CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 102, 27 October 1938, Page 15

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

When Alaska is mentioned the average person thinks immediately of frozen icecaps, mushing dog teams, furs and timber, yet it is the fishing off the Ketchikan archipelago that is one of the territory's principal industries and has yielded more wealth to the United States than all the precious metals ever mined in America's last frontier region. This industry, which is as packed with drama, action, and romance as any gold strike, is made the subject for an epic motion picture for the first time in Paramount's "Spawn of the North," co-starring George Raft, Henry Fonda, and Dorothy Lamour, which is showing at the Regent Theatre. The vast resources of the Paramount Company were placed behind its preparation, and for two years a group of camera' men were maintained in Alaska to secure authentic backgrounds for the story. They have since returned to Hollywood and the production has been completed. The screen story of "Spawn of the North" tells the dramatic tale of a life-long friendship existing between two men, which is , broken by an Arctic feud, to be finally reunited, if only spiritually, through: the terrific sacrifice of one of them. , MAJESTIC THEATRE. Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy are co-starred in singing roles in "The Girl of the Golden 'West," which is showing at the Majestic Theatre. In the adaptation of the famous Belasco play, the picture has been enhanced by one of the loveliest musigal scores heard on the screen in some time. Miss Mac Donald plays -Mary, the orphaned owner of the Polka Saloon. Jack Ranee, gambling sheriff, is in love with her, but Mary falls in love with Ramerez, romantic bandit whom she believes is a young army officer. A jilted sweetheart betrays Ramerez to Ranee, but the bandit escapes, wound ed, to Mary's cabin, where he is captured. Mary promises to marry Ranee if he frees Ramerez, and a very ingenious climax reunites the lovers. Contributing outstanding performances in a distinguished supporting cast are Walter Pidgeon, Leo Carrillo, Buddy Ibsen, Leonard Perm. Priscilla Lawson, Bob Murphy, and Olin Howland. ST. JAMES THEATRE. 'The Texans" will be shown finally tonight at 'the St% James Theatre. "Submarine Dl," starring Pat O'Brien and Doris Wcsion, commences tomorrow. NEW OPERA HOUSE. "Little Tough Guy," now showing at -the Opera House, and starring the "Dead End" kids, is a gripping story of modern youth's fight against its environment. Billy Halop again delivers a dramatic portrayal that rivals the best efforts of skilled adult performers. Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bernard Punsley, and the other "Dead End" boys are equally outstanding. The sister role is played by Helen Parrish. The associate feature is "Young Fugitives," featuring Robert Wilcox and Dorothea' Kent. 4 . . PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "The Perfect Specimen" and "Wine, Women, and. Horses" concludes tonight at the Paramount Theatre. In "The Story of Louis Pasteur" to be presented at the Paramount Theatre tomorrow, Warner Bros, have made a truly great picture that stands among the significant works of the screen, Paul Muni in the title role is superb. There have been great moments on the screen, but none to surpass that electric second when Paul Muni as Louis Pasteur, the champion of humanity, had-to decide which was dearer to his heart—the fate of his own daughter, or that of unborn generations. The choice he made was like every other moment of his life, heroic! For his meritorious performance in "The Life of Louis Pasteur," Paul Muni was awarded the coveted "Academy Award" for the best performance by any actor in any picture during 1936. The story deals with Louis Pasteur, a French chemist who is known fog his work in preserving wine and beer, who wages a singlehanded, war against,..child-bed fever and has published a pamphlet urging all doctors to wash, their hands and sterilise their instruments before attending patients. The mockery and persecution he had to fight before being finally recognised as the genius he was makes stirring entertainment. The supporting cast includes Josephine Hutchinson, Donald Wood, Anita Louise, Fritz Leiber, Porter Hall, and Akim -Tamiroff. "Prison Nurse," a thrilling melodrama featuring Henry Wilcoxon' and Marian Marsh, will be the supporting feature. TUDOR THEATRE. Gracie Fields rises to new heights in "We're Going to be Rich," the comedy film of gold-rush days, which is showing at the Tudor Theatre. Still she has -opportunity to sing her inimitable songs and give her laughable character skits, as she is cast as the showgirl wife, of a ne'er-do-well roisterer, and it is by her singing that she keeps the home fires burning. Victor McLaglen is splendidly cast as the tough, shiftless husband of Gracie. "Sweet Devil," .with Bobby Howes and Jean Gillie, is the supporting film. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "Rawhide" and "The Big Broadcast of 1938" conclude tonight at the Empire Theatre. From the world's great stories come the greatest motion pictures, and "Kidnapped," which Robert Louis Stevenson considered his best, proves this axiom. In the film, which opens tomorrow at the Empire Theatre. Warner Baxter portrays the never-to-be-forgotten Alan Breck, .fugitive clansman of the highlands. And Freddie Bartholomew gives a fine performance in.the role of David Balfour, the boy hero of the piece. Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh provide a strong starring team in "Dark Journey." which will be the second feature. Stockholm during the war years provides the background of the story, a thrilling and romantic tale of counter-espionage. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. With Marion Davies and Robert Montgomery as co-stars, and a supporting cast that includes such popular tomedians as Frank McHugh, Patsy Kelly. Louise Fazenda, and Allen Jenkins, "Ever Since Eve," is showing at the Grand 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 has 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. . STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Snatched from the shadow of the noose, he was sent to an island hell to suffer an agony worse than death. Telling the true story of the most tragic figure in American history, "The Prisoner of Shark Island" is showing at; the State Theatre, starring Warner Baxter with Gloria Stuart and a supporting cast of over one thousand. Dipping into the hectic days following th 6 close of the Civil War, the picture depicts the assassination of Lincoln and the flight of his assassin to the country home of Baxter, a doctor. \ PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Victor Moore's unusual record of having issued marriage licences for twenty y?ars without any of his "clients" getting divorces, forms the . novel basis of "This Marriage Business," RKO-Radio's new comedy-drama now showing at the Palace Theatre. "City Girl," the story of a girl who tries the most daring racket of them all, is the second feature. Phyllis Brooks and Ricardo Cortez are the

GUY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

PLAZA THEATRE.

Together again in what is probably the best film they have ever made, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers give a sparkling exhibition of their versatility in "Carefree," which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre. Fred is cast as a psychiatrist, and in an effort to discover why Miss Rogers keeps putting off her wedding with his friend Ralph Bellamy he offers to psychoanalyse her. Complications set its from the start, and the young lady soon finds that it is her doctor that she loves. Fred, always willing to help a friend, hypnotises Ginger and, while she is under the spell, forces her to imagine she is in love with Ralph Bellamy. He goes further than that and makes her understand that "men like the doctor should be shot down like dogs." He soon has cause to regret this. His duty nobly done the doctor suddenly realises that he is, himself, in love with the girl but it is too late foi when she comes around (after a series of mad adventures while still under the hypnotic spell) she has only hatred for him. STATE THEATRE. "Rascals" will be shown for the last time tonight at the State Theatre. Recognised as one of the foremost women writers in the realm of American literature, the late Kate Douglas Wiggin was the author of "Mother Carey's Chickens," which has become a "standard" book in the past two decades. Originally published as part of a triology of "best-sellers" which included "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" and "The Birds' Christmas Carol,' "Mother Carey's Chickens" has been serialised as a successful play by Mrs. Wiggin and Rachel Crothers. Depicting the loving, sorrowing,, and rejoicing of a devoted family composed of a widow, two beautiful daughters* ana two young sons, R.K.O. Radio's "Mothei Carey's Chickens," which open 9 tomorrow at the State Theatre, offers the contrasting romances of the two lovely girls as a high light. Its peaceful New England settings and its early 1900 period have been transferred to the screen by the magic of the camera and the technical skill of movieland: Its human, lovable characters live again in the fashion of the day. The cast includes Fay Bainter, Walter Brennan, Ralph Morgan, Frank Albertson, Jackie Moran, and Donnie Dunagan. REX THEATRE. "Stormy" and "His Night Out" conclude tonight at the Rex Theatre. Wallace Beery is the star of "Good Old Soak," M.G.M. comedy drama, which opens tomorrow. With him are seen Eric Linden and Betty Furness as "the old soak's" son and daughter. Others in the excellent cast of this well-produced picture include Una Merkel, Judith Barrett, and Ted Healy. James Whale, the soft spoken, blonde Englishman who has given the screen such masterpieces as "Show Boat, "The Invisible Man," and "Frankenstein" has added another triumph to that shining roster with "Sinners in Paradise," a Universal picture, which is the second feature. Madge Evans, John Boles, and Bruce Cabot are featured in the leading roles. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "Bringing Up Baby" and "The Rat" conclude tonight at the New Princess Theatre. From out of the depth of the tenements of a great city rises a stirring, triumphant story of youth and honour and of a boy's fight to find himself. Itis Monogram's splendid "Boy of the Streets," which comes to the Princess Theatre tomorrow, and its star is Jackie Cooper, whose moving characterisation of Chuck, the tenement "big shot," definitely establishes him as an adult star. "Boy of the. Streets" is a picture of real life with a real moral. The associate feature is Columbia ' Pictures' comedy-romance "No Time to Marry," starring Richard Arlen, Mary Astor, and Lionel Stander. ROXY THEATRE. "Under Suspicion" and "Tarzan Escapes" will be shown finally tonight at the Roxy Theatre. Mysterious and intrigue-ridden Morocco forms the romantic setting^ for Paramount's latest "Bulldog Drummond" adventure story, "Bulldog Drummond in Africa," which will be presented at the Roxy Theatre tomorrow. John Howard plays the role of the intrepid amateur sleuth. "Renfrew of the Royal Mounted," the supporting picture, presents an intriguing variety of adventure and excitement, which sweeps along like a clean, bracing wind. Janet Newill and Carol Hughes have the supporting roles. KJLBIRNIE KINEMA. "On Our Selection" and "The County Hospital" conclude tonight at the Kilbirnie Kinema. "The Perfect Specimen," which ran for several, weeks in Wellington re^ cently, o£His tomorrow at the Kilbirnie Kinema. It is a comedy of the kind which could only happen when stars like Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell team in a scenario either written for them or stolen by them because they wanted the chance to play it. There isn't an atom of sense in it, except the moral, and it may be days before half the audience recognise just what that is, but the nonsense clicks into place as aptly as sprocket teeth into a chain. Teaming two popular players, Preston Foster and Whitney Bourne, "Double Danger," a fast-mov-ing mystery film, is the second feature. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Louis Hayward has the most unusual role of his career in the exciting melodrama, "The Saint in New York," now at the .Regal Theatre. He portrays a debonair killer brought in to rid New York City of its leading racketeers after the police prove unable to punish them. Kay Sutton has the feminine lead. The associate feature is "The Life of the Party," featuring Gene Raymond, Helen Broderick, Victor Moore, and Jo Penner. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Chester Morris, Fay Wray, Lionel Stander, and Raymond Walburn cavort through the leading roles of the romantic comedy-drama, "They Met in a Taxi," which is the main attraction showing at Our Theatre at reduced prices. The story tells of the diverting experiences of an heiress and a Manhattan cab driver, who has become the unwilling squire of the lady in distress. The second attraction, "One-way Ticket," is the story of a young rebellious convict who falls in love with the daughter of the prison guard. Peggy Conklin and Walter Connolly are co-starred. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Robert Young, Joan Crawford, and Franchot Tone are the stars in "The Bride Wore Red," now at the Capitol Theatre. Based on Ferenc Molnar's famous stage play, "The Girl from Trieste," the new drama shows Miss Crawford as a waterfront cabaret singer who becomes a lady overnight. "Wings Over Africa," the supporting feature, brings to the screen the tense drama and thrills associated with Africa in an absorbing film of adventure and romance in the hinterland. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. "Man Hunt," which is showing at the Seaside Theatre, concerns the pursuit of an escaped bank robber by Federal agents and the part taken in it by a small town reporter and his sweetheart, a school teacher; the big city newspapermen and a doddering, romancing ex-sheriff. There is a large and talented cast, which is headed by Ricardo Cortex, Marguerite Churchill, William Gargan, and Charles (Chic) Sale. "Viennese Love Song." starring Gene Gerrard and Jean Muir, is the ■associate .siteasrfckm. ti

ITVOLI THEATRE. "The Baroness and the Butler" and "Hunted Men" conclude tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. "Big City," starring Spencer Tracy and Luise Rainer, and "Thank You, Mr. Moto/' starring Peter Lorre, commence tomorrow. RIVOLI THEATRE. "Professional Soldier" and "Thank You, Jeeves" will be shown finally tonight at the Rivoli Theatre. "Big City," starring Spencer Tracy and Luise Rainer, and "Thank You, Mr. Moto," with Peter Lorre, opens tomorrow. DE LUXE THEATRE. "The Invisible Menace" and "The Gladiator" conclude tonight at the De Luxe Theatre. "Something to Sing About," starring James Cagney and "The Old Corral," starring Gene Autrey, commence tomorrow. DANNY MALONE. The famous young Irish tenor, Danny Malone, who is to give two concerts in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on November 1 and 3, is fortunate in possessing a disposition and personality that immediately makes him friendly with his audience. These qualities do much in making an artist popular. Unlike many singers, this young tenor is capable of treating any type of song with equal understanding of the composer's purpose and of the emotional reactions of the audience. In such Irish songs as "The Snowy-breasted Pearl," and "Eily Aroon," he gives abundant proof that he has the temperament to interpret the people's joys and sorrows. Danny Malone will be assisted by the Tara Trio, modern masters of beautiful music. The box plan is at the D.I.C. "THE FLYING DUTCHMAN." At the Town Hall tonight Richard Wagner's romantic opera, "The Flying Dutchman," will be performed by the Royal Wellington Choral Union under the conductorship of Mr. Stanley Oliver, with a chorus and orchestra of 300 performers. It is a desirable change to hear a work of this character—a grand opera without which no season in. a big centre is complete—substituted for traditional oratorio; as it seems that the opportunity of witness grand opera i 8 becoming more remote as time passes. So it is to the choral societies that we must look for our grand opera. "The Flying Dutchman" has been happily cast. Miss Alma Clegg is to sing the part of Scuta, Mr. Harison Cook, Daland; Miss Grace Wilkinson, Mary; Mr. W. J. Francis will double the parts of "The Steersman" and Erik; while the name part will be taken by Mr. Russell J. Laurenson. The doors will open at 7.15, and the opera will conclude about 10.30 p.m. The box plan is at the D.I.C, where a limited supply of tickets are available. PETONE BOXING. A professional boxing contest over ten rounds between Billy Parris, cf Wellington, and M. Morton, of the Hutt Valley, will be conducted by the Hutt Valley Boxing Association at the Labour Hall, Petone, on Monday. Both boys have recently turned professional. Their records in the amateur ranks were very fine and Parris particularly, showed brilliance, on two occasions winning the welterweight title of New Zealand. On turning professional this year he met "Tiger" Parks in his first bout, when the negro was at h?.s best. Parris unfortunately received a cut on the eya that kept him out of action for a time, but he is now fit and well and confident of extending his worthy opponent, who has represented the Hutt Valley at national championships. Morton is an attractive boxer with a heavy punch. There will be amateur preliminaries. Particulars are adververtised.