CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 122, 19 November 1938, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Although a different Deanna Durbin is presented in her latest picture, "That Certain Age," in the sense that she reaches the age of romance the theme makes no difference to the spirit and charm of her work. As ever she simply radiates happiness and is the personifi-1 cation of the joy of youth. "That Certain Age" is now showing at ,the Regent Theatre. The tradition of brightness is continued, the. comedy is of character as well as of situation, and it shows the continued growth of the talents of the young; star. There is this to be added, that it is not primarily a musical film. There are pleasant songs, well sung, | but the chief aim seems to have been to reveal her development as an actress, and she acquits herself with the seriousness appropriate to her age, with a rich unconsciousness of her humour, and with that spontaneity and freshness which are always present with her. In the progress of the film there is great strength gained from the forethought which cast Melvyn Douglas as the object of her unsuspected affections. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Acclaimed as the best of the "Dad and Dave" series of pictures, the latest Cinesound production, "Dad and Dave Come to Town," is now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre and still attracting large audiences. The particular rustic type of comedy purveyed by the citizens of Snake Gully has its hostile critics, but they are putnumbered by the admirers of Australia's classic characters. The film shows Dad and Dave, parts taken by Bert Bailey and Fred Mac Donald respectively, at first in their country haunts where Dave's misplaced inventiveness consistently irritates his parent. Then the family inherits a city property and its members go off to manage a debt-ridden costumiers business. Needless to say Snake Gully is again victorious and a series of highly diverting adventures ends well for all concerned. From a technical viewpoint the film is perhaps the best yet from Australia, photography and staging comparing very favourably with Hollywood standards. Dad and Dave are aided and abetted by a strong supporting cast, including Shirley Ann Richards, Eric Kellaway, Muriel Flood, Billy Rayes, and Leile Steppe. Dad and Dave Come to Town" is a fun show that well merits its second week at the Majestic. On the supporting programme is a further number of the always instructive "March of Time news magazine. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Laurel and Hardy have taken a new location for their latest . nlm, "Swiss Miss," which is showing at -the St. James Theatre. This time Switzerland provides the background for their hilarious antics. As- a couple of super-salesmen, selling mousetraps, they conclude that Switzerland, with all its cheese, should be an ideal market for their wares. A Swiss factory proprietor is too good for them, however, and they are soon in plenty of trouble. To keep the peace with a_ irate inkeeper who is. demanding payment they start to work off their debt in the kitchen. The damage they do is more than they are worth,, but they provide plenty of fun in their efforts. Hardy's wooing of a young lady (Delia Lind), whom he supposes to be a peasant girl but who is really the opera star wife of a composer (Walter Woolf King) is highly amusing. King is seeking peace to compose a masterpiece and he and his wife (who has followed him) bring romance and some good vocal numbers into the film. The humour throughout is most refreshing and the alpine settings are splendid. Eric Blore, as the composer's valet, is very good, and other characters are a huge St. Bernard from which Laurel, after a great deal of trouble, filches a cask of brandy, and a chimpanzee. An added attraction this week is a demonstration on the stage by Mr. and Mrs. Southern Colledge of the Lambeth Walk. The supporting programme includes a cartoon, an "Our Gang" comedy, a newsreel, and a historical interest film. Another picture which is very interesting is one which has been made with ten mistakes which the audience is invited to find. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The film "The Good Earth" created such interest when it first appeared in Wellington that public demand has brought it back, for a further season. It is now showing at the Paramount Theatre. In this tale of a poor Chinese's rise to eminence, Paul Muni (the Chinese peasant) and Luise Rainer .(his wife) produce performances that have rarely been equalled in the screen. The film opens with the marriage of Wang (Muni) and O'Lan (Miss Rainer). Wang takes his wife to his small house and equally small portion of land. Here they experience years of great crops and years of famine, but slowly and surely Wang rises to a position of eminence. Several children are born, and he eventually reaches the position akin to a lord of the manor. But Wang is selfish. He forgets his wife, his children, and his friends, as he moves from success to success. It is only when his wife is ailing and he has banished one of his sons from his house that he returns to his fields and crops. It so happens that while he is on this tour of inspection he sees his fields ravaged, by the hand of Nature again. This time it is a swarm of locusts, and it provides the most gripping scene m the picture. The supporting programme is excellent. REX THEATRE. Film detective fans will have one of the hardest jobs of their career to solve "The Lady in the Morgue," another one of the famous Universal Crime Club mysteries, which is showing at the Rex Theatre. Preston Foster plays the lead in this absorbing mystery-drama. Hollywood has recently discovered - that Hollywood is a good story subject. So, with the ingeniousness peculiar to the movie industry, it has given the public another story close on the heels of "A Star Is Born." The new one, called "It Happened in Hollywood," is the associate film. Richard Dix, Fay Wray, and Billy Burrud are starred. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. A brand-new screen team makes its initial appearance in "The Life of the Party," R.K.O. Radio musical comedy romance now showing at the Palace Theatre. Gene Raymond and Harriet Hilliard are in the romantic leads. "Dance, Charlie, Dance," the second attraction, is the story of a small-town boy, played by Stuart Erwin, who comes to New York and accidentally puts over a big Broadway show. Jean Muir, Glen da Farrell, and Allen Jenkins are also in the cast. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. The immunity of racketeer barons from punishment, and the helplessness of the police in dealing with them by legal methods, forms the background of R.K.O. Radio's dramatic thriller, "The Saint in New York," starring Louis Hayward, which is showing at the Grand Theatre. One of the most popular singers New Zealand has taken to its heart is Dan Foley, the Irish tenor, who is making personal appearances at the theatre. Dan Foley has been well described as "New Zealand's John McCormick." STATE THEATRE, PETONE. From the world's great stories come the greatest motion pictures and "Kidnapped," which Robert Louis Stevenson considered his best, proves this axiom to the hilt. "Kidnapped" is screening at the State Theatre. Warner Baxter portrays the never-to-be-forgotten Alan Breck, fugitive clansman of the highlands, and Freddie Bartholomew gives a fine performance to the role of David Balfour, the boy hero of the piece.

KING'S THEATRE. . A feast of first-class entertainment is to be seen in "The Goldwyn Follies, which commenced last evening, what is sure to be a popular run at the King's Theatre. A brilliantly-coloured extravaganza of song, dance, and humour, it is bound to strike a responsive chord in everyone who sees and hears it. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the picture, and one whicn is all the more surprising because of the fact that all-star variety fcims have been screened before, is the tact that though there is a galaxy ot stars of opera, stage, screen, and radio, they do not interfere with one another s merit. So many films are made m which the variety stars ruin the continuity of the story. The casting director seems to have taken the best he could find in the four entertainment mediums, Adolphe Menjou, the Ritz Brothers, and Andrea Leeds head what is probably the most varied cast to appear under one title-head. From the radio there is Charlie McCarthy and his genial manager, Edgar Bergen, the famous crooner Kenny Baker, and the no less well-known .fnil Baker and his accordion. Grand opera contributes. Helen Jepson and Charles Kuilman. Zorina and the American Ballet of the Metropolitan Opera bring a splendid contribution from the dancing floor. From musical comedy come Bobby Clark and Ella Logan. A whole cast of Goldwyn girls, talented tap-dancers and noted beauties appear in scenes which the magic ?u *_ c ? olour camera has ensured are the best yet to be seen. On the same programme are the latest newsreels, and an excellent "March of Time" feature on the subject of America's free medical service scheme. PLAZA THEATRE. "You can fall in love with a rich man just as easily as you can fall in Jrf V T JP^ 1 fr poor man '" is tb-e motto of Loretta Young, as Pamela Charters penniless chicken-farming girl, who decides to spend a small legacy in a desperate attempt to land a millionaire. The resulting tangle when she loses her heart to a penniless man and captures a rich man whom she SZilJ 10™}?^ „S- cleverly depicted in Three Blind Mice," which is now showing at the Plaza Theatre. There are three sisters, Loretta Young, Marjone Weaver, and Pauline Moore, in tne quest for millionaires, and they meet at a fashionable resort, two re- ? uted .millionaires, David Niven and Joel McCrea. Pamela sets out to capture McCrea's heart, and she does, but when he reluctantly confesses that he, too. is penniless, and has been hoping to catch a rich wife, they agree to part, and she concentrates on Niven. Once again success, of a sort, comes her way, but when McCrea a?ain appears on the scene, this time at Niven's ranch, the old love is revived. The two sisters, who have posed as Pamela's maid and secretary, also find that romance comes their way. Loretta Young is at her best in the film, and does more to ensure the picture's success than the two male stars. McCrea has a typical role as a sincere, handsome admirer, and David Niven is also convincing, being responsible for quite a bit of the humour. Scenes of Mexican fiestas at Niven's ranch are colourful and appealing. Included among the supports are a cartoon and newsreels. STATE THEATRE. The scene of the picture "Owd Bob " which is showing at the State Theatre, is laid on the borders of England and Scotland where the shepherds tend their small flocks with the help of intelligent and highly-trained dogs—dogs that mean more to them than human beings. Will Fyffe, who has the chief role, is magnificent in his characterisation of McAdam, the rather pathetic old rascal who dominates the countryside. McAdam's dog "Black Wolf" is known I by all the shepherds to be harming their sheep, but no adequate proof is obtainable. McAdam fiercely defends his dog against all comers, and in so doing runs up against David Moore (played by John Loder), the owner of "Owd Bob." Margaret Lockwood plays the part of McAdam's daughter who is in love with Moore (these two will be remembered for their work in "Dr. Syn"), and they marry against the old man's wish. Finally McAdam gives in and the story ends happily for the lovers, but even then sly old McAdam has a secret which gives him the last laugh. The dogs "Black Wolf" and "Owd Bob" are very fine, and add a great deal to the enjoyment of the picture. The story is taken from Arthur Ollivant's novel of the same name, but' it has been changed a good deal j for screen purposes. There is a firstclass supporting programme.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "There's Always a Woman," Columbia's romantic comedy co-starring Joan Blondell and Melvyn Douglas, is the main film at the Tivol . Theatre. Based on a popular magazine story by Wilson Collison and adapted to the screen by Gladys Lehman, the story of "There's Always a Woman," tells of the efforts of Joan Blondell to out-sleuth her sleuthing husband, Melvyn Douglas. Alexander Hall directed the film, which features a cast including Mary Astor, Frances Drake, Jerome Cowan, and Robert Paige. "In London by Night," which is the associate attraction, George Murphy plays the role of a Fleet Street reporter who solves a mystery that baffles Scotland Yard. Rita Johnson is the girl involved and with whom he falls in love. Leo Carroll plays a role of mysterious characterisation that may well launch him in the footsteps of the late Lon Chancy. RIVOLI THEATRE. "Breezing Home," the Universal picture which is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, sets forth the struggle of too many sweethearts. A milionairess, owning a string of race horses, falls in love with their trainer. The same fellow has awakened the affections of a beautiful night club singer, who also owns a horse. Then the ladies meet. William Gargan portrays the trainer, Binnie Barnes is the rich lady, and Wendy Barrie is the blonde singer. The bond between a faithful dog and his master, and a woman's loyalty to them both, are threaded into the powerful, dramatic story of "Blind Alibi," Richard Dix's' current starring vehicle in which. Whitney Bourne plays the feminine lead, and Eduardo Ciannelli the chief menace. It is the associate film. Richard Dix is cast as a talented sculptor whose sister runs foul of a group of blackmailers and who persuades her brother to acquire a packet of letters being used by the crooks in their scheme. OPERA HOUSE. Those who crave pictorial action of the Western thriller kind will find plenty to sustain their interest in "Guns of the Pecos" now at the Opera House. A tale of Texas in the old days, the days of rustlers, bad men, and quick shooting, the picture stars Dick Foran in the role of a Texas Ranged who cleans up the activities of a gang headed by a small town judge, who masquerades under the cloak of respectability. As befits a hero, Dick has many close shaves before he finally brings the machinations of the gang to a close. He sings in very pleasing voice, too. The second attraction, "White Bondage," is obviously a propaganda film, propaganda against the big land owner, but for all that it is excellently produced. The conditions of white share-croppers on Southern cotton plantations, conditions of virtual slavery, are vividly portrayed. The picture centres round Jean Muir the granddaughter of _ cropper who is being victimised by a wealthy owner, Joseph King, and his sister. A stranger, posing as an itinerant mechanic arrives on the scene and ,by his suspicious actions rouses the ire of the croppers, who believe him to be in league with King. However, at the psychological moment he is revealed as a newspaperman working to alleviate the burden of those who would lyinch him. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Based on a story written specially for the screen by A. E. W. Mason, "The Drum," which is showing at the Regal Theatre, is a thrilling picturisation of life on the North-west Frontier .of India. To ensure accuracy actual troop manoeuvres and backgrounds were photographed in Technicolor at Chitral. the most northerly outpost of the Indian Empire. Sabu, Raymond Massey, and Valeric Hobson are starred. Splendid comedy, fast-moving drama, and soul-stirring romance are all combined in one of the most entertaining pictures yet to emanate from a film studio. This production is "Thunder in the City," starring Edward G. Robinson, and it is the second attraction a 1 the Regal Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. | "Josette," starring Don Ameche, 'Robert Young, and Simone Simon, is showing at the Capitol Theatre. In New Orleans, Don Ameche and Robert Young send their retired father, William Collier, sen., off to New York to break him of his infatuation for Josette (Tala Birell), a local cabaret singer. Unknown to the boys, father takes Josette along with him, and then things happen. Akim Tamiroff re-, turns to the screen in a dramatic story of the rise and fall of a political ringmaster in "Dangerous to Know," the second feature. Anna May Wong has a leading role as his adviser. BAND PERFORMANCES. The Institute Silver Band will give a performance at Oriental Bay and j the Legion of Frontiersmen Band will play at Seatoun Park tomorrow at 3 p.rri.

DE LUXE THEATRE. j Mexican singing and dancing form the pleasing background of "Tropic Holiday," the main feature at the De Luxe Theatre. The story tells of a bored Hollywood scenario-writer (Ray Milland) who knows nothing about love and who goes to Mexico to write a romantic play for early Hollywood production. He meets Dorothy Lamour, a local belle, and soon learns more about love than he thought possible, much to the discomfort of his Hollywood fiancee (Binnie Barnes) who flies to Mexico with the avowed intention of taking him back to filmland. Martha Raye as Milland's romantically-minded secretary, and Bob Burns a candidate for Congress who woos her strenuously, provide plenty of comedy. One of the most amazing scenes in the film is that in which Miss Raye engages in a -bullfight with a bull that she thinks is tame but which is actually the most savage in the district. The singing in the film is of a high order, the music being written by "the Irving Berlin of Latin America," Augustin Lara, Roberto Soto and Elvira Rois are also cast. "Touch-down Army" is the second attraction. A film of American college football, it features John Howard, Mary Carlisle, and Robert Cummings. N_W PRINCESS THEATRE. The uproarious antics of the absurd Marx Brothers—Groucho, Harpp, and Chico—together with the admirable supporting work of Maureen O'Sullivan, Allan Jones, Margaret Dumont, Esther Muir, and others, and the excellent direction of Sam Wood, combine to make "A Day at the Races," latest Marx laugh extravaganza, now showing at the New Princess Theatre, one of the most] amusing photoplays of this year or any other year. The associate feature is) Warner Bros.' "The Story of Louis) Pasteur," starring Paul Muni. ' ROXY THEATRE. Comedy is gained by contrast. Not necessarily the sublime to the ridiculous, but the subtle twist that tugs at sympathies before the laughter rings out. In "Let George Do It," which is showing at the Roxy Theatre, the popular comedian, George Wallace, has created a character in Joe Blake that is human and lovable. "Prison Farm," the supporting picture, features Shirley Ross and Lloyd Nolan in a story of an innocent girl who becomes entangled in the worst aspects of America's penal system. ,- TUDOR THEATRE. After an extended season at the King's Theatre, "Alexander's Ragtime Band" has been transferred direct to the Tudor Theatre. The film depicts the hardships and disappointments of a young musician to establish a small band in Hollywood. Alice Faye and Don Ameche portray the stirring story, laid in America's most tumultuous decades, to the accompaniment of 26 Irving Berlin favourites. Two additional Berlin tunes were written specially for the film. Ethel Merman," Jack Haley, Jean Hersholt, Helen' Westley, John Carradine, Paul Hurst, Wally Vernon, Ruth Terry, Douglas Fowley, Chick Chandler, and Eddie Collins are included in the cast. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "The Baroness and the* Butler," starring William Powell and Annabella, is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. William Powell is the perfect butler >to Hungary's blue-blooded Sandor family until, to their utter amazement, 'he is elected to Parliament on the ; people's ticket, in opposition to Count i Sandor, who is Prime Minister. Most ! furious over Powell's election is the Count's beautiful daughter, Annabella, ! unhappily married to a philandering • political upstart, played by Joseph . Schildkraut. "Radio City Revels" is . the associate attraction. ; SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. William Powell and Annabella are co-starred in the 20th Century Fox comedy "The Baroness and the Butler," which is showing at the Seaside Theatre. The associate attraction, "The Gladiator," features the popular comedian Joe E. Brown. An excellent \ variety of supports are included on the programme. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "The Bad Man of Brimstone," starring Wallace Beery, heads the double- ; feature programme at Our Theatre. Filmed against scenes of rugged grandeur in the national forest of Utah, "The Bad Man of Brimstone* is the ' story of a gangster of the eighties, whose reign is interrupted when he discovers that a stranger who is attempting to clean up Brimstone is his own son. The part of the son is taken by Dennis O'Keefe. O'Keefe falls in love with the daughter of Brimstone's crooked Judge, Virginia Bruce. "The Shadow," an exciting story ' of the circus, starring Charles Quigley and Rita Hayworth, is the second attraction. .

"LOVE FROM A STRANGER." Probably the most popular of all writers of thrillers is Agatha Christie, and the reason is not hard to find, for she writes, not merely a thriller, but a story in which sound psychology and perfect characterisation are treated as of first importance—as they should be in any work of fiction. These qualities in her work are admirably shown in the play "Love From a j Stranger," which was adapted by the ! late Frank Vosper from one of her short stories, and probably these qualities made "Love From a Stranger" the most successful production of the season in both London and New York/ Wellington audiences have an oppor* tunity of seeing a first-class productiorli.. of this famous play tonight and next Monday and Tuesday nights, when it is to be presented for a short season' by the Thespians. in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. The reputation the Thespians have already achieved in, Wellington has certainly been enhanced by their productions so far this season. They are now demonstrating again their remarkable versatility in presenting "Love From a Stranger";- lonce more under the direction of Victor S. Lloyd, who has been responsible for so many Thespian successes. The cast includes Coralie Smythson, Geraldine Gallaher, Hazel Vaughan, Peter Palmer, F. Stewart Hill, Arthur Rayner, and Molly McKenzie. The stage manager is Russell Reid, the property mistress Mavis Mortland, and the prompter is Jack McLeod. Par- | ticulars regarding booking are advertised. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY.' "The Drum," which is showing at the .Empire Theatre, is one of the most ambitious productions ever attempted Iby Alexander Korda. Photographed in I Technicolor, the picture stars Sabu, I the sensational child star who madehis memorable debut in "Elephant. Boy." Roger Livesey, Valeric Hobson, and Raymond Massey fill the other leading roles. The trials .of married life on a limited income are the hilarious background of the Jones Family'slatest hit, "Love On a Budget," which is the associate film. 1 I BROOKLYN THEATRE. George Arliss is starred in "Doctor Syn," which will be shown tonight atthe Brooklyn Theatre. Others in the' cast include Margaret Lockwood and, John Loder. "Sweet Devil," with Jean Gillie and Bobbie Howes, will be the second feature. There also will be selected" supports. THE AEOLIANS. On Thursday next The Aeolians will present their fourth choral recital in, the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. The choir, which is conducted by Mr. Maxwell Fernie, performs for charities, and on this occasion, the final appearance of the choir for the year, the proceeds will be devoted to" the Makogai Leper Fund. A varied programme of part-songs, madrigals, and glees, conforming to popular taste and calculated to please the most di&f criminating audience, has been pregared. The numbers include "Who ides for the Kin?" (Reginald Somerville), "Go ~to Bed Sweet Muse" (E. T. Dames), "Come Let Us Join the Roundelay" (William Beale), and "Letthe King Reign," Tennyson's lyrics set to music by Percy A. Whitehead. Guest artists will be Miss Gwynneth Lewis (soprano), Miss Jean Menzies (contralto), and an instrumental trio consisting of Mrs. A. C. Keys (piano) Miss Olga Burton (violin), and Mr. James Rodgers (flute). Patrons, apart from hearing a recital ricn in choral music, will have the added satisfaction of. directly assisting a very deserving cause. The box plan will open at the D.I.C. on Monday. SUNDAY PICTURES. Tomorrow night at the ;De Luxe Theatre the delightful comedy "When Knights Were Bold," one of Jack Buchanan's best pictures, will be shown. Buchanan is assisted by the beautiful Fay Wray. As a young Indian officer he inherits a title and a castle but when he arrives m the bosom of the family he finds himself a deplorable misfit. His struggles to attain the good will of his relatives leave a trail of disaster only relieved by the friendship of a beautiful cousin, Lady Rowena. She, however, is alsoa model of dignity, but Jack, in spite of a rival in the castle, makes a great fight for his lady fair. The proceeds are for the Smith Family Joyspreaders. v ST. ANDREW BURNS CLUB. Mr. O. N. Gillespie, speaker at the St. Andrew Burns Club, will cover new ground in his address on Monday evening. It is well said that wherever; one travels a Scot is found. Mr, Gillespie will show just how wide and what influences the overseas Scot has on world culture. The songs and poems of Robert Burns are found' in every corner of the world and are presented in many languages. Attention is also called to the Grand Scots Concert to be given in the Town Hall* on St. Andrew's Day, November 30.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES