CURRENT -ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 143, 18 June 1937, Page 10

CURRENT -ENTERTAINMENTS

KEGENT THEATRE.

The famous witchcraft scare of 1692, V.iich broke out in Salem and swept the soa^oard colonies leaving death; .'.i-tor; and fear in "its wake.' is" the basis of Paramount's "Maid of Salem," a-arippiru. - romance with. Claudette Colbert and Fred Mac Murray . which comes' to the Regent Theatre, today. Besides being an excellent romance and-an outstanding production in every way, the film is important for th« forthright manner iri which; it explains the outbreak and shows how it was fanned, into, flame. Miss Colbert plays" the role Of a Puritan maiden who''!is< accused of being a witch because she is seen with a. tall, dark stranger, and because "she was observed dancing by herself. Upon this testimony, provided by hysterical- women and children with overwrought imaginations,, she is convicted and sentenced to die, There are gripping developments leading up ,to a dynamic Climax- Included in the elaborate cast of-players, are Harvey Stephens. Bennie: Bartlett, Gale'Sondergaard. E. E. eiive, Bonita Granville. Virginia Weidler. Beulah Bbndi. Donald Meek, and a.score of. others. The film was-pro-duced and directed hj, Frank Lloyd, who. directed "Mutiny on the Bounty.' "Under Two Flags,"'"Csvalciade," "The Seat Hawk," and many other epochsetting films.

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

• All the glamour ana romance of the mid-niHeteenth century live again in 'yjamille/*. which .is . showing for a second week at the Majestic The^ atre.: On .the; screen, Alexandre Du'mas's classic story .of the fate of Marguerite Gaiitler.y favourite . of Parjj 'in the hour of her triumph, loses nothing. Greta Garbo, in the role - of." the frail, beauty, achieves i^uperlatlve ot acting which she has .lever before reached.' As Armand Duval, the young and. Inexperienced gentleman-who, new; to the-high life of.Paris and not especially interested iflt.it;- Jwins the-soughttafter beauty, in ajpure love which she has never ,-b.efore experienced, Robert Taylor also rises t*6;riew heights as sin actor of achievement. The rest of the programme is excellent indeed, for :it includes . pictures; of the Coronation, and the Spithe'ad^wview, newsreels. aftd ah excel-lently-doric musical feature -burlesquing ancient Roman, times.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

*' (tee" of. the : most unique. - mystery stories, to"-reach the screen is "Under Cover •«*• Night," which opens today at the St. James Theatre, with .Edmund Low*»tarred and Florence Rice.heading %.c?pable supporting cast. Lowe creates an entirely new.' type of defective in tSia:.«to_y. -:.. He is., a '..-college graduate if/hb returns to his ahria mater in time to Ufa the baffling mystery of repeated* "murder among the • faculty * members. The technique.Of the picture permits the audience to follow the detectEw.step by? step, experiencing ... hi§ as he makes interesting: discpveries, sharing his elation .when' the, <s'yid6rice points at. last to the guilty niajri; Lowe, who?as -brie' of the' most popular player's oh-the screen, performs one of his finest roles. Miss Bicei-diaughtei. of'Gr-antland -Rice, the noted sports writer, continues .on ber clinib to stardom. In the strong supporting .''• cast are : Dorothy '■• 'Peterson, Henry Daniell" Nat Pendleton, Henry Kolker, .Dean Jagger< Theodore yon Eltz, Sara Haden. Frank Reicher, -Maria Shelton,, a recent "find," Zeffle .Tilbury, and Harry Davenport. ..

J.;'-,' REX THEATRE "With Richard Dix, Dolores Del Rio, attot Chester: Morris- sharing the starring .roles, Columbia's "Devil's Playground,"- a dynamic comedy-drama S&sed on the ..exploit* .of the ..United States submarine fleet; "js screening at -tfie'Rex' Theatre,1 The ?picturS has a sensational climax; to a spectacular crash between a huge derelict! ocean larer and ■a. fully-manned submarine. Ann Dvorak, Smith Bellew, arid, Harry Carey play the principal roles in the Other feature, "Racing Lady," which deals-with a wealth? automobile manu» fac'turer who delves into horse racing. He is able to'buy.'whatever herwants except the love of.his,,girl trfiiner, whose ideas of .sportsmanship, differ from his. Many of .the: racing scenes, we're flliriedJflttheyfamous Santa Anita iSfsaiZr plant bn me-outskirts of Los AtigeJfe..'■ '*'■'■■ "■'-'■■■' -■ ■?-'-■ ■.-,'.'

CITY ANO SUBURBAN THEATRES

PLAiA THEATRE.

STATE THEATRE.

DaZatling. and gay in its spectacle, "Girl in a Million," which is in Us fifth: week at the Plaza Theatre, is- dominated throughout by the radiant personality of Sonja Henie, who makes a brilliant entry into stardom. The film provides a colourful oackground. for the rapid and delightful skating evolutions of this ice champion, who performs with a marvellous ease and grace. The story opens in the Deaiuty. of Switzerland, where an innkeeper, himself an ex-champion skater, has been ' ambitiously training his daughter for twelve years to win the skating championship at the Olympic Games. Complications arise with the advent of a travelling American vaudeville troupe and a newspaper reporter, arid there is a fine climax which is not lacking in romance. Don Ameche, Jean Hersholt, and Adolphe Menjou carry their parts well. The supporting programme includes some vivid newsreels of the Hindenburg crash and scenes of the Coronation.

i With songs by irvmg Berlin carrying it to new heights of melody, "On ! the .Avenue," a Twentieth CenturyFox -.-.. sparkling musical production, opens at the State Theatre today, with a stellar cast of entertainers and the latest hits by the man to whose music most of the world makes love. In this real-life romance of New York, gay.and glamorous as the town itself, Dick Powell and Madeleine Carroll, a combination new to musical comedy, make a handsome and romantic team. The outstanding features o' this production arc; its smartness and its modern atmosphere. Foremost among the musical items of the film are the songs "This Year's Kisses,'-' "I've Got Love to Keep Me Warm," "You're Laughing at Me_" and "The Girl on the Police Gazette." Prominent roles are played by Alice Faye and tha Rita Brothers, while others who appear includeJ George Barbier. Alan Mowbray, andStepin I'etchit, In addition to "On the 'Avenue," a very entertaining selection'of high-class featurettes is to be presente?d_;-y;:';;yy'y':'

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

I&tenSely: thrilling entertainment is to be; found in "Love from a Stranger,": .which, is.saeening at the Para^ moiint Theatre. Ann Harding's part is'that of- an offlce worker who is successful- iri;* lottery. The money does not bring ber happiness,; however, as she: quarrels' withr her fiance. She decides to leave for Paris, and offers her fiat -to-let. A handsome stranger comes to inspect it, and be makes a strong impression on her. She meets him again ton the boat to Paris and the two are married .there. The couple return to England and settle down-in an isolated cottage in Kent, where the girl commences to discover several strange facts about her husband, and it,is in these iscenes that Basil Rathbone displays remarkable dramatic ability. The wife calls in the local doctor to attend to her husband,,;and' from the doctor she discovers by .chance that the man she has married is a homicidal maniac. Together with "Love From a Stranger," several. entertaining shorter items will be presented. j

•STATE THEATRE, PETONE.

"Escapade" .concludes tonight at the State-Theatre. Petone. - v.. . Againsfthe: turbulent canvas of adventure and intrigue which: forms ■ the background of :"Uoyds Of London," which- opens at the matinee at the State Theatre, Petone, at 2 p.m. tomorrow, stands but one of the great love stories of all time, When-fierce cohrage andvengeful fury fought to the death for a love that flamed while the fate of an empire hung in the balance. Freddie Bartholomew, Madeleine, Carroll, Tyrone Power, Sir Guy Standing, and Douglas Scott head the cast. The Fox (Movietone Coronation newsreel will also be shown..-

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

"Uncivilised" screens finally at the Grand Theatre, Petone, tonight A new and different Mac' West parades her: way through "Go West Young Man," her latest comedyv which begins tomorrow-at the Grand Theatre. She has a novel story in, a modem setting, and three leading men. Randolph Scott,' Warren William, and Lyle Talbot '-'Ladies Should Listen," the second picture features Cary Grant and Frances Drake, and is a bubbling Continental .comedy.

TrVOLI THEATRE.

Samuel Goldwyn's production of Edna Ferber's greatest novel. "Come and Get IV wnich brings Edward Arnold, Joel McCrea and Frances Farmer to the Tivoli Theatre tonight, also features Mady Christians, versatile Viennese actress, Waiter brennan, the "Ole Atrocit.v" of "Barbary Coast," Mary Nash, famous stags st jy lovely Andrea Leeds, Jark-eyed Goldwyn "find," and Frank Shields, [handsome tennis star. The colourful story of the great lumber camps of the north woods casts Edward Arnold in his greatest role as the great lumber I barou who gives up love to win power, but in later years finds his victory an [empty one wnen he falls hopelessly in love with tlie daughter of the woman he once cared for. Robert Cummings and Eleanore Whitney dance and sing tiieir way through one of the gayest musicals of film history in "Three ; Cheers for Love," the Paramount '"swing opera," which will also be i shown. Grace Bradley, Billy Lee, Olympe Bradna, Roscoe Karns, Louis DaPron, and Veda Ann Borg are fea tured in the outstanding cast.

RIVOLI THEATRE.

A tlioroughly delightful and hilarious comedy of married life, Paramount's "Wives Never Know," is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, with that charming and inimitable screen husband and wife. Charlie, Ruggles and Mary Boland. "Wives; Never Know' is a story of a happily-wedded pair whose romance goes on the rocks when they take the advice of suave Adolphe Menjou, cast as a novelist who believes himself too wise to get rinarried but ■•; is free enough with his wild-eyed theories on whait constitutes happiness in marriage. Henry Fonda is the leading character of Paramount's "Spendthrift," which win also be shown. Fonda is a young millionaire gone broke in "Spendthrift." Owner of a string of polo and race horses, he is believed by his society neighbours to have 23,000,000 dollars. Actually, he is without cash. The story of how he (Jfinds love/makes up the romantic plot. An all-star cast of character players keeps the yarn filled with movement and humour.

SHORTT'S THEATRE.

i Starring an exciting love team, handsome Robert Taylor and lovely Loretta Young, "Private Number," a Fox pic- '■ ture, which is screening at Shortt's Theatre, is acclaimed as one of the ' year's outstanding; romantic hits. Taylor's debonair manner and. youthful ■banter complement Miss Young's beauty" and wide-eyed appeal ly. Tome Out of the Pantry," the other feature, is rich comedy, with Jack Buchanan in the- role of a penniless peer who, finding himself stranded rin New York,; is obliged to .take a Job as a footman in a Fifth Avenue household. There he falls in love with his employer's pretty niece (Fay Wray>? and after sundry adventures persuades her to share his title. ' '■■ >.-■■:

ROXY THEATRE.

"Calling the Tune," now showing at the Roxy Theatre, stars Clifford Evans, Sally Garey, Sam Livesey, and Adele Dixon,; the story being concerned with the development of the gramophone record industry. Many celebrities are. introduced in the course of the story, including Sir Henry Wood and the Queen's Hall Orchestra. Sir Cedric, Hardwicke, George. Robey, the English Singers' Quartet, Charles Penrose, and the Philharmonic String Quartet. An interesting highlight in the- film is the "introduction of the J vision record. Which is - played- in the; I usual way, but which throws an image of the personality recording on to a. Ismail screenat the back of the gramo-; phone. The supporting feature, "Reivenge Rider,"' lis -'-a.v thrilling outdoor romance, starring Tim McCoy.

KILHIKNIE lUNSMA

"Lloyd's of London" and "The Mine With the Iron Door" conclude tonight at the Kilbirnie Theatre.

"His Brother's Wife" is the title' of the daring picture which comes to the Kilbirnie Kinema tomorrow, with the attractive co-stairring team of Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor. The play of human emotions under tremendous strain has seldom been more powerfully drawn on the screen. The daring theme is presented delicately, yet without once weakening the complicated structure of the story. Jean Hersholt,-as the hardened explorer, is superb. Excellent light entertainment lis provided in "Polo Joe," Joe E. I Brown's latest comedy, which will also be shown.' Carol Hughes is the charmling lady in the. piece, and Skeets Galilagher is a very paragon among butlers.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents Joseph Calleia in a new role, this time as a hero instead of a villain, in "Man of the frfople," wbien o-oens today at the De Luxe Theatre. The original story, a novel of . the same title by Frank Dolan, ex-New York reporter, pictures v modern city aid the jolitical machine which makes it go. Dolan wrote from first-hand knowledge and the picture follows his story. Calleia has the best role of his career, which is saying a great deal. Florence Rice in the romantic role continues her steady ascent to'stardom, unaided by her famous parent, Grantland Rice, tlie sports columnist. Ted Healy provides comedy, and a capable supporting cast includes Thomas Mitchell, Catharine Doucet Paul Stanton, and Jonathan Hale. Sally Eilers and James Dunn, one of lhe screen's popular combinations, are teamed again in a sparkling comedydrama, Universal's "We Have Our A special added attraction will be the personal appearance of Mr. Gordon Paris, who will introduce to the Wellington public the Gibson all-electric guitar. Mr. Paris will play popular airs on this modern, instrument.

jifEW OPERA HOUSE.

Columbia's "When You're in Love," (starring Grace Moore with Cary Grant, I written and directed by Robert Riskin, scenarist. of the celebrated "It Happened One Night" and "Mr. Deeds Goes; to Town," is now screening at the New Opera House. As a result of the Risl-in-Moore collaboratiori, v. "When' You're in Love" fairly sparkles with surprises. The story is a gay, lighthearted, charming escapade, conceded jto be on a par in story values with ! anything Riskin has ever done. Miss Moore, herself, has been transformed into a charming comedienne, And for her rriusical renditions she has selected a diversified programme that ranges in appeal from Schubert's "Serenade" f'tb the latest: swing: hit. Among hei otlier renditions are;•"Vissi ■ Darte," from "La Tosca," "One Fine Day," from "Madame ■:■ Butterfly j": "Siboney," "In the Gloaming," ..and ; two new songs written especially for her by Jerome Kern and Dorothy" Fields, "Our Song" and "Whistling Boy." There is also a spectacular ballet sequence staged by the dance maestro of- the famous Radio City Music Hall, New ;York. Supporting the stars aire Henry Stephenson, Aline McMahon, Thomas Mitchell; Catharine, Doucet, and Luis, i Alberini. '■; '■'■'.-'■■ 'a'.':aa-a-a-■■/-.

/L/'E-a KING'S THEATRE. A beautiful girl from "outside" pits ,hor love against the pitiless code of the wild in Jack London'a "White Fang," a Darryl F. Zanuck Twentieth Century production now showing at the King's Theatre with Michael Whalen and Jean - Muir in tho leading roles. Miss Muir is seen as the courageous heroine who dares all the perils of the north-country to help the man she loves. Michael Whalen has the lead ing role; with the cast also.; including Slim Summerville, Charles Winninger, John Carradine.* Jane Darwell,' and Thomas Beck. "White Fang" is a sequel to London's "Call of the Wild." Also showing will be the Twentieth Century-Fox musical film, "Pigskin Parade," which deals With the lighter side of American • football. The picture features Stuart Er\vin, Johnny Downs, Arline Judge, Betty Grable, Patsy Kelly* Jack Haley, the Yacht Club Boys, Dixie Dunbar, Anthony Martin, and Judy Garland.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

"Our Relations," which heads the double-feature programme - showing at Our Theatre, presents the famous laugh-making . ■ team of • Laurel - and Hardy in a feature comedy, rated as more elaborate and funnier thari their ma.v- successes of -the past ten years. For the first time portraying dual roles in a full-length feature—each a twin brother—Laurel and Hardy have double the opportunity to,display their screen talents, Laughter-lovers and mystery-lovers alike will appreciate "We're On-the Jury," the second attraction, with Helen Broderick and Victor. Moorein the-principal roles,

' (PAJGACE?J";THEATREr'PETONE.: y "Giri:'6veri)bard" and "Kirig-'of the Castle" conclude at the Palace Theatre. Petone^ tonight, ... ; - A thoroughly enjoyable ' romantic comedy, "The Man I Marry," opens at the Palace Theatre, Petone, at the matinee tomorrow. , Doris Nolan, a brilliant new screen personality, is the capable star and her leading 'may is Michael Whalen. Exciting chases, dramatic clashes; dashes of comedy, and a piquant love story are the ingredients of "Counterfeit Lady," the second attraction. Ralph Bellamy and Joan Perry are the stars. .

GLADYS MONCRIEFF SEASON.

That "The Merry Widow," in which Glaays Moncrieff and the J. C. Williamson, Ltd., Comic Opera Company will make their appearance here at the Opera House on Saturday, June 26, is the most popular of all the musical piays staged during the past thirty ,yea"s, was proved in Auckland recently, wherethe Williamson theatre there was sold out at every performance before 7.30 each evening. Every revival of Franz Lehar's delicious operetta has proved successful, but with the added attraction of Gladys Moncrieff in the role of Sonia it proves oven more attractive to playgoers than the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. It was generally agreed in the northern city that Miss Moncrieff is singing in better form now than at any time during her career, and no less than four encores were demanded for her- exquisite rendering of the famous solo "Villia." The Williamson management has surrounded the prima donna with a particularly ,owerful combination of comic opera md musical comedy artists, including the two popular comedians, Cecil Kellawa.v and Don Nicol, Eric • Bush, Arthur Clarke. Carmen Mascagni, Leslie Crane, Gerald:Connolly, Peter Dawson, lsobel Cue, Geoff Colledge, Leslie Donaghey, lan Devereaux, and other popular artists.' Only a limited number of performances can be staged of "The Merry Widow," and it will be followed by "The Maid of the Mountains" and 'A Southern Maid." The box plans, for "The Merry Widow" will be opened at I the D.I.C; on Wednesday morning lext at 9 o'clock. A queue will be formed from B,o'clock.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

Set in the colourtui background oi New Orleans in the gay 70's, "Rainbow on,the River," Bobby Breen's new singing vehicle for Radio.Pictures is now showing at the New Princess Theatre as a-lavish musical drama, boasting a strong plot, a fine cast, elaborate settings, and a group of songs by the talented ? nine-year-old star. May Robson heads the supporting cast, while diaries ■ Butterworth, Louise Beaver, and Alan Mowbray essay important roles. The associate attraction is "The Students' Romance," introducing lovely, vivacious Grete Natzler, idol of the Continent, iri the most beautiful and spectacular musical romance of the year. Patrlc Knowles and Carol Goodner head tlie supporting cast.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

I .Charlie Chan battle's for his life in the most thrilling and exciting of the Twentieth Century-Fo* adventures of the wily Chinese detective, "Charlie Chan at the Opera;" now showing, at the Capitol Theatre. Warner Oland portrays the arch-enemy of crime, with Boris Karloff co-starred as the king of terror, in the most chilling and thrilling mystery Chan has. ever encountered. The-Jones FamiLr are seen again in the other attraction. "Educating Father/: Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane, Dixie Dunbar; Spring Byington, Kenneth Howell, June Carlson, George Ernest, Florence Roberts, and William Mahan are featured.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORL

: "Sweet, Aloes," a dynamic drama revealing the human emotions,Of love,, passion, hate, and sacriflce, is showing at the Regal Theatre, Karori, tonight with Kay Francis in the stellar role. The picture is based on the stage hit, "Sweet Aloes," by Jay "'Mai-' lory. : The'plot of the play is ultra-" modern and startlingly daringj and although frank in treatment, is handled with the utmost good'taste. Others in the cast include George Brent, Roland Young, Patrick Knowles, Henry Stephenson,' Frieda' Inescort Helen Flint, Halliwell Hobbes. Zeffie Tilbury, and Elspeth Dudgeon; "Marry the Girl." ■a sterling comedy; with Winifred Shotter, Sonnie Hale, Hugh Wakefield, and Judy Gunny is also on the bill.

FORSGREN AND BLOMFIELD. ,?A,professional wrestling contest of intercolonial interest will take place ot the Wellington Town Hall, on Monday night between "Lofty": piomfield, the New Zealand charriplbn. ■■ and Jack Forsgren,-. ? Canadian E title-holder; Wrestling;patrons know that tliere is bound-to be plenty;of excitement when theSfeitwo. men-meet.-Theitriatches between Blomfield and Forsgren last year were'as exciting as.ariy that have ever taken' place in New. Zealand, and their first engagement of the present season has been: eagerly awaited throughout the whole Dominion.':; Forsgren qualified for'the bout by beating "King Kong" Cox on Monday night, when he gave a remarkable display of ruggedness and stamina. Those who know Blomfleld's capabilities,will realise that matters, will be no easier for Forsgren on .'Monday arid the.issue will be open all the way. Amateur preliminaries will commence at 8 o'clock.