CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 60, 12 March 1937, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

In "The Big Broadcast of 1937," which vill start tonight at the Regent riieatre, the Paramount Studios have n'oduced a film of great entertainment falue. Bright comedy, delightful singng, and a splendid array of talented serformers, ranging from Leopold atokowski and his orchestra to George Burns and Grade Allen, make the film thoroughly pleasing. One feature which alone would make the picture worth seeing is its excellent photography. The staging is modern ana Mitchell Leisen the director, and his cameramen have created a number ot striking studies in black and white. Unlike previous "Broadcasts/ this nlm has a good deal of story interest. It is more a musical ■ comedy acted in a broadcast station setting than a revue. Bob Burns provides a series of hilarious "additions" to serious broadcast items, and Jack Benny gives an admirable comedy performance timing his witticisms with, accomplished ease. George Burns and Gracie Allen take full advantage of the scope they are given for their inimitable type of humour, while Shirley Ross, as a temperamental radio singer, acts well and sings delightfully. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The glorious tenor of Richard Tauber and the absurd humour of Jimmy- Durante are blended into a love story set to beautiful melodies by Oscar. Strauss in "Land Without Music," which opened at the Majestic Theatre today. The story is set in the middle of the nineteenth century in the Italian Duchy of Lucco, a music-loving country, whose Princess Regent is at her wits' end to satisfy the demands of the Austrian Ambassador who has come to collect a national debt. As a last resource she banishes music from the' land until the debt is paid.' It is at this juncture 1 hat Mario Carlini, Lucco's worldfamed tenor, arrives on the scene. Ho defied her ban, and she is furious, but ;.n accidental meeting with the goldenvoiced tenor proves him to be charming and the Princess finds herself falling in love with the man .who has presumed to flout her authority. Carlini incites the people to revolt, which they do, substituting fiddles and flutes for firearms, but ultimately apian, is evolved by which everyone, including the Princess, is made happy ever after ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Three Smart Girls," at the St. James Theatre, is a delightful picture in every way, and the decision to extend the season for another week was a foregone conclusion. It is delightful in its appealing story !of three girls who are determined to end their mother's 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 ot 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 mariner, and is altogether happy in her first big film. Others in the cast are Birinie Barnes, Alice Brady, John King, arid Ray MUland. There are also interesting supporting pictures, including gazettes, giving the latest world news. 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 Ayi-es and Gail Patrick, which is one of the two new films .showing ~' at' the ~ King's Theatre. "Murder With Pictures" is the. story of a murder perpetrated in 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. . Teaming two of the most noted dramatic players on the screen today, Gertrude Michael and Walter Abel, in its leading roles, the other featured film. "Second Wife," is a striking drama of a widower's remarriage and its consequences. • Erik Rhodes, Lee van Atta ; - and Brenda Fowler are in the cast. ....••:.'... ■ PARAMOUNT THEATRE. A return season of "The Masquerader" will commence at the: Paramount Theatre tonight. This' film is undoubtedly Ronald Colman's crowning achievement. In its dual roles he is concerned with the great problems of England today—unemployment, labour troubles, strikes and financial crises. It combines the thrilling drama of "Bulldog Drummond" with the sparkling romance and comedy of "The Devil to Pay." ■ Unlike "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and the other famous dual roles of, the stage and screen, "The Masquerader" offers Colmari no important help, in the way of make-up. Playing with him are Elissa Landi and the dark, stately- beauty Juliette Tompson, the one as wife, the other as mistress. 'Excellent supports complete a fine, programme. ! ' ' ■ ROXY THEATRE. "The Raven," which is the main feature at the Roxy Theatre, is a stirring imaginative film, co-starring those two chill-chasing stars of "Frankenstein" and "Dracula." Karloff and Bela Lugosi. The plot 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 features Bernice Claire, is the supporting picture. CAPITOL THEATRE. Carole Lombard and William Powell prove that they are two of the finest comedy stars in Hollywood in "My Man Godfrey:" The cleyerly-written story concerns one of the richest, and at the same time, maddest, families in New York—the Bullocks, and tells of the strange adventures of Powell in the role of a butler. The supporting feature, "Speed," is happily tilled. It is the story of automobile manufacturing and of daredevil tests on dangerous curves with a colourful romance runMing through. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Thank You, Jeeves" and "Counterfeit" will be shown finally tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone. Paramount's "The Texas Rangers." King Vidor's historical epic of the men ■who moulded a State from the territory of Texas, comes tomorrow to the Grand Theatre. An all-star cast is headed by Fred Mac Murray and Jack Oakie, and includes Jean Parker, Lloyd Nolan. Edward Ellis, and Bonnie Bartlett. "The Texas Rangers" combines a last-moving, action - and thrill-filled story and a panoramic view of the unfolding of the history of the Lone' Star State. • ;. • ' . • ■ •;■... 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. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Dodsworth" concludes tonight at the State Theatre, Petone. The main attraction commencing at the State Theatre. Petone. tomorrow will be "His Brother's Wife." Robert Taylor, the screen's most . popular young masculine star, has a daring role its a scientific explorer who falls m ]ove with a beautiful red-headed girl on his last fling in civilisation. When he decides to forget her and carry on with his expedition there are striking <ievelopmf>nts. Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Hirsholt are the other leading pl".ye;-s. ■ '•

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

STATE THEATRE. "Valiant is the Word for Carrie." the film chosen lor the debut of Gladys George, leading actress of the New York stage, opened at the State Theatre today. It is the story of Carrie Snydor, a woman frowned upon by "respectable" residents of a small Louisiana town, and her friendship with a small boy. When a boy is forsaken by the world she takes him. together with an orphan girl, and brings them up as her own. The children grow up, and when it seems that all is serenity a situation arises which leads to Carrie's arrest. Before the trial she is faced with a dilemma. The children know ~ nothing of her past. To go through with a trial would mean tnat the whole tawdry story of her former career would be paraded before them. To plead guilty and waive the trial would mean a long gaol term. NEW PLAZA THEATRE. Bringing together for the first time two of the screen's top-flight starsKatharine Hepburn and Herbert Mar-shall—HKO-Radio will present at the New Plaza Theatre tonight. "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. 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 Biviera furnish the background for the resultant drajna. Also in the cast is Doris Dudley, dynamic young Broadway actress, fresh from her triumph m the leg t-i----mate theatre. Other important roles are enacted by Elizabeth Allan, Donald Crisp, and David Manners. DE LUXE THEATRE. Another excellent double-ieature programme commenced today at tne De Luxe Theatre. 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 the first to give Fields fans a really satisfying quantity of the master's tomfoolery at a sitting. Though the romance of Hochelle Hudson and Richard Cromwell is skilfully woven into a 'dominant position in the plot. "Poppy" is pure Fields from start to final fade-out. Lynne Overman, Catharine Doucet, and Rosalind Keith are outstanding, as featured players. The associate feature, Spendthrift," is a fast-stepping racing story of a millionaire twenty-three times over, who had to squander his fortune before he found the right girl, lne picture boasts a cast of featured players headed by Henry Fonda, Pat Paterson. Mary Brian, and. George Barbier. Three featurettes, including two newsreels and "Popeye the Sailor" in "Shoein'Hosses," complete the bill. PRINCESS THEATRE. A- fascinating love story, dashing adventure,- thrilling gun-running, music, song, ■ and catchy humour, combined with 'clever, acting, makes "Lonely Road," the main feature at the Princess Theatre, ' 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-derDanse, Scotland Yard headquarters,'" and 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.0.-. Radio's gay and tuneful musical romance starring Irene Dunne, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers, and which forms the associate feature. REX THEATRE. "Two Against the World," First.National's dynamic drama of the radio world that lifts, the curtain to the secrets behind the scenes in a great broadcasting network, is now at the Rex Theatre. The picture , concerns _a young girl and her fiance who battle for love against a syndicate that is trying to brand her with shame. Besides Humphrey Bogart, the cast includes Beverly Roberts, Linda Perry, Carlyle Moore, jun., Henry CTNeill, Helen MacKellai1, Claire Dodd, and Hobart Cavanaugh. The second feature, "Straight from the Shoulder," is the action-packed yarn of. conventional citizens who find themselves right m the middle of a gang war—and who have to prove just a little faster on the draw than the gang killers. One of the main characters is a motherless lad who instinctively resents the girl his father has learned to love, until she proves herself the best sport -he has ever seen. Ralph Bellamy and Katherine Locke furnish the romance. Others dn the cast are Andy Clyde and David Holt. 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 Burlesque," which is now showing at Shortfs 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 Dunbar, Kenny Baker, Fats Waller, arid Nick Long, jun., among the featured personalities. Ben Travers is again responsible for the story arid dialogue of the supporting feature, "Foreign Affaires," which stars Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn. The famous comedy duo are in their best form in this typical Travers farce. KILBIRNIE E3NEMA. "The Princess Comes Across" and "Show Them No Mercy" conclude tonight at the Kilbirnie Kiriema. Clark Gable as the husband, Myrna Loy as his wife, and Jean Harlow as the lovely secretary who. innocently finds herself in the reluctant role of "the other woman," provides one of the greatest screen "triangles" in the history of romantic films. It has been achieved by ■ Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the latest and most popular Faith Baldwin story of modern romance, "Wive Versus Secretary," which opens tomorrow at the Kilbirnie Kinema. The three stars reach their greatest heights in this engrossing story. Bette Davis, supported by George Brent and an outstanding cast of film favourites, is the star of the associate feature, "The Golden Arrow," a comedy by the noted English dramatist, Michael Arlen. The picture deals with love's young dream in high society and is set in a lavish background of luxurious yachts, richlyappointed resort hotels, and-other playgrounds of millionaires. OUR THEATRE. Paul Robeson heads the new change of programme at Our Theatre tonight in "The Song;of Freedom." Not only is this picture a festival of lovely melody, but it tells a thrilling and poignant story of a negro's return to his tribe through the appeal of his voice, only to be condemned to death by a witch doctor and- his devildancers. The accompanying attraction is Zane Grey's great story of the North-West, "King of the Royal Mounted." starring Robert Kent Rosalind Keith, and Alan Diriehart. With a bafkgrqund of scenic grandeur,' a story of adventure and enforcement of law keeps excitement at a high pitch throughout. The supporting programme is of- an exceptional order. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Thrills and mystery against the quickly-shifting panorama .of life aboard a warship provide gripping entertainment in "Murder in the Fleet," a unique detective thriller. Heading the cast of favourites are Robert Taylor and Jean Parker. "Hideout," an outstanding comedy romance, has Robert Montgomery and Maureen O'Siillivan in the leading roles. The story tolls of a playboy racketeer who discovers love in a country back- , water. <

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Secret Agent," a Gaumont-British offering, stars Madeleine Carroll, Peter Lorre, John Gielgud, and Robert Young, and is the main feature at the Tivoli Theatre. This is* a grand successor to the famous Hitchcock thriller, "The 39 Steps," and outshines even that. "Secret Agent" is a gripping adaptation of Somerset Maugham's "Ashenden," and is the story of a Secret Service man who sets out to thy/art 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 train smash, following bombing by British aeroplanes. In "To Beat the Band," the associate feature, 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 Mayer, Evelyn Poe, Joy Hodges, Phyllis Brooks, Roger Pryor, and the original California Collegians, famous dance band, "To Beat the Band" is wen equipped with talent. RIVOLI THEATRE. An adventure-romance that moves at a thrilling "tempo from San Francisco's Nob Hill to a rebel camp m bandit-ridden China is Columbia s "Roaming Lady," the main attraction at the Rivoli Theatre, with Fay. Wray and Ralph Bellamy featured in the leading roles. Miss Wray is seen as a blue-blood debutante in love with Bellamy, an aviator in her fathers employ. In order to separate them the girl's father details the young pilot to a special assignment in China to protect the company's oil fields against bandit raids. The girl follows Bellamy there and soon involves them both in a series of hair-raising adventures. An odd story twist in which a girl ranch owner is forced to steal her own herd of valuable horses in order to save them from a band of rustlers is one of the unique features of the thrilling Zane Grey picture "The Arizona Raiders," which is also showing. Larry Crabbe and Marsha Hunt have the leading roles, Crabbe . appearing as a hard-riding, straight-shoot-ing adventurer, and Miss Hunt as the owner and "boss" of a horse ranch. There will be a matinee at midnight tomorrow. ■-.■,-: REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. ; Loretta Young and • Franchot Tone form a delightful new romantic screen team in MetroGoldwyn-Mayer's "The, Unguarded Hour," now showing at the, Regal Theatre. The new picture, filled with romance, drama, and mystery, gives both players an excellent oppor-. tunity for their talents. The associate entertainment will be "The Crime of Dr. Forbes," an outstanding dramatic production, and Laurel and Hardy in another one of their comedy successes, "Thicker Than Water." EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. James Fenimore Cooper's immortal classic, "The Last of the Mohicans,": comes to thrilling life on the screen of the Empire Theatre tonight. Randolph Scott heads the imposing east as Hawkeye, the handsome and daring colonial scout hero of the story, while appearing in. important featured roles are Binme Barnes, Henry Wilcoxon, Bruce Cabot, Heather Angel, Phillip Reed, Robert Barrat, Hugh Buckler, and Willard Robertson. On: the same programme will be shown Warner Bros.' sensational ' success to "I Am a Fugitive," entitled "Road Gang." WELLINGTON REPERTORY ■ , THEATRE. • ~, : "J. B. Priestley's best play" is how the "Daily Telegraph,"' London, summed. up "Eden End," which the. Wellington Repertory Theatre -will pre-; sent at, the Concert Chamber on Tuesday next for a five-nights' season. Rehearsals indicate that the high standard; of repertory productions here will be maintained in the coming production. Great care has been',.taken in selecting the cast as characterisation plays a very important part in Priestley's plays. Parts will be played-by Misses Helen Gardiner and Mollie Brown, Mrs. C. Anderson, Messrs. Selwyn. Toogood, Brian McCawe, Ernest Le Groye, and T. V. Anson. The production is being directed by Mr. W. S. Wauchop, who saw "Eden End" in London. The box plans, which are filling rapidly, are now on view at the D.I.C. MAYFAIR CABARET. A mannequin parade, "The Fashion Broadcast of 1937," will be a special attraction at the Mayfair Cabaret's weekly cabaret high t tomorrow. Herbi Burton's Mayfair Band will again lead the fun. ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT. The feast of Ireland's patron saint falls this year on Wednesday and will be fittingly observed by a grand national concert at the Town Hall on that evening. Irish music never fails to attract and when interpreted by good artists it is always most enjoyable. For many years in the history of this city the Town Hall has been the citys centre of attraction on St. Patrick's night for the national concert. This year's programme has been well arranged and will provide a variety of entertainment in solo, choral, concerted, instrumental, elocutionary, and dancing by the best talent available. A bumper house should reward tne promoters for their enterprise in providing for the public a really first-class concert. Seats may 'be reserved at the D.I.C. 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 Wellington, Petone, and Lower Hutt to Trentharn racecourse. PETER PAN PLAYERS The Peter Pan Players opened their 1937 season last week at- Madame Blight's Studio, Hataitai, with the reading of the three-act comedy "The Dover Road," by A. A. Milne. This amusing and entertaining play was well received by a large and appreciative audience. Parts were read by Mrs. G. OnslowHall, Mrs. A. Jesson, Mr. F. W.-Ward, Mr H. M. Sansum, Mr. N. Picton, and Mr. A. Jesson. Stage directions were read by Mrs. R. L. Freeman. Supper concluded a very pleasant evening. WAIRARAPA SHOW PIGS. The following is a report on London judging of baconer and porker pigs from the 1936 Wairarapa Show:— -'■We have examined and judged these pigs and in class 354 we placed Pen No. 880, W. A. Kemp ton, Clareville, first (unplaced at show, second at Waingawa); pen No. 871, W..M. Rayner, Masterton. second (unplaced at show, third at Waingawa). "The standard of quality m the entries for this class was not very high. None of the pens comprised good, white-skinned pigs that one would expect from show pigs. Pen No. 871, good shape, well covered; No. 873, too plain, dark fleshed: No. 874, coarse rind and wasteful, dark fleshed; No. 875, good-shaped pigs, but one pig out of grade (with head on); No. 876, one pig very fat, first at show; No. 877, good shaped, but bad-coloured skin, second at show; No. 878, coarse and wasteful; No. 879, poor pigs, very plain (unplaced at show, first Waingawa); No. 880, good-shaped pigs; No. 881, dark fleshed and bad skinned (first at show). "In class 353. one bacon pig, we placed:—Pen •. No. 863, A. G. Golder, Nireaha, 1; No. 866, H. J. Brown, Car-; terton, 2. ■ _ . j

"The first and second prize winners were the only baconers in this class that were at all suitable for the bacon trade. Pen No. BG3, a good, clean pig (unplaced at show, third Waingawa): No. 86C, not quite such a good shape as first prize (first at show and second at Waingawa); No. 867, very long legs, not round enough (second at show and first Waingawa): No. 869. too heavy, very fat and wasteful: No. 870, too heavy, very fat Uiiird at show),"