CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1938, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Most people know the name oi David Garrick, the noted English actor, and from one of the stories connected with him Ernst Vajda has made a film plot which, as used by Warner Bros.-First National, is an entertainingly different comedy. The film is showing at the Regent Theatre. Garrick, the great actor in the period around the 17505, was the star, as well as the manager, of London's famous Drury Lane Theatre. David Garrick has come to life On the stage several times, chiefly in rather heavy and ponderous drama. But on the screen he is in a comedy. The tall, goodlooking, British Actor, Brian Aherne, plays the name part, with lovely Olivia de Havilland as the lass who arouses his romantic interest. Supporting these stars are such capable players as Edward Everett Horton, Melville Cooper, Lionel Atwill, Henry O'Neill, Luis Alberni, Marie Wilson, Lana Turner, and Linda Per.ry. This story does not pretend to be biographical, historical, or anything else but sheer fun. It is one of those things, as Mark. Twain explained about "The Prince and the Pauper," that may or may not have happened, but could have happened. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "The Sheik" concludes tonight at the Paramount Theatre. Dainty Deanna Durbin will be seen at the Paramount Theatre tomorrow in a special return of the picture that made her famous, "Three Smart Girls." Possessing a lyric soprano voice -that electrifies all who hear it, Deanna makes her movie debut in one of the gayest comedy dramas ever to come out of Hollywood. It deals with the madcap adventures of three lovely daughters of a New York millionaire : who join in a conspiracy to break up their father's romance with a for-tune-hunting beauty. The blonde, played by Binnie Barnes, and her scheming mother, portrayed by Alice Brady, put up a spirited fight for their matrimonial prize, but are outwitted by the three smart girls.' Charles Winninger, as the millionaire^ Ray Milland, and Mischa Aver are prominently cast. A daring mystery-drama, "Making the Headlines," starring Jack Holt, will be the supporting feature. STATE THEATRE. "Mr. Moto's Gamble" will be shown finally tonight at the State Theatre. A gripping drama; of modern aviation and a timely "glimpse behind the scenes of the training that today's flyers must undergo, are both presented in R.K.O. Radio's "Sky Giant," which commences tomorrow at the State Theatre. Richard Dix, costarred with Joan Fontaine and Ches- j ter Morris in this ".' up-to-the-minute offering, plays a noted pilot transferred to managing a big aviation school under the strict discipline of its superintendent, Harry Carey. Carey's son, Morris, enrols in the school without his father's knowledge, and the conflict begins, with Dix in continual hot water trying to keep matters smoothed out between father and son. The romantic element is introduced when both men fall in love with Miss Fontaine. Drama results through a quarrel between Morris and Miss Fontaine. Dix marries the girl him-self-just before setting out with Morris and another pilot, Paul Guilfoyle, on a dangerous flight, intended;to map out an air route to Europe, via Alaska and Siberia. All come to grief m a lonely Alaskan wilderness. The three airmen, one of them badly hurt, set out* for the coast, and safety, but Morris's jealousy endangers the lives of all three. REX THEATRE. "They- Met in a Taxi" and "Escape from Devil's Island" conclude tonight at the Rex Theatre. ~ Based on Peter B. Kyne's widelyead'^ovel, "The Three Godfathers," which "opens tomorrow, is described as a sag^ of. the American desert. Most of its -scenes -were shot beneath the blistering sun of the Californian desert. In tfceipriricipal roles are Chester Morris -young Bob, Lewis Stone as tne philosophical Doc, and Walter Brennan^ remembered as . the patch-eyed rouseabout in "Barbary Coast,' as Gus. The impact of a valiant girls love agaihstvthe inbred tiger-code of sinister waterfronts makes j^Nurse fronx Brooklyn," the second feature, one of the riiost unusual dramatic romances ever seen on the screen. Sally Eilers and 'I?&ul Kelly head the cast in the roles of the nurse and the policeman. They have strong support in, the stellar performances of Larry Blake and Maurice Murphy. TUDOR THEATRE. Eawrence Tibbett gives a number of colourful recitals in the 20th CenturyFox production, "Metropolitan, now screening at the Tudor Theatre The second feature, "City Girl, co-stars Rteardo Cortez and Phyllis Brooks. Jack Buchanan, Maurice Chevalier, and June Knight are co-starred m G.B.D/S hilarious comedy, "Break the News" which comes to the Tudor sretomorrow. Another; comedy features on the same bill in A Trip to Paris," starring the Jones family. new Princess theatre. "ion Men and a Girl" and "Camille concludefton^htrat the New Princess "^CoSfnff to the Princess Theatre to-b m££?w fs 6ne of the funniesl; comedy pictures' which ;the management have secured for many a long month. This secureu "«■ . -i- „ the British hit, is Leave tt ,xo xvie, w^"= __ . . . S&S_l-Is£ nitidis Concerns Sandy's activities as al special The associate feature is constable.. "« «» roman tic comedy, Columbia Pictures ,i UL"?i -ring Grace "vn Take Romance, starring «x«Moore and Melvyn Douglas. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Clients of three stars Lore*ta Young Warner Baxter, and ; Virgniia previously unknown type. f^e Police" contains a tender romance between King and Miss Moore. , ?he picture reaches a surprise climate when Larry Blake, as 'a killer, and^one of •hi-, henchmen endeavour to escape thloulh acordon of State Police radio cars Sid embattled coal miners. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Too Tough to Kill," starring Victor Jory and Sally O'Neil, is the main attraction showing at Our Theatre at reduced prices. It tells the story of a brainy and brawny engineer who fights.the elements of Nature and a sane of murderers to complete a tunnel project within a set time. Thurston Hall and Johnny Arthur are in the supporting cast. The second attraction is. "'Shake ■Down," starring Lew Ayres and Joan Perry. The film deals with +**c racketeers who "shake down socie'^ folk, for millions of dollars every year. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALbL JBAY. What is heralded as one of the maddest, merriest comedy romances of the season, "Snowed Under," is showing at the Seaside Theatre. The picture is enacted by a brilliant all-star cast, which includes George Brent, Genevieve Tobin, Glenda Farrell, and Patricia Ellis. "Man of Iron," Warner Bros.' picture which treats of the adventures in high society of an unpolished workman, and which gives Barton Mac Lane, the screen's Public Enemy No. 1, his first stellar opportunity in a heroic rote is the second fea-

PLAZA THEATRE. Hollywood has made "Four Men and a Prayer." And the transition of this popular story, read by millions in book ,form or magazine serial, provide a (number of surprises. The-20th CenturyFox production, which is at the Plaza Theatre, has added an emotional dimension to the motion pic- . ture that defies description. Scenes speak volumes without a word . . menace stalks across the screen in a weird silence that rumbles in the heart, unheard by ear—it's a new and eerie effect, done by a marvellouslyassembled cast. Four stalwart young men, with a grand old soldier-father, are bound by a gallant pledge to rove the world to avenge his dishonour and death. That great love pervades the entire story. Yet the shimmering beauty of Loretta Young and her love for one. of the brothers, Richard Greene, is a joy to behold. Miss Young gives a flawless performance as" the American girl who covers her intense loyalty to the brothers' cause with an "American" flippancy which amazes her British sweetheart most of all, but more than anything puts spirit and vigour into the grim quest. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Port of Seven Seas"'will be shown finally tonight at the St. James Theatre. "Captain Scott's Last Expedition" will be shown tomorrow. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Doctor Rhythm" and "Prison Farm" conclude tonight at the De Luxe Theatre. A Romance, tragedy, and wild adventure march hand in hand in Universal's "Sinners in Paradise," which commences tomorrow at the De Luxe Theatre. Madge Evans, John Boles, and Bruce Cabot have the principal roles, with Marion Martin, Gene Lockhart, Nana Bryant, Charlotte Wynters, Milburn Stone, Morgan Conway, Donald Barry, and Willie Fung also prominently cast. . Directed by James Whale, the picture relates the vast changes in character that occur when nine passengers on a trans-Pacific airliner are cast away on an island inhabited only by a doctor and his Chinese servant. The doctor is hiding from the law because he has killed the man who led his sister to her doom. The castaways are an oddly-assorted crew. Columbia's little child star, Edith Fellows, proves the surprise of the year as a result of her singing role in "Little Miss Roughneck," which will be the supporting feature. The youngster's voice is unbelievable. She sings difficult operatic arias with the ease and poise of an established prima donna, and turns in a splendid all-round performance that Will win -the heart of the most critical observer.

MAJESTIC THEATRE. Joan Crawford, who has romanced on the screen with Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, Robert Montgomery, Gary Cooper, and other famous film heroes, adds rugged, two-fisted Spencer Tracy to her long list in "Mannequin," now at the Majestic Theatre. Miss Crawford as Jessie Cassidy has the role of a shop. girl, who seeks escape from poverty by marrying Eddie Miller, a' cheap crook. Eddie is played by Alan" Curtis, Hollywood's newest leading man discovery. When Eddie fails her,. Jessie decides to live her own lifeJohn L. Hennessey, a role vfh.ich gives Tracy a powerful characterisation ;as a man who worked his way up-from the docks to become a wealthy steariiship owner, refuses to let.her. Jessie, married Hennessey. She learns to love him when Eddie attempts to blackmail them. His plan fails because Hennessey goes broke. This gives Jessie a chance to prove her love in a surprising and dramatic climax. Never more beautifuly gowned, Miss Crawford has twenty-eight costume changes, designed by Adrian as an advance, fashion preview of feminine styles for 1938; _ ' ROXY THEATRE. "The Sheik Steps Out" and "Cocoanut Grove" conclude tonight at the Roxy Theatre A thrilling story of gangdom's last stand against law and order, "Hunted Men," opens tomorrow at the Roxy Theatre. Lloyd Nolan is seen as a hunted gangster who takes refuge in a small suburban household to escape the police who are hot on his trail, andstays there long enough to learn the; way the other half of the world lives. The story of a gallant woman who died to right a wrong provides a^ thrilling theme for the new "Hopalong Cassidy" outdoor action picture, "Heart of Arizona," which is the second feature, KILBIRNIE KINEMA. The tensely human story of a love that affected nations is drawn vividly in the fictional ' drama of "Parnell," "Uncrowned King of Ireland," which Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer offers at the Kilbirnie Kinema, with Clark Gable and Myrna Loy in the starring roles. Directed by John Stahl, "from the original stage play by Elsie T. Schauffler, the screen adaptation was written by John Van- Druten and closely follows the spectacular career of Charles Stewart Parnell, who found a great love more powerful than a great cause. "Living on Love," starring James Dunne and Whitney Bourne, is the associate feature. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. Mysterious aerial smugglers, a highspeed romance, a rivalry between two small-town' newspaper. correspondents, and a device for controlling aeroplanes in flight by a radio: <3Seam, are all woven into an exciting basis for Joe E. Brown's newest film, "Riding on Air," which is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. "Think Fast, Mr. Moto," a thrilling mystery film starring Peter Lorre, is the associate feature. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. ■ Cattle rustling in the days of the frontier West and the efforts of ranchers to put an end to it form the plot of the new Hopalong Cassidy drama "Cassidy of Bar 20," which is showing at the Grand Theatre. William Boyd, as Clarence E. Mulford's popular character, accompanied by his saddlemates, Russell Hayden and Frank Darien, defeat the worst rustler of them all. The connection between beautiful "finger girls" and America's newest and fastest-growing racket, hijacking, is attacked in the new Paramount drama, "Tip-off Girls," which is the second feature. Lloyd Nolan plays the leading role of a G-man. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. A romantic story of young love, played against background music of Liszt, Moskowski, Chopin, and Strauss, is brought to the screen of the Palace Theatre in Paramount's "Stolen Heaven." This tale of a pair of attractive young jewel thieves who give up their unsavoury past when they find love together in a country hideaway, marks a new development in motion pictures—dramatic action told in pictures, dialogue, and music. At the head of the cast is Olympne Bradna, and handsome Gene Raymond. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. The audience becomes part of a delightful family in "Judge Hardy's Children," thh~d of the "Hardy Family" series, which is showing at the State Theatre. They share the problems of the father and mother and the joys and tribulations of the children, and they laugh with the characters rather than at them in the homely, down-to-earth comedy scenes. "Women are Trouble" is the title of the newspaper story which is the second attraction. In the picture Stuart Erwin gives newspaper men a chance to see themselves as others see them, in the characterisation of Matt "lasey, a star reporter. Florence Rice plays a girl re.fijWftSb

TIVOLI THEATRE.

The self-confident, adventurous spirit of two young boys accustomed to shifting for themselves is shown in "Hawaii Calls," Bobby Breen's latest musical starring vehicle for RKO-Radio, which is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Bobby, an orphan,, has shined shoes for a living in' San Francisco, while his young Hawaiian friend. Pua Lani, has been a newsboy. With little thought of the possible consequences the two lads start for Honolulu as stowaways on a great passenger liner, only to be discovered and placed under guard soon after the ship has left port. But through a daring act they succeed in landing •at the Hawaiian city, and then become the centre of a swift succession of stirring adventures. The story reaches an exciting climax when a group of men bent on stealing Government naval information take a little girl as a hostage to cover their escape, and the boys take an important part in tracking down the criminals. Merle Oberon is at her best in "The Divorce of Lady X," an Alexander Korda tech- j nicolour production, which is the associate attraction. Cast as an impetuous society beauty, she takes great delight in teaching a lesson in chivalry to a young barrister, attractively played by talented Laurence Olivier. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. So numerous were the requests upon the part of the public to once again, see Norma Shearer's great dramatic triumph, "Smilin' Through," that its producers, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, decided to bring back this famed screen classic. Fredric March and Leslie Howard share honours with Miss Shearer in this picture, which is showing at the Capitol Theatre. "Devil's Playground," the associate film, features three stars, Richard Dix, Dolores Del Rio, and Chester Morris. The picture combines melodramatic undersea thrills with rowdy romantics. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. A whole new world of joy-laden wonder comes winging from the snowsilvered Norseland with America's newest and sweetest sweetheart, Sonja Henie —radiant beyond imagining, in "Happy Landing," the 20th CenturyFox production now at the Regal Theatre. Surpassing the breathless sensations of "Thin Ice" with scintillating songs by Pokrassand Yellen, the wonder girl, breathlessly in love, veritably brings happy tidings, thrilling as even she never thrilled before. "THE STUDENT PRINCE." Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Galway will attend the performance of "The Student Prince" at the Grand Opera House tonight. The season will definitely close on Tuesday next, and Jhose who have not yet seen this splendid show should book their seats without delay. There . will be another matinee on Saturday afternoon at 2.15. The box plan.is at the D.I.C, but after 5 o'clock reservations may be made at the Grand Opera House (telephone 55-160). Student revels and rollicking choruses make a popular appeal in "The Student Prince," and the scenery and^costumes,^ the same • that were used by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., in the original - production, deserve special mention, the court scene being particularly striking. During the first act a thrilling and unusual ballet is presented, the famous Bavarian "Schuplatteltanz," arranged by Dorothy Parlette, and danced with great energy and spirit. The leading role is in the capable hands of Alma Clegg, whose clear soprano voice is heard to the greatest advantage, whilst the title role (Prince Karl Franz) is taken by Norrie Denton, who is also given ample opportunity to use his excellent voice. Ivan Smith takes the part of Dr. Engel, and proves himself an actor of unusual merit. The inimitable George Power as Lutz has a busy time, and his clever comedy work is greatly appreciated by the audience. Others taking part in the production are Ina Small, Mollie Cook, Kathleen Ainshe. Norma de Fincham,"'Graeme Dowlmg, ■ ■:•*Dudley Alexander. Vernon Small, Morrie Cachemaille, Arthur Haley, Ted Harvey, and Laurie "Gubb. Mr. Harrison Cook is the producer, and the musical director is Mr. John F Woodward.

BOXING TONIGHT. Something outstanding in boxing entertainment will be provided at the Wellington Town Hall tonight, when two professional matches, in addition to a humber of attractive amateur preliminaries, will be staged. Two of the best lightweights in the Dominion, Clarrie Rayner, of Blenheim, the titleholder, and Joe Franklin, of Hawke's Bay, a former title-holder, will meet over ten rounds. Both boys are in top form and eager to turn on a fast and interesting performance. They drew in a bout at Gisborne recently, and Rayner, for one, was not too satisfied with the decision. The-other professional bout will be an eight-round contest between Em Jacobs, light-heavyweight champion of New Zealand, and Kid Fisher, of England. Both are very fit, and a hard-hittiifg match is anticipated. Fisher has an excellent record, and should extend Jacobs. Particulars are advertised.

THE CHILDREN'S PLAYERS. The Children's Players are putting the finishing touches to their production, "Magic Casements," which is to be given in the Town Hall Concert Chamber on the afternoons of Saturday next and the following Saturday, commencing at 2.15 p.m. on each day. The box plan is at the D.I.C. Children will follow with delight the adventures of David and Josephine among the fairy inhabitants of the ocean. David is played by Jim Booth and Josephine by Mary Annette Burgess. The effect produced on the undersea fairies, etc., when told about Hollywood and the talkies is most amusing. David's rescue of Loretta, the siren who, after a year's trial, was unable to lure any sailors to destruction, will enthrall the youngsters. The songs and ballets throughout the play are a special feature, and the ballets have been trained by several of. Wellington's leading dancing teachers. The play is the work of a young Wellington author, Miss Jean Mather, M.A., of Eastbourne. The producer is Madame Rosina Bligh. COASTAL TRIPS. Opportunities for pleasant coastal trips between Auckland and Wellington by the new islands steamer Matua are advertised in this issue. The Matua will leave Auckland for Wellington on Wednesday, October 5, and will arrive in Wellington on Friday, October 7. In .the reverse direction she will leave Wellington for Auckland, on Saturday, October 8, arriving at the latter port } 'on Monday, October 10.

"GYM." FROLICS, 1938." About 200 gymnasts will participate in the Wellington Y.M.C.A.'s production "Gym. Frolics 1938" which is to be presented in the Wellington Technical College Auditorium on Saturday, October 8, at 7.45 p.m. From the rise of the curtain until the fall the show will be packed full of thrills and comedy. The boys' group will perform on the springboard, horse,, and parallel bars, while the so-called midget group will be seen in clever pyramids. The girls perform in tumbling and a Maypole dance. The senior section will be seen to advantage in health exercises, fencing, jiu jitsu, hand-balancing, statuary, and illuminated wands. Assisting artists will be Mr. K. Macaulay, baritone, and the pupils of Miss Hazel Martin's tap bali let. The orchestra will be under the direction of Mr. Clem Howe.. The box plan is at the D.I.C.