CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 138, 12 June 1936, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. One of the most colourful periods in- history has beeii brought to the screen by Douglas Fairbanks, Jun., in his latest production, "The Amateur Gentleman, which is showing at the Rfigent Theatre. Adapted lrom the Jeffery Farnol novel of the same name, the story is laid in England during the time of the Prince Regent. These were days of merry-making, at least for the young, bloods about town and the beautiful women who graced the Carlton House ballroom. Money flowed freely over the gambling tables, and honour was defended at the point of the sword. Into this romantic background the producers have woven draiha packed with action and thrill from start to finish. The picture is a triumph of swift direction which does not allow "the pace to slow down for an instant. The younger Fairbanks is revealed as an actor of the first rank, and the possessor of a pleasing accent which betrays no hint of his American origin. ; The picture is sterling entertainment, splendidly acted by an excellent cast, among* whom , Gordon Harker and Esme Percy stand out with perfect characterisations. Elissa Landl was brought over from Hollywood to co-star with Douglas Fairbanks, Jun., and she gives a sweet and sympathetic portrayal as Lady Gleone. Outstanding among the rest of the cast are Frank Pettingell, Basil Sydney, Ath'Ole Stewart,, and Hugh Williams. MAJESTIC THEATRE. When Michael William Balfe,'the pontic Irishman, wrote the opera, "The Bohemian -Girl" nearly a century ago, little did he dream that it; would one day be the basis of a comedy motion picture. The opus, as he conceived it, was a dramatic and sometimes morbid story concerning thq adventures of a gipsy band, interspersed with ballads noted; for their pathetic sentiment. Noty come Laurel and Hardy,, plenipotentiaries of fun, as stars of a new and hilarious .version of the noted epic, a version dedicated to joy and laughter, but . nevertheless "The Bohemian Girl." Their full-length motion picture suggested by the Balfe opera-begins at the Majestic Theatre today. Practically all of the never-to-be-forgotten music, both instrumental and.'vocal, has been retained. in the film. The differs considerably, however, to permit Laurel and' Hardy to caper as is their wont, and to the j great advantage of the play from an entertainment viewpoint. NEW OPERA HOUSE. One of the most human and delightful 'stories of all time is recaptured on the screen in the film version of "Little Lprd Fauntleroy," which commcnces a season at the New Opera House today. Starting with the background of the poorer parts of New York City., the story traces the life of the half-English boy who becomes the heir-presumptive to the Earl of ! Dorincourt, and leaves his old life of comparative poverty to live among the landed gentry of the Homeland. Freddie Bartholomew fills the part of the little lord with complete artistry, his naive questions to his crotchety old grandfather faithfully representing the curiosity of a child who finds himself in strange and somewhat awe-inspiring surroundings. C v Aubrey Smith, one of the finest character actors on the screen today, gives a magnificent performance as the earl who has never had a single friend in his life until his little grandchild is brought to his castle. Guy Kibbee, as the genial New York groicer, one of the staunchest friends of the little lord in his earlier days, and Mickey Rooney as Dick the shoeblack also give convincing performances. ST. JAMES THEATte. In "Mary Burns, Fugitive," which comes today to the St. James Theatre. Sylvia Sidney is seen as- a girl hunted by ihe law, a victim of circumstantial evidence. Unaware that her sweetheart, a former college football, hero, Alan Baxter, has turned public enemy, Miss Sidney is sentenced to a long prison term because of her innocent associiiion with him. She makes a successful gaol break with a friend and cell mate, Pert Kelton, unaware that Miss Kelton has been put on her trail by G-men who hope she will reveal the hide-out of Baxter, still at large. Miss Sidney gets a job in a hospital and meets Melvyn Douglas, a famous, but temporarily blind scientist. However, Baxter, madly in love with her, puts his gang on her trail and she is forced to flee. A thrilling, dramatic climax brings the film to a finale. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. New Zealartders should be particularly interested in the latest Australian film "Thoroughbred," which has been transferred to the Paramount Theatre after a.successful season at the Majestic Theatre, because its subject is horse racing with a Melbourne Cup-winning horse for this country as its hero. Cinesound made this picture with the twofold purpose of pleasing Australian and New Zealand audiences, and at the same time catering for the tastes of picture-goers who comprise the vast markets of the United States and England. "Thoroughbred" is accordingly neither a purely Australian story, expressed by typical characters in typical dialogue, nor the more or less stereotyped Hollywood "thriller," but a judicious compromise of both. The American Helen Twelvetrces is the heroine. Principal among the others are. Elaine Hamill, John Longden, Frank Leighton, and the horse Stormalong. Lovers of the Turf will enjoy "Thoroughbred," as it intimately depicts familiar scenes at Randwick and Flemington as well as many interesting scenes of thoroughbreds at work in the country. / KING'S THEATRE. "A Message- to Garcia," which has been transferred from the State to the King's-Theatre, is a film of fast action and rough and tumble adventure of a well-tried kind. John Boles has the part of Lieutenant Rowan, who is entrusted by the President of the United States with the delivery of a message to General Garcia, isolated by the enemy in the interior jungles and swamps of Cuba. Barbara Stanwyck is cast as Raphaelita, the daughter of' a loyal farmer and Rowan's assistant and guide on the journey. Wallace Beery has the important part of Sergeant Dory, a renegade of the American marines. "Here Comes Trouble," which will be the associate feature, takes a boatload of stars out to sea and brings thrills, drama, comedy, and romance to' the screen. The entire story revolves about the romance of Paul Kelly, who acts the role of third engineer on a Havana liner, and his manicuring sweetheart, Arline Judge. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. , ■*, bill of exceptional strength and popularity is now screening at Our Theatre. "Mutiny on the Bounty" has everything in the way of entertainment, while yet being sufficiently authentic historically to be of educagjooal interest Ths great galaxy of players is headed by Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, and Franchot Tone. To lighten the sombreness of this maritime tragedy of brutalised lives there is a delightful comedy-drama of a 3 ittle Irish immigrant, "Paddy O'Day." Starring Jane Withers, with her wide, humorous mouth, snapping eyes, and "banged" fringe, it is an excellent foil to the heavy drama of the first picture, and a refreshingly new angle of an old theme. Pinky Tomlin and Rita Cansino are the featured players. Our Theatre programmes start each evening at 7 o'clock. "Paddy O'Day" will be the matinee attraction tomorrow, and children will be admitted for 3d. Members of Our Birthday Club are reminded to bring their membership ' cards for marking.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. . Tonight at the Regal Theatre, "Here's to Romance'," starring a new goldenvoiced singer In Nino Martini, will be screened. Genevieve Tobin, Anita Louise, end Reginald Denny are also jn the cast. Good supports will oe Jighown.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

[ PLAZA THEATRE. i There was a lime when Conrad

Veidt, brilliant European actor, appeared to be established as a screen villain —or at least an actor of strong characterisations that held no room for the tender emotions. In "I Was a Spy" he thrilled audiences as no other harsh, crisp-speaking official could. In "Jew Suss" he invested that fine-drawn i character with greater strength. But with "The Passing of the Third Floor Back," a new Veidt, gentle and sympathetic, .came to the screen. Now, in "King of the Damned," the main feature on the bill at the Plaza Theatre, he brings a tender love story (o the grim drama of the theme he has to play. Here with Helen Vinson as the lovely commandant's daughter, he raises the atmosphere of the gripping 'film into the realm of romance and unswerving loyalty. DE LUXE THEATRE. feelingly, magnificently, "The Story of Louis Pasteur." the picture now at the De Luxe Theatre, paints a perfect canvas of the turbulent life of Louis Pasteur, that amazing French scientist whose battle for humanity against ignorance and prejudice is one of the most astounding chapters of modern history in a film that will be long remembered by all those who see it. For taking an unusual theme and giving it such beauty, dramatic force, and absorbing interest, full credit must go, to Warner Bros.Cosmopolitan. Pictures and Paul Muni, the star, whose portrayal must stand as one of the greatest and most sincere of all time. The picture dramatises Pasteur's battle against the ignorance superstition, and prejudice of the time in which he lived. Physicians, high in favour at the French Court, branded him a charlatan and fought his, every move. But this sterling character could not be swayed from his purpose, which was to save humanity, and he lived to triumph over his fel-low-scientists, to be recognised as the greatest of them all: In addition to Muni, the cast includes Josephine Hutchinson, Anita Louise, and Donald Woods. The supporting entertainment at the De Luxe, including shorts and music by the Orchestra De Luxe and organ, is one befitting the feature attraction. I STATE THEATRE. With a new team of screen lovers, George Raft and Rosalind Russell, "It Had to Happen," a romance of two people who found the world well lost for love, comes to the State Theatre today. In its unconventional style, this picture throws the stars together as they are nearing New York on a ship. Miss Russell is a lovely ' heiress to many millions, and Raft is a poor immigrant lad coming to the land of promise with his friend Leo Carillo; just about as far apart as any two people can be. From his first glimpse of this lovely vision. Raft knows just what it is America holds for him. So with courage and skill and honesty lie emerges in three years as the political lord of a big city. There have been a number of women who would have welcomed his love, but all the while he keeps the vision of the glamorous distant beauty. Then things play into his hands. ■ Miss Russell's husband, Alan Dinehart, is involved in a fraudulent deal in a big bank, now threatened with collapse. He offers Raft a bribe to get him out of the jam, but Raft refuses the money and forces Dinehart to make restitution to the bank. There are dramatic developments before the 1 climax. , SIIORTTS THEATRE. Based on C. M. Forester's novel, "Brown on Resolution," a picture made by Gaumont-British is the main feature at Shortt's Theatre. It is a story of naval adventure on Resolution Island, one of the lonely Galapagos group in -the Pacific. This is the first purely-dramatic film m which the full co-operation of the British Admiralty has been successfully sought. "Orchids To You,' the Fox Film comedy-drama, has John Boles, Jean Muir, and Charles Butterworth in the three leading roles. Ruthelma Stevens, HarVey Stephens, and Arthur Lake are among the featured favourites in the cast. kilbiknie kinema. "Peter Ibbetson" and "Marry the Girl" will be screened finally tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. "Street Singer's Serenade," the first of the Herbert • Wilcox "World Standard" productions, co-starring Arthur Tracy and Anna Neagle, comes to the Kilbirnie Kinema tomorrow. Lovely Anna Neagle re-enacts the commencement of her own career as a chorus girl, and displays her versatility as an actress, as a singer, and as a dancer, while Arthur Tracy co-stars with her in his own world-famous character of the "Street Singer." He sings seven numbers,, which display his wonderful voice to the fullest advantage. "Bulldog Jack," a comedy story written round a Bulldog Drummond theme aild presenting the popular Jack Hulbert in a novel characterisation, will also be screened. Fay Wray plays the part of the heroine. The picture is full of thrills, suspense, and comedy. CAPITOL THEATRE. MIRAMAR. Lawrence Tibbett, fresh from new triumphs in radio and opera, is featured in "Metropolitan," which is screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight and which reveals the glamour and glory, comedy, rivalries, and loves behind the curtain of the world's most I spectacular opera house. The supporting feature, "Hands Across the Table," which will also be screened at a matinee tomorrow at 2.15 p.m., is a romantic comedy starring Carole Lombard, Fred Mac Murray, and Ralph Bellamy. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "The Goose and "the Gander" and "The Woman in Red" will be shown finally tonight at thie Grand Theatre, Petone. Myrna Loy will be seen on the screen at the Grand Theatre, Petone, tomorrow, in "Whipsaw," in which she is co*starred with Spencer Tracy. It is described as an adventure-romance, replete with thrills and light comedy. The supporting cast is headed by Harvey Stephens, William Harrigan, John Qualen, Robert Warwick, Irene Franklin. and Lillian Leighton. "Falling in Love," the second feature, has as its stars Charles Farrelland Mary Lawson, as charming a pair of film lovers as ever graced the screen. It is a refreshing and ingenious comedy. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. ' One of the strangest romantic film triangles is pictured in the story of "The People's Enemy" at the State Theatre, Petone. It offers the romantic and criminal life of a gangster as contrasting phases of the title character. Preston Foster, Melvyn Douglas, and Lila Lee comprise the triangle. Tonight and at tomorrow's matinee "Flames of Vengeance," the sixth episode of "Rustlers of Red Dog," will be screened. * PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Street Singer's Serenade" is screening finaUy tonight at the Palace Theatre, TPetone. Commencing tomorrow at the Palace Theatre, Petone, and screening at four sessions, 10.15 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 3.45 p.m., and 8 p.m., is Charlie Chaplin in "Modern Times." This picture, which is the comedian's greatest and funniest, finds him flitting in and out of situations that set a new standard for fantasy and comedy. "Modern Times" is Chaplin's first picture for five years. Early reservation of seats is advised by telephoning theatre, 63-610. —:— i EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The current programme at the Empire Theatre is headed by "Red Salute," starring Robert Young and Barbara Stanwyck, in a series of exciting and hilarious adventures. Cliff Edwards and Hardie Albright play the leading supporting roles. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged.

TIVOLI THEATRE,

A turbulent romance charged with fusty humour and lilting melodies brings Ginger Rogers and George Brent together in their first co-appearance in "In Person," coming today to the Tivoli Theatre. Making her bow as a solo star in the role of an exasperatingly vain screen star, Ginger has opposite her in the male lead a forthright young man who takes it upon himself to turn her into a humbler human being. The manner in which Miss Rogers arouses Brent's ardent interest causes a number of amusing complications. "In.Person" was drawn from a story by Samuel Hopkins Adams, writer of "It Happened One Night." A new Philo Vance comes to the screen in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture "The Casino Murder Case," which will be the associate feature, with Paul Lukas playing the famous detective role created by S. S. Van Dine. Lukas is teamed with Rosalind Russell, brilliant young leading woman of the New York stage who in "The Casino Murder Case" makes her seventh screen appearance within four months. Directed by Edwin Marin, the picture's cast includes Alison Skipworth, Donald Cook, Arthur Byron, and Ted Healy. RIVOLI THEATRE. Anna Neagle scores the greatest triumph of her career as Peg Woffington in British and Dominions' "Peg of Old Drury," now showing at the .Rivoli Theatre. Seldom off the screen, the star dominates the picture throughout, rising to her best moments in an exquisite, rendering of the part of Rosalind in Shakespeare's "As You Like It." "Peg of Old ;Drury" is staged against picturesque backgrounds of 1740 London. Sir Cedric Hardwicke, playing David Gcirrick, gives flashes from "The Merchant of Venice" and other classic plays, his work being finely restrained. Unfolding a colourful story set in a rough construction camp in the rugged West, "Awakening of Jim Burke," Jack Holt's latest starring production for Columbia, will be the second feature. Florence Rice and Kathleen Burke enaet the important feminine roles. "Awakening of Jim Burke" concerns itself with the misunderstanding that arises between a father and son when the boy, instead of being the tough young ruffian his father expects, turns out to be a gentle, talented violinist. Holt is starred in the father role, with young Jimmy Butler cast as his son. PRINCESS THEATRE. "In Person," which heads the bill at the Princess Theatre, with Ginger Rogers in solo stardom, ushers her to her new position with a story that is highly entertaining throughout. George Brent is the male lead. The British Dominions' realese "Are You a Mason ?" is the second feature. The scenes in which Sonnie Hale and J. Robertson Hare, as fake Masons, make it thenbusiness to initiate Davy Burnaby into the mysteries of Masonic rites of which, incidentally, they have not the slightest knowledge, are amongst the most hilarious sequences ever filmed. The supports include two technicolour cartoons . REX THEATRE. Tonight "Charlie Chan in Egypt" and "George White's Scandals" will have their final screening at the Rex Theatre. A talent hitherto concealed by Dick Powell was revealed when the popular star disclosed his ability; to imitate animal sounds with startling accuracy. Dick, while filming the Warner Bros, picture, "Broadway Gondolier," which comes to the Rex Theatre tomorrovv, was required to launch into a veritable barnyard serenade. "Broadway Gondolier" has an all-star cast which includes, besides Powell, Joan 31ondell, Adolphe Menjou," and Louise Fozenda. "Frisco Kid," the Warner Bros, production of the stirring times in the early history of San Francisco's Barbary Coast, will be the associate feature. KOXY THEATRE. Drama moves on wheels in a lifting comedy romance with thrills and gripping drama in "Pursuit," Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer's fast-moVing story of adventure on the highways and byways, screening. at the Roxy Theatre. Chester Morris and Sally Eilers play the fugitive couple. William Powell and Myrna Loy are- reunited in '"Evelyn Prentice," the supporting feature. They again. play husband and wife, but this time are enmeshed in an amazing probblem, worked out in one of the most dramatic courtroom scenes ever presented on the screen. KRUSE. TO WRESTLE HERE. Bob Kriise, a pupil of Ted Thye, Portland, whose name has long been associated with New Zealand wrestling, arrived in Wellington yesterday to prepare for his opening match here against Pete Mehringer at the Town Hall on Monday night. In his training operations Kruse is willing to work out with any other wrestlers, amateur or professional, and if anyone wants to make a match of it he 1 will be only too willing. Kruse is of ideal wrestling build, being about sft llin in height and weighing about 15st 81b, while he is exceptionally powerful. He has aj wide variety of holds at his. command, I but specialises in wrist locks,, hammer locks, and scissors holds. He has a distinguished record against the best men in the game in America, and proved much too good for the available opposition when he visited South Africa last year. Mehringer has just returned from Australia for a: further series of matches in this country. Those who saw his skilful displays in the early part of the season will welcome his return and will appreciate the fact that he will be able to provide stout opposition to the formidable Kruse. Particulars are advertised,