CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 59, 11 March 1937, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

; .-REGENT; THEATRE. "Sweet' Aloes" concludes tonight at LheSßegehfr.Theatre.-,. ■■■:"'■■'* In;" The Big Broadcast of 1937," which will -start' tomorrow .at1-the Regent i'heatre,. the Paramount Studios have produced.a film'of great entertainment value. Bright comedy, delightful-sing-Liig, and a splendid array.-of talented performers, ranging from ."Leopold ■jtokdwski and his orchestra,-to George' 3urns and Grade Allen,:make..the.film horoughly pleasing. .-One: feature which alone would make the. picture worth seeing -is its excellent photo-., graphy. The staging jg'.modern and Mitchell Leisen the director, and his .-ameramen ;liave created-' a:-number of | striking studies in;black:and white. Unlike previous "Broadcasts," this film las a good deal of^story interest./, It s more a- musical :cbmedy acted in a | jroadcast station? setting than a revue. 3ob.Burns provides'asse'ries.of hilan■u"s '"additions" to;'1 serious broadcast. ;ems, and Jack Benny gives an admir-. ble comedy performance timing his vitticisms with accomplished: ease. Jeorge Burns and Gracie Allen take all advantage of the scope they are 'yen for their inimitable type of humit, while Shirley Ross, as a tempera?ntal radio singer, acts well ana is delightfully. -MAJESTIC THEATRE^,:, rThe Gorgeous Hussy" concludes tc~ 'ght at the Majestic Theatre,; - ?Land Without Music" opensVtomorJw- at the Majestic Theatre."-.'^ '\ ; ■V. ST. JAMES THEATRE: c ■' . ■ "Three Smart Girls," at the,St; .James .Theatre, is a delightful picture in every .vay, in its appealing story': of. three <irls who are determined to end their nother's unhappiness and to separate, jy the-greatest distance possible, their "ather and his gold-digging lady, friend, n the extremely clever dialogue, and :n the splendid cast, headed by Charles iVinninger, of "Show Boat" memory, md brightened by Deanna Durbin, a ie» star, who, unlike quite a number if discoveries, will remain a star. Oeanna Durbin, is fourteen years of •ge, and gained her start because of <.er wonderful lyric soprano voice, She ias a charming natural manner, and is [together happy,-in. her,first big film, others in the cast' are Binnie Barnes, viice Brady, John King, and Ray. ■/Tilland. There are also interesting upporting pictures, including gazettes, !ving the latest world news. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. '■'My Man Godfrey" will have its final screening tonight at the Paramount Theatre. "The Masquerader" opens a ! return season at the Paramount "Theatre tomorrow. " " ' ■'■■' ' ,:•'KING'S:THEAXRE. ~-, .-. ■ \ "The Texas Rangers" concludes tonight at the King's Theatre. ; The triumph of the camera over the eyes of forty witnesses to a "perfect crime," is depicted in "Murder With Pictures," starring Lew-Ayres and Gail Patrick, which is one of the two new films coming to the King's Theatre tomorrow. "Murder With Pictures" is the story of a murder perpetrated on a crowded room during the height of a celebration. A.' newspaperman, Benny Baker, took a picture of a number of photographers who were making a photograph of-, the host, Ernest Cossart, and even though" he didn't know it, the entire crime .was indelibly recorded on celluloid by the all-seeing eye of his camera. ■ The picture is of- additional interest because it features the-newly-perfected, Wirephoto System, which "telegraphs"' pictures over great : dis--tances, in operation. Teaming two of the mosirndted dramatic.players on the screen today, Gertrude Michael and Walter Abel, in its leading roles, the other 'featured film. "Second Wife," is a* strlking'.Vdrama. of". a :•' widower's: remarriage and its consequences. Erilc Rhodes, Lee van Atta, and Brenda; ?owler are in the cast. ■ . •, ■, ■, i :-,..~5-. ROXY THEATRE. ;;"""Star of Midnight" 'and "Justice of iUe Range"-'will be shown finally tonight "a,t : .th'eßoxy, Theatre. '"''The Raven," which' opens at the 3oxy Theatre,,tomorrow,, is.a stirring, imaginative film, co-starring those two chill-chasing stars: of "Frankenstein" and "Dracula."1 Karloff and Bela Lu3,osi. The ,'piot traverses the. delirious machinations of: a'mad doctor, Vollin, who is suffering from a torture complex and sets out to. demonstrate his theories. "Two Hearts in' :Harmony," a!'delightful romance that sparkles with laughter and happiness and f eatur.es Bernice Claire, will be the sup- • sorting- picture. ■■;•-..' , 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 bqleadora, 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.":-i Co-starring with him is Ketti Galliari. Mona Barrie plays an unusual role in the second feature, "Mystery Woman," She portrays a woman, young, and beautiful, who is dangerous ~tdi men, dishonest with the world-r-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 Favershanv arid1 others. SHORTT'S THEATRE. - "Hell-ship' Morgan''-and "The Final Hour" conclude tonight at Shortt's ■Theatre.- •'• • ■ '. In the colourful, glittering atmosphere of the burlesque theatre, with its soubrettes, songs, clowns, and comics, the action of the Fox picture, "King of rßurlesque," which comes tomorrow1 to Shortt's Theatre, takes place.. -Warner Baxter heads the gala cast of this picture, which includes Alice'.Faye, Jack Oakie, Arline Judge, Mona Barrie, Gregory Ratoff, Dixie Ounbar, Kenny Baker, Fats Waller, and Nick Long, Jun';,:-..among the featured personalities.; .\:Ben, Travers is again responsible 'for the story and dialogueof the Gaiirnont-British production, "Foreign Affaires," which, stars Tom Wfalls and-Ralph ■ Lynn, and which wfll-'also be shown. - The famous comedy.duo are'in their best form in this typical' Travers farce. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Rhythm on the ' Range" is now screening at the Palace Theatre. It 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,"- gives Mary Boland her first opportunity-in a dramatic role. ■ GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Jeeves, P. G. Wodehouse's inimitable "gentleman's gent," makes his first screen appearance in the person of the droll Arthur Treacher in "Thank You, Jeeves!" which 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 justice a band of counterfeiters.^ Lloyd Nolan, Chester Morris, Margofr, Grahame, and Marian 'tosh head the cast. STATEfTHEATRE,-. PETONE. Sinclair; Lewis's "Dqdsworth," which hrilled millions as a' novel and as a stage play.-now comes to the screen in Samuel Grpldwyn's film production, which is showing at the State Theatre, Petone, tonight, with Walter Huston, Ruth Chattertqn, Paul Lukas, Mary Astor, and David Niven in the Reading role's. Others in the- cast- are- Mme. Maria Ouspenskava and""Gregory Cave, Odelle Myrtil, Kathryn Marlowe,. John 'Payne, Spring"~"B"yiiigf6rirand Harlan Briggs.

>:^ CITy:^KsUBURBAN THEATRES

TIVOLI THEATRE. "The Unguarded Hour" .and' "Love on a Bet" conclude tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. •"Secret Agent," a Gaumont-British offering, stars Madeleine Carroll, Peter Lorre, John Gielgud, and Robert Young, and will open at the Tivoli Theatre tomorrow. This is a grand successor to tae famous Hitchcock thriller, "Th.c 39 Steps," and outshines even that. "Secret Agent" is a gripping adaptation of Somerset Maugham s "Ashenden,1 and is the story of a Secret Service man who sets ,out to thwart a German spy during the Great War. Fluent staging swings the action from London to the Swiss Alps,; thence to mid-Europe, where suspenseful events culminate in a realistic tram smash .following bombing by, British aeroplanes. A piquant romantic slant and deft comedy touches relieve the engrossing canvas of espionage. The tragic, element enters with the coldblooded killing of a suspepted'spy, ultimately revealed to be innocent, m "To; Beat the Band," the associate fea-ture,-Radio presents a comedy full of melody, yet powerful of plot as compared to the average run of musical productions. With a cast headed by Hugh Herbert and Helen Brodenck and containing ..such players as Ray Maver, Evelyn- Foe, Joy Hodges, Phyllis Brooks, Roger Prypr; and the original California Collegians, , famous dance 'band^'To Beat the---:.B.and" is .well equipped with talent. -Aside from the cast there is a rollicking,' gusty yarn. Then there are tunes and a general atmosphere of hilarity and glamour. RIVOLI THEATRE. , Heralded as,;one of-the most thrilling screen dramas with a unique romance and colourful .-settings,. -"Bengal Tiger,' a Warner Bros.' production, is now showing at the .-Rivoli ; Theatre with Barton Mac Lane, .June Travis,., .and Warren 'Hull in the principal, roles. The story centres about the lives of circus folk both at work-before-the public under the Big Topi and in their private dressing tents. The pageant'of English history marches across -the screen ■in gallant guise.:in.the film-story^ of Lady Jane Grey,."Tudor.Rose," a Gau-moht-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 achieves the atmosphere of the times. John Mills/Felix Aylmer, 'Frank Oellier, and Nova Pilbeam head the cast. . WELLINGTON REPERTORY THEATRE. : ■ J-j B. Priestley's charming play "Eden End" will'be presented at the Concert Chamber on Tuesday next by the.Wellington 'Repertory Theatre. The play is a delicious blend of humour and sentiment and there are some strong dramatic scenes. while' over all is the ■Priestley charm and his line sense, of character. The cast for the local product is astrong one and includes Misses Helen Gardner and Mollie Brown, Mrs. C. Anderson, Messrs. Brian McCawe, Selwyn Toogood, T. V. Arison, and Ernest Le Grove. The scenery has been specially painted and the details of the setting will have the usual careful attention associated with repertory productions. Mr. W. S. Wauchop,' who saw the-play in London:in-1934,----is. the ;producer; The box plans'..,fo.r; the season will open tomorrow at the" D.I.C. . .... STANLEY McKAY GAIETIES, There ;is no limit to the versatility of the company known as the Stanley, McKay-:Gaieties of 1937, now in ,ses-. sion at the New Opera House. The attraction of vaudeville and revue brings large audiences nightly to the theatre and the matinees are also well attended. Joe Lawman, the Australian comedian, who heads the bill with dainty Stella Lamond, a charming soubrette, has some of the most amusing patter, and features, an amazing dress ensemble that creates laughter even before the "popular artist has said'a word. There is brightness and originality in-the entertainment provided by the • Gaieties, other contributors being George Corelli, character actor; May Brooke, instrumentalist; Joy Wright, dancer, and the Gaieties Girls, the yodelling Newtowns, Elton Black, Cy Pier, Joe Anderson, Elvy Ferguson, the -Hilo Duo, Harry Hemming, Will Newton, Kathleen Howarde, and the Flying Martinettis. Attention is drawn to the final gift matinee on Saturday, when every child will,receive a piece of Joe Lawman's birthday cake. ; ■ r ';■.;■-_ f;; OUR 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-paqked. 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 anbVEvalyn Knapp, portrays f police methods in the radio patrol. Action predominates in a thrilling story c? bandits, shrieking sirens, and the men in blue answering the call' to fame or; death. There are interesting supports. 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 is showing 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. 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 Southern California —where Betty Burgess 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 Boyd, Jimmy Ellison, and, Muriel Evans in the main roles. ' St. GEORGE'S DAY. English county societies in: Wellington are again combining this year in a celebration, on April 23, St. George's Day. This being Coronation year, the function is peculiarly appropriate. Mr. Karl Atkinson, president of the Yorkshire Society, is chairman of the combined committee of English ... county societies organising the function. To. those not already associated with the committee, a cordial invitation is extended. Further particulars can be obtained by writing Mr. Atkinson, Box 1.427, Wellington, Cl. . CONGREGATIONAL ASSEMBLY. A large number of delegates arrived in the city today to attend the 1937 Assembly of the Congregational Union. Tonight- in The Terrace Church the Rev. H. W. Newell, M.A., 8.D.,. Will speak upon "The Organised Church and Modern Society." All evening meetings are open to the public. The first business meeting of the_ council will be held tomorrow morning. In the afternoon the Rev. Albert Mead, M.A. (of Moray Place, Dunedin), will give his impressions of religious life in England. These meetings will be in The Terrace school hall. At 7.45 p.m., in the Cambridge Terrace Church, the Rev. Arthur Muriel, M.C., 8.A., will address a public meeting, his theme being "The Unfolding Gospel." The chair will be taken by Mr. J. Abernethy.

NEW PLAZA THEATRE. "That Girl from Paris" concludes tonight at the New Plaza Theatre. Bringing together for the first time two of "the screen's top-flight starsKatharine Hepburn and Herbert Marshall—"A Woman Rebels," a moving drama of a young romantic idealist in search of freedom and independence as against the restricting influences of the era into which', she had been born, will begin at the Plaza Theatre tomorrow. In contrast to the freedom enjoyed by the modern young- woman, the story presents a romantic and tragic tale of an intelligent young girl who dares to demand that she. choose her own husband, that she be permitted to emerge from home unchaperoned, and that she'go. to work, a thing which no lady,had ■ '■ heretofore done. Fog-enshrouded London, .rural English estates, and the Italian Riviera furnish the background for the resultant drama. Also in the cast is Doris Dudley, dynamic young Broadway actress, fresh from her triumph in the legitimate theatre. Other important roles are enacted by Elizabeth Allen, Donald Crisp, and David Manners. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Flying Hostess" and "Adventure in Manhattan"" will be screened finally this evening at the De Luxe Theatre. . "Poppy" and "Spendthrift"., commence at the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow. STATE THEATRE. "Banjo on my Knee" screens finally tonight at the State Theatre. ■ "A Woman Rebels" will commence its season at the New Plaza Theatre tomorrow. PRINCESS THEATRE. "Uncivilised" arid "The. Beloved Vagabond"- will, be shown finally at the Princess Theatre tonight. . . A double-feature programme of outstanding merit will commence' tomorrow at the Princess Theatre. A fascinating love story, dashing adventure, thrilling gun-running, music, song, and catchy humour, combined with clever acting, makes "Lonely. Road" a picture at once exciting and highly entertaining. Co-starring. Clive Brook and Victoria- Hopper, the action of "Lonely Road" shifts from London to a Leeds Palais-de-Danse, Scotland Yard headquarters, arid ' sea.. coast locales, thus providing ample variety of settings. The best in singing and dancing, in band music, and in fashions is presented in "Roberta," R.K.O.Radio's gay and tuneful musical romance starring Irene: Dunne, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers, and which forms the associate'feature. Miss Dunne sings several of Jerome Kern's finest musical hits, and Astaire and Miss Rogers introduce spectacular new, dance routines.