CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 6, 7 July 1938, Page 14

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

1 REGENT THEATRE. + "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife" will be t. shown finally tonight at the Regent t' Theatre. ~, .. . _ ; ;; "Portia on Trial," starring Frieda - Inescort, commences tomorrow. t MAJESTIC THEATRE. " For fast-moving and, delightful film « entertainment, with a theme entirely *" new, it would be practically impossible * to go past "A Yank -at Oxford,',' now ~ screening at the Majestic Theatre, ~ with Robert Taylor in the leading role. : r The story deals with the career of :: Lee Sheridan (Roberf Taylor), who, -■ after proving a magnificent athlete " at his American State school manages ~Z to get a scholarship to Oxford. - His bombastic entrance and gene--1~ ral demeanour in the early days tin that venerable institution gam ■ - him many enemies, and for some ~ time he is very unpopular. Some -1- of his actions are considered not •- cricket," but after a while he begins rto learn what is expected.of him. He r takes a leading parfin the rowing,and ~~ athletics of the college and the,pic:i ture ends on a happy.note, as he stroKes ~ the Oxfo«^ crew to victory over Cam- ~ bridge in the .annual; boat race. "- Maureen O'Sullivan, an undergraduate, -*- provides the romantic interest as far as Sheridan is concerned. * ST. JAMES THEATRE. ~; "The Last Gangster" concludes tb--r nieht at the St. James Theatre. t "^Romance for Three,'' starrmg Frank * Morgan, Robert Young, and Mary -- Astor, commences tomorrow. : PARAMOUNT THEATRE. ' "The Awful Truth" will be shown -- finally tonight at the Paramount 1 ThGcttrc 4 It is somewhat of a novelty to have r a Hollywood premiere in Wellington, '~ but that is what - the' Paramount ■•• Theatre promises for tomorrow night. '."- What with arc lamps, cameras, sound ~ equipment, and all, things essential in X filming to greet patrons, in the yesti- ■ bule of the theatre, patrons will get : a slight idea of what happens at the big premieres in Hollywood. AH this is being, done-.to welcome to the city Wellington's first talkie, "Oh! Mr. Gadd." This picture has a simple but entertaining story running through it, and should appeal to all. It is a farcical comedy written by Miss Phyllis Fitzgerald (Wellington). The leading players are Miss Gracie Kerr and Mr. Selwyn Tbbgobd, who are both well - known for their repertory work. Others in the cast are Hilda Steele, Gertrude Nahriestad, Jean Coker, Ralph Benjamin, Rona Williams, Pamela Scantlebury, Sheila Levy, Grace Walpole, Tut Coltman and his Majestic Cabaret "Band, Taylor's Novelty Band, Chas. Powell, Basil Young, Geraldine Litch- ■ field, Marjorie Hutton, and ~ Sylvia * Craig , Wright. , "Oh! Mr., Gadd" was. directed by Mr. Harison Cook, and is •.released by Standard Film Labora-■-tories. Directed by John Ford, who "won the Academy, Award for his work * on that other grimly realistic story of ;the Dublin slums, "The Informer," - -"-The" Plough and the Stars," which will 1 be the associate feature, is taken from j.the play by Scan O'Casey, who is hailed-.as Ireland's greatest living -•"dramatist. The dramatic force of the lies" in" its romantic theme and *:J;hat distinctive blending of tragedy -'■with comedy. Heading the cast is Stanwyck and Preston Foster. :;"ri KING'S THEATRE. ;^ l»,"The Divorce : of- Lady: X" ;and "^School -for Husbands" .conclude to- - night at the King's .Theatre. ~ Death deals a hand at the gaming -, tables and "Charlie ,Chan ,at Monte ~ "Carlo" gives one the best' mystery bet in his most brilliant case, which • comes to the King's Theatre tomor- • row. The world's ace detective at the • World's gayest playground takes a - million-to-one chance to solve a triple T murder as he mingles 'with, the milt lionaire playboys, bejewelled beauties, - and gay adventurers. The first Z rumblings of death's roulette are under vjay at a table where Paul Savarin - and Victor Karnoff are playing fortunes on the flip bf a card. These two 2 men later are to provide Charlie Chan, - with another annoying interruption in ~ his quest for,a peaceful vacation. Kar- -' noff's wife, his brother-in-law, a' mys- ~ terious English girl, and one of the • bar-tenders at the casino soon become • involved in a weird series of events. : Missing bonds are found, just in time - to be sent to Paris for a financial coup. 1 A million dollars in securities disapT pears; the messenger is found slain, " the bartender dies with the millions 2 nearby, a key-witness chauffeur is mur- - dred. And Charlie Chan, along with - Number One Son, lands in gaol. Pack- ': ed with powerful dramatic situations - and crammed with fast-moving action --and suspense; "Career Woman," the ■ second feature, is the story of a lonely - backwoods girl's fight'for freedom and : justice. Fired by the inspired acting -of Claire Trevor, Michael Whalen, ~ Isabel Jewell, Eric Linden, and Virginia Field, the picture tells a gripping - story of murder, mystery, love, and "laughter. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "A Damsel in Distress" and "The - 'Crime of Dr. Hallett" conclude tonight at the New Princess Theatre. The "perfect triangle" has been . found at last. It is made up of Clark Gable, the husband; Myrna Lby, the wife; and Jean Harlow, the "other ' woman." Apparently , Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer spared no? expense to bring i these three great stars together to form the "perfect triangle" in its brilliant filmisation of Faith Baldwin's bestseller novel, "Wive-Versus Secretary," .which commences tomorrow at the fNew Princess Theatre. The film is - flawless in story, flawless in performance, and masterful in direction. The /^ associate feature is Paramount Films' mystery thriller, "Bulldog Drummond's Revenge," starring John Barryrnore, John Howard, and Louise Campbell. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. When Jane Withers and the Hartmans, eccentric v,ventriloquists and famed Broadway satirists of the dance, start throwing their voices and dancing -around, uproariously funny things happen in Jane's latest ahd most laugh- / rMe picture, "45 Fathers," which is] -snowing at the Seaside Theatre. "Mid-j night Intruder" is the associate attrac-! -iion. ' ..■■•■■,. i STATE THEATRE, PETONE. - "They Won't Forget," now at the State Theatre, presents the argsiment that a politically ambitious district attorney, by building up a chain of circumstantial evidence—and at the ;;same time craftily stirring anti-sec-tional, hatred—^can send to death ai ..perfectly innocent man accused of Claude Rains is the villian;ous prosecutor, Edward Norris is his j -victim, and Gloria Dickson is the vie- ■.' 2tim's wife. :.. ■■■■■-.:.:■>■•. ~'':'-- i GRAND THEAipBE, PETQNE/ I "Oh, Mr.:1 Porter,",.the hilarious new fWill 1 Hay-, starring vehicle, which is showing at the Grand , Theatre, pre- . jsents.. this ' popular comedian in his jnost < brilliant screen -role.- Directed for Gainsborough ~by Marcel Varriel, 3h_e film abounds ; in rich,, sponiahebus humour* and moves in lightning tempo through side-splitting Situations and uproarious complications to a magnificeni climax. The imf>act of a valiant girl's love against be inbred tiger-code of sinister watarmakes "Nurse From Brooklyn," the .< second feature, a most unusual dramatic romance. * PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. S "Mciv in Exile/ now at the Palace Theatre, is a mystery story dealing Xvith a ; bby who, forced to leave the United States, goes to Caribo, one of I those southern islands from which he Sjiay not be extradited and m.which he has-many exciting advfentures. The principal:,role is -played by- Purcell- and the romantic interest is sustained by Miss Travis. The second attraction, i'Dbwn the Stretch," is a thrilling horse-racing drama and has Mickey Booney and Patricia Ellis in the. starring parts.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

PLAZA THEATRE. So many superlatives have, been used previously tq describe the sheer artistry on ice-vofi Sbrija Henie that it is relatively difficult to describe afresh the poetry of motion of this twinkling star in "Happy Landing," ' which is showing at the Plaza Theatre. Her art is consummate. But brilliant though her skating is it does not attract attention away from her development as a star in more normal directions. The picture itself, as so many musicals are, is rather disjointed, and one is occasionally left wondering just who the star of the show is. At one time Sonja enjoys the complete spotlight; at others Cesar Romero is very much the central figure, and at still another Don Ameche is the dominant personality. Still, for all that there is any amount in the picture, apart from Sonja's spectacular work, that can be grouped under the head of good entertainment, some of it rough and tumble. There are several catchy songs, even if the rendition is sometimes harsh, and the dialogue is in the best twentieth century style. ' DE LUXE THEATRE. "Goodbye Broadway" and "When GMen Step In" conclude tonight at the D^Th Ue XeSe Tcslt ato rf'Lan Ying" and "Prescription for Romance" open tomorrow. _ ■ . STATE THEATRE. "Joy of Living" Avill be shov.-n finally tonight at the State Theatre. A film likely to prove agreeable to all tastes commences tomorrow at tne State Theatre. This is "Mademoiselle, Docteur," an exciting drama which is based on the real-life adventures of a woman spy. In the title role is Dita Parlo, a glamorous star new to the British screen. Opposite her are Erich yon Stroheim and John Loder. The three stars are given every opportunity, in a colourful, thrilling story which shows how Anne Marie Lesser; becomes an espionage agent to avenge the death of her fiance. She is remarkably efficient and her country makes many demands upon her services. Eventually she . arrives in Salonika masquerading as a Swedish Baroness interested in Red Cross work. Here she meets and is ■ immediately attracted to Lieutenant Pfeter Carr, of the British Intelligence Service. The 'pair fall in"'•i'dye, and Anne-Marie finds-that she can ho longer carry on. with her spying activities. But Colonel Simonis, her chief, plays a master card in alleging, falsely, that Carr is the man who killed her former fiance. By this device he persuades her to steal important documents from Carr which results in the town being bombed to destruction. Just as the air-raid begins, Carr learns of Anne-Marie's true identity. The building collapses and Carr is badly, wounded, but before losing consciousness he confesses his love and urges her to escape. ROXY THEATRE. "Forbidden Valley" and "Higli Flyers" conclude, tonight at the Roxy Theatre. Starring Charles Starrett, "Dodge City Trail," which opens tomorrow, is sufficiently replete with hard-riding gun-shooting action to satisfy the most rabid lovers of he-man action. Four songs display the fine voice of Donald Gray son, new screen idol, to splendid advantage, while the romantic interludes between Starrett and, Marion \yeldon provide an . interesting love story. "After the Thin Man," with William Powell and Myrna Loy, is the supporting feature. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "Fight For Ysur Lady" and "Charr lie Chan at the -Opera" will be shown for the last time^tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. p In "Wells Fargo," which opens tomorrow, the stoiry is built around the express business?as founded by Wells and Fargo -shortly after gold was discovered in California. Its hero is handsome Joel McCrea, trail-breaker and man of vision. Its heroine is charming Frances Dee, who marries the bold adventurer and then, unable to understand him as his work carries him further and further away from her, finally leaves him; "Laughing Irish- Eyes," the second feature, tells a rollicking story of a young Irishman, Phil Regan, who is brought to America as a ring champion.' His greater- delight, however, is his fine tenor voice, and Evelyn Knapp, as his coquettish/ but spitfire admirer, artfully steers him, from the prize ring into contracts for love and music. REX THEATRE. E. Phillips Oppenheim's supreme" spy, adventure "The Great Impersonation,"" starring- Edmund Lowe In a 'double identity role, which is showing at the Rex Theatre, is one of the most exciting secret service dramas ever brought to the screen. The support-1 ing feature is "Postal Inspector," .an exciting drama with romantic and humorous interludes. Ricardo Cortezj Patricia Ellis, Michael Loring, and Bela Lugosi are featured in 4he Universal offering. The story revolves about a 3,000,000-dollar mail robbery, committed during a tremendous flood that swamps the country. ' ;; : >. <;. our theatre; newtown. An excellent' double^feature programme is showing'-at Our Theatre tonight at. reduced prices. "Big Brown Eyes," starring-;Cary'Grant and Joan Bennett, is an exciting drama of a* band of jewel thieves and their escapades and capture by a smart detective and the winning ways of a woman's eyes. Millions in the Air," another Paramount all-star feature, brings a radio review of new songs, new dances, and an hour of new laughs. The supporting programme is excellent. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. . A gripping story of a love th-at turn-i ed ; to hate and then to love again brings Edward Arnold to the screen in the role of an industrial Croesus who thought he could buy a woman's heart with gold, in Parambunt's "John Meades Lady,'! which is showing at Regal Theatre, Starring opposite mm is the intriguing Francine Larrimore, noted stage star, who makes her initial motion picture appearance in this drama. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. w . <TiSht For; Your Lady" and "Red CaPLl VThSt r e C.° nClUde tOnight St the "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" starring Shirley Temple, opens tomorf£ w- ,>Wh.?? f adl° appears down by the old mill stream it raises a bumt>er 3° f, so«g fun, with Randolph Scott and Gloria Stuart united in glorious romance and Jack Haley and Slim Summerville making merry. There is a laugh a minute in Colum-i »Ta«s'»r«* klS? n-e^ scree" comedy. Lets Get Married," starring Ida Lupino and Ralph Bellamy, the second feature. It is one of the funniest and most original comedies screened in many months. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A*?!? 1 fastest'and most ™sical hit of the year, "Life Begins in it™\u ge ' sta™§ the. comedy-mad Ritz •brothers and featuring Joan Davis, Tony Martin, and Gloria Stuart, and a itremendous cast, is showing at the Empire ■ Theatre. The Ritz brothers have the • time of their life in a jthree-Ritz circus of the wildest, maddest gags ever put over. They are Jpants pressers working their way through college and they upset all past traditions with their riotous antics. "Smart Blonde," introducing a new' and fascinating character called Torchy i Blanc, girl newspaper reporter, is the second feature.

TIVOLI THEATRE. ''Dinner at the Ritz" and "The Case of the Stuttering Bishop" conclude tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. . A sparkling love feud which takes place- at a medieval castle m rural England is amusingly depicted in Fred Astaire's current musical comedy, a Damsel in Distress," a P. G. Wadehouse story, which opens tomorrow. Joan Fontaine, as a titled English lady, and Fred Astaire engage in the adventure, aided and abetted by George Burns. Gracie Allen, Reginald Gardiner, Ray Noble, Constance C°rher> Harry Watson, and Montagu Love, me hectic and riotous love affair begins with a chance meeting in London at a time when Miss Fontaine is frantically trying to evade a distasteful marriage to Ray Noble,- her aunt's ineffectual stepsqn. Astaire, disgusted with the false publicity of his Press^. agents, Burns and Allen, who paint him as a great lover, is attracted to the pretty damsel, follows her to her ancestral castle, and by a clever scheme pi a page boy, becomes .involved in a rocky romance. While a Chinese dragon writhes its way across the stage, blood drips from a theatre box in San Francisco's Chinatown, and thus murder finds its unique in "Mad Holiday," the second feature, with Edmund Lowe and Ehssa Landi in the leading roles. RFVOLI THEATRE. The dramatic story of China's teeming millions, their struggles, their hardships, and the intenselyhuman heartbeat of the great 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 Ramer, which is Swing at the Rivoli Theatre Fvmt of four, years of .research and preparation; of the York of a film .expedition that spent a year in China, filming exteriors, studying details, and bringing back thousands of authentic properties, the picture, in which thousands of Oriental players appear, is. one of the most gigantic tasks ever undertaken by a producer. Muni plays Wang Lung, the farmer. Hero of "Louis Pasteur," "I Am a Fugitive, "Dr Socrates," and other amazing screen character roles, his Chinese characterisation is one of his most outstanding feats. Luise Viennese heroine of "Escapade and the Anna Held of "The Great Ziegfeld plays the intensely dramatic role of the wife, O-lan. o NEW OPERA HOUSE. Two established favourites of the screen- head the cast of "Small Town Girl," now showing at the New Opera House. They are Robert Taylor and Janet Gaynor, and the cast supporting them—headed .by Lewis Stone —is notable for its array of prominent players. MONDAY'S WRESTLING. Phenomenal interest is being displayed in the return of the popular Dean Detton for his third season in New Zealand and it is already apparent that there is going to be a big crowd at the Town Hall -on Monday night when he c»>ens his tour against "Irish" Jack Kennedy. During both the previous seasons in which .he was in New Zealand the sport benefited considerably from Detton's presence, his fast and exhilarating wrestling, combined with his engaging personality, making him a highly popular figure. Detton is not only one of the best-liked wrestlers in America but is also among the most successful, being ranked among the first three or four in the world. Kennedy will play a big part in making the proceedings interesting and exciting and a firstclass contest is assured. There will be amateur preliminaries from 8 o'clock, particulars are advertised. MADAME BETTS-VINCENT'S RECITAL. Those who enjoyed Madame BettsVihcent's lecture-recital last November will- look forward ;to.her further recital, to be given tonight in NimmO's -Hall..'. Press notices from London and Sydney^ unite ih\-paying tribute to her artistry, as well as to her technique, while' in an account of her performance of the Tschaikowsky Pianoforte Concerto with the Auckland Bohemian Orchestra, the "Auckland Star" wrote: "This work proved to be the thrill of the evening, and the audience gave the talented pianist a wonderful ovation." The "New Zealand Herald" commented on the performance as follows: "Madame Betts-Vincent showed that she possessed all the technical qualifications needed for the performance of such a formidable work as the Tschaikowsky Concerto. Her easy 'mastery of the 'most brilliant passages and her fine, rich tone made an outstanding impression." The first part of tonight's programme will be, devoted to works by Schumann and Chopin,;and the remainder to attractive solos by Rachmaninoff, Dohnanyi, Pick-Mangiagallii Granados, Albeniz, etc. One item that is sure to find immediate favour with the audience is a Staccato Study by Edith Greenop. BOXING AT TOWN HALL. At the Wellington Town Hall on Tuesday evening, Henry Dunn, of the -Hutt Valley, will meet Billy Hamilton, lightweight boxing champion of Victoria, over ten rounds. Dunn has been in great form this year, and has two points decisions over Dommy Ganzon. Hamilton recently knocked-out Ganzon in seven rounds, so the forthcoming bout ;can be described as a "natural." Hamilton is definitely a knock-out artist but he also has an abundance of science. In Dunn he will find a very clever opponent who also packs a punch in both han|is. "Tiger" Parks will meet Jack Davis, in a wel-ter-weight match over eight rounds, and Pat Murphy,.of England, will meet the promising Wellington lightweight, Tommy Hanseh, in a sbwrourid profes r sional match.' "There will be six amateur preliminaries. .The preferential booking opens today and the ordinary booking tomorrow. , As a full house is likely -early. reservations - should be made. . SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND STUDENTS.. . An excellent opportunity is afforded secondary school pupils ■ and senior pupils of primary schools, in addition to the general public, of studying the j construction of a symphony orchestra. | The first of a series of, free concerts is j to be presented in the Technical Col-j lege Hall tomorrow night at 8 o'clock, \ and will be opened by the Minister,of Education (the Hon. P. Fraser). A programme willbe presented by the Wellington Symphony Orchestra, under the conductprship of Mr. Leon de Mauny, and a special- feature will be the demonstration of the individual instruments of the orchestra and the part that they ; play. SKATING. All can experience the thrill of skating amid pleasant surroundings at the Golden Gate Rink, Winter Show buildings, where ideal conditions prevail and excellent facilities are available for the comfort - and enjoyment of followers of this healthy and exhilarating sport. Details are advertised.