CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 103, 28 October 1939, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. . -"The Four Just Men," talking picUie version of the exploits of a group ot, strange characters made famous by I Edgar Wallace, is continuing a success- j ful season at the Regent Theatre. The ! story tells of one of the principal exoloits of four mysterious Englishmen, who take the IaAV into their .own hands when they consider the cause just, and | . whose sole motive is love of England and hatred of all sinister forces endangering the peace of the world. They are modern adventurers of the "Scar- . let Pimpernel", type, and the daring manner in which they foil the efforts of a foreign power to destroy the British Empire is thrilling in the true -sense of the word. A feminine ■ element- is provided by a vivacious and charming young neAvspapei\ woman. Authentic pictures • of the German invasion of Poland . and scenes of activity on the Western Front, apparently taken in the midst of the present hostilities, are .. striking features of the newsreel. MAJESTIC THEATRE. ": Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's film ver-1 sion of"' Charles Dickens's short story, "A Christmas Carol," is the main J attraction in the change of programme at the Majestic Theatre, and to those ■; who are familiar with the works of Dickens it gives an opportunity of "see- -. ing in the flesh," so to speak, the characters with whom they have previously , made acquaintance. Broadly, the picture is faithful to the story though, as is also the case with many other similar efforts, it has had to be adapted to the screen. There are several points where Dickens arid the scenario Avriter part company, and one at least should ■ meet with popular approval. The "Ghost of Christmas Past," described by i Dickens as "a strange figure—like a child; yet not so like a child as an old man," is taken in the picture by an attractive blonde, and the film version does not forget to emphasise the • "love element." -However, these are, ;. more or less, matters of no great importance. In his preface to "Christmas Books," which collection includes "A Christmas Carol," Dickens wrote: i "My chief purpose was, in a whimsical kind of masque which the good hum-j our of the season justified, to awaken i some loving and forbearing thoughts,! never out of season in a Christian i land." It is sufficient to say that the picture justifies the author's aim. The character delineations in the film version are undoubtedly good, and Regi- . nald Owen gives a satisfactory, performance •' as Ebenezer Scrooge, "a tight-fisted 'Tbd at the grindstone.' Scrooge! a f-ieezing, wrenching, grasping,scrapii. :. clutching,, covetous - old j sinner." His portrayal of the second Scrooge, as a man whose resolve is to keep Christmas all the year round, is equally good. Bob Cratchit, his clerk, is excellently played by Gene Lockhart, and there are also a'l the wpHknown . personalities —Tiny. Tim, I Scrooge's nephew, old Fezziwig, the Cratchit family, the plump sister, and . Marley's ghost -with its chain of cashboxes, and the knocker on .the front door. The supports include a colour cartoon, a Robert Benchley new misadventure entitled "Day of IJest." a thrilling cinecolour about skiiiig, and topical Avar newsreels—altogether plenty of variety. ' ■';" - .. .-.. .ST.- JAMES THEATRE; "■■■' ;: The inimitable George Wallace, popular stage comedian, finds plenty of scope for his buffoonery and fooling m jhe Australian production '-'Gone to the Dogs," /which commenced.- its "second" week; at. St.- Jambel, jSpatre •>. lafet night.'-fAs 'a zbcf attendant much pride in his job, George doesn't ... distinguish himself ■- much :until .he gets loose with a large selection of chemicals in the zoo clinic, and in an attempt to mix a monkey tonic brews sbrnething that turns out to be good for dog races because a small dose of "it adds umpteen miles an hour to a dog's speed: ■ With his typical comical | clumsiness George"* races from one laughable situation to; another ■in hilarious fashion, but he strikes a! serious note when he runs out of his! special dog tonic the day before ' the I big race, and Black Beauty languishes i for want of it. The villain of the piece ' clenches his teeth, raises his eyebrows, i and sets about doing a bit of foiling. George does some foiling on his OAvn account, but George wins, or at least his dog does, but not until George and his- companion see and feel things in a haunted house and perform dizzy acrobatics in an aeroplane. The I .technical effects are splendid, and one almost goes cross-eyed with George in sympathy with him. 'in some of his more devastating moments. It is a good show, and it is accompanied by a. varied programme of short features. DE LUXE THEATRE. Amoving story of an innocent girl who spends three years in prison, and in that period learns enough of the law to further the vengeance she swore against the, man who put her in goal, is "Within the Law," the film version of the famous stage play, which heads i the double-feature, programme at the j De Luxe. Theatre. Mary Turner was a 22-year-old assistant in a big department : store; she was taking night! school to improve her in her work, j 'but when jewellery stolen by another i assistant is found in her locker all her I protestations of innocence are useless. She swears to make her employer suffer, and to that end returns from prison well equipped in law. She heads a gang, which under her direction, works within the law but makes easy money by using all the loopholes. She becomes acquainted with her late employer's son, intending to hurt him that way; but she finds that one cannot practise revenge without suffering for it, Ruth Hussey is really excellent as Mary Turner, and there is an unusually strong cast in support, including Tom Neal, Paul Kelly, William Gargan, and Paul Cavanagh. The second feature is "Burn 'Em Up O'Connor," a thrilling drama of the motorracing track. The leading players are Dennis O'Keefe. Cecilia Parker, Nat Pendleton, and Harry Carey. There is an interesting newsreel, a pictorial interview with the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), and selections on the piano and organ. ASCOT THEATRE. Drama, romance, and comedy are expertly blended to make "Four Girls in White," showing at the Ascot tTheatre, one of the most satisfying pictures. The stars are Florence Rice, Una Merkel, Alan Marshall, and Buddy, Ebsen, in a story of the nursing profession. "The Renegade Ranger, starring George O'Brien, is also showing It tells of an exciting border episode, involving a Mexican girl falsely accused of murder. The supporting features are splendid. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Claudette Colbert and Don, Ameche, teamed together for the first time, head a cast studded with a dozen stars in •Paramount'■? gay jiew comedy, MianfghtTshowing yat the Capitol Theatre A glorious successor to. "Magnificent Obsession" and "Green Lighr-"White Banners," also adapted from a bestselling" novel by Lloyd C. Douglas-is the associate film. REX THEATRE. "The Goldwyn Follies," the sparkling musical revue, with the Ritz Brothers, Edgar Bergen, and "Charlie McCarthy," Adolphe Menjou, and the American Ballet, is showing at the Rex Theatre. The second attraction is Law of the Underworld." . Chester Morris heads the cast of the film as a gangster chieftain who leads a double life as a society idler, and Anne Shirley and Richard Bond have the romantic leads.

, CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

• KING'S THEATRE. j ' "Second Fiddle," noAV showing at i the King's Theatre, is a Hollywood I romance rather out of the general run :oi Sonja Henie pictures. Audiences ! have got used by iioav to the elaborate . ice ballet, the "story on ice" idea which folloAved the little Scandinavian star's first appearance in films. It is I quite, a relief, therefore, to" see Sonja I Henie in a film Avhich does not depend on her skating genius to make its appeal. The only team effort on the ice is a school outing, in which Sonja, as the schoolmistress, coaches a class of children. One has plenty of opportunity to admire her skill and grace, but that is entirely incidental to the story. _ The plot" concerns a search extending over several years for a star suitable for playing the leading role in a film based on a very outstanding book. The analogy with "Gone With the V/ind," is here very close, the difference being that, after over four hundred attempts, the studio locate the star. She, of course, is Sonja. A Avild. satire ensues, in which are imbroiled Tyrone Power (a publicity man Avith original ideas); nudy Vallee (a star in need of "building up"). Mary | Healy (the star's jealous girl-friend). Edna May Oliver (Sonja's aunt), Alan j Dinehart (a harassed film executive), and Lyle Talbot (Sonja's farmhand sweetheart). The result turns out to be as expected, though there are some ! narrow escapes. Supports include the latest "March of Time," a feature on underwater tunnel-building, and the latest Avar neAvsreels. PLAZA THEATRE. Gaiety and cleverness mark the neAv comedy romance, "Bachelor Mother," the Ginger Rogers-David Niven film, Avhich is in its second week at the Plaza Theatre. Perfectly tailored to the talents of its two principals, "Bachelor Mother" deals with Miss Rogers's troubles in trying to convince -the world that she is not the mother of a baby Avhom she finds on the steps of an orphan home. The mirth-making situation interferes with her job as a sales-girl in a big department store owned by Niven's father. Niven. attempting to force Ginger to keep the baby by threatening to discharge her. incurs the jealousy of Ginger's selfi appointed boy friend, who misinforms j Niven's father that /his son is the father of the baby. These delightful I situation's build to a hectic climax and make "Bachelor Mother" one of the seaison's richest romantic comedy entertainments. The brilliant featured cast is headed by such favourites as Charles Coburn as Niven's sentimental father; Frank Albertson as Miss Rogers's admirer; E. E. Clive as a butler; and Ernest Truex and Ferike j Boros. STATE THEATRE.' Stirring incidents in the early life of Abraham Lincoln form the basis of "Young Mr. Lincoln," Avhich is showing at the '■ State Theatre. Although the later political career of the great American is of much more, interest in the United States than elsewhere, the story of his early struggles as an earnest and quietly-humorous young lawyer, as depicted in the film, is packed with enough human interest to guarantee the picture an appreciative audience anywhere. Henry Fonda plays the part of the youthful attorney with poli tical ambitions, and his portrayal avill rank as one of the best performances of his career. The associate feature, "Chasing Danger," starring Preson Foster, Lynn Bari. and Wally Vernon, shows the adventures of two newsreel cameramen. TUDOR THEATRE. "The Four Feathers," now at the Tudor Theatre, proves that, as well as comedy and domestic drama, the producers and actors of Great Britain can (really handle the more extensive and | impressive campaign type of film. A : large part of the picture deals with the i Egyptian campaign, and includes skir- : mishes, Avith the Dervish army and some i splendid scenes of the Battle of !Omdurman. Ralph Richardson, John [Clements. C. Aubrey Smith, and June Uuprez head the cast. "Saleslady, the associate film, is a bright breezy I comedy, starring Anne Nagel. ! REGAL THEATRE,, KARORI. Hailed as 1939's greatest screen adi venture, "Only Angels Have Wings" is showing at the Regal Theatre. I with Cary Grant and Jean Arthur co-starred together for the first time. "Only Angels Have Wings iis a drama of romance 'and adventure jin a small South American seaport. I The supporting programme includes a "March of Time" entitled "Mediterranean Background for War" and Walt Disney's colour cartoon "Mother Goose Goes HollyAvood." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. Brilliantly alive in glorious TechniI color "The- Mikado," Avhich is showing iat the Prince EdAvard Theatre, is magnificent entertainment. There is no I Avord sung or spoken in the film that [Gilbert did not Avrite; no note of I music is played or omitted that Sullii van did not compose. In the support- ! ing feature, "Blockheads." Stan Laurel land Oliver Hardy again leave behind 'them a trail of hilarious disaster. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. The inimitable and beloved "Hardy Family" are back in the fifth of the series of their laugh-packed and teartinged adventures, this time laid against the picturesque background of the West. In "Out West with the Hardys." which is showing at the King George Theatre. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Elizabeth Bergner has the greatest part—or parts, for she appears in a dual role —of her career in "Stolen Life," which her husband, Dr. Paul Czinner, has produced and directed, and which is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The Camera Dare-devils, two devil-may-care newsreel photographers, make their bow on the screen m "Sharpshooters," the associate film. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. High adventure in the British Army campaigning on the North-west Frontier of India, half a century ago, colourful romance, rowdy fun, heroism, and sacrifice are compounded in the notable screen production based on Rudyard Kipling's famous ballad of "Gunga Din," which is showing at the State Theatre. Cary Grant, Victor McLaglen, and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., share the starring honours. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Gang Bullets," an exciting tale of a young lawyer who is forced to prosecute his best friend for a crime he did not commit, is showing at the Palace Theatre. The featured players are Robert Kent and ' Anne Nagel. In his latest film, "Blondes For Danger," the associate attraction, the popular Cockney comedian, Gordon Harker. comes back in a role after his own heart, that of a wise-cracking taxidriver with a cab of ancient vintage. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. An outstanding double-feature programme is showing at the Grand Theatre.' The best of all the Edgar Wallace thrillers, "The Terror," featuring Wilfrid Lawson and Bernard Lee, is the main attraction. Warner Bros.' drama of family life "My Bill," with Kay Francis and Bonita Granville heading the cast, is the second feature. The thirteenth episode of "The Lone Ranger" is also showing. |

TIVOLI THEATRE. Gracie Fields has never been seen to greater advantage than in her latest 20th Century production, "Keep Smiling," at the Tivoli Theatre. "Keep Smiling" is the story of a touring vaudeville troupe, led by Gracie Fields, their guide, philosopher, and very true friend: She leads them in revolt against a crooked manager, takes them to her grandfather's farm where their open-air rehearsals startle even tbe coavs. and eventually lands them in the top spot among seaside carnival shows. A long supporting cast includes lovely Mary Maguire and Roger Livesey, London stage star. "Bank Holiday." the second feature, with Hugh Williams. Rene Day. and Linden Travers heading Uie cast, is a moving drama of everyday life against, the vivid panorama of tb°. English bank holiday. ROXY THEATRE. A killer whose disguises are so numerous and effective tha he can confidently enter into the search Avhich is being 'made for himself without being detected is the central figure in the new Michael Balcon Capad production. "The Gaunt Stranger." now at the Roxy Theatre. The glamour, the restless surge, the will-to-win of the old West, are caught in Zane Grey's wellwrought story, "Heritage of the Uasert." the associate film, starring Donald Woods and Evelyn Venable. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Smartly dialogued, brimming with laughs, and offering finished and believable characterisations by Janet Gaynor, Robert Montgomery, and Franchot Tone, "Three Loves Has Nancy, is shoAving at the Princess Theatre as one of the most refreshing ,and original romantic comedies seen here in some time. The second feature h "The Chaser," starring Denis 6'Keefe. Ann Morriss. and LeAvis Stone. Also on the bill is a t comedy. 'The Three SeAV and Sews." EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Samuel Goldwyn's "Wuthering Heights." based on the unforgettable love story of the Emily Bronte novel of the same name, is showing at the Empire Theatre. Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier are cast as the romantic lovers. "The Gang's All Here" the second feature. is a comedy that shows .there is still new comedy material to be found in the world. Seventy-seven minutes of hilarious fun has been packed into this film with never a familiar gag to damp the proceedings. Jack Buchanan heads the cast. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. With Eleanor Powell offering a series] of new and brilliant dances against the • exotic background of Hawaii, with Robert Young in a romantic dual role, and Avith the sensationally popular comedy team of Burns and Allen adding to the uproar, "Honolulu" is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Deriving drama from the ever-changing world affairs of today. Universal's "The Sun Never Sets." starring Douglas Fairbanks, jun.. Basil Rathbone. Virginia Field, and Barbara O'Neil, is the associate film. THE AEOLIANS. On Tuesday evening next, under the baton of Mr. MaxAvell Fernie, the Aeolians will present their sixth choral recital in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. Following its policy of giving concerts in aid of deserving charities, the society will present its forthcoming performance in aid of the A.M. Seamen's Institute. This performance will mark the last charity performance of the choir for the year, and an attractive programme of partsongs, glees, and madrigals will be offered. Choral gems to be sung by the choir will include a group of six beautiful Shakespeare songs composed by Geoffrey Shaw. Assisting artists will be Merle Gamble (soprano), Mr. George Gray (baritone), and Mr. Graham Ayson (violinist). The box plan is at the D.I.C. DOUBLE WRESTLING BILL. The Avrestling programme at the Wellington ToAvn Hall on Monday night will include two professional contests in addition to amateur bouts in which some of the most popular local matmen will appear. As a preliminary to the feature contest between Batros Pasha, of Turkey, and George O'Brien, of Ireland, there will be a four-round bout between Peter Venter (South Africa) and Charlie Lowe (New Zealand). These two are noted for their fast and skilful wrestling, and are at the top of their form. Pasha and O'Brien have come fresh from a busy Australian season, and can be depended upon to provide plenty of fireworks. Particulars are advertised. WELLINGTON HARMONIC s SOCIETY. The final subscription concert of the 1939 season of the Wellington Harmonic Society, under the conductorship of Mr. H. Temple White, has been arranged for next Thursday I e\>-ening in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. Noted since 1915 for the consistent excellence of its Avork rind for the fact that something fresh is presented on each programme, this | talented choir has a record of Avhich it may justly be proud, and the programme to be presented on Thursday next will prove to be quite up to the high standard previously reached. Among the numbers Avill be a choral ode. "The Conductor." This is of particular interest on account of the fact that it has been written specially in recognition of the valuable work of the conductor of the choir in the interests of music in New Zealand over a period of something over 30 years. The Avords and music are by Claude M. Haydon, of Lower Hutt, the number being dedicated to Mr. Temple White. Assisting the society will be Mrs. J. A. Wiltshire (contralto), Miss Gertrude ' Johnston (pianist), and Messrs. W. and S. McLean (violinist and 'cellist). The box plan is at Begg's. SUNDAY NIGHT CONCERT. A variety entertainment will be held at the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow night. Those appearing include Herbert Wood, the Hillbilly Troupe, a band of boys and girls in costume, Ron Wakelin (entertainer), Miss Dor-1 othy Seymour (character sketch artist). L. Mcllvride and his Spanish guitar, a clever ballet ("The Centennial Footballers"), Rhythm Trio (instrumentalists), Peter Rowel (comic song and dancing), the .Yodelling Girl, Joe Shriner (formerly of the Clem Dawe, Revue Company) Assheton Harbord | (entertainer), a ballet ("Feeling Like; a Million"), Allan Vann (song and dance), and Roland Lavin (at the Wur-1 litzer organ). As a grand finale there I will be a patriotic tableau Avith 20 performers in appropriate costumes. PIANOFORTE RECITAL. A most interesting programme has been selected for the pianoforte recital to be given in Nimmo's Hall on Thursday, November 2, by Miss Kate Jourdain, L.R.S.M., L.T.C.L. Miss! Jourdain, who is being presented by j Miss Valeric Corliss, A.R.A.M.. will be remembered as the winner of the Robert Parker Memorial Prize in 1937 and 1938 at the Wellington Competitions Society's Festival. In 1938 she also won the 18-21 class for pianoforte, her playing of the Chopin Impromptu winning high praise from the judge; her performance he described as "exquisitely beautiful." Miss Jourdain has been heard over the air, and has played at various musical functions. She was one of the six pianists presented by Miss Corliss at a recital last year. For her programme on November 2, the talented young lady will play a group of compositions by modern Russian composers—Liadow and Medtner; modern British —Stanford and Swinstead; modern.French — Debussy; and numbers by Chopin, Schumann, Cesar Franck, Haydn, and Bach. Weekend radio programmes will be found on page 14, v

RIVOLI THEATRE. "Confessions of a Nazi Spy," starring Edward G. Robinson, is showing at the Rivoli Theatre. It is a sensational expose of the direct niilitary and naval espionage of Nazi1 agents in the United States as brought out in the recent trials in New York, Los Angeles, and the Panama Canal j Zone. The large cast includes, besides Robinson, Paul Lukas, Francis Lederer. L,ya Lys, Dorothy Tree. bHenry O'Neill, and George Sanders. Robinson plays the G man who breaks the spy ring and brings four of its members to trial and conviction. Horse race fans get a chance to see some of the most thrilling scenes ever filmed in Paramount's "The Lady's From Kentucky." the associate film. Cast in the role of a gambling-mad race track follower, George Raft renders one of the most expert characterisations in a colourful screen career. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. - "Port of Seven Seas," starring Wallace Beery, Frank Morgan, Maureen O'Sullivan, and John Beal, is the.main attraction at the Vogue Theatre. Joe E. Brown. Beverly Roberts, and Leo Carrillo are seen in the supporting feature, "Flirting With Fate." "Popeye the Sailor Meets Ali Baba's Forty Thieves" is an added attraction. There are also selected supports. PARAMOUNT THEATRE i "The Zero Hour," which heads the; double-bill attraction at the Paramount Theatre, is an absorbing and compelling story acted with consummate skill by Freida Inescort and Otto Kruger. The role allows full scope for Miss Inescort's splendid emotional ability as an actress who has pledged her love to a man who was hopelessly crippled on the night they Avere to be married. The situations and anti-climax that arises when she finds herself in love with another man have been skilfully handled. With a neAvspaper background. "Off the Record" is a bright -and breezy story with Joan Blondell and Pat O'Brien in the stellar roles. The theme concerns the exploits of a "tough" youth Avho gets mixed up with gambling rackets and in the end. is sent to a reformatory school. Joan Blondell. who has been instrumental with her newspaper articles in getting him sentenced, takes pity on the boy and tries to reform him. He is paroled in her custody, and, with.her newlymarried husband, Pat O Brien, sne finally wins the affection of _ the boy. The supporting programme is of the usual high standard.