CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1937, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE. The spectacular dramatised story, of Flofenz-Ziegfeld's life is ■ still: proving a attraction at the Majestic Theatre. To the musically-inclined, "The Great Ziegfeld". is-" a feast. All the songs are -catchy ■ and tuneful, and their preservation in a glamorous setting makes them'1 particularly acceptable. The film is also a pageant of beauty, in which hundreds ■ of the famous folly girls pass before the floodlights in an entrancing procession.- -Ziegfeld is portrayed by 'William Powell. Anna Held, the French star of his ■' first show, and his wife, sways between' 'the, > extremes of delight and; unhappine"ss.: Her tragic role is taken, by Louise. Rainer. Myrna • Loy takes "the role" of ;'Ziegf eld's, second 1 wife. '■ - :':■' •■'■"■ ■■■■ ■ ■■■■'■ i.- ■••./■■'VTomorrow. Tom Walls will' ba ■ featured in "Dishonour... Bright," one of Ben Trave'rs's farces.' ~> ;; j NEW OPERA HOUSE. "Isle of Fury,"': which heads the double-feature programme .at the New Opera House,, is a; South Sea Island romance of .an unusual type. It tells of the adventures of Val Stevens Bogart), owner of the pearMshing rights of an island, who rescues:-from a -wreck on ] the island reef-one Eric Blake (Donald Woods). Unfortunately, Blake Jails in love with Stevens's - beautiful wife (Margaret Lindsay )*■}■. The rigors of the island, such;'as 'storms, hostile divers, and devil-fish,-complicate matters..considerably for .all concerned.' ' Disclos-! ures from the outside world, however; finally result in a happy ending. "Strajght-.from. the Shoulder" is an intriguing gang, drama with a .surprising denouement. As Curt 'Hayden, a commercial artist, Ralph Bellamy;, sees a murder and: robbery irH.the process of being committed. ,5-. • '. ;■ KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The .programme at the Kilbirnie Kinema is headed; by "Boulder Dam," which is 'based on Don M. Templin's story of/the^ building of this mighty project, and; t(ie'lives of the dare-devil workmen Who.blasted their way through solid rockTand scaled the walls hundreds of feet above the^.rj.ver is 'painted in the picture, iri .colourful detail. The second attraction is "Yours for-the Asking," featuring George Raft' and' Dolores Costello Barrymore. ;i ; r . ROXY THEATRE. ':'';:^: '■ ; "Suzy" and'- "Vanessa: Her 'Love Story" are to be screened finally';at the Roxy Theatre tonight. •'■ • Fannie Hurst's best-seller, ."Imitation of Life," featuring Claudette Colbert' and Warren William, is to be presented at the Roxy Theatre tomorrow. Claudette Colbert as "Bea" Pullman steps into .this emotional' role end makes , of it'jlhS 'outstanding:", characterisation of her career. Fannie Hurst's intensely modern 'heroine lives and breathes through Miss Colbert's magic, and you see-in her .the embodiment of, all young womanhood struggling with the problems of love and life to provide a livelihood for; herself and baby daughter, and gaining only a lovestarved existence. There are heart throbs and hearty laughs alike in "Princess O'Hara," the supporting, pic- • ture. It is a stirring story of the daughter of an old-fashioned Irish father, who is accidentally; killed in a taxi war in which' their best friend is' in- - yolved. Naturally, the Princess, as she is lovably called, blames him for'her father's death.;, The featured players are Jean Parker and Chester Morris! SHOROTS THEATRE* Tonight "Atlantic Adventure" and "Fighting Code" are to be; screened finally at Shortfs Theatre:,, .--' .... Another immortal characterisation is contributed by Jean Hersholt.'fw.rio.will bC'.remembered for his. famous por-' traya'l of "The Country Doctor,"1 irj"Sins of Man," which opens at' Shortt's' Theatre tomorrow ,at the head yof another double-feature bill. Vibrant with drama, the picture is a stirring story of a father's struggles and temptations;' his sorrows arid triumphs, and it moves to a dynamic climax. The picture opens in the small Tyrolean 'village.-of Zanebruck. Hersholtjias the part of a sexton and bellririger of the local church, and lives with his two motherless sons, Karl and Gabriel. Hew sholt 'is superb throughout.. Don Ameehe, Darryl F. Zanuck's newest "discovery," makes an auspicious debut as Karl; and again as Gabriel, grown to manhood. The second feature is "Way Down East," a .drama:" which, more than forty years agio, first portrayed the triumph of young love over merciless self-righteousness and bigotry. Featuring 'Henry Fonda, star of "The Farmer Takes a Wife," with' Rochelle Hudson, the picture tells the ageless story of a woman who has sinned, who atones for her sin, and who asserts her right to love and happiness. The locale of the drama is New England in the-1890's, and much of its action is centred about the farm of Russell Simpson, a stern,.bigoted, righteous farmer. : .;" . ■ .'.'•■ > PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "She Married. Her Boss" is to be screened finally '". at \ the Paramount Theatre tonight. The story is that of a higßly-efficiehr and invaluable secre; tary (Claudette Colbert), who.is in love ■with her employer (Melvyn Douglas), the owner of a large business coni cerri.", ";. ' . -/i:.j.:- '•• ■.-..,;... ..:,-;'-.' ';' '"The Beloved- .yagabbnd," starring Maurice. Chevalier,; is sto be shown tomorrow. ' ■;- '■ REX THEATRE." :.:.;'. ;•.., -j Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond are the/featured actists in "Hooray ■•; foe Love," which heads the programme, at the . Rex , Theatre. ;-."Hooray for Love" is described, as a tuneful human interest story, "which centres about the urge of a youth just out of college to become a famous Broadway producer. The cast supporting Miss Sothern and Raymond includes Pert Kelton, Maria Gambarelli, Thurston • Hall, Lionel Stander, ' "Fats" Waller, Etienne Girardot, and Georgia Came, in addition' to Robinson and . Miss L'eGon. The second big picture is <:The Arizonian," which is Richard Dixs latest success. A running gun battle is one of the highlights of the picture. The supporting cast includes Margot Grahame, Preston Foster, and Louis Calhern. , SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Everybody enjoys a good laugh, and "In the Soup," featuring Ralph Lynn, certainly assures it. .In this film Judy Gunn appears as Ralph Lynn's harassed wife, who. goaded to1 fury by her husband's lack of initiative, lets their flat to suitable tenants, only to find that her husband had the same'idea and let the same fl&t to different people. "Blackmailer" combines suspense, thrills, and romance. The s^ory concerns the murder of a despised blackmailer at t.a dinner party. Any one of the eight': guests present, might have committed the deed." The manner in which the' mystery is solved provides most unusual entertainment. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. The role of a foreign Count who wants to■ swap a title as long as his ar.m for the nickname "Spike," and who discards his braid and spangles in, favour of chaps and a ten-gallon hat, •is'given Francis Lederer in the romantic Paramount picture "My American Wife," which is at v tho .State Theatre. "My American Wife" coEtars the charming star of "Orie Rainy Afternoon" with Ann Sothern. Directed by/Robert Young, "My. American Wife" is'kept moving. at.a light, rapid pace, suited to the romantic nature of its plbtand principals. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Tonight at the Palace. Theatre' Sally Eilers will be seen in "Alias Mary D6w," dancing in society and queen of the underworld, a picture that no one should miss. The second feature is "Transient Lady," starring Gene Raymond and Frances Drake, a story of a lovely skating girl who is always in trouble, risking"hef life"td'"save a man she did not love.

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''REGENT .THEATRE., "Gome and Get It,'*a finely-acted and superbly photographed film, is "to be screened finally at the Regent Theatre tonight. ' .' '. '.. • Comedy, of the' most farcical type- is maintained throughout "Three Men: on a. Horse," which opens at the Hegent Theatre, tomorrow. A highly successful play, "Three Men on a Horse", has been running on Broadway for three years. The screen version features Frank McHugh, Joan Blondell, and '■"Allen"-Jenkins. At times the"story is productive of hysterical laughter; for the rest the theatregoer is kept constantly chuckling. Frank McHugh is well cast. As a writer of verses for Christmas and Mother's Day cards, a timid but sometimes truculent, soul, the comedian has been allowed to give full rein to his antics.-• Er'win Trpwbridge is his screen title and a typical suburban villa is his home. His monotonous life is brightened (for the audience at-least.) when a group of down-and-out gamblers discover that he possesses an-uncanny faculty of."picking the winners." Altogether the story-is a splendid:farce. As long as the'newfound treasure can "pick the winners his Bowery acquaintances hail him as a genius in accents.that will be the delight of every audience. A better choice to play the part of the timid poet would be hard to conceive. His mentors. Allen Jenkins, Ted Hart, and Sam Levine, together with that delightful comedienne Joan Blondeii, pour forth a constant stream of rough and ready witticisms,, and possess a fund of "wisecracks" that has seldom been equalled. Joan Blondell, as a Bowery "Mabel," and Carol Hughes, McHugh's wife, who have the only feminine parts:in ihe story,, are. excellent. ;;' ; -4. .-••;. ..; .■",,. '■.:■.■: .:}: -.,. S'TATE;.THEATRE. , /_ '.",'-, Shirley Temple scores another, big success" in "Dimples," now- at the State Theatre. As a gentleman thief's" granddaughter, who is used as a decoy, Shirley plays a dramatic role with as much sincerity and ease as .she. sings and dances. She first appears as ragamuffin "dimples,"-the sturdy star of a band of street musicians. The. game is to attract a crowd out of which.- Grandfather Appleby appears, to start the collection. Shirley attracts the rattention of a wealthy woman. (Helen Westley). While,call- ;- ing at her house Grandfather ■.Appleby., (Frank "; Morgan) smuggles • away. _;• a cuckoo clock in his top hat. .But Dimples-has seen him and.;next, day, insists on,returning the,clock and.confessing herself "terrible' wicked;" With her ■ gay-^s.ongs and clever tap-dances. Shirley ■'• gives a performance worthy: of hefibSx-offlce sales. Helen Westley. is charming as Mrs. Bew, and Frank Morgan gives a clever piece or cnaracter acting as "the Professor. I TIVOLI THEATRE. ; i H G Wells's "Things to Come"'and. "Forget" Me Not" are to be screened finally afthe Tivoli Theatre tonight.;/. = Another double-feature bill is to be presented tomorrow. Eight film-fav-ouries are featured in Paramount s "The Preview Murder Mystery," which is an exciting melodrama. They are Reginald Denny, Frances Drake, GaU Patrick, Rod La Rogue, George.Barbier, • lan Keith, Conway Tearle, and Jack Mulh all. This octet of stars heads a. large cast which,' brings to the screen one of the weirdest and most thrilling mystery pictures :of months—a melodrama • whose action takes place in a motion-picture studio, where a fiend roams at large for days, leaving: a bloody trail of deaths behind him before, he is finally trapped .and brought to justice. The 'story opens at the preview of a newrnovie. The star of the picture has been threatened with death;': but most of his -friends, believe it a publicity stunt. But as the preview closes, and crowds surge forward to congratulate the star, they find; him dead^—of poison. Starring, the exciting new love team, handsome Robert Taylor and lovely Loretta Young, "Private Number" is the second attraction and has (been acclaimed as an outstanding romantic hit. Taylor's debonair manner and. youthful banter complement Miss Young's beauty and wide-eyed appeal perfectly.' And, added to the thrilling love story, is suspense,- drama, and comedy by the irrepressible Patsy Kelly. Basil Rathbone and Marjone Gateson are also featured ently in the supporting cast,.'. i -■■ •; ' vRIVOIJ THEATRE. "The' Amateur Gentleman," starring Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and ; "The Bohemian Girl," featuring Laurel and Hardy, are the current: attractions at the Riyoli Theatre. 'The tw'b"-films provide enjoyable entertainment.''' The thrill that • comes .only -With a really great discovery awaits Rivoli Theatre patrons with the premiere, at this theatre tomorrow of "Let's Sing Again," starring ?:the-, sensational child: vocalist Bobby rßreeri;:'vvith Henry. Armetta'/in; a'ieaturedirole. '..■•..Millions, of screen, fans.have.; cheered the .great child actors 'of ■ the • past and You will agree'that Bpbby Breen-be-longs in the juvenile hall of-fame— with Shirley Temple, Jackie ' Coogan, Jackie Cooper, and Freddie ■Bartholomew. Great is the only word to describe this talented performer. He has been called an "eight-year-old Nelson Eddy, and a- miniature .Allan Jones with a little bit of Al Jolson mixed in for good measure." Bobby Breen not only possesses a golden voice, but he is also a grand little actor. "Let's Sing Again" has, in addition to itsyoung star, countless other exciting features to offer. In his best role to date you will see Henry Armetta, who delighted movie-goers with his performance in "Three Kids and a Queen. In "Let's Sing Again" Armetta gives one of his funniest performances, bringing to the screen' once again the bag, of tricks that have endeared him; to countless cinema . fans., .George Houston, who scored his.most recent hit in "The Melody Lingers On,", is prominently", cast in the picture, as well as "vivienne ■-. Osborne, Withers, and'1 many other favourites.: The supporting: attraction is "Yours for the Asking,"' starring George Raft and Dolores Costello Barrymore. The picture revolves around the problems of a "tough guy" who sets up a gambling club in a mansion, seeking to pull the society trade. Miss Barrymore, a society girl, aids him in getting the place in operation and in giving it the proper "tone." Others in a strong cast are Ida Lupino, 'Reginald Owen, and "Skeets" Gallagher. PRINCESS THEATRE. "When Ladies Meet", and "Living Dangerously'1 will be '.shown finally tonight at the Princess Theatre. A thoroughly entertaining double bill ' will. commence tomorrow at the Princess-Theatre. -The. major attraction, "Evelyn Prentice,"- thrilling .new mystery drama revolving about a girl murder defendant, circumstantial evidence, and an amazing domestic crisis in a defence attorney's .home life, brings' William Powell and . Myrna Loy together again in what is probably the most successful of their recent hits together. Thrills and comedy, mystery and suspense, keep a rapidfire succession in the fast-moving drama. In the associate feature, "Viennese Nights," ' the isinging, the colour, and the music are superb. It is a picture that stands alone for gaiety and sorrow-^-touching in some parts and mirthful in others. The leading roles are taken by Vivienne Segal, Alexander Gray, Walter Pidgeon,. and.the humorous. parts. are in the capable •hands-of Louise Fazenda and Bert Roach. A number of enjoyable featurettes will comDlefßithe programme. OUR THE^R^SSfE^TOWN. Widely he^lde6;'"as;fthe'v strangest drama everij-liye'd and acclaimed as one of the ■ outstanding, film achievements ever produced in Hollywood, "The Road to Glory", heads the programme at Our Theatre. Fredric March, Warner Baxter, and Lionel Barrymore are starred, and the supporting cast includes June Lang and Gregory Ratoff. The second attraction, "Half Angel." starring < Frances Dee and Brian Donlevy. is a combination of mystery, romance, and suspense, with hilarious comedy situations.

KING'S THEATRE. The final screening is to take place at the King's Theatre tonight of "Hopalong ■; Cassidy" and "Rhythm on the Range." ,•" ' . ... ~ Jane Withers is at .her wildest in "Pepper,"., which is ;to head- the new programme at the King's Theatre tomorrow. "In.'fact,1-.'she'"puts-"the "mis" in mischief and the'1 "pep" .in pepper. With Irvin S. Cobb"and'Slim Summerville as her hilarious henchmen, "Ginger" Jane goes on a riotous rampage. The film opens in a wild rush of excitement as Jane leads her "tiann" through the streets, celebrating the Fourth of July by creating havoc in the neighbourhood. The fun ceases abruptly when Jane comes upon a family being evicted from the tenement fiat and she sends the other kids out to raise the eleven dollars necessary to pay the rent. When they fall short of their goal by five dollars, Jane decides to get the money from Iryin S. Cobb, a dyspeptic millionaire. Threatening Cobb .with' an bver-riue tomato, Jane blackmails him for the money. Amused at Jane's impish antics. Cobb takes her to Coney Island and later they visit Jane's home, where Cobb meets Slim Summerville, her uncle and guardian. Thereafter Jane exerts a substantial influence on several lives. Two songs are featured in "Pepper," with Jane singing one and also collaborating with Cobb and Summerville in a hilarious rendition of "The Song of the Coyotes." ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Uncivilised"- is to be shown finally at St. James Theatre tonight. Dennis Hoey and ilMargot Rhys are the stars. Tomorrow Wallace Beery will be seen in ; " Old Hutch." GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. The main attraction on the doublefeature programme at the Grand Theatre, Petone, tonight is "3G Hours to Kill," a mystery-thriller, starring Brian Donlevy and Gloria Stuart. The -second feature, "Walking on Air," starring Gene Raymond and Ann Sotherp., is a combination of' high-speed romance, sparkling songs, and gay adventure. .;.. /.- .■ . '-.; v,,,- ■.. ! WATER POLO MATCHMembers of the-visiting'Australian surf life-saving team will be; seen in action tonight at the Riddiford Baths, Lower Hutt, where they will meet a Wellington representative team .in a water polo match The Australians are Keen exponents of water polo.as well as of life-saving. The Wellington team which has been ' selected after many trials "can be relied upon for1 a good exhibition. In addition to this game many' interesting swimming races will be held,, so,• that an- interesting evening's .- entertainment 'is assured, ," CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. ' "Robin Hood of Eldorado/'.featuring Warner Baxter, is to be'screened finally... at., the 'Capital Theatre tonight. ■: The supporting • feature, "Dracula's Daughter," has Otto KrugSr, :Gloria' , • Holden, and Marguerite :Churchill in-.the, leading roles. "The Magnificent Brute," starring. Victor 'McLagleri,. winner of the Motion Pictures Academy's Award, commences tomorrow. 'McLaglen gives a • wonderful performance^in -his latest screen appearance. '; Featured -with'him. are popular artists,--including■ Binnie ..Barnes, Henry Armetta, William Hall, and Ann Prestoni The associate feature, "Petti;coatiStever,";is' a gay, romantic comedy 'featuring Robert Montgomery and Myrna Loy. • • '