CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 83, 8 April 1938, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE,

"Angel," the Paramount picture which opens today at the Regent Theatre, brings to the screen a new director-star combination for which the public have been.waiting.for a long time. The delicate, ethereal beauty of Marlene Dietrich and the light, whimsical directorial touch ofErnst Lubitsch make a compound •;«■ that brings out a high variety of film entertainment. ■The production is htadsome,and lavish, the acting of Miss Dietrich,/ Herbert Marshall, and Melvyn Douglas^ all that anyone could ask, and the work of the supporting cast is plendid."' Herbert Marshall plays the part of an .absorbed diplomat, ..who gives all his time and attention to.political problems/ to the exclusion of his wife, Marlene Dietrich, who resents his lack of attention to her. She finally leaves her home to make a quiet trip to Paris, in search of some adventure to relieve the drabness of her usual life. In Paris she meets Melvyn Douglas and the two fall in love. A strange quirk of fate enters into: the subsequent events and the problem is solved in a dramatic climax. '

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Conveying all the urirorgettable qualities of the original stage drama, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's screen version of "Madame X" opens at the Majestic Theatre today, with Gladys George in the title role. The story has been advanced into more modern dress, but it remains essentially the same as Alexandre Bisson wrote it. j The memorable Court-room scene is more dramatic on the screen than it was on the stage, thanks, of course,.to the greater facilities of the studio.. John Beal as excellent as the son who/ defends his mother from a murder charge, not knowing her identity, and Warren William scores as the husband. Miss George is superb throughout, appearing in the early sequences a beautiful woman of the world, later to become a. broken thing on the relentless wheel of circumstance. The sterlings supporting cast includes Reginald Owen, William Henry, Henry Daniell, ? Phillip Reed, Lynne Carver, Emma Dunn, Ruth Hussey, Luis .Alburni, George Zucco, and Cora Witl-erspoon. Sam Wood directed. It was he who directed "Within the Law," "Stamboul Quest," and many other distinguished dramas, then turned his versatile ability towards comedy with the Marx Brothers^ This marks his return 'to drama and^ his direction is extremely competent.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Deanna Durbin's lates*" picture is always an event. "Tnrte. Smart Girls was a surprise, bringing xo the screen a fresh, sparkling, and? lovable little star. "100 Men and a Girl'! was a revelation ,0f the singing abilities of this amazing youngster, and "Mad About Music " which will begin today at the St. James Theatre, is an outstanding dtolay of .both acting and singing. The producers of "Mad About Music" have boldly thrown v Deanna into a story? that demands the utmost in act-'i ing talent > And l^year-old Deanna ' handles the assignment with ; ease and assurance. As entertainment, 'Mad About Music" excels ; either of her previous pictures, although it departs entirely in,theme and structure from '.'Three Smart Girls" or "100 Men and a Girl." Her new production is almost entirely comedy-drama,, but with a story that lends itself to several highly "emotional passages, bringing tears in , their wake much as did .the finale of "100 Men and a Girl." The tears are immediately followed \by comedy sequences, forcing smiles. It is this pro? cession of smiles and tears which makes "Mad About Music," a great picture. ' ,

NEW PARAMOUNT THEATRE

. "The Life of Emile Zola," which begins a special return, season today at the New Paramount Theatre, is one of the outstanding productions of ? the year,-and it is made of greater im'i portance by Paul Mupi's portrayal of the French firebrand*-novelist, Emile Zola. The golden thread; of Zola's uncompromising love of truth and justice ties the opening episodes together skilfully. Muni draws this;character, with its French explosiveness, its ten-. derness, and its fighting strength, with deep insight and unfailing,artistry.'?

KING'S THEATRE

Preston Foster and Sally; Eilers. appear as a -team for the: first time in "Everybody's Doing?"lt," .'new RKORadio romantic comedy."drama, which is showing at; the 'King's , Theatre; Foster is cast as a temperamental.commercial artist, and Miss! Eilers as his fiancee is called upon to see that he does not step too far out of line; 'The plot centres x>n a prize puzzle picture contest and the climax is reached when a gang of racketeers kidnap Foster to gam an inside track On the answers. Richard Lane, Guinn Williams, Lorraine ' Krueger, Cecil Kellaway, and William Brisbane also have leading parts in the film. James Dunn and Whitney Bourne have: the novel experience of falling in love without learning each other's identity until the last minutes of "Living on Love," new RKO-Radio comedy drama, which is also on the biU. The third feature is the film of the Farr-Braddock fight.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAT.

Tne lnirceemn. v^najr, a inuraer mystery which is showing >at the Empire Theatre, feature^,.-. Dame ■ May Whitty, Madge Evans,-"Lewis; Stone, Elissa Landi, Thomas Beck, ;and-Henry Daniel! and others. The'locale is in India, with an ..inexplicable murder committed when 13 people are sitting around a table in the dark holding hands during a seance. Alice Faye, the Ritz Brothers, ahd Don Ameche head the cast in the new Fox musical film, "You.Cant Have Everything," which is also-showing; *,-

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE,

"Borneo" and "The Calif ornian" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre, Petone.

Fun-making Eddie Cantor and hitmaking Twentieth Century-Fox have combined their talents for the first time,, in "Ali Baba Goes to Town," featuring Tony Martin, Roland Young, June Lang, Louise Hovick, and a tremendous cast, which opens tomorrow at the Grand Theatre, Petone. The picture. is--.- the magnificent cOmbina? tion, of colourful-extravaganza, sid&j splitting comedyy song hits, beautiful girls,- exOtic'dances, brilliant dialogue) and'lavish-sets.- < ■■ ... , ,j

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

"HOrn Reckless",and "It Happened in Hollywood" conclude tonight at'the Palace Theatre',*?Fetone. • r

Romance; and adventure ride . the, range ;w_th?J6_in;Wayne in Zane' Grey's | latest action; " picture, Paramount's "Bom to ? the ;;We'st," which opens, tomorrow at'thePalace^Theatre, Petone. Described as?one- of ?.tHet'funniest of the sophisticated comedies which began with "My Man Godfrey"? , is ■' Paramount's "Love on Toast;" starring Stella Ardler and John Payne, which will also be shown. The story concerns a male beauty contest, 'engineered by Miss Ardler, a recalcitrant \ winner, played by Payne, and a battle of wits between.the two.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE.

"Married Before Breakfast" and "The Garden., Murder Case'" conclude tonight- -.'..- '-~' -J'-■ '■'"' '■*'?:■ Supporting Ronald':Colman in "The Prisoner of Zenda,"; which opens at the State Theatre, Petone, tomorrow, are Madeleine '■' Carroll .and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., Raymond Massey, C. Aubrey Smith, Mary Astor, : and David Nlve'hy who add 'their glory to a famous story .of.^thiSUing jromance and breath-taking adventure.- Colman plays the duatirole *JJSKin"g-?Rudolf V- and theadygtit.arc'iiS*;Ra?endyir-in this tale of Icrvefand^ihtrigue among the courts of , EurovelXXuMissXCaxioll plays the beautiful "Princess-Flatvia, and young Fairbanks -is sceril'as. "the dashing Rupert of Heritzau. --."The "Prisoner of Zenda" offers; some .of? the, most impressive and beautiful scenes ever AUaed.

CITY AND. SUBURBAN THEATRES

PLAZA THEATRE.

DE LUXE THEATRE.

I STATE THEATRE.

REX THEATRE.

ROXY THEATRE.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA.

,;? SEASIDE THEATRE.

CAPITOL THEATRIe.

Hailed by .the critics of America as the year's best comedy, "Nothing Sacred," showing for a second week at the Plaza Theatre, is a hilarious dramatisation of life in New York city. Carole Lombard, who has a notable flair for comedy roles, is said to give the; finest performance of her career, surpassing her achievement in "My Man Godfrey." Fredric March is also starred, and provides much of. the comedy as the cosmopolitan journalist who unwittingly perpetrates a costly hoax on the publisher and editor of his.newspaper. Miss Lombard is seen as a small-town girl with a yearning for. New York. Mar. h, as the ace reporter of the New York "Morning Star," of which Walter Coiy nolly is managing editor, and Charle*s 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 film is released."

Sandy Powell's latest picture, "It's a Grand Old World," commences a return season at the De Luxe today. Those who saw and liked his first screen performance, "Can You Hear Me, Mother?" will be pleased to know that hist latest effort is even better. The standard of British' screen comedies has been steadily rising for some years, but seldom has it achieved the heights of humour to which Sandy Powell has lifted it. "It's a Grand Old World" is a crazy-quilt of situations, each funnier.than the last, through which the genial Sandy ploughs his way to fame and fortune. As Sandy's actress sweetheart, who is just an English country girl. trying to keep the family mansion in the family's possession, Gina Malo gives a very pleasing performance. Cyril Ritchard plays the* part of a nimbletfooted villain; most of whose villainy is happily confined to the footlights. "The Black Doll;" a baffling thriller, will-also be shown, featuring Donald Woods, Nan Grey,' Edgar Kennedy,- and other top-flight players. ••'.',•

Hollywood has been the satirical target oi experts. Now Hollywood goes in for fooling itself, arid the cinema city proves it has a sense of humour. Walter Wanger is that brilliant young producer whose pictures have a way of being off. the beaten track, ,and as was to be expected his "Stand-In," the screen version bf the "Saturday Evening Post" story, which .commences screening at the State' Theatre today, makes all? the previous efforts look meek and mild. The story, which was prepared for the screen in the best style of that madcap writing team Gene Towne and Graham Baker, burlesques all .the familiar .Hollywood foibles and fallacies. The hitherto very romantic -Leslie- Howard takes to comedy—and like a duck to water-^as Atterbury: Dodd, the shy, humourless, bespectacled young banker who is sent ,to Hollywood to take over the 10,000,000-dollar' Colossal studio and run it according to the science of mathematics. Joan Blondell is at her best in the title role as Lester "Sugar" Plu_n, the "stand-in" who'helps Howard figure out Hollywood.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE.

Too seldom are films produced that are;so different .that they start a.new trend ; in motion pictures.* Such a picture is Walter wanger's "Vogues of 1938," which is the main feature at the New Princess Theatre. It combines a story rare in its dynamic pace, hilarious humour by Sam and Bella, and^Spewack, grand 'stars in Warner Baxter and.Joan.Bennett;, dazzling entertainioent by New' York's night club favourites. The pictuirefis in techincolour. The associate feature is Paramount. Films' mystery thriller "Bulldog Drummond Comes ?Back," '-. starring "John Barrymore; : '-.'and 'Louise Campbell/ .':•;-■■■. . -'■; xyy.-. -.•-. ■■-■;•.■

"Sworn Enemy," which is screening at the Rex Theatre, reveals the amazing . daring of a typical gangster leader, lulled into a sense of false security by his own peculiar success Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer produced the film and made the fortunate choice oi • Joseph, Calleia to play.the gangster characterisation. Robert Young, Nat Pendelton, Lewis Stone, Harold Huber, Harvey Stephens, and Samuel Hinds are also in the cast. "Behind the .Mike," the second feature presents William Gargan and Judith Barrett in the leading roles, with Don Wilson, noted radio personality: Sterlwg,vHollowSy' .GeraW Oliver Smith, William Davidson, Grady Sutton Spencer Charters, and Jerry Mandy in featured parts. .

.wi 0"1 its fP enin S shot to its bombshell- courtroom close , '"The Case Against Mrs. .Ames," which is screen- ■«£.»?•*' the Roxy Theatre, sustains a Sen S en?"lh?r,? a, Cc of & ama and suspense. The picture,; a Paramount production, presents Madeleine Carroll, in L fa,f^ ovlnga story of a woman chargwltrfhl^ Urde/i, and~ ? ate* threatened with the loss of her only child. George Brent, ec-stars with Miss Carroll. Paray?l^u -■? 'nfireezy.,,- romantic-comedy; "Easy.to, Take,",,is the supporting-.fea' |!J^i.£?s?'l^a^? rf,^ t^tbp:honbursin the film,with Marsha Hunt

mXLB and Robert Montgomery as co-stars, and a sunporting cast that includes such popular comedians .as Frank McHugh^ Patsy Wni y ' + t°% s rc Faze?, da. "id* Allen Jenthe< arn^F Bros.': Cosmopolitan comedy "Ever.Since Eye," is sAowing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. It ii described ,as the sprightliest, piece of nonsense that either of the stars has SS. P-lay^ ln* An impressive- cast Is* seen in the associate feature, Paramount s comedy with music, "Double or Nothing." With-.Bing Crosby as the star the cast includes Martha Raye. Andy Devine, Mary Carlisle, William Frawley, Fay Holden, Samuel S. Hinds, William Henry, and many others.

■ The private life of a pair of gamblers ..provides the unusual and entertaining theme of "Don't Gamble With -Love, the new Columbia comedy • r a amS;, which is showing' at the Seaside Theatre, with Ann Sothern and Bruce Cabot in the leading roles. Beautiful Gail Patrick plays the first straight dramatic role of hercareer in Paramount's "Her Husband Lies," a drama of sacrifice which is the second attraction.

Gary Cooper is cast as "Wild Bill" Hickok in "The Plainsman," now screening at the Capitol Theatre, and lovely Jean Arthur portrays "Calamity Jane," famous frontier woman, who loved the silent, hard-fighting peace officer, but could not have him. Slim Summerville and his orphan horse add a-new amusing element to? "Off to the Races." Twentieth Century-Fox production featuring the Jones Family, which is also on the bill. Jed Prouty. Spring Byington, Russell Gleason. and Shirley Dean" are principal players.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN.

Laurel and Hardy, those whimsical and fantastical exponents of comedy were at the height of their glory in filming the hilarious sequences in the Hal Roach M.-G.-M. all-star feature, "Pick a Star," which heads the doublefeature programme showing at . Our Theatre. The comedy cast includes Patsy Jack Haley, and Rosina Lawrence, The story concerns the riotous misadventures of a small-town boy trying to get his sweetheart into pictures. Edmund Lowe and Florence Rice have the principal roles in the mystery thriller, "Under Cover of Night," the associate feature.

TIVOLI THEATRE.

"Hei'di of the Alps," starring Shirley Temple, is screening at the Tivoli Theatre. Bringing love to hearts filled with hate, and a twinkle to eyes filled with tears, "Heidi of the Alps" (tells of an embittered mountain-top exile, brilliantly-portrayed by Jean Hersholt, reclaimed from his fierce hatred of the world, of a yoiing girl (who finds the strength and courage to walk again, and pf the little heroine iwho brings everyone new zest for life. Arthur Treacher and Helen Westley play prominent roles in the story, and Pauline Moore, Thomas Beck, Mary Nash,' Sidney Blackmer, Mady Christians, and Sig Rumann are also featured in the cast. Nine new song hits by Gordon and Revel, the Hollywood song-writers who have written many-of America's leading musical successes, are presented in "Wake Up and Live," the 20th Century-Fox production featuring Walter Winchell, Ben Bernie, and Alice Fay, which will also be shown. Patsy Kelly, Ned Sparks, and Jack Haley add an extra measure of humour to the hilarious picture.

FRANK NEIL REVUE,

There can be no doubt about the success of the Frank Neil-J. C. Williamson Reviie Company now in session at the New Opera House. Speed is the keynote of this company of international stars, and capacity audiences testify to1 the enormous appeal of the class of performance presented by this evenly-balanced combination. For Ella Shields there is always a niche in the hearts of theatregoers. Jim Gerald is as ridiculously funny as ever, With his brand-new turns that reduce audiences to helpless laughter. The" accompanying artists are of international repute, and include Gautier's sagacious dogs; Don Gal van, Mexican troubadour; Arne Hartman, piano-accordion wizard; Petillo and Fesco, acrobatic clowns; Munro and Adams, dancers and jugglers; U. S. Thompson, coloured American tapdancer; Janetski, xylophonist; Shirley Lawson, Len Rich, Max Reddy, John Fraser, Lily Coburn, Iris Shand, and Mollyf Hislop, in violin, song, and dance numbers. The' Australian ballet is a feature of,the show. The Wellington season concludes tomorrow night; and there will be a matinee in the afternoon.. The .company then goes SOUth. ;'.'"

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

| '?_V young Italian'tenor falls into the hands of,a'grotip of clever thieves and innocently,, aids, in the theft of a valuable necklace in '"Music for Madame," screening at the Regal Theatre and starring the fairied Metropolitan opera tenor, ?Nino Martini, with Joan i Fontaine featured. "The Jungle Princess," a thrilling romance with Dorothy Lamour; and Ray Milland, is the other attraction. A specially-selected matinee programme will be given tomorrow, commencing at 2.15 p.m., showing the all-colour feature-length cartoon; "Popfy.f the Sailor Meets Sinbad the jailor, The Jungle Princess," 'an Our; Gang" comedy, a "Betty Boop" cartoon, as well as the start of an cxv% 8i '"iSr' s.eri,al.„"The Adventures of Drank Mem vale,"

MONDAY'S WRESTLING.

Local wrestling enthusiasts who are anxious to see in action Andy Moen; the Swedish-American who has won berth-his contests at Auckland in convincing^ style, will have the opportunity on .Monday night when Moen, will • Irish Jack Kennedy. Moen's displays have; shown that he measures right up to the best standards of the Dominion Union's importations » and, although he is a big man, his display against Yourist at' Auckland was described as the fastest seen in that city for several years. Kennedy will be making his New Zealand debut but his past record, combined with his impressive appearance, gives rise to' the impression that he is the right man to, check the aggressive Moen. He is ott in height, weighs over 16 stone, and has beaten some of the best men in the wrestling game. There will be amateur preliminaries.

FRENCH CLUB SEASON.

. n T Dhe French Club will reopen for the 1938 season on April 21. The club exists,for the diffusion of French culture; and has an enthusiastic membership,of nearly 150, quite a number of whom arc Of French nationality or extraction. All those desirous of joining arevfaivited to ring the secretary, telepho&t 5-1-275,