CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 92, 20 April 1938, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. One of the most outstanding comedies that has ever been screened in Wellington, "The Awful Truth," is the main attraction at the Regent Theatre. Starring Irene Dunne,.,and .Cary Grant —not to men'tion^tlie' exceptional dog Asta of "Tfte^ThiiP Man"—this film won great fahAW^er'seasr/ The popularity of the' film'7s'''fullyHyafranted, for it is even funnier thah; "Theodora Goes Wild," Miss' Dunne's previous brilliant comedy success. There is a laugh in nearly every moment of the film, and it is comedy of the highest class. Miss Dunne is excellent as a young wife who, though deeply in love with her husband, obtains a divorce after a quarrel, and then the pair realise that they cannot do without each other. "Mr. Smith," the terrier, gives an almost human performance, arid helps the plot alpng. The supporting programme is an excellent one. :•'-■-. ■■'-.. ••■■■ ■' •' MAJESTIC THEATRE. The atmosphere of those glamorous days when the shadow of Napoleon lay across all Europe, and when liberty and tyranny were together personified in the figure of one man, is recreated in the fllm"Marie Walewska," starring Greta Garbo and Charles Boyer, which is* now showing at the Majestic Theatre. It portrays a new and interesting side of the career of the great emperor; and a slight distortion of the facts is permissible in the ' interests of drama and continuity. The story is that .of the romance between Napoleon and a Polish countess who attracts his attention during a campaign through Poland. The Polish patriots,, dreaming of the ancient glory of their country, and tired of the domination of Russia, seize the opportunity of placing someone of Polish, sympathies in close contact with the victorious emperor. The tale from then on is that of a woman who renounces husband and family to follow the fortunes of a main whose attitude towards the world is slowly changing from that of a liberator to that of a conqueror, ... ST. JAMES THEATRE. Crowded and appreciative houses are still greeting Deanna Durbin at the St. James Theatre in "Mad About Music," which gives the fifteen-year-bid star . every . opportunity to present girlish adolescence at • its best arid sweetest. As this picture develops, one gradually recognises the great art with which it has been built up, and audiences can enjoy to the lull the Deanna Durbin they so quickly loved in her two earlier pictures. They can enjoy her delightful personalityits charm and its sparkling comedy. She is "mad about music" only to the extent of Gounod's "Aye Maria" (with the Vienna Boys'- Choir) and three light modern , efforts, of which "I Love to Whistle" (sung by principal and chorus on bicycles) is the most outstanding. The star's singing is part of her radiant self, and it would be a deprivation to hear her without seeing her, so much do the song and singer become one. Herbert Marshall, Jackie Moran, and Gail Patrick are the principals in support PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Picturegoers who enjoy singing and dancing and a light' plot will find that the Universal film "You're a Sweetheart," -which is showing at the Paramount, is very much -to their liking. Alice Faye and George Murphy are an attractive pair, and their gay fooling will carry an audience along. There is a good supporting cast of humorists, including ugly Frank tfeiiks, Andy Devine, and Reg. : Murphy, but the High lights of the filmare provided by the revue artists who take part in.the Broadway show. KING'S THEATRE. More full of mischief than ever the irresistible Jane Withers makes a welcome return to the screen in Wellington in "45 Fathers," now screening at the King's Theatre. The story deals with a child who returns to America from a foreign country under the auspices of the "Spear and Gun Club," an American club to. which her father once belonged. She arrives complete with monkey, and crashes-through the sacred, portals of the club, spreading havoc in large quantities. In a draw the club president becomes the guardian of Jane: At his house she! meets young, handsome, and wealthy Thomas Beck, and a firm friendship is set up. Louise Henry is the designing female who attempts to win ThomasBeck by fair means or foul, but Jane is equally determined that she shall not. The associate feature is Zane GlPey's magnificent story, "Roll Along, Cowboy," a Western film :of unusual interest starring Smith Bellew, famous singing star, and beautiful Cecilia Parker. : , ROXY THEATRE. With Marion Davies and Robert Montgomery as co-stars, "Ever Since Eve" is showing at the Roxy Theatre. Montgomery plays the part of an author who cannot settle down to finish his. novels because he always has his mind on blondes. Miss Davies assumes the role of a secretary who has been so pestered by previous employers on account of her good looks that when she goes to work for Bob she does so in disguise, making herself as homely as possible.. A story of a bitter Court battle for the possession of a child is told in ''Midnight Madonna," the associate feature. , REX THEATRE. Joe Penner is back on the screen again with Jack Oakie, but minus his famous duck. The new picture, Paramount's "The Charm School," which also has Ned Sparks, Lynne Overman, and lovely. Frances Langford in the cast, is showing at the Rex Theatre. - Throughout the picture, the girls furnish the musical and dancing entertainment, while the comedy situations are offered by the men. The associate attraction, "Klondike Annie," in which Victor McLaglen and Mac West are costarred, deals with the Alaskan gold rush days, STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Twelve stunt men were used for sequences in "Love Under Fire, mnow at the State . Theatre. Loretta Young and Don Arneche. are co-starred, with Borr'ah Minevitch and his gang, Frances Drake,'-Walter Catlett, John Carradlne, arid Sig Rumann featured in the supporting cast. In "Love Under Fire," the stunt men were required to plunge from the deck of a boat into the water fifty feet below. Posing as fighting sailors, they provided the thrills while Loretta Young and Don Ameche were romancing. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. / "The General-Died at Dawn," star- ■ ring Gary-Cooper,-is showing at the Grand .TheatreX It As <a story built around the romance' between a soldier of-fortuneMo- whom danger is the breath "of life, and a beautiful woman, adventuress who is given the task of destroying him. Their fortunes are closely involved with the fate of China's teeming millions. "F Man," an amusing new comedy relating the adventures of a boy who wanted to be a "G Man" is the second attraction, with Jack Haley in the title role. PALACE THEATREi PETONE. "The High Command;"- starring Lionel Atwill, is showing at the Palace Theatre. It is a stirring adaptation of Lewis Robinson's powerful dramatic romance, "The General Goes Too Far," the story of a small band of Britishers in a far-flung outpost of the Empire, where the loves and desires of white men and women are but little removed from the primitive passions of the natives. The story olihe JRKO-Radio picture, "Too Many.Wives," the second feature, deals with ' ingenious ideas of a penniless, .youngeman-who, seeks a jpb and the hand of a society girl—and wins-both.'...::';. /:;•-: ,■

CITY ANDr SUBURBAN THEATRES

PLAZA THEATRE. Annabella has come to stay. Proof that her speedy'rise "to popularity was not due to isolated success is "Dinner at the Ritz," now screening at the Plaza Theatre^ Her acting is super-, latiye;:,frpm:, happy 'innocence she moveS^tfethe^'ufeiipfeanaadventuress, butinif m^W»mssWffl .be-:de-tect#a>#lS-ris'"like" the':" changing of gloves."'■-. .Ahriabella'; is -happy. She is the daughter of a prominent Parisian banker, has the best gowns that money can buy, and a life that is perfectly carefree. . And then her father dies. Suicide, they say, and a suicide that causes a major upset in financial circles; but Annabella knows her father and knows that his- death was not by suicide. :Literally overnight she becomes an adventuress, seeking those clues that. willlead, to> the ■ arrest of the mur^e^ers. vQthersvin^the cast are PauX;£ukasJ"aM^v,iaiNiVSh/5;; r ,, . ;\'de ? luxe,:,theatre;*'Having its location at the American Annapolis,navaLacademy, "Navy Blue and Gold,", now, screening at the De Luxe Theatre, is a picture that is different,' and that; difference makes, -its entertainment of the highest ■ quality. There: is an excellent cast, headed by Robert Young, Jahies Stewart, Tom Brown, arid--Lionel'Barrymore. In -. its' nresentation of the tradition of the great naval academy the picture has almost an English ring, overlaid, possibly, with a trifle more sentiment. It takes three young fellows of different types, from different-backgrounds, and it makes them into naval officers with the same loyalties and the same ambitions. Brown is the son of a wealthy family, with all the advantages it is possible for him to have. Stewart comes from the 'tween decks of an American battleship, serious,, studious, and shy; Young is .exchanging,an aptitude for football fora college-degree, and the'material benefits it will bring. '.;-■■. STATE THEATRE. The genius of Fred Astaire has never been shown tp greater advantage than in ?A Damsel in Distress," the screen adaptation of the P. G. Wodehouse story, how showing'at the' State Theatre. ; The. show is equal to the brightest hit that the Astaire-Rogers team ever produced. Of course, Fred Astaire is more than ever the.central figure, but he is splendidly supported by the George Burns-Graicie Allen team, a combination 'scarc&iy less well known than himself. The film goes with a splendid swing from' start to ■• finish, and though it is well over the 9000 ft mark, there are no dull patches. The most striking features are the dance sequences, which are really first class, and which touch a "new high-water mark in - entertainment of. that type. Astaire dances to express :his happiness, his sorrow, arid any other emotion he happens to feel at ike moment. .' . . [■* v.vNEW"pRINCESi3;: THEATRE."?j'' .JFour butstandiiig v stars.tee appearing1 at the1 New Princess /Theatre in Metro-Goldwyri-Mayer's . comedy; hit, "L;ibelled vLady;", Jean.- Harlpw, Willi'afti' Pdwell, Myrria' Lby, and Spencer Tracy -unite \ their, V exceptional adting' ability.' in one of. the most entertaining i■■ films of:' recent years, ; a drama With: a: newspaper angle, that is as modern as the current headlines of the front-page. .The associate feature is Action Pictures' "It's a Grand Old World," starring Sandy Powell. TUDOR THEATRE. Snow-drenched with shimmering alpine beauty, exhilarating in its fresh, gay, out-of-doors romance, "Thin Ice," starring Sonja Henie, more exciting than ever before, and1 Tyrone Power, handsome young screen star, commerices -on Saturday at the Tudor Theatre. Miss Henie performs new miracles of grace as she skates and skis along the silvery alpine. slopes, with Tyrone' Power and romance following close behind. The second attraction is" -the * wholesome < comedy; "Danger-i— Loye at W.or.k." starring Ann Sptheffi, Jack Haley, v arid Mary Boland,, , .; i ': ':kttßniNlE;-KINEMA..:;,':-". j "The Road Back,"-now,at4he,Kilbir-nie Kinema, takes up; where "All Quieton the Western Front-leaves off: Both, are 'by. .^^the..,'sames , author, -Erich Remarque. ■•"■■ .The- Road ■ Back" treats, of-the disillusipriment, tfie heart-break-ing revelations," which- come to exsoldiers as they find •their..ideals, so closely, heia for years, trariipled. under foot at home; In: "Think Fast, Mr. • Moto," the < second ■ feature, , strange events in'i San Francisco's Chinatown place a detective (Peter "Lorre)' on the trail of a" criminal band that-has. the international police at their wits' end. ' i"IREGAii.'THEATRE,;KARp.|H ; ,'•: :»'.■■ Tie dramatic'story of China's teeming millions, ' their struggles/ their hardships, - arid the-v intensely' \ human heartbeat of the'; great and little known nation, is transcribed from Pearl S. Buck's epic novel to the ; ; talking screen in "The Good Earth," "starring Paul Muni and Luise Rainer, which is showing at-the Regal Theatre.. Fruit of four years of , research and preparation and of the work of a film expedition that passed a year in China, the picture, in which thousands of Oriental players appear, is ■ • one of the; most gigantic' tasks ever undertaken by a producer. ■.. ■ ■:■..<■ '■ •'-.,,-■ - . ... :. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Sparkling with the comedy and romance which surround the efforts of a-group of pretty society girls to make history* as editors and reporters on a big city'iiewspaper, Universal's smart, new' production "A Girl With Ideas" is showing at the Empire Theatre. Wendy Barrie and Walter Pidgebn are starred: "Black Gold" is struck,in a big way, and 'causes no end of exciting drama 'in ■ the Columbia feature, "Outlaws of the Orient." starring Jack Holt, which is the second attraction. ; ■ SEASIDiE THJSATRE, LYALL BAY. What O'Reilly said to McNab and whai.McNab had to say to 'O'Reilly provides material for one of the funniest films ever produced in Britain. This film,: the title of which is."Said O'Reilly to McNab,'' is now showing at the Seaside Theatre-./■; It was written .especially.:) to suit the ■ outstanding talents';b£ twoffambus.humorists, Will Mahoney.and Will Fyffe;'/who are costarred in" this their first full-length film appearance. Thrilling, action against the • colourful, background of Old California is contained, in "The Californian," the. second feature, with Ricardo Cbrtez in' the starring role, i ! CAPITOL THEATRE. The thrills and drama of the war between the States, .in the 'sixties, with theVchartn "and ; ,;tr.aditidriswbf the Old .So^-i?lußoh';?p||.^atfe|^stiß&; background 'for - ffi^jjHal^K'Roach' ■ ■ featurelength comedy,' ''General Spanky," now at' the Capitol Theatre. Anyone addicted to fast driving or inclined to be reckless behind the wheel of I a motor-car will find a lot of pertinent information in the research results obtained by Harry Lachman, Columbia director of "The Devil is Driving," starring Richard Dix, which is the associate feature. our ;theatse,, newxgwn. ■".; "So Red the Rose," starring Margaret SiillaVan and Walter .Connolly;, heads the double-feature programme showing at Our Theatre at reduced prices. It tells the story of a Southern family which faced hardships and struggles, in those days when a peaceful country was seared by the flame of war. It also tells of a young girl's love that is tried and tested when the man to whom she is pledged refuses to heed the call of patriotism, even though he sees the plight and desperation 'of his own people. The musical romance, "Three Cheers for Love," starring Eleanore Whitney, is the second attractiojn.

TIVOLI. THEATRE. For sheer dramatic intensity "Stella Dallas," now at the Tivoli Theatre, has rarely been approached. And the artistry of Barbara Stanwyck's performance in the title role definitely Places her, "}■■ #>£ toP Mn. e -as one ° the screen's- gr'eatest:»actresses. From the'"opening, segu&nce.'ithe audience is enthralled as -the poignant drama of the mother who ' sacrificed her own Irifht to happiness for the sake of her daughter is unfolded on the screen. Barbara Stanwyck brings to vivid reality the heart story of the vulgar, tawdry woman who rose to glorious, magnificent heights through her sublime love for her'daughter. John Boles and Anne Shirley are also in the cast. "Windbag, the, Sailor," with Will Hay is the second attraction. It is.the hilarious story'of a longshoreman who is appointed "captain ..of-a ship, outwits mutineers, and brings the:, vessel saiely back sftor many adventures. /•■ RIVOLI THEATRE. ■--' . A powerful and 'dramatic story, Which holds the interest from start to finish, is unfolded in "Stella Dallas,' which is showing at the Eivoli Theatre. The cast includes Barbara Stanwyck, Anne Shirley, Allen Hale, and John Boles, - The dynamic fighting instincts of Bulldpg,'Prummoii.d'are given free :rb«is'in:'^Paramount's new adventure picture, "Bulldog . ■ Drummond Comes Back," which is the associate feature. The amateur detective, played by John Howard, is forced into a chase across country/: when his fiancee, Louise Campbell, is kidnapped by an inimical gang..;'.-.;- : ■■.•::■' :"The" Life ,of .Emile Zola," starring Paul-Muni, commences tomorrow night. BROOKLYN THEATRE. Tonight's'attraction at the Brooklyn Theatre will be "The Life of Emile Zola," starring Paul Muni. This picture was awarded the prize for the best picture produced in 1937. There will be a good supporting.programme. "GEORGE AND MARGARET." . Miss" Fay-Comj)ton. and her company are continuing to delight Wellington audiences in "George'and .Margaret," ■Gerald* Savory's diverting .comedy, which;has'proved. So deservedly popular in; the other centres. This , outstanding comedy success has.continued to delight London 'audiences for more than a year, and is still running to capacity houses. The-action of "George and. Margaret" takes place in the lounge hall of the - Garth-Blanders house in Hampstead, and the play is in three acts, the characters in the order.of their appearance being: Yvette Arining (Gladys), Stafford Hilliard (Malcolm), . Fay. Cpmpton (Alice), Michael Wilding' (Dudley), Hayley Bell (Frankie), Bruno Barriabe (Claude); Jack McNaughton;'(Roger),- Mary Charles (the .new. maid).-The play is being produced by Mr. Peter Dearing, who was responsible for the brilliant production of "Victoria Regina." The settings were, devised by, Mr. Dearing and executed by Mr. George Upward and. assistants. There'1 will- be a final matinee on Saturday. .. WRESTLING ON TUESDAY. " Owing tpjAnzac/.Day■falling on Mon'day:'the.:W^Hinjgiptt;Wrestling Associa-tion's"cont>s^-next.'weekriwill take place, a? the TOwn'.'fiaU :on'' Tuesday night. The,,bout-is; one.of special interest in that it' wili^-feature w the ■ first local a]> peara'nee: for? the . season- of "Lofty"< Blomfi.eld,..th.e • Dominion champion, who Has just "returned from a highly successful" visit'to'the United States and Canada1: VDuring. his strenuous season overseas1 Blomfield kept in tiptop shape and, the'form which'he has displayed since- his: return has been good, enough! to suggest that he is going to be an extremely hard man to beat this year. His draw with Bronko Nagurski in a world title contest shortly before he left for hpme.was. recognised in America as a first;rate wrestling sensation. In all his matdhes, Blomfield greatly impressed the American crowds. McKay can be depended on to extend Blomfield to themtmost;' He is a big and muscular .wrestler who: has been competing as -a professional, for about ten years. ; In addition to a' wide assortment of holds he can use a terrific elbow jolt . which will cause considerable excitement when matched against that of Blomfield. Particulars, are advertised. r STANLEY McKAY'S "GAIETIES." -One of ithe" outstanding .features of Stahley :Mc;Kay's ne,w. vaudeville and revue company, which opens a short season at the Grand Opera House on Tuesday next; is a spectacular song ssene, writteh' and produced by Geo. Greifc" It is claimed that this presentation, whiefrVincludes the full strength, of- the Is; -■■•from a .musical and: scenic: point; of view, the finest ever- staged -by a y vaudeville company in New Zealand.: Joe Lawman, so popular in the 1937 "Gaieties," is again the leading Comedian, and has brought from Australia a wealth of. new material. His support in the'new "show includes Fredo Freres, Continental acrobatic violinist; James, the man with the cigarettes; the Big.Four Male Harmony Quartet;: Cliff ;O'Keefe, bantone; Alexander Fossati, • tenor; Wyn Edgerton, soprano; Elton: Black, Scottish comedian; Alice Bennette^ English revue artist; Heather Wright, New Zealand's champion eccentric dancer; Elvy Ferguson, solo violinist; and the popular Hilo Duo, Geo. and Wehi Greig, Hawaiian entertainers. In its criticism of the vocal portion of the -programme the "New Zealand Herald" stated/.— "Not often does the standard of singing in a revue company reach the excellence shown by those.who provide this part of the entertainment." Seats may be reserved from- tomorrow at the D.I.C. LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS. Three Citizens', candidates' meetings will take place tonight at 8 o'clock. The meetings will be held in_St. Thomas's Hall, Newtown Taia Hall, Kilbirnie, and the Realm Hall, Hataitai At all three meetings addresses wiil be'delivered by the Mayoral candidate, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and Citizens candidates for the City Council, Hospital and Harbour Boards. HEALTH LECTURE. Tomorow night at Nimmo's Hall, Edward Julius Price will lecture to men only on Whathe saw in America under four years of Roosevelt's so-called New Deal and what he saw in his studies in 26 countries. Mr. .Price is the NewZealand representative of- the International Health Education Society. He states that • disease is man's greatest enemy. He announces that his policy is to share health.- Mr. Price contends that economics is ..only one factor, not the most important factor, in. lue. He says, that :'he : has.-more, sick men from the middle classes at his meetings than from the extremes of riches or poverty. ■ As the Prices' campaign in Wei- \ lingtonis drawing to a close, the large crowds attending are likely to increase to overflowing' at -each of the few remaining meetings. At this menonly meeting Mr, Price will be introduced in. a preliminary speech by Mr. J. Naylor, of Melbourne. .