her., appearance only inspires the dancer to better efforts and together they are seen in the spectacular number. "Isn't This a Lovely Day?", which is danced in a band rotunda in a rainswept park: The chorus number, "Top Hat,"-' is a most striking feature with ".entirely modern settings and very, smart dancing by a line of dapper'young men in top hats and "tails." "'Cheek to Cheek," a fascinating duo for which Ginger Rogers wears a magnificent dance frock fashioned of ostrich plumes, is also worthy of mention. . Humour, of which there is an abundance, is provided by Helen Broderick.' who takes the part of the suspicious wife of Horace Hardwickc, for whom Fred Astaire is wrongly identified. ■ ' '■ :. REX THEATRE. "Devil Dogs of the Air" aiid "Fog Over "Frisco" will be screened finally tonight at the Rex Theatre. The Rex will be entering upon a new policy from tomorrow. The evening performance which in the past commenced at 7.30 p.m. will start at 7 p.m. Interesting short subjects will be screened until 7.45 p.m., and from then on there will be the usual evening performance. Joe' E. Brown's latent musical comedy, "Bright Lights,1" takes nride of place on the new programme commencing tomorrow at 2 p.m. "Bright Lights" is a musical .on)y .in. the sense that it is a backstage story in which the songs are part of the action. It is a hilarious comedy based on a story by Lois Leeson and adapted by Ben Markson and Benny. Rubin. In the cast, besides Joe E., are •Ann Dvorak, Patricia Ellis, William (Jargan, Joseph Cawthorn, Henry O'Neill, and The Maxellos. In addition. George O'Brien, the great Western star, will be seen in "The Golden West." The story is from the much-read novel by Zane Grey. Patrons are reminded that Thursday night next has been set aside for the amateur vaudeville trials. Plans are open at the D.I.C. and the theatre. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Bristling with action and packed j with thrills. "Silk Hat Kid," is the i current attraction at the State Theatre, J Petone. In addition there is a glamorous romance between Lew Ayres and Mac Clarke. The rapid-fire action of the film takes place in the dangerous slums of a big city, and the working out of the daring romance reaches a high point that adds greatly to the enjoyment of the film. Ayres's role suits him perfectly, and he brings to it a certain quality that was so evident in. his past successes. His romance with Mac Clarke is so refreshing and invigorating that it is bound to meet with the approval of theatregoers everywhere. Paul Kelly again gives another of his fine performances in the role of a cafe owner. The supporting programme includes two newsreels, a comedy, "Boosting Dad, and a Terrytoon, "Pegleg Pete the Pirate." DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. As a girl who knows what she wants and thrives on opposition, the new and modern Mac West returns to the screen in Paramount's "Now I'm' a Lady;" now showing at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower . Hutt. The blonde star's new vehicle tops all her previous efforts for , .comedy, romance, intrigue, and vocal efforts: Arrayed in the glittering styles .of 1935, Miss West plays a cattle baron's widow with money to burn and warm affections. And to get her man she transports herself from a small mid-Western mining town to Buenos Aires and Southampton, and through a-series of gay and hectic adventures. Paul Cavanagh, playing a handsome Englishman, is the man. " ' PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. All the thrilling ramifications of romance and deadly sword play, combined with the brilliant pageantry of one of the most dramatic periods- inFrench history, are seen as the background for "The Three Musketeers," the Alexandre Dumas romance which is now showing at the-Palace Theatre, Petone, D'Artagnan, the Gascon firebrand. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the four most famous fighting men of fiction, gloriously live ■ again in "The Three Musketeers." GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Warner Bros, hilarious comedy, "We're in the Money," is now show^ ing at the Grand Theatre; Petone, with that inimitable trio of comedians, Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell, and Hugh Herbert in the stellar roles. Phil Regan sings a. catchy air written especially • for the _ picture. Man Mountain Dean and Chief Little Wolf stage a most hilarious as well as thrilling wrestling match. Supporting items include a comedy, musical, Melody Master, and novelty. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Claude Rains, famous for his portrayal in "The Invisible Man, is tne principal actor in "The Clairvoyant.' the current attraction at the Regal Theatre. Thrills and intrigue are prominent in this production, which concerns a man who is forced to choose between two women. Fay Wray and Jane Baxter head a large and talented supporting cast. A splendid programme of selected featurettes precedes tnc main attraction.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Shirley Temple in "Curly Top" is the principal attraction at the Tivoli Theatre. It is to be shown finally tonight with "The Richest Girl in the | World," starring Miriam Hopkins and i an interesting series or short subjects. I Two pictures with high entertain- | ment value are to begin tomorrow. In i the first, "Broadway Gondolier," Dick i Powell and Joan BlondeU are the stars, i As the title suggests "Broadway Gondo--1 licr" is in essence a musical show, but it -is really much more than thai. [ Having an engaging story, a romantic setting, catchy tunes and hilarious ' corneay, it is delightfully presented by lan all-star cast which also includes ilAdolphe Menjbu and Louise Fazenda. '' Dick Powell, in the role of the singing '' gondolier, renders several songs, and Ijoan Blondell, as the secretary to a iradio magnate, sings a comedy song. .■The story concerns the romance of a New York taxicab driver, who aspires • to be a singer, and the secretary of a ! big broadcasting concern, who falls in love with him and arranges an audi- ; tion. A series of mix-ups prevents his . appearance. It is not until he gets to ; Venice that he makes good, first as a singing gondolier, and later in opera. ■ He returns to New York and succesis in one of the most unusual climaxes imaginable. Hugh Walpole's immortal saga, "Vanessa: Her Love Story," is the second attraction, in which Henry ' Stephenson is featured with Helen Hayes and Robert Montgomery. The story concerns Vanessa, the heroine, and her troubled love affair with Benjie Herries, the "wild one" of his clan. On the eve of their wedding they are separated by a misunderstanding. When Vanessa relents and finds Eenjie it is too late; he has married another woman. Vanessa allows herself to'be talked into marriage with Ellis Herries. a dour but respectable member of the family. Ellis is insanely suspicious .and makes her life miserable. Years late she meets Benjie and they manage to steal a few weeks of happiness, but eventually Vanessa goes . back to her husband. It is not until her husband dies that Vanessa and Benjie finally achieve complete happiness. mVOLI THEATRE. When one speak;, of a "horsey" woman, one automatically pictures a hatchet-faced, angular female who. dresses severely. Barbara Stanwyck, however, plays the role of a horsey girl in "The Woman in Red," now showing at the Rivoli Theatre, and is the exact opposite of the popular conception. In the new picture the star is a Kentucky •belle who becomes a professional horse-show rider due to straitened 'circumstances. Her expert horsemanship'makes her sought-after by wealthy horse owners, and she is hired by Genevieve Tobin to ride her blue-ribbon steeds. The picture is a thrilling drama with a, sensational court trial in;which a!young wife faces scandal tq save a mail from conviction of murder. It -is based on a novel byWallace Irwin. The drama of a political battle, the excitement of a murder mystery, and the tenderness of romance are the elements from which arc- woven the engrossing story of "The Glass Key," the second picture. George Raft . returns to the type of characterisation which won him fame at the outset of his career m this picture. Teamed with Edward Arnold, he is the; hard-fisted,' tight-mouthed, and loyal companion of the older man. Arnold, the shrewd political overlord of a big city, antagonises the ' tough element of the city by his actions. When a mysterious murder is _committed, Arnold's enemies accuse him of committing the crime. Raft risks his life and reputation to uncover the actual murderer and to save his friend. , Arnold's pretty daughter, acted by Rosalind Keith, acts as an additional incentive, and after a series of hair-breadth escapes and adventures, Raft gets his man. "WHITE HORSE INK" "There is a saying that applause is meat and drink to an actor. Tonight you have given us a Lord Mayor s banquet " Mr Alfred Frith commented at ihe conclusion of the staging of "White Horse Inn" at the Opera House lainight, and the banquet was well deserved. The capacity house was kept in a state of merriment from overture to curtain, the clever cross talk, bright songs brilliant dancing; aad delightful scenes providing all that real entertainment can offer. At the con : elusion of the three hours that .sped away so rapidly in. the auditorium, every member of the audience had the satisfaction of feeling that "White Horse ' -Inn'"' was' a' first-class show and mat the company presenting it deserved nothing but applause. Every act ■ had an appeal, every scene a charm, and the dressing was a treat in itself. The ballets were all: well done and tha Marquarteiner Tyrolese Dancers won the admiration and applause of everyone every time they appeared. Ihe sweet voice and brilliant acting oE Romola Hansen, who plays the part of the proprietress of the inn, make her well suited to the part, and Don Nicol, as the head waiter who falls in love with his employer, is convincing opposite to her. Alfred Frith, as the underwear manufacturer, and Alban Mack, the inane son of Friths rival, provide a wealth of comedy, Mack being assisted in no small degree in some of his ! turns by Marie Ann Con an, the proifessor's daughter who lisps Colin j Crane as the emperor is also we;l worth mention, although his part is a comparatively short one, as are the parts of many other members of the cast. The scenes and lighting play an important part in putting the show into a class of its own, the properties probably being the most lavish ever brought to New Zealand. The thres cows in one scene are a delight 10 young and old and the goats (real live ones) are both excellent actors. ihe •storm scene is particularly effective, and leaves the majority of the spectators wondering whether or not the rain was real. "White Horse Inn" is a show that must succeed becauss every person who sees it will become Its publicity agent. ROXY THEATRE. "The Morals of Marcus," starring Lupe Velez, and- "The .Man With, Two Faces." conclude at the Roxy Theatre "The' Goose and the Gander,"- a Warner Bros.' comedy drama involving a'unique-love tangle, opens at the Roxy "Theatre tomorrow,, with Kay Francis and George Brent in the stellar roles. The plot involves both the theft of hearts and of jewels, is set in the gayest of atmospheres, and carries most exciting situations. The story evolves about the plot of a divorced wife to get even with the pretty blonde who stole her husband's heart. "Their. Night Out,", a piquant. comedy which will be the supporting feature, concerns the plight of a young man who is obliged to "cut" a .theatre engagement with his mother-in-law artd father-in-law in order to take a woman buyer from Aberdeen to her first night club. During a raid he falls into the clutches of the ravishing Lola, who relieves him of his pocket book, and he arrives home in the small hours intoxicatingly exuberant but penniless. The-leading -players are Claude Hulbert and Renee Houston. KILBIRNIE KIN EM A. "Drake of England," which is one of the most ambitious, and lavish pictures to have yet emerged from a British studio, and which is crammed full of action, is one of two fine features showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. The highlight of the picture is the unforgettable battle between the mighty Spanish Armada and the tiny English fleet. England's greatest character actor. Matheson Lang, adds to his laurels by his brilliant performance as Sir Francis Drake. The supporting cast includes Athene Seyler, Jane Baxter, Gibb McLaughlan, Sam Liversey, and Helen Hayes. The second big attraction is Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "The Age of Indiscretion," enacted by an allstar cast, including Paul Lukas, Madge Evans, Helen Vinsen, May Robson, and David Jack Holt, with "Flush" (of "The Barretts of Wimpole Street.") Saturday's attractions will be the thrill-splashed successor to "Treasure Island," "Midshipman Easy," and also Stanley Lupino in the hilarious comedy "Honeymoon for Three." The box plans are now open.