CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 145, 22 June 1938, Page 8

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. , Gently swaying tropical palms, sil-' very streams and pools, and beautiful Pacific seascapes make aperfect setting for the colourful background of "Her Jungle Love," the new technicolour film now showing at the Regent! Theatre. -Dorothy tall and brunette, .is well. cast, as . Tura, the. beautiful girl who lives a"strange, lone-, some, life oh the. 'island :."until two American aviators, Bobs-Mitchell (Ray: Milland) and his'"c6-pilot, crash spectacularly' among - the island- palms. The three- lead van unconventional though not unhappy.life until the arrival of a fleet of native canoes from a neighbouring/island, bringing with them.as captive another missing aviator. Some striking scenes follow in the native temple, where the flying man is sacrificed to, the sacred crocodile, a fate which is narrowly averted by the other two castaways. Concluding scenes- feature a terrific volcanic upheaval /in which . the crocodile temple is destroyed, many of the worshippers themselves being thrown into the jaws of the creatures.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. " Sometimes successful, at others in-differently-received, Hollywood's com* binations,iof male and, female-stars art seldom made without deep .study by the film studios. The combination of Joanette McDonald and Alan Jones for "The Firefly." which is showing at the Majestic Theatre, promises to be as papular as any in recent-years, par* ticularly if it -is pursued iri pictures as. entertaining as "The Firefly." The wealth of melody in, the Friml songs, the . excitement of" the plot,' the outstanding sequence chawing how the Duke of Wellington s.*ved Spain from Napoleon, and, the e:roellent singing of the two principals, makes the. show' memorable in cverv way. Some of the songs have a haunting quality and i the "Donkey S-xnade" in particular has a tune that will not leave the hearer tor days. Throughout the picturei there are songs to please anybody and«an .interesting plot of espionage, and qounter-espion-age. „ '* ..;,,,.,:;';; ; ;'"•..,*:;.;:;"'.

ST.-.JAWdES- THEATRE. Happy-go-lucky . George r Formby, England V—popular comedian, once again meets trouble and. difficulties, in his latest production "ISee Ice," which is now showing at the St. James Theatre. George, as a country photographer's assistant, has ambitions of joining a- London newspaper as a cameraman,.: but when he arrives at London by accident he runs foul of the police. Then commences.a,wild chas,e through. London.. He succeeds 'in gaining temporary respite by masquerading as a woman, - and he brings his'trick : camera,, concealed in his■••,■:bow: .'tie; into- action , t0,,; obtain < some important.-. .photographs. By giving ( these.,t'o a.big newspaper., he is emjagea importfj ant ice'Tiockey match Which no pho-tographer-Vis"' allowed to- attend.; Ascreamingly^ffinnjrclimax is reached when Geoge'becomes confused as a re-: feree and is-compelled-to control the game. Naturally opportunity is given. George to sing some of his inimitable songs with his own banjo accompaniment. "". ' ' "" !

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ] v The beautiful technicolour production "Wings of the Morning" is playing a return season at the Paramount Theatre. t In charming settings the French actress Annabella moves in the gipsy world with dramatic incursions into titled life in Ireland. The story turns on the gipsy curse on those of their race who marry outside their, own blood, The curse .extends.over three generations. "Wing's of the Morning" is a horse dwned 'by ! the gipsies. Annabella figures in her refugee disguise of a gipsy boy and Henry Fonda is the seyfsacriflcing.loveE-;with a true Irish heart. „ A ball scene features John McCormack'ln three Irish .songs and when the action moves wer to Eng- ' land we-have a Derby Day in ajl.its briHiance f with Steve Donoghue himr y self a? the rider who brings "Wings" and the'; Gipsy Queen ..to-.- triumph. A supporting- feature, "One Mile; from Heaven," takes- the, audience into a variety of American life. The principals are Claire Trevor, Lilly Blane, and' Douglas Fowley., \

KING'S THEATRE. Something entirely new and refreshing in-the way of musical, comedy is introduced in ."Radio , City Revels" now screening at the King's Theatre. The theme of the picture is a novel one, and with the popular Jack Oakie, Bob Burns, Kenny..Baker,"and Ann Miller in starring roles it moves with a .swing. .Bob-Burns enacts the role of a country.farmer with yearnings to beconie a great song writer like his teacher (Jack Oakie), whd conducts 'lessons per correspondence. Oakie, however, is not as successful as the country lad thinks and he is quite unaware when he goes to the city that his teacher.-is penniless. Something in the nature of a miracle happens to put the teacher back on a prosperous path. The country lad falls asleep and in his sleep sings -tuneful melodies that Oakie and his pianist copy. Oakie and his partner coin money but their plot is discovered in the end by Helen Broderick. who has designs on the singer. The associate attraction, "Hideaway," with Fred Stone in the lead- ., ing role, is a film abounding with " thrills, romance, and humour.

' '" REX THEATRE. America's under-cdver man faces death to trap,the;Jost of the-mob men in "36 Hours to Kill," now at the Rex Theatre. Brian' Donlevy, Gloria Stuart, Douglas Fowley,-Isabel Jewell, and Stepm Fetchit are featured in the cast. Love's young dream is a nightmare to dad in "Educating. Father," new Fox film featuring The Jones Family, which is the associate feature. Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane, Dixie Dunbar, Spring Byington, and Kenneth Howell have the featured roles in this, happy comedy of life with an average American family.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE. In the role of-'-a mannequin who rises to. the heights of fashion dictator for the world,, Kay Francis, beautiful brunette, dramatic actress, who wears clothes so magnificently, ' is starred in' "Stolen Holiday," First National production which is showing at the State Theatre. The story was literally "made to order" for Miss Francis. The! original story by Warren Duff and Virginn'Ke'log was tailored for Kay and no one else.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE.

It is,mixing up identities that causes all the complications that make the plot of. "High Flyers," the feature attraction at the Palace Theatre, an entertaining comedy.- Bert Wheeler and Robert Wbolsey are starred. "The Lady in the Morgue" is the associate attraction;, and the • stars - are Preston Foster, Patricia Ellis, and Frank Jenks.

GRAND THEATRE. PETONE. An outstanding double-feature programme •Is "showing- - ; at the Grand Theatre. The main attraction is Metro-Qoldwyn-Mayer's' '■. -magnificent drama- "bringing :bgck ilie ,;• splendour of "The "Covered Wagon" days, "Robin Hood .of El Dorado" featuring Warner-Baxter, Ann Lonng, and Bruce Cabot. Newspaper headlines, which' led to' the exposure and curbing of gangster activities, again have provided the theme for "The Women Men Marry," featuring George Murphy and Josephine Hutchinson, which is the second feature.

BROOKLYN THEATRE. "Come Out of the Pantry" wiil be the main feature at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight. The cast includes Jack Buchanan, Fay ; Wray, James Carey, end many-others. "Calling All Stars" will be the second .feature. This is a variety show, featuring Larry "Adler, Flotsam and Jetsam, and fourteen other vaudeville stars. There will be a selected supporting programme.

- *<■*" •&? ';-..'■■ CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

| PLAZA THEATRE. I As a singing comedienne, gay, vivaicious little Simone Simon makes a tnlumphant debut in the bright and snappy comedy "Love and Hisses,' ; which, is now showing at the Plaza Theatre. Simone, as attractive and as IsaucylaSever, takes a lighter type of ;role tlian she has in the past and sings I"a number' of-catchy/songs with charm and vitality. Winchell and Ben'.Berri-ie,popular radio stars, cause many merry mbments in their friendly fight, overo the perfc.Farisienne who promises to be a new sensation in entertainment. Ben brings Simone over from Paris fof his night club and tries to get Walter, America's' "one : man newspaper," to boost' her up in his daily news session over the radio. His hopes are shattered, however, when Walter, wishing always to get the better'of. his rival, puts over theair the most adverse criticism of the new "find." Simone's rise to fame is quickly Stopped, but Ben is not beaten and arranges .things so that Walter "discovers'" her under another name.

DE LOXE THEATRE. Excellent; , comedy is provided in "You're Only Young Once," now at the,De Luxe, Theatre. The scene is laid.bil-iained Gataliria Islahdj whither repair a*cbrnplete farnily who are, having thei*iflrst real holiday in 11 years. All thefftmily;hg(Ve;tn"eir:'o!p/n 3hdindividual -ideas about the way in which theholiday-is; to b<S;spent,-but"the.bes,F made schemes -do .hot always work- Out according ft)'.schedule; Lewis Stone plays the'; part of -the father who has to'bear the burden imposed upon' him by a daughter who has just left college and ah adolescent son: The girl, Cecilia Parker, is engaged to a:' mining Venglneer, ;but -that by, no means prevents,.her entanglements with/othef, youngvhteh'of various sorts. Th6son, to his parr ents,' who 'heVer? know what he will be .Upito^ifextv-"State Police"; is'the; other big4film/* ; ln this-a young ne'er-, do4^yrasr^Jiisfed: ,J lh"the State Policfe; against, his >lhclihations, his ~ father. ■ iatfd \ whjeJi theie^'mded'ionheia bright dialogue ' an'd' v £binihti'o(u^.,' I ttdtio%;,.al.'is the case' in ."The'Sky's 4he;Limit," which is showing- at : i;lhe "State -Theatre, excellent enterainm'ent is* attained. Jack Buchanan takes first place in the picure and he is capably supported by Mara Lossef anft a host of other clever artists* Jack, as Dave Harberi a clever aeroplane designer, is giving his ideas to the company employing-him until his friehd and -room-mate: decides > mat Jack should have, the benefit of those ideas himself. Tile friend has written .■ a song sets out to ; sell it JO ■ Madame Isabella He, is mistaken for ; his .'and Madame IsobeUa'acebftifcnies him experience fo*#er. Fronton' on .the Sction becomes fast with ' many ' minof? complicaloltjs, mostly ; hurnortiuSl''"". f 7" ; S' V " >" ■-

NE# OPERA; HOIJSE. ..,.,„•■ "Thbrougnbrcids:Dott't-Cry*" brought! back to the New Opera House, is not only a race'stoty full of thrills, but it is also .full* of' human interest of the best sort.- The hero.Cßa Hould the New Zealand bby.actor) through the death of his grandfather by shock folrace on which ; he has placed his all. is left "to his. own devices amongst a. community anything goes,'' and'-has to assert himself, with little preparation, for the rough and'lumßle*6irlife. amongst a tough race" leading,, jockey (Mickey • Roeney) -seesslha;. sterling friendship which .eventually, smoothes out a -very tangled v.skein... Partners with?^bßeyiii)!r'ffl|trang«^Mif-reliant Sop*f!e : '"' i: Tadker,* the' keeper of ; the boarding-house where the jockeys live, and Judy Garland.

BOXY THEATRE. Daring circus aerialists, the crack of the whip, rollicking clowns, the wild clamour of jungle animals, and the nasal twang of the side-show barker are high lights in "The Shadow,", a thrilling back stage story of the circus, now at the Boxy Theatre. Charles Quigleyianfl Rita Hay worth head the cast. The live 3of the men who make and transport the world's most treacherous explosive, nitroglycerine, form the background of the supporting feature, "Danger Patrol," whose plot turns on the romance between two young people, Sally Ejlers and John BeaL

~^d.„«TCnOR!.TIIEATRE.,.. : ; ■ .. Tyrßhe'. ; Kbwer»> JDon VAmeche, > Alice Fayei and iAndy; Devirie in'the leading roles; "> E.6ng after its sensational tea-lures'-are forgotten, the immortal love story, the moving, sympathetic appeal of'this saga of a pioneer family wijl live. In the memories and hearts of those who see it. In its power to arouse: the emotion, the story of "In Old Chicago" stands out as,the finest Zanuck has ever presented. It is a "story which has: many of the beautiful'qualities of family devotion. The second feature will :be "Big Town v Girl?' iwithi Claire Trevor.

■ princessj^heatre/':;^] , Tlbly!-magnificent "in: its spectacular! sw«ep, yet- absorbing' in its delightful! "A-Taleof-jTwo Cities." starring Ronald,Colmah, ifs showing;at the New Princess Theatre. ■:. It takes its place among the. immortal works of the screen, entertainment which cannot be praised too highly. Colman never has-, had a role' which gave him such, opportunity for the quiet humour, the high drama,;and the. poignancy he>expresses so'well. , As Sydney Carton, whimsical, sardonic, brilliant wastrel, he reaches the peak of his artistic career. The associate feature is the JR.K.O. Radio Pictures comedy I "Mummy's Boys," v starring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey.

...'■■ KItBIRMi! KINEMA. N "Black Legion," oiow; at the Kit. bifnie 7 Kinema,' will- 'probably .take rank alongside that other Warner film of '. several • years ago, "I Am a Fugitive -from a- Chain Gang,"'! which was : one of the most successful pictures any studio ever turned out. The story concerns a young motor-car mechanic, played by Humphrey Bogart, who joins the Black Legion—purportedly a patriotic order —in a fit of bitterness over losing the foremanship of his shop to a foreignborn fellow-worker. The Legion, of course, is portrayed as a racket, enriching its promoters. "Dr. Syn." the associate feature, presents George Arr liss" in. a truly remarkable double role —that of a preacher who, When not in the pulpit, is a daring smuggler.

CAPITOL MIEAMAa, ; ''Song .bJ^the?,,City," now at. the Capitol Theatre,'deals with a worthwhite yotfng- playboy,who M broke but still has the pride not to marry a- girl with money.? While crossing the .bay to San Francisco he gets drunk and falls', overboard. Rescued by an Italian family he is nursed back ,to health by the beautiful daughter Who; falls in love with him. From then on many complications ensue, and the action is exciting. "Dr. Syn," the second picture, presents Gebrge Arllss in . a truly remarkable double role—that of a preacher* who, when not in the pulpit, is a daring smuggler.

SEASIDE .THEATRE, LYALL BAY. A dramatic story of a' warden's daughter and the prisoner she dared to love is told in "Penitentiary," now at the Seaside Theatre. Walter Connolly, John Howard, Jean Parker, and Robert Barrat are featured. "Okay Cor Sound," the second attraction, first and foremost brings the Crazy Gang to the screen. This gang is comprised of three famous British humour teams.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Based on Baroness Orczy's bestselling novel, "The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel" is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Barry K. Barnes, a newcomer to the screen, and already hailed as the most important star find since Robert Donat, plays the title role. Barnes is seen as Sir Percy Blakeney, an intrepid young Englishman, whose main occupation is snatching .f/encn aristocrats from under the guillotine. His narrow escapes from the clutches of the tyrant Robespierre come to a brilliant climax that is both thrilling and spectacular. Sophie Stewart plays the part of Sir Percy's wife, who is : captured by Robespierre only to » rescued by the League of ■thePmpw stage, and screen is the star in Its. a urana wm World."which is. the secondieatnre Sandv is seen with . Cyril a Se hand, a lion tamer, and a gambler- ... . .. . RIVOLI THEATRE. Tames Dunn and Whitney Bourne have To novS experience offelling m love without learning each other s identity until the last minutes of Living on Love " new R.K.O. Radio comedy drataa! whicn is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, To make, matters worse, each has a sworn' enemy that they have never seen, and mutual sympathy is the interest that first brings hem together. When each eventually disTOvers thai the one loved is the one hated, the: merriment all but goes overSoarS. Solly Ward, Joan Woodbury andvFranklin Pangborn. also have probiirient:roles/ A thrilling sea story framed;-against-a. Southern Seas canvasV "Adventure's End" is the associate feature, with John Wayne and Diana Gibson-in the leading roles. The story Was written by the novelist Ben Ames Williams and was produced by Trem Carr with Arthur, Lubin directing. It tells, of the love of Miss Gibson for Wayne.who- comes-; on board toe whaling vessel after he has 'obtained a'rich'fortune in pearls despite the efforts of laatives to kill "him.

; EMPiRE : BAY.

Based on one of P. G. Wodehouse s linast-brilliant tales of Engjish country life, mew starring picture, "A'Damsel-in Distress," now at 'the Empire ;• weaves a 'group of'Gershwin,/srpngs and unique 'dancing routines'ihto'lts sparkling plot. Jda'n 'Fontaine heads the cast of the gay musical romace, in which Astaire portrays an American dancer in London and Miss Fontaine a titled British girl whom he endeavours to rescue from marrying a man she dislikes. Chills, thrills, surprises, fast paced drama and plenty of heart interest, make a first-rate screen mystery thriller "The Black Doll," which is the second attraction. <

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. i 1 ■: A famous Paris banker is mysteri'oU4lyikmed';ahd at Mpnte Carlo a courageous girl,- masquerading- as a gay adventuress,, begins^-she most danger's gafee a-Woman iftiove can play in Ritz,"-New World picture released' by Twentieth CenturyFox, which is showing at the Regal Theatre. Annabella, : sensational discovery of two continents, is starred in this picture. She is as, tensely exciting 'as she is excitingly lovely. In the 'background of the thrilling story Paul Lukas and David Niven supply romantic interest; as they vie for the love .of Annabella.

OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The musical comedy-drama "King Solomon of Broadway," starring Edmund Lowe' and Dorothy Page, heads the double-feature,programme showing at Our-Theatre at reduced prices. The W&f '."concerns' the', adventures of LOwC'asjpart-ownerof-a dance palace, &fter he" has'given the place in secdrity for a-gamblinig 3 debt. Inasmuch as New ■Yofk%'^Publio^Ene^^No^l" owns-the greatest, : ,th.e. place,; Lowe flndsihis- positio'n -iah embarrassing, one., ' losti the: place -'are: out -to-', get ; him because • he' won't deliver; it, :and,;ahother gangster is out to get him for betraying his trust. "Stormy,"- a.draina of, the great outdoors, s 'ls • the Second . '-~!.'"!

SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT. A concert of outstanding merit will be held in the St. James Theatre on Sunday night. No less than four of Wellington's outstanding musical combinations will appear on the stage. The Working Men's Club Orchestra, Jack Cowdrey's Dance Band, Roy Baker's Accordian Band, and Jean Turner's Banjo-Mandolin Guitar Band, are on: the programme, arid in addition Happy Hill and his Ranch Boys are to be seen and heard; in popular numbers. Moreno Villa, Svith his xylophone and musical bottled,; Dave Paris, with his electric;, guitar,>raiviolin duo, vocal duete;.;Bnd songg'by. Jim Osborne completev'the musical portion; of the programme. ' The'dancing numbers in : the form of a ;ballet,; will be supplied lby Miss Marjory. Newport. An eccentric tap duo will also be presented. The programme is:"nqn-stop," and those attending are assured of two hours of: excellent entertainment. The entire' proceeds are to go to the Tara'naki Free Kindergarten. Intending patrons are urged to book now at Begg's, Manners Street.

KIPNIS, A SUPREME ARTIST. Writing of Alexander who is to make his first public: appearance in Wellington' at the,Town:Hall on Saturday evening ' next,': under engage-ment-to the Broadcasting Service, an Australian'critic says: "Let Us express dh'e hope-that we nave not seen the,ias| of him. ; He contributed more to the' progress of musical taste in Australia than any visiting artist before him*.- The quality of his voice, his-technique, his interpretation, his intelligence, his subtlety; in short, his whole artistic >' personality are- an experience one has seldom here or in other countries." New Zealand listeners within reach of one or other of the four main cities are indeed fortunate in the opportunity to see as well as hear such a supreme artist as Alexander Kipnis, one of the finest bassos of today and acknowledged to be the world's finest lieder singer. As accompanist and solo pianist the brilliant young New Zealander, Noel Newson, will accompany Kipnis on his tour and be associated, with him in his triumphs. In view of the widespread interest that is being taken in this notable musical event early reservation is recommended. The box plan lis at the D.I.C. .

RETURN WRESTLING BOUT. Pat Fraley, the "Singing Cowboy" from Nebraska, felt so keenly about the decision given against him at the end of his contest with Cowboy Dick Raines, of Texas, on Monday night: that he immediately put in a request for a return engagement in the Wellington Town Hall ring next Monday. Fortunately for Fraley it was found possible to accede to his desire and he arid his cowboy rival can be depended upon to make matters even more willing than' before the next time -they .clash. Few bouts have aroused as ;much excitement as that between Raines and Fraley on Mon-; day, and; to understand the keenness of the'feeling'between the two men, it is necessary only Jo point out that there is ho greater interstate rivalry in America than : that which exists : between Texas > and Nebraska. Fraley. and Raines are'evenly matched in weight, are of, similar build, and both' believe in using all the means in their power to make matters go their way. The, large crowd on Monday, despite' the bad "weather, indicates that the Town Hall will be filled to capacity, next week. There will be amateur preliminaries.