CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 58, 10 March 1937, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

KEGENT THEATRE. i "Sweet Aloes." the excellent film version of the highly successful Lon-1 don play, now showing for a second week at the Regent Theatre, stars Kay Francis and George Brent. The drama, moves to a fast and happy climax. Tha supports include a coloured cartoon. * "The Biff Broadcast of 1937." "Easily the most delightful potpourri, of beauty, wit, and music offered. dur-J irtg the current season, Paramount's; "The Big Broadcast of 1937," will start on Friday at the Regent Theatre. It brings to the screen a generous helping 6i radio's most outstanding performers aided by a host of the screen's best entertainers. .Scintillating, gay, tuneful", and often hilariously ..funny, "The Big! Broadcast Of ■'.■ 1937" includes Jack | Benny, George Burns, and Gracie-j Allen, Bob Burns, Martha Raye, Benny > Goodman, and his orchestra, Shirley Boss, Ray .Milland, Frank Forest, j Benny Fields, Leopold Stokowski and his symphony, orchestra, and many other outstanding singers, dancers, musicians, and specialty performers. Grade. Allen comes, to. the screen -as the sponsor of a radio programme who has her pwn Ideas on what constitutes a good broadcast. Despite the efforts of her :■ husband, George, and Studio Director-Benny to■ straighten her out, she puts her idea across. '■: MAJESTIC THEATRE. '•The Gorgeous Hussy," which is in its second ;week at the Majestic Theatre, tells the story of the stormy circumstances in which Andrew Jackson was elected to the Presidency of the Union, and the part played in the life of the President by his niece, Peggy O'Neal, the daughter of an innkeeper. Peggy, who is splendidly played by .loan Crawford, found a few years' happiness in marriage with a naval officer, who. however, vis killed in action. At this stage Peggy stepped into the gap left in Andrew Jackson's heart by the death of his wife, and became his unofficial "first lady." Peggy's sacrifice of her love for John Randolph, a Virginian Senator and her marriage vyith John Eaton, Secretary of State for War, lead up to a brilliants climax. Melvyn Douglas, Robert Taylor,,; and Lionel Barrymore have the leading male roles. ' •■ •' ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Three Smart Girls," at the St. James Theatre, is a delightful picture in every way, In its appealing story of three girls who. are determined to end their mother's1 unhappiness and to separate, by the greatest distance possible, their father and his gold-digging lady friend, in the extremely clever dialogue, and in the splendid cast, headed by Charles Winninger. of "Show Boat" memory, and brightened by Deanna Durbin, a new star, who, unlike quite a number of" discoveries; will remain . a star. Deanna Durbin is fourteen years of age, and gained her start because of her wonderful lyric soprano voice. She has a charming natural manner, and is altogether happy in her first big film. Others in the cast are Binnie Barnes, Alice Brady, John, King, and Ray Milland. There are also interesting supporting pictures, including gazettes, giving the latest world news. v PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Carole Lombard and William Powell prove-that they are two of the finest comedy- stars in Hollywood in "My Man Godfrey." which is claying a return, screening at the Paramount Theatre. The cleverly-written story concerns one of the richest, and at the same' time, maddest, families in New York—the Bullocks. .During a "scavenger; hunt" in which everyone has to find something that is "forgotten," Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard) and Corneillia: Bullock (Gail Patrick) set out'fpr 'a;city dump, where they find a "forgotten" man—'William ■ Powell as Godfrey^.'' He is'taken into the Bullock household as butler and encounters many strange situations. Those in the supporting; cast are Alice Brady, Gail Patrick," and Alan Mowbray. The first half includes several interesting newsreels and'travelogues. KING'S THEATRE. America's first semi-military organisation of State officers, the Texas Rangers,'is made the theme of a panora-'; mic film nistory of the early Lone Star State in . King Vidor's epic "The Texas Rangers," a Paramount picture now showing at the King's Theatre. The picture features Fred Mac Murray arid the wise-cracking Jack Oakie in leading roles, as one-time "bad men" who sign up for duty with the rangers. The adventurous life of the fearless men who undertook to clean up Texas as rangers is depicted through the exploits of Mac Murray and Oakie. Dramatic Indian battles, fights of the rangers with rustlers, and the colourful career of Sam McGee, early desperado, are worked into a story centring about the two, Lloyd Wolan : and Jean Parker. Bennie Bartlett and Edward Ellis have important supporting roles. PRINCESS THEATRE. To film the greater proportion of the tropical scenes for "Uncivilised," which is the leading, attraction at the Princess Theatre, the entire company journeyed to North Queensland. Wonderful scenic shot's are seen, dark secrets unearthed, and unusual flashes'tof native life shown for the flrsHime on the screen, as the r>artj£;a'dvances" further into Northern Australia. - The principal characters are portrayed by Dennis Hoey, Margot Rhys;,Marcelle. Marnay, Ashton Jarry. The second feature stars Maurice Chevalier -in "The Beloved Vagabond," a sparkling screen adaptation of W. J. Locke's world-popular romance. Among the short subjects are an Oswald cartoon, an item of the "Stranger Than Fiction", series, and a Pa the Pictorial. OCR THEATRE. "Eight Bells," the sweeping nautical drama starring Ralph Bellamy and Ann Sothern, and screening at Our Theatre at reduced prices tonight, is an action-packed story of a beautiful girl stowaway among a mutinous crew, all at the mercy of the elements on the China seas. The second feature, "Police Car 17," with the popular Tim McCoy and Evalyn Knapp. portrays police methods in the radio patrol. Action predominates in a thrilling story of bandits, shrieking sirens, and the men- in blue answering the call to fame or death. There are interesting supports. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. ■ "Rhythm on the Ranee," which commences at the Palace Theatre tonight, introduces Bing Crosby in a new type of role and gives him a cast that includes Bob, Burns, the American radio sensation, winsome Frances Farmer, and Martha Raye, new comedy star. The supporting picture, "A Son Comes Home,"1 gives Mary Boland her first opportunity in a dramatic role. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Jeeves, P. G. Wodehouse's inimilpbte "gentleman's gent," makes his first screen appearance in the pprson of the droll Arthur Treacher in "Thank You. Jeeves!" wh'oh is the main feature at the Grand Theatre. Columbia's "Counterfeit" will also be shown. The story concerns the efforts of Government agents to bring to'Justine a b""id of counterfeiters. Lloyd Nolan. Chester Morris. Mnreot Gr^hame, and Marian Marsh head the cast. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Sinclair Lewis's "Dodsworth," which thrilled-millions as a novel and as a stage play1, now comes to the screen in Samuel .Goldwyn's film production, which 'begins a three-day run at the State Theatre, Petone, tonight, with Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton. Paul Lukas, Mary Astor, and David Niven in the leading roles. Others in the cast are Mme. Maria Ouspenskaya and Gregory Gaye, Odette Myrtil, Kathryn Marlowe, John Payne, Spring Byington, and Harlan Briggs.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

r NEW PLAZA THEATRE. /'That Girl from Paris." the main at traction at the New Plaza Theatre, bids fair to be the most outstanding musical film of the,year. It may well do so, , for as its star it has the beautiful and talented operatic soprano Lily Pons, whose as yet short career at Hollywood has.been crowned with success. Hers is a congenial role, for she appears as | Niki, the toast of the Paris Opera, who ■ flees to America to escape from a manj ager and family who wish to ensure the success of her career by throwing her into .the arms of a director of the opera. Niki is determined to get to Ne,w York,;and.sees that, as her passport has been stopped, the only way for her to manage the trip is with the | assistance, willing or unwilling, of a [shipboard dance band led by "Windy" "| McLean (Gene Raymond) and includj ing Jack Oakie. Her"'subsequent adI ventures make excellent entertainment. The most outstanding part, of; the film is the singing of Lily Pons.' Newsreels and a brilliant undersea . featurette complete a fine programme. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Flying Hostess" and. "Adventure in Manhattan" will be screened finally tomorrow v evening at the De Luxe Theatre. Commencing on Friday, another double^feature bill of outstanding merit will be presented. By all odds the most hilarious, laugh-filled achievement of the career, of America's dean of all comics; is. Paramount's "Poppy," starring W.C.; Fields. The picture is thsl first to give Fields's admirers a really satisfying .quantity of the master's tomfoolery 'at a sitting. : Though the romance of.-. Rpchelle Hudson and Richard- Cromwell is skilfully woven into a dominant; position in the plot, "Poppy" is pure Fields, from start to final fade-out. ,In "Spendthrift," the associate feature,. Henry Fonda , and Mary Brian .have the. main roles. The I story concerns'a plunging millionaire i who knows more about horses than, women, and/into the film, are -worked two thrill-packed Derby, runnings, one of them including a shot of a danger-ous-spill. ■ .'. •".'. •'-. ■-.-... '.-.'■ '' ' ''STATE THEATRE.;' The Mississippi boat-dwellers, with their rugged, happy-go-lucky, personalities' and their inherent love of melody, make a story rich with romance and action and flavoured with -whimsical humour in "Banjo on my Knee," now screening. at the ' State Theatre. The leading players are Walter; Brennan, Joel McCrea, Barbara. Stanwyck, and Katherine de Mille. Many of the old Mississippi songs. are introduced in new settings. Among them are "St. Louis /Woman," "St. Louis Blues," and the newer melodies, "Banjo on My Knee" (a song and dance number by Buddy Ebsen). "Where the Lazy River Goes By," sung by Barbara Stanwyck, and "There's- Something in the Air," sung by Anthony Martin, a find among screen voices. Comedy is provided by Buddy Ebsen and Walter Brennan, whose one-man band is an amazing novelty item. The shortfeature programme includes an interesting newsreel of Olympic events. GAIETIES REVUE. Owing' to bookings made prior to the Gaieties leaving Australia, the last nights of Stanley McKay's Company at the New Opera House are announced. An addition to the personnel is announced tonight by the arrival of the Yodelling Newtowns, whose remarkable act was one of-the. highlights of the Christchurch season, but whose appearance here was delayed through the illness in hospital of the younger member of:'the duo.. /Their numbers will include:."Just an'EchOi"* "The Old Pine Tree," and other favourite numbers. Joe Lawman and his clever supporting company have become great favourites and the current production, "In Sunny Hawaii," with its colourful settings and good, clean comedy, appeals to all tastes. A final gift matinee will be given on Saturday afternoon when all- children who attend will be given.a slice of Joe's birth-1 day cake. The plans for reserved seats are at the D.I.C. : ROXY THEATRE. , Presenting William Powell and Ginger Rogers, and telling a story replete : with mystery, suspense, romance, and comedy, "Star of Midnight," which is now showing at the Roxy Theatre, is a delightfully entertaining and completely absorbing picture. The well-conceived, closely-knit plot moves gaily at times, and at other times with stark' tensity towards a hair-raising climax. The romantic theme is subtly woven into the main story. A thrilling Western romance. "Justice of the Range," starring Tim McCoy, will be the supporting feature. .-■;:( REX THEATRE. In "Under the Pampas Moon," now showing at the Rex Theatre, the popular Warner Baxter portrays an Argentine pampas gaucho who can ride; throw the boleadora, sing, dance, and woo the ladies more proficiently than any of his comrades—a role > far more colourful .and romantic than the original "Cisco Kid." Co-starring w^th him is Ketti Gallian. Moria Barrie plays an unusual role in the second feature, "Mystery Woman." She portrays a woman, young and beautiful, who is dangerous to men, dishonest with the world—yet true to love above all else. For a purpose kept secret from everyone, she sets out on a career of intrigue which leads her along devious and dangerous paths. ■ The cast includes Gilbert Roland, John Halliday, Rod LaRocque,, Mischa Aver, William Faversham, and others. , SHORTT'S THEATRE. Colourful and impressive, Columbia's "Hell-ship Morgan, featuring George Bancroft, - Ann Sothern, and Victor Jory, which is showing at Shortt's Theatre, is a roaring and powerful tale of the sea and the men who earn their livelihood from the deep. A dramatic portrayal of a man's fight to regain his former position of wealth and power, accomplished through his love for a girl whose life he is ultimately called upon to save when she is accused of murder, provides the exciting theme of the second feature, "The Final Hour." Heading the cast are Ralph Bellamy and Marguerite Churchill. "King of Burlesque" and "Foreign Affaires" will be the new features commencing at Shortt's Theatre on Friday. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "A novel' comedy-romance with a touch of mystery which is first>rate entertainment," is how a leading English critic described "The Princess Comes Across," which will start tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Carole Lombard, Fred Mac Murray, William Frawley, Douglass Dumbrille, Lumsden Hare, George Barbier, and Alison Skipworth head the cast in a film in which there is not one indifferent performance. "Show Them No Mercy!" the supporting feature, blends violence, intense emotional drama, spontaneous humour, and romance in its speedy sequences. Rochelle Hudson, Edward Norris, Cesar Romero, Bruce Cabot, Warren Hymer, and Edward Brophy have the main roles. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. The awakening of China's teeming millions to battle against age-old oppression is the basis of a thrilling romance of intrigue and adventure, T'Th ß General Died at Dawn," now shewing at the Seaside Theatre. Gary Cooper i and Madeleine Carroll are the. sta^s "Daniel Boone," starring George O'Brien in the title role, and with Heather Angel featured, is also on the bill. BROOKLYN THEATRE. The main feature at Brooklyn tonight is "The Petrified Forest," the stars being Bette Davis, Leslie Howard, Genevieve Tobin, and Dick Foran. "The Widow from Monte Carlo," starring Warren William and

TIVOLI THEATRE. Screen entertainment filled with mystery, drama, and romance is unfolded in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Thg Unguarded Hour," which is now showing at the Tivoli Theatre. All the flavour that made the Ladislaus Fodor play a smashing hit is contained in the picture, which includes a cast o± notables, headed by Loretta Young and Franchot Tone. Dealing with the adventures of a well-to-do young married couple, the husband of which is a brilliant attorney, the picture has the same flavour that made "The Thin Man such a successful production. Comedy, romance, and adventure go on a mad rampage in the second feature, Lova on a Bet," with Gene Raymond and Wendy Barrie teamed. This rollicking comedy provides admirably suited roles for the talents of the romantic nair Their transcontinental adventure on the sails of love makes "Love on a Bet" a most unusual comedy attraction. RIVOLI THEATRE. Heralded as one of the most thrilling serein dramas with a unique romance and colourful settings "Bengal Tiger t Warner Bros.' production, is now showing at the Rivoli T.tt« w.s Barton Mac Lane, June . Travis and Warren Hull in the principal roles. The stoiy centres about the lives of circus folk both at work before the public under the Big Top, and in their private dressing tents. The pageant of Englishhistory marches across the screen in gallant guise in the film-story of Lady Jane Grey, "Tudor Rose,", a Gau-mont-British picture which is also screening. It is historical drama depicting the turbulent events following the death of Henry VIII and culminating in the tragic execution of Lady Jane Grey on Tower Green. Convincingly staged against colourful backgrounds, with a gripping undercurrent of Court intrigue and grim beheading episodes, the subject magnificently I achieves the atmosphere of the times. John Mills, Felix Aylmer, Frank Cellier, and Nova Pilbeam head the cast. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. The setting for "Coronado," now screening at the Capitol Theatre, is one of the world's most fashionable .beach resorts —the Hotel Coronado in I Southern California—where Betty BurIfiess plays the part of an entertainer with Duchin's orchestra. Youthful, handsome Johnny Downs co-stars with her. Clarence E. Mulford's popular Western novel, "Call of the Prairie," has William Bpyd, Jimmy Ellison, and Muriel" Evans in the main roles. WELLINGTON REPERTORY THEATRE. J. B. Priestley's play, "Eden End," will be given its New Zealand premiere at the Concert Chamber by the Wellington Repertory Theatre on Tuesday next. When produced in London in 1934-35 it was hailed as "Priestley's triumph" and proved as popular as its predecessors, "Laburnum Grove" and "The Good Companions." It has the quiet charm of the North of England and much of its humour, but moments of tense drama add to the strength of the play and to its dramatic appeal. Each of the seven characters is instinct with human appeal and each plays an important part in the development of the story of the daughter who ran away to become an actress.' The play is directed by Mr. W.. S. Wauchop, who saw the London production,, and the cast comprises Misses Helen Gardner and Mollie Brown,- Mrs. C. Anderson, Messrs. Ernest de Grove, F. V. Anson, Selwyn Toogood, and Brian McCawe. The box plans for the season of five nights..will open, at the . D.I.C. .on Friday. r UNIVERSITY.; BOXINGThe ..annual boxing tournament of Victoria University College /will-be held tonight.at.the Wellington Show Stadium. The students are , taking keen interest in the s tournament this year and a largeVstrarijber .of '■ entries hav.e been received.'^.Prominent .among the competitors will lie Barker, former New Zealand .University'heavyweight champion, and BowiSng, of-rowing and football fame,' who will be matched with him. Barnes and Campbell, finalists in last year's New. Zealand University: tournament, will be competing, as also will Walsh, a ■ wellknown Pahiatua featherweight who is |expected to do great things at the Easter tournament at- Christchurch. Other entrants are T. Kent (a brother of J: B. Kent), P. Kane, and Ryan, who was highly regarded at Sacred Heart College,. Auckland.' Mr. Earl Stewart will be the referee. Particulars are advertised. - . TRENTHAM RACES. The Railway Department's notification of trains and fares to the Trentham races tomorrow is advertised in this issue. The New Zealand Railways Road Services also advertise in this issue their omnibus services from Welling ton, Petone, and Lower Hutt to Trem ham racecourse.