CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS REGENT THEATRE

Evening Post, Issue 48, 26 February 1936, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

- There can be no doubt that in ' Magnificent Obsession," ihe new film at the Regent Theatre, the producer and tha actors have achieved, a -remarkable triumph. Nothing quite like this picture has been seen in Wellington for some time, "and it has an appeal that conies not only from the ability of the actors to interpret their parts, but from an intangible and inexplicable atmosphere of spirituality, sometimes a little naive, at others powerful and moving. Robert Taylor and Irene Dunn are the stars. "Peter Ibbetson." Possessing a beauty of thought and delicacy of expression that raises it far aboye the general level of screen romances, "Peter Ibbetson," which will start -on 'Friday ,at the Regent Theatre, is an outstanding example of the magnificent entertainment that may be achieved when intelligent players and a clever - director interpret the work of a famous author. The film version of George dv Maurier's tenderly poignant story of two .people who were held in life and in death, in happiness and misfortune, by the intangible but everlasting link of love, "Peter" Ibbetson" gives Gary Cooper and Ann Harding the opportunity for emotional character acting of a kind far too rarely seen. To put it rather bluntly, "Petet Ibbetson" is a graphic and imaginative portrayal of the adage, "Stone walls do not a prison make." but m their conception of a great love that would not be denied, the stars and the director.have been brave enough to get. right out of the beaten path and evolve something that is completely and refreshingly new. The strange: ethereal love story which is the theme of "Peter Ibbetson" might almost have been designed by dv Maurier specially for the screen, and for 'Gary Cooper and Ann Harding in particular. ■ If properly handled—as it is here—the cinema is the ideal medium for telling such stories. John Halliday, IdaLupino, Dickie Moore, Virginia'Weidlcr. and Colin. Taplcy are also in the cast.

I MAJESTIC THEATRE.

I ■ Highlights of "I Live my Life," the ipicture now at the Majestic Theatre, are the fashionable clothes worn by I the star, Joan Crawford. The settings, 'among the gilded mansions of New ! York's idle (and mostly useless) rich, 'and the story, the persuading of the 'gayest of gay butterflies that there is something more in life than polo and cocktail parties, have been exploited by Hollywood hundreds of times before, without seeming to detract from the popularity of the theme. It is a typical Joan Crawford picture and those who like that temperamental star will find much enjoyment-ill it. The supporting programme is an excellent one. Myrna Loy comes to the Majestic Theatre on Friday in "Whipsaw," an aosorbing drama .of a jewel thief who 1* trapped by romance. Spencer Tracy is Miss Loy's co-star. It is the first time these vital personalities have appeared together. Long associated in the public mind with exotic roles, Miss Loy became a vivid new personality in "The Thin Man," and followed it with another equally intriguing in "Evelyn Prentice." Now, in "Whipsaw," she has a role of even greater depth and .power. The picture presents her as a fascinating adventuress with a fortune in smuggled jewels. Tracy, recently signed; to a contract by i the studios, appears as a Government agent on'the trail of Miss Loy, and becoming involved with her in a series of I romantic and humorous situations.

! ST. JAMES THEATRE.

"It's in the Air," starrinng Jack Benny, Ted Healy, and Una Merkell, at the St. James Theatre, .is a witty, bright piece of l Work, the plot centring ground a group 'of confidence men—-rather attractive in spite of their dishonest profession—who find themselves pushed into • taking part in a stratosphere balloon flight, much against their better judgment. Jack Benny has the. leading role as Galvin, who cannot go straight but is in love with Alice (Una Merkel), who despises his activities. Ted Healy is Benny's right-hand man, and is one of the funniest members lof the cast. Unfortunately, the two crooks are pursued in all their escapades by Potke, a rather dumb Federal I agent, who keeps hot on the trail, even joining the two in-their stratosphere I attempt., With the descent to | earth, by parachute and the wrecking ■of the gondola end--1 ing the flight, the two swindlers are shown, up, but fortunately the I promoter of the attempt is a man who has a heart as well as a pocket full iof gold, and all ends happily. The supporting subjects arc interesting, including a coloured cartoon, a comedy, and several newsreels. "If You Could Only Cook" will be the next attraction at the St. James I Theatre.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

A new American naval film, "Gentlemen of the Navy," showing the,'life- of the midshipmen at Annapolis Naval Academy js to be seen at the Dc Luxe Theatre this week. Tom Brown, Richard Cromwell, and John Howard have the three principal roles among the midshipmen, and the veteran "■ actor, Sir Guy Standing, is cast in a -fine role as an old commodore, retired from the navy and a bore to everyone, who yet emerges as an exafnplc' to the young men of the academy, while Rosalind Keith is the beautiful girl over whom the cadets contend. The story revolves round the Haley brothers, both accomplished footballers, and the room-mate of the younger Haley, and it shows how the influence of the training institution can change a man's outlook. Behind the academy is- Commodore Fitzhugh, -a veteran of the action of Manila Bay and a man devoted to the traditions of the service. The supporting programme includes' newsreels, a novel film, r<'!Babes in Hollywood," a Betty Boop '"" cartoon, andpopular music by the De Luxe Concert Orchestra.

FARAMOUNT THEATRE. I

"Flying ; Down to.' Rio," ; which heads the new double-feature bill at the Paramount Theatre; h . far more in it than the usual .run of such films. Roger. Bond (Gene Reymond), blonde-haired conductor of a dance band,' has too\ many eyes for the I ladies' for the liking of his colleagues. His flirtations have lost them job after job, but still he carries on until he meets Behnna de Rezenda (Dolores del Rio), and then he finds his .flirting days are over. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, popular stars,of "Top Hat," are seen in several "dancing numbers. Carl Brisson heads the cast of "Ship Cafe," the second fuy-length feature. In gaol as 'the result of a brawl in a stokehold, he gets a position through a fel-low-prisoner who is released on the same day,, and is accidentally given his xhance when the singer at the cafe where -he is employed cannot go on.

■'". |;^||??J^G'S:irHEATRE.;-, ;V. . I

In "Top Hat," now in a further week at the King's Theatre. Fred Astaire, partnered by Ginger Rogers, reveals himself as a wizard of • modern and original dance steps. There is a lightheartedness about "Top Hat" and humour that never palls haridled as -it is by such masters of comedy., as Edward Everett Horton and '.'Eric Blanc. The inside workings of an ~ American --.political campaign are strikingly and humorously-depicted in . RKO-Kadio's "His Family Tree," which " features/James Barton, and which is the. Second big picture. Fresh from the "auld sod," Patrick ("Bosun") Murphy routs" the- adherents of snobbery and hypocrisy and wins a smashing politi-" cal1 triumph for his son.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

A* weird and fantastic story made • into'-an.', amazingly gripping . screen drama is the chief attraction at the Princess Theatre. "Werewolf of London," which ,has Henry Hull, Warner Oland, Valeric Hobson. and Lester Matthews in the leading roles.' "Based on the legend of the.werewolf, this latest Universal picture aims at entertainment of the thrill: ing, chilling type that has always pleased audiences. All those who enjoy a hearty laugh should not miss "This is the Life," a British Dominions release which is the additional feature. . Gordon Harker and Binnie Hale are the stars. Included in the supports is N a-technicolour cartoon, "My Green Fedora.V ,

"Gold Diggers of 1935," First National's mammoth musical spectacle, is the main feature at the Rex Theatre.-,, The -picture is said to I carry • more unique and unusual' numbers, greater song hits, and' more hilarious fun than any other musical produced by this company, Dick Powell and Gloria Stuart have the romantic leads, with Frank McHugh, Dorothy Dare, Glen da Farrell, Alice, Brady, Adolphe Menjou, Joseph Cawthorn, Grant Mitchell, and Winifred Shaw also playing important parts.- -"Hell in the Heavens" is the second attraction, and the star is Warner Baxter.

REX. THEATRE.

. 2 . . .■...; ..;•,-:■.■ ; •;■.: L' . SHORTT'S THEATRE. .

Bitterness-of hate, lust of power, futility of conflict, glory of faith, and. ecstasy of love are the elements that gofto.make-up 'The World Moves On," described !as; Fox \ Film's "love-story, of ?a century," which■ is now- showing. at Shprtt's;Theatre. Madeleine Carroll, glapibrous star of "I Was a Spy," is co-ieatured" with ■Franchot ■ Tone; and they-, have a distinguished supporting cast. A fast and breezy comedy rornarie'e' 'entitlea'.' "Ever "'Sinde'' Eve" is n the second feature. George O'Brien.-whO' has-long been associated Witji Westerns, and Mary Brian have the- principal/roles. :, .. , „ "She Married Her Boss" and "Unwelcome Stranger" will be the new features at Shortt's Theatre on Friday. '. --:■:- .' '•■■--■'■•'....,

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

R.KiO.-Radid's; spectacle "The Last Days: of Pompeii," the current attraction at the: Emp|re Theatre, deals graphically with vivid pageantry, searing conflict/barbaric cruelties, finally ended by earthquake and a belching volcano. Preston Foster,.Alan Hale, Basil Hathbohejand^Dorothy Wilson head a magnificent cast. A programme of selected featurettes precedes .the-.main attraction. ;■. . . .-' ,: _ \

CAFITOL. THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

"Air Hawks,", screening at tHe Capitol' Theatre tonight, features Ralph Bellamy, Tala Birell, - and the. late Wiley Post. ' The plot of the: picture concerns itself with the exciting battle between two transport companies' for supremacy of the air..' The support-ing-programme includes a» newsreel,1 comedy, and cartoQPS.

PLAZA THEATRE.

- - "Remember Last Night," ■an unusual spectacle of mystery, coupled with many amusing situations, is, the main feature at. the Plaza Theatre. Set amidst the luxury of Long Island, the story opens with.a hilarious progressive wedding aniversary party.' With the advance of the night the party, flitting from one amusement to another, becomes 'increasingly.gay, and.when recovery comes to the members of it the following day they find themselves separated "and occupying houses other than their own without knowing how or why. An investigation reveals that one of the party has been murdered; the police are called, but inquiries fail to elicit any information as to the likely culprit. Events finally move swiftly to a totally unexpected denouement. - Presenting a dramatic love story that is high entertainment in itself, "I Dream Too Much," coming -to the Plaza Theatre on Friday, contains within 4its briUiant plot the-second "act of the opera "Lakme,"' in which Miss Lily Pons triumphed in the capitals of three continents, and a dazzling musical comedy sequence. In the course of the story or in these episodes Miss Pons sings the four Jerome Kern songs "Little Jockey on a Carousal," "I Got Love,"- "I'm the Echo," and "I Dream Too Much," as well as the famous Bell song from "Lakme" and Caro Nome from '.'Rigoletto."

STATE THEATRE.

"In Person," which is now showing at the State. Theatre, gives Ginger Rogers an opportunity to do more acting than has been possible in her recent musical-films with Fred Astaire. But this does not mean that she does not sing and dance as well; she does both' very charmingly, and, with George Brent playing opposite her, the result is a most entertaining picture. The story is a bright one, lending itself to a series of delightful situations, all of which are cleverly exploited by the star.' She takes the part of a pampered screen celebrity who seeks seclusion in an effort to avoid her clamouring admirers. She assumes a disguise and hides in a log cabin, where she falls in love with the unresponsive owner. Although the film is primarily remarkable -for the opportunities it gives Miss Rogers in the acting of both the comedy and romantic type, there are (several dance scenes and she sings three- popular songs. The supporting programme is of a standard in keeping with the quality of the main attraction.

ROXY THEATRE.

The queerest use .to which ' arrows have £yer been put is in the new Columbia mystery thriller, "Guard Tha.t Girl," now screening at the Roxy Theatre. In this case they are used-as lethal-weapons by a modern murderer jn .a' modern' setting. Robert Allen has the unpleasant job of trying to figure out from where and in I which direction the next, and potentially death-dealing, arrow will fly. "Special Agent," the supporting picture, is a thrilling drama concerning the daring adventures of the men of ]the Treasury Department. ■' The 'cast includes besides Bette Davis, George Brent, Ricardo Cortez, Jack La Rue, Henry O'Neill, and J. Carroll Naish.

~OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

Our Theatre, Newtown, offers an excellent programme tonight in "Mrs. | Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch." from Gene Stratton-Porter's famous story. Drama, and comedy abound in this outstanding presentation of a family's Struggle for existence in a shanty town.. Pauline Lord,'W.C. Fields, and Zasu Pitts head the strong cast of capable players. On the same programme is George O'Brien in a thrilling' Western romance, "Thunder Mountain "full'of action, and hard riding and fighting. Excellent supports will be 'shown.;: ■ ' • ■ ;

' ; kILBIRNIE KINEMA.

Fredric March, Charles Laughton, and Sir- Cedrlc Hardwicke head the brilliant cast of . "Les . Miserables," Darryl Zanuck's 20th Century production of the Victor Hugo classic, which comes to the Kilbirnie Kinema today. March- is .seen as the hero, Jean Valjean, who finds his whole .life shadowed ,by a petty crime. Laughton is cast as Javert, the fanatical detective and Hardwicke plays the beneficent Bishop Bienvenu. "The Arizonian," a romantic history of the West, starring Richard Dix, and' a fine supporting cast, will be the second feature.. ; :

SEASIDE PICTURES, LYAIX BAY.

'■'Behold My Wife," starring Sylvia Sidney and Gene Raymond, which will be shown at the Seaside pictures tonight at eight, is a powerful story'of an: Indian Chief's daughter who^ marries a pampered society youth, but finds out-he has only married her to disgrace His family: An excellent supporting programme has been .arrange!.

REGAL THEATRE, KAROEI.

;*Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn, and Robertson Hare are to be seen at the Regal Theatre this evening in Stormy Weather," the latest comedy farce by Ben Travers,- who wrote all the past successes of this inimitable trio. A .Cineniagazine, a,Gaumon.t Mirror, and a newsreel complete the programme, i

TIVOLI THEATRE.

"The Goose and the Gander," Warner Bros, gay . comedy-drama of marital mix-ups, is the current feature attraction at the Tivoli Theatre. Kay Francis heads the all-star cast, with George Brent playing opposite Her. Among the other players are Genevieve Tobin, John Eldredge, , Claire Dodd, Ralph Forbes, and Helen Lowell. The story involves not only, the theft of hearts, but that of precious jewels. It is a sparkling, snappy, up-to-tht-tninute: drama, abounding in humour and exciting episodes. The plot centres about the attempt of Kay, in the role of the first wife of a millionaire business man to get revenge on the second wife who had stolen her husbands heart. "The Bowery," which is the second feature, stars Wallace Beery, Jackie Cooper, and George Raft, with Fay Wray and '.?ert Kelton appearing In the principal feminine roles. Adapted by Howard Estabrodk and James Gleason from the novel, "Chuck Connors," by Michael L. Simmons and B. R.i Solomon, "The Bowery" is a romantic comedy-drama of New York's naughty East Side thoroughfare in the giddy days of the* wicked old eighties and the gay nineties.

;'.,' . RIVOLI THEATRE. . ' -

"Sanders of the Ri^er," which is now showing at the Rivoli Theatre, is sbmething quite new in film entertainment Based on the. popular- Edgar Wallace stories of the same title, it deals skilfully with British rule in Africa, a subject which hitherto has been conspicuously and surprisingly ignored by British film producers. It represents quite the most difficult film task ever attempted by a British producer, and that it -succeeds so triumphantly is yet another tribute to the genius of the Korda brothers. The story sets out to show that the way to control millions of untamed jungle dwellers is not by harshness and violence, but by making it "obvious that their welfare is at the heart of the ruler. Loyalty brings its reward, and only open revolt brings punishment. Leslie Banks and Paul Robeson are superb in the principal parts. Beautiful Irish settings and melodies are notable features of "Lily of Killarney," a romance of the Emerald Isle, which will also be shown.. In addition, Delgado, aerial trapeze artist, will appear on the stage; the performance including the sensational "slide to death."

"GAIETIES" COMPANY.

"Fresh Faces," the initial revue of Stanley McKay's "Gaieties" International Vaudeville Company, is to conclude . its. run .at the New Opera House on Friday night, giving place to "Life Begins at 8," another snappy production which has made a big impression in Australia. Variety is the keynote .of the current production, with its funny comedians, brilliant singers and instrumentalists, clever dancers, and extraordinary specialty acts. Those who have not yet seen Patricia and Colin in their sensational adagio offering are strongly advised to attend one of the last three performances of "Fresh- Faces." Other excellent acts are those of the Alexanders, hand balancers and' tumblers, Elvy Ferguson, solo violinist; and Jerry and Phyllis, tap, step, and ballroom dancers. Ike Delavale. Joe Rox, Maggie Buckley, and Geo. CorelH have become firmly established favourites with their comedy sketches, and- the singing of Winnie Edgerton, soprano, and Russell Callow, tenor, has made a big appeal to music lovers. The second revue opens at the gift matinee on Saturday next, on which occasion a number of valuable presents including cowboy and Indian squaw suits, tennis rackets, books, teddy bears, etc., are to' be given away. Seats may be reserved at,the D.I.C. and day sales ■, are at the theatre sweet shop ' % :

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

I "Moscow Nights." which will commence a three-night season at the De Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt, this evening, abounds in situations which, lor sheer dramatic intensity, have'rare-, ly been equalled on the screen. A talented cast headed by Harry Baur, Penelope Dudley Ward and Laurence Olivier appear in a trianele drama unlike any love story yet filmed. "Times Square Lady," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's new fast-moving comedy drama, will be the second feature. The cast includes Virginia Bruce.. Robert Taylor, Pinky Tomlin. Isabel Jewell, Nat Pendleton, .and others.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE.

In "Doubting Thomas," which heads the current bill at the State Theatre, Petone, Will Rogers portrays the funniest role -he has yet attempted. He portrays the role of a simple, homeloving sausage manufacturer, whose home-life is suddenly tossed into a turmoil when an amateur impresario, Alison Skipworth, persuades his wife Burke) that she really belongs to the stage and her public. The second feature, "Call It Luck," stars Herbert Mundm, "Pat" Paterson, and Charles Starrett in a hilarious comedy.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

"Men Without Names," which opens at the Grand Theatre, Petone, today, deals' with, the true-life adventures of the men engaged by the American Department of Justice in fighting crime in that country. Fred Mac Murray, Madge Evans, Lynne Overman, and young David Holt head the cast. The brutal perpetrators of a daring mail armoured truck robbery are the quarry. How the Government men finally catch their prisoners is revealed in a dramatic climax.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

"The Flame Within," now showing ■for three nights at the Palace Theatre, Petone, brings Ann Harding and Herbert: Marshall to the screen as costars for the first time. Also in the cast is Maureen O'Sullivan. "The Flame-.Within" is the story of people who believe that they are above the mental explosions which they so capably untangle in the lives of others but who are unable to cope with the same situations in their own lives. The : outstanding first half includes a musical review in colour and an "Our Gang" comedy. , , ,

BROOKLYN THEATRE.

"Dandy Dick," starring Esmond Knight and Nancy Burne. and "A Feather in Her Hat," featuring Pauline Ford and Basil Rathbone, will be the attractions at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight.

ARTILLERY BAND DANCE.

r The first -of a series of dances to be' given' by the Artillery Band to further the interests of its Queen (Miss Shirley Aldridge) in the Island Bay carnival, will be given on Thursday, February 27, at the Pharmacy Hall. Music will be' supplied by Park's Maori Melody Makers for. both modern and old-time dancing. Details are advertised in this issue.