CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1939, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

"Stronger :Than Desire" concludes' to. night at the; Regent Theatre. "The -Sisters," starring .Errol Flynn and Bette Davis, opens tomorrow.

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Baby "Sandy," Hollywood's newest and youngest- star performer; figures prominently .in the cast of "Unexpected Father," now showing at the St. James Theatre, and once again carries off the honours. This time Sandy plays the part of an orphan suddenly bereft of' his parents by a flyi-g fatality. Two friends of Sandy's parents, the head usher at a theatre (Dennis O'Keefe) and the chorus girl With whom hq is in love (Shirley Ross), undertake to deliver Sandy to his uncle and aunt, but finding the uncle is a drunkard decide to -look after Sandy's future themselves and this leads to all manner of complications. Mischa Auer has a prominent role.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE.

Telling a daring sttfry of slave running between Hawaii and California in 1840, and picturing a spectacular mutiny on the high seas, "Mutiny on the Blackhawk," is showing at the Paramount Theatre. Richard AMen is seen as an army secret service man investigating the lawless traffic. Andy Devine has the hilarious role of a swaggering sailor, and Noah Beery, distinguished character star, portrays., the brutal slave' ship captain. With John Howard and Gail Patrick heading the cast, Paramount's drama, "Grand Jury Secrets," is the associate film.

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Thunder Afloat," now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is a war adventure story in which there is not a dull moment. The story is that of an old tug-boat captain (Wallace Beery), whose life is bound up in his tug-boat, made by his own hands, and his beautiful daughter (Virginia Gray). His deadly rival is a younger captain (Chester Morris), whom he persuades to enlist in'the ,Navy in order to put him out of the running for a towing contract. When a U-boat rises out of the sea on the American side of the Atlantic, however, and blows up his beloved tug t the war becomes a very personal matter, and he vows to sink the raider.

DE LUXE THEATRE. Heading the new programme at the De Luxe Theatre, "Brother Rat'* is a bright comedy of the Virginia Milir Tary Institute, adapted from a play of the same name, written by two graduates of the institute. Starring Wayne Morris and Priscilla Lane, it is the story of the vicissitudes of three undergraduates of the institute which almost earn expulsion for them, their subsequent efforts, while under arrest to place bets on a baseball game, and their eventual graduation, with honours. The supporting film, "Broadway Musketeers," stars the much-publicised "Oomph Girl," Ann Sheridan, with Marie Wilson and Margaret Lindsay.

OPERA HOUSE.

A highly interesting matrimonial problem comes up for discussion in the M.G.M. comedy. "The Guardsman," which is showing at the Opera House. Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. are starred. Lunt. plays a husband who is very much in love with his wife, but finds himself constantly quarrelling with her. The methods of making love which won her no7 longer seem to haveittie old e,fJect. The| husband worries. ,/He - that his wife is becoming interested iii other men. He resolves to make sure. He disguises himself as a dashingf deepvoiced Russian guardsman, and makes love to his own wife.

REX THEATRE.

For the concession 1 night programme at the Rex Theatre two popular films are showing. They are "The Return of Sophie Lang," a mystery drama, and "Blonde. Trouble," a sparkling comedy.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR.

Americans, most, thrilling story—"The Story of, Alexander Graham Bell," is showing: at the Capjtdl Theatre. Don Ameche, Loretta- Young, and Henry Fonda hea.d -•toe^cpsfc'l'VAVgrixnly/'.rea-' listic drsraa'/'6f:-boj>fc%iip^S[ye!-by--''the-code, of alley slumVisi'[unfolded in Uiiiversal's "Code .of ■ Streets," the associate:.film.; f ;, ' . .

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. George Raft. plays the role of a gambler to whom betting on the races i3 literally "as important as his life's blood";in the popular star's latest picture, Paramount's/"The Lady's From Kentucky," which is showing at the Empire. Theatre. In "Sing As You Swing," Action Pictures' all-star musical revue, which is the, second feature, many of the top-line stars of radio and stage are assembled ;for the first time.

PALACE THEATRE, PBTONE.

The love story which changed the destiny of an empire,. with .Tyrone Power and beautiful Madeleine Carroll starred, is told with stirring beauty against* a magnificent setting in "Lloyds of lipndon," which is showing at the Palace Theatre. Smith Bellew is the outdoor star of Zane Grey's "Roll Along, /Cowboy." the associate film..

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.

With Don Ameche as a singing, loving, fighting D'Artagnan, and The Ritz Brothers, as musketeers, the musical comedy version of "The Three Musketeers" heads the bill at the Grand Theatre. . The most mysterious cluehunt ever devised in a screen mystery story also finds 'plenty of opportunity for hilarity in "The Great. Hospital Mystery," the associate film". The eighth episode of "Scouts to the Rescue" is also showing.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE,

What happens When a beautiful girl walks into a strange man's hotel suite, steals his bed. his pyjamas, his book, his breakfast, and, incidentally, his hearty. and vanishes without leaving her name, is , merrily told in "The Divorce of Lady X," now at the State Theatre. Merle < Oberori is starred.

KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

Of twelve people aboard an ill-fated passenger p'lane, which crashes in the dense jungles of Brazil, four are killed, five return to civilisation, and three are left behind to face death, according to the, dramatic story of "Five Came Back," now showing at the King George ; Theatre. Chester Morris, Lticille Ball, and Wendy Barrier head the cast.

DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT.

"Yodellin' Kid' From Pine Ridge," starring Gene Autry, in another thrilling story of the great outdoors, is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. The second > feature, "Thanks For The Memory," is an entertaining musical cbmedy, starring Bob Hope, Shirley Ross. Charles Butterworth, and Otto Kruger.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN.

As their leading co-players in "Midnight," showing at the Prince Edward Theatre, Miss Colbert and Don Ameche have John Barrymore, Francis Lederer, Mary Astor, Elaine Barrie, Hedda Hopper, and Rex O'Malley. "Circus Girl," the second film, is a thrilling • picture of life under the "big top, starring June Travis, Bob Livingston, and Donald Cook.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE.

PLAZA THEATRE

STATE THEATRE.

TUDOR THEATRE,

'The great British shipyards at Clydebank, Scotland, are the setting for Gracie Fields's latest comedy film "Shipyard Sally," which is in its second week at the King's Theatre. The Story is based on actual fact. When depression came and the yards closed down, throwing ,many thousands out of work, hardship was acute until there arose one who journeyed to London and persuaded the Government and the directors to resume work. It was Gracie Fields herself who, fascinated by the episodes, suggested the film' "Shipyard Sally," which is, regarded as her best. Each one of the seven songs is sung as only Gracie Fields can sing it.

A murder mystery with a distinctly hovel and entertaining plot is the basis of the new picture at the Plaza Theatre, "I Killed the Count." Incidentally, it promotes to a major role the English comedian, Syd. Walker, who becomes a traditional Scotland Yard inspector but with an almost overpowering ambition to become a successful chicken farmer. It was unfortunate that the Count, a personage of mysterious reputation, should choose the eve of the inspector's retirement to get himself killed, but the inspector,, clutching his bag of chicken meal, puts on his hat and goes out with the grim determination to solve the whole murder in time for him to catch <the 6.30. ,

•; How an unselfish boy, imbued with the ideals of his dead father, saves a great plantation from ruin and preserves the happiness and contentment of its many slaves is- thrillingly recounted in "Way Down South," starring Bobby Breen, which; heads, the new bill at the State Theatre. Dealing with the efforts of a crooked, executor / who attempts to obtain the vast properties for himself, the story casts; young Breen in the role of a plantatibn owner's son, who, when his father is killed in an accident, seeks to carry on the latter's fair, and considerate treatIment of the estate's coloured ■ slave population. When he realises his father's ~ former entrusted with administering the; plantation, is about to sell the slaves.and use the profits for his personal ends, the young-Southern-er takes action astoundingly acute for one; of his years. : What happens when, a half-breed murders a beautiful Mexican girl in the days, when law and : order were first penetrating the old West' provides .engrossing action ! m "Bad Lands," the associate film; Robert Barrat, Douglas Walton, and Robert* Coote head an all-featured cast. An added feature is Walt. Disney's technicolour comedy,: "Donald Duck s Cousin Gus." ..,,' ■"■■■. ■■''• , :? \

Charming Ginger Rogers steps out in ari unaccustomed role in "Bachelor Mother," at the Tudor Theatre. David Niven sis co-starred* The trouble starts when Ginger Rogers, as Polly Parrish, a temporary hand' in Niven's department store, finds. a foundling^ on a doorstep, and immediately is accepted as its mother. ).. "Panama Lady,"; a new release; will be the associate film. ;

WELLINGTON REPERTORY THEATRE.

The Wellington, Repertory Theatre | has chdsen a St. John Ervine comedy for its next production, which will be. staged for the.usual, five performances, commenciiiij' on Saturday, at; 8. p.m.,in the Town Hall Concert, Charn^ -be£^-The.\Rj : ay-;j-is--'"Rabei^s^^ife/.!;..jandi the producer Mr.' Leo ~ du Chateau^ "Robert's Wife," which ran for la months in London, is an attempt to portray the complicated confusion of our own time in terms, not of heroes or villains, but of humane and decent people who find themselves bewildered by events. What is the right thing to do? How shall we be delivered from the body of this death? But it is not j a thesis play, nor is it a play in Which there is nothing but ■ arguments. "Robert's Wife" is a story of people in circumstances similar to those which affect the majority of men and women of today. "Robert's Wife" is claimed by several London critics to be "aj great play." The troubles which afflict the thirteen characters in the play are the troubles that afflict or may afflict us- all. „ But "Robert's Wife" is not alt serious, for the skilled hand of the author has deftly interwoven some delightful comedy scenes which wait upon the digestion of the controversial scenes. Mrs. ■ Mary Mackenzie and Algernon Deuber have the leading parts, played in London by Madge Evans and Owen Nares> and they are supported by Margaret Cairns-Cowan, Ailsa Newton, Mrs. Bessie Anderson, Patricia Ahearn, M. Vide Helyar W. F. C. Balham, Greville Wiggs, Dr. P. B. Benham, Eric Lawson, Hugh Walls, and A. O. Heany. Box plans are at the D.I.C.

CONCERT AND DANCE. v The annual St. Andrew's night concert and dance will be held tomorrow evening. The pipe bands of the citv vocalists, choirs, Highland dancers, and other artists, will combine to keep alive the great traditions belonging to the Mother Country , of so many in New Zealand. In many cases those taking part are the third and fourth generations of those hardy Scots who, in spite of hardships, settled here in the forties .and- fifties of last century, and played no. small part in making New Zealand what it is today. It is only fitting that in this, the Centennial year of the Dominion, the part played in those far-off days should not be forgotten. The object of the concert is to keep alive the old traditional songs and dances,of Scotland, and to help the orphanages and other charities. The artiste; for the evening are all outstanding, , and the juvenile dancing troupe has put in many months of training, under the best-known exponent of Highland dancing in New Zealand. The choirs of Queen Margaret College, Scots Social Club, and |the orphanage will also render items. The concert will be followed by a 1 dance, in. which all will take part. Avery's Orchestra has been engaged. The Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop) will be chairman for the evening. The box plan is open at the D.I.C-

VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN:

"iNaughty Marietta" will be the main attraction at the Vogue Theatre tonight. . Jeanette Macdonald, Nelson Eddy, and Frank Morgan are the leading stars. Some of the musical numbers include "Italian Street Song," "Ah, Sweet Mystery; of Life," and "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp Along the ■Highway." "Danger in the Air," starring Nan Grey and Donald Woods, will be the supporting feature.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI.

A woman of brilliant intellectual attainments, Frieda Inescort has made herself one of the best loved personalities on the screen? Her latest picture, "Woman Doctor," in which she co-stars with Henry Wijcoxon, is showing at the Regal Theatre. Mysterious and in-trigue-ridden" Morocco forms the romantic setting for "Bulldog. Drummond in Africa," the associate film.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

Music and comedy are the two basic ingredients of "The Garden of the Moon," the Warner Bros, production which is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema, . with Pat O'Brien, Margaret Lindsay, and John Payne in the featured roles. A mystery §o baffling that even the detective who . solves it doesn't suspect the murderer until the second before he nabs him is unravelled in "Inspector Hornleign," the associate film. Gordon- Harker is starred.

TIVOLI THEATRE. Mary Maguire and George Sanders touch heights of dramatic power rarely achieved on the screen in "The Outsider," at the Tivoli Theatre. Mary Maguire portrays the crippled daugh- j ter of a Harley Street surgeon, and] Sanders the unorthodox practitioner who treats her against her fathers wishes. Delightful entertainment is unfolded in "The Girl Downstairs," the associate film, which presents the captivating Franciska Gaal co-starred with Franchot Tone. The picture gives the Continental Miss Gaal her best opportunities to date and she makes the most of them. RIVOLI THEATRE. The main attraction at the Rivoli Theatre, "St. Martin's Lane," stars Charles Laughton. In the film Jhe bullying -Bligh of the "Bounty" even sings and lances as the enamoured Cockney entertainer with pure gold in his heart, but only pennies in .his pocket. Paramount has * assembled a fine cast to interpret the interesting characters in "Undercover Doctor, the second feature. The cast is headed by Lloyd Nolan, Janice Logan, _ Paramount's most recent find, and J. Carroll Naish. ■-''■■' ROXY THEATRE. In "Out West witn the Hardys," which is showing at the Roxy Theatre, audiences meet again Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Cecilia Parker, Fay Holden. and Sara Haden. Proving herself to be one of the screen's most delightful comediennes, in addition to her other talents, Kay Francis gives one of her best performances in "Women Are Like That," the associate film. ASCOT THEATRE. • "Crackerjack," with Tom Wails and Lilli Palmer, is showing at the Ascot Theatre. It is a bright detective story with plenty of action and tense situations. "Who Goes Next?" is also showing and is a vivid story of prisoners of war, starring Barry K. Barnes and Sophie Stewart. Excellent supports complete an entertaining programme.