CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 115, 16 May 1936, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE.^

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A film that is a great deal more than , : a comedy, and which has in it a spark j of. genius, is "Modern Times," now showing at the Regent Theatre. The genius is that of the little man in the bowler hat and baggy trousers, the glamour of whose presence on the screen increases with the passing of the years. . Again .he is the knight of the.underdog,.who triumphs invariably and irrepressibly by reason of the turn-of events. Charlie Chaplin is still the ; alert, nimble individual of over twenty years ago, and his clothes might be.the same as those in which he,founded a tradition in 1913. A proof of his fitness is his • performance nn the inevitable roller skates on the verge of a several-storey drop in a department store. One of the most amusing scenes in the film is Charlie's cabaret turn, which combines an eccentric dance with a song in French. Even though the voice may not be Charlie's, ■the audience cares not, for the world's greatest clown does'not need a voice .whereby to. express himself. He can afford to concede that handicap to the lesser and younger comedians, and still can win in'popularity, judging by the large and appreciative audience which filled the Regent Theatre last night. Though essentially a comedy of the old style, "Modern Times" is in a very up-to-date setting, and teems with new situations,' out of which the little man emerges with the usual aplomb. At the same time, however, it is a brilliant satire, on the unemployment situation in the United States, and the series of strikes with which the recommencement of industry there has been followed. Charlie returns to the huge factory which has been closed during the 'depression, and' spends a diligent day putting the long-disused-machinery into action again, only to find at the end of the day that a strike has broken out, and that he is unemployed again. He is ably supported by Paulette Goddard, who plays the part of ,-a gamin of the streets. A new "March of Time," newsreels, and a Mickey Mouse comedy complete a fine programme. . ST. JAMES THEATRE. Now .transferred to the St. James Theatre, "A Tale of Two Cities," the most spectacular picture of its kind yet seen here, is interpreted by a particularly sound cast, headed by Ronald Colman as.the young lawyer, Sydney Carton, whose love and respect for little Lucie Manette send him to the guillotine in the place of her loverhusband, Charles Darnay, whom he resembles. Colman makes Sydney Carton a • very lovable fellow despite his predilection for drink; Elizabeth Allan is a very appealing Lucie, and Donald Woods a manly Darnay; Edna May Oliver gives another sterling character study as Miss Pross; Basil Rathbone is a sinister- Marquis St. Evremonde; Blanche Yurga, stage star, makes Madame Defarge an outstanding figure; and Reginald Owen (Stryver), Henry: B. Walthall, veteran of ■the silent screen' (Dr. Manette), H. B. Warner,:.the original Sorrell of the Deeping novel's screen treatment (Gabelle), and Claude Gillingwater, Walter Catlett, Tully Marshall, and Billy Bevan have splendid roles. -The pro-, ducer, ' cast, and cameramen have caught the spirit of France during its revolutionary days with fidelity; there are "stupendous scenes depicting the slaughter of the aristocrats, the rise of the. Revolution, the sinister Bastille, the trial of Darnay before the mock court, and the hundred and one incidents of ,the Dickens version. The picture has-excellent ' supports, not ;■ -the least interesting being-the King's visit to the giant liner Queen Mary; a coloured cartoon; newsreels; and a Pete Smith.'novelty. » . .

':" Surpassing all their'; previous performances."•,the Marx brothers turn on the full force of their inconsequential 'comedy in Metrp-Goldwyn-Mayer's "A >N^ht- at the Opera,", now at the Majestic Theatre. From the very first moment;, of the. film, when the three funsters ;beat the. M.G.M. lion for .his job by: roaring and grimacing most inartistically, until. the' final fade-put a hundred minutes-later, the ,hilarity never ceases,: except for a few brief breathing. spells while excerpts from prand ooera are sung with a seriousness that strangely enough does not seem put of place in such a madly impossible picture. Groucho plays the part-of .Otis P. Driftwood, wise-crack-ing entrepreneur, .who links forces With Harpo' and Chico to transport Allan Jones - and Kitty Carlisle' from obscurity in:ltaV to fame on the stage of,.the. New-York Opera House. The fun- begins.iin- Italy, "where they sing ■ all day and fo to the opera at night," continues with renewed vigour oh' the transatlantic steamer, and reaches a grand- climax in' a riot of excitement and lunacy backstage of the New York operal House during a performance .of "II Trovatore." Either Groucho's-- crackling conversation, Chico's trick piano-playing, or Harpo's musicianly performance with the harp is alone worth a visit to the picture. The -supporting programme. includes . a colour traveltalk on "Modern Tokio," a.; Chic Sale item "Important News," and'rte'wsreels which -show; inter alia, the Australian "irl with the highest human voice on record. . ,

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

"Peg of Old Drury," a delightful romance . between David Garrick, the famous English actor, and Peg Woftington, the idol of London, was presented at the Paramount Theatre last night; and won instant: approval. Anna Neagle takes the part of Peg, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke that of David Gar- ""<*• The picture is a story of, one of-the finest-actors of all time and a . stage .beauty. Peg and'her father and mother are first. seen. in their Dublin home, and Peg is induced by a handsome but worthless- admirer to go to London,; under promise of marriage, fane: is a trustful, incurable optimist, of-great courage. When she breaks off trom -her faithless sweetheart, she soon wins her ..way- to prominence, on the London .stage, and becomes the most PoPyl^.actress of the day. In achieving; that position she is assisted by David Garrick, who soon" recognises her .natural gifts as an' actress. In the height .of.her popularity Peg develops heart trouble and the final scene, although wonderfully well done, is very touching. Among the famous personages of Gamck's time is Dr. Johnson who is seen with the distinguished actor-at • several gay parties as described by historians of the day: The first part of the 'Programme 'also provides ' excellent entertainment.

KING'S THEATRE,

. Crashing the jungles with native neipers. and an elephant' train, capturuigits prize denizens and crating them for shipment to the circuses and zoos of the world, sums up the action in Frank Buck s latest cinematic cargo of thrills "Fang and Claw," which is now showing .at ■ the King's Theatre. With the largest' advance order for birds,, beasts, and • reptiles that ne had ever ' carried to the Far East, Buck set out for Malay and Northern India expecting to be away from.his American wild animal base on _Long Island for a year. The expedition, the largest in point of men and equipment in Buck's 25 years of animal -.collecting,' rounded up some 5000 birds and animals, a record catch "Fang and Claw" is said to be more colourful and entertaining than "Brine 'Em Back Alive" or "Wild Cargo . On the same programme is "To Beat the Band," a bright musical comedy, with an unusually good plot. The cast is headed by Hugh Herbert and Helen Broderick.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

An. excellent double-feature proJ gramme is screening at Our .'Theatre tonight. "First a Girl" unfolds the madcap escapade of a girl who poses as a man masquerading as a girl. Her partner in fun is Sonnie Hale, a comedian of quality. "The Riverside' Murder" is.a mystery with a full quota of thrills, m which Basil Sydney and ■Judy Gunn are involved as the leading characters.

Ruby-Keeler at last has a dancing partner who is up to her level, and in "Colleen," at the De Luxe Theatre, the result is enough to make one wonder that the film company did not begin the search for one long ago. The young man is Paul Draper, the new dancing star, of a brilliance and elan which match the high-speed work of Miss Keeler and the great ballets in which they perform together certainly provide some of the finest tap dancing that anyone is likely to see. "Colleen" is the latest musical in which Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler pursue their humorous understandings and unhappy misunderstandings to a satisfactory end. It contains Hugh Herbert, more brilliantly half-witted than he has ever been before, Louise Fazenda, Jack Oakie, who even sings, so high are hjs spirits, and Joan Blondell as the perfect type of gold-digger, perfect because she acts by instinct instead of reason. And the result is as merry a melange as one could desire, with new songs and a madcap story arising out of the attempts of a millionaire to occupy himself with business when he has less than no business instinct, but an infallible nose for trouble. The supporting programme includes newsreels of events from far and near, a cartoon showing "Buddy the G-Man" at work, and .Hobart. Cavanagh, a favourite in (minor roles even though his name may not be remembered, in a comedy "Husband's Holiday." The Orchestra De Luxe, under Mr. L. D. Austin, presents some favourite numbers in triumphant style, including the Morning, Noon, and Night" of Suppe, Greig's "March of the Dwarfs," and a bright selection from the "Maid of the Mountains."

STATE THEATRE.

"Captain January," now in' its second week at the State Theatre, gives. Shirley Temple one of the most winsome roles of her career as "Star," the adopted daughter, of the lighthousekeeper. Captain January (Guy Kibbee). In this coastal setting Shirley is seen in appropriate songs of the sea with their accompanying dances. She has many friends among the fishermen and sailors of the Maine Coast, but chief among them is Slim Summerville, who is so fond of Captain January that their life is one continual humorous wrangle. Each vies with the other in bringing up Star, the little waif of the sea, but both unite in protecting her from that severe disciplinarian, the woman truant inspector. Their attempts to instruct Star before an impending examination cause much merriment, and there is pathos, also, -when modern lighthouse equipment is installed and Captain January finds himself faced with unemployment. He and Star make a thrilling escape from the education authorities, only to find, when they are brought back to the coast, that Slim has been successful in tracing Star's relatives, who come to the rescue just in time to make the story end happily. Buddy Ebsen. that- clever dancer of "Broadway Melody," is seen again as one of the sailor lads'in some intricate tap dances. There is an excellent supporting programme. '

PLAZA THEATRE,

"Aunt Julia," the screen adaptation of Booth Tarki'ngton's screaminglyfunny story, now showing at the Plaza Theatre, features the brilliant child actress, ■ Jane Withers, in her happiest role as. Florence Atwater, daughter of the town's big family, The scene of the story is laid.in a small mid-west to 4 wn in pre-war days. The story deals with the efforts of suitors to win the hand of Julia Atwater (Marsha Hunt), Florence's aunt. Florence greatly favours Noble Dill (Tom Brown) as the successful man, but competition in the village is strong. . There comes to the village the villain of the: piece in the person of Mr. Crum, bearing both the manners of a man of • the world arid, to Florence anyway, the aroma peculiar to all snakes in the grass. The said aroma fails, however, to assail the nostrils of fair Aunt Julia, and she and Mr. Crum indulge, in a bit of gentle wooing, ' much to the disgust of Florence, who forthwith takes Mr. Dill, the shy and embarrassed hero, into her confidence and thinks out plots to undermine the popularity of Mr. Crum. These plots, when put into 'practice create many hilarious situations, and how Noble Dill takes- his place at the altar alongside Aunt Julia provides delightful entertainment. George Meiker and Jackie Searl play their parts ad|mirably. A ..good supporting, pro- [ gramme is, also . screened.

ROXY THEATRE,

An officer of the law in. search of revenge for the murder of his brother IS the theme of the Columbia picture, "The Fighting Ranger." "at the Roxy Theatre. The main roles : are handled by Buck Jones, Dorothy Reyier, Bradley Page; Frank Rice, and Mozelle Brittone. Ralph Bellamy, Gloria Shea, and Joan Perry band together to enact the leading roles, in Columbia's "Dangerous Intrigue." the other attraction. The locale of the story is a huge Pennsylvania steel mill, where a famous New York surgeon; suffering from temporary loss of memory, wanders into a series of situations which change the course'of his life. '

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

In keeping with the importance of the picture, a brilliant supporting cast was brought together for "One. More Spring,' the Janet Gaynor-Warher Baxter co-starring screen romance at Shortts Theatre. It includes Walter King, Jane Darwell, Roger Imhoi,. Grant Mitchell, Rosemary Ames, John Qualen, Nick Foran, Astrid Allwyn, and the comedian Stepin Fetchit. "Things Are Looking Up," the associate feature, is a school story of an unusual type. It scintillates with joy and merriment and-provides firstrate entertainment. "Versatile Cicely Cpurtneidge, wise-cracking Max Miller, and.the popular William Gargan fill the chief roles. ■-.".-

STATE THEATRE, PETONE.

. It is claimed that Jessie Matthews — a.,i E! dy who makes' a fine gentleman in First-a Girl," a: Gaumont-British Picture showing tonight at-the State Theatre. The star is seen in the guise i? ? an> ar>d : a great deal of fun results from her efforts to live up to the n, e^ole. The cast includes Anna Lee, Griffiths Jones, Marita Hunt, Eddie Gray, and Alfred Dray ton.

GRAND THEATRE,; PETONE,

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

BROOKLYN THEATRE.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.

, The first deanite scenes permitted y tJi? American Government to witness the doings of the army and navy are displayed in Paramount's "GentleTh£L pf the. Navy," at the Grand Theatre. ■ Petone. .It us a draufe" S4SX id ,in; and, around the united States Naval Academy, featurwlll TnmU-n Standin& Richard'Crom-i well Tom Brown, and Rosalind Keith. A selected supporting programme will also be shown. •*■■•.!

no3 ose + S f the R?ncho," Paramount's new outdoor musical, romance which S twi 401? lght'Monday, and Tuesday at the Palace Theatre, Petone, coming direct from a most successful season at the Regent. Theatre, Wellington, boasts I,?= first. original operetta-type score ever written. It also- marks the screen debut of Gladys Swarthout, beautiful Metropolitan opera star, and of the new comedy team of Willie Howard I and Herb Williams., John Boles costars with Miss Swarthout. Patrons are'advised to book early.

.The Fox Films mystery thriller, Charlie Chan in Egypt," witlv Warner Oland in the leading role, and "Doubt- }£ g Thomas," starring will Rogers, are the. features at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight.

The weekend programme at the Empire Theatre is headed by "Anna Karenma," starring Greta Garbo, Fredric March, and Freddie Bartholom,ewin a romance of Imperial Russia at the height of its splendour. A coloured cartoon, an odditj', and two newsreels complete the programme.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

Flying hoofs, young romance, and adventure under sunny Southern skies fill the moving scenes of AVill Rogers's last and greatest picture, "In Old Kentucky," which heads the bill at the Tivoli Theatre. Adapted from the Charles T. Dazey play which has retained its hold on America's affection for thirty years, "In Old Kentucky" presents Rogers in his most whimsical, lovable role —as an old-timer who knew everything about horses, and quite a little about youngsters in love. Dorothy Wilson and Russell Hardie share the romantic leads in the film. Prominently cast in supporting roles are Charles Sellon, Louise Henry, and Bill Robinson, the world's greatest tap dancer. Actual cases, newspaper reports, and official facts were the basis of^'Public Hero No. 1," Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's drama of the Federal secret service and its war on organised crime, which will be the second feature. It traces in detail the pursuit of a notorious public enemy in a rapid-fire story with Lionel Barrymore, Chester Morris, Joseph Calleia. Jean Arthur, and others of note in a fine cast.

KIVOLI THEATRE.

Kay Francis, supported by a talented cast, is seen at the Rivoli Theatre in the Warner Bros, production "I Found Stella Parish." Miss Francis has the intensely-emotional role of a woman who topples from, the i heights of success to the depths ■of despair. Lan Hunter, the English stage and film star, has the role of the journalist, with Paul Lukas playing the part of the actress's theatrical manager and suitor at the time she had attained the pinnacle of success. The clever child actress, Sybil Jason, is seen as Miss' Francis's daughter. Jessie Ralph has the role of the child's nurse and Barton Mac Lane is the blackmailing husband. Enchanting music, spectacular routines set in backgrounds of unprecedented splendour, a pageant of the world's gueatest entertainers head-, ed by Jack Benny and Eleanor Powell and an intriguing story, are well blended in "Broadway Melody of lasb," us other main feature on the programme.

PRINCESS THEATRE.

Kay Francis appears in Warner Bros.' intensely emotional drama. "I Found Stella Perish," which constitutes the chief attraction at the Princess Theatre. She is supported by an exceptionally talented cast, which: includes lan Hunter,, Paul Lukas, Sybil Jason, Jessie Ralph, and Barton MacLane. "I Found Stella Parish" is one of the most powerful dramatic productions in which the brilliant star has yet appeared. Warner Baxter plays the role of Cesar, the gaucho, in Fox Film's "Under the Pampas Moon," which is the additional feature. He sings, dances, plays the guitar, throws the bolas and rides a horse in addition to playing a number of romantic scenes. Ketti Gallian is co-starred with Warner Baxter- The featurettes include a number of entertaining subjects. - - - . . ■

REX THEATRE,

"Street Singer's Serenade," the first of the Herbert Wilcox "World Standard" productions, co-starring Arthur Tracy, the wonder-voiced "Street Singer." and Anna Neagle, which is screening at the Rex Theatre, has been rightly acclaimed "The Happiness' Picture of 1936." During the latter days of production, director Herbert Wilcox had his company working spells of sixteen and eighteen hours on the complex and spectacular stage scenes which play an important part in the development of this delightful story—the first of its kind—of London's real theatreland. Zane Grey's" action-romance, "Under the Ton to Rim." is the associate feature, with Stuart Erwin, Fred Kohler, Raymond Hatton, and Verna Hillie in the leading roles.'

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

The havoc wrought in the lives oE three innocent adults by the whispering campaign begun by a lying, spiteful child provides the theme of Samuel Goldwyn's powerful drama, "These Three," in which Miriam Hopkins. Merle Oberon,. and Joel McCrea are starred at the Kilbirnie Kinema. From ,the pen of Lillian -Hellman, the famous Broadway playwright, the story of "These Three" is \ skilfully: developed and brilliantly: acted, not alcne by the stars but by the-sup-porting cast as well. i. First National's new melodramatic thriller, "Red Hot Tires," which is the second feature, is I a thrilling drama of ' the automobile race tracks. Lyle Talbot. Mary Astor, and Gavin Gordon have the leading roles. ■ ' ~ ' ~ '

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

"Escapade," which heads the weekend programme at the" Regal Theatre, tells of a woman in gay Vienna who posed for an' artist (William Powell) and the resulting complications that rocked society to its foundations. Besides Powell the cast includes Luise Rainer, Frank Morgan,, and Virginia Bruce. Selected supporting items will also be shown. '.'.• ■

CAPITOL THEATRE, SHRAMAR.

"Charlie Chan's Secret,", screening at the Capitol Theatre 'tonight, stars Warner Oland, Charles Quigley, and Rosina Lawrence, and is the story of the Oriental detectives. adventures in tracing down a murderer who takes refuge with an eerie and sinister group of spiritualists'. The supporting picture is "D'ye Ken John Peel," featuring John Garrick, Winifred Shotter, and Stanley Holloway.:

SEASIDE THEATRE,

Shirley Temple, the wonder sweetheart, will be seen at the Seaside f Theatre tonight in "Bright Eyes." This :t time she has the role of a mascot to an I s aerodrome, and her performance in this - picture shows her, at her best. On the t same programme is William Boyd in .. "The Eagle's Brood." '■ j

SUNDAY PICTURE.

Tomorrow (Sunday) evening at the King's Theatre a picture which has had most successful■-. runs in various cities, "Many Waters," will be screened under the auspices of the Wellington Brass and Pipe Bands'- Association. Seldom- have so many well-known names been found together in one cast. Donald Calthrop, Arthur Margetson, Lilian Hall Davis, Elizabeth Allen, and Mary Clare, to mention only a few, are all familiar to British theatre-goers. "Many Waters" when it was put on the stage was an unqualified success; on the screen it is no less so. Supported by an excellent cast, Lilian Hall Davis and Arthur Margetson capture all hearts by their sincere and sympathetic portrayal of a simple couple who, falling in love at first sight when they met by chance at the Earl's Court Exhibition, marry at the ages of 21 and 19 and remain in love through the storm and .stress of an adventurous life. There is comedy, humanity, and occasionally - profound emotion in "Many Waters."- The "Sunday Pictorial" says: "This is a film that will go to cinemas with good will ready and waiting, to • welcome it." The "Daily Mail" says: "Throughout this country it will certainly reap the reward which film»oers are quick to bestow." A worth-while picture, absorbing and inspiring, with delightful comedy introduced. The .story is told of the hidden drama in ordinary everyday lives, The Artillery Band will play bright selections.

"HARMONY CIRCLE."

The "Harmony Circle" founded by Mrs. Albert Russell has not disbanded, but still meets every Monday evening for spiritual help, guidance, and study, under the leadership of Mrs. N. Cruttenden, who is ably supported by the enthusiasm of members. All "Truth" and "Unity" students are cordially welcomed. Full particulars are advertised in this issue.