CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "Cain and Mabel," the New Year feature at the Regent Theatre, has an intriguing title and it is just as bright and modern as the title suggests. The picture contains many magnificent features gathered around the theme supplied by Marion Davies, as an Irish waitress, arid Clark Gable, as a heavyweight boxer fighting his way to world title. The boxer and the waitress disagree on almost all matters, but an enterprising theatrical manager announces that they are engaged, with the result that they are compelled to smile upon one another in public although they bicker in private. The observer will probably not be as surprised as they are when they eventually discover that they are in love. The film is noteworthy for the magnificent scenes and ballets that cannot fail to please. A gorgeous scene is provided for "Thousand Love Songs," six different sets of backgrounds being provided. David Carlyle is an undoubted success in the theme song, and Marion Davies, with Charles Teske, heads 160 chorus girls in a series of delightful dances. "Coney Island" is another magnificent feature, and as the story progresses it is made plain that the beautiful Marion has never played a better part than that of the Irish waitress who rises to stardom on the musical comedy stage and eventually wins the man she loves. The supporting features are highly entertaining and include a popular technicolour cartoon, "I'd Love to Take Orders from You."

MAJESTIC THEATRE, Holiday time demands holiday entertainment and the Majestic Theatre has provided it with "Piccadilly Jim." a film based on the side-splitting novel of P. G. Wodehouse. The picture, -. ■ which is an M-G-M production, does - not follow the book closely, but it has -, a true Wodehouse flavour and is cosmopolitan enough to appeal to all tastes. The acting is excellent, and the comedy is bright and entertaining at all stages. Robert Montgomery, ~ who plays the part of Piccadilly Jim. •is extraordinarily likeable, and gives the impression that he is the man Wodehouse had in mind when he wrote the book. Piccadilly Jim, the cartoonist, makes the mistake of picturing the family of the girl he loves as the "Richswitch Family" of his cartoons, and the picture reveals how he faced up to the situation after discovering his mistake. Eric Blore, as the butler, out-Wodehouses Wodehouse and comes .very close to securing the major , comedy honours, Frank Morgan, as Jim's father, is typical of the part required of him, and. others who play prominent parts with distinction are .Robert Benchley, Madge Evans, and Billy Burke. There are others who appear throughout the picture, and although each and every one upholds the standard set by the principals their names are too numerous to mention. The supporting features are all well worth seeing, a "March of Time" feature being particularly good. . ST. JAMES THEATRE. , Two of the'world's greatest singers, Grace'Moore'and Lawrence Tibbett, are heard in the entrancing musical comedy "New Moon," which was shown for the first time at the St, James Theatre yesterday. The ship-board romance of Princess Tanya Strogoff and Lieutenant Michael Pejfcroff, of the Russian Imperial Army, comes to a fullstop on their arrival at the latter's garrison, where the Princess is discovered to be the fiancee of the Governor, a part played by Adolphe Menjou. For safe removal the lieutenant ■'" is transferred to a distant fort, where ■ the men have an unpleasant habit of murdering their officers. Here he is . visited by the Princess, who avenges the insult offered by Petroff when he sang a vulgar song on the occasion of the public announcement of her engagement. Her return is prevented by . .an enemy attack. Facing death, they are unable to conceal their love, and . there . are- dramatic developments. . . Animated action and pointed dialogue : . are varied with the brilliant singing of the two stars, in both solo and duet. ; , "Lover Come Back to Me" as the popu- ■ . lar theme, and "Wanting You," a duet, : is the highlight of this musical triumph. ' .: Interesting supports are a coyote hunt by aeroplane, and "Asleep in the Feet," I with Thelma Todd and Zasu Pitts, a ' comedy of the fast-moving variety. ' PARAMOUNT THEATRE. After a lapse of several months "Broadway Melody of 1936" has re- '• turned to Wellington, and is showing ' at the Paramount Theatre. This film \ proved unusually popular, many of its ; song hits becoming almost household j • words, and it should be certain of a j .good reception. Its features include i many magnificent sets, original bal- j let designs, and outstanding acting by ( prominent players. The theme of the ] picture is the story of a girl who goes j to New York to secure a place before £ the footlights, the outstanding features \ of the year on the stage being gathered c together to delight the beholder. 1 ' Eleanor Powell, whose remarkable dancing and charming personality have taken Hollywood by storm, probably takes pride oi place in the galaxy of - stars that face the footlights, but J ■ others are almost as delightful in their . own way. Robert Wildhack, who plays \ , many variations on his vocal chords. J, is something entirely new; Robert Tay- J ; lor, Una Merkel, and Jack Benny all J provide ftrstclass entertainment, and \ other artists keep the show going with J " a swing that catches and holds the at- ? tention of the audience from start to . finish. The supporting features are + worthy of such a programme, and m- . elude popular features.

KING'S THEATRE. The supreme artistry of George Arliss has wide scope in "East Meets "• West," which is showing for a second week at the King's Theatre. This pic- . ture has been lavishly mounted and it ] is rich in dramatic incidents. Arliss ] " ■ playi the part of a Sultan who successfully wheedles big sums of money out of Britain and Japan, playing against them, the life of a renegade Englishman, a rum-runner, whose wife ■.->• has had an affair with the Sultan's ~. Oxford-educated son. There is action in plenty in this offering from Gau-mont-British. Lucie Mannheim is an attractive and appealing figure as the unfortunate wife. She gives a performance that compels attention. She ■.is an actress of the intense, highly- . dramatic type, and completely lives, whatever part she is playing. > The splendour of settings, dress, and manner is wholy satisfying. The supporting cast includes Godfrey Tearle, Stella Moya, and Romney Brent. The remainder of the programme is in keeping with the excellence of the big film. ROXY THEATRE. "Bonnie Scotland" is the main feature at the Roxy Theatre, with Laurel : and Hardy providing comedy work which is as bright as anything they . have done before. The action opens .. in Scotland, and then transfers to India, where the comical pair, after mix-ups and trouble galore, eventually ■'•■ emerge as heroes. Sparkling comedy • is also the'keynote of the supporting picture "Calm Yourself," with Robert •.Young and Madge Evans teamed at the head of a strong cast. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Cinesound's latest and finest production, "Orphan ' of the Wilderness," is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema ""■ tonight. Basically a story of Australia's great outdoors, centring around the life of the kangaroo , hero-Chut, "Orphan of the Wilder- . ness" is also strong in human romance and thrilling action, shot against natural ever-moving backgrounds. Brian Abbott and Gwen Munro head the cast. Paramount's "The Preview Murder Mystery," an exciting melodrama, which will also be shown, has a sterling cast, headed by Reginald Denny, Frances Drake, Gail Patrick, Rod La Roque, George Barbier, lan Keith, Conway Tearle, and JariUgnlhfliy.. i

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

DE LUXE THEATRE. The film of the famous novel "Anthony Adverse," which is now in its second week at the De Luxe Theatre, is deservedly popular. Nothing of the great book has been lost in the picture, which is an admirable combinatior of drama and spectacle. The production is indeed an experience, and the acting of the stars who have been chosen lor the important roles, Fredric March, Edmund Gwenn, Claade Rains, Anita Louise, Olivia de Havilland, Steffi Duna, Donald Woods, and Ralph Morgan, is on a high plane. The result must be viewed as an adequate film version of the novel; it stops short with- the departure of Anthony for the United States, and thus is not called upon to deal with the later portion of the book, but as this, in the view of most readers, is the least satisfactory part of the novel there is little lost. "Anthony Adverse" has the vitality, the sweep, the romantic fervour, the immense absorption in the events of ;he moment of.Dumas; but it also has something of the modern restlessness, the twentieth century questioning of values. In the film, however, Anlhony emerges with a code and few who see his struggle through the years and his victimisation by fate will questior its validity. The supporting cast plavs up to the level set by Fredric March as Anthony and his work is of a very high order, while Olivia de Havilland, as Angela, reveals depths of character which place this talented actress in a new light. Also on the programme are a newsreel of world events and "Let It Be Me," a coloured car;oon.

STATE THEATRE. Paul Robeson's glorious bass voice is heard to the fullest advantage in "Song of Freedom," which is now in its second week at the State Theatre, and his acting is on a very high plane. Robeson takes the part of John Zinga, a London dock worker. He and his wife are very happy, although John always feels that his true home is in Africa. He sings magnificently as le works, and is overheard by Donnizetti, 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. The natives are suspicious of them, but' John is tireless in his efforts to ijive them the enlightenment that he has brought from overseas. The witdi doctor stirs up trouble, and Zinga's wife is sentenced to death for witnessing a sacred ceremonial dance. John, as professed king, must sentence her, Suddenly, he remembers the haunting native song that he has always known. He sings it, softly, and the great crowds of natives suddenly smile, cheer, and hail him as King. John's mission has been accomplished. He returns to his career in Europe, wit'i the care of the natives always in his hands. The other players in the casl. are Elizabeth Welch, Esme Percy, I George Mozart, and IWbert Adams, all plavers of merit. There is a splendid' supporting programme. NEW OPERA HOUSE. George Wallace has always been popular with Wellington audiences and he las proved more popular than ever witi the Connors and Paul Revue at the New Opera House because he supplies a fund of humour and is supposed by a particularly fine gathering of artists. "Calling All Stars" has attracted a great deal of attention and the new show starting today should be jusl as popular. Its title, "Hello, Prosper .ty," indicates that it is right up to datu and while the company has built up a reputation that will be difficult to live up to they should be equal to the task before them. George Wallace appears in many sketches throughout the programme and is ably supported by Mike Connors and Queenie Pail. Some particularly good turns are put on by Minnie Love, who gives a miniature show of her own, Nellie Kolle, the male impersonator, the Marcella Trio, the Russell Brothers, and other individual artists. The show is : rounded off by the "Sunkissed" Ballet, and everyone who has seen it has enjoyed the clever turn entitled "Cheek to Cheek" put on by these girls. There is a matinee this afternoon and the show will go on with renewed vim tonight. PRINCESS THEATRE. Fcom its opening scenes to its bombshe.l courtroom close, "The Case Agnnst Mrs. Ames," which heads the new bill at the Princess Theatre, sustains a machine-gun pace of drama and suspense. Madeleine Carroll has the main role in a fast-mov-ing story of a woman charged with murder and later threatened with the loss of her only child. George Brent does fine work as the masculine lead. Marion Davies's new Cosmopolitan pro Suction, "Hearts Divided," is the associate feature. The picture combines a glorious romance with hilaridus comedy and dynamic drama. Dick Powell heads a talented cast. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. i One of the finest pieces of enter- i tairment is the comedy-melodrama < 'Seven Sinners;" which stars Edmund Love and Constance Cummings, and s showing at Our Theatre. The story ;on cerns the activities of a gun-run-lin? organisation which wrecks trains, lot as a hobby, but as a cloak for the identity of the principals. The sea rtoiy, "Admirals All," starring Wynne Sib son and Gordon Harker, is the naln attraction on the first half of ] ;he programme.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE. ".'t's Love Again," at the State Theatre, Petone, is a gay, engaging frivolity fashioned neatly to fit the wide talents of that prevocative, fascinating, and tremendously popular British star, Jessie Matthews. The support is firstrato and big in names, and the story is neatly The two in concert thrpw out the star's versatility in scintillating perspective. Through her the entertainment, presented with marvellous technical polish, radiates great fun. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. VTarner Bros.' intensely emotional drama, "I Found Stella Parish" is the main feature at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Kay Francis is supported by an exceptionally talented cast, whicn includes lan Hunter, Paul Lukas, Syb'l Jasan, Jessie Ralph, a,nd Barton MacLane "I Found Stella Parish" is one of nhe most powerful dramatic productions in which the brilliant star has yet appeared. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Characterised by thrilling air action, intrigue, and a romantic love story, Columbia's new drama, "Air Hawks" opens today at the Palace Theatre with Ralph Bellamy,. Wiley Post, and Tala Birell in the leading roles. The supporting feature, "Snowed Under," is a rollicking comedy romance starring George Brent. Glenda' Farrell, and Genevieve Tobin. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Tonight at the Regal Theatre, the features will be "A Message to Garcia," with Wallace Beery, Barbara Stanwyck, John Boles, and Herbert Mundin, and the Marx Brothers in "A Nif.ht at the Opsra." EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. The features at the Empire Theatre tonight will be "J.-.fe Begins at Forty,". Wi.l Rogers's last and greatest picture, and M.-G.-M.'s new and highly successful version of "Three Live Ghosts." CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy have the leading roles in "Riffraff," the sensational waterfront melodrama now showing at the Capitol Theatre. Iho other feature is "The Three, Maxims," Anna.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Acclaimed as one of the outstanding productions of the screen, "The White Angel," a First National picture portraying the life story of the immortal nurse Florence Nightingale, is nowshowing at the Tivoli Theatre, with Kay Francis in the stellar role. The picture paints in fiery drama the fight of Florence Nightingale, a wealthy English society girl, to remedy conditions in army field hospitals and the neglect of dying soldiers. All the tragedy and pathos of the battlefield are pictured in I the film, as well as the beauty of the life of sacrifices of Florence Nightingale and her specially picked nurses. "One Rainy Afternoon" is the associate attraction. 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 new features commencing at the Tivoli Theatre on TOesday will be "Petticoat Fever," co-starring Robert Montgomery and Myrna Loy, and "Shadow of Doubt," with Ricardo Cortez and Virginia Bruce.

RIVOLI THEATRE. 1 "Postal Inspector," which is now showing at the Rivoli Theatre, is an 1 adventurous dramatic picture that con--1 cerns a daring three-million-dollar mail robbery committed during a spectacular flood. This Universal screen offering has a romantic element,' as well as a humorous twist.. Ricardo Cortez, featured in the title role, is seen as an inspector in Uncle Sam's mail service, who runs down criminals when they rob the mails or use them fraudulently. The picture features Ricardo Cortez, Patricia Ellis, Michael Loring, and Bela Lugosi. The story of a woman condemned by public opinion as a murderess and forced to battle almost unaided for her life and her child is told in "The Case Against Mrs. Ames," which will also be shown. A Walter Wanger-Paramount production based on the novel by Arthur Somers Roche, the film stars Madeleine Carroll and George Brent. SHORTT'S THEATRE. "If You Could Only Cook" and "Guard That Girl" conclude tonight, 'at Shortt's Theatre. j With a twinkle in her eye and a saucy Irish brogue in her song, little Jane Withers heads a stellar cast of | funmakers in her joyous Fox picture, "Paddy O'Day," now showing at Shortt's Theatre. The picture, wllich follows the fascinating adventures of a motherless little girl from Erin to New York, presents Pinky Tomlin, Rita Cansino, Jane Darwell, and George Givot in the strong supporting cast. 20th Century's romantic comedy, "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" will also be shown. Debonair Ronald Colman is starred and Joan Bennett plays the feminine lead. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. "The King of Burlesque," with its great cast of stars, tantalising song hits, and heart-warming drama, is the main feature on tonight's programme. "The Voice of Bugle Anne," the supporting feature, is another unusual film similar to Metro-Goldwyn's ("Sequoia." Lionel Barrymore plays the part of Spring Davis, who kills a man to avenge the killing of his dog. The dramatic action is played against an interesting background. A tender romance runs through this graphic story. ___________