CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 64, 13 September 1939, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

-REGENT THEATRE. • "The Outsider" will be shown finall: tonight at the Regent Theatre. "The Sun Never Sets," starrin; Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Basi Rathbone, opens tomorrow. ST. JAMES THEATRE. It was only to be expected tha "Union Pacific" would be accorded ; second week's run at the St. Jame, Theatre. The building of the railroac across the vast continent of Americ; in the days when turbulent Indian: roamed the plains and mountains wa an epic event, admirably lending it self to modern screen production. I was not only Indians against whon the builders of the iron road had tc contend, however, for there were riva factions who did their best tc wreclthe enterprise. "Union Pacific" ii therefore packed with action through out its twelve thousand-foot length Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCref are starred. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Woman Doctor," which heads th£ double-bill attraction at the Paramoun; Theatre, is a fast-moving, poignani story of the many sacrifices forced or a woman surgeon in her services tc humanity. It is only when she is likely to lose both her husband anc daughter that full realisation of the position is brought home to her. The theme' is splendidly handled, and is brought to a fitting climax when she is obliged to operate on her daughter while making a hurried trip by aeroplane. Frieda Inescourt is in a role splendidly suited to her talent. She is ably assisted by Henry Wilcoxon and Sybil Jason. The second feature, "Midnight," provides the brighter side of the bill. Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche head the cast. MAJESTIC THEATRE. In "Calling Dr. Kildare," which is in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, Lionel Barrymore gives another impressive instalment of his remarkable characterisation of _"Dr, Gillespie," the irascible medical superintendent of a big hospital in which "young Dr. Kildare" (Lew Ayres) is one of the interne staff. The principal women characters in the story—a pretty nurse who is secretly employed by Dr. Gillespie to report on the reaction of the young man to work in one ■of the hospital's slum area clinics, and a glamorous young creature of the underworld who makes a deep impression on Dr. Kildare —are played by Lana Turner and Laraine Day respectively. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. When a couple of imaginative adolescents set put to find a husband for a girl's mother, anything can happen and does in "Listen, Darling," which is showing at the Kilbirnie Kiuema. Freddie Bartholomew, Judy Garland t and Mary Astor are featured. "Owd Bob," Alfred Ollivant's worldrenowned story of sheep-dogs and their masters, is the secondyfeature, starring Will Fyffe in the leading role of Adam McAdam. EMPIRE THEATRE,. ISLAND BAY. The most romantic outlaw in the history of America, has been brought to the screen in "Jesse James," the 20th Century-Fox technicolor epic, starring Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Nancy Kelly, and Randolph Scott, which is showing at the Empire Theatre. "The Patient in Room 18," starring Patric Knowles and Ann Sheridan, is the second feature. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. The most pleasing picture in which Deanna Durbin has ever appeared, Universal's "Three Smart Girls Grow Up," is showing at the Regal Theatre. The film is a happy reminder of "Three Smart Girls." ■ What happens when an internal.war among gang leaders involves the leading citizens of an entire community is shown in "King of Chinatown," the associate film, starring Anna May Wong. ~

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE. With Louis Hayward and Joan Bennett playing the top roles, Edward Small's new romantic.drama "The Man in the Iron Mask," which is showing at the King's Theatre, unfolds a thrilling and exciting tale of romance and adventure in an era when extravagances and' excesses ruled the Court of France. The central theme of the story revolves around King Louis XIV and his twin brother Philippe, who at his birth was whisked away to the province of Gascony and brought up secretly as a commoner under the guidance of the famous Musketeers. Warren William, Joseph Schildkraut, Alan Hale, Miles.Mander, Bert Roach, Walter Kingsford. PLAZA THEATRE. An unusual story on a commercial aviation theme makes the film "Only Angels Have Wings," now showing at the Plaza Theatre, an interesting one. The scene is laid in the South American banana port, where a group of strong-willed though untidy-looking pilots are doing their best to run an air-mail line, the route' of which lies over the Andes, Cary Grant turns in his usual fine performance as the head of the line, whose duty it is to keep the planes going over the mountain passes no ' matter what happens. Richard Barthelmess takes the role of a pilot who has lost caste among his fellows by taking to his parachute and .leaving his mechanic behind to crash. -The cast take their parts very well, Jean Arthur in particular being outstanding. TUDOR THEATRE. "Rose of Washington Square," transferred to the Tudor Theatre, the story of a girl who went on loving "her man" even after he had hurt her and tricked her. is thrillingly told m. the hit songs of the past. Tyrone Power and Alice Faye are starred with Al Jolson: For centuries, the natives of the Congo have used all the craft in their power to keep secret their mystic rites by which the boys of- the tribe become men. "Dark Rapture, the associate picture, was made by Armand Denis, noted Belgian explorer, and his wife. Leila Roosevelt Dems. STATE THEATRE. Action-packed pictures have received such fine receptions at box offices everywhere of late that 20th CenturyFox is continuing its policy of bringing to the screen more and more action films. Latest of this type of entertainment is "Winner Take All," a unique boxing story which heads the new bill at the State Theatre. Tony Martin is featured as a battling Montana cowboy, with Gloria Stuart as his girl manager. Also prominent in the cast is the famous Gambini family, headed again by the inimitable Henry Armetta, and including Inez Palange, Johnnie Pirrone, jun., Betty Greco, and Eleanor Yirzie. "Winner Take All," which was directed by Otto Brower, enjoys the distinction of being the first film to include the sensational boxing event known as the "Battle Royal." Seven fighters, headed by Tony Martin, who, in the role of the cowboy, rapidly climbs the ropes to pugilistic success, participated in the exciting fistic encounter. The associate film is an entertaining comedy, "Old Bones of the River," starring the popular English comedian, Will Hay. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Vacation from Love" is the title of the romantic comedy which, with the weird murder mystery, drama, "London by Night," constitutes the programme at the King 'George Theatre. The 5 story, featuring Dennis O'Keefe and Florence Rice, tells of the adventures of a young couple in their attempt to solve the secret of a happy marriage.' George Murphy is the star of "London by Night," and many hairraising experiences come to him and Rita Johnson before he finally solves the mystery which completely baffles Scotland Yard.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Aimed straight at the heart of all humanity. "Boys' Town," starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Based on the story of Father Edward J. Flanagan's Boys' Town, located twelve miles outside of Omaha, Nebraska, the role of the priest whose misison in life is to give home and shelter to needy boys affords Spencer Tracy an opportunity for one of the sincere, natural portrayals for which he has become deservedly famous. Seldom do the movie studios turn out as uproarious i a comedy as "Up the River," the associate film, starring Preston Foster and r Tony Martin. It is a welcome relief ! from the cycle of grim prison melo- [ dramas, with their worthy but solemn , messages of social reform. RIVOLI THEATRE. A glorious successor to "Magnificent Obsession" and "Green Light"—"White Banners," also adapted from a bestselling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, is showing at the Rivoli Theatre. It is a moving tale, entertaining, and full of the idealistic fervour so characteristic of Douglas's work. Like its two predecessors, which enjoyed such hugs popular success, "White Banners" has a message to convey—the message of courage in the face of adversity. Fay Bainter and Claude Rains are starred. How "T-Men" work overtime to plug leaks in the United States Customs lines is depicted for the first time in "Society Smugglers," Universal drama which ■is the second feature. Preston Foster, • Irene • Hervey, and Regis Toomey are starred. GRAND THEATRS, PETONE. 'Til Give a Million," the hilarious 20th Century-Fox comedy starring Warner Baxter and featuring Marjoi-ie Weaver, Peter Lorre, and Jean Hersholt, is showing at the Grand Theatre. John Carradine, J. Edward Bromberg, Lynn Bari. and Fritz Feld are included in the cast. Will Hay's new picture, "Hey! Hey! U.5.A.," the second feature, takes the- form -of a laughter convention between England and the United States. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. From the never-to-be-forgotten day in 1903 when the Wright brothers rose into the air above the dunes at Kitty Hawk, until a few months ago when Howard Hughes encircled the globe in less than a week, aviation has been the world's great arena for men of courage and imagination. This forms the central theme of Paramount's Technicolor epic of the air, "Men With Wings," which is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "The Citadel," dramatically powerful story of a young doctor who barters his ideals for worldly riches, heads the bill at the State Theatre, as M.G.M.'s second British-made photoplay. Robert Dqnat and Rosalind Russell are in the principal roles. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. The dogged persistence with which a typical American lad, with a family to support, struggles ahead towards his goal of becoming an aviator against seemingly insuperable obstacles, is the theme of "The Flying Irishman, RKORadio's picturisation of Douglas "Wrong-Way" Corrigan's life, which is showing at the Palace Theatre. "The Strange Case of Dr. Meade," the second feature, stars Jack Holt and Beverly Roberts.' DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. William Boyd appears with his old cronies "Windy" and "Lucky" in another Clarence E. Mulford Hopalong Cassidy thriller, "The Renegade Trail," which is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. In contrast $is the other feature, "Sudden Money," which is aptly named. It is the hilarious story of a family who won a big sweepstake and a lot of bother as well. Charlie Ruggles plays the father of the "fortunate" family. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. "Come and Get It" is showing at the Vogue Theatre. The cast includes Frances Farmer, Joel McCrea, 'Edward Arnold, and Walter Brennan. "His Exciting Night," a " comedy, starring Charles Ruggles, is the supporting feature. There are also supporting pictures.

DE LUXE THEATRE. The efforts of a lively band leader to raise his band from obscurity to fame and popularity, form the bright plot of "The Garden of the Moon," the main attraction on the double-feature programme showing at the De Luxe. Starring John Payne and Margaret Lindsay, the film has some hilarious situations, and introduces some bright, catchy tunes. The associate feature, "Mystery Plane," is an exciting story of two daring aviators who, after inventing a new bombing device for the Government, are kidnapped by a spy ring which endeavours to steal the plans. The supporting programme is good. ROXY THEATRE. "Hotel Imperial,' the story of a magnificent love forged in the crucible of a world at war, introduces to movie-goers one of the most dazzling women ever to appear on the screenblonde Isa Miranda, who co-stars with Ray Milland in the picture, whicn is showing at the Roxy Theatre. Seventh in the series of Crime Club mysteries that have become as popular on the screen as they are in fiction form, "Mystery of the White Room" is the associate film. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Co-starred with Jackie Cooper, Freddie Bartholomew has his first romantic scenes for the screen in his role as a dashing young military school cadet in Universal's "Spirit of Culver," which is screening at the New Princess Theatre. Against a confused background of murders, international intrigue, and shots in the dark, comes sardonic Gordon Harker in his latest production, "Blondes for Danger," which is the associate attraction. REX THEATRE. Tonight is concession night at the Rex Theatre. The main film is the screen version of P. G. Wodehouse's famous novel "Step Lively, Jeeves." starring Arthur Treacher. Warner Oland is starred in the associate film, "Charlie Chan at the Olympics." IMPORTANT MAT BOUT. Considerable importance attaches to the professional heavyweight wrestling match which is to be contested at the Wellington Town' Hall on Monday night. It will be a return meeting between "Lofty" Blomfield, the New Zealand champion, and Prince Bhu Pinder, of India, both of whom are contenders for Earl McCready's British Empire title. The. first time they met, Pinder won an exciting contest in which the wrestling was of a particularly high standard and since then he has maintained an. unbeaten record against the strongest available' opposition. Blomfield has also been showing particularly good form in his recent matches, and is confident that he will be able to turn the tables on Monday night. The preliminaries will include a semi-pro-fessional bout between Bert Monastra and Alf Bloomfield, who can be depended upon to provide plenty of action. ASCOT THEATRE, NEWTOWN. Screening 'at the Ascot Theatre tonight at reduced prices is "Charlie Chan at the Race Track," starring the original and famous Charlie Chan portrayed by Warner Oland. It is a thrilling story of the • Turf. The second feature, "Calling All Stars," has stage and radio favourites in a remarkable vaudeville presentation. In the cast are Larry Adler, Turner Layton, Ambrose and his orchestra. Flotsam and Jetsam, Carroll Gibbons. and Savoy Orpheans. SUNDAY PICTURES. At the De Luxe Theatre next Sunday night a very attractive picture, "The Gentleman from Louisiana," will be screened. The whole of the proceeds are to be devoted to the Red Cross. The activities of the Red Cross Society in the present crisis are such as to merit fullest support of all sections of the community. : • '>■■■■■■. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Gold Diggers in Paris," the latest and most elaborate of the famous Warner Bros, musical series, is showing at the Capitol Theatre. Prominent among the many, entertaining features of Universal's ''Personal Secretary," the associate film, is the welcome appearance of Joy Hodges, last seen in "Merry-Go-Round of 1938."

NORTH CHINA TROUPE. The Great North China Troupe, lithe, smiling, Asiatic entertainment artists who have come direct to Wellington from Hong Kong, thrilled the enthusiastic audience in the Opera House last night. Glistening red, gold, and blue backcloth, wings, and borders added glamour to the brilliant Oriental setting. Chiu Chiu, a beautiful young girl, gave a graceful fan dance; and the hearts of the audience were reached, by the nine-year-old singer, I Herbert Young. He has fine qualities of diction, modulation, and expression. The most amazing act was probably that performed by a small ' girl who contorted her body while balancing and moving two glasses of coloured water. Alexander Cooper, balladist; Latoma and Sparks, acrobatic dancers; "Roylston," ventriloquist; Keith Connolly and Elsa Hoskins, patter experts; Effie Fellows, cheery male impersonator; and the Three Musical Camerons provided the bright first half of the programme. LYALL BAY CONCERT. To assist the Curate Fund of ■ St. Jude's Anglican Church, Lyall Bay, a grand concert has been arranged for Thursday evening at 8 o'clock in the Parish Hall, behind the church. An excellent programme has been arranged. The work of the parish urgently demands an assistant for the vicar, who actually has two parishes to control.