CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 85, 12 April 1939, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

One of the most picturesque and romantic fellows ever to strut across the pages of history, Francois Villon, forms the central figure in Frank Lloyd's newest production, "If I Were King," which is showing at the Regent Theatre. Ronald Colman, master of romantic parts, is seen as the great poet, vagabond, lover, statesman, and soldier, the people's hero who held all France in the palm of his hand for one unforgettable week and taught a royal princess how to love. Lloyd, whose "Cavalcade," "Mutiny on the Bounty," and "Wells Fargo" have been among the greatest triumphs of the screen, selected a brilliant cast to support Colman. It includes Basil Rathbone, as the cynical and eccentric Louis XI of France, Frances Dee, as the lovely princess who made a national hero out of a vagabond poet, and Ellen Drew, as Villon's tavern sweetheart. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A new Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy and a new warmth, colour, and comedy spirit in musicals makes itself manifest in "Sweethearts," fifth co-starring musical of the famous singing team, which is showing at the Majestic Theatre. Technicolour has given both singers a more vivid personality. In "Sweethearts" Miss Mac Donald and Eddy portray two Broadway musical comedy stars who are husband and wife in private life.- Their quarrels, temperamental outbursts, and jealousies, together with their joint attempt to outwit a producer who wants to prevent them from accepting an offer from Hollywood, make for a comedy which is rich in laughter and at the same time replete with beautiful and original song and dance presentations. ST. JAMES THEATRE. India is today one of the few countries which still retain the colourful, national spectacles of the past, and in j "Storm Over Bengal," at the St. James Theatre, the reckless soldier of fortune who holds the attention of the audience in the person of Patric Knowles moves against a setting of splendour, mingled with the mystery of the East. He" and Colin Tapley (who was born in Dunedin), with the aid .'of Halliwell Hobbes, Douglas Dumbrille, and Rochelle Hudson, are the mainstays of a wonderful story of the quelling of a rebellion. The tale commences m a distant outpost in India, where two brothers are in love with the same girl. It is dramatic and gripping. The brothers are members of the famous Bengal Lancers, and they quarrel oyer -the girl, and for, a while it looks like professional disaster for one of them, but in the end tradition and a natural love for danger bring them together again when the Empire is menaced. ' NEW OPERA HOUSE. The ageless love triangle of two men and one woman is given an a]> pealing form in "The Shining Hour, which is screening at the New Opera House. Introduced into an aristocratic farming, family when she marries Melvyn Douglas more for peace and security than love, Joan Crawford, a well-known Broadway dancer, runs up against two disturbing snags. The first is her husband's sister, Fay Bainter, who for years has mothered the family and dominated it with her conservative and bigoted ideas, and who immediately expresses her displeasure at the entry of a dancer to her circle. Robert Young, the younger brother of Douglas, is the second disturbing element, as although he holds the same aristocratic views as his sister, he falls in love with the dancer. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. What is one of the strangest and most exciting film records of adventure in uncharted places, "Savage Gold" is showing at the Paramount Theatre. It is an authentic record of an expedition made by Commander George M. Dyott into the Xingu country of South America, that wild region inhabited by headhunting savages that lies between the Xingu and Araguay Rivers in Brazil. It is a weird and amazing record of the hazards encountered by an intrepid band of explorers who had gone to the Amazon wilds to rescue a prospector named Schweitzer, who had been searching for gold that Commander Dyott had told him the savages had discovered. In support are outstanding short featurettes, including a ' technicolour musical masterpiece in> which are featured well-known movie stars, a Laurel and Hardy comedy, and other interesting topics. ROXY THEATRE. "The Scrapper," starring Mickey Rooney, at the Roxy Theatre, is a rustic drama of a shell-shocked veteran, decorated in the war for valour, but a nobody in the town of Greenfield, and his young spirited son Shockey, considered an outcast by his school mates because he "lives on the other side of the tracks." A romantic young man's attempt to find a girl through the means of her lost slipper adds a Cinderella-like touch to the musical comedy, "The Life of the Party," the supporting feature. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Adapted from Erich Maria Remarque's novel of European post-war chaos, "Three Comrades" is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Robert Taylor, Margaret Sullavan, Franchot Tone, and Robert Young are starred. Although the Remarque story is placed against the background of the turbulent days succeeding the world conflict in Europe, it is primarily the drama of the devout love between a man and a woman. Dick Foran, the singing cowboy, is seen in "Prairie Thunder," the associate attraction. BROOKLYN THEATRE. Two outstanding features will be screened at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight. "Good-bye, Broadway," stars Charles Winninger, Alice Brady, Tom Brown, Frank Jenks, Dorothea Kent, and Tommy Riggs. "The Black Doll," another of the crime hits, stars Nan Grey and Donald Woods. There will also be selected supports. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Laughs and tears, thrills and romance mingle in "Saratoga," co-starring Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, which is showing at the Grand Theatre. A vivid story of the racetrack, a great race, unusual characters, in which a delicate romance is woven, the play is an ideal one for these particular stars. They hate, fight, and love through an action-packed drama in which much whimsical comedy leavens the heavier moments. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "All American Sweetheart," an excellent college picture, with new star personalities, is the main attraction at the Palace Theatre. The second feature is "The Thirteenth Man," a mystery drama, with double murders, thrills, and laughs. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. The "Strange Boarders" at the State Theatre, are a motley crew from whom Tom Walls, in his role of Secret Service agent, hopes to discover the identity of an international spy who has been cleve. enough to obtain copies of new aeronautical plans from the stronghold of a Government office. Supporting Tom Walls in this picture is Renee Saint-Cyr,-who appears as his wife.

KING'S THEATRE.

The fact that the whole of "Kentucky,"' which is showing at the King's Theatre, is filmed in natural colour, has done much to make the pic- j ture outstanding. The origin of j the family feud which forms an' integral part of the story is shown ] in a neatly-continued prologue deal- j ing with an incident of the civil,war when the head of the Dillon family as a Yankee officer kills the head of the Goodwin family. The story proper then opens in 1938 where the. old feud finds its expression in the rivalry between the Dillon and Goodwin stables. Principal members of the Goodwin family are the daughter Sally (Loretta Young) and her Uncle Peter. Having quarrelled with his father. Jack Dillon (Richard Greene), under an assumed name, becomes trainer for Sally Dillon, to whom he has already been attracted by a chance meeting. Outstanding in the strong supporting programme is a "March of Time' 'series dealing with the famous French Maginot line. DE LUXE THEATRE. There are laughs innumerable in "The Gold Diggers in Paris," which is showin to at the De Luxe Theatre, and as a spectacle it is remarkable. There is also a lyrical side to the fun and fast-moving story that certainly helps it along. The fact that the theme of the plot is based on an international I dancing contest in the gay city introduces the best in this respect, arid while there is an unexpected mix-up through ' a misunderstanding, events move along all the merrier for it. Rudy ! Vallee, Rosemary Lane, Hugh Herbert, I Allen Jenkins, Gloria Dickson, Melville Cooper, Mabel Todd, and the Schnickelfritz Band combine to present a lively, tuneful,-and interest-holding show. Wayne Morris, in a ringside story of a cowboy stranded in New York who takes to the gloves as an "out," repeats former successes in similar roles. He progresses until he is at the top. The sister of his final opponent provides the love interest PLAZA THEATRE. Though now in its fourth week, the pictured drama of Shaw's "Pygmalion" is at the height of its popularity, and is enjoyed by packed houses at the Plaza Theatre at each performance. As the young Cockney flowergirl who, to settle a bet, was presented to society as a princess within six months of being "rescued" from Covent Garden, Wendy Hiller scores magnificently. As the clever but bombastic student of phonetics, who is forcibly introduced to his own lack of manners, Leslie Howard is thoroughly in character. There are no flaws in the supporting characters. The supporting programme this week contains a remarkable added attraction, entitled "Vyvyan Dormer's . Fashion Forecast." STATE THEATRE. A terrific clash of wills between a belligerent chief engineer on a vessel and a determined ship's physician, motivates the exciting plot of RKORadio's "Pacific Liner," which is showing at the State Theatre. Victor McLaglen and Chester Morris are starred. With its action transpiring on board an ocean steamer, the story presents McLaglen as the masterful chief of the ship's engine- and fire rooms, Morris as the vessel's doctor, and Wendy Barrie as a nurse. The chief engineer resents the doctor's daily inspection of the stokehold crew, as well as his more than professional interest in the pretty nurse, and a bitter conflict develops between the two men. This condition is further aggravated when a deadly epidemic breaks out below the decks and the engineer's steelwalled domain is put under quarantine by the physician. "Arizona Legion," George O'Brien's newest Western photodrama, which is the associate film, is based on actual incidents in the early history of the State of Arizona. This chapter concerns the formation of the 'Arizona Rangers," a secret group of fourteen men commissioned by Territorial Governor Oakes Murphy in 1901. i TUDOR THEATRE. "Trade Winds," now showing at the Tudor Theatre, is a splendid combination of competent acting and beautiful tropical scenery, but it is by no means a glorified travel film. Fredric March, Joan Bennett, and Ralph Bellamy are starred. The associate feature is "Hold That Co-Ed.," with a cast headed by John Barrymore, George Murphy, and Joan Davis. American football is the centre of this comedy. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Sparkling with gay comedy situations and filled with melody furnished by Hope Hampton, "The Road to Reno" is showing at the Princess Theatre. Set against a majestic background of towering mountains and replete with intimate pictures of the topsyturvy life found only in Reno, the film runs the gamut from sophisticated comedy to flashes of hearttugging drama. Randolph Scott and Glenda Farrell are in the cast. The associate feature is "Sergeanet Murphy," starring Mary Maguire and Ronald Regan. x CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Five of the strongest and most rugged stars in all Hollywood were enlisted for leading roles in Univer sal's spectacular marine production, "The Storm," now showing at the Capitol Theatre. "Varsity Show" is the associate film. Starring ever-popular Dick Powell and introducing Fred Waring and his internationally famous orchestra, the. Pennsylvanians. "Varsity Show" sets a new standard in musical and comedy entertainment. RATIONALIST ASSOCIATION LECTURES. Mr. Harr; Scott Bennett, who is on a brief visit from Australia, will address a public meeting at The Thespian Hall, opposite the Town Hall, Cuba Street, tomorrow evening, at 8 o'clocbk, his subject being "Rationalism and the World Situation." Mr. Bennett is noted for his oratory and has been attracting large audiences in Auckland. It is announced that a debate with the Rev. O. E. Eurton. M.A., at the Concert Chamber, will take place on Sunday evening. Further lectures will also be given on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening, particulars of which will be advertised later. TRADES HALL MEETING. The attention of readers is drawn to an advertisement of a public meeting dealing with peace and war, to be held at the Trades Hall tomorrow. Two lablr speakers, Mr. A. Vogt and Mr. A. iC. Harrington, will lecture,'under the auspices of the Wellington branch, Peace Pledge Union. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Mr. Chedworth Steos Out," starring Cecil Kellaway, which is showing at ' the King George Theatre, is one of Australia's finest talking films. The ; story concerns the adventures of George Chedworth, a quiet, hardworking city clerk, who wins : £1000 in betting and who picks up a bag containing £15,000 in counterfeit [ money about the Mmc he is retrenched : from his firm. Australia's Deanna Durbin has a part in the film.

TIVOLI THEATRE. The Judge Hardy Family is loose! again. In "Love Finds Andy Hardy." which is showing at the Tivoli Theatre, they create another alternately humorous and dramatic episode from the life of a typical American family. Once more it affords the family, consisting of Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden, and Betty Ross Clarke every opportunity for capitalising on the homespun drama of everyday life. In "Crime School," the associate feature, the newer methods of dealing with juvenile offenders—designed to prevent their developing into adult criminals —are effectively contrasted I with the old by basing the story lon the determined fight made by lan idealistic young officer to mii troduce his ideas into a reformatory of the old type. The story makes the six "Dead End" boys the storm centre around which this fight rages. RIVOLI THEATRE. Another of the Rivoli Theatre's popular mystery programmes will be presented tonight. The two main films, which provide thrilling and ex- ; citing entertainment, are first-release nroductions. In addition there will be the usual fine selection of support- ■ ing films. REX THEATRE. "Bengal Tiger," which is showing at the Rex Theatre, is a thrilling melodrama of the romance of the circus with an intimate revelation of the life of the performers. The cast includes Satan, the man-killing tiger, Barton Mac Lane, June Travis, and Warren Hull. "Brides Are Like That," the associate film, is a rollicking comedy romance based on the play "Applesauce," by Barry Connors. Besides Ross Alexander, the cast includes Anita Louise, Joseph Cawthorn, and Kathleen Lockhart. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. "Not Wanted on Voyage," co-starring Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, is the > main attraction at Our Theatre. The J film deals with an insurance company detective who has to pose as a crook on a luxury liner in order to protect a valuable necklace from sundry thieves who are determined to get hold of it. The diamond-cut-diamond situations provide plenty of thrills, whilst the story gives Bebe Daniels several opportunities of exploiting her fine voice. The associate feature is "Young and Innocent," starring Nova Pilbeam. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. How a big city was cleared of its racketeers by honest investigators and honest prosecutors is the theme of "Missing Witnesses," a melodrama featuring John Litel, Dick Purcell, and Jean Dale, which is showing at the Empire Theatre. The picture is an authentic exposition of the terrifying process of getting witnesses out of the way who might testify damagmgly against desperate crooks. "The Lady Objects," a thrilling and dramatic story of a woman who pitted a career against love, and found it only after she had nearly wrecked her home, is the associate film. Lanny Ross and Gloria Stuart are featured. * REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Four times during "Mysterious Mr. Moto," latest in the 20th Century-Fox series, starring Peter Lorre, which is showing at the Regal Theatre, assassins strike with terrifying suddenness and each time the same "death tune" is the signal for their lethal deeds. "Break the News," starring Jack Buchanan and Maurice Chevalier, is the associate film. It presents these two famous stars of stage and screen in a story which affords them exceptional scope for their combined brilliant talent. The performance tonight and tomorrow night is in aid of the Returned Soldiers' Association. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Topping its four predecessors in Universal's Crime Club series in eerie suspense, wisecracking comedy, and romantic delineation, "The Last Express" is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The cast includes Kent Taylor, Dorothea Kent, Don Brodie, Greta Granstedt, and Paul Hurst. The associate feature is "Variety Hour," a bright revue by England's leading radio and stage celebrities.