CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 28, 3 February 1939, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. The romantic and hall legendary stories' that have through the centuries gathered round the figure of Robin Hood have been made excellent ; use of in the picture of the same name ' which is now in its fourth week at the Regent Theatre. The adventurous atmosphere of Sherwood Forest,, domain of the outlawed knight and his green-lad, followers, is faithfully > re-. produced. Clothyard shafts fly to; their marks in the bodies of Normanoppressors of . the Saxons and the merry outlaws of the forest carry out the policy.-of robbing the rich to give: to the poor and to pay the ransom1 for1 Richard the Lion Hearted imprisoned: in Europe. -Meantime Richard's brother John, aided by certain nobles, is planning to seize ; the. Throne and Robin Hood's several succesful attempts to upset his plans provide some of .the more exciting moments in the picture. The film is entirely in colours.: Errol Flynn plays the leading role and Olivia de Havilland is' a lovely Lady. Marion. MAJESTIC THEATRE. j As powerful and gripping a film as ever reached the screen. "Marie An-, toinette," which is showing at. ■, the' Majestic Theatre, is the stirring story of, a hapless woman who 'tried to find .happiness in the dark days of France. Norma Shearer gives a splen-j did' performance as Marie Antoinette.: Married to the slow-witted, weak king-to-be, Marie Antoinette, disappointed and unhappy, seeks; escape in frivolity and''mad espapades. She has many admirers ready to help her forget herself in the whirl of gaiety, but it' is not until she meets the handsome arid bold Count Axel de Fersen of ' Sweden <Tyrone Power) that love really comes to her. When she insults Jthe famous dv Barry, the king threatens to expel: her from France, but it is not her lot; to" fine escape so easily. The. film is not given the happy, story-book ending; it is history, and as such; the producers have treated, , it. Two newsreels shdw a number .of interesting events, including the recent; bush fires in" Australia. ST JAMES THEATRE. Sometimes amusing, sometimes tragic, and always exciting, "Crime School," the Warner Bros.' picture which is the new" film at the St. James Theatre, contains a powerful indictment of unthinking, brutal,: methods : of dealing with 3uvenile crime. -Effec-i tfvely utilising the talents of the six New York boys who became famous in both stage and screen versions of, "Dead End," as well as such .:' adult players as Humphrey Bogart and Gale Page, the latter a beautiful new-; comer to the screen from radio, the. new Warner picture makes £T strong, case-.for,1 its basic theme^that the old ■type of boys' reformatory, is in iact a "Crime School." The newer methods; of dealing with-juvenile 'offenders—! designed to prevent their developing into adult criminals—rare ~, effectively; contrasted with the 'old by'basing the "story on the determined fight made -by. an- Idealistic young: official to intro-; duce his ideas into a reformatory of the old type. The story makes' the Six "Bead End" boys the storm centre around which'this fight rages. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. •It • is, .George Formby's kindness X of. 'heart which pr6mpts him to deliver a letter for a Royal Air Force man, in "It's in the Air," which has been transferred to the Grand Opera House, that Pleads, him into. a.,:w.eb of circum-.. stances from which there is no escaping. He is mistaken for a flyer and detained at headquarters, where he makes life miserable for a sergeantmajor because of his well-meant blundering. This business of the raw recruit and the peppery sergeant-major is old-fashioned foolery; but between them Formby, his director (Basil Dean), and Julian Mitchell have shown a great deal of comic invention and have managed to. maintain a lively pace. This is practically a one-man show, though Formby has a heroine, Polly Ward, and such players as Garry Marsh and the Australian, Frank Leighton, are also cast. But; Julieh Mitchell, as the luckless -sergeantmajor, is the ■ only one who can compete for the limelight with the ebulient North/Country comedian and his "inevitable ukulele. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Kay Francis's gifts as .a portrayer of highly • emotional scenes are displayed in her newest starring vehicle, the Warner Bros, drama, "Confession," which is showing at v the Paramount Theatre. JThis is said to be the most powerful story in which the dark beauty has played during her nine-year career as a picture actress, outranking even her unforgettable "One Way Passage," and her trhruph 'in "White Angel." "Confession" was adapted; from the famous Continental stage playi "Mazurka." It has to do with a, oncegreat opera singer, .now reduced to cabaret jobs, who learns that the man who had betrayed her, years previously, now has the same sort of designs upon her young daughter. When she sees the two of them together in the cabaret, she kills him and, at the end of a vivid and dramatic trial, is'acquitted on the grounds of justification. All the action is laid in Warsaw and in the picturesque settings reproducing that ancient Polish city. Miss Francis, of course, plays the opera singer. Jane Bryan is her daughter. Basil Rathbonej is the suave betrayer, and lan Hunter! is a war-hero from whose arms Kay; was lured by the wiles of Rathbonej Supporting "Confession" is a full first-; half programme of six featurettes en-; tirely in technicolour. ! REX THEATRE. Contrast between stage and screen becomes more marked as Hollywood continues to adapt from the theatre and at the same time draw from Broadway for its players. This is evident in'"London by Night," which is showing at the Rex Theatre". George Murphy, once a Broadway dancer of note, more recently of the screen, appears in his first dramatic role. Rita Johnson, likewise of the New York theatre, makes her film debut. And Leo G. Carroll, long of the theatre, plays a pivotal role. "Romance of the Limberlost," starring Jean Parker, is the supporting film. ROXY THEATRE. In "Professor Beware," ■ -which is showing at the -Roxy Theatre, Harold Lloyd introduces- a new leading lady in the- person •of Phyllis Welch. The picture • deals with Harold's mad dash across the Continent to arrive in New York in time to catch a boat sailing to Egypt. Broke, and out of a job, he starts the trip with Miss' Welch at his heels, «and arrives at his destination, after a myriad of dizzy adventures. A young Englishman, who gives up everything and risks his life in untamed jungles to catch a mysterious white tiger, is the central figure in "Booloo," the second feature. Colin Tapley, the New Zealander, is starred. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. t All the beauty, colour, and swashf buckling adventure of the famous An- ,, thony Hope romance comes to the " screen of the Empire Theatre, where David Selznick's magnificent film pro- " duction of "The Prisoner of Zenda" is! t showing, with Ronald Colman, Made-J leine Carroll, and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., playing-the leading roles. Colman plays the dual role of King Rudolf V j and the, adventurous Rassendyll in ; this! tale of ■ love .and intrigue among ' the ; courts of Europe. The supporting film ' is "Renegade Ranger," starring George j O'Brien. '

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE. The best comedy offering to be seen here for some time is undoubtedly "The Cowboy and the Lady," which is showing for another week at the King's Theatre. Gary Cooper is at the top of the form which brought "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife" into so much favour with audiences the world over. In "The Cowboy and the Lady" he is cast.in a role which is eminently suited to his talents, for, apart from being one of the comparatively few Western screen'heroes who really can ride a horse, he has the real cowboy manner as a" carry-over from his preacting days. Playing opposite him is Merle Oberon, who, though she is justly famous in her own1 right for t film successes, is making her first appearance with Gary Cooper. The supports, which include : "Eternal Flame," the first of <the -new World Window series, and, , newsreels showing the Victorian bush'fires, are excellent. PEiAZA THEATRE. The G.8.D.-comedy-drama "The Lady Vanishes"; is now in i its third week at the Plaza Theatre. A young Englishwoman, .'played* by Margaret Lockwood, drops off to sleep in a Continental train: lon awakening finds her, elderly, travelling. companion (Dame-May Whitty) missing. The other passengers declare that the companion was non-existent and, added to this, a brain specialist says the companion vtefs a" figment' of the girl's imagination, an aftermath of slight concussion received before the train started. Joining forces with a young composer (Michafer Redgrave) the girl convinces him that the old woman really exists, and between them they unravel the plot ol an international ,spy ring. Among the supporting features is a newsreel of the tragic Victorian bush fires and the havoc after the blaze had passed. DE LUXE THEATRE. :"Army Girl," the Republic picture which- is the main film at the De Luxe. .Theatre, can be catalogued as one of the really outstanding productions p£ this or any other year. It is definitely not. a war picture, but a refreshing romance filmed against a background of America's peace-time army. Take a story that is filled Avith action and spectacle; one that is filled with comedy, romance, drama, melodrama, and pathos; combine all those elements and you have the story of "Army Girl." Add to that a cast that includes such names'as Maxige Evans, Preston Foster, James Gleasqh, H. B. Warner, Ruth Dontielly.^eil Hamilton, Ralph Morgan, "Big "Koy"! Williams, Ralph Byrd, Heather Tpge&Barbara Pepper, Robert Warwick*:'s\nd:: Billy , Gilbert. How a big city .^|ts;:cleared .of its racketeers by ,hone^:^yestigato^s >■' and honest prosecutofsSis 'the theme of "Missing Witnesses?-la -Warner Bros.' melodrama featuring J&m Lite!, jplck .Purcell, and Jean Dale<4w,hich is. the supporting feature., I by ■a< couple of American£s<*jiice reporters, the picture is an.:aut&2^f;ic exposition of-the terrifying* praftpiss: of getting witnesses who might,!te|t|Cy;damagingly against des-perate'-CrMkS'aut of -the'way. ? $vzo, ..- ;. STATE THEATRE. What happens to a temperamental screen star who allows a rash Press agent to.-stage a. series.of-wild stunts to publicise her pictures forms the theme of "The Affairs of Annabel," number one in a series of "Annabel" productions, which is showing at the State Theatre*.- The -stunts- are theoretical means for attaining publicity; but always develop unexpected results in practice. The ensuing troubles between the two principals rock the film with hilarity. These troubles include such worries as gaol sentences, dangerous implications with hunted criminals, and kidnapping. Jack Oakie and Lucille Ball top the film's cast. A music-mad collegian who develops into a synthetic football star is the unique role portrayed by Joe Penner in his latest R.K.O. Radio comedy, "Mr. Doodle Kicks Off," the second attraction. • The popular radio and screen star aspires to be a band leader, but his father plans a football career for him. June Travis, Richard Lane, Ben Alexander, Billy Gilbert, and Jack Carson are seen in supporting roles. TUDOR THEATRE. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the famous Disney full-length feature, is showing at the Tudor Theatre. Of the millions of persons throughout the world who see Walt Disney pictures each day, not all realise that the principal reason for their universal appeal is the manner in which Disney endows animals with human foibles. This will be found particularly true in this picture. There are rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, several kinds of birds, tortoises, and deer—and not a villain among them. The second attraction is "Straight, Place, and Show," starring the Ritz Brothers. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Hailed as the most distinguished motion picture in which Greta Garbo has yet appeared, "Marie Walewski," is showing at the New Princess Theatre. Charles Boyer is costarred. In the story, filled with the memories of an epochal period in world history, Garbo plays the role of the beautiful Countess Walewska, who forsakes her home and her husband in a heroic attempt to win over Napoleon and thus save the life" of her country. The 'associate feature is "Back to Nature," starring the popular Jones Family. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "A Yank at Oxford" heads the double-feature programme at Our Theatre. The story deals with the career of Lee Sheridan (Robert Taylor), who, after proving a magnificent athlete at his American school, manages to get a scholarship to Oxford. His bombastic entrance and general demeanour in the early days gain him many enemies, and for some time he is very unpopular. Some of his actions are considered "not cricket," but after a while he begins to learn what is expected of him., He takes a leading part in the rowing and athletics of the college and the picture ends on a happy note as he strokes the Oxford crew to victory over Cambridge in the annual boat race. Maureen O'Sullivan provides the romantic interest. "Freedom For Sale". is the associate feature. REGAL .Ttt&'ATRE, KARORI. The .most dramatic situation of the present day—the Spanish civil war— forms the background of the tempestu- , ous love story which is told in "Blocki ade," Walter Wanger's thrilling ro- ■ mantic drama starring Madeleine CarI roll and Henry Fonda, which is show- - ing at the Regal Theatre. This is the [ romance of a man and a girl drawn > into the conflict almost against their > will—lovers who were at the same time I bitter enemies. Loretta Young adds a . new leading man to her distinguished list with "Three Blind Mice," the second film.. He is Joel McCrea, who eclipses his past screen performances in this gay comedy based on a play by >. Stephen Powys. I HUTT PARK TROTS. In order to cater for the large attend- ; ance expected at the Hutt Park to- - .morrow the Railway Department has , made arrangements for a fast and frei quent train service to run direct to the r course. A popular fare has been pro--5 .vided for the occasion and it is cxi pected that racegoers will avail them-;1 i selves of the opportunity of using such • a cheap and convenient means of trans-. nort to the course. '

TIVOLI THEATRE. Presenting a warm and vibrant love story into which are woven the romance, laughter, and restless desires of youth, Universal's emotional drama; "Youth Takes a Fling," is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Joel. McCrea is starred as the Kansas farm boy who seeks adventure by going to sea, and Andrea Leeds is co-starred as the romantic salesgirl in the wedding gown department o£ a big store, who Jives only for the day she herself will be .a bride. How their conflicting ambitions, hopes, and desires almost wreck their young lives has been blended into a captivating drama. "Owd Bob," the new Gainsborough picture, which is the supporting film, is a modern adaptation of Alfred Ollivant's famous novel. It introduces to the screen that grand Scottish actor, Will Fyffe, in his first dramatic and starring role. He is seen as the surly farmer, Adam MeAdam, hajed and feared by neighbouring shepherds in the rugged Cumberland district —his only friend a savage Alsatian, Black Wull, as little loved as his master. The only object of his affections, other than his dog, is his daughter, portrayed by Margaret Lockwood. RIVOLI THEATRE. s The advent of any Deanna Durbin! picture is a milestone in the history of the screen. From the surprising "Three i Smart Girls," through the beautiful and stirring "100 Men and. a Girl," and the touching "Mad About Music" right td the current, "That Certain Age," now at the Rivoli .Theatre, her pictures' have been a delight and a revelation.' "That Certain Age" is as different from the previous trio as each of them were from the other. As Deanna growsj older, .her stories are carefully tailored to her age. This picture is lighter in theme than the others, but no less powerful in entertainment content. Starring Deanna, with Melvyn Douglas, Irene Rich, Jackie Cooper, and many others, "That Certain Age" tells the story of a young-girl, nearing sixteen, who meets a war correspondent and fancies herself violently in love with him. Temporarily infatuated with him, she forgets her younger "boy-friend" and childish playmates until it is brought home to her that she is still a child, and that romantic love has no place in her life.

KILBIBNIE KINEMA. Deanna Durbin comes to the Kilbirnie Kinema in her fourth Universal production, "Tii^t Certain Age." With her; in the principal supporting role, is Melvyn Dougl&s, with a supporting cast which includes Jackie Cooper, Irene Rich, John Halliday, Juanita Quigley, Peggy Stewart, Jackie Searl, Nancy enroll, and Charles Coleman. Five sorigjs are rendered by Deanna. in the new picture. Thrills, laughs, and spills seem to be the keynote of "Romance for Three," which is the second feature. The all-star comedy cast is headed by Frank Morgan, Robert Young, Mary Astor, and Edna May Oliver. CAPITOI. THEATRE, MBRAMAR. Transferred direct from the St. James Theatre; George Forrnby's latest film, "It's In the Air" is the main attraction at the Capitol Theatre. Kay Francis has the featured role in "The White Angel," the associate, attraction. The picture is set in the period of the Crimean War and brings an entirely new locale, period, and atmosphere to the motion picture public. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Man-proof" will be shown finally tonight-at ■•the-State. Theatre. With gold at a premium and the world's attention dra\Yh as never "Before to fantastic quests for buried treasure, the fictional adventures of Edmond. Dantes who found fabulous wealth on a deserted island in Alexandre Dumas's immortal romance, "The Count of Monte Cristo,". seems less I strange and mythical than ever before. The filrri, version of this story opens tomorrow at the State Theatre with Rop- ! ert Donat and Elissa Landi in the main roles. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Tough Guy" and "Piccadilly Jim" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre. „ . . "Mr. Moto Takes a Chance," starring Peter Lorre, opens tomorrow. The film, is based upon the astute Japanese character of J. P. Marquand's stories, and features' Rochelle Hudson, Robert Kent, and J. Edward Bromberg. In the blue coat and silvery buttons of a city flame-fighter, instead of the sombrero and hair-pants of a Western range rider, Dick Foran (Singing Cowboy) is seen in the supporting film, "She Loved a Fireman." PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Penrod and Sam" and "Sing Me a] Love Song" conclude tonight at the Palace Theatre. Paul Cavanagh and Marcelle Chantal co-star in "A Romance in Flanders," which opens tomorrow. The j film tells iii vigorous fashion the tragic yet beautiful story of a woman who became married during the Great War only because she believed the man she really loved to have been killed whilst making a gallant rescue. "Song of the Forge, the second feature, tells the tale of Joe Barret, a die-hard old blacksmith who refuses to march with the times.