CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 99, 23 October 1936, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. No more thrilling or more intelli-gently-presented drama of the air has come to'the screen than "China Clipper," .which opened today at the Regent Theatre. A tribute to the vision," ingenuity, and courage of the men who battled not only storm and fog;-but also the timidity and prejudice of moneyed interests' to establish long-distance air lines round the world, and particularly the route between San Francisco and the Orient, "China Clipper" is a brilliantly entertaining chapter in, the pictorial. record of daring aviation. Largely authentic in theme, and wholly authentic in setting, "China Cljpper" stars Pat O'Brien as an aviator obsessed-with the project of spanning, the world by air. Faced with-innumer-able difficulties, doubted by his backers, estranged from his friends and his wife,"his1 hoirie life broken up because he? will allow nothing to stand in the way of his ruthless ambition, he nevertheless "drives forward until finally he conquers.; not only the elements but also,.those who sneered at his projects.. Beverley Roberts supplies a rich •romantic- interest to the story as the hero's neglected wife; comedy touches come from Ross Alexander and Marie Wilson; and Humphrey Bogart and the veteran H. B. Walthall are also in the large cast. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "San Francisco," the M-G-M production now showing at the Majestic Theatre, ■ has ■ drama, • love interest, comedy, arid spectacle. Clark Gable has the rough and tough type of role in which' his screen public likes him best. Jeanette- Mac Donald has the ideal part to give her opportunity to sing, and when she sings there is a reason for her singing, for her songs are a part of the plot. The . story is that of the Barbary Coast of thirty years ago, Opening on New Year's Eve, 1906, and continuing through one of the most ' disastrous dramas of the century, the San : Francisco earthquake and fire. Gable is the boss of one of the most popular resorts on the Barbary Coast Miss Mac Donald is the small-town girl who wanders into his dance hall, filled : with: ambition to become a great singer. Perhaps the greatest surprise of! the.' picture, however, is the strikingly different portrayal of Spencer Tracy, who gives a sincere and unforgettablel portrait of the priest. Father Mulliri. ST. JAMES THEATRE. ■Robert Montgomery, sauvest arid most nonchalant young lover of the screen.today, has made love to countless; leading women in films, including the greatest in pictures, but in "The Suicide Club," which has been transferred to the St. James Theatre, he continues to add to his list. This time, his heart-interest is Rosalind Russell, and; these two make a sparkling and entertaining couple in love. An excellent -cast supports this new starring team,:including such reliable actors as Frank Morgan, Reginald Owen, Louis Hayivard, Robert Creig, and E. E. Clive. Especially appealing is the theme of the story, for in it Montgomery is the Crown Prince of a mythical kingdom, while Miss Russell is the Princess of . another equally mythical kingdom, and I their 'adventures in company all take place while they are travelling incog- '•' hitp.,,. ,••■ . .-■■•■* ;':;:;:- ■;;^paramount'theatre. ■. ', *, ; Tragedy stalks the lives of two lovers in- "Magnificent Obsession," UniversaTs absorbingly .dramatic John M. Stahl production coming to the Para- , mount Theatre today. In the story Irene' Dunne has acquired a bitter . . hatred of Robert. Taylor, and it is^prily , ■'after-long manoeuvring that he is able to induce her to' enter his automobile. While the car is parked Taylor, affected.by the beautiful moonlight night, attempts to put his arm about the shoulders of the- girl he admires so • much. Leaping put Miss Dunne steps ■ directly in the path of an oncoming car, suffering in^the-ensuing: crash;a ,brain injury which -brings:! on 'apparently incurable 'blindness. The story ■'. in , its subsequent development pro- . grasses to situations-of the utmost ipathos.- ..A-large:'/cast includes• such popular screen players as Charles Butterworth, Betty Sara Haden, Henry Armetta.'^Ralph Morgan, ■ Cora Sue Cpljins, "Arthur -.Treacher,- 'Beryl Mercer, arid Gilbert Emery. • ■■ <. ■■■ ■ KING'S. THEATRE." - "Postal Inspector ," the Universal drama which is now showing at the King's Theatre, presents a stirring tale of a mail" robbery involving £600,000. The crime is committed, the criminals hunted'out, run down, and captured while a flood is raging over the country. Rica'rdo Cortez as. the inspector gives a - convincing - perf orfnance of a sleuth-who'gets his man every; time. Other players include Bela Lugosi, Patricia ' Ellis, , Michael Loring, Dave Oliver, • Henry Hunter, and Maria Shelton. Thrills and dangers in the lives of motor-cycle patrolmen form-the background 6f "Crash Donovan," the Universal drama' which is also on the bill. Jack Holt is presented as a hard-riding member of the California Highway Patrol. His.'supi porting' cast includes' John King, Nan Gray,- Eddie Acuff, Hugh Buckler, Douglas Fowley, Ward Bond, .James; Donlan; and many ( 'others.,' . . . . ': SHORTTS THEATRs. ' Leading celebrities -of the stage and screen have been gathered in one picture by Twentieth Century to provide a tuneful, mirth-filled roriiantic- story in "Thanks, a Million," which is now showing at Shortt's Theatre. Starring Dick Powell, the picture features Ann Dvorak, Fred Allen, Paul Whitenian, and Ratnona, Patsy Kelly, Rubirioff, 4 Raymond Walburn, and the Yacht Club Boys. "Nell Gwyn," the British. Dominions production, which is also screening, must rank as one of the most ambitious pictures ever sponsored by a British company. The subject, based on the historic love affair of Charles H-and the pretty orange girl and Drury Lane actress, Nell Gwyn, is one of-instantaneous appeal. Anna Neagle is Starred with Sir Cedric Hardwicke.; CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Singing five new song hits and performing astonishing new dance routines the talented Shirley .Temple will be seen at the Capitol Theatre tonight tn "Poor Little Rich Girl," and featured with her are Michael Whalen, Alice F.aye, Gloria Stuart, and Jack Haley. The picture, deals with the adventures of Shirley,-who is adopted by a pair of out-of-work vaudeville performers, and how she brings success to the team makes the brightest, most modern, and most -deeoly.human story Shirley has yet featured in. The supporting. feature, '"O'Malley of the Mounted," which is also screening at the matinee tomorrow at 2.15 ip.m., stars George O'Brien. ROXY THEATRE. A modern and up-to-the-minute comedy-drariia, "Trapped by Television," is ;now showing at the Roxy Theatre, with Lyle-Talbot and Mary Astor heading the cast. The story concerns a young inventor and the obstacles he encounters when he seeks to introduce his brain-child to the public, only to find opposition in a'group of schemers who seek to rob him of the fruits of his genius. In the supporting picture Ken Maynard races into action in his first Columbia picture, /'Western Frontier." Astride Tarzan, the wonder horse, this hard-riding cowboy proves again that he is the reigning favourite in the sphere of outdoor drama. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE. A free lecture under the' auspices of First Church of Christ Scientist, Wellington, wilt be delivered by .Mr. Paul Stark Seeley, C.5.8., member i of ..the.board of lectureship of the ■Mother Church, the First Church of Christ Scientist in the Town Hall, Wellington,.at. 3 pjn. on Sunday.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DE LUXE THEATRE. Millions have read of the hilarious exploits of Alexander Botts, the whimsical and egotistical tractor salesman and comedy hero of the famous series of stories, "Earthworm Tractors," written by William Hazlett Upson for the "Saturday Evening Post." Now Alexander Botts has been brought to life on the screen in the First National comedy, "Earthworm Tractors," which is the feature attraction at the De Luxe Theatre. Botts, on the screen, is no other than the famous wide-mouthed comedian Joe' E. Brown, who makes one of the most comical heroes of fiction live and breathe on the screeii. Joe is supported by a notable cast. He has two leading ladies, June Travis and Carol Hughes, and such talented players as Guy Kibbee, Dick Foran, Gene Lockhart, Olin Howland, Joseph Crehan, Sara Edwards, Charles Wilson • William Davidson. Irving Bacon, and Stuart Holmes. In addition to a varied list of "supporting featurettes, Miss Ins Mason will entertain at the Wurlitzer organ with "My Kingdom for a Kiss (from "Hearts Divided"), and a selection of Army and Navy melodies, and the Orchestra De "Luxe will present popular musical items. PLAZA THEATRE. Charles Farrell as "Sandy" is admirably cast in the outstanding Australian production, "The Flying Doctor," coming to the Plaza Theatre today. As "Jenny," Miss Mary Maguire makes an excellent appeal. She. is small, dark, romantic, and intelligently plays her part without overstressing the-emotional motif. Her love j scenes with the handsome Sandy are delightfully natural. James Raglan invests the part of John Vaughan, the Flying Doctor, with great dignity. His ease of manner and clever interpretation of a difficult role are in complete support of Margaret Vyner, who, as'the beautiful "Betty Webb," makes a startling success. Joe Valli, Katie Towers, and Tom Lurich, international wrestler, are others in the cast. Full use of Australia's natural scenic beauty has been made in the outdoor photography, and the flying sequences are dramatic and full of-interest. ■■'■ ; ;STATE- THEATRE. ' , ■'■'■ With New York as its principal setting and a distinctive. double-triangle type of theme; Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers introduce a wealth of novelty in their newest TKO Radio vehicle, "Swing Time," opening today at the State Theatre. Astaire is a cheerful gambler, seeking his fortune in Manhattan so he can .go back, to his home townvand marry -his childhood sweetheart. Miss Rogers is a dancing academy instructress who takes Astaire as a: pupil, despite the glowering of an orchestra leader who intends to marry the luscious lady. Complications come thick arid fast,: especially when Astaire's fiancee, shows up to; find out what he's doing, and the band leader makes frantic efforts to break up the growing romance between Astaire and Miss Rogers. All this is interwoven with some of the catchiest song numbers and dances the famous.pair have yet presented, and the hilarious counterplay of a new screen comedy team inAhe persons, of Victor Moore .and Helen Broderick. NEW OPERA HOUSE. The story of the ill-fated "Mary Celeste" is the roost famous of all sea mysteries. / She was found adrift oft the coast of North Africa in 1872, with all sails set, her cargo of 1700 barrels of alcohol intact, everything ship-shape, her .small boats still in their davits-^ but-riot a-single member of her crew of thirteen:aboard, nor has any trace of them ever-been found since. The only liylrig?creature'onthis "ship of death' was a'sharlingi1 crazed, black caWan omen in itself. Many and varied have been the solutions put forward for this strangest of all.;sea mysteries. A recent play, presented by the 8.8.C. gave an octopus coming..pn board as; the solution to the mystery, but* therfilm, "The^Mystery of the Mary Celeste," which.; commences at the New Opera Houseitoday, advances.a new and strikingiyjpiisisible! explanation. The glamorous.;: Norwegian star, Greta Nissen, heads the i cast of "Honours Easy," a sophisticated' drama of conflicting love and revenge,- which is also on the programme.^;. ' ' KILBIROTE KINEMA. "First a Girl" and "Annie, Leave-the Room" conclude tonight at the Kineina Theatre. "Rendezvous," opening at the Kilbirnie- Kinema -tomorrow,- is the startling, dramatic story' of the U.S.' Cryptographic Bureau as told by the man who organised and headed, it throughout the World War. Based upon Major Herbert, O. - Yardley's sensational bestseller' book, "The Afnerican Black Chamber," it is crammed with the intimate revelations of the secret counterespionage department.'. Through this amazing* tale of codes and' ciphers, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have woven a romance ■ with William Powell as the chief cryptographer arid Rosalind Russell. '"Seven Keys to Baldpate," which will be the associate feature, with Gene: -Raymond in the central role,' is. an; exciting .and; thoroughly, entertaining adaptation of the Earl Derr Biggers novel and the George M. Cohan play of the same "name. It stands out as •* a' perfectly-balanced thriller -. by maintaining in essence all the sus^pense, the ardent romance, and the robust comedy which distinguished the novel and th.e,.r>lay. Margaret Callaliari has the leading feminine role. ■;.: STATE THEATRE. PETONE. "The Thirty-nine Steps" and "The Phantom Light" will conclude at the State' Theatre; Petone, tonight. • Murder, mystery* comedy, and romance are mixed up as only William Powell mixes them in "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford," commencing at the State Theatre,- Petone, at a matinee at 2 p.m. tomorrow. The mystery builds on the apparently normal death of a jockey stricken'while riding a favourite. Discovering that it is murder, Powell gets in some of his neatest and most thrilling detective-work in setting a ■ trap among: seven suspects—one of-whom has discovered a way to slay from afar, a way that leaves only a dab of gelatine" on the victims' bodies to hint that they did not die of normal causes. Keeping the entire picture in light comedy mood is the romance between powell, and Miss Arthur, in which .the relations between the lovers is amusingly reversed, ardent moments being hidden behind constant kidding and pranking of the kind acclaimed in "The Thin' Man." There will also be a matinee at 2. p.m.,on- Monday. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Splendour" and. "Behind the Evidence conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Loretta Young and Franchot Tone form a delightful new romantic screen team in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's 'The Unguarded' Hour," commencing at the Grand Theatre, "Petone, tomorrow. Moving with lightning speed, the production concerns a prosecuting attor- ?? y uwh£ s<3nds-men to their doom by his brilliant use of circumstantial evidence. When he is caught by circumstances .for a crime he has not committed his wife comes to his aid to save his life. Ah excellent supporting programme, which' includes a Laurel . and Hardy comedy, will also be shown, ; commencing at 7.45 p.m. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. ; ■ "Speed," starring James Stewart and ■ Wendy Barrie, and "Java Head," staf--1 ring John Loder and Anna May Wong, ■ conclude at the Palace Theatre, Petone, tonight "The Walking Dead," commencing tomorrow at the: Palace Theatre, p£i tone; with'Boris'Karloff-in the stellar , role, is said, to .be. the strangest and, . most- unusual, mystery ->thriHer -ever' • screened. Oi> the same programme is > Dick Foran, the singing cowboy, who. I with Paula Stone as his partner, will , thrill with his songs and adventures in "Treachery Rides the Range."

TIVOLI THEATRE. Fred Mac Murray and Joan Bennett play the leading roles in Paramounl's •'Thirteen Hours By Air," an exciting story of murder and intrigue on a transcontinental transport aeroplane, which opens tonight at the rivoli Theatre. In the cast which supports them are Zasu Pitts, John Howard, Bennie* Bartlett,- Grace Bradley, Alan Baxter, Brian Donlevy, Ruth Donnelly, and Fred Keating. The film, much oi it made in the sky and at airports on the New York-San Francisco route, is authentic in every detail. There js gun play, fist fighting, and an attempt to crash the ■. aeroplane.-How the various tangled threads of the story are .unmeshed brings the picture to a thrilling climax. As a mischievous little vixen who turns her hand to patching up romance, versatile, lovable, irresistible Jane Withers has .her most important film role'in "Gentle Julia, the associate feature.. Marsha Hunt Tom Brown,' Jackie Searl, and a rostei of new "kid" stars support Jane in this comedy-romance of drowsy, happy piewar America, adapted from Booth Tarkington's beloved novel. RIVOLI THEATRE. •■' "Till We Meet Again." screening at £he Rivoli Theatre tonight, is a story of: World War espionage. The mam figures.in the story, are .a . BnUsh matinee idol, and his fiancee, a. Viennese actress. BQth.are swept up m the hurricane of war, and become spies for S respective countries. Today they are sweethearts, tomorrow enemies She unwittingly betrays her lover when they meet in a German war office; then risks death by a firing to save him. The cast supporting Herbert Marshall includes Gertrude Michael: Lionel Atwillßod Lsi Roaue, Guy Bates Post, and other notable players "The Law In Her Hands." a First National comedy drama, combining hilarious laughter and dramatic thrills, will also be shown, with a talented cast headed by Margaret Lindsay. Glehda Farrell. Warren Hull,, and Lyle Talbot. The plot moves with rapidfire action.throughout. The final court scene is amazingly sensational. . ■•• "Dr. Socrates" and "Police Car 17 will be the features at the 'midnight matinee tonight. ■ REX THEATRE. The Warner Bros, production, "Boulder > Dam," which; colourfully exploits the.exciting incidents connected with the'construction of. the mighty power project, comes .to the Rex. Theatre today,; with Ross Alexander, Patricia Ellis, and Lyle Talbot in the leading roles. .The, picture is crammed with dynamic drama, dare-devil action, heroic deeds, and thrilling incidents in addition Jto its romance.'Miss Ellis also adds.a colourful touch to the picture by singing two songs specially written for' the' production by the noted song/team of Mort Dixon and Allie Wrubel. . The fourth and most exciting of the new series of "Hop-along Cassidy" motion pictures, "Call of the Prairie;" will also be'screened. It again features William Boyd arid Jimmy Ellison in the principal roles, and tells the', story of Johnny Nelson, "Hopalong's" young pal, and his attempt to clear his name- after he has been accused of ,a; crime of which he is entirely innocent/ . PRJNCESS THEATRE. Conceived and produced upon the grand scale* H. G. Wells's "Things to Come,"'which" is the chief attraction at the Princess Theatre,' is the most amazing picture ever made. Harrowing scenes of warfare, the destruction of the world we know today, and the reconstruction of an amazing new one are unfolded with dramatic impressiveness. Raymond Massey, Ralph Richardson, Sir Gedric Hardwicke, Pearl Argyle, Margaretta Scott, and Patricia HilUard, head a cast of 20,000. Ann Harding and a cast of able players bring to the screen all the dramatic connotations which the title of her new screen triumph implies— "The ■ Witness • Chair," 'which is the additional feature. It is packed with entertaining^?drama, '■ intrigue,'; and romance.. .Excellent short subjects.include an all-colour novelty., OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Heading the attractive double-fea-ture programme showing tonight at Our Theatre is ''Rhodes of Africa," starring Waiter ! Huston. The film is a vivid , portrayal of the ' life and achievements of Cecil Rhodes and Huston plays; the role of the Empire builder with outstanding ability. The picture shows how Rhodes becomes fired with the ambition to bring as much as possible of the "Dark Continent" into the British Empire. Rhodes's underlying motive was the stupendous task of 'having a railroad, from the Cape to Cairo,' and throughout the picture his efforts towards this end are well illustrated. The comedyromance "The First Baby," starring Johnny Downs and Shirley Deane, is the associate feature. EMPIRE THEATRE; ISLAND BAY. "Too Tough to Kill," a Columbia picture featuring Victor Jory and Sally O'Neill, will open aKthe Empire Theatre tonight. It tells the story of a brainy and brawny engineer who fights the.elements of nature and a gang of murderers to complete a tunnel project within a set time. Thurston Hall, Ward Bond, and Johnny. Arthur are. in tho' supporting cast. How a secret service man sets about 'to trap • a fascinating international jewel thief by forcing her to pose; as his wife, forms the intriguing plot in' "Whipsaw," the new ' Metro-Goldwy'n-Mayer feature starring Myrna Loyand Spencer Tracy, which will also be shown. The supports include • Laurel .arid Hardy, in "Fixer Uppers." • ' REGAL THEATRE; JCARORI. Truly' magnificent in- its spectacular sweep, yet absorbing in its delightful intimacy; "A Tale of .Two Cities,", star-; ring Ronald Colman, with Elizabeth Allen heading a superb supporting cast, opens tonight at the Regal Theatre. It takes its place among the.immortal works of the screen, entertainment which cannot be praised too'highly. "Mystery Woman," the second feature, starring Mona Barrie, is the story of a ■woman who dares a life of intrigue for the man she loves. She feels that-the life of this one man belongs to her — and recklessly she searches out the secret that has separated them; The cast of "Mystery Woman" includes Gilbert Roland,-John Halliday, Rod La Rocque, Mische Aiier, and William Faversham. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. "Ah, Wilderness!" adapted from Eugene O'Neill's dramatic novel, is the main feature at the Seaside Theatre, with Wallace Bpery scoring a .triumph as the' lovable, alcoholic Uncle Sid, and Lionel Barrymore in the father role. The associate feature is "His Night Out," a comedy of a man who was told he" had only three months to live. Then he started out to paint the town. MAORI CONCERT. ■ One of the finest Maori concerts ever seen in Wellington is promised by Nikora's Pukekaraka concert party, which, with Anna ..Hato, the famous Maori soprano, who has a big'reputation in.Australia,; will be heard at the Town Hall tonight. ■• Although Miss Hato-has not appeared personally be-. fore -Wellington audiences,- she is well known ;to theni,by. her. records. With a voice' of \vonderful quality, great flexibility, and amazing range, she occupies a unique place among a race of singers.i She1 will sing a variety of I4aori s,pngs;',w.ith, a. simple pianoforte background. The famous Pukekaraka concert party, under the conductorship of O. Nikora, provide a nice mixture of Maori entertainment. Their choral items are rendered with great delicacy of feeling and' sureness of rhythm; There' are 'several, beautiful poi dances, notably a graceful solo poi, and some stirring , and colourful action' songs, rich in. the pretty gestures : for which the Maori is famous. A novel feature is the display of ancient.Maori games, "Tititorea." A' large war party will contribute several stirring Maori -hakas. An item of particular interest is tile Wakfi Poi which narrates- in action, the com, ing of the Maori to New Zealand. Another artist is Hemi Reikihana, a violinist of high technique and unusual inspiration.