CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1937, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Provocative situations' abound in the story ■of "Sweet Aloes," the Warner '" Brothers picture .which is. now 'at the Regent Theatre. The ■ very, title is one • to "arouse interest, suggesting as -it does a "bitter-sweet" romance; and when this romance is enacted' by, such capable '■:■ players as Kay Francis and George ■ Brent, With the popular-Roland Young providing the- contrasting comedy, the ' indications are all for an outstanding production. As a stage play by Jay Mallory, "Sweet Aloes", had a notable record of success both- in . England and " America. In the film daring situations are handled with the utmost-delicacy . and the most emotional situations are treated so naturally, that there is never the slightest* suggestion of over-acting. The story moves evenly against luxurious backgrounds in the upper social circles of London and New York,-.and Kay Francis is said to add to her repudiation as "the screen's, best-dressed *' -woman" by wearing sensational " and beautiful.creations. Thanks to the work of Roland Young there I is a current of humour flowing-through ;.- the story, and light and witty" dialogue adds considerably to its enjoyment. , Henry Stephenson, Patric: Knowles, '~' and Frieda Inescourt are also in the cast. , • MAJESTIC THEATRE. Five distinguished actors of peculiar- ,. ly contrasting characteristics, four .. of them, as lovers, were required to lm- ■".' personate the men who figured in .the i% life of glamorous Peggy O'Neal in The 'Gorgeous Hussy," which opens today ••'•.at the Majestic Theatre. Joan Craw- "- ford, in the title role of this' his- ■*■■• toricaV romance, from Metro-Goldwyn- ■. Mayer,-portrays the lovely daughter of }: a Washington tavern-keeper; .during '■ the administration of President Andrew ~ Jackson. Jackson himself, shielded, her from the. savage attacks :of Washington '";" society. -John Eaton,. Secretary of .War, -' -eventually, married her. but first -'love was for "Bow" Timberlake, the .-.-..■■ gay-young naval'officer who- married - her and sailed away to be killed. John - Randolph' Of Virginia loved hec froni ,; childhood,:but lost her.. A'inewspaper •: man- v.-as her "friend and -loyal.,aide., T President Jackson is impersonated by "; Lionel Barrymore, .the.vetoan_sto.: ' -.Robert Taylor plays.the part of.Timber- ■' .lake, Francho.t Tone portrays Eaton, and Melvyn Douglas and James -fatewi"■ -art.'also have important-roles. ■ •-.- •; "■■ ;" • .'• '■■■■:%% JAMES 'THEATRE/^/"' \.- "''''■'■■■ A welcome return to',-the',.screen,-,is ■' • made by-Clive Brook,Uhe. debonair --'. English star, in "Lonely Road/'.the^ew ■•; British production which - is 1, to1- be ■'■■:'■ "shown" for" a second week at > the ••■:.-, St.9 James: Theatre. The, film has, an :;i -exciting and entertaining ,plofe -the ~,: ■' parts; are/-capably handled ..by^. the •"kctbrs and actresses, and the sce^y I".-': andv;staging-.-.is .excellently.,,,darned '"■-■ out.-- Brooke has , the ,part. 9 f...^ --■ Qx'naval. man, .^scharged because *':• a-- blunder,: who Ifinds-.hmiself in«ed '•■■ uD.with a'euri-runnihg fiang on a^Ofle-- ..- "lyP; part orthe'coast. '--He 'rums ; himself into vari '■ amateurs secret t «CT« <■■ agent and- works, in co-prdmation, with ' Scotland -Yard,- with .whose.. officials, " f however he does*-npt. always '??? ..eye ;'|; unsuccessful in winning', -feminine ,'..■ hearts out it.is in a Leeds dance>hal ■•'^ that he meets a pretty professional •■£."■ partner (Victoria Hopper),^ whose brother, curiously enough, is also n- .,-. :volved invthe gun-running racket. The, -- .'--'suDPorting . programme .contains..mxcv- " esting newsreels and, cmcmaKazmes. -V. .'" jftiNG'Sr-THEATKE. ■''">'■;••./ -"■■'•• ' With one of the:most grippiiig .pli-; *■-: maxes of-any recent.; screenj.otolM—, ..-,, when the'stewardess, of a-big transport "• ■ • aeroplane lost in a storm has to bruig ;.r:.the ship down by herself after, the pilot -"-.■ has half-killed the ec-pilot and jumped out in a parachute-R.K.O. '_^^ Radios "Without Orders," which wil head the new programme at the King s Theatre •• '.today,'brings-plenty ,of thn.lls ta.film- '"' goers. Robert Armstrong, Sally Eiler 3 , and Vinton Haworth form the romantic triangle in this drama of modern aviation. The'death,of -a-wealthy collector by a mysterious bullet, and the subsequent killing of a museum custodian in an even more, ( mysterious fashion, form the therhe:bn which is built the baffling suspense and action qf the supporting feature, "The Pl.pt Thickens,'"'fifth of R.K-.0. Radio's.series of Stuart Palmer detective - pictures*-. • James Gleason and Za.su.,.: Pitts are ' ' teamed as the boastful Inspector-Piper ■"■" arid the" sarcastic Hildegarde Withers. •-.- who between them finally.,§?lye-,,the "... ■~.,.'.'•".,.,".'.: "'■':'.. r PRINCESS THEAfRE.';^^.; '■ Randolph Scott, ..Binnie Barries, and Henry Wilcoxon head one"of the!great- *■> - est casts ■of star's ever: assembled on .«;. the screen, in "The..Last of .the, Mphi- ' -~- cans." Reliance .Pictures', film1- vetsi'on ":'-6£ the immortal James Feriimore ' J;- Cooper classic,- whi;ch isvthe maintat- -' -■ traction, at the. Princess Theatre.;" Also ■:-- appearing in important roles areißruce ■" Cabot, Heather "Angel, Phillip : Reed, •»-" Robert Barrat, Hugh Buckler,-and-Wil- -^ lard Robertsons •■ Featuring the. first ..radio chase ever staged in .films,, R.K;O. Radio Pictures brings to :Jhe , screen the hilarious comedy.. with music, ' "Walking On Air," starring Gene RayJ mond.and Ann Sotherri;'and "offered.as '*"'■' the. additional attraction:' Some-very '*"' pleasing short- subjects are included on ■-■- the programme. ■^:,^.-..: -■ .•■.^..; - •-■"': '.■-■ ■'■' ' ROXY THEATRE., :-■,, '■ "Mark of the"Vampire," tSs'mystOTy " "film now showing at the Roxy This<.re, ■*"• is said to eclipse any shocker ever pre- •=■- sented:on the.screen. , Tod Browning, .-..., past-master at the art of depicting w. blood-curdling dramas, filmed "Mark of -• the Vampire." and it's cast includesr. .' Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth " Allan. '"" Bela Lugosi, of, "Dracula" fame, "Lionel :; Atwill, and Jean Hersholt. All phases ?h of screen entertainment are brought to '/'"' the screen in the- supporting feature, •■■<■ '-Absolute Quiet," in which comedy, ■<: stark drama, breath-taking .thrills, and ■j.h: melodramatic action are deftly coupled -■together. The players include .Lionel . i-I Atwill and Irene -Hervey...-. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ', ■'■■■ Replete with the'romance of'the far -.■north and-filled with'the drama-of the i-. lawless frontier-, "White.JF-ang,"--.Jack --■ London's great sequel to "Call- of- the '.'■.' Wild," screens at .Our Theatre tonight. . . "White Fang1' takes .up where London's ."'". other stirring adventure drama left off : and weaves a thrilling story of gold "'"*' and greed, love and danger. '• Intermingled with the narrative is th'e-'bio- *■' graph'y of Lightning, the dog-star of "Call 'of the Wild." "Moonlight-Mur- -.-- der," the operatic 'detective story, star- • ~-' ring Chester Morris and Madge -Evans, >T~ is the associate feature. -:.-■-,.-■ .;,.•; SEASIDE THEATRE, XYALL' BAY. "Last of -the Pagans," a romance of ir£" South Seas native life, is a charm- ■;>;' ing native love story, of a boy and '•'i girl, separated through the tricks'!■ cry of white traders, and reunited '"!' ' through the heroism of the native war--5«" riors. "The Thin Man"," adapted frbm St!i Dashiell Hammett's popular novel: ; and '•' which will be long remembered as dne •j of the most popularqf-murder mystery '.!"' films, will, conclude its season tonight. ■i --j ::■. ;^:^-.:-r—:■;■'&-. ,;•.; ,f CAPrrOt'-THEATRE.MIRAIVIAR. «'i' "East Meets" .West", is'.a_ robust mqlo- !"■ dramas.with: ■•Georige-Arliss giving a '*' characteristic .performance as a crafty !•■ Sultan who replenishes his exchequer ';I';' by deft diplomacy.- ;• Developed jiwith :;-;; great effect/ornate settings; largii ci;b>vd jiji scenes, gripping suspense; and the star's" .''•-" personality have •: combined".to/-make a ■ ■'i'\ rich offering for" all lovers of. spectacle •»!i and' drama,-, -VThre.Q -Wise Guys," ; frpm ,Tr' Damon Ruhyon's" popular novel, is the *!i second -feature/ wltlv-'Rbb'crt Young: ■ "?t Betty -.-■"FurnesS;." R&ymbiSl^tWalburn, ';'£!, T.hur^ton-Hall,.and.JleiraanJßinfr.-.' I

CITY 'AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

BE LUXE THEATRE. "Bengal Tiger," a Warner Bros.' film of actual circus life and people comes to the De Luxe Theatre today. It is jaid to be powerful in its realism and drama, yet simple and touching in. its unusual romance. The setting in which most of the plot takes place is a real circus, inside and outside the big top, the special train and winter quarters, the side-shows and dressing tents. Much o£ the drama centres around the cages in which the 'wild animals are quartered, trained, and exhibited. Big, hard-bitten Barton Mac Lane. sinister menace of many a gangster film, plays a sympathetic, heroic role in this picture, that of a fearless animal trainer. Reckless in his daring, he is finally clawed by one of the tigers and is saved from death only by the prompt action of his assistant, who loses his life in rescuing him. . The associate attraction ■is the hilarious comedy, romance. "Where's Sally?" featuring Gene Gerrard and Claude Hulbert. NEW PLAZA THEATRE. The renowned 'Lily- Pons discovers that love is far more valuable to happiness than the fruits of fame as a singing star in; "That Girl from Paris," her: new sparkling, film starring Gene Raymond and Jack Oakie. Opening,at the New Plaza Theatre shortly, "That Girl from Paris" is a gay musical film offering one of the widest varieties of melodic entertainments -ever" recorded for a photoplay. Miss Pons sings three "hot" numbers by Arthur Schwartz; a modern interpretation of "The Blue Danube Waltz," "Tarantella," and "Una Voce Pocb Fa," from "The Barber of Seville." Jack Oakie sings an original' -and' a "swing" band plays another:'. "That .Girl from Paris" is the sparkling story of a little French diva, who. sheds .her mantle' of operatic fame; and-;pursues •romance incognitoe '•■.': >-:f:;;;\:STA^E;THEATKE.': : Adventure '" and i: ■ excitement" are? promised".in,':-Hhe '20th Century-Fox film "The" White: Hunter," which--.will': head the.<newy-i programme at the State Theatre today. Warner Baxter Heads the cast;~and supporting him are June Lang varid Alison Skipworth. Two people -pit their love .against hate and treachery in this gripping story of adventure in the jungle. Baxter and Jane Lang were last seen together in "Road to Glory," and their performances: in "White Hunter" are equally meritorious. A special feature of the supporting programme will be a film showing Perry and Vines in their first professional ■ tennis encounter, and newsreels will show exclusive scenes of the stay-in strike in America. ; PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Gary Cooper, Franchot, Tone, Richard' Cromwell, and Sir Guy Standing have the leading roles in Paramount's •■lhe.-.ja-y s es of a Bengal Lancer," which opens-s aft ihe Paramount Theatre today.- is The' employed more than people and was four years in production. It is a colourful ad-venture-spectacle based on the exploits of a-handful of men who protect the outposts of the British Empire in India. The film was entrusted to a comparatively young: director, rather than to a veteran and experienced man, because of Gary Cooper's faith in a man who ha,d:made good. ..Six months, ago, Cooper observed the work of a young director,' Henry Hathaway. Cooper had an idea that some day.the young chap;would be useful to him as a director of'his, pictures. The actor's, earnest plea, earned; for Hathaway the; job of directing Gary, Carolfi: Lombard, and Shirley Temple in "Now arid :■ Fofever." As '. a': results of-:, that, picture's '"success, Hathawayl got the tremendous job of filming.'-The; Lives of a Bengal Lancer." ;.'v : ;;"; •; REX THEATRE. ' '\'^'\' : "Murder by an - Aristocrat," one!- of the most .unusual mystery dramas to comei'to. the screen from the Warner, Bros:-First National studios, is the main'feature at the Rex Theatre. The picture -.deals 'with mysterious and at times.eerie happenings in the home of the proud and: aristocratic Thatcher family, which includes a black' sheep' among its members. It is when this person begins a blackmailing scheme that things start to happen, piling up to' a thrilling climax. The/ cast includes, Lyle .Talbot, Marguerite Churchill*.Claire Dodd, Virginia Brissae. and^William '.Davidson.. , "Orphan/of, the W4lderness,''.the action-filled Cine;: sound 'prpduction of the Australian back-SJifttryi is the other feature film,-with;"a;-cast"headed by Given Muhro,Brian Abbott, Joe Valli, Harry Abdy, Sylvia Kcllaway, and Ron Whelan. SHORTT'S THEATRE. Merciless gangsters prove no match for the savage bravery of a girl fighting for the things she loves most in 20th Century's "Show Them No Mercy!" which is the main attraction at Shortt's Theatre. The thrilling anticrime picture features Rochelle Hudson as its heroine, with Cesar Romero, Bruce Cabot, and Edward Norris in the supporting cast. "Metropolitan,", the' 20th Century production, which is the supporting feature, is Lawrence Tibbett's fifth motion picture. The world's leading baritone is supported by- Virginia Bruce, Alice Brady, ,:: Cesar Romero, and Luis Alberni ;»vin^ this sparkling story of the drama.Vshear tragedy;"and. thrills,:in:' the:■lifeof \aL\ grand;opera star-.;.; ;*;'. ■'_■-'. ;■ >■■■:. ■;:."■ ';■''■ ■'::■}/■] ■■■'■ '--^SivM^IRNIE^KINEMAC^:^;^^ •■ "Here's to Romance" and "Come and Get: it?' 7, conclude tonight at the Kilbirhie Kiherria.1' '■. ■■■ 'Everything that goes to make a highly';■successful comedy-romance is possessed by the new attraction which will\st'ar't'.,tomorrow at the Kilbirnie Kinema;:; :"My American Wife" has been "heralded as possessing the qualities of that most delightful of Euro-: pean-American. comedies "Ruggles of Red Gap," and it fully-lives up to expectations:' • Francis Lederer and Ann Sbthern give a first-class" account- of themselves in-the main •roles/ ■ A-rol-licking comedy of a most unusual type, "Three Men on a Horse," which will be the other feature, has claims to being one of the funniest stories ever brought to. the screen. The cast is headed by Frank McHugh, - Allen Jenkins, Ted Hart. Sam Lcvene, Joan Blondcll, Carol Hughes; and Guy Kibbee. STATE THEATRE. PE'IONE. '"New Moon" concludes tonight at the State Theatre, Petone. William Powell attains the distinction of being a butler for the nuttiest family in the-whole country, in'the Universal romantic comedy, "My Man Godfrey," which opens at the State Theatre, Petone. tomowow. The charming, talented Carole Lombard is costarred with him in the screen offering, which-was"• taken from Eric Hatch's sparkling, mirth-stirring novel of -the same 'name. : :: .-.,.• GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Sins .of . Man" and "Educating Father" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Commencing a fourday season tomorrow at the Grand Theatre, Petone, with a matinee at 2 p.m., is Helen Hunt Jackson's immortal ■romance, "Ramona," produced entirely in the1; new- perfected .technicolour. Loretta Young and Don Ameche. head .the cast of screen favourites, including Kent Taylor, Pauline Frederick, Jane Darwell, Katherine De Mille, and John Carradine. An excellent array of short featurettes will'be shown. ' PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. 'There's a laugh, a lilt, a thrill, and a Heart-pang in the entrancing story of "Star for a; Night," which shovys tonight at the Palace Theatre, Pelonc, with Clajre Trevor, .Jane Darwell, Arline Judge, Evelyn Venable, J. Edward Bromberg. Dean Jaggciv Alan Dinehart. and Joyce. Compton. The sec-, ond attraction is Columbia's "Roaming Lady." "with"'Fay'Wray and Ralph BelI iamy in the leading roles.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Charles Laughlon, brilliant English actor, has a full-length comedy role in Paramount's "Ruggles 'of Red Gap," which conies tonight to the Tivoli, and he proves beyond any shadow of doubt his consummate artistry. In sharp contrast to the many sinister and. villainous characters Laugnton has portrayed so perfectly in his other film roles, he is now the charming, lovable, rollicking Ruggles, just as Harry Leon Wilson, the author of the famous story, might have imagined him. Supported by Mary. Boland, Charlie Ruggles, Roland Young, Zasu Pitts, and Leila Hyams in this bright and imaginative story of America in the 1900's, Laughton makes of this character of a sophisticated English butler in provincial Western society a role full of laughter, surprise twists, and delights. Round, jovial, and plump, he renders an inspired performance, and the balance of the cast match him laugh for laugh in the incredibly I comic sequences. - lUVOLI THEATRE. A powerful dramatisation of the un-i dercover activities of the Federal T-j Men, guardians of the U.S. Treasury, j provides the theme of Columbia's j "Counterfeit," : which is now at the i Rivoli Theatre. Chester Morris, Margot Grahame, Lloyd Nolan, and Marian! Marsh head the impressive cast which most capably and convincingly portrays the amazing.story of underworld intrigue,' drama", and romance. In a whirlwind climax, T-men and gunmen come to grips in a hair-raising battle, with the law ■ emerging the victor. Modern war-torn China is the background for the. fast-moving drama of romance, adventure, and intrigue, "The General Died at Dawn." The 'picture presents Gary Cooper as a soldier of fortune in the ranks of the people's army engaged in a war of annihilation with the war lords who have preyed upon the country for centuries. ': Beautiful -blonde .Madeleine Carroll plays the part of the lure used by a war lord to betray him. ' "GAIETIES OF 1937." . "Undoubtedly one of the finest vaudeville and revue shows to have visited Wellington in recent years. Stanley McKay's "Gaieties" Vaudeville Company, at- present playing to crowded houses-at', the New Opera House, provides plenty of sparkling and snappy entertainment. Comedy, beauty, and skill,' ispleridid: scenic : effects, and a variety ; of • dancing and music, all help to make this revue' -the success it is. Displaying his . versatility in a series pt his uproariously . funny sketches, Joe Lawman, the inimitable Australian comedidn," keeps the. audience in a state of merriment the whole time, thoroughly living up to his reputation. Stella-Lamond, the "Personality Girl" and leading lady, is also very popular, and her items are well received. Kathleen Howard sings some pleasing numbers with the ballet, which, led by Joy Wright, performs with "pep" and precision. Not the-least popular on the programme are George and Wihi Greig (the Hilo Duo), who soon have the audience singing popular choruses to the tune of an accordion and a saxaphone. Amongst the other outstanding artists in the show are the Warren Brothers, acrobatic comedy experts; Cy Pier, the Ukulele Troubadour; Elvy Ferguson, a tuneful violinist; and the Flying Martinettis. "A Brighter 1937" opens at the matinee tomorrow." The new revue commencing at tomorrow's matinee bears the attractive title of "A Brighter 1937," and will have as its highlights many entertaining sketches and song scenas, including a band presentation, "a Fantasy in Gold," arranged by George Greig, of the Hilo Duo. \ . EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Empire Theatre patrons should be well pleased with the entertainment to be offered this evening. Heading the programme is the gripping mysterymelodrama "The Unguarded Hour," with Franchot Tone, Loretta Young, Lewis Stone, and Roland Young. The famous farce, "Are You a Mason?" with Sonnie Hale and Robertson Hare; and the Laurel and Hardy comedy, "Thicker than Water,' ,wil make up; a'ifirfetclass programme. / ::./.': '■:" REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Metr'o-Gqldwyn-Meyer's action-pack-ed production centred round one of the most colourful figures in history, "Robin Hood of El Dorado," will be the main attraction at the Regal Theatre this eyenihg.i' Warner Baxter makes the most of tbe spectacular role he: has been given and is' Supported by a number of popular players. The second attraction is, the thrilling "Secret Agent,":;featuring'Madeleine:- Carroll, Robert Young, and Peter Lorre.'