CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 85, 7 October 1936, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. An absorbingly dramatic and exciting story is picturised in "Till We Meet Again," which is now showing at the Regent Theatre. The story depicts London ■ just prior to the declaration of' war. * Gertrude : Michael enacts ,the role of ,Elsa: Duranyi,/a Viennese actress playing, in, ! London, while Herbert Marshall is cast as Alan Barclay, an actor ' and Elsa's 'lover. They arrange to marry, but the war ' ends their, plans, and1 Elsa leaves, for Germany,-where she is a member the German Intelligence Service.- Alan, who speaks German .-fluently, becomes an English spy and manages to reach Germany in :disgui3e. Some' vivid,.war scenes are shown, and an excellent pie r turisation of an efficient spying prgamsatiou. is seen/ It is while, in the. act of putting an end to some of the German', schemes that Alan, is ..suspected and brought: before Elsa, ,whA ,recogr riises'him. How she'risks her-life'to save.-hinv provides many, exciting incidents. 'Lionel Atwill,. who, enacts, the : role'of Ludwig, chief of the German Secret Service,, gives a: very, convincing performance. An excellent supporting §rogramriie includes, a '"Popeye, the ailor" cartoon. ■..'■; :,. ;! "The Last of the Mohicans." : Once • again the producers of ' "The Count of Monte Cristo". translate to the screen a story that, is a favourite orie with every generation. They, have ■ chosen this time "The • Last ■ of the : Mohicans," James Fenimore Coopers immortal■ classic of the'hand-to-hand struggle for a-nation yet unborn and have turned out.'a memorable picture, 1 lavishing on it all their great resources and making it a production of the first . magnitude. The grandeur, the excitement, and adventurous sweep of this remarkable story have been captured with stirring realism. Brilliant performances are given by Randolph Scott as Hawkeye, the primitive man of the forest whom Cooper made his hero; lovely Binnie Barnes, who is ideally cast as Alice Munro, the ' British colonel's daughter, who -loves - him; Henry Wilcpxon, who:plays;the,gallant Major Duncan Heyward, Hawkeye.s rival for the heart of Alice; ■Bruce Cabot, who, with shaved scalp • and scalplock, makes a perfect Magua, the renegade Indian spy; pretty Heather Angel as Cora', the sister Alice, whose death leap from the heights, of Lovers' Cliff is one of the big thrills of the picture; and Phillip Reed .as Uncas, the "last of the Mohicans." The picture opens at the Regent Theatre on Friday. MAJESTIC- THEATRE. , , - ■ Witty dialogue 'and' diverting situa-' tions give a new twist to an old stbry in "Small Town Girl,"'the picture mow at the Majestic Theatre. In' it Janet Gaynor makes a welcome screen reappearance as a "small-town"' gjrl .who moves from the monotony of the country to the glitter of • "high society .* Miss Gaynor bridges the -ap.by marry- . ing a young' surgeon , (Robert Taylor) 1 while the two of them are more or less tinder the influence of a bright party, and the rest of the picture deals-with' their method of meeting the problem ■which faces them the morning after. Janet is introduced to the highest of Boston's high society only to find dis- ', illusionment. and her -inevitable.re- < turn to-her home town precedes -the equally inevitable happy ending. On the outstanding supporting programme is a coloured travelogue dealing with St. Helena. Napoleon's place of banishment, and a newsreel depicting the record-breaking Olympic 1500-metres run of Lovelock. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Living Dangerously,"- the • main feature at the.St. James Theatre,-has Otto Kruger in the lead as a doctor in partnership in a fashionable Xoridori practice. Success is his, but bis world starts to rock when lie finds that his : partner is engaged in- trafficking drugs: A threat to terminate the partnership causes the partner to send Otto Kruger (Dr. Norton) before-the* medical council on a trumped-up charge of unprofessional conduct,1 in which theJ partner's wife is concerned. Then,start years of struggle in a new country;;- the ultimate success, and a climax .that; is brilliant in its drama, make a splendid production. The' second long ■ feature on-the bill is "Coranado." a musical arid dancing film moving round a rich amateur song-writer who hides -his wealth from a singer with whom: he falls in love. The dancing ■ arid sing-> ing are excellent, arid there are somefine settings. A well-selected newsreel rounds off the entertainment. r , ' ■ . . ' ___ . ■ -PARAMOUNT THEATRE.^ "The King Steps Out," now'in its second week at the Paramount Theatre, sets a new and very high standard in musicals. The cast, headed by two of Hollywood's most popular stars, Grace Moore and Franchot Tone, is.a strong one, while the story -is intriguing' and entertaining. There are'some splendid scenes in.the film,-and these afford' an effective background for the. superb sing-ing-of'Miss Moore.. The story is that of the1 Emperor Franz Josef of Austria (Franchot' Tone), whose matchmaking mother arranges for his marriage to a princess:- whom he has never seen and has no inclination to marry. The- princess, too, who is in love with, the env peror's aide-de-camp, is very upset about the match, and so her sister (Grace Moore), in the guise of a dressmaker, sets out to rectify the position. There is a varied and entertaining supporting programme. KING'S, THEATRE. "The World* Moves On," now showing: at the King's Theatre, is played by one of the most notable casts ■■ ever assembled r .in; Hollywood. Madeleine Carroll, acclaimed for her work in "I Was'a.Spy;" was summoned ■■ to Hollywood for "the. leading feminine role. FrancKot Tone was engaged as the perfect-foil-for Miss Carroll's blonde-beauty. Then Siegfried Rumann was given .the role of a baron opposite Louise Dresser. Reg-, inald Denny and Raul Rbulien, handsome young South American, were cast in other important roles. Lumsdeh ■ Hare, and= Dudley Digges are others in the'-cast: 'Also on the programme- is "Pqlice Car No. 17," a: drama of police radio wirk., ■ \■' v . .'■■ -.. .y■';'?' ' '■■ '■' ■'■SHORTI'S THEATR«. vi:--:; ', ■^Boys ; Will •' Be Boys," the; ;main feature at Shortt's Theatrej stars. Will Hay, the great schoolmaster- of the* films;, in an amusing schoolmaster role.. With him' are Gordon ■-Harker. ■who plays an "old lag" with his, eye on a priceless necklace, and-Claude Dampier, the famous "silly 'ass,": who takes the Dart of a lugubrious .assistant; lriaster. Antother Tom Walls^ Ealph Lynn story"' coiries'" "to' life" ■with the second feature, "Stormy. Weather," a Gaumont-British picturebased- pri a farce by Ben ■ Travers, in which the 'famous comedians appear ■with'^Yvonne Arnaud and Robertson Hare.; 4 ' ~ . . : The new features, commencing, -at Shortt's-Theatre on Friday will be "Jack/Ahoy," starring the - inimitable Jack Hulbert, and "The Cowboy Millionaire,"'with; George O'Brien in, the leading role. ■ .;. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ; Bubbling with laughter andJburstirig •with song, roguish Jane Withers is to be-seen at Our Theatre in her. joyous new Fox hit "Little Miss Nobody." The picture follows the adventures of a merry orphan through a series of escapades both hilarious and pathetic. Featured, in the strong supoorting cast aireJ Jane Darwell, Ralph: Morgan. Sara Haden, Harry Carey, and Betty Jean Hainey. "Song and. Dance. Man, the new picture of back-stage life, is'the second attraction. Claire Trevor, Paul Kelly, and' Michael Whalen have ithe leading roles. " FALACE THEATRE, PETONE. tonight at the-Palace JJteatre, Petone, Robert Montgomery and Madge Evans will be seen in 'the':;, absorbing . melodrama, "Fugitive Lovers." The associate feature, "Tough Guy,"; with Jackie Cooper, Joseph Calleiaiiandithe famous dog, Rin Tin: Tin, jtia., in the leads, is a story of action, adventur e^. imd, vthriDa,

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

:.;: . ; V-/DE^LUaaE THEATRE. •. '' • ' Another; gripping characterisation is '■■ provided by Jidward G. Robinson in "Bullets- and Ballots," at-the De Luxe Theatre. ;.'He plays the part of a New York detective who puts his fingers on the high-up racketeers. The cast includes .Joan .Blondell, Humphrey Bogart, Barton McLane, and l''rank McHugh. The supporting programme includes tiyo numbers played by Iris Mason at the' Wurlitzer Organ, . and selections by the Orchestra De Luxe. "The White Angel," First National's dramatisation "of the. life of .Florence Nightingale, with Kay Fra«cis; in the stellar' role, will open at theiDe Luxe Theatre ori Friday. •• The story oft this wealthy, English girl who. renounced a life- of "social, friv.pUties to. becomei a war riurse and laid 'the' groundwork for what'subsequently'became- the Red Crosses', filled with absorbing, drama, tragedy! -arid romance. In bringing the story of Florence 'Nightingale, to- the screen,-First National has searched'out the intimate-details of a career,;rich:in theatrical values. 'lanHunter; famous on the L6ndon stage, and in films, and Donald Woods, have the two leading masculine roles; The De Luxe Theatre and Warner.-Bros, are celebrating this drarria of a noble figure by assisting the New Zealand. Red .Cross "Florence ■Nightingale Endowment Fund. An outstanding',: featufette on this programme will show Sybil Jason, the charming little child star, in "Ihe Changing.of the; Guard," a technicolour ,musical. . Box plans are open at .the-M.C. and Theatre,, and early booking .is; advised. _ ■ ''■••'■ "'PLAZA. THEATRE, ■ Dancing and musical numbers of more than usual merit characterise 'It s Love Again," the latest British musical film, starring; Jessie Matthews, which is now screening at the Plaza Theatre. Miss Matthews outshines all the other members'of the cast, which include? such favourites as Soririie Hale and Robert Young, and her numbers include ''■ several catchy tunes which should successful hits. Her dancing' is spirited and graceful, and the costuming arid effects unusual and attractive. The plot, as is the case in all'musicals, is fantastic, but nevertheless it provides plenty of opportunities for, .humour, and ; rprnance. Miss Matthews is. cast as a girl witli an ambition to get on the stage, and she succeeds in drawing public attention to herself by • riiost ■',■ diverting . means. Robert Voung^takes the part :bi a youngjjou r nah'st-who.tries' to set Miss Matthews on theyroad; to fame. The supporting programme includes -.soirie', excellent newsreels. ■~ ..;.-■• ; ..■ ; '■J '•'-'■' ESTATE .THEATRE. ■■;*''■[ Once more. a romance taken faiths f,iilly,' from the 'pages of history makes one'of'the finest films of the day. It .is "Mary of: Scotland,", the main feature at the State Theatre, 'in which. Kath^ arine Hepburn, as^'the Queen; proves her-: ■> greatness as- an: actress, ■ while Fredric March, 'as the Earl of Both-i .well,^ gives., a.... brilliant characterisa-tion-of" a soldier arid a charming iloyer: •On Mary's 'secret landing in-Scotland,-on the consternation pn. her, scheming brother James Stuart, Earl, of Moray, and the conflicting loyalties of th^e Scottish chiefs, prejudiced by the-queen's adherence to the Catholic faith,, on Scotland swayed by the canting-of-John Knox, the film touches-, neither too lightly nor too heavily. -Passages of words between Mary, and ■■her" vascillating councillors leaven the piece with wit while the Qujen wins the sympathy of all in her unfortunate dhtical marriage with the weak fop ; Darnley, and in her 'final -touching1 trial .and. execution. REi THEATRE. Ketti Gallian, who plays the title role in- "Marie Galante," the vivid story of a French girlJcoiripletely: overcome by 5 homesickness for her native land, took the/ipart to heart so literally that she went-home.-. -As v soon- > as-she- completed her cc-starririg role with Spencer Tracy, in this picture, she boarded an aeroplane for-J^ew York.to step aboard the.He.de France fora fast trip to her.native "France; "Marie Galarite" is the story ■■: of-a;Frerich,.girl, a creature .of : who finds herself .stranded -in?the Canal Zone, .with an all-ppw.erful nostalgia for-her homeland. The' story details the thrilling experiences i. which,-. result when she tries to" earn' enough liioney to pay her farehome: It is currently showing 'at the Rex Theatre. . The other feature is "David Harum," starring Will Rogers. t ) \ V;,; There are few filmed stories with the hunian appeal of "These Three," which has returned to the New Opera House.; -TMe: malignancy- eind obdurate untruthfulnessof'a;girl bf twelve (Boriita Grariyille),: who spreads < the most astonishing-lies.about the two principals of-a'girls' school (Merle ' Oberon and Miriam. Hopkins). and /their boy friend have to be seen and heard to be' believed, and the way in which she sticks it out ,to the end- needs deep thought, and ;quite a little detective work by' Joel McCrea, who.is engaged :to: one of the' girls, before the,cloud rof suspicion -and dislike is lifted . from three • lovable • people; The emotional .acting is,- natural yet gripping. Included in the programme is one of. the stirring "March of .Time" series which deals: with the economic Erogress of Russia and Britain's shipuilding industry. PRINCESS THEATRE. ... "Desire," the Paramount romantic comedy, which is '- the leading attraction at the Princess Theatre, brings tdgejher that ideal team of .screen lovers,'.Marlene Dietrich and*. Gary Cooper. Miss -Dietrich is the creature of mystery.-an 4 allure, the personality of fire and-ice. Gary Cooper, her dynamic opposite, ■is easy-going, smiling, arid refuses to. let himself be hur-•rled'-'.dutj.bf: his stride, in this ardent romance. The associate feature, "The Golden Arrow," is a comedy ripmancebythe famous English dramatist: Michael Arlen. There, is a talented cast which includes Bette Davis, Academy award winner for 1935, George Brent, ■ Eugene.. Pallette, ■; Dick Foran, Carol Hughes; Catherine-DOu'cet, Craig Reynolds, and Henry.O'Neill; The supporting subjects include-Mr. Clement May in "Make-up Magic,1'; and a beautiful; all-cpl6ur: novelty. '.■-. :':; ,\ -kttJBIRNIE^KINEMA.'■' ■ f'Danciiig .Lady;" >reuniting : Clark :Gable'and Joan.Crawford, with-Nelson !Eddy',andtFr^d Astaire also featured, conies •toltheKilbirnie Kinema tonight. iMiss^Crawford is seen as a girl born; to dance who fights her way to fame on Broadway. Gabl,c plays'the. p"art of a hard-boiled dance .director, in-a musical comedy who, % eventually falls in love with -the 'fresh) chorus girl whom he has tried unsuccessfully to browbeat. Out of the dynamic,' present-day scene of , industrial strife and the attendant conviction that." the leisure, pleasureseeking class is ■on the wane, Columbia -Studios have, fashioned' a ■ stirring romantic "drama, "Mills, of the Gods." which'will • bei.the,. associate feature, starring-May.Robspn, with^Fay Wray, .James. Blakely, Victor Jory,:and Raymond Walburn. .. S STATE THEATRE, PETONE. ■'' With debonair; Paul Cavanagh. and loyely, Helen'Wood'hpading* the steDar cast, "Champagne Charlie" will ..be tfr; main' feature' .<«( the L brilliant prfr. gramme op'eriin^ at the State Theatre, Petone.vto night.: The greater part of the * story is.' devoted to the whirlwind love stbry ;of, a gambler stranded at Monte Carlo and a lovely heiress. The second feature .film is "The Country Beyond," ' adapted . from the popular James Oliver. Curwood novel. Buck, the St Bernard:of "The Call of the Wild," appears with Rochelle Hudson, Paul Kelly, and' Robert Kent., CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. iThe inimitable Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn, arid-Robertson Hare are to be seeri;at.:the,Capitol.Theatre tonight in "Pot Luck," another Ben Travers farce. Action throughout-is sustained and bright,.the dialogue is sparkling, and the. biurliesque,melddrama;is -perfectly jdonejmakingexcellent entertainment.

ITVOU THEATRE. "Show. Boat," with the memorable romance and drama of Edna Ferber's novel; the lingering melody and rhythm of Jerome Kern's music,, the charming glamour and human appeal of Oscar Hammerstein's play, is now screening at the Tivoli Theatre. The picture tells the love story of Magnolia and Ravenal on a Mississippi snow boat. Irene Dunne, the star, and Allan Jones capture the imagination in these romantic singing roles. Charles Winninger plays Captain' Andy, genial river showman. His. straitlaced wife is portrayed .by Helen Westley. '.'Show Boat" is filled with music and dancing and heart throbs. The popular - Helen Morgan, as Julie, sings several delightful songs. Paul Robeson, noted baritone, gives resohant'voi'ce and robust life to his role, with a chorus of 200 singers providing i magnificent musical effects in the backgrpund.. v A cast of 3500 people gives reality and sweep to the production. Selected short' subjects will be shown from.7 p.m.-to 8.30 p.m.' RIVOLI THEATRE. ' "Sons o' Guns," Joe E. Brown's latest Warner Bros, comedy frolic, based on the': hilarious ■ Broadway - musical hit, opens at the- Rivoli.Theatre tonight. Besides' the mirth-stirring antics, of the widie-mputhed comedian, the picture is spiced with the: famous- martial airs of the: original, stage play,' with tunefuh new. songs by Harry-Warreri and Al.Dubin, sung by Joe E. Brown, Joan Blondell, Winifred Shaw, and the Chambers Male ' Chorus, and riotous dance numbers; The story is a-rollick-mg'comedy:romance dealing witli the humorous side of doughboy life in France during the World War. "Crime arid Punishment," which has been hailed as one of the most stirring photoplays in recent years, is the second .feature. The Columbia production stars Edward Arnold, of "Diamond Jim" fame, and prominently features Peter Loire, the celebrated" Continental star. The film, based on Dostoievsky's immortal novel, tells the story of Raskolnikov, a brilliant student who turns murderer, and how: he matches wits with Inspector Porfiry, who suspects him,of the crime, and yet has no material proof. BOXY THEATRE. Warcer Baxter, as the dashing Joaquiri Murrieta, gives the finest characterisation of. his career on the screen in "Robin Hood of El Doiado," now screening at the Roxy - Theatre. In the adept hands of the star the character becomes entirely lovable and em dowed with a warm naturalness. The supporting picture, "Reckless;" is the story of a beautiful blonde dancer who rises from a back-country, carnival to the dizzy heights of stardom, capturing society by .her charni. Jean Harlow arid William'Powell are the featured players. ' ' ■/'■' ■' ■' \- ' :' ' . GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. . «Can, a. nian be so loyal- to a dog as tocommit murder for it?. This strange trick in'hUmari psychology is the crux of "The Voice of Bugle-Ann," with Lionel Barrvmore in the principal role, coming to'the"Grand Theatre/ Petone, tonight • Ralph : Bellamy, Gloria Shea, aiiCL Joan Perry band together to enact .the leading roles" in Columbia's "Dangerous: Intrigue," "which will also', be ; shown. The locale of the story, is: a. hijge;steel mill,:where a famous- surgeon,', suffering from ' temporary loss of mernpry, wanders into a Tseries" of' situations which change the course of his life. BROOKLYN THEATRE. .."•"The: Story.;of Louis starring -Paul Muni-,i will -be shown- at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight. "I Live for' Love,", featuring Dolores Del Rio arid Everett Marshall, will also be. screened. ' SARAH HURFORD AMES'S TRUST. Applications-are again invited by the Public Trustee /for grants from the estate of the late Sarah Hurford Ames, whose will directed that part of the annual incprne, from' the residuary estate is to; be annually•'' distributed \lO homes and other institutibns .in the city and suburbs of' Wellington established and for the care and welfare of aged or infirm persons of either sex.'; The Public Trustee, who is administering Mrs. Ames's estate, is anxious to;ensure> that all eligible-in-stitutions shall.participate .in the bequest, and1 for this purpose is arranging for applications, on behalf of such institutions ;to be submitted to him. The1 latelMrs. Ames,'.who;died in 1929, was: esteemed for her charitable acts, gifts, and"kindnesses during her lifetime, including the gift of the. gates giving^accessto the Wellington East Girls' College, ahd-was'also a generous donor, to "the -New- Zealand Academy of Firie Aits. An advertisement calling for applications .appears elsewhere in this issue. "■ ' ■' SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. With* the circus as the scene of the crime, Warner Oland in "Charlie Chan lat the Circus;" sets out to solve • the [murder of the owner, found dead during the performance. Since the circus chief was not on.friendly terms with any of his performers, each and every one of. them is left open to suspicion, including the giant gorilla [which was missing from its cage at the time of-the crime. Undoubtedly this is the best Charlie Chan film yet made. "His Family Tree," an excellent comedy with an.lrish, background, : is; the 'supporting: feature. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Louise Latimer, a .refreshing beauty recruited • from ;the, Broadway stage, plays her initial featured role opposite John: Arledge '• in the unique < animal drama, "Two in Revolt," with a cast of more than 2000 animals. The picture is an absorbing story of comradeship between a;puppy and a,colt born onra.Montana ranch. Commencing on Friday next/specially selected doublefeature programmes will'be screened on; Friday • and ■ Saturday. The performance will commence at 7.30 with supporting' subjects until 8 o'clock, when the first picture will; commence. The special children's matinees will be \ .continued: every Saturday afternoon commencing, at .2 o'clock. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Excellent entertainment will be provided at the .Empire Theatre tonight with a' strorig double-feature programme..; In "Woman Trap," a story of . excitement and danger, Gertrude Michael and George Murphy will be seen,'associated with a brilliant cast. Gladys Swarthout and John Boles, with Charles Bickford and a cast of hundreds, will ■be seen in Paramourit's glorious, outdoor romance, "Rose of the'Rancho." ' Action, comedy, . and music;are' happily blended against a background of some of the most beautiful scenery, seen on the screen. SUNDAY PICTURES. At the New. Opera House on Sunday night a grand concert and picture entertainment is announced by the Port Nicholson Band. The band will be heard in some favourite numbers, while the brilliant and beautiful production "Old Vienna" will be screened. Lilian Harvey and Conrad Veidt head the cast. For haunting "melodies the music of "Old Vienna"' has excelled anything of recent years; With such a' delightful programme; a full house is assured; and patrons ; are advised to be; early in order to • secure a seat. SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY :•''■ -.-■ '■■■'■'' ..' ♦—; —-'.' . '.The .annual rally of the eastern suburbs;, section' of the Wellington Sunday Scliool Union was held in St. Giles' Hall, Kilbirnie, last evening. The prizes won by the children of theMaranui Methodist,. St. Giles', Lyall Bay, Miramar Baptist,, Miramar Presbyterian, and Worser-Bay Methodist Sunday schools were presented.by Mr. R. M. Russell, president of the union. Mr. R. A. Combe, superintendent of the Baptist • School, ■ presided. ; Items ,in music, tableaux,, and story w.ere given by the scholars of the combined schools. This evening the programme will be repeated and prizes will be presented by the Hon. K. Semple, Minister of Public Works. '