CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 90, 18 April 1939, Page 5

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. "If I Were King" is continuing tc draw large audiences at the Regem Theatre. Francois Villon is played by Ronald Colman and one could not imagine a.better man in the role. Basil Rathbone portrays the crafty King Louis. When the king in disguise visits a disreputable cafe in the "Court of Miracles," famous centre of the slums of Paris, he hears the vagabond poet boast what he would do is he were king, and a royal whim gives Villon a chance to make good his boast. He is made Grand Constable of France for one week at the end of which he is instructed to hang the villain, Francois Villon. Meantime a beautiful woman, the Lady Katherine (Frances Dee), has captured Villon's heart. The temporarily ennobled poet gains a royal pardon by successfully leading the rabble of Paris against the Burgundians who have long besieged the city. MAJESTIC THEATRE. A new Jeanette Macbonald 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 for an extended season at the Majestic Theatre. Technicolor 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. "Little Tough Guys in Society," screening at the St. James Theatre, has provided the opportunity for three of Hollywood's leading comedians to play together for the first time. The stars are Mischa AueV, Edward Everett Horton, and Mary Boland. The last-named is cast as an American society hostess, with a most objectionable young son whom she worships. This son refuses to get out of bed, and the doting mother, thinking he is suffering' from some unusual malady, calls every famous doctor to his bedside. The last is Mischa Aver, who dabbles in hypnotism and the curing of the soul. He tries to put his spell on the son as he lies in bed, but it is the mother who falls under the doctor's influence. The doctor recommends low class playmates for the aristocratic son, and that is where the "little tough guys" make their society debut and with extraordinary results.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. There is a double-feature programme at the Paramount Theatre. "I Stand Accused." the first attraction, is a new release1. Two law students after graduation, set up in business as partners, but their friendship splits when one accepts "shady" briefs The other takes the side of law and order and joins the District Attorney's office. His pal rises to great heights as he successfully defends criminals and wins victory after victory, but there comes a time when he wants •to ;call a halt. Then, however, he finds himself in the net of the underworld and is threatened if he does not defend the crooks who have been arrested in a city "clean up." The main parts are taken by Robert Cummings, Helen Mack, and Lyle Talbot. The second feature is "Storm Over Bengal," an entrancing story of the Indian frontier, in which the leading parts are taken by Patric Knowles, Richard Cromwell, and Rochelle : Hudson. It is another adventure with the Bengal Lancers, and deals with plot, counter-plot, and revolution in the hill country of India outside British administration. REX THEATRE. Stalwart Warren William portrays the role of a big-time gambler in "Midnight Madonna," a drama of mother love and a court battle waged for the custody of a child, which is showing at the Rex Theatre. Larry Crabbe and Marsha Hunt head the cast of a new hard-riding Zane Grey Western, "The Arizona 'Raiders," a Paramount picture, which is the associate film. The story presents a plot packed with novel angles. ROXY THEATRE. Filmed entirely in technicolour, "The Adventures of Robin Hood," starring Errol Flynn, is' showing at the Roxy Theatre. This beloved legend, concerning the gallant deeds of a Saxon rjoble who turned outlaw with a band of followers and plundered the rich Normans to feed and protect the poor and oppressed, has long been a favourite to moviegoers of all ages. "Sing Me a Love Song," the associate film, is one of the most entertaining, musical comedies of the year. There is an all-

star cast headed by James Melton, the radio singer. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy again leave behind them a trail of hilarious disaster in "Block-Heads," their new Hal Roach M.-G.-M. comedy, which is showing at the State Theatre. The two comedians persevere in their wellmeaning way, but fortunately for a world that likes to laugh, the obstacles are almost insurmountable. Far from exhausing their bag of tricks, the ample pockets of Stan and Oliver bulge with a supply of new ones. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Set against a majestic background of towering mountains and replete with intimate pictures of the topsy-turvy life found only in Reno, "the city of broken hearts," "The Road to Reno," which is showing at the Grand Theatre, runs the gamut from sophisticated comedy to flashes of heart-tugging drama. Randolph Scott and Hope Hampton are starred. "The Patient in Room 18," a mystery-melodrama starring Patric Knowles, is the associate film. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. George O'Brien is a Texas Ranger in "The Renegade Ranger," which is showing at the Palace Theatre. Rita Hayworth is also starred. "Missing Witnesses," the second feature, stars Dick Purcell and John Litel. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Too Hot to Handle," starring Clark Gable and My ma Loy, which is showing at the King George Theatre, is an exciting story of daring newsreel men who face death daily to bring the events of the world to the motion picture screen. It is the story of Chris Hunter, ace cameraman, who chooses to work alone, of Alma Harding, famous aviatrix who crashes her plane in China on a round-the^-world flight and Bill Dennis, a rival cameraman. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Bringing the world-famous team of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers together once more, R.K.O. Radio's "Carefree." which is showing at the De Luxe Theatre, presents a glittering joyous, and song-studded film romance embellished with Irving Berlin's melodies, startling dance routines, and a deftly-handled story. The associate feature is a Crime Club mystery, "The Last Warning," and stars Preston Foster, Frank Jenks, and Joyce Compton. __, j

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

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 picture outstanding. .The origin of the family feud which forms an integral part of the story is shown in a neatly-continued prologue dealing 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. Outstanding in the strong supporting programme is a "March of Times" series dealing with the famous French Maginot line. PLAZA THEATRE. Though now in its fifth 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 ot being "rescued" from Covent Garden vvendy Hiliet scores magnificently As the clever but bombastic student oi phonetics, who is forcibly introduced, to his own lack of manners, Leslie Howard is thoroughly in character There are no Haws in the supporting characters. The supporting programme this week contains a remarkable added attraction, entitled "Vyvyan Dormer's Fashion Forecast." DE LUXE THEATRE. Hopalong Cassidy is seen in something quite new in "Sunset Trail" at the De Luxe Theatre. For once he I poses as a dude visitor to a guest ranch, and with his chaparrejos and gun belt he sheds the Cassidy behaviour, emerging as the timid, awkard Easterner, in which role he is unexpectedly humorous In city clothes he fails to ridel his own horse, is taken down at poker, and generally puzzles the lady, owner of the guest ranch which she is trying to run to earn a living after having been robbed by the murderer of her i lusband. "Disbarred." the second film, featuring Gail Patrick and Robert Preston, is a crook story. The villain, lawyer to a big gangster, is disbarred, and comes across a young woman barrister who wins all her cases in her home town. The idea of making her the lawyer for j the new gang he forms, and faking evidence so that all his caught killers get off. is the eventual undoing of the "chief."

TUDOR THEATRE. Back in a ten-gallon hat, high-heeled boots, dungarees, and roll-your-owns, Gary Cooper in "The Cowboy and the Lady,", which has returned to Wellington to show at the Tudor Theatre, gives a most stirring and dynamic performance. Merle Oberon, cast as a gay and witty modern society girl, enriches her role with fine timing qnd a beautiful sense of comedy. The second leads are capably played by Patsy Kelly and Walter Brennan, who appear in excellent comedy scenes. The associate attraction is "Woman Chases Man." Miriam Hopkins. Joel McCrea. and Charles Winninger are at the head of the cast. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "It's in the Air," the latest George Formby film, which is screening at the New Princess Theatre, has as its background the Air Force, where George finds himself "accidentally" in uniform, subjected to a bewildering discipline, and, as usual,' making a hopeless mess of "everything." George finds time and place to sing three excellent numbers and has a romance with ' the sergeant-major's daughter. The associate feature is "Romance in the Dark," a musical romance,* starring Gladys Swarthout, John Boles, and John Barrymore. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Allan Jones, Judy Garland, Fanny Brice, and Billie Burke have the principal roles in the M.G.M. new musical, "Everybody Sing," which is the main attraction at Our Theatre. The plot concerns the antics of a madcap theatrical family who send their daughter, Judy, to Europe because she keeps getting expelled from school for singing "swing" in classes. Judy, realising that her family is bankrupt, sneaks off the boat, joins forces with her family's singing chef, Jones, and they put on a musical show. It is a hit and the family is saved from financial ruin. The second attraction is the outdoor drama, "Ren- j frew of the Royal Mounted." ■ ne. ■ KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ! A startling story is told in "Four Men and 'a Prayer," starring Loretta Young and Richard Greene, which is

showing at the Kilbimie Kinema. The theme is an inspiring one. 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. Described as one of the funniest of the sophisticated comedies which began with "My Man Godfrey," Paramount's "Love on Toast," starring Stella Ardler and John Payne, is the associate film. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. In "Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo," which is showing at the Seaside Theatre, Warner Oland, portraying the world's ace detective at the world's gayest playground, again proves that logic and careful attention to minute clues is a safe bet when death deals a hand at the gaming tables. "Danger Patrol" is the associate attraction. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Otto Kruger gives the performance of his career in the title role of "Housemaster," the Associated British screen version of lan Hay's play, which is showing at the Regal Theatre. "Housemaster" is a bright and breezy comedy with a sympathetic and human note underlying its humour, the action of which takes place almost entirely within the walls of a large English public school. Sometimes amusing, sometimes tragic, and always exciting. "Crime .School," the associate film, contains a powerful indictment of unthinking, brutal, out-moded methods jof dealing with juvenile crime. . EMPIRE THEATT.E, ISLAND BAY. The most seasoned follower of the adventures of screen sleuths will get a real thrill out of Monogram's "Mr. Wong, Detective," which is showing at the Empire Theatre, for not only is it a clever mystery drama, full of action and suspense, but it serves to introduce a new screen detective in the person of that ex-horror man and master of eerie characterisation, Boris Karloff. Four song hits and sixty lovely girls form portion of the numerous entertainment ingredients which have gone into the making of "Paradise for Two," a scintillating musical comedy co-starring Jack Hulbert and Patricia Ellis, which is the associate film. WELLINGTON FRENCH CLUB. The Wellington French Club opens its session on Thursday evening next and a very complete programme of; dramatic, literary, and musical pro- , grammes has been arranged for the : ensuing yeac

RIVOLI THEATRE. With three stellar sta. J( headed by young Mickey Rooney, in the .title role, Monogram's "The Scrapper," which is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, is marked with sincere performances, a rustic simplicity, and plenty of laughs, action, and thrills. The story concerns two social outcasts in a small, middle-western town, a shell-shocked war veteran and his young son, "Shockey," who has earned for himself the nick-name of "The Scrapper," by virtue of his ever-readiness to fight anyone who says anything about '"his dad." Revealing what goes on I under the glitter and veneer of Hollywood picture-making, "Fugitives for a Night," the associate film, presents a new screen team in the pei--sons of Frank Albertson and Eleanor Lynn, featured in a romantic drama of an, unusual kind. NEW OPERA HOUSE. Adapted from the famous stage play, "The Golem," ' '-.c Legend of Prague," screening at the New Opera House, is of more than usual entertainment value because of the present tension in Europe. ■ The film is also interesting because it is one of the few examples of Continental productions that New Zealanders have seen fjr seven's i years. The quality of realism in direction and photography which distinguishes Continental films is apparent throughout. It is the Prague of a much older day that is shown, but some people may see a parallel with modern times in its depiction of suffering and oppression among the inhabitants, particularly the Jews. The story is based on an ancient legend about the Golem, a huge man-made image which the Jews believed would .come to life in the darkest hour of their suffering and sweep away their tyrants. STATE THEATRE. "Pacific Liner" and "Arizona Legion" conclude tonight at the State Theatre. "Up the River" and "Bank Holiday" commence tomorrow. ; CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. j Merle Oberon is revealed in all her true beauty for the first time in Alexander Korda's technicolour comedy, "The pivorce of Lady X," which is showing at the Capitol Theatre. Besides marking Merle's technicolour debut, the film also marks her first comedy role after a series of exotic and tragic characterisations. A new romantic comedy about studio life, "She Married an Artist," is the associate film. John Boles and Luli Deste are co-starred. STUDENTS' EXTRAVAGANZA. Commencing next Saturday at the New Opera House, Victoria University College will present once again the biggest feast of entertainment seen in Wellington since last year's great success. Extravaganzas are unique to universities; no other body can reproduce them with exactly the same delightful humour and rollicking hilarious comedy. Politicians ax-e pilloried with delightful impartiality and their plottings and escapades are but the release for delightful dances and rhythmic melodies. The first of the plays, "Adam in Wonderland." written by the "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," and produced by Jack Aimers, is an ex-

cellent representation, or rather perhaps misrepresentation, with political characters succeeding the fictional of "Alice in Wonderland." "The Dinkum Oil," play No. two, a roaring south-sea comedy, woven around the blue, wavelapped shores of New Zealand, was written and produced by John Carrad. This play really leaves nothing to be desired. Show No. three, and the mam show of the evening, "The Vikings, was written by Ronald L. Meek and produced by Ralph Hogg. The story slips back centuries to the time when men women, and animals roamed among the gaunt shadows of Stonehenge, and the ancient Britons paddled th«ir coracles in what lated became the Anglian marshes. Wild Vikings inhabited the barren North of Europe, and thence goes Nev, the British oracle in his coracle and umbrella, only to be caught by the Viking Hit, who crosses over to England in disguise. NATIONAL ART GALLERY. The exhibition of reproductions of old masters and modern paintings of the European and British schools ot painting of all periods at the National Art Gallery continues to attract crowds of interested visitors. The attendance during the Easter holiday period was exceptionally good. The collection consists of about 180 large size reproductions in colour and presents a survey of the art of painting in Europe over the past 600 years. The pictures are made by the latest process of reproduction which has i been improved so greatly in years that the prints give a marvellously true representation of the original paintings. Two further lectures in connection with the pictures will be given, next week on Wednesday and Thursday. . On Wednesday, at 8 p.m., Mr". J. M. Ellis will speak on the German and Flemish Schools and on Thursday Mr. A. D. Carberry will give a talk on the Dutch School. The exhibition will close on April 30. Admission to the exhibition and the lectures is free. VIENNA BOYS' CHOIR. The noted Vienna Mozart Boys' Choir will arrive in Wellington on Wednesday week and will begin a short season in the Town Hall that night. The choir comprises twenty choristers, twelve sopranos, and eight altos, and is under the musical direction of Dr. Georg Gruber, one of the best-known i choral conductors in Europe. Dr.

Gruber has been for several years principal conductor of the Viennese Boys' Choirs and also of the Vienna Male Choir of 300 voices, the oldest institution of its kind on the Continent. Three programmes will be presented during i the Wellington season, everyone including n Viennese operetta will dialogue Mjjbiglish. There will also be selectk"* jf motets, English songs, and folk song's of all nations. Matiness will be given on Thursday and Saturday. TOWN HALL BOXING. Vie. Caltaux and Don Johnson, two Auckland welterweights, will meet in the first professional bout of the Wellington Boxing Association's 1939 season at the Town Hall, on Thursday j night. They have met before, and there I is keen rivalry between them. Cal-1 taux, a fighter rather than a boxer, was kept very busy last season, meeting opponents from the North Cape to the Bluff. In Johnson he will find a worthy opponent, keen to take the decision. Neither has been seen in the local ring previously, and this, plus the fact that the boys have the reputation for making things willing, should draw the crowds. Particulars are advertised in this issue. KARORI ESPERANTO SOCIETY. «^p Attention is drawn in the advertising columns to the formation tomorrow night of the Karori Esperanto Society. The initial meeting will take place in the Karori Parish Hall at 8 o'clock, when the Speakers will be Messrs. Bertram Potts and Edgar Hornblow. All who are interested in the international auxiliary language and the formation \' of a cultural centre in Karori are ; asked by the chairman, Mr. Nelson Hill, ■ to attend early. : j Information that the Minister of 1 Education (the Hon. P. Fraser) had 1 not been able to receive a deputation " from Johnsonville on the question of i baths for the district was given in a ' letter received at a meeting of the \ Johnsonville Town Board last night 1 from Mr. H. E. Combs, M.P. for the , district. Mr. Combs stated that the Minister had asked the Director of Education to go into the question of r making available as a site for baths ; a portion of the education reserve adjoining the school. Consideration was \ being given to the question of a grant. "