CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Issue 86, 11 April 1936, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Easily Gracie Fields's best work to date" is how an English critic describes "Queen of Hearts," which is now shewing at the Regent Theatre. On this occasion the famous Lancastrian star is presented as Grace Perkins, a humbli: seamstress with a secret "crush" on Derek Cooper, a matinee idol appearing in the "Queen of Hearts" revue. Grace is able to render first-aid to Cooper after one of his wild nights, and although not knowing the first thing about cars, she sacceeds in driving him safely home. It is her passion lor Cooper that results in her masquerading—unwittingly at first —as a wealthy Mrs. Vandeleur, who, is going to invest money in Cooper's show; ana ■it is here that the most riotous sequences oi the picture occurs, when Gracie tries to emulate Mrs. Vandeleur's role as an Apache dancer. Meanwhile, the police are on Gracie s trac.i "for "borrowing" Cooper's car on tae night she befriended him, and there are many amusing complications before Gracie ends .in the arms of her hero—thus achieving the first happy ending" in any of her pictures. It goes almost without saying that she fcores effortlessly in her four lilting song numbers. The star is excellently supported by John Loder Enid StampTaylor, Fred Duprez, and Hal Gordon, to mention only a few. A special feature of the supporting programme is the appearance on the Regent stage of Trevor" and Dawn m an x'Vdagio Extraordinary." ' MAJESTIC THEATRE. V "Rendezvous,".. a dramatic story of the U.S. Cryptographic Bureau as told by the man who organised and headed ! it throughout the World War, is now showing at the Majestic Theatre. Based upon Major Herbert O. Yardley's sensational best-seller book, me American Black Chamber," it is crammed with the intimate revelations of the secret counter-espionage department, where foreign diplomatic or enemy communications were secretly "tapped," decoded, and deciphered for official information. Through this tale of codes and ciphers, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have woven a romance between William Powell, as the chief cryptographer, and Rosalind Russell. Powell, aided by his experience in former famous mystery screen plays—such as "The Thin Man," "Evelyn Prentice, and "Manhattan Melodrama"-contn-butes one of his finest screen performances. Binnie Barnes, the cheerful comedienne from London, appears as Olivia, the alluring spy, who almost upsets all of Powel's secret work. Lionel Atwill, after a long siege as a "screen heavy," steps out of Ins usual screen villaniy to play the role of Brennan, British attache to the Black j Chamber. j • PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A combing of all the screen, radio, and stage talent has arrayed in The Big Broadcast of 1936," now screening at the Paramount Theatre, a group, of stars that it would be practically impossible to equal. Jack Oakie . and Henry Wadsworth. air entertainers, plan to enter an international broadcasting contest to save their radio station from bankruptcy.. George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen, bring the boys their television invention, the Radio Eye, and naturally complications set in. Prominent ?™ on £ the specialty presentations are Richard Tauber, the Vienna Boys Chou, comedy sketches by Amos n Andy, Charles Ruggles and Mary Boland; Bill Robinson, coloured tap-dancer, Ethel Merman; the Nicholas brothers negro lads who present a surprisingly fine eccentric dancing turn; Bing CiosDy, Ray Noble and his band, a chorus of 100 girls, an elephant ba let, and many novel and amusing backgrounds This film promises the best of varied and entertaining holiday lave and is supported by excellent shorts—a Grantland Rice spotlight, techmcolour cartoon, and Popeye the Sailor,. . KING'S THEATRE. The rich humanity and shrewd native humour which made Will Rogers Americas favourite comedian and one o\ the country's leading film stars are again abundantly in e^ncem "Steamboat Round the Bend which is now at the King's Theatre. The Sot revolves' about the love story of°Anne V Shirley and John, McGuire a swamp girl and a river pilot, • and about the come-y feud between Rogers and Irvin S. Cobb who play a pair of rival boat captains. The battle between the captains and the dramatic story reach their climaxes m the thrilling river race which brings "Steamboat Round the Bend to a happy conclusion. Eugene. Pallette, Be?ton .Churchill, and Stepm.Fetcnt & Sa^wh-STi? °theT^oS feature In this dramatic story of the American Civil War she is supported bTjota Boies. Jack Holt. Karen Mopley, and Bill Robinson. ROXY THEATRE. "Naughty Marietta," Mctro-Goldwyn-cg hia!%hrc r ye s? $s Jeanette Mac Donald, the Soma of "The Merry Widow," and Nelson Eddy, famous American baritone, hailed as the greatest "discovery among romantic leading men in yeais. Ted Lewis, high-hatted troubadour, and his merry mad musicians, come to tne screen in a blaze of glory in "Here Comes the Band," the supporting feature in which romance is sat to meloay and' mirth rides high on wings of song. REX THEATRE. . Fred Argyle's International Vaudeville Company of. twenty stars is appearing each evening on the stage of the Rex Theatre in "Footlight Frolics," headed •by Fred • Argyle, "the king of comedians, from Union Theatres, Sydney, and Rae Williams, "the girl with the golden voice, from the Prince Edward Theatre, Sydney The- supporting artists are Tow Cristie, Joy Oliver, Roy Baker, Esma Chalk, Phylis Oliver's beauty ballet. F Williams, Bert Crossley, and lan Murray. A combination of clever singers,' dancers, and comedians. The comedy sketches include: ; "Bits and Pieces" "Finding the Bell" "Poems" "The Hvonotist," The Milkman,' and "The Adventures of Mrs. Maggs." The beautiful song scenas are White Gardenia" "Top Hat," and "When Day is Done " On the screen, Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Young are seen in "Red Salute," a United Artists big special production. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. A dramatically human, pictorial document of the training, hopes, ambitions, and problems that confront that fortunate group of American, youth admitted within the hallowed, histon- • cal walls of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis is now on the screen of the Kilbirnie Kinema in Paramount's "Gentlemen of the Navy. S;r Guy Standing, Richard Cromwell, and Tom Brown have the main roles. With W. C. Fields, kingpin comedian, as its star, Paramount's "Man on the Flying Trapeze" is the other attraction. In the role of a hen-pecked husband at home a down-trodden clerk at the office Fields dominates one hilarious scene after another, without a stop. The supporting players include Mary Brian, Kathleen Howard, Lucien L.Utlefield, Grady Sutton, Vera Lewis, and Oscar Apfel. GRANO THEATRE, TETONE. At the Grand Theatre, Petone, is Paramount's latest Clarence E. Mulford's Hopalong Cassidy Western, "The Eagle's Brood," featuring William Boyd and Jimmy Ellison in the leading roles of Hopalong and Johnny Nelson respectively. This time Hopalong is concerned with finding the missing young grandson of an influential, but one-time Mexican bandit, upon whose head is a price.if he ever 'crosses the border. A specially-select-tied:SUE)pprting*pßOgramme.will-also be pbflHror ■ : -

Divorcee."

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DE LUXE THEATRE. | A thousand and one wonders that had < never been thought of before have been 1 incorporated into Warner Bros. Max Reinhardt production "A Midsummer , Night's Dream," now at the De Luxe Theatre. Forty-odd studio departments representing a hundred and seven 1 various trades and professions were j called upon to do things they had never c done before in casting, directing, art designing, sot building and set dress; ins "A Midsummer Night's Dream followed no established pattern, recpg- ] nised no precedents, knew no limits, i In camera work, lighting,. make-up, 1 music, arid wardrobe this picture prosen ted more new problems than had been offered.by any two pictures evci filmed. The plasterers, painters, and ] cat-centers, the antiquers. the special- , effects departments, the cabinet makers , the prop, shop, even the electrical . fixture men were called upon to ex- : oeriment in a fashion unknown pro- i v?ously The casting of this unusual ; picture was the first concern of Rein- ; hardt and the Warner studio executives . as soon as it was officially decided to , film it. "A Midsummer Nights ■ Dream" had to be played as it had , never been played before That meant that not just two or three leading parts but every single role, great or other- • wise, must be. portrayed by an expert actor so well established in the minds ; of the public that his presence: in.the cast would be an added attraction when the picture.was released. Not the least impressive feature of. Ihe Dream" as it stands completed is the consummate ease with which difficult acting assignments^ handled by Joe E. Brown, James Cagney, lan Huntei, Frank McHugh, Hugh Herbert, Anita Louise, to Mention but a few of the fifteen stars. ' PLAZA THEATRE. The magic of song is a principal attraction at the Plaza Theatre, where Lawrence Tibbett is starred in 20th ; Century's "Metropolitan," the bright , and charming romance of a young singer. '.'Metropolitan" traces Tibbett's career as a young singer who can brook no delay, launches out on the world on his own, meets discouragement, disappointment, romance, and, at last—recognition. His trail crosses that of Virginia Bruce, and there is affection between them immediately. But because Alice Brady, who controls the money in their operatic company, is jealously fond of him, they must conceal their affection. Between placating Alice Brady and attending to the wild vagaries of George Marion, sen., the orchestral conductor, Tibbett has his work cut out for him. When, at last, Miss Brady deserts the company all seems to have gone for nothing. But ingenuity and courage solves the problem, and the climax presents Tibbett as the hero of the evening, wildly applauded after his sensational debut. In tne supporting roles Cesar Romero, Thurston Hall, and Luis Alberm are outstanding. STATE THEATRE. The nimble feet and lusty lungs of Fred Astaire are given a thorough work-out in RKO-Radio's musical, "Follow the Fleet," in which he is again co-starred with Ginger Rogers. The picture is the new attraction' at the State Theatre. Astaire sings four new Irving Berlin melodies, one with Ginger .Rogers, and dances four times, three times with Miss Rogers, and one solo dance, along with engaging comedy performances. Fcr his solo dance, Astaire does a sensational seven-minute tap routine to Id Rather Lead a Band." . Twenty-four sailors accompany him in .his novelty drill dance which is the rhythmic highlight of the.picture. Astaire and Miss Rogers are supported by a Driiliant cast, including the lovely .Harriet Hilliard and Randolph Scott infeatlred roles.- The largest indoor battleship ever created in Hollywood serves as a setting for much of the mirth and melody of "Follow the Fleet. The ship is the "key setting"; as was the "Lido" set in "Top Hat," and the "Continental" setting ~ for "The Gay Divorcee.". ~ ■ * SHORTT'S THEATRE. Featuring Charles Boyer, John I.oder, Merle Oberon, and Betty-Stock-field. "The Battle," now screening at Shortt's Theatre, depicts not only the clash of navies, but also the clash of hearts with its story of the Japanese naval . commanders- wife wooed by a British naval attache. There is a tremendous and strongly dramatic climax. In "Judge Priest, the associate feature, Will Rogers contributes a memorable portrait of tnis ex-Confederate soldier, who dilutes justice with the milk of human kindness and who saves from disaster a helpless girl and the father whom she has never known. The notable cast includes Tom Brown. Anita Louise, Rocheue Hudson, Henry B. Walthall, David Landau, and Stepin Fetchit. BROOKLYN THEATRE, The attractions at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight are Will Rogers in Life Begins at Forty," one of his best pictures and "Silk-Hat Kid," featuring Lew Ayres and Mac Clarke. The supporting programme is excellent. OUR THEATRE. NEWTOWN. ■ '-The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," 20th Century's romantic comedy, starring Ronald Colman, heads the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre. The story tells of a penniless Russian prince who runs a few francs into ten million and breaks the bank at the sporting club. He then uses his fortune in the pursuit of romance in the person of Joan Bennett, who has the feminine lead. The com-edy-romance "Navy Wife," starring Claire Trevor and Ralph Bellamy, is the associate feature. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Bright in dialogue, and with an absolutely new idea as a mystery plot, "Remember Last Night" screens finally at the Capitol Theatre tonight. The picture features Edward Arnold, Constance Cummings, Sally Eilers, Robert Young, and Gregory Ratoff, and is a swift-moving drama dealing with a sensational anniversary party and several mysterious murders. A double-feature programme, Guard That Girl" and "Your Uncle Dudley," will be screening at a matinee at the Capitol Theatre on Monday at 2.15 p.m. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Lucky in cards, unlucky in love." This adage is subjected to a conclusive test by Ronald Colman as the suave, debonair prince who gambles at cards and love in 20th Century's romantic comedy, "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo." which opens today at the Petone State Theatre, bet in the gay capitals of Europe, and teeming with the brilliancy and colour of the Continental smart set, the picture has Joan Bennett in the female lead. The supporting cast includes Colin Clive. Nigel Bruce, Montagu Love, Frank Reicher, Lionel Page, Ferdinand Goltschalk. and Charles Fallpn. A first-rate supporting programme will be screened. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Love Me Forever," which screens at. the Palace Theatre. Petone, tonight, Monday afternoon and night, and Tuesday' night, presents all the inspired artistry of the producer's art. Grace Moore, acclaimed in every corner oi the world for the glory of her Goagiyen voice, and1 beautiful star of "One Night of Love," is now presented in a dramatic musical even more worthy of her inspired talents. Leo Carrillo is excellently cast as the "big shot gambler. Michael Bartlett, possessor of one of -the finest lyric tenors in the world, has the singing lead, and Robert j Allen has the gallant romantic role. REGAL THEATRE. KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karori, "Under Pressure" will .be screened. Such capable players as Victor McLaglen, Edmund Lowe, Charles Bickford, Florence Rice, and Marjorie Rambeau make this a smashing epic of the men who labour in the huge tunnels of the world, flirting with death and love alike. High-class sup.ports -will-be screened.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Fifteen stars play the leading roles in "If I Had a Million," which concludes at the Tivbli Theatre tonight. Comedy, tragedy, irony, romance are combined in the story of an eccentric millionaire who distributes his fortune among eight persons whose names he has chosen at random from a city directory. "The Return of Peter Grimm," starring Lionel Barrymore, in a dual role, will also be shown. Not only thoroughly convincing, but as natural in treatment-and presentation as it is thrillingly exciting, "The Thirty-nine Steps," a Gaumont-British picture released by Fox, opens at the Tivoli Theatre on Monday. The picture is an ingenious adaptation of John Buchans well-known story of the machinations of an international spy organisation and the exciting adventures that befell a man in his efforts to outwit the gang. In a range of settings notable for their great variety of locale, one of the highlights of the drama is a man-hunt among precipitous valleys and heather-clothed hills. Robert Donat, well remembered for his powerful interpretation of "Monte Cristo," proves an admirable Richard Hannay, his personality being particularly well suited to the role of the adventurous young Canadian. Madeleine Carroll has the leading feminine role. Patsy Kelly, noted comedienne, combines warbling with fun-making in her latest screen role, that of one of a trio of singing sisters in "Every Night at Eight," which will also be shown. The musical features the. adventures of a feminine trio ofradio songsters. Frances Langford and Alice Faye are the other members of the threesome, with George Raft cast in the leading role opposite the girls. Walter Catlett and the Radio Rogues also appear. RIVOLI THEATRE. "The' Great Impersonation," the greatest of all the romantic mysteries ever written by E. Phillips Oppenheim. concludes tonight at the Rivoli Theatre. Edmund Lowe, the star, plays a dual role in this exciting story of international intrigue and love, and opposite him are Valeric Hobson and Wera Engels, as the lovely women in his life who finally pierce through the secret of "The Great Impersonation" and bring it to a grand conclusion. Also on the bill is "Sweet Surrender," which marks the debut in pictures of Tamara, the Russian actress and singer who made world-famous the song, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," when she make such a great hit in "Roberta on the stage. Featured in the leading role is Frank Parker, the popular radio tenor. "Call of the Wild" is 119 misnomer for 20th Century's filmisation of Jack London's famous classic of the Klondike gold rush of 1897, which opens at the Rivoli Theatre tomorrow night at five minutes after midnight, with Clark Gable, Loretta Young, and Jack Oakie in its leading roles. A story of unbridled romance which recognises only Nature's laws, it is a literal interpretation of "the call of the wild," and Darryl Zanuck has invested the original text with a dramatic love story. "Remember Last Night?", a mysterious weird and at times humorous tale 01 gay Long Island society on a wild progressive party which culminated in foui»atrocious murders, will be the second feature. The all-star cast includes Edward Arnold, fresh from his "Diamond Jim" triumph, Constance Cummings, Sally Eilers, Robert Young, Robert Armstrong, Louise Henry, Gregory Ratoff, Reginald Denny, Monroe Owsley. Jack LaR/ue, Rafaela Ottiano, and Arthur Treacher. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Eugene O'Neill, the foremost of American playwrights, and possibly the most important writer for the stage in English, has shown fertility and immense understanding of humanity in the dramas which have come f.rom his pen. But not one of his plays, before "Ah, Wilderness!" approached comedy, and it was with surprise that a world which had conceded him great tragic gifts found that he was too, a writer of comedy both subtle and homely. In the adaptation ot Ah, Wilderness!" which Metro-Goldwyn has made for the screen, and which opened at the St. James Theatre on Thursday, there are great qualities. The film contains such proved players as Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery, and Alme McMahon, and the casting is.positively inspired. The choice" of Eric Linden for instance, to play the role of Richard Miller results in a triumphant performance by this young actor, and every part, from that of Wallace Beery to the "bit" played by Mickey Rooney is excellently done. "Ah, Wilderness! , which shows life about thirty years ago when motors were new and noisy and frocks and opinions were far from the mode of today, is a comedy of youth, its basis is as broad as humanity, and its story is simply one not of mirth. There is not likely to be another comedy as .good as this for a long time to come. With the most a comic structure is built up whicii simply holds the audience captive. The porting programme is also interest- „; including a coloured film 01 a "pirate Party on Catalina Island," "West PoTnt o yf the South" which shows a famous military academy, and the latest newsreels. PRINCESS THEATRE. Zane Grey's stories have teen film £ ii Syati^u&rSbt ftffi at the Princess Theatre. There are many spectacular scenes. *n Nevada? in which fast riding ande^t in? round-ucs are features. me second Picture is one of the most hilarious farces that even the talking screen has ever exhibited. Its title js "Joy cellent short subjects will add to the enjoyment of the programme. - SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. At the Seaside Pictures tonight at 7.30 a double-feature programm^ will be presented. Clark Gable will be seen in Jack London's mighty epic of the frozen north, "Call of the Wild. Jack Oakie and Loretta Young are the supporting players. The second fea-; ture is said to have the most amazing detective ever brought to the screen, Nurse.Sarah Keate, played by Aline McMahon in the mystery comedy "While the Patient Slept." She is supported by Guy Kibbee, Allen Jenkins, end Lyle Talbot. Excellent supports include Mickey Mouse. On Monday afternoon at 2.15 a special children s matinee has been arranged, featuring "The Last Outpost," with a splendid array of short subjects, including a comedy, cartoon, sportlight, coloured cartoon, newsreel. and traveltalk. On Monday night, "The Last Outpost" and the musical comedy, "Here Comes the Band" will be shown. PICTON EXCURSION. A last opportunity this season of taking a day trip to Picton with be afforded by -the Wahine's excursion on Easter Monday.. The vessel is timed ( to leave Wellington at 8 a.m. from the steamer express wharf. The steamer's speed should enable her to do the crossing from Heads to Heads in an hour and a quarter, and she should arrive at Picton about half-past 10. Among the special attractions at the Manborough port will be a rowing regatta with crews from Westport, Nelson, Blenheim, and Picton competing. For those who wish to go to Blenheim a train will leave Picton at 11 a.m., returning from Blenheim at 1.25 p.m. m time to catch the steamer again. Special launches will run from Picton to Torca Bay Onahau Bay, and Thompsons Bay where lunch will be obtainable at the accommodation houses, necessitating'to the-two former places, a walk of a mile or so over the hill, which is compensated for by the beau iful view obtained. Another launch will go to the- lovely reserve in Double Bay The Wahine will leave pfclon again for the return trip at §30 P m. arriving in Wellington shortly after spm. Music on the excursion will be provided by the Wellington Regiment First Battalion Band.