CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 153, 30 June 1936, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

SEGEYT THEATRE., Startling; yet not by any means impossible, is the vision of the immediate future -presented by H. G. Wells in the Bmish. film "Things to Come," now at thfe; Urgent. Theatre. If ever any picture was a' warning to war-mongers it is this, presenting as it does a dismal 'prophecy of death,' disease, and barbarism. But it is not wholly pessimistic, for it. shows the downfall of the last dictator and the rise, when civilisation seems to be an almostthingj of a race of people whuae-asimtfes are based upon science and cpmmvi sense. Then the ruins of destroyed by air raids in the give place'to a vast underground' city of the future, airconditipnetfand artificially lighted, constncw*nM%' pf steel and. glass. The chantffe-in rrtMi s manner of life matches his .new outlook, upon: it. The picture ends with the" : start of yet another step into the future, the firing of a projectile containing two young people from a "space gun" to explore the .immensities. of :■ the universe. The imagination.bt.H.G. .Wells is given full rein, and 'aided by the skill of the cameramen, has resulted in an unforgettable picture. The leading roles are played convincingly by Raymond Macsey, Margaretta Scott, Ralph Richardson, and Sir Cedric Hard wicke. A Walt Disney colour cartoon, "Mickey's Polo Team," is included in tne supporting programme. Mjuisitc THEATRE. Pages at' the glamorous history of California, at "the dawn of its conquest from Mexico. by the United - States, spring vividly. to 1 life again •In "Robin Hood of El Dorado," now showing at the Majestic Theatre. The story is based on fact, and is that of the bandit and patriot, Joaquin Murrieta, who, driven from his humble .farm by the ruthless invasion of gold-seekers in 1848, waged ' war against the Americans who slew liis wife and brother-in-law. In the title rble Warner Baxter reaches great heights and carries the audience with him from the moment he gallops into the little peon village on his wedding day until the final graphic scenes. ' Ann' Loring, Bruce Cabot, the beautiful Spanish dancer Margo, J. Carroll Naish, Eric Linden, and Edgar Kennedy all have important roles. The »iipportin£ programme is also a fine one, and includes a newsreel featuring the playing of the Wellington boy piano prodigy, Junior Far-

ST. JAMES THEATRE. In "Crime and Punishment," now at the St. James Theatre, the three principals, Peter Lorre, as Raskolnikov, the murderer, EdWard Arnold, as Ins-; pector Polfiry, ' and Miriam Marsh as Soaj*, give splendid performances. Biukolnlkov- is an impoverished frtiut; Who murders a grasping pawnroker ta aid his family and to steal 1 pnough ftiOnejr to set himself on his •Mftl'' He considers that by ridding ; thft *orld of this woman the magnitufle/of hw crime is lessened. An innun is convicted of the mur- %'• condemned to be sent to Siberia. Jtaskolnikov is relentlessly punuad by-the inspector, who has no doubt of his guilt, although incriminatihgevidenceis lacking. Short subject? («' the same programme include newsceeW'.a coloured cartoon, and an amusip£ comedy entitled "Ants in the Pantry/' ' "

NEW OPERA HOUSE. The current bill at the New Opera House has two attractive features which are providing entertainment out of the ordinary. Goes" is a feast of fun and music, and Bing Crosby admirers will see their favourite fairly revel in the many tuneful numbers such as "Anything Goes," "You're the Top," ahd "Sailor Beware." , Ethel Merman is bewitching in the role 'aha made-so famous-in the Broadway, 'ahomv and beautiful Ida Lupino makes a charming heroine. Much delicious humour is supplied by Charlie Ruggles. who attempts to hide the identity of Public Enemy No. 13 under clerical garb. "Two Hearts in Harmony" concerns a girl member of a troupe of night-club entertainers, who, in endeavouring to secure more reepectable employment, finds herself engaged as govarness to the old-fashioned son of a manjues, " PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Voltaire has been called the father of the French Revolution, and the incident upon which the picture now showing at the Paramount Theatre is founder was actually one of the contributing tcataiftt to' the'greatest governmental up* the age. Voltaire, mystery man. was One of the most amazing personalities mankind ever produced. He Mtounded millions with his brilliance, defining .the powers of heaven and t'eltfii. anil denouncing the iniquities of the great while he sought the favours of the wickedest' woman in Paris. ■ George Arliss soars again to dramatic heiidits in this great role. ' Ceiling Zero," in which the activities of a •reat airline form the background for a flirtlling Story, is also being shown. James Cagney and Pat O'Brien are the stars. , KING'S THEATRE. "The Informer," now screening at the King's Theatre, is a tale of two internal struggles—the one that ripped Ireland asunder through revolution, the other that tore the soul of on* of Ireland's sons in a battle between the forces of good and evil within WW.' Victor McLaglen is aided by a strong cast that includes Heather AngeL Margot Grahame. Wallace Ford, Preston Foster, and O'Connor. Walter Abel is the star in RKO-Radio s mystery drama, "Two in the Dark, which is the second feature at the King's. Included in the cast are Margot Grahame, Wallace Ford, Gail Pat,rick,' Alan Hale, Leslie Fenton, Erik iQfeles, Eric Blore, Erin O'BrienIjMoore, and others. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Follow the Fleet" will be screened Anally tonight at the State Theatre, tomorrow at the State Theatre,' Petone, with a matinee at 2 prn . * good double-feature programme WiU be screened. The first feature, atarring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, .will be "The Invisible Ray/' "We're Only Human," with Preston Foster and James Gleason in the leading roles, will be the .associate picture. Included on the bill Will be a full selection of supporting featurettes. Screening will •■coirteence at 7.30. Early booking is $<Ivise<J.

fi PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. T Owing to the Hutt Valley Boxing Association's contest in the Palace Theatre tonight, there will *be no pictures. Commencing a three-night grand revival season tomorrow night at the Palace Theatre, Petone. Jeanette Mac-Donald-and Nelson Eddy-will appear in the greatest musical of all time, "Naughty- Marietta." Produced on a spectacular scale by Metro-Goldwyn-"Naughty Marietta" was filmed as a- thundering drama of romantic days, a vehicle that gives to the famous Victor Hubert music the importance it merits. A complete new programme of supporting subjects, all in tecjinicolour, will also be shown.

, GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. I* ' "Aiihie Oakley" and "When XhigfltiS Were Bold" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Paramount's new comedy with song pictures; "Here Is My Heart," coming ! to the Grand Theatre, Petone, tomorrow, presents Bing Crosby with one ' of the best supporting casts he has 1 had in a film. It includes Kitty Car- ' "lis!*, Alison Skipworth, and Roland Xoung. The songs include "With Every , Breath , I Take," "June in January," . feni "L*ve Is Just Around the Corner." ' "Sha Loves a Uniform," which will alao be shown, shows what happens ' when a group of JRunyon's "very hard citizens" from Broadway get mixed up *Mth a beautiful but determined : heiress, and features Patricia Ellis, ; Cesar Romero, Larry Crabbe, and Wil- ! Jiam Frawley.

OIY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DB LUXE THEATRE. "The Singing Kid," at the De Luxe Theatre, is the latest gigantic musical picture of the type that Warner Bros.First National Pictures have become famous for. Here has been gathered together a scintillating cast from the stage, the screen, and the radio. Edward Everett Horton and Allen Jenkins reveal themselves as a new and accomplished comedy team, and they are responsible for a great deal of the uproarious fun of "The Singing Kid," which, besides the two comedians mentioned, has captivating Little Sybil Jason. A 1 Jolson. Claire Dodd, Beverly Roberts, the Yacht Club Boys, and Cab Callaway and his "swing rhythm" band in the cast. Three new song numbers are skilfully worked into the action of the picture.

On Friday night next at the De Luxe Theatre, the management is breaking new ground in presenting a "Golfers' Night." Arrangements have been made with Wellington's various golf club secretaries in connection with this. For th.e first time in New Zealand a complete series of six new Bobby Jones golf shorts, called "How to Break 90," will be screened simultaneously. It is planned to make Friday a real gala night for golfers.

PLAZA THEATRE. In "Jack of All Trades," now showing for a second week at the Plaza Theatre, Jack Hulbert and Robertson Hare combine to produce a most amusing film with many intriguingly funny situations, a number of snappy musical numbers, and some very clever •dancing. Jack Hulbert is as irrepressible as ever, and by a display of tremendous confidence makes a position for himself in a large English bank. There his ingenuity creates a plan for the mass production of shoes which sweeps through the financial houses like fire, but Jack Hulbert's real identity is disclosed by the girl he loves, and in a flash he has fallen from his high estate as the managing-director of the great shoe combine. His scheme, however, is taken up, a great factory is built, and many uproarious scenes follow when a gang of fire-raisers set out to burn it down. Jack Hulbert is partnered by Gina Majo, an exceedingly clever and able dancer. There is a; good supporting programme. |

STATE THEATRE. A little village in the timber-lands of Canada, known as Moosetown, is the setting of that popular film, "The Couni try Doctor," now in its second week at the State Theatre, and featuring I the lovely Dionne quintuplets. Two threads of a story are interwoven to make the film—one is the life of a valiant doctdr (Jean Hersholt), who has given his whole time to relieving the sufferings of an isolated community, and the other the romance of his nephew, a young city doctor, and the daughter of an unscrupulous company manager. By devious means the girl's father discovers that Hersholt has been practising without a licence, and forbids him to continue. After the epidemic the doctor travels to the city, where, at a great gathering of surgeons, he makes a plea, for a hospital, at Moosetown. The necessity for it is not understood, but the doctor's greatest wish comes true when the birth of quintuplets puts Moosetown on the map and every need is gratified. Slim Summerville has the very humorous role of the sheriff. . „„i. The hidden story of Americas most tragic figure is at last bared as 20th Century-Fox brings to the screen in "The Prisoner of Shark Island, coming on Friday to the State Theatre, the profound and moving true story of Dr. Samuel Alexander Mudd who suffered a living death on Americas, island h£ll because of his innocent connection with Lincoln's assassin. Powerfully and realistically directed by John Ford, the picture takes up the story with a startling re-enactment of Lincoln's assassination. John Wilkes Booth, the killer, flees ,to Maryland, where his broken leg is set by Dr. Mudd, played by Warner Baxter, the star of the picture. For his unwitting part dn the plot Baxter is transported to the desolate, sun-baked Fort Jefferson, an island of horror and despair. What happens on the island, the doetor's degradation and torture, the terror of the shark-filled moat, and the ravages of disease among the convicts—all these are startlingly brought to life on the screen.

REX THEATRE. The Bex Theatre has recently undergone textensive alterations, ant® the most modern of heating plants has been installed. The management realises that there are thousands of families in Wellington who cannot afford highpriced pictures, and ih future, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights, half-prices will prevail, and a full double-feature programme will be screened, commencing at 7.30 p.m. All stalls will be 6d, and dress circle 9d. Tonight will be the start of the special prices, and the two features selected will be "Murder at the Zoo," featuring Charles Buggies and Lionel Atwill, and "The Lady's Profession," with Alison Skipworth and Roland Young. ROXY THEATRE. A peace officer walking into the levelled guns of four desperadoes to thwart a daring kidnapping scheme is only one of the many thrills, packed into "The Arizonian," now screening at the Roxy Theatre, in which Richard Dix has a leading role. A mother makes one mistake in bringing up her children, and years later their troubles growing out of that one error threatens . the destruction of home and happiness. That is the theme of R.K.0.-Radio s "Strangers All," the supporting feature, with May Robson and Preston Foster in the principal roles. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Patrons who saw the double-feature programme at Our Theatre on Monday night expressed their appreciation in no uncertain manner. "Heres To Romance" is a picture to please music, lovers, leavened by some delightful comedy, and the type of dancing which made Rudolph Valentino the idol of all hearts. Nino Martini, Genevieve Tobin, Anita Louise, and a strong cast interpret this charming trifle. "My Marriage" is cast in different mould, being a drama of a woman and a man whose love withstands the test of absence and the sinister influence of thd underworld. Claire Trevor, Kent Taylor, Pauline Frederick, Helen Wood, and Thomas Beck head a fine list of performers. Our Theatre's new heating plant makes warm and comfortable surroundings a certainty.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Another double-feature programme is to be screened at the Empire Theatre this evening. "Whispering Smith Speaks," starring George O'Brien, is a story of the railroad with a thrilling climax. "Bad Boy" stars James Dunn and Dorothy Wilson in a typical picture. A Fox Movietone newsreel completes the programme.

SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Tonijght sees the final presentation of "The Great Impersonation" and "Ginger." On Wednesday and Thursday next Alexandre Dumas's stirring tale of the seventeenth century, "The Three Musketeers," will be screened. The story -is portrayed by an exceptional cast, including Walter Abel, Paul Lucas, Heather Angel, Margot Grahame, and lan Keith. "The March of Time" and -an excellent choice of "short" subjects will also be shown. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Show Them No Mercy." screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight, features Rochelle Hudson, Edward Norris, Bruce Cabot. Violence, intense emotional drama, spontaneous humour, and romance are the highlights of this new picture, which reveals the new underworld terror in America's fight, to wipe out crime.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Fredric March, Merle Oberon, and Herbert Marshall play the three lovers tossed helplessly about by the relentless tides of life in "The Dark Angel," the new Samuel Goldwyn production which begins a season at the 'fivoli Theatre today. Set in a lovely, quiet • corner of rural England, the story reflects the conflicts and triumphs in the life of Kitty Vane, a beautiful English girl who, since childhood, has been loved by one boy, Gerald Shannon (Marshall), while she loves his cousin, Alan Trent (March). Months in the trenches bring to Alan the realisation of his love for Kitty. Home on leave, he confesses his love and they ecstatically arrange to marry on the morrow. An order cancelling all leave shatters their dream, however, and they spend their last hours together trying to forget that they may never see each other again. The story proceeds from this point to a powerful emotional climax, and, after many vicissitudes, the lovers are reunited to face the future together. The supporting cast is headed by Janet Beecher, John Halliday, Henrietta Crosman, Freda Inescort, Claude Allister, Georgie Breakston, and Cora Sue Collins.

RIVOLI AND PRINCESS THEATRES.

For sheer drama and vital force there are few screen plays to equal "Dangerous," the Warner Bros, ace attraction featuring Bette Davis and Franchot Tone which heads the outstanding programme now screening simultaneously at the Rivoli and Princess Theatres. There is a sweep and power about "Dangerous" that brings a tremendous emotional reaction _to those who witness it. It is the kind of picture that requires an exceptional cast to make the most of the characters involved in the plot and Warner Bros, evidently recognised this by placing in the leading roles not only stars of rare talent but those who fit their parts to perfection. Too much cannot be said of the magnificent portrayals given by Bette Davis and Franchot 1 Tone; incidentally the role played by Bette Davis won for her the coveted Motion Picture Academy award for the best performance of the yew. Margaret Lindsay. Alison Skipworth, John Eldridge, and Dick Foran head the supporting cast. The second picture, "Rose of the Rancho," also an exceptional production, is the first of the Paramount 1936 bigger attractions and marks the debut on the screen of Gladys Swarthout, famous Metropolitan Opera star, who co-stars with John Boles and Charles Bickford. "Rose of the Rancho" boasts of the first original orfcretta type score ever written for the screen. The picture has more new songs than any picture ever madeeleven, to be exact, plus four Spanish dances. In addition to these two'films, splendid featurettes will be presented.

WELLINGTON REPERTORY THEATRE. "I am often asked what I consider a great play. Well, here is one," wrote the noted dramatic critic, Mr. A. B. Walkley, in his opening remarks to an extended and highly eulogistic review of Mr. John Galsworthy's play "The Silver Box," which is. to be staged for five performances by the Wellington Repertory Society in the Concert Chamber, commencing tonight. "The importance of Mr. Galsworthy's work in modern drama does not lie in its artistic power alone, but in its moral implication and the ethical force of the author. That the moral is the keynote of all drama is the chief article of his faith, and by this he means neither a moral which is a propitiatory dramatisation of a code approved by nine-tenths of the audience, nor the code by which the author himself lives, but a moral without any immediate practical purpose, left to the deduction of the individual from a faithful and undistorted picture of things as they are for their own sake —in a word, the ethical method of Shakespeare. In 'The Silver Box,' conscious as We are that Mr. Galsworthy is a thinker with definite views of his own, these views are only apparent as they are shadowed forth by a presentation of life which is impartial. Justice is kinder to the rich man than to liis poorer brother; labour suffers more than wealth in the warfare of the industrial world; these and other morals may be read in Mr. Galsworthy's plays and 'The Silver Box' is an excellent example." Dr. Crawford, Dr. A. C. Keys, Messrs. H. A. Painter, Ralph Hegg, E. E. Le Grove, A. Ashley-Jones, B. O. Cahill, Colin Trim. F. M. Renner, A. O. Heany, A. J. GrCain, O. E. Linden, and the Misses Coralie Smythson, F. Penney. Hester Nicholls, Beryl Daniels, and Mrs. Jack are taking part in this production, which is under the direction of Leo du Chateau.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Little Lord Fauntleroy" and "The Bishop Misbehaves" will conclude tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. An exciting and hilarious screen entertainment is "Passport to Fame," which opens at the Kilbirnie Kitiema tomorrow, with Edward G. Robinson in his first screen comedy role. Briefly, the story relates the vicissitudes of a meek and frightened clerk, Arthur Jones, who one day is revealed to be the striking physical counterpart of the nation's No. 1 public enemy. Jean Arthur, Wallace Ford, Arthur Byron, and Etienne Girardot head the supporting cast. The celebrated old firm of Lynn, Walls, and Hare, not forgetting author Ben Travers, again collaborate to comedy point in the farcical mix-up which, under the title of "Fighting Stock" will also be shown. This time the roystering fun revolves round the adventures of Sir Donald Rowley (Walls), his nephew Sydney (Lynn), and Sir Donald's ultra-correct secretary, Duck (Hare), whilst protecting a maiden in distress from the attention of a blackmailer.

SHORTT'S THEATRE. ~ j A thoroughly modern and entertaining detective story, the chronicle of a charming, beautiful girl, who singlehandedly outwits both the police and her rivals, Paramount's "The Notorious Sophie Lang," is now screening at Shortt's Theatre, with Gertrude Michael, Paul Cavanagh, Leol Errol, Arthur Byron, and Alison Skipworth in the featured roles. Miss Michael plays the title role as a 1 famous international jewel thief. The second feature, "You Belong to Me," directed by Alfred Werker, is a. human drama of a mother's love, a man's courage, and a boy's faith, with Lee Tracy, Helen Mack, and Helen Morgan in the featured roles, WRESTLING AND VAUDEVILLE. A grand night's entertainment will be given by the Kilbirnie Wrestling Club tonight at its premises, 61 Coutts Street, when a programme of interI club wrestling bouts between the Johnsonville, Berhampore, and Kilbirnie Clubs will be staged. First-class, vaudeville items are also on the pro- 1 gramme. Particulars are advertised. ! REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. j Tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karori a glorious feast of music, song, and dancing will be presented when Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire will appear in their latest triumph, "Follow the Fleet." Special supports will also be screened,. including newsreels. ' 1