CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 135, 5 December 1939, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Co-starred for the first time, Errol Flynn and Bette Davis are at the Regent Theatre in "The Sisters," adapted from the glorious love story by Myron Brinig. Anita Louise, Jane Bryan, and lan Hunter are also in the cast. The story opens in the early nineteen hun- : dreds on the eve of Roosevelt's election to the Presidency of America. The story is concerned with the, fortunes of three beautiful sisters who start their lives in a small Montana mining town, with most of the interest centred on the oldest sister, played, by Miss Davis, who marries a wandering newspaper man (the role taken by Flynn), and goes with him to San Francisco, where her life is a struggle for love and happiness against overwhelming odds. » MAJESTIC THEATRE. A film of rare significance at a time when warfare on the sea is at its height is being shown at the Majestic Theatre in "Thunder Afloat." Wallace Beery gives a very fine performance in the leading role as the tugboat captain caught in the dangers of the last war. It is typical of the character that Beery portrays with his usual, sincerity that, when he loses his beloved little ship as the result of submarine action, he should throw himself headlong into the task of taking his own revenge. Around the adven- , tures of this headstrong old captain ■ - is woven one of the most interesting pictures of the year. Chester Morris and Virginia Grey are also starred. ST. JAMES THEATRE. James Cagney and Pat O'Brien are co-starred, and such stars as Dead End" kids, Humphrey Bogart, Ann •Sheridan, and George Bancroft are the chief supporting players in "Angels With Dirty Faces," showing at the St. James Theatre. In this production, the inimitable Jimmy returns to the type of role which first brought him.fame and in which the public has always liked him best. He is again a gatig- ' ster. The film, however, cannot be adequately described .as simply a "gangster picture." While it has thrilling scenes of murderous combat between its central character and his underworld enemies, its"' interest goes far beyond such episodes. It is a biography of the tough youth played by Cagney, carrying him from his boyhood to the electric chair. At the same time it contrasts his life with that of the character played by Pat O'Brien. "" ~ . > DE LUXE THEATRE. The first attraction on the programme at the De Luxe Theatre stars the popular cowboy singer, Gene Autry. "In Old Monterey" is the film, and it is an entertaining mixture of hill-billy songs, swing by the "Hoosier Hotshots," shots of aerial bombing, and melodrama. The main attraction, "6000 Enemies," is a picture which, although comparatively unheralded, is really first.rate. The prison scenes in particular must be as good as anyf.lng of that type yet seen on the screen. The atmosphere is authentic and grip- ' ping', and the possibilities of the plot the' film affords are skilfully ex<.'plotted. The stars are Walter Pidgeon, Rita Johnston, and Nat Pendleton. Supports include latest newsreels of the war. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The common-sense way of tackling a social problem, which, if dealt with by-"hush-hush" methods, is apt to lead to greater tragedy and suffering, is ■ portrayed in "Damaged Goods," which is the main feature at the Paramount Theatre. ' The story of "Damaged Goods" is already well known through previous .• presentations; under one form or another, and this picturisation of it presents the problem in a clear, frank, and 1 common-sense manner. "Damaged Goods" deals with the fight against ' venereal disease, and it presents to the audience two solutions: one is of the "hush-hush" type, with the inevitable dread consequences that follow, and the other is the manner of tackling the problem in a proper manner. "Circus Girl," the supporting picture, features Robert Livingston, . June Travis, and Donald Cook in an exciting r>ersonal drama under the big top. ' OPERA HOUSE. "South Riding," based on the extremely popular novel of Winifred Holtby and now showing at the Opera House, has been generally acclaimed to be one of the finest films produced in England, paralleling the success of the novel itself. The story is essentially English in construction and flavour, and, centring about the South Riding County Council in a Yorkshire valley, analyses shrewdly and reyealingly the lives and motives of the members of tlje council, motives good and bad which .govern individual action and reflect upon the fhole country governed. Edna Best akes a welcome return to the screen , as Sarah Burton* the schoolmistress, while Ralph Richardson as Squire Carrie, Edmund. Gwenn as Alderman Huggins, John Clements as Councillor Astell, and Milton Roshier as Alderman Snaith give admirable interpreta- . tions. . rex: theatre. "Everything is Thunder," a thrilling drama of a British, officer's escape from a German prison camp, is the main attraction on the concession night pro- * gramme at the Rex Theatre. Constance Bennett and Robert Montgomery are starred. The associate film <is "It Happened Out West," starring Paul Kelly and Judette Allen. ROXY THEATRE. ; With a cast topped by Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Rosalind Russell, and Patric .Snowies, "Four's a Crowd," Warner Bros.' swiftly-paced comedy romance, is showing at the Roxy Theatre.. With the inimitable George Wallace.in the starring role, "Gone to the Dogs," the associate film, was twelve weeks in front of the cameras, and when such record time is spent in shooting approximately 80 minutes of screen entertainment, then some idea as to the quality may be clearly evidenced. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Dramatic Ellis Island—last portal of freedom—provides the background' for an absorbing story for Don Ameche and Arleen Whelan •in "Gateway," showing at the Regal Theatre. Five new hit tunes are introduced in Jack Benny's new musical riot, Paramount's "Artists and Models," which, with Benny, Ida Lupino, Gail Patrick, Richard Arlen, Ben Blue, Judy Canova, and Andre Kostelanetz and his orchestra, is the associate film. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Mary Maguire and George Sanders touch heights of dramatic power rare- ' ly achieved on the screen in "The Outsider," at the Empire Theatre. Mary Maguire portrays the crippled daughter of a Harley Street surgeon, and Sanders the unorthodox practitioner who- treats her against her father's wishes. One man pitted against three distinct factions, and his ultimate victory over these forces, form the basis of "Twelve Crowded Hours," Richard Dixs new starring vehicle, which is the associate film. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. Norma Shearer stars in "Marie Antoinette,", showing at the Vogue Theatre. Others in the cast include Tyrone Power, Robert Morley, John Barrymore, Gladys George and Joseph Schildkraut. Four selected supports axe also showing.

CETY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

, KING'S THEATRE. "The Real Glory," now showing at the King's Theatre, is a most inspiring film of empire-building in the Philippines, in which five American army men and a doctor are left behind when the army withdraws to train the Filipinos how to fight against the hordes of bloodthirsty Moros which infest the jungle. The story moves swiftly, and the acting is very well done. The part of the medico, who uses a shrewd knowledge of Filipino psychology to fight the natives' fear, is played by Gary Cooper, who carries the part in his characteristic and thoroughly capable manner. David Niven, who in a short film career has become one of the most popular of actors, takes the part of a lieutenant who does not take kindly to orders, and who wants to fight the Moros in their own fashion. iPLAZA THEATRE. Presenting a prodigy of the ice rink in diminutive Irene Dare, the new picture at the Plaza Theatre this week, "Everything's On Ice," supplies unexpectedly good entertainment. The little lady herself has remarkable ability and versatility as an ice skater, and also as an actress, and while she makes the film the producers have very astutely seen to it that she does not dominate it. In other words, one does not get too much of her. She is the central figure in a story of how an ambitious but chronically lazy, uncle capitalises her talent in an effort to get rich quick. The film includes*' some fine ballet scenes and plenty of good comedy. Topical pictures and another chapter of the life of Walt Disney's "Three Little Pigs" are among the supports. STATE THEATRE. "Way Down South" and "Bad Lands" conclude tonight at the State Theatre. 'fWinter Carnival" and "Hollywood Roundup" commence tomorrow. TUDOR THEATRE. The great British shipyards at Clydebank, Scotland, are the setting for Gracie Fields's latest comedy film "Shipyard Sally," which has been transferred to the Tudor 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. Cast as private detectives in "The Gorilla," which, is the associate film, the Ritz Brothers are still the Ritz Brothers. REPERTORY THEATRE. The Wellington Repertory Theatre's production of St. John Ervine's play, "Robert's Wife," drew another crowded house to the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last night. An amusing comedy based-on the domestic troubles and professional aspirations of a vicar, "Robert's Wife" presents "a patchwork of emotions* trials, and happiness that might well be the lot of any family. The choice of the two leading players, Mary Mackenzie. as Sanchia Carson, the vicar's second wife, and Algernon Deuber as the Rev. Robert Carson, is a fortunate one, as both players are at their ease and take the parts effortlessly and sincerely. The main plot centres on the clashing careers of husband and wife; the vicar's work is devoted to his parish, but his wife, who is a doctor of medicine, gives her enthusiasm and time to a clinic established in one of the poorer parts of the town. Moral and theological problems have to be decided, and eventually -the situationis reached where the wife's activities are actually a hindrance to her husband's advancement. Other players are Margaret Cairns-Cowan,. M. Vide Helyar Ailsa Newton, Hugh Walls, Bessie Anderson, Greville Wiggs, P. B. Benham, W. F. C. Balham, A. O. Heany, Patricia Ahearn, and Eric Lawson. "MERRIE ENGLAND." Abounding with tuneful solos and choruses, "Merrie England," Sir Edward German's light opera, is always a hit with >the general public as well as with the music-lover. The Guild. Singers, a branch of the Local Bodies' Officers' Guild, Inc.,'will present the concert version in the Town Hall at 8 o'clock tonight. A strong cast of principals, supported by a chorus of 60 voices and a group of folk dancers, will be conducted by Mr. Thomas Wood. A short programme of songs by Bert Hickford (baritone) and Eileen Miller (mezzo-soprano) will precede the opera. Popular prices are being charged and soldiers in uniform will be admitted free. Jean Kirk-Burnand and Barbara Bannister will provide the accompaniment at two grand pianos. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "The Gaunt Stranger" and "The^Girl from Mexico" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre. '■•«+■<■ Tony Martin and Gloria Stuart are featured in the cast of 20th CenturyFox's action-packed 'Winner Take All, which opens tomorrow. Henry Armetta, as Papa Gambini of the lovable new screen family, Slim Summerville and Kane Richmond are also included in the film. "Crackerjack, featuring Tom Walls,-Lilli Palmer and Noel Madison, is the second feature. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Only Angels Have Wings" cob eludes tonight at the State Theatre. A grimly gripping story of the New York police and of a father who must put a halt to the criminal activities of his own son, "Sergeant Madden, which opens tomorrow, presents Wallace Beery in his most masterful characterisation to date. As Sergeant Madden, thirtyiyear veteran of the force, soft-hearted, plodding, and idealistic. Beery epitomises the finest traits of "New York's Finest." PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. •Spell-binder" and "Sales Lady" conclude at the Palace Theatre, Petone, A Scotland Yard sleuth taking a busman's holiday in strife-worn Spain, Don Ameche finds the former land of bullfights and mantillas is still a setting for tempestuous romance; when he meets Loretta Young in "Love Under Fire," which opens tomorrow. Surging with all the passions of the seven seas, "Slave Ship," 20th Century-Fox film starring Warner Baxter and Wallace Beery, is the associate film. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. "Night Must Fall" as the most novel story of its type yet to reach the screen, is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. Dame May Whitty, Rosalind Russell, and Robert Montgomery head a London stage cast. "Homicide Bureau," the thrilling Columbia drama featuring Bruce Cabot and Rita Hayworth, is the second feature. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. With Loretta Young and Warner Baxter co-starred again, "Wife, Husband, and Friend," 20th Century-Fox's gay romantic comedy is showing at the King George Theatre. The film tells in merry terms the sparkling story of a gay, modern marriage, which was all bliss until the wife decided that she could and should have a singing career. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. With Don Ameche, as a singing, loving, fighting D'Artagnan, and the Ritz Brothers as musketeers more at home with a carving knife than a sword, "The Three Musketeers" is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. A thrilling story of men with wings, "Mystery Plane," is the associate film.

RIVOLI AND TIVOLI THEATRES,

| Marking their eighth co-starring appearance in a musical film, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers again prove themselves America's number one dancing favourites in their latest vehicle, "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle," which is showing at both the Rivoli and Tivoli Theatres. Since ! this tuneful cavalcade of songs and dances is based on the colourful i lives of the couple who enjoyed the reputation as the world's foremost dance team during the nostalgic period just prior to the World War it is fitting that its interpretation on the [screen should be by the team of today | which enjoys a similar reputation. The fascinating story is a tale of the persistence, perseverance, and ultimate rei ward of two people who had faith in themselves and in each other. Edgar Wallace, king of mystery thriller | writers, wrote one of the very best examples of this type of story in "The Terror," the film version of which is the associate film at the Rivoli. Wilfred Lawson, LinI den Travers, and Bernard Lee are starred. Motion picture fans who like their murder mysteries baffling have something to outguess them in "Society Lawyer," featuring Walter Pidgeon, Virginia Bruce, and Leo Carrillo, which is the second feature at the Tivoli Theatre.

ASCOT THEATRE,

In the adventures of "Huckleberry Finn," screening at the Ascot Theatre, Mark Twain's lovable hero is born again in a memorable picturisation, with Mickey Rooney as Huck. Walter Connolly stars in this story of homely, human people. The second feature, "Risky Business," with George MUrphy and Dorothea Kent, tells of a radio racket and a thrilling exposure. An Our Gang comedy is included in the supporting programme.

KILBIRNIE KINEMA,

Not the story of Lincoln's life, but the story of his heart —his wit, his courage, the two loves he knew—is told in Darryl F. Zanuck's production of "Young Mr. Lincoln," which is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema, with Henry Fonda in the title role. "Gold Diggers in Paris," the second feature, is delightful entertainment.