CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 155, 29 December 1936, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

RECENT THEATRE. , i That vivid story of the internal i struggles of China, "The General Died at Dawn," is in its second week at the Hegent Theatre. Gary Cooper and Madeleine Carroll, the former as an American soldier of fortune and the latter as an adventuress who lets her heart interfere with her schemes, are excellent in the principal roles, but Porter Hall, as a drink-sodden waster, threatens to steal the honours with his brilliant acting. The subsidiary roles are filled by both Europeans and Chinese, Akim Tamiroff giving fine colour to the role of I he ruthless and cruel war lord. Gary Cooper sets out to help the peasants oppressed by General Yang, and in doing so he has his hands full in running guns through hostile territory. He is trapped by Yang by the scheming of the adventuress, and struggles lor the money, threats of torture, and general fast-moving excitement work the film to a climax of great drama. There is a fine supporting programme. J MAJESTIC THEATRE. Fun of the brightest is balanced by a few streaks of pathos, in "The Devil js a Sissy," which is now at the Majestic Theatre. Freddie Bartholomew is an urchin of the New York 'slums, and Jackie Cooper , and Mickey Rooney, two other brilliant child actors cast as hooligans, make <up an excellent trio. Freddie's parents, .who. are divorced, share his custody, and it is when he is handed over to his father that he finds trouble awaiting him. He engineers a burglary at his mother's home to buy a tombstone for the grave of the father of one of the boys. Into the-court they go, and what occurs there sets Freddie's companions against him, but eventually • he succeeds in retaining their friendship. The romantic interest in the production is supplied by lan Hunter and Peggy Conklin. , . NEW OPERA HOUSE. r. The inimitable George Wallace, with Ijis fluent humour, headed a pro-, gramme that kept a capacity: house at -the New Opera House last night thoroughly amused and entertained for •three hours. Without exception the performers were given a most enthusiastic reception, and the fare offered vvvas sufficiently well varied to give the programme a good balance. Two other favourites, Mike Connors and Queeriie JPaul, were the producers of the revue. <Jeorge Wallace and Mike Connors, aided by Will Miller and Lulla Fan■iHing, who made an instant impression, supplied the humorous interludes, of which there were many. , Some first'elass acrobatic tap dancing was provided by Rex and Bessie, and the Marjiella trio supplied some more aeroJbatics, and the Russel Bros, impressed with some cleverly-arranged poses. Im- ' personations by.Miss Minnie Love of : -Maurice Chevalier, Grade Fields, and .Will Fife pleased the audience, as did rJVliss Nellie Kolle in some of her old r favourite songs. Leo Trenriette's tenor j/oice was heard to advantage, and ■ Jimmy Coates showed how .to handle '"£ saxophone. The Sunkist Beauties »made a first-class background,' -and •were seen in some distinctly novel Sensembles. The revue will be repeated tonight. . . * ST. JAMES THEATRE. ■.' Laurel and Hardy add further to ■Jheir successes in "Our Relations," ,-which is in' its second week at the St. JJames Theatre. The 'incomparable comedians have been converted into a "quartet by the addtion of another Laurel and another Hardy. It appears that, there were two' sets of twins; one of each pair turned "■dut to be a good little boy, but other was not so good, to the TiJlullness of time, both of the good boys married and settled down to quiet sub- • urban lives. The two others ran away 1 1 to sea, and were presumed to have taken part in a mutiny and been duly .Tianged; Their secret was '■■ closely guarded by their brothers. With the return of the wayward pair remarkable things happen. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. •» The thrilling spy drama, "Staniboul "Quest," now showing at the Paramount Theatre, gives a new com•,bination, the beautiful Myrna Loy ;j.with George Brent. The picture is based upon an original story by Leo Birinski, released through the famous ■studios of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and '.feroduced by Bernard Hyman, with Sam '-Wood as director. It throws a new light upon the World War, revealing the involved intrigue of international as practised by the Central Powers and of the system of unleash"iftg one spy to catch another. The story has its beginning in war-ravaged Ber« ' lin and carries the action, of the exciting drama into Turkey. Lionel Atwill, Veteran of the stage and screen, ap;.pears as chief of a foreign espionage ;, PRINCESS THEATRE. ... Two enjoyable pictures are now showing at the. Princess Theatre. An 'entertaining and magnificently-pro-*duced ' film, "Forget Me,, Not," Benjaminq Gigli, one of the world's leading tenors^' ,is ■the principal attraction. Gigli brings •".to bear a powerful personality and re- • yeals himself as a first-class actor hi 'a story written especially for. him. "There is a strong supporting cast. The additional feature, "Love Before Breaklast," starring Carole Lombard, reflects •the modern attitude towards romance, ; treating it with Sophistication and a *gay touch. The leading men are Preston Foster and Cesar Hbmero. ROXY THEATRE. "Forsaking All Others," now screening at the Roxy Theatre, has a cast headed by three outstanding stars, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Robert Montgomery. The picture has verve and pace, the result of brilliant direction by W. S. Van Dyke. As a light comedienne, Joan Crawford reveals a new side to her many admirers. "The Casino Murder Case," which is the supporting feature, brings a hew Philo Vance to the screen in Paul Lukas, who is ably assisted in solving the "perfect crime" of a dia"bolical poison plot by Rosalind Rus/■.'sell. ' '•;- OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ".;; The piquant tale of a beautiful tem*peramental heiress who knew what, or rather whom, she wanted, but wouldn't admit it, and an ingenious and personable college boy whose very impudence broke the barrier she set up, is ■ told in the comedy romance, "Walking on Air," which is showing at Our Gene Raymond and Ann Sothern have the principal roles. The associate feature, "Lady of Secrets," the dramatic.story of a gallant lady, brings Ruth Chatterton back to the screen. Otto Kruger plays the reading male role. °;EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAT. " r Comedy, romance, and adventure go JJon a mad rampage in the new gay attraction, "Love on a Bet," which shows 'rtonight at the Empire Theatre with ;Gene Raymond and Wendy Barrie • teamed. This rollicking comedy proadmirably suited roles for the talents of the romantic pair. An all?lstar Western with the unique back- ., ground of a modern man-hunt is "The Last Outlaw," the second feature, with '1 Harry Garey, Hoot Gibson. Henry B. "Walthall, and Tom Tyler. - CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. »";-. Herbert Marshall and Gertrude Michael play the leading roles in "Till ■■We Meet Again," a spy story which j, opens tonight at the Capitol Theatre. Also screening is "Postal Inspector," Ricardo Cortez, Patricia Ellis, Michael Loring, and Bela Lugosi. MIDNIGHT BALL. ■ On New Year's Eve a midnight ball is to be held at the New Majestic. ;.There will be four floor shows and a iliost of other attractions, including an ■entirely new programme by Theo .Walters and his famous personality band. Further details are advertised '$n the amusement page.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

. DE LUXE THEATRE. ! i "Anthony Adverse," which is now! attracting capacity houses at the De Luxe Theatre, is the last word in magnificent screen entertainment. This sensational Warner Bros, production follows the romantic adventures of Anthony Adverse through five coun- i tries, across the seas, and over three continents.. For mammoth sets, for colourful and picturesque backgrounds, for dynamic action, for v the unusual characterisation of its tremendous cast, i from Fredric March, the star, down to the smallest bit player, for the glamour of its romance, its human interest, and sheer, unadulterated entertainment, this picture is unsurpassed. The cast includes Olivia de Havilland, Edmund Gwenn, Claude Rains. Anita Louise, Louis Hayward, Gale Sondergaard, Steffi Duna,' Billy Mauch, and Donald Woods v There will be a special midnight matinee performance of "Anthony Adverse" on New Year's Eve, commencing at 12.15 a.m. Also on the programme is a technicolour featurette presenting magnificent male choruses and Scotch pipers singing and playing "Auld Lang Syne," and other appropriate numbers. The box plan for this session is at the De Luxe Theatre only. STATE THEATRE. Paul Robeson, the famous negro actor and singer, in his latest film, at the State Theatre, uses all his talents to the fullest advantage. Robeson takes' the part of John Zinga, a negro dock-labourer in London. He and his wife are very happy, although" John always feels that his true home is in Africa. He sings magnificently as he works, and is overheard by Donriizetti, a famous impresario, who trains him for the concert stage. Fame comes to him, and he learns that he must be a direct descendant of the old King Zinga. John and his wife set out for the; lonely island off the coast of Africa. Dramatic events occur which carry the story along with a tremendous sweep and vigour. The other players in the cast are Elizabeth Welch, Esme • Percy, George Mozart, and Robert Adams, all players of merit. There is a splendid supporting programme. ■,' ' RIVOLI THEATRE. "One Rainy Afternoon," the ■■•; first offering of Pickford-Lasky Productions, the new producing company headed by ,Mary Pickford and Jesse Lasky, screens tonight at the Rivoli .Theatre. Francis Lederer sings for the first • time on the screen as the star of, this sophisticated Parisian romantic: comedy, and Ida Lupino, Hugh 'Herbert, Roland Young, Erik Rhodes, and Joseph Cawthorn are seen •in important featured * roles. The story depicts the series of hilarious developments that ensue when .a struggling young Paris actor kisses the wrong girl in a darkened movie theatre "one rainy afternoon." The new Warner Bros, comedy "Brides are Like That" will also be shown. Ross Alexander and Anita Louise play the featured roles. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "If You Could Only Cook," Colun-.-bia's new romantic comedy, which is now showing at Shortt's Theatre, brings to the screen a new love team, Herbert Marshall and Jean Arthur. Miss Arthur has been rewarded, 'with stardom for her fine work in "Passport to Fame" and other successes. The other feature, Columbia's new mystery thriller, "Guard That Girl," has to do with a threatened heiress 'and the efforts to guard her from an unknown death. Robert Allen, Florence Rice, Ward Bond. Wyrley Birch, Arthur Hohl, Elizabeth; Risdon, and others comprise the cast. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Colleen" and"' "Miss Pacific Fleet" conclude,.tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. .-'•" ■ l "Riff Raff," which opens at the Kilbirnie Kinema tomorrow, is. a redblooded drama of the waterfront. The emotional depth which Jean Harlow demonstrated in "ChinaSeas",has even greater outlet in this new picture. For Spencer Tracy, it climaxes a series of fine performances, giving him the greatest role of his career. "The Man Who Could Work Miracles," which will also be shown, is based on the story by H. G. Wells and produced by Alexander Korda. It is a comedy remarkable for the originality of its conception and the amazmg effects which have been. achieved. REX THEATRE. Will Rogers and Zasu Pitts, two screen favourites whose comedy work is always warmly welcomed, have leading roles in "Mr. Skitch," the main attraction at the Rex Theatre. Also screening is "Dick Turpin," a thrilling picture which gives Victor McLaglen one of his.finest roles to date. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. A quartet of catchy new tunes is introduced to the public in the new Fox picture, "Song and Dance Man," which shows tonight at the Regal Theatre. "Song and Dance Man," features Claire Trevor, Paul Kelly, and Michael Whalen in the leading roles. "Champagne Charlie," the second feature, is the effervescent love story of a dollar princess and a playboy prince. Paul Cavanagh and Helen Wood, lovely young screen newcomer, are cast in the leading roles. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. An excellent double-feature bill opens tonight at the - State Theatre Petone. The main film will be the dynamic Fox production "High Tension," featuring Brian Donlevy, and Glenda Farrell. A richly human romance of two young newly weds, the gay and tender Fox comedy, "The First Baby," will also be shown. Featuring handsome young Johnny Downs and Shirley Deane in the leading roles. -/ . PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "One Exciting Adventure".and "Man of Iron" will be finally screened tonight at the Palace Theatre, Petone. A mighty drama of the sea, "Eight Bells,'v which stars the lovely Ann Sothern and features Ralph Bellamy and John Buckler, opens tomorrow evening at the Palace Theatre. Peter B. Kyne's best seller, "The Three Godfathers," starring Chester Morris, Lewis Stone, and Walter Brennan, will also be shown. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Suzy" will be shown finally tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Based on the brilliant stories written about "The Suicide Club" by Robert Louis Stevenson, Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer's film version starring Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell, comes to the Grand Theatre. Petone, tomorrow. The story is laid in the 1880's, and there is a hghthearted charm about it which comes only with fantastic tales about the princes and princesses of mythical kingdoms travelling incognito. EVANS BAY FAIR. The holiday spirit is markedly in evidence at the grand fair which is being held on the foreshore at the headof Evans Bay under the auspices of the Wellington Municipal Tramways Band. This fair is noteworthy for the excellence of its side-shows and other attractions and may fairly lay claim to being one of the finest aggregations of entertainment yet seen in Wellington. All tastes are catered for and there must be few who, having once visited the fair, do not seek another opportunity of enjoying the fun. Details of the aquatic events which promise to be among the most thrilling of the whole proramme, are advertised. On New Year's Eve the ferry steamer Muritai will run an excursion to Miramar Wharf. An attack by Bias Bay pirates is expected en route and adequate defensive measures will be taken. This unique event, with a Crossing the Line ceremony as well, should provide plenty at ftin and excitement.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Mary of Scotland," as brought to the screen with Katharine Hepburn and Fredric March co-starring, is the story of a magnificent romantic tragedy turned to triumph. The film, which comes to the Tivoli Theatre tonight, recalls, as did Maxwell Anderson's play from which it is adapted, that though Mary Stuart lost her head and crown because she devoted herself more to her reckless romance with Bothwell than to the pursuit of power, she nevertheless must have enjoyed a moment of triumph over her spinster, executioner, Elizabeth of England. For even while Elizabeth signed the Scotch beauty's death warrant, she knew that Mary had lived more fully than she as a woman, and that as a result it would be Mary's son who would eventually sit on the English throne. Too, if glamorous immortality is any compensation for a tragic end. Mary Stuart's had its compensation. Her rebellion against the loveless marriages forced on her by politics, her accepting the courtship of the hot-headed Bothwell at cost of her life, made her one of history's most vivid figures. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. "Manhattan Melodrama" is the main feature on tonight's programme at the Seaside Theatre, Lyall Bay. The story, laid in New York's smart circles, presents Myrna Loy as a lady with a past that includes Clark Gable, once her sweetheart, and William Powell, now her husband. The supporting feature. "Lazy River," is a highly entertaining melodrama featuring Jean Parker and Robert Young.