CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 100, 29 April 1936, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

f REGENT THEATRE. Three of today's screen favourites— Miriam Hopkins, Merle Oberon, and Joel McCrea—combine to make the success of Samuel Goldwyn's latest production "These Three," now at the Regent Theatre, and theatregoers will have different opinions as to which of the stars is the best. The story concerns the efforts of Miriam Hopkins .and Merle Oberon to conduct a girls' school. Initial financial troubles give -way to quick success until trouble. is started by the malicious lying of a small girl who runs away from the school after a just punishment. Bonita Granville is the child who plays this difficult part, and she plays, it exceedingly well. With another child, whom her stronger character terrifies, she persuades the world of the truth ot her story of the relationships between her two teachers and a young doctor (Joel McCrea). That complicates an already troubled triangle in which the doctor loves Merle Oberon, while he is the object of the silent affection of Miriam Hopkins. It is through the efforts of the last-named that the good names of the three are ultimately reestablished, after a number of heavi ydramatic sequences. For those who like their pictures flavoured with plenty of emotion. "These Three", is; ideal. The supporting programme includes a Walt DisW Silly Symphony in colour "Three Orphan Kittens," and newsreete showing a wide range of difteient sports. DE LUXE THEATRE. Hospital and police details of the De Luxe Theatre's current Warner Bros. - First National thriller, "The Murder of Dr. Harrigan," are all technically liams, former police surgeon at the Los Angeles central station emergency hospital, and now superintendent of the Warner Bros.-First National medical service, was assigned to the picture as technical adviser. As^special guest of McDonald and MacWilhams Lieut Chester Lloyd, of the Los Angeles PoH?e Departaent, visited the set during the making of "The Murder of Di. Harrigan" and watched several scenes filmed Ricardo Cortes, Mary Astor and Kay Linaker are the stars, lne hilarious and charming little comedy, "Personal Maid's Secret" which picture stars Ruth Donnelly, Margaret Lindsay, Anita Louise, and Warren Hull, is the second feature. "Dangerous." "She's the sort of woman a man could sell his soul for," says Franchot Tone about Bette Davis .in the pulsating dramatic hit, "Dangerous, which commences a season at the De Luxe Theatre on Friday next.- Tense situations and strong dialogue passages are features of "Dangerous," which, incidentally, is the picture responsible for the blonde Bette Davis winning the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science award for the best work by an actress in any screen play during the last period reviewed. Miss Davis has some splendid performances to her credit, but her portrayal of the stage star who is loved by many but is prepared to sacrifice everything and everybody to serve her own ends, represents the most outstanding work of her meteoric career. Franchot Tone is an ideal leading man for Miss Davis, and the cast includes Alison Skipworth, Margaret Lindsay, and Dick Foran. STATE THEATRE. "Follow the Fleet," now in its third week at the State Theatre continues to draw packed houses and can; ' be recommended as an entirely satisfying film, combining a sound story with humour and. brightness and beauty, too, for some of the shots of the fleet and some of the elaborate settings for dance numbers reach a high 'standard. Ginger Rogers shares the lead ' again with Fred Astaire, and this time 'is introduced as Sherry Martin, a cabaret dancer, ■whose plain sister Connie is a teacher of music. When the fleet comes to town Connie with Sherry's assistance, is transformed into a fascinating brunette. She meets and falls in love with Randolph Scott, who plays the part of Fred Astaire's sailor friend and who complains that he seems to have a habit of becoming interested in teachers. When he discovers Connie's vocation he finds other interests, but everything is straightened out in. the end. i. 0. WILLIAMSON'S NEW COMEDY CO. THREE FAMOUS PLAYS. One of J. C. Williamson's most important attractions, "Fresh Fields," has ■ now been chosen to open the New Zealand tour at the Grand Opera House ,on Saturday, May 9. "Fresh Fields ■will be staged for six nights only and one matinee, and will be followed by "Night Must Fall" and, "The Shining Hour." This will be the first professional presentation of these plays in New Zealand, and they have been .chosen with discriminating care by the directors, who have a lengthy experience of the predilections of the theatre-going public of New Zealand, ilvor Novelio, the author of "Fresh Fields," has had the -stage instinct from his youth. The theatre was his destiny. Soon it became evident that not only had he the instinct .of the stage, but what is more precious, he possessed the dramatic instinct with-out-which no writer of plays can hope to become successful. Mr. Novello has studied and mastered his craft, so much so that he is now considered one ot the first six most brilliant actorauthors in the world. In 1934 he nact no less than three plays running simultaneously at three different London theatres. "Fresh Fields" convulsed crowded audience at the Criterion for nearly two years, and repeated its success in New York and recently in Sydney and Melbourne. The story of "Fresh Fields" in the hands of this craftsman has become an alluring and hilariously attractive play with the supreme quality of entertainment. Mr. Novello has chosen his types with a discriminating eye, with a fine sense cf contrast, and he brings into conflict the uncut diamonds of the Antipodes with the more polished and aesthetically set ■ gems of aristocratic England. The • company to interpret these plays come •with honours thick upon them from the capital cities of Australia. It ).s headed by the versatile .Ethel Mornson, who has won distinction in London and New York, and who has endeared herself in the hearts of theatregoers in New Zealand, of which she is a proud native, and Elaine Hamill, an- : other New Zealander who has achieved ■ fame with amazing rapidity in Aus : ' -tralia. Associated with them wiH be Lloyd Lamble, Campbell Copelin, Har- • vey Adams, Katie Towers, .Norman I Shepherd, Phyllis Baker, Enid Hollms, • Patricia Pantin, and Arthur Lane. The ! box plans for "Fresh Fields" will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday, May 6, at 9 a.m. ; ! KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The story of the troubled and horrid^ 3ives that are being led in Sharpe's boarding-house,, and of the -transformation that takes place wheiv •: the Stranger pays a call is well > brought out by Berthold Viertel, the I director, by Conrad Veidt, and by the 4 strong cast of distinguished artists supporting him in the Gaumont-Bntish . screen Version of Jerome, K. Jerome's - great play, "The Passing of the Third I Floor Back," which.is now showing at ■ the Kilbirnie Kinema. Fast-moving; and packed with laughter, "The Rain- ; makers," which will also be Shown/dc- ■ serves rating among the best comedy ' features given to the screen by Bert. • Wheeler arid Robert Wpplsey. • Dainty • Dorothy Lee has the feminine lead. ;" BROOKLYN THEATRE. • "Music in the Air." starring Gloria I Swanson and John Boles, and "Black Sheep," with Edmund Lowe and Claire ■ Trevor, will be screened at the Brook- ' lyn Theatre tonight. There will be a full supporting programme.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

ST. JAMES THEATRE. As Celia Whittaker, the ■ leading lady, Ruth Chatterton plays in what is undoubtedly her finest role in "Lady of Secrets," at the St. James Theatre. The story deals with a romance of Celia's brought to a tragic ending during the years of the war. The scene shifts to 1936, when Celia's sister Joan (sympathetically played by Marian Marsh) falls in love with a handsome but unfortunately impecunious doctor. Joan,proposes; he begs her to wait; she declines to do so, and departs for Europe in search of romance. j.o all intents and purposes she finds it, for on her return to-America she brings with' her David, a rich and very attractive gentleman, capably enacted by Otto Kruger. 'When David meets Celia, however, a mutual admiration immediately occurs, and the latter realises that although Joan has announced her engagement to David, it is merely a youthful infatuation, and that she is still in love with the young doctor. Excellent supports are also screened. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Exclusive Story," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, tells of the war of extermination waged between a great American newspaper and an unscrupulous gang of racketeers. Ranked on the side of law and order via the printed.. sheet are Stuart Erwin. as the star crime reporter, and Franchot Tone, as the attorney K>f the paper. An old shopkeeper (J. Farrell Mac Donald) is inveigled into the gang as an unsuspecting operative, and given charge of what turns out to be a cargo of liquid fire on a tramp steamer bound for South America. His beautiful daughter (Madge Evans) is meanwhile occupying more and more of tne attention of the young attorney. ■ The cargo of the tramp steamer is refused entrance to South America, and on tne way back the holocaust breaks loose. Also on the programme are a Charlie Chase comedy, "The Count Takes the Count," an Our Gang comedy, "The Pinch Singer," newsreels, : and a dancing novelty.. ■ PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Queen of Hearts," starring Gracie Fields, , concludes at "the Paramount Theatre tomorrow evening. Jack Buchanan's latest success, "When Knights Were Bold," will be presented at the Paramount Theatre on Friday. Two of the numbers which enhance the entertainment value of the film "I'm Still Dreaming" and Lets Put Some People to Work," sung in Jack's own inimitable breezy style, are destined to be instant favourites. Both songs are logically introduced into the story. Jack, as "Sir Guy de Vere, the new Lord of Beechworth Castle, using the latter in his love making with his beautiful cousin, Lady Rowena. Somewhat embarrassed by the lady s coolness towards him, the new Guy finds it a difficulty in expressing his ardour in mere words; so he puts his feelings to music and sings to her "Lets Put Some People to Work," the words of which aptly plead his cause, but. eventually earn for him—a slapped face. Of course, no Buchanan picture would be complete without an interlude ot tap-dancing, and it is therefore no surprise when Sir Guy, after a particularly "heavy" night and an equally heavy blow on the head from a falling SSTof ~, goes back in Ms dreams through the centuries, and finds the sandy' floors of his ancestors' castle distinctly to the liking of his tapping feet. ROXY THEATRE. Re-living the' blazing careers of three of France's greatest swordsmen Onslow Stevens, Moroni Olsen, and Paul'Lukas add colour and action to RKO-Radki's film version of Alexandra S immortal story of "The Three Musketeers," now showing at the RoxyThpatre Fine actors all, they poi£av the roles respectively, of Aramis, Porthos and Athos. Walter.Abel plays the hot-blooded d'Artagan. Based upon the Gene Stratton-Porter novel-which leads the list of best-se lers for the last sixty years, the pictunsation of "Freckles," which is the second feature, brings to the screen one of the greatest ftories of love .and■-conflict ever filmed. Tom Brown and. Carol Stone are cast in the romantic leads and Virginia Weidler portrays Laurie Lou. "CAPPICADE, 1936.'' On Saturday evening, -Victoria^College students will open a ■ three-night setson at-the New- Opera House for their annual capping revue, which this year comprises. two scores, tieii.s Bells" and "Brave New Zealand/ This year a special effort is being made and with two revues of high merit, produced in a manner in which no expense or trouble is being sp^ed. theatregoers can look forward to the orightest of entertainments. The students have, as in previous years, produced an official programme of the festivities of Capping Week, Cappicade Booklet, 1936," which sets put nearly all the numerous songs ot the revues, in an attractive manner, also in the stories of and commentaries on the revues, and other matters of interest; such as the list of the years graduates in all faculties. In its 43 pages will also, be found bright and airy humour, with a deft but inotTensive spicing in story and picture, and a satirical commentary on current events. The proceeds from both the booklet and the revue are to be devoted to the Student Union Building Fund. The box plan for the revue is now open at the D.1.C., and the booklet is on sale at the "Cappicade" shop in the Colonial Mutual Building. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. ■ "The'main attraction on tonight's dpuble-feature bill.at.the Grand The-: atre. Petone, will be the new Zane Grey action film "Nevada," a spectacular 'story of cattle-rustling days. The cast features Larry "Buster" Crabbe and Kathleen Burke, Monte Blue, Raymond Platton,-and Glenn Enkson. Paramount's new comedy romance, "Two for Tonight," featuring Bing Crosby, Joan Bennett, Mary Boland, and Lynne Overman, will also be shown. ;' REGAL THEATRE, KAUORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Clive Brook and Madeleine Carroll will appear in their latest triumph, "The Dictator." This intense story, is a true reflection of a Danish Court that hides beneath its glitter the.hearts of two people, who yearn in vain for love. Selected short subjects will also be shown. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. .'Basil Sydney, Judy Gunn, and. Claude Dampier have the important roles-in the exciting mystery picture, "White' Lilac," which is showing at Our Theatre. The story tells of a girl's distress when a rich, unscrupulous ne'er-do-well comes, .back intorher life and tries to.wreck"her-newly-found romance. - 'The; 'h^'er-do-well is f oiind. murdered1 by1-his; -'valet;' and the girl is suspected. Song.Goes.Round the World," a' sparkling- romance of life, love, and: laughter, starring the famous tenor,. Joseph Schmidt, is the associate feature.. : .' . _ ; DE LUSiE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "The Melody Lingers On" is the main attraction :on the excellent doublefeature programme, commencing today at the be Luxe Theatre, Lower Hutt. It .is one of the "ihost-appealing love stories ever-filmed; : A sincere drama of a mother's fight ito help her son achieve;the<fame:liis glorious voice deserved. -Alsoion -the; bill arcs "We're in .the Navy," sstarring Glenda Farrell and; Joan- BlbndelL - '-and, a Mickey Mouse cartoon in/colour, 'JOn Ice." ',''[ CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Dressed to Thrill," screening at the Capitol Theatre -tonight, features Clive Brook, Tutta Rolf, and Robert Garrat, and is an unusual romantic drama of a village girl who became the toast of Europe. The second feature, "The Gay Deception," is a gay romantic comedy, s^nd s^ars Francis Lederer, jFrancesJDee.ljmdi'AlanMowbray.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers sing and dance to the tunes of Irving Berlin in "Top Hat," the colourful musical film successor to "Flying Down to Rio," "The Gay Divorcee," and "Roberta,'-' which is- now at the Tivoli Theatre. Combining delightful comedy •■ with love; interest, "Top Hat" unfolds against the colourful backgrounds of London and the Lido. Dances, said to be the most intriguing and spectacular ever introduced by Astaire and Miss Rogers, are. climaxed by- the featured "Piccolino," which is done in a brilliant Venetian setting. Supporting the stars is a strong cast headed by Edward Everett Horton, Helen Broderick, Erik Rhodes, and Eric Blore. ' The memorable battles between the McFaddens and the McTavishes in their classic feud form the background of the amiable and always interesting Paramount film, "McFadden's Flats," which is the other feature, and which introduces Walter Kelly, famous American stage actor, to the screen. ■ Supported by Andy Clyde, Jane Darwell, Richard Cromwell, and Betty Furness. . RIVOLI THEATRE. Fredric March. Charles Laughton, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke head the brilliant cast of "Les Miserables," which-is showing finally tonight at the Rivoli Theatre. Herbert' Marshall and Jean Arthur are teamed in Columbia's new romantic comedy, "If You Could Only Cook," which will also be shown. "Bar 20. Rides Again" and "Twofisted" willrbe We new features at the Rivoli Theatre. , SHORTT'S THEATRE. "The Camels/are Coming" now showing at 'ShOrtt's,.' Theatre as the mairi^feature, is a starring vehicle for BritainJs most-famous, and popular comediiri, Jack -; Hulb'ert, and the story ■■ provides-, "him with limitless opportunities^ for comedy situations/ A-.; rbllicking farce-comedy of Holly wood* life and loves accurately describes the Fox Film production, ;■ "365 '•' Nights in' Hollywood," -which iis the second feature. Alice. Fay e,'James .Dunn, Mitchell and Durant," Grant: -.Mitchell, ,•• and James Melton haye-:.the''main roles. •'The Black >Room" and "That's Gratitude"- will 'be the new features at Shortt's Theatre oh-Friday. ■~,-: ? KING'S THEATRE. RKO-Radio's :"I Dream Too Much," now screening at the King's Theatre, is convincing argument that it is possible to transform opera for the films. In "I Dream Too Much" the lovely French coloratura, Lily Pons, .reveals herself. not only as a singer,' but also as a superb actress and natural comedienne. Vocally and physically she is a perfeefsubject for the sound film. Those who have heard her sing "Caro Nome" on the" operatic stage know it as the spontaneous outpouring of a heart filled with/the ecstasy of love. The beautiful melody, with its configuration of flute passages and swirling sound, is sung so exquisitely that it provokes instant acclaim. On the same programme is an enthralling detective story, "The Sinister House," with Preston , Foster and Margaret Callahan in the leading roles. The picture deals with a series of strange happenings in the home of a wealthy banker and with the efforts of Foster as the detective-hero to solve the riddle and find the guilty person. PLAZA THEATRE. "My Marriage," now showing at the Plaza Theatre, mixes society with gunmen and tells the story of Carol Barton's terrible legacy left her when her father,,- presumably a leader of men, is revealed at his death by shooting as a master racketeer. As the fiancee of a young society,man, Carol feels her position' to the-extent of desiring to break off the engagement, but John de Witt Tyler,-,insists ; ;on marriage to protect- her • name. \ There is a tense scene of revelation■-..in the climax. Pauline Frederick;- Claire Trevor, and Kent Taylor head'a notable cast. Also on. the'programme is the Australian race Avon by\ Cuddle, a Fox International "Kid'n Hollywood," and a comedy, "Going-Spanish." "The1 .Tunnel," which comesi to the Plaza Theatre-on be a picture>:;pQ;ssessuig*all : >the 'qualities that make:-fp'r;successful film entertainment; The .■■story, is:'Jiuman, and dramatic; the theme,,yisiqnary;in the immensity of the'task^ho less: than driving a tunnel from England to America; the settings, magnificent in their scope; the production, spectacular and amazing; the acting, flawless in every respect. "The Tunnel" stars Richard Dix, Leslie Banks, Madge Evans, and Helen Vinson, with a host of minor celebrities in support. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE./ Even better than "Roberta" is "Top Hat," which is now screening at the Palace Theatre, Petone. Dancing and singing to • the tunes and lyrics of Irving Berlin, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers unquestionably are the screen's most popular stars today. They introduce a number of sensational new dances. Comedy vies with romance, singing, and dancing. Early reservation of seats is advised. VAUDEVILLE AT THE REX. The current programme at the Rex Theatre is being warmly received. "Variety Spice" is the title of the vaudeville portion, which is presented by twenty artists, headed by the popular comedian, Fred Argyle, who appears in several hilarious skits, prominent amongst them being "Telephoning the World," "The Waiter," "The House of Mystery," and "The New Boy." In the laugh making he has splendid assistance from Pat Barnard, Torn. Cristie, and Esma Chalk. Hae Williams, the popular soprano, sings "An Old Refrain," "Love in Bloom," and "Shadow Waltz." The beauty ballet are seen in new, snappy dances. On the screen George Raff and Anna May Wong appear in "Limehouse Blues." Saturday next will be Fred Argyle's birthday, and to celebrate the occasion free lucky bags will be given to all children attending the matinee. A special' cowboy revue will be staged, entitled "Western Whoopee." STATE THEATRE, PETONE. With all the whimsy, pathos, and genuine comedy at his command, Edward Everett Horton renders a portrait of a small-town hero who had to take a number of kicks to get wise to himself in "Your Uncle Dudley," the romantic comedy npw at. the State Theatre, Petone. The second feature is ."My Weakness," a light-hearted comedy romance co-starring Lilian Harvey and' Lew Ayres. . . SEASIDE PICTURES, LYALL BAY. Tonight and tomorrow night's programme at the Seaside Pictures opens with the outstanding-musical hit of the year "Broadway Melody of 1936." Seldom have so many song hits, so much excellent dancing, and witty dialogue been crammed into one production. Eleanor Powell, the most famous feminine tap dancer in the world, together with the famous Broadway star, Jack Benny, heads the cast and with them are many well-known stars. On the same programme will be seen a splendid comedy, "How to Sleep" and the sensational mystery thriller, "The Moonstone..''. Excellent selected shorts make up thisTjißDgramme. PRINCESS THEATRE. Cary Grant, Claude Rains, Gertrude Michael, Kathleen Burke, and . Colin Tapley head the cast of the Paramount film, "The Last Outpost," which is the chief attraction at the Princess Theatre: It is a story of a handful of men who control the destinies of millions of. people in the fierce, mysterious deserts and jungles of Arabia and tells of a three-cornered romance between two officers and a nurse in a behind-the-lines hospital. Whimsical light comedy, tense drama, and a de» lightful love story are combined in RKO-Radip's "The Return of Peter Grimm," offered as the second picture, with Lionel Barrymore at the 'head of a capable cast of. screen favourites. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. At the Empire Theatre this evening the principal attraction' wPI *■> "By Your Leave," starring Frank Morgan, which concerns the romunui: > -- sions of a would-be Romeo. Genuvieve Tobin and Neil Hamilton play the leading supporting roles. The second attraction "Open All Night," featuring Frank Vosper. is a thrilling and colourful story* of by night.