CURRENT EINTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 80, 5 April 1938, Page 8

CURRENT EINTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

"Ebb Tide," the first sea picture ever filmed in technicolour, is showing at the Regent Theatre. Taken from a story by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbornc, the film is played by, Oscar Homolka, noted Viennese star, Frances Farmer, Ray Milland, Lloyd j Nolan, and Barry Fitzgerald. The story has to do with a derelict, Mil-, land, who foils in Jove with the daughter- of a dead1 sea captain (Miss Far-1 mer) on an ill-fated voyage in the South Pacific. Homolka, a captain on the.beach because of his bad record,of drinking, is down and out, beachcombing with Milland and his companion Fizgerald, a conniving Cockney. Homolka contracts to take a trading ship to Australia, taking his companions' with him. The ship turns out to be I loaded with champagne, and carries I one passenger, Miss Farmer. Over the j protest of Milland, Homolka and Fitzgerald' change the course of the ship, planning to steal it and sell the cargo. Homolka takes to drink again, and in a-wild storm the ship Is blown off its course. There are many gripping events before the unusual climax. A fine supporting programme is sljown,

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

'■\ It would be difficult to name " two more popular stars on the screen today than Spencer Tracey and Luise . Rainer, and in their combined efforts in "Big^City," now screening at the Majestic Theatre, they do not disappoint the public. The story deals with just ordinary people, which in itself makes the'picture rather, unusual. The central characters are a city taxi-driver and his young wife, an immigrant who is still finding a little difficulty with the language, but who loves her adopted country of'rush and bustle, and her " homely and honest young husband. Spencer Tracey is the driver and Luise Rainer is his wife. - The war between two rival taxi companies provides the theme, the husband and wife being unwillingly entangled between gangsters and the law. The story leads up to a grand climax when a bombing plot is uncovered, the culprits found, and the Mayor's help gained." There is in addition an excellent array o! y supports.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Skilfully dramatised to lose nothing of its Alaskan setting or the social problem'that brings out. the best in very diverse natures, the screen version of '"The Barrier" at the St. James Theatre if anything improves on Rex Beach's novel. Poleon, 'a£ played by Leo Carillo, is a lovable character, always flamboyantly hiding his feelings to ease ■ the path of those he loves, carolling cheerily in, a fine baritone, and really only natural when playing with the children, with whom his nature is almost ridiculously akin for all his fourteen stone) yet a lion when Necia is in danger. Jean Parker has the charming part of .a young woman with a girl's unsophistication, too innocent to realise that she is oi different blood to the trader's children by his squaw. A splendid supporting cast includes James Ellison, Robert Barratt, Otto Kruger, Sara Haden, and Andy Clyde. The short subjects are unusually interesting and thrilling.

' ' PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Adapated from Fannxe Hurst's, bestseller of the. same name, "Imitation oi Life " is being shown at the New- Paramount Theatre. John Stahl proved in "Back Street" that he could transpose to the screen every ounce of-interest in a Fannie Hurst story and he directed "Imitation of Life" also. Xlaudette Colbert is an ideal heroine. A dozen, leading men were discarded before John Stahl decided upon Warren William. The cast supporting them is of real star proportions. A new baby star, this time a three-year-old one, named Baby Jane, plays the tiny daughter and for her work was given a starring .contract by .Universal. Rochelle'Hudson plays the baby grown up, with Alan Hale. -Ned Sparks, Henry Armetta, Louise Beavers, Henry Kolker, Alma Tell, G. P. 'Huntly, jun., Wyndham Standing, and Paul Porcasi.

i KING'S THEATRE.

The> screen's biggest buffoons, Wheeler and Woolsey, make a welcome reappearance in "High Flyers," now screening at the King's , Theatre; they surpass all previous efforts. In this: film they are a pair of showmen in the beginning, unwitting but prominent figures in a daring ocean jewel robbery a 'ittle later, and branded as dangerous madmen in the concluding stages. The picture, which has both thrilling incidents arid plenty of romantic interest, races to a hilarious climax. The associate feature, "There Goes the Groom,1" starring' Ann Sothern and Burgess Meredith,! is an interesting and extremely diverting portrayal of a young sister, obviously sincere, trying to win a man from, an elder sisier, obviously ft' moneygrabber. ','>■-

REX THEATRE.

"The Sky Parade," screening 'at the Rex Theatre, has everything that goes to make a picture which will long be> remembered; speedy, thrilling action; flight scenes of breathtaking -beauty; and scintillant comedy furnished by Billy. Lee and Sid Saylor. The producers have chosen a first-rato vehicle to introduce Jimmie Allen to the screen. "Ship Cafe," the associate feature, is a gay, tuneful revolving about the hilarious career of a stoker who becomes a night club singer and then a gigolo. Arline Judge, William Frawley, Mady Christians, Eddie Davis, and Inez Courtney are in the cast. '

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY,

l " "Slave Ship," starring Warner Baxter and Wallace Beery, is showing at the Empire Theatre, Island Bay, and brings the mightiest of the sagas of the sea to the screen. Elizabeth Allan and Mickey Rooney head the large supporting cast, enacting a stirring story of the last of the American "black- ■ birders," hunted by the fleets of every nation in their vigorous effort to stamp out the slave trade.' The love of a Hollywood extra girl and an Italian singer who seeks film fame, is ' unfolded in "Music for Madame," the musical romance starring Nino Martini and featuring lovely Joan Fontaine, which is the' associate attraction. ,i•.■•■

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

With a good deal of Its action occurring in a great broadcasting plant, "Wake Up and Live," the Twentieth Century-Fox musical film featuring Walter Winchell, ;Beri Bernie, and Alice Faye, screening tonight at the Regal Theatre, Karon* offers an interesting comparison of niicrophone techhiques and the broadcasting mannerisms of some favourite ir.adio Nine new song hits by. Gordon and Revel are presented in the picture. Will Hay's latest comedy success, "Windbag the Sailor;" is also screening.

CAPITOL THEATRE.

The dramatic story of China's teeming millions, their struggles, their hardships, and, the intensely human heartbeat of the greats and little known nation, is transcribed from Pearl S. Buck's epic novel and the stage adaptation by Owen. Davis"", and. Donald Davis to the talking screen in "The Good Earth," starring Paul Muni and Luise Rainer, which; is showing ■at the Capitol Theatre. '•

SEASIDE THEATRE.

In its relation to the lives of each and every One of us, the story of "The Good Earth," showing at the Seaside Theatre, is particularly: applicable. Man's fight for,, existence, against his fell6w-man and'against the normal elements of "a sometimes - unfriendly Nature—that is the story in, v a. nutshell. Action, international -intrigue, and romance in generous portions keep Parambunt's "The' Girl*-from Scotland Yard,"- which is also showinft moving at a swift pace. The picture has plenty of thrills and chills; '■ :sonie'; excellent comedy, and a flavouring of music.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

I , PLAZA THEATRE.

iiauea oy me umub w. a<»^'"'."" the year's best comedy, "Nothing Sacred," showing at the Plaza, Theatre, is a hilarious1 dramatisation of life in New 'York city. Carole Lombard, who has a notable,flair for comedy roles, Is said to give the'finest performance, oi ncr career, surpassing her achievement in "My Man Godfrey." Fredric March is also starred, and provides much <?f the comedy as the cosmopolitan journalist who unwittingly perpetrates a costly hoax on' the publisher and editor of his newspaper. Miss Loirfbard is seen as a small-town girl .with a yearning for--New lYorJt. March, as the ace reporter of the New York "Morning Star," of which -Walter Connolly is managing editor, and Charles Winninger. as a small-town medico. To disclose the actual nature of. the • hoax which turns New York-upside down and Inside out would rob. picture-lovers of* pleasure when the lilm is released, ' v >

' DE LUXE THEATRE. ',

A comedy full of new and old players of merit and a filming of oneof-Zane Grey's Western stories furnish- /the chief attractions at the De Luxe Theatre this wcek.Jn "Love oaToast,' the leading roles are played by Stella Ardle'iy a young actress who has wade a name Sot herself in stage,roles, and handsome, young John Payne, 'with such old -friends as Isabel Jewell, Franklin Pongbourno, and Luis Alberm in the.supp6rting cast. The film deals with the scheme of a young publicity woman to,increase soup sales by finding Mr1. Manhattan and Miss Brooklyn and uniting them in marriage, and reveals what, happens --when things, go astray. The other feature is "Born to the West," with easygoing John Wayne as the rolling-stone who decides to settle down on his couisn's ranch,-even though this means acting as cook, rounding-up steers, and wooing Marsha Hunt, while winning the confidence of his cousin. In support there is 1 a variety of newsreels.

.■.^^.•^^TAmTHEATRE^Ifi;--;.-. -.;.

There is probably no more romantic figure than the "Scarlet Pimpernel," and that'is a very good reason why any picturisation of his exploits, must always appeal ,to the pablic. In "The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel," which is "enjoying a successful season af'thjß State Theatre, all-the glamour of Baroness Orczy's' romantic creation is again seen on the screen.' Alexander Korda has taken His all-British cast, and has produced a picture closely akin -to the -authoress's novels, with their, tradition of fast-moving action andt' quidkly-dsveloped plot. Tt approaches the si»bject from a different angle than the American picture which preceded it. In the title role. Barry K. Barnes' Is-entirely the dashing, adventurer of the novel. As Lady Blakeney, Sophie Stewart acts with conviction, and is particularly appealing in the trial scenes. Francis Lister makes a villainous' Ghauvelin who is perhaps not quite so black as he is painted. The real villain of the piece is shown as Robespierre, played by <Henry Oscar, There"are excellent, supports,

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

"His Brother's" Wife,"- which heads the bill at the New Princess Theatre, brings Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor to the screen in a spectacular romance. Jean Hersholt is featured as a veteran .explorer and adventurer in the.far and-dangerous plates of the , tropical jungle. Joseph Calleia scores in another pf his suave bad-man roles The dating, story of a young scientist who ventures into the jungle to find the curefor*a dreaded malady and returns to the realisation that v the i woman he is his, brother's'wife provides -a dramatic vehicle for these distinguished stars. The associate attraction is the hilarious -R.K.0.-Radio comedy, "Biding on Air," starring Joe E. Brown. -;v' ' ■

KILRIRNIE KINEMA.

1 Jack' Hulbert arid Cicely Courl> neidge.- JJnglandls. .jnosj. hilariously amusing and entirely original, likeable pair of funmakers, make a welcome reappearance in "Take. My Tip,? which is sho*wing-at the Kilbirnie "Klnema. The picture is • said to be their most brilliant- comedy. It is claimed that there is a laugh, a minute in'-Columbia's rollicking new screen I comedy/ "Let's Get Married," which will also'be shown. Ida Lupino.ißalph' Bellamy, ancl Walter Connolly have the three top roles in:this sparkling picture. > -' . ' '

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OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. ' All the elements, of ' a thoroughly ' entertaining motion picture- are com-1 bined in Bobby Breen'gf new musical' starring vehicle, ','Make a'Wish," which i is the main.'attraction at Our Theatre, i The story find*- Bobby', at a boys' camp i where he makes >the acquaintance, of I Rathbone, a composer of operettas, who I is staying at his nearby lodge. Through Bobby^ the musician- acquires a very personal.lnterest in the lad's young mother, much to the annoyance of her fiance. The situation reaches a climax when RtrtHbone urges her tp play the leading role in his new operetta. "The Big Shpt," starring Guy Kibbee, is the second attraction. '

1 , ROXY THEATRE.

Murder on the fog-bound moor, a kidnapping, the machinations of a counterfeit band,' and the imprisonment of a beautiful woman in a house of mystery are a few things "Bulldog Drummond" has to solve in ParamoUnt's "Bulldog Drummond Escapes," now screening at the Roxy Theatre. Ray Milland plays the role of the master , sleuth and soldier-of-fortune. Reginald Denny, Sir Guy Standing, Heather Angel, and Porter Hall are also in the cast. The battle between a newspaper committed to a reform policy and a "blackmail sheet" 'supplies the colourful packground for Paramouht's "Exclusive," co-starring Fred Mac Murray, Frances Farmer, arid* Charlie Ruggfes, which is the supporting feature.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE.

"Heidi" concludes, tonight at the State Thoatrq, Petone. Teaming Robert young and Florence Rice, "Married Before Breakfast,'' which opens at the State Theatre, Petone, tom6rrow, tells of a carefree young inventor,who becomes enmeshed in a series of laugh-provoking adventures. Philo Vance falls in love in the middle of one of the, most' perplexing murder mysteries of his career, "The Garden Murder Case," which will also be shown. -Edmund Lowe portrays Philo Vance,' with bob-haired sleeklygowned Virginia Bruce'as the society girl. ' i

PALACE- THEATRE, PETONE.

"The.Spy; Ringl"' and /'Dodge* City Trail*'i .Will "have, their ..final screening tonight at the Palace Theatre, Petpne.; Equipped with a steel-clad, bulletproofed: taxicab, Brian Donleyy sets out to smash by brute force the vicious racketeers attempting extortion on the legitimate ~ cab business of a typical Western; : ;city in "Botfn Keckless," which: opehs tomorrow .at the Palace The^We,'/Petone.': The.,second attraction will be "It. Happened in Hollywood," ■! with Fay Wray and Richard Dix'in-the featured roles.' '

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

"Over She Goes" concludes at the Grand Theatre, Petone, tonight. The yedelling cowboy, Jack Carter, appears on the stages ,

The main attraction at the Grand Theatre. Petone, tomorrow, will be "Borneo," Martin Johnson's lest and greatest' picture. Many strange sigh is. never before photographed are recorded on film for the first time' in the isle of. the topsy-turvy, the upside down, and' Nature in reverse. Among these are tree-climbing fish, flying snakes,. oysters growing on trees, and the giant orang-utan "devil-beast" of the jungle. The second feature is "The Californian." Harold Bell Wright's ac-tion-packed drama of the old West, starring Ricardo Cortez.

TIVOLI THEATRE,

"Victoria the Great," the lavishly-pro-duced drama of the revered British Queen, which is screening' at the Tivoli Theatre, rejoices in an atmosphere as colourful as it is real. The pictui'e -was; planned hy Herbert Wilcox, fit's, producer, as long as ten \ years ago;.-although:he .was aware that* wiW four generations after Victoria's death, ■no. stage or screen entertainment offer-ihg.--anKjniperspnatidh.bf the sovereign WOtlld be permitted by British oflleia.l--'dom'- 'This-decree has.now been cah'fcelletJ.V.MuchV.'of the story centres on 'the yburtgerr.days of the Queen, showi:ing":her;as a luii-l.ovirig' girl, her courtShip,' -her love'for Prince Albert,. with Vietoria^d'oirig the proposing .by virtue of ■Royal', right, their marriage, and ■ the long''period -of tweritytseven;: years of wedded 'bliss which followed.;.. Many important and. leading. .events/ of : Victoria's reign, form dramatic highlights in,-the film.' Anna, Neagle,. leading ■favourite of the Bhglish,;screen,;.plays'nhe star role of QueensVictoria; -Anton W,albrook, celebrated" dramatic; 'actor,-;,w bracketed -with, Her :-m Prince Albert. H,;B. -Warner fills the impartapt role'of Lj^rd Meiboufrjer:.; 'M;r'fi':;[';t.'J''-\r. : »+<-:

RIVOLI THEATRE,

Due to the co-oporation of the British Government, which extended hitherto unheard of facilities in the production of RKO-Radio's. feature. "Victoria the Great," the lavishly-produced drama of the revered, British - Queen, v wh'ich' js screening at the.'RivoU Theatre, rejoices, in an - atmosphere as colourful as it is real. Much of the story1 centres 'qn ; the younger days Of the Queen, showing her ag a 1 fun-loving girl, her courtship, her love for prince Albert, with Viqtoria doing the proposing by virtue of Royal right, their marriage, and the long period' of twenty-seven years of wedded bliss which followed. Many important and leading events of Victoria's reign form dramatic high lights in the film.. Anna Neagle, leading favourite of the English screen, plays the star role of Queen Victoria. Anton Walbrook, celebrated dramatic actor, is bracketed with her as Prince I Albert. H. B. Warner fills the import/ !ant role of Lord' Melbourne. "This i Way Please," starring Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Betty Grablc and' Ned Sparks, is the, associate feature.

FRANK NEIL REVUE.

Another large crowd attended the-, Frank Neil revue show at the New Opera House last night,' when 'a wide' and varied, programme of humour',1 vocal items, and dancing-numbers was1 presented. Jun Gerald, who ,has earned-' the name of being one of the best i comedians ever to have visited New I Zealand,,,is, irresistibly, funny, andihiei efforts keep'the audience in a gentle simmer of amusement throughout the entire programme. Len Rich acts as a foil-for Gerald's ■quips and the two team admirably. Once again Miss Ella Shields makes a great appeal to tho public, and she smgs, among other vtery popular airs, "Burlington BerMe." She is as .smart #s ever, in-, her. male imperspnations. Gau(ier's performing dogs are amazingly clever, and are one-' of the high lights of the programme. 3>on Galvan, the- Mexican, is 'heard in a number* of very pltasing songs, and Petilo and Pesco prove that they are a very talented pair of acrobatic dancers. Something cut of the ordinary in the way of playing is provided by\Amie Hartnjan. There are some excellent tapping items, and last but not least there Is an attractive and very capable ballet. ■ ■

DISPLAY BY BANDS,

During the past few months the citizens of Wellington have witnessed many combined band displays on 'the Basin Reserve, and on Sunday next at the same ground they will hay an. opportunity of seeing something extra special in this class of entertainment. The Wangahm Garrison Band is to visit Wellington, and opportunity has been taken to bring together the two leading bands of New Zealand. The Port Nicholson Silver Band, the champion band of the Dominion, will assist the Wanganui Band, who, incidentally, are last year's champions and this year's champion marching combination, in a notable programme of combined and individual items. The Wanganui Garrison Band will give a display of the quickstep which should be worth going a long way to see. Both bands are noted for their fine quality of tone, and the effect in the combined items should be most inspiring.