CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 120, 17 November 1936, Page 8

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

HEGENT THEATRE. Humour is not the only medium in "The Man Who Could Work Miracles." , now showing at the Regent Theatre, through which the master touch of H. G. Wells is expressed. As in its great predecessor "Tilings to Come," there is a sense of oower which is borne in to the audience even when the picture is at its funniest This underlying seriousness is not unduly., emphasised. It does not stand out as does the "Wings Over the World"-movement, iii the former picture. Alexander Kordfi has produced a wonderfully restrained version of the original work, and in this he. has been assisted by the author himself, who is responsible lor the scenario and dialogue. From its brilliant opening with the conversa- v tibn: between the three deities on the smallness of the human race, through the. wild career of Fotheringay, to the final soliloquy of the spirit in charge of the. earth, the picture maintains a high: standard. Roland Young is at his best in the character role of Fotheringay, the little, unimaginative English drapery assistant who is suddenly Endowed with the. power of performing- miracles. He is ably supported V Ralph Richardson. Ernest Thesiger, and. Joan Gardner. The supports*, are excellent MAJESTIC THEATRE. Four, weeks in a- city theatre is sufficient recommendation for any picture, and: such is the record of San Fran*cisco," the Majestic^ current attraction*. ■-Jeannette; Mac Donald, Clark Gable! and Spencer Tracy head the cast The scene is cast in the early days of. San Francisco history when Jeannette Mac Donald obtains a position in a "tough" cafe run by Clark Gable,, a rough diamond with a heart Of gold. " Here she ma<ces •an immediate hit with her glorious singing which leads to her breaking into grand opera*, and a consequent break with Gable, whom she really loves. The San Francisco earthquake reunites the pair, however, to bring happiness rather than tragedy in its train. Supports include a thrilling film of the Melbourne Cup besides the much-discussed: and very • popular "Audioscopiks." _ "Suzy,"-with Jean.Harlow and Fraiichot Tone, will be the. new feature at the .Majestic Theatre on Friday. ST. JAMES THEATRE. . Bright humour is offered in "Three Wise Guys," which, is now showing at the- St. James Theatre. The story is not; unfamiliar, Robert Young being the "playboy." son of a rich man and finding himselt turned out to fend for himself with 3*lo' working, experience. It all begins in a train, but how is-Robert to know that the beautiful form draped in a faint just belongs . -to an adventuress seeking-the, money he hasn't earned? tTnfbrtunafely, the languishing lady is a littla too human and falls in love with Robert, who, naturally enough, was on the spot when the fainting started. Betty Furness makes an admirable partner for Robert Young. Heading' an excellent supporting programme is a film of the sensational two and a half rounds of the LouisSharfcey fight, in which the Detroit negro smashes his way back to .prominence. . - .' ' NEW OPERA HOUSE. A powerful and dramatic tale is unfolded in "The Final Hour," now showing at the New Opera House. The story depicts the H£e of John Vickery. a famous attorney, who, after being divorced by his wife loses his position and prestige. It is while he is down and out" that he is befriended by Flo Russell (Marguerite Churchill), who is employed in. a night club, and tcAvhom fie had given assistance some time before * It is when, this girl is wrongly accused of murder that he recaptures Ms former brilliancy as. a lawyer and endeavours to prove her. innocence His entry into the underworld and his final ingenious method of exposing. &c murderer provides highly exciting and dramatic entertainment. Others in the casTare John Gallaudet .and Lmaßasquette. "Law Beyond the Range a western thriller, starring Tim McCoy, is also screened. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. With a cast that includes. Myrna Lpy, Ann Harding, Robert : Montgomery. Frank-Morgan, and that ever-popular act Jess, Alice' Brady,.- the-, comedyromance, "When Ladies; . Meet;" a Metro-Goldwyri-Mayer release; is at the Paramount Theatre. "When Ladies Meet" is oneof the,most,entertaimng films ever produced, smart,; s°^^ cated, and very true to life. It.presents a story startling in its originality and abounding in situations both surprising and amusing. .The show is particularly well cast and is excellently mounted. There are but a handful of (screening at 7.30) and a.good ..Cha.he Chase comedy. * KINGS THEATRE. An intriguing slory, a collection of r-atchv songs by Jerome Kern, iavisn Scenery, th! charm of Ginger Rogers and, above all, the personality of Fred Astaire, all combine to make Swing Time" at the King's Theatre, one of-the bright spots- of the screeu ■year In every respect this picture is the- equal of the previous successes of -th c Astaire-Rogers combination. "M'liss" the film version of-the popular story by Bret Harte, is the supportins feature on this programme, starring the talented Anne Shirley, who is supported by Moroney Olsen, Douglas Dumbrille; and Frank M. Thomas. FEINCESS THEATRE. Fiction's romantic and fighting adventurer leaps from the pages of Jeffery Farnol's world-famed book me Amateur Gentleman" to provide thrilling ■ screen entertainment at the Princess Theatre. Douglas Fairbanks jun., plays the role of Barnabas Barty the educated son.of an innkeeper, who enters London society m an effort to clear his father of a false theft charge, for which he had been sentenced to death. Also screening is the' thrilling G-man film "Bullets or Ballots." featuring Edward G. Robinson and Joan . BlorideU. Robmson as Johnny Blake, a hard-boiled joins a gang to smash the vicious New York numbers racket and other racketeering. * ... j IOIiBIRNIE KINEJVIA. "This Is the Life" and "Frisco Kid" conclude at the Kilbirnie Kinema toCapra: that peer of directors, has taken Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, an excellent supporting cast, a fine story by Clarence Buddmgton KelJand, and a live, intelligent screen play by Robert Riskin and moulded them all into the celebrated "Mr DeedGoes to Town," which opens at the KUbirnie Kinema tomorrow. From under Mr Capra's magic wand has sprung a new Gary Cooper, humorous, amiable, vibrant, and winning. Miss Arthur, too, is revealed in all her glory and her performance can only be described as: irresistible. Comedy and action are promised in the associate feature, "The Moon's Our' Home," with Margaret Sulla van in one of her best roles to date, that of * a fiery-tempered actress, and Henry Fonda cast as an equally fiery author. The story is ingenious and amusing, ; ■■.-; GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Ceiling Zero"*:and - "Beggars in Ermine" conclude; tonight at the. Grand Theatre, Petone. „,<.„• ■ ,_• , Parambunt's "Desert Gold," which opens tomorrow, at-the Grand Theatre, Petone. is a stirring tale of a white man's treachery in his effort to obtain 2ae last of an Indian tribe's wealth, ■■""be'cast "is headed by Tom Keene. "Marsha Hunt, Monte Blue, "Buster Crabbe, Raymond Hatton, and Robert Cummings. "Too Many Parents." with Frances Farmer,., Lester Matthews. Henry Travers. and Porter Hall in the adult roles, will:also be shown.- It i= the story of-modern divorce and family break-up arid jts effect on children.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES.

PLAZA THEATRE. In "Two's Company," the current attraction at the Plaza Theatre, tan I American who hates al! things Engnsii and an Englishman who hates all Americans object when their families become entangled in a merry mix-up of hilarity, wrath, and romance. .The story concerns Ned Sparks, lawyer tor the 'Madisons,' an American family. Sparks advises the Madisons to take a health trip to England, as he wishes to get Mary Brian, the Madisons charming daughter, away from her smart set of male admirers to make love to her himself. Unfortunately, on the trip to England Gordon Harker, valet to the Earl of Warkc, is mistaken for the earl and Mary is encouraged to be friendly with him. Once, in England, however, she meets the earl's dashing young son, and romance follows. There are many amazing developments in the story. Shorts include a newsreel of the Melbourne Cud and a Terry Toon cartoon. ... ~:. STATE THEATRE. The race track has all the elements! for a hundred dramas and' in "Charlie Chan at the Race Track," showing at the State Theatre, it is the setting for one of the greatest mysteries Warner Oland, as the famous sleuth, has been asked to unravel. Beginning with the famous Melbourne Cup race, the "pulling" of the favourite, Avalanche, by a jockey sets events in motion. Thci | horse is disqualified and the rider mys- i teriously "dumped" because he knows too much. Later, the horse is shipped I to Los Angeles, but once more is i dogged by disaster. Charlie Chan now i begins his work. Sailing from .Los Angeles, with his amusing son (Kcye Luke) as cabin boy. he 'sets to work to prove his suspicions. Appropriately, the supports include shots of Wotan winning the Melbourne Cup. There is also a striking short feature dealing with sword-fishing *in Californian waters and the. landing of a-giant ray. ; DE LUXE THEATRE. New screen comedy stars Nare 'n rarity, but the Warner Bros. First National ■ > Studios have undoubtedly brought one before filmgoers in "Get Off My Foot," which is now showing at the De-Luxe Theatre. He is MaxMiller, 'and although he has already appeared in several pictures, "Get Oil My Foot" is the first to present him as a star in a story specially selected.for his individual personality. The associate attraction, is "Moonlight on the Prairie," starring pick Foran. Tha picture is filled with thrilling action and exciting sequences, as well as containing a fascinating romance, set 1:1 the picturesque background of the High Sierras and the Western prairies. Musical items are presented by the Orchestra DeLuxe and organ. The box plans are at the D.I.C. and theatre. ' ' REX THEATRE. With George O'Brien in'the featured role and a setting of gay, - scintillating backgrounds, "Ever Since Eve," the new Fox production, is now at the Rex Theatre. Its bright, breezy, rippling love story develops amid the high spots and the gay spots of Broadway. It is a new George O'Brien who takes» a fling at society and emerges with a flashing debutante as his^bride. Mary Brian has the feminine lead opposite O'Brien.- The supporting cast is headed by hilarious Herbert Mundin and the famous Betty Blythe. The second attraction, "Night of the Party, features Leslie Banks. SHORTT'S THEATRE. The inimitable Edward Everett Horton and Karen Morley head .the cast of "Ten Dollar Raise." the Fox Film picture -now showing at Shorns Theatre. A Others in this comedy or a static pay cheque and an ecstatic romance are Glenn Boles, Rosma Lawrence; Berton Churchill. Ray Walker Alan-- Dinehart, Frank Melton, and William Benedict. "D'ye Ken John Peel?" the British Dominions release which is also on the bill, is a foxhunting, story of the old.days mspired by the well-known ballad. John ijarrick and Winifred Shotter are starred with^ strong all-British cast of particular' interest. fROXX THEATRE. One of the season's gayest and most delightful romantic comedies And bo They Were Married," featuring Melvyn Douglas, : Mary Astor, little. Edith Fellows, and Jackie Moran is now screening at the Roxy Theatre. The Screen narrative relates the misadventures of a wealthy widower and a beautiful divorcee and their rascally children, marooned at a winter resort high in the mountains A; spirited Western romance, "Riding Wild, featuring Tim McCoy, is the supporting attraction. - - STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Under Two Flags," which brings Ronald Colman and Claudette Colbert together in roles that surpass even the most magnificent of their past triumphs, is showing at the State Theatre, Petone tonight. Miss Colbert plays the role of "Cigarette" in this adaptation at Ouida'f immortal story of the Frencn Foreign Legion. Victor McLaglen and Rosalind Russell head the supporting past of forty character stars, which includes Gregory Ratoff Nigel Bruce. C. Henry Gordon, and J. Edward Bromberg. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "The Singing Kid" and "Super-speed" conclude tonight at the Palace Theatre, s?6tons The killing of a great opera tenor, before 20 000 witnesses in the famous Hollywood Bowl forms the unusual motivation for "Moonlight Murder, which commences at the Palace Theatre Petone, tomorrow. Chester Moiris becomes a detective and. aided by Madge Evans, solves one of the oddest crime' mysteries fiction has ever created. "It's a Bet," the second xeature, which stairs Chester Morris and Helen Chandler, is full of unexpected twists and has laughs and .thrills galore, with the added attraction of some of the most beautiful shots yet seen on the screen of the English countryside. . : EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. : "Two Fisted," a Paramount romantic comedy featuring Lee Tracy, Roscoe Karns. and Gail.Patrick, which shows tonight at the Empire Theatre, traces the. amusing adventures of two fighters • who crash Park Avenue society. Alice Faye appears opposite George Raft as one of the three feminine leads in the musical comedy "Every Night at Eight,", which will also be shown. ' REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Charles Laughlon is assisted by five of Hollywood's leading comedy players in Paramount's "Ruggles of Red Gap, the picturi'sation of Harry Leon Wilson's famous story which screens■tonight at the Regal Theatre. With Laughton in the title role, are Mary Boland, Charlie Ruggles, Roland Young, Zasu Pitts, and Leila Hyams. CAPITOL THEATRE, MISAMAR. "Exclusive Story," screening at the; Capitol Theatre tonight, stars Franchot Tone with Madge Evans and Stuart Erwin. Written by Martin Mooney, I who exposed the "numbers racket in the pages of his newspaper the new picture tells dramatically of the crusade against the kings of gangdom by j a young attorney for a metropolitan | daily paper. SUNDAY PICTURES. The Port Nicholson Band has arranged for the screening at the New Opera House on Sunday evening of the magnificent £80,000 production of Lady Eleanor Smith's epic of the t circus "Red Wagon," with a huge cast headed by four leading Hollywood j nlayers—Charles Bickford, Greta Nis-1 .sen. Raquel Torres, and Don Alvarado. J "Red Wagon" is laden with thrills an-l j through it all runs a dcbghtfuJ romance.

j TIVOLI THEATRE. | The Cosmopolitan adaptation cfi Rafael Sabatini's immortal tale of niracv on the high seas, "Captain Blood." with all its colour, its vividness, and its thrills intact, opens at the Tivoli Theatre tonight. lii the immensity of its stark drama, its tremendous sets, its bizarre and picturesque background, its thrilling action, and its marvellous characterisations. "Captain Blood" stands out as one of the great film masterpieces. Heading a cast as unusual as the production itI self are Errol Flynn, Ihe young Ausj tralian actor-adventurer who is Captain Blood in the flesh, and Olivia tie Havilland, who scored a personal triumph as Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." With Margaret Lindsay and Glenda Farrcll teamed as a pair of young women lawyers. "The Law in Her Hands," the First. National comedy drama which is the associate feature, is gay with fun and vivid with swift and dramatic action. The cast includes Warren Hull. Lyle Talbot, Eddie Acuff, Dick Purccll, Al Shean, and Joseph Crehan. EIVOLI THEATRE. "Public Enemy's Wife," . Warner Bros.' thriller of G-Men activities, is now showing at the Rivoli Theatre. The picture is enacted by an exceptionally brilliant cast which includes Pat O'Brien and Margaret Lindsay in the featured roles as lovers. O'Brien the ace G-Man and Miss Lindsay in the title role; Robert Armstrong, another G-Man; Cesar Romero, the arch I ! villian and murderous head of the band of desperate crooks; Dick Foran, rich, play-boy; Joseph King, Richard Purcell, | Addison Richards, and others. In the associate feature, "The Ex-Mrs. Brad-; ford." RKO-Radio's mystery coniedy, i William Powell again displays his gift ■ for gay romancing, wise-cracking, and! pulling pranks in the face of strange j I death—that same gift that made his i films, ,'The Thin Man" and "Star of I Midnight." outstanding among light ] murder mysteries. I ! SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Dipping into the. hectic days following the close of the American Civil War, "The Prisoner of Shark Island" demcts the assassination' of Lincoln and the flight of his assassin to the country home of Baxter, a doctor. For the unintentional crime of setting the broken leg of a man about whom he knew nothing, Baxter is sentenced to life imprisonment in the dreaded Federal prison. Degraded, tortured, frantic with worry over his wife and child, he attempts an escape through the shark-filled prison moat. He wins freedom only to be recaptured and brought back to a dungeon. From here the story'takes, a dramatic turn. The second: feature is the musical hit, "The Music Goes 'Round," with Harry Richman, Rochelle Hudson, Walter Connolly, Douglas Dumbrille, and Lionel Standers*. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Somerset Maugham's intriguing spy character Ashenden is brought to the screen in ' a powerful story, "Secret Agent," which heads the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre. John Gielgud proves himself to be an actor of the first flight in his portrayal of a soldier forced to take up the hazardous and unpleasant duties of a spy in the 1914-18 conflict. Madeline Carroll has the,leading feminine role of a woman spy. assisting Ashenden in his perilous undertaking. The two leading characters supply the romantic mii terest. The second feature. "Love On | a Bet," is a comedy-romance starring i Gene Raymond and Wendy Barrie. - ■