CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 126, 31 May 1939, Page 8

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE. The paralysing effect of racketeering on industry is fully revealed in Warner Bros.' "Racket Busters," now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The story is centred in New York,' and shows a gang headed by Humphrey Bogart, always the admirable gangster, beginning to exact its toll from the city through its food supply, by first compelling the truckdrivers to fall into line with their wishes. When the truck-drivers combine to form a determined resistance, stringent measures are" brought to bear on them, and their resistance 'gradually give« way to intimidation. Just as the outlook is beginning to appear black for all those engaged in the market trade, a leader, George Brent, comes forward and, by his inspiration and the help of the city's special prosecutor (Walter Abel), the gang is smashed. The associate attraction, "My Bill," is a well-balanced film of | laughter and tears, and gives Kay Francis opportunity to play a particularly sympathetic part. The supporting programme includes another chapter in. the "Lone Ranger" serial. MAJESTIC THEATRE. An unusual and enthralling story in which are re-enacted the scenes of 1917, "The Shopworn Angel," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is a good example of appropriate casting and fine acting. In it are relived the scenes which took place when America, after staying out of- the Great War for three years, came in on the side of the Allies. The enthusiasm and patriotism which at once swept the country is likened in the picture to a gigantic wave, carrying all before it. An eddy of that wave sweeps into Broadway, and accomplishes the seeming miracle of ennobling a hard, selfish variety entertainer, who previously had no time to think of anyone but herself. The miracle is accomplished by way of a minor motor accident, in which a jaywalking ex-cowboy soldier is knocked down by the actress's car. Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart head the cast. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The reissued film, "All Quiet on the Western Front," which, perhaps, equals the success achieved by Erich Remarque's book, from which it was adapted, is drawing large audiences at the St. James Theatre. Always in the background is the tremendous panorama of the world's greatest conflict. Lew Ayres plays the central role, and the late Louis Wolheim and John Wray give performances that have never been surpassed on the motion picture screen. Other: in the large cast who stand prominently forth are Slim Summerville, Russell Gleason. William Bakewell, Ben Alexander, Owen Davis, arid Zasu Pitts. The story of "All Quiet" is based on the experiences and observations.r of Remarque, who. went to the war as a schoolboy. Every character and every incident is authentic. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. , Once in a while there comes a film • which has, above all things, quality : It may be English, American, or , foreign. Its story is of the world,, its J values human. It is remembered when ( the wit, the drama, the music o£. Other , films are forgotten. And such <a film , is "Of Human Hearts," which is show- ; ing at the Paramount Theatre. Wai- 1 ter Hustori,»iat the head of the cast, is 1 one of the great actors of the English- i speaking stage. Beulah Bondi's skill i is immense. James Stewart, the gang- 1 ling, irritating figure of other films, is held sternly to the line. There are other characters, but "Of Human Hearts" is not an actor's film. It is a story's film. The story of a son's ingratitude against the background of Ohio pioneering days and the American Civil War is told with such simplicity, with such disregard of trumpery values, that its power is immensely more strong than the power of at least 90 per cent, of the films shown in New Zealand. ROXY THEATRE. Laughs and tears, thrills and romance mingle in "Saratoga," co-star-ring' Clark Gable and Jean Harlow, which is showing at the Roxy Theatre. It is a vivid story of the race track, with * paddock - intrigue, a great race, and unusual characters. "Gold Diggers in Paris," the associate film, stars Rudy Vallee, Freddie Fisher's Schnickelfritz Band, Rosemary Lane, Hugh Herbert, Gloria Dickson, and Allen Jenkins. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. One of the most notorious scandals in modern history supplies the motiva- | tion for the second great Warner Bros.' picture within a year, based upon the life of a famous Frenchman. The picture, which is showing at the Capitol Theatre, is "The Life of Emile Zola," and the scandal is that surrounding the conviction and imprisonment of Captain Alfred Dreyfus on Devil's Island, on a trumped-up charge. "Arrest Bulldog Drummond" is the associate attraction. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Having a Wonderful Time," which is showing at the- Palace Theatre, brings Ginger Rogers and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., in a triumphant, costarring drama with comedy. The story is a simple but human chronicle of two young people frantically trying to grasp a few hours of blissful romance in a vacation camp. Constance Worth, attractive young Australian actress, and Vinton Haworth have the romantic roles in "China Passage," the second feature. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. With his hit performances in "The Buccaneer" and "Spawn of the North" entitling him to rank among the screen's greatest character actors, Akim Tamiroff now returns to the screen in a dashing story of a wild' Cossack of the Russian steppes who runs up against law and order in his adopted America. The picture is Paramount's "Escape From Yesterday," and it is showing at the Gi'and Theatre. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. The story of "Everybody Sing," which is showing at the State Theatre, concerns a young girl who gets expelled from several schools because of her craze for swing singing. Her father is a playwright and her mother an actress. They are a mad lot and without any financial sense. They send Judy to Europe, but she sneaks off the boat before it leaves and gets a job singing in a night club. Allan Jones and Judy Garland are starred. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. In "Dead Men Tell No Tales," starring Emlyn Williams, which is showing at the King George Theatre, there is a story of yet another murderer who can be horrified by trifles and yet not hesitate to end the lives of several people. In this ease, the killer is appalled.by "journalese" English, and his teeth are put on edge by the use of the dreaded split infinitive. However, he is a ruthless murderer in spite of his love of correct English. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. A perilous romance on the. old Arizona frontier forms the background of the thrilling adventure of a U.S. Marshal in "Gun Law.", starring George | O'Brien, which, is now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The swift action is tempered by a romance between O'Brien and Rita Oehman, a darkhaired newcomer. The associate feature, "Expensive Husbands," is a surprise comedy hit starring Beverly Roberts and Patric Knowles.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE. A new departure-, in films has been the making of a movie of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan operetta "The Mikado," which forms the chief attraction at the King's Theatre With only "The Gondoliers" to rival it, "The Mikado" will probably rank at the head of the list even for the most confirmed Savoyard, and in music, possibilities for the colour film, and opportunities to the cast, the Japanese fantasy is unexcelled. The result is a most interesting production, brilliantly filmed, with gorgeousness of colour, splendid choral work, and principals of outstanding ability. It is difficult to believe that there has ~"er been a more competent cast assembled for "The Mikado" than that presented by Gaumont-British Flms. REX THEATRE. A romance laid against a spectacu- j lar newspaper "war" in a large city, brings lovely Frances Farmer and stalwart Fred Mac Murray to the screen in Paramount's "Exclusive," which is showing at the Rex Theatre. MaoMurray and Charlie Ruggles, the girl's father, are employed by a newspaper committed to a reform policy, Miss Farmer goes to work for a paper owned by Lloyd Nolan, corrupt politician, and is forced to oppose her sweetheart and father. Lynne Overman, and Roscqe Karns are teamed as a comedy pair in "Murder Goes to College," the second feature. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. "My Lucky Star," which is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema, presents Sonja Henie in an entirely new setting, far removed from Switzerland's Alpine peaks and Norway's remote peasant villages. A radiant modern girl, having a modern good time on a co-ed campus, wearing fine clothes, that's Sonja. Sharing star honours with her is Richard Greene, handsome young British actor. Western Mexico, land of vast ranches, beautiful senoritas, and fearless bandits, forms the romantic setting for Paramount's latest "Hopalong Cassidy" range drama, "In Old Mexico," the associate film. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. "Room Service," sensational Broadway comedy hit which ran nearly a year and a half, is showing in film form at the Regal Theatre, with the Marx Bros, starred. The hilarious comedy revolves around the frolicking efforts of a fly-by-night theatrical producer endeavouring to remain with his entire troupe in a New York hotel as a pay less tenant while scouting for an "angel" to finance his show. Linking the secrei lives of a criminal' attorney, a beautiful nurse, and a young boxer victimised by a gangster ring, Universal's "Secrets of a Nurse" is the second feature. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A stormy romance that flowers, 'n the shadow of a man's tyranny on board an ill-fated steamship, is depicted in striking fashion in R.K.O.Radio's "Pacific Lmer," which is showing at the . Empire Theatre. Victor McLaglen and Chester Morris are c~starred in the exciting drama. Because the doctor is one of the mostdiscussed persons in the country today, R.K.0.-Radio has taken advantage of the wide interest in medical men and made "A Man to Remember," dramatic story depicting twenty years in the life of a country physician. Anne Shirley, Edward Ellis, Lee Bowman, and William Henry are featured in , this, the associate film. ,

■ STATE THEATRE; "" ' The Dionne Quintuplets are revealed as real entertainers on the screen in their third and best 20th Century-Fox starring picture, "Five of a Kind," which is- showing at the State Theatre. Although the Quins are the high light of the picture with an amazing portrayal of their newly acquired versatility a .well-knit and actionful story, the plot of which sweeps from the small Canadian village to the throbbing turmoil of metropolitan New York, provides a thrilling n and entertaining background for the s screen antics of these fascinating s youngsters. Jean Hersholt excels in j. his role of the . beloved doctor and y gives a convincing and gripping per--2 formance. Claire Trevor, Cesar g Romero, Slim Summerville, Henry t Wilcoxon, Inez Courtney, John Qualen, :, Jane Darwell, and Pauline Moore are i also featured. A new Will Hay film a is always an eagerly anticipated event, s This peerless comedian, whose facial ;- antics and irresistible wisecracks are ', always hailed with uproarious enthusis asm by filmgoers of every age and t type, is seen in "Hey! Hey! U.5.A.," a the associate film. PLAZA THEATRE. The laughable fantasy,. "Topper Takes a Trip," rightly acknowledged as one of the most unusual and sue- - cessful of recent screen comedies, is continuing a successful season at the ' Plaza Theatre. The extraordinary fea- " ture of this story is that one of the ' principal' characters is the ghost'— . withal a charming and lovely ghost— I of a young woman who is killed in a motor smash at the beginning of the 3 story. The ghost, who has the disconr certing. habit, of disappearing and ap- . pearing at all sorts of, embarrassing r moments, is the evidence upon which . Mrs. Topper sues her husband for 3 divorce. The ghost decides to get . him out of his marital difficulties and the fun commences when Topper and his sometimes invisible lady friend with her also disappearing dog take apartments at a fashibnabl3 Paris t hotel. Constance Bennett makes an » attractive ghost and Topper is admir- [ ably played by Roland Young. t TUDOR THEATRE. Bernard Shaw's masterpiece, "Pyg- * malion," is showing for an extended 3 season at the Tudor Theatre. The ■ popularity of the film is unbound- ' cd. "Pygmalion," outstandingly acted £by Wendy Hiller, Leslie Howard, i Wilfrid Lawson, and Marie Lohr, : and a long cast of distinguished - players, is splendid entertainment. I "Time Out for Murder," first of Twentieth Century Fox's new Roving Reporters series, is the associate film. Gloria Stuart, Michael Whalen, and Chick Chandler are featured in the film. Here is a baffling mystery with - a brand-new clue angle. Death strikes i and the telephone company's time-sig-t nal becomes a killer's perfect alibi. - NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. 1 From the pen of the author of "All 1 Quiet on the Western Front" comes : another gripping screen narrative in ■ which a.nation's woes after the World ■ War are overshadowed by one of the I' most human love stories to reach the | screen. In the new picture, "Three ' Comrades," which is showing at the New Princess Theatre, Robert Taylor and Margaret Sullavan provide a poignant romance, .wjth Franchot Tone and Robert Young also in stellar roles. Warner Bros, supply the associate attraction, "Tovarich," a glamorous romantic comedy starring Claudette Colbert and Charles Boyer. OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The beloved kings of comedy, Laurel and Hardy, head the new double programme at Our Theatre tonight in "Swiss Mis^," a musical extravaganza in the Alps and abounding in melody and mirth. "Wolf's Clothing" is also screening. It stars Claude Hul- , bert and Gordon Harker in a comedydrama of spies anr« the Secret Service, : with high-power thrills and many mis- ; adventures. "Awful Tooth," an Our ' Gang comedy, completes a great pro- < gramme.

■ TIVOLt THEATRE. : "'"" ""'■ A "movie" in the real sense of. the word, so packed with motion and action that it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout, is "The Crowd Roars'' Robert Taylor's latest stellar triumph, which is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. And it is a triumph for Taylor for he provides the surprise of the year in his first prize-fight role. Teamed with the star again is Maureen O'Sullivan, who once more shows herself the ideal romantic' foil,: sincere, appealing, and forthright. The j inside workings of machine poli-l tics movd the plot of the new! Paramount drama, "Dangerous to! Know" which will be the associate film. Akim Tamirofiv the .popular character player, has an unusual role as a political ringmaster who bends a town to his will but is repulsed and finally destroyed by a beautiful young socialite with whom he falls m love. Gail Patrick and Anna May Wong are also ih the cast. RIVOLI THEATRE. Adapted from Marco Page's bestseller novel revealing the inside of the stolen rare; book racket, "Fast Company,' which heads the bill at the Rivoli Theatre, presents Melvyn Douglas and Florence Rice in a hilarious blend of romance and fast-moving adventure. Claire Dodd, Siiepperd Strudwick, Louis -Calhern, Nat ! Pendleton, and Douglas Dumbrille share acting honours with Douglas and Miss Rice. Melvyn Douglas as a rare book expert hired by an insurance company to track down rare-book thieves runs his business with the help of his wife, played by Florence Rice. They combine domestic and business life with unusual, results. The adventures of a typical American- family, with much of its comedy and no little of its drama, are packed in "You're Only Young Once,' y the second feature. With the able Lewis Stone in the featured role, supported by an excellent cast which includes Cecilia Parker, Mickey Rooney, and Fay Holden, the story is fast moving, mirthful, and extremely well presented.