CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 132, 1 December 1936, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Dodsworth," the dramatisation by Sidney Howard of Sinclair Lewis's famous novel, is, now in its second week at the Regent Theatre. Walter Huston's portrayal of the part of a typical American good" business man entitles him to a place among the great American character actors. Ruth Chatterton is also outstanding in the unpopular role of his vain and selfish wife, out for a good time and seeking perennial youth. Supporting Huston and Kuth Chatterton are Mary Astor, Paul Lukas, and David Mven. The excellent supports include an enlightening "March of Time" newsreel on Albania and; one of the best Mickey Mouse cartoons yet produced. "The Gay Desperado," which commences screening at the Regent on Friday, is -described as a fiesta of fun and-glorious melody. The problem of what to do with an opera star on the screen is triumphantly solved in this musical comedy. Here is a formula for j the musical photoplay that brings melody, comedy, and dramatic excitement into harmonious union. It gives ample' scope for Nino Martini's enchanting voice and engaging presence while inspiring a rich and hilarious burlesque that could stand very well by itself as entertainment. It is a delightful blend of song and travesty. Reuben Mamoulian has skilfully incorporated the Martini solo numbers in this swift-paced production. "The Gay Desperado" is one of the biggest hits of the year in America. Nino Martini, of Metropolitan Grand Opera fame, who is the star of the picture, has proved himself to be the most popular tenor, heard in America since Caruso. In this picture he sings several delightful Mexican folk songs, as well as the newer melodies, "The World is Mine Tonight'l'and "Adios MiTierra." < MAJESTIC THEATRE. In--.the--title role of "Suzy," at the Majestic Theatre, Jean Harlow is at her rilo^t convincing as the girl who becomes-involved in a net of German spies. As her husband, who is badly wounded by the spies, and whom she i believes dead, Franchot Tone gives his usual good performance. He appears later as a test pilot of the Royal Air Force, attached to an aircraft construction plant. As Captain Moore, he is detailed to fly the latest in pursuit ' aeroplanes to an old friend of his, the French ace, Captain Charville (Cary Grant). But on his arrival, he finds that his wife has 'married' the French ace. After this revelation, the plot becomes even more complex with the appearance of a' beautiful woman spy, the development of a scheme to kill Charville, and a fierce and realistic battle in the air between the new British aeroplane and a squadron of German Fokkers. The excellent supporting programme includes newsreels, a Thelma Todd-Patsy Kelly comedy, and a colour cartoon. ST. JAMES THEATRE. '"My Man Godfrey," which is now in its second : week at the St. James Theatre,'. ;will take - its place as one of the funniest pictures of the year. The star of "The Thin. Man," WilliamVPowell, has lost none of his flair for humour, and Carole Lombard ably supports him in making the picture a loud arid continuous laugh. The film opens with ■ a scene in a dump where Powell is living with the other outcasts of the city. Alice Brady and Carole Lombard arrive fresh from a Fifth Avenue scavenger hunt. Each wants Powell to go back to the party from which the hunt originated in order to win the handsome prize offered to the first man to take back a "forgotten man." On winning the •competition, Carole takes a fancy to Powell's unshaven face, and engages him as her butler. A series of mirthprovoking scenes follow. NEAV OPERA HOUSE. Well-cast characters, comedy that owes its success to situations rather thait buffoonery, and fast, connected action that carries the audience with it, are seen in "Yours for the Asking" at the New Opera House. Dolores Barrymore, left stranded in a palatial home with a few hundred dollars to keep up with her expensive set, stakes it all on the roulette wheel at a gambling saloon run by George Raft. Just at ./that time,, while she has lost and is trying to raise the wind from Raft on family jewels, there is a raid on him by former pals, and his pluck and coolness attract her. They set tip a high-class casino in her old home, patronised by all her rich friends, and all is going well when James Gleason, Lynne Overman, and Skeets V al' lagher, Raft's trio of supporters, thinking that Dolores is getting too much of a hold on Raft, induce Ida Lupmo to vamp him. "Hell and High Water," the supporting picture, is a dramatic and thrilling story of the waterfront, leaturihg Judith Allen and Richard Arlen. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A strong cast of players, fine acting, a good "fory, and skilful production Combine to make "Today We Live," the main feature at the Paramount Theatre, a splendid picture. The cast, including such stars as Joan Crawford, Gary Cooper. Robert Young, and Franchot Tone, is a guarantee of something worth while. But a picture requires something more than lust acting ability to give it a strong appeal, there must be a good story. The story of "Today We Live" is a forceful one of the dramatic experiences of an English society girl in the Great War. She links up with an ambulance unit and falls in love with an American flyer. Her brother and childhood sweetheart are also at the front and in a stirring climax give their lives in the sinking of a ship on behalf of the gvrl.and the young American. The supporting films include "A Live Ghost," featuring the two comedians Laurel and Hardy. KING'S THEATRE. "Under Two Flags," co-starring Ronald Colman and Claudette Colbert, is now showing at the King's Theatre. Miss Colbert plays the role of 'Cigarette" in this adaptation of Ouidas immortal story of the French Foreign Legion. ■ A lovely flirt, she toys with the affections of Victor McLaglen, Legionnaire major, until she meets Colman, a member of the ranks. Then she impulsively loses her heart to him. Gregory Ratoff, Nigel Bruce, C. Henry Gordon,, and J. Edward Bromberg are others in the cast. . Frances Dee is the innocent victim of a sinister plot to involve her in two poison murders in "Half Angel," the second attraction. Brian Donlevy and comical Charles Butterworth are co-featured with Miss Dee. ROXY THEATRE. "China Clipper," now screening at the Roxy Theatre, is a glamorous romance of the air, marking a milestone in the pictorial history of daring aviation. There' is an exceptionally talented cast Which includes Pat O'Brien, Beverly Roberts, Ross Alexander, Humphrey Bogart, Marie Wilson, and Henry B. Walthall in the principal roles. While the story itself Is fictitious, it is'based, to a large extent, on the hazardous flights of the famous China Clipper of the PanAmerican Airways. "Thrill Hunter," the supporting picture, features the famous action star, Buck Jones. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ' Freddie Bartholomew, the lovable lad of "David Copperfield," and Victor McLaglen, the huge star of "The Informer," are teamed in 20th Century's gallant, stirring tale of romance and adventure, "Professional Soldier," which is showing at Our Theatre. Gloria Stuart, Michael Whalen, and Constance Collier have important featured roles in the picture. The associate feature is "The Prisoner of Shark Island." With Warner •Baxter starred in the leading role, the picture tells the story of this gentle Maryland physician, who spent years in a living hell for a crime he had never committed. Gloria Stuart is cast as Baxters heroic wife.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

I DE LUXE THEATRE. Bette Davis and Warren William are ' featured in "Satan Met a Lady," now at the DeLuxe Theatre. The picture lis based on a novel by the famous writer of fiction, Dashiell Hammett, which is one of the best the author has turned out. It is written in his usual style, with mystery and thrills, combined with sophisticated humour, love, and intrigue. The story is woven about the search by a band of crooks ■ for a legendary ivory trumpet, supposed to contain a fabulous fortune in jewels. Murder follows on murder, as the crooks double-cross each other in their battle to cheat each other out of the fortune. The supporting cast includes Alison Skipworth, Arthur Treacher, Marie Wilson, Winifred Shaw. Added features on this programme are the musical presentations by the Orchestra De Luxe,- which is augmented by the Wurlitzer Organ. j PLAZA THEATRE. All that, has been said of Simone Simon, the young star from France, has, if anything, been restrained. She is delightfully ingenuous in her youthfulness, but she has a fascination and a brilliance beyond her years. It is small wonder, then, that Herbert Marshall, director of a girls' school' m "Girls' Dormitory," which is now screening at the Plaza Theatre, has his disturbing moments. He has just finished a book on history, with which he has been assisted by Ruth Chatterton; and he is not discerning enough to realise the love she has for him. The 19-year-old girl who is about to graduate, however, is not so reticent as Ruth Chatterton; she is hardly precocious, rather is she completely natural in her reactions to her new and strange feelings. The acting of the three main players is excellent. There is an exceptionally varied and entertaining supporting programme—music, comedy, and news. STATE THEATRE. For good, fast-moving comedy, with I entertainment value that never flags, it I would be difficult to better "Sing, Baby, Sing," the Twentieth Century Fox Film, which is screening at the State Theatre. ' Alice Faye, finding herself without a job, implores her agent, Gregory Ratoff, to find her a niche in radio work. Gregory, who is a bit of a Micawber himself, goes into the scheme wholeheartedly with his associates, Patsy Kelly and Tedd Healy. Michael Whalen, a newspaper man who is writing tip the gold diggers of the- city, meets Alice but does not consider her the "copy" he is looking for. More hilarious comedy is introduced by Adolphe Menjou, a screen star on holiday. Among a sheaf of haunting new melodies sung by Alice Faye are "Love Will Tell," "Sing, Baby Sing." "You Turned the Tables on Me." and "When Did You Leave Heaven?"^. ( PRINCESS THEATRE. Heading the current bill at the Princess Theatre is "Earthworm Tractors," in which Joe E. Brown brings to life on the screen that blundering, and in his own egotistical estimation, naturalborn super-salesman, Alexander Botts, who somehow always wins out in the end despite his egregious mistakes. Comedy and drama, melody and charm, are blended in the tale of a runaway orphan who attaches herself to a circus rouse-about in "Let's Sing Again," which forms the additional feature. The orphan lad is played by the remarkable boy singer, Bobby Breen. The short subjects include a coloured cartoon, a musical revue, an item of the "Melody Master" series, and a novelty. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Laughter and tears, comedy and near-tragedy follow each other in quick succession in "Steamboat Round the Bend," which is now screening at Shortt's Theatre. Features of the film are the laugh-filled; rivalry of Will Rogers and Irv'in S. Cobb, America's two greatest humorists, as the crusty captains of competing boats, and the wistful and tender romance of Anne Shirley and John McGuire. "Here's to Romance" is the associate picture, starring Nino Martini; The handsome and versatile Metropolitan Opera tenor also sings two new popular compositions. Genevieve Tobin and Anita Louise are featured. KILBinNIE~KIXEMa. "Ceiling Zero?' and "A Woman Alone" conclude tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. .Starring Bobby Breen, the brilliant eight-year-old tenor, "Let's Sing Again," coming tomorrow to the Kilbirnie Kinema, is a dramatic production laden with melody, moments of comedy, and an abundance of heartthrobs. The comedy is explained by the presence of Henry Armetta, the Italian comedian of the tilted head and the garbled English in a strong featured role. Herbert Marshall, Jean Arthur, Leo Carrillo, and Lionel Stander. have the : main roles in Columbia's new romantic comedy, "If You Could Only Cook," which will also be shown. Together, with the very helpful direction of William A. Seiter, who knows a comedy situation when he sees one, and some exceptionally amusing dialogue from the joint pens of Howard J. Green and Gertrude Purcell, they make the film a sparkling and happy thing. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Human Cargo" and "Come Out of the Pantry" conclude tonight at the State Theatre, Petone. Fox Film's "Dressed to Thrill," •which launches the starring career of Tutta Rolf, the: glamorous new European screen sensation, will head the attractive programme at the State Theatre, Petone, tomorrow. Clive Brook's romantic dilemma in "Dressed to Thrill" dates from the last days of the war. Lteaving Tutta Rolf, a dressmaker in a provincial village who loves him devotedly, he returns to America. Years later they meet again and there are romantic complications and a skilfully written climax. Most of the action of "The Last Journey," the supporting feature, takes place on a railway train, driven by a mad engine driver. Apart from the fine acting the sheer melodrama of the train rushing along to destruction is a marvellous piece of work. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Comedy entertainment at, its best will be provided at the Palace Theatre, where "Kelly the Second" commences tomorrow. This refreshing and delightful comedy feature, with an Irish flavour, presents Patsy Kelly, Charley Chase, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Edward Brophy, Pert Kelton, and others. The supporting feature is "Justice of the Range," which stars Tim McCoy. It is a tale of red-blooded adventure set in the wild cattle country of the lawless West. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" will be shown finally tonight at the Grand Theatre. Petone. "Till We Meet Again," starring Herbert Marshall, which opens tomorrow night at the Grand Theatre, Petone, is a story .of World War espionage. The main figures in the adventuresome story are a British matinee idol and his fiancee, a Viennese actress. Both are swept up in the hurricane of war, and become spies for their respective countries. The cast supporting Herbert ' Marshall includes Gertrude Michael, Lionel Atwill, Rod La Rogue, Guy Bates Post, and other notable players. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. In "The Guvnor" George Arliss appears as a lovable, disreputable "swaggie," with Gene Gerard as a companion. Like all drama, it is a blend of humour, pathos, and that element of surprise that keeps the onlooker tense with interest. The supporting feature, "Hell-Ship Morgan," stars Ann Sothern, George Bancroft, and Victor Jory. The story is a roaring and powerful tale of the sea and men who earn their livelihood from the deep,

TIVOLI THEATRE,

To the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Fritz"•Kreisler music, some new, some mellowed by the passing years, Grace Moore sings again of love in her new Columbia picture, "The King Steps Out." which opens at the Tivoli Theatre tonight. This time there is no backstage story, no climb to thu Metropolitan, but a charming tale of a royal romance in imperial Austria. It is fitting that Miss Moore's third film should dash so wildly in the opposite direction of the other two. The result is a lyric love story of rare loveliness. Franchot Tone has the role of a reckless, merry monarch. Also featured are Walter Connolly, Raymond Walburn,. Victor Jory, Elisabeth Risdon, Nana Bryant, and Frieda Inescourt. Starring the rotund Guy Kibbee, "The Big Noise," the associate feature, is a romantic comedy drama .filled with thrilling episodes and hilarious laughter. The cast includes Alma' Lloyd, Warren Hull. Dick Foran, Marie Wilson, Henry O'Neill, Olin Howland, Virginia Brissac, and William Davidson. RIVOLI THEATRE. Deep-dyed of the famous "Black Chamber" of World War fame are unfolded .under the analytical genius of William Powell in his new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, "Rendezvous" now showing at the Rivoli Theatre. "Rendezvous" presents Powell in the most unusual characterisation of his career. Where before he has confined his knowledge in criminology to physical detective work, in his newest role Powell graduates from a newspaper puzzle editor, to the outstanding trapper of international spies. Through the web of .counter-espionage is interwoven a three-cornered romance involving Powell, Rosalind Russell, and Binnie Barnes* "Wedding Rehearsal," with Merle Oberon and Roland Young, is the associate feature. ••; REX THEATRE. j There are three new song hits in "I Am Suzanne," which is now at the Rex Theatre, with Lilian Harvey in the featured role. They are known as the "St. Moritz Waltz," "Just a Little Garret." and a novelty piece called "Eski-o-lay-li-o-mo," and are from the pens o.f Frederick Hollander and. Forman Brown. Each of them serves as the musical theme for a distinct spectacle in the picture. The leading romantic roles of the picture are played by Miss Harvey and Gene Raymond, with Leslie Banks. Georgia Came, Geneva Mitchell, HalU'well HobbeS. Murray Kinnell. Edward Keane, and Podrecca's Piccoli Marionettes in ttfe supporting parts. Thrilling realism is the keynote of "The Man Who Knew Too Much," a Gaumont-British production also on the bill. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. A vivid chapter of historic drama depicting the colourful and tempestuous career of Mary Stuart is brought to the screen with lavish realism in "Mary of Scotland," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight and co-starring Fredric March and Katharine Hepburn, with an excellent cast. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Magnificent Obsession." with Irene Dunne, star of "Cimarron," "Back Street," and "Roberta," as the central feminine figure, concludes at the RegalTheatre tonight. Co-starred with Miss Dunne is Robert Taylor, remembered for his excellent portrayal in "Broadway Melody of 1936." His characterisation in "Magnificent Obsession." a tensely stirring dramatic picture, adds a new triumph to his list. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Charles, Laughton plays a comedy role that is one of the finest of his career in "Ruggles of Red Gap," which is screening at the Empire Theatre this evening. In this hilarious story of an English butler won in a poker game and taken to a small American town Laughton is supported by Charles Ruggles. Mary Boland, Zasu Pitts, and Leila Hyams. "Hopalong Cassidy." a thrilling action picture, with William Boyd and Jimmy Ellison, will also be shown.