CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 59, 10 March 1936, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Only once a year does Eddie Cantor come to Wellington, but memories of "Roman Scandals" and "Kid Millions" are recalled at the Regent Theatre " during the screening of Eddie's " latest, "Strike Me Pink." Start- ■ ing as a cheerfully incompetent • and strangely timid proprietor ■ of a tailor's establishment, Eddie . is transformed from one always ■ a mouse to a being alternatively man ' and mouse, which is a great step for- ■ ward. This is achieved by a course of lessons in the development of personality; all Eddie has to do when he is dealing with a critical or dangerous ■ situation is to toss a coin to decide ;. whether he is a man or a mouse, and act on the assumption that he is a man, which, though almost wholly false, stands him in good stead when, ' as proprietor of "Dreamlands," he has ■ to cope with the scheme of a band of ■ crooks, who have successfully disposed of five or so of' his immediate predecessors, to install slot machines. Eddie, with an amazing faculty for getting himself out of awkward situations without the aid of anything in particular but good luck, slides in and out of the toils of the racketeers with surprising agility. A new form of pictorial journalism is shown in "The March of Time," reviewing the resettlement of Palestine, scenes in the Italo-Abyssinian war, and giving a sketch of modern Japanese politics. DE LUXE THEATRE. Quick thinking on the part of Errol Flynn saved Olivia De .Haviland from possible drowning while the two were working on scenes at Laguna Beach, California, for the spectacular Warner Eros.-Cosmopolitan picture, "Captain Blood," now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Miss De Haviland was sitting on a large rock about ten feet from the shore when a tremendous wave lashed over the rock and hurled the Actress into the water. ' Flynn plunged through the wave and grabbed Miss De Haviland just as she was being washed towards another large rock. He managed to get her ashore safely. "Captain Blood" is • Rafael Sabatini's' most powerful story • of adventure, action, and romance. The ■ featured cast includes Basil Rathbone, ■ Guy Kibbee, Lionel Atwill, and Ross : Alexander. Also screening is a de- ■ lightful technicolour featurette called '. "Carnival Day," and a Cinesound news. . At the. 8 o'clock session Mr. L. 1 D. Austin and his augmented Orches- • Ira- De-Luxe, supplemented by the grand organ, are heard in an outstand- ' ing musical presentation. Sessions are ', at 2.15 and 8 p.m. daily. PAR AMOUNT THEATRE. ■ Now in its second week at the Para- • mount Tliea/tre, "Magnificent Obses--1 sion" continues to draw large and en- , thusias.tic houses.. It has an appeal that 1 comes not only from the ability of the '- actors to interpret, their parts, but from \ an intangible and inexplicable atmosShere of spirituality,- sometimes - a ttle naive, at others powerful and moving. Despite the serious, almost exalted, quality of the story, it will pass over the head of nobody, for there are plenty of touches of hearty comedy to relieve the drama and keep it always at a level where' it will be appreciated and enjoyed by the average picturegoeiv Irene Dunne . makes a deep impression by extremely natural, sympathetic, and sensitive acting, and : in Robert Taylor is: disclosed a hand- • some, debonair star, possessed of all . the.qualities of a screen idol. His regeneration and the recompense he : makes for his wasted years form the . basis of .a gripping story.- There is an ■. excellent supporting programme. . KING'S THEATRE. ..The thrilling story of a beautiful girl who, wholly feminine at heart invaded a man's vocations and found romance as well; and who captured the world's rifle-shooting championship js brought .to the screen in "Annie Oakley," starring Barbara Stanwyck, now at the King's Theatre. The film is based on stirring, unusual events' in the life of Annie Oakley, who attained international fame in the eighties with the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. ~ln her debut demonstration of her shooting skill, she met the man'who was later to become:her husband. - "Annie Oakley" plucks si. chapter from America's history-book,-realistic scenes of the past being! re-enacted toy Miss Stanwyck, Preston Foster, Melvyn Douglas, Moroni Olsen, Pert ■ Keltoh, and Andy Clyde. The puzzling geometry of the. love triangle is given a novel and comic- solution in R.K.Q. Radio's "Old Man Rhythm," which is the second feature,.' with Charles ("Buddy") Rogers heading the cast. PRINCESS THEATRE. , A, wide variety of - tastes are catered for by the.1 double-featured entertainment now showing at the Princess- Theatre.' Richard Tauber's enthralling voice has never been heard to, better- advantage than in "Heart's Desire," the chief attraction.' 'Tauber is-called upon to do some strong and emotional acting, at :• which '■ he proves himself expert. He also sings half a dozen glorious melodies,, including two by Robert Schumann, and three specially composed by himself. Zane Grey's greatest- story- of - outdoor adventure, "Thunder Mountain," which is the second feature; brings "George O'Brien to the screen as a two-fisted, virile, fighting hero of the lawless West. Specially selected ieaturettes; will-be shown. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Moscow Nights" and "Boys Will Be Boys" conclude at the Kilbirnie Kinema tonight. A smart-paced, sparkling comedy, "Red Salute." starring Barbara Stanwyck, with Robert Young lending chief support, opens tomorrow' at the Kilbirnie Kinema. From the moment when headstrong Drue Van Allen is tricked by her United States Army General father into flying across the Mexican border to save her from harmful publicity arising from her association with a young campus agitator .of a; decidedly "pinkish" cast, the story moves swiftly from one thrilling and laugh-provoking adventure to another. Out of the seething activity and mystery of the world's newest metropolis comes the story of the second feature,' "Shanghai," which stars Charles Boyer with-Loretta Young. The picture tells the story of one man; a. man strong enough to build • an empire but too weak to take love. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. An exceptional programme is presented at Our Theatre, Newtown, tonightl in "Miss Fane's Baby is Stolen," a story of kidnapping, and a heartbroken mother's anguished plea for her baby son's return. Gene Gerrard and the merry cast of "My Wife's Family" are starred in "Joy Ride," a mix-uv) of two young ladies and two young" men, who just couldn't explain to "Auntie" through loss of memory. Chic Sale, the famous character-actor, contributes an outstanding featurette entitled, "The Old Bugler," and the additional supports : are of excellent order. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre a special double-feature programme will be screened. The main feature "Air Hawks" is a daring gripping story of the world's great airways. The cast includes the late Wiley Post and Ralph Bellamy. The supporting feature is "Whom the Gods Destroy," with Walter- Connelly. EMPIRE THEATRE. ISLAND BAY. Screening at the Empire Theatre this evening is "The Farmer Takes a Wife,"/:jstari-ing. Janet Gaynor, Charles Bickfrird. Henry. Fonda, Slim Summerville,' and Jane "Withers. The story is a saga of the last hectic days on the grand old Erie River. A featurette en- ■ titled- -"Man-eating Sharks," a cartoon, and two Fox Movietone Newsreels complete the programme.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The story of Captain Bligh and his mutinous crew on the Bounty is known to most people. A few years ago it was unfolded in a film directed by Charles Chauvel, and now it has been transferred to the screen again with all the resources of Hollywood behind the grim story. "Mutiny on the Bounty" is now screening at the MajesticTheatre. Although a historical romance wrung from actual records of the British Admiralty, the film is far more absorbing than pure fiction. Heading the strong cast is Charles Laughton as the tyrannous Captain Bligh, and his acting is remarkably forceful. Fletcher Christian, the master's mate and leader of the mutiny, reveals Clark Gable in one of his finest roles. He gives a powerful performance of sheer manliness and sympathy. Franchot Tone appears as the preposterous young Englishman, Byam, and the remainder of the players portray their respective roles appropriately. In certain respects the picture does not follow faithfully the historical facts, but this does not in any way detract from its entertainment value. Many of the scenes of shipboard life are highly spectacular and dramatic, and some of the most powerful "shots" are those of the small boat's journey to Timor. There is such a plentjtude of action that two and a quarter hours pass dramatically by before Fletcher Christian reaches Pitcairn Island. There is a good supporting programme. PLAZA THEATRE. Jessie Matthews and her husband, Sonnie Hale, surpass all their previous screen efforts in "First, a Girl," the Gaumont-British picture now at the Plaza Theatre. The impersonation of a woman by a man or vice versa is a common plot, but Jessie Matthews goes one better in her latest picture by impersonating a female impersonator, this necessitating frequent and bewildering changes of personality. Embarrassments fall thickly on the conspirators as a consequence. The theme presents Miss Matthews with abundant opportunity to display her ability for comedy, to which is added the chance to sing melodious songs, and to perform, in her own agile style, an intricate dance or two. The role seems to have been made for her and she turns all the advantages to excellent account. She extracts -fun from every scene and it is the vitality of her acting rather than the ingenuity of the situations that fixes the seal of success to thefilm. The picture is produced on a lavish scale, several spectacular ensembles being a feature. There is a varied supporting programme. STATE THEATRE. Shirley Temple was never more fascinating to young and old than in "The Littlest Rebel," at the State Theatre, where she takes a leap back through the years to the bitter, heartrending days of the American Civil War. The picture is now in its second week, and its popularity continues undiminished. Shirley is the darling of ,a devoted couple in well-to-do circumstances, and beloved by the slaves in her southern home. In the midst of a party being given by the little hostess to her young friends, the war breaks out, and her father (John Boles) rides away in charge of his company. The Yankee advance ends in the sacking and burning of the home, and the refuge of the mother and girl, still followed by their faithful slaves, in a swamp, where the overstrained woman contracts pneumonia. It is the attempt by Shirley's father to see his stricken wife alive that leads to "his capture, and sentence to death as a spy. With him is sentenced a Yankee officer (Jack Holt) who has attempted to assist his escape. How Shirley saves both of them is a most appealing bit of work. The supports include a Buster Keaton comedy and a remarkably fine Argentine scenic. , . ■ SHORTT'S THEATRE. "White Lies," a; romantic drama set in the turbulent scene of the newspaper world, is'the main attraction at Shortt's Theatre. Walter Connolly, Fay Wray, and Victor , Jory enact the leading ■ roles under the direction of Leo Bulgakov, the screen's newest- director. Norman Foster, jwell-known screen star and .husband of Claudette Colbert, is seen in a dramatic role in Columbia's "Behind the Evidence," which is the second feature. '" The story is fast' and intriguing from beginning to ; end. Sheila Manhors, titian-haired beauty, is seen in the feminine lead and the supporting cast includes Donald Cook,' Frank Darien, Geneva Mitchell, and Pat. O'Malley: . ROXY THEATRE.. Filled with thrills, romance, and riotous comedy, "The Pay-off" is screening at the Roxy Theatre today. The story concerns the thrilling adventures-of an honest sports repprter in his battle to eliminate a band of gamblers who are making money by "fixing", all kinds of sporting events. James Dunne gives. a' splendid performance in > the role of the sports reporter. Tim McCoy rides again to revive the glory of the Old West in "The Prescott Kid," a thrilling film which is the supporting feature. McCoy brings back the old.red-blooded action in his daring battles with a band of cattle-rustling cut-throats. Romance Is sustained throughout, with beautiful Sheila Mannors, in the role of a Spanish senorita, as the willing recipient of Tim's love. .■ -. • CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Mrs. Wiggs of the .Cabbage Patch," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Pauline Lord, Zasu Pitts, W. C. Fields, and Evelyn Venable, and brings to the screen Shantytown's most lovable family, who have much fun even though they are as poor as church mice! STATE THEATRE, PETONE. A new character, a new locale, and three new song numbers are introduced to the screen in "Under the Pampas Moon," now screening at the State Theatre, Petone. Warner Baxter has a role more romantic than his famous "Cisco Kid" —that of an Argentine gaucho, the picturesque cowboy of South America. Ketti Gallian, the French stage star, co-stars with Baxter. Veloz and Yolanda dance their new, sensational "Cobra Tango." An excellent supporting programme is also screened. Jack Holt in "Storm Over the Andes" is the change for tomorrow night. This is a story new in fast-moving plot, thrills, and drama. A special matinee will be given on Wednesday afternoon. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Legion of Valour" will be shown finally tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. The main attraction to be seen on tomorrow's bill is Paramount's thrilling college murder mystery, "The Clock Strikes 8," featuring Arline Judge. Kent Taylor, Wendy Barrie, and William Frawley. Two of the college boys are mysteriously murdered and the Mfc of a third is threatened before Kent Taylor and Arline Judge solve the mystery by dint of supersleuthing. "Love in Bloom," a riotous comedy with music, which will be the second feature film, stars George Burns and Gracie Allen. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Heart's Desire" concludes tonight at the Palace Theatre, Petone.' The talking picture version of Gene Stratton-Porter's popular novel, "Freckles," commences a three-night season tomorrow night at the Palace Theatre, Petone. This picture features Tom' Brown, Carol Stone, and Virginia Weidler. It is set against the Limberlost section of Indiana. "Freckles" is an appealing story of an orphan boy whose gentle character and steel-edged courage gain him the love of a girl, the admiration of a youngster, and the friendship of the townsfolk. There is an excellent supporting programme.

TIVOLI THEATRE. There is a particularly happy flavour about Gracie Fields's latest film "Look Up and Laugh," which opens today at the Tivoli Theatre. It is the riotous slory of a fight between a town market and a big rival storekeeper. Basil Dean, the producer and director, went to great pains to secure the authentic atmosphere and those, who have seen the picture are bound to admit that he has succeeded. The butcher, the baker, the humbug-maker, were all on the "set," nearly 100, to be accurate. At each stall, somebody of note was to be seen and everybody seemed to be talking at once. When they were not easily discernible they were heard volubly expounding their lines into the "mike. Included in the gang of comedians were Morris Harvey in charge of cheap jewellery, D. J. Williams with the sweets; Harry Tate selling haberdashery, and Maud Gill hats and bonnets. A promising newcomer is introduced in the juvenile feminine lead in Miss Vivien Leigh, a girl of striking beauty and talent. But the most hilarious sequences' are the market fight scenes, with Gracie leading her band of marketeers into action, while a score of firemen—and policemen—join in me general melee.. The other feature film is "The Devil and the Deep," starring Charles Laughton. RIVOLI THEATRE. With Charles Boyer and Loretta Young playing the starring roles, "Shanghai," which opens at the Rivoli Theatre today tells the tender and poignant love' story of a man who had to choose between power and love, and a woman who defied society for the saketof one man. Boyer is the mystery figure of the Orient. From a mysterious origin, he has fought his way to the top of Shanghai's financial pile. Loretta Young is the woman who loves him for his bravery and his tenderness. When the true story of his origin is made public, all of Shanghai's society turns against him. All, that is, except Loretta Young. How these two find a solution to their unusual problem is revealed in a moving, dramatic climax. An added attraction will be a programme of outstanding vaudeville acts. HART-O'BRIAN COMPANY. Enthusiastic audiences are the order at the St.yames Theatre, where the Hart-O'Brian Vaudeville Company is presenting "Birds of the Night." The company is an extremely well-balanced one and the offerings are up-to-the-minute and diversified. Janice Hart, the brunette balladist, immediately esestablished herself in the favour of the audience, whether in solos or with the clever and beautiful ballet as a background. Frank O'Brian is a comedian of the top flight and he is given excellent support by other fun-makers. Vie Sanderson, juggler extraordinary., Dave James, sleight-of-hand artist. Desiree and Montigue, dancers, the Velesco trio, Cecil Scott, Ivy Ivel, Thelma Golland. Alec Kellaway, and Marie Doran all help to present an entertainment that caters for all tastes and is completely . satisfying. REX THEATRE. The current programme is one of the best yet shown at the Rex Theatre. "The Last Outpost," the new Paramount attraction, with Cary Grant, Claude Rains, and Gertrude Michael, is a drama-packed romance played against the background of the sun-baked, dangerous deserts of Arabia during the World War. It is a story of two men who sacrifice their friendship to wage a savage personal battle for the love of the same girl. How they hound each other through many untold dangers, eventually patching up their quarrel. is told in a series of thrilling events ending in a gripping dramatic climax. Irene Dunne, the star of "Magnificent Obsession," is the featured player in "Sweet Adeline," the second attraction. NAPIER COMPETITIONS. Teachers and competitors are reminded that entries for the Napier Competitions Society's Easter Festival close on Thursday next, March 12, with the secretary, Bowman Building, Market Street, Napier. Copies of the syllabus containing full details of all the vocal and instrumental music, elocution, and dancing are available free of charge on application.