CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 63, 14 March 1940, Page 8

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. The queer mind that finds an outlet lor its repressions in writing scurrilous, unsigned letters has provided much material for headlines of late. Now it has reached the screen. In "Poison Pen,' "which heads the new bill at the Regent Theatre, one sees the havoc caused by such letters in a tranquil English village. The power of the. poison is almost uncanny; there are characters in this story strong enough to dismiss the letters when they receive them, but even they cannot resist doubt and suspicion when a coincidence lends support to the accusations. Then again, the writer sometimes builds the letters on facts capable of an innocent explanation, knowing that it is so easy for frail humans to believe the worst Flora Robson has the star part in this story whose strength and skilful presentation provides absorbing entertainment on what might-have been, with less careful treatment, an unpleasant subject The occasions on which we see this great artiste on the screen are all too few. When they occur, they .mark a red letter day for the patrons of superlative acting. MAJESTIC THEATRE. The Majestic Theatre will show "The Cat and the Canary" for the last time tonight. , „. "The Marx Bros, at the Circus" commences tomorrow. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. "Lady of the Tropics" and "Secrets of a Nurse" conclude tonight at the Paramount Theatre. "Owd Bob," starring Will Fyffe, and "Great Guy," with James Cagney, open tomorrow. .... . ST^ JAMEo THEATRE. "The Under-pup" will be shown finally tonight at the St.' James TheA* new and more sympathetic Edward G. Robinson, giving a brilliant performance in a tense, vivid theme of blazing oil well' fires and a prison camp, is seen in "Blackmail," which opens tomorrow at the St. James Theatre. In it Robinson, although again in the toils of the law, is not the gangster, the killer, or the racketeer. Sent to prison nine years before the story opens for a crime he did not commit, Robinson, as an escaped convict, is returned to a prison camp through the hypocrisy and treachery of a former shipmate. His tortures in the swampy jungle-of the prison camp, his treatment at the hands of a bitter prison guard, his burning desire for revenge, and his escape and tensely dramatic means of avenging himself on his betrayer combine to project Robinson upon the screen in a characterisation as stark and vivid as any he has ever done. The heavy role is admirably played by Gene Lockhart, steadily forging ahead as one of the most versatile character actors in Hollywood. - Ruth Hussey is convincing in the sometimes light, sometimes tragic role of Robinson's wife. Eight-year-old Bobs Watson gives another outstanding performance as his son. Guinn (Big Boy) Williams, as RobinsOn's slow-witted partner, provides both laughs and rugged' drama, which is highlighted' by some of the most gripping of spectacular sequences. H. C. Potter directed the production with a deft hand. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Based.'on Baroness Orczy's best-sell-ing novel, the long-awaited London film "The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel," is showing at the Capitol Theatre. Barry X: Barnes plays the title role. Penetrating the forbidden fastnesses Of the isle of the incredible on a venr ture so perilous that Government] authorities at first refused permission; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson encountered the greatest adventure of them all. filming the pictorial climax of Martin Johnson's career in "Borneo," the associate film. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A couple's relentless quest for hap- ' piness in the face of overwhelming opposition engineered by the man's cruelly selfish wife is the dramatic central theme of "In Name Only," co-star* . ring Carole Lombard, Cary Grant, and Kay Francis, which is showing at the Empire Theatre. Infant charm, hilarious comedy, and romantic intrigue are combined in a most effective manner in Universal's "Unexpected Father," associate film. Baby Sandy and Mischa Aver head the cast. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. The martyrdom of the renowned anil patriotic wartime nurse who suffered the penalty of death for smuggling convalescent soldiers out of the combat zone, is the basis of "Nurse Edith Cavell," starring Anna Neagle. which is showing at the Regal Theatre. Laurel and Hardy again provide good, down to earth slapstick on the screen in their latest picture "The Flying Deuces," the associate film. This laugh provoking comedy proves to be one of the best of their long career. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. Gene Autry heads the cast in a fastmoving Western story, "The Man From Music Mountain," showing at the Palace Theatre. Hailed as the Western singing sensation of today, Autry plays the best role of his career. The everversatile Tom Walls proves conclusively that he is one of the most accomplished actors on the British screen by his sterling performance in "Old Iron," the second feature. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "There's That Woman Again," Columbia's romantic mystery-comedy sequel to the memorable "There's Always a Woman," is showing at the Grand Theatre, with Melvyn Douglas and Virginia Bruce co-starred. "Behind Prison Gates," featuring Brian Donlevy and Jacqueline Wells, is the second feature. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Second Fiddle" concludes tonight at the' State Theatre. Charles Laughton, whose film characterisations have ranged from Nero in ''Sign of the Cross," through the role of the ribald, robust king in "Henry the VIII," to Captain Bligh in "Mutiny oh the Bounty," delineates a new and entirely different —but definitely "Laughton"—character in his latest picture, "The Beachcomber," which opens tomorrow at the State Theatre. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. Headed by Bing Crosby and Joan Blondell, one of the most capable casts eve* found in a single picture was assembled for Universal's "East Side of Heaven," showing at the. Prince Edward Theatre. Hazardous and thrilling adventures of the men of the United States Secret Service are dramatised in "Secret Service Adventures," starring Ronald Reagan, which is the Second feature. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Pictured against the colourful background of Amazon rubber camps, Universal's "Tropic Fury." starring Ricnard Arlen and Andy Devine, is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Automobile racing, as it is done on the Indianapolis Speedway, is one of the most dangerous sports in the world. It provides a thrilling theme for "Road Demon," the second feature. KING GEORGE THEATRE. LOWER HUTT. "First Love," Deanna Durbin's greatest success, is showing at the King George Theatre. The season will conclude tonight.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

| KING'S THEATRE. t Too much money brings unhappiness • in its wake, according to Alexander I Korda's new film, "Over the Moon," • now showing at the King's Theatre. 1 Light-hearted and gay, "Over the [ Moon" nevertheless contains a certain ' amount of truthful outlook, and it is \ unusual, to say the least, for a film ; romance to deprecate riches rather than ', glorify them. The theme is simple. . 1 Merle Oberon is the poor orphan coun- ' I try girl who falls in love with the ; \ country doctor, but just as happiness i seems within her grasp someone spoils ■ it all by leaving her eighteen million j pounds She loses her head, and in a - terrific effort to have everything she r has never had before she antagonises ; the doctor, who is disgusted by her j hangers-on and horrified at being ■ pointed out as the "Glitter Girl's" hus- ■ band-to-be. Rex Harrison plays the i part of the doctor. The film is in ex- . cellent techni colour, and the beautiful s mountain scenery and Venetian waters ways are fine subjects for the camerar man. PLAZA THEATRE. Many films have been made of the me and habits of India, its superstii tions and beliefs, but few have caught i the atmosphere of that vast continent with such subtle force as "The Rains Came." now in its second week at the Plaza Theatre. Tyrone Power, as the cultured Indian doctor, is the personification of that breeding and gentleness that have marked the true Indian aristocracy; George Brent, hard-living and indolent remittance man sought after in spite of himself by the inevitable snob section of the community, because his people at Home have a name to conjure with, and Myrna Loy. as the sophisticated and rather pored Lady Esketh. acquaintance (and lover) of the Englishman years before These players give fine performances When the rams prayed for 'by the natives, did come, they brought tragedy and disease to which earthquake and fire added terror. It was then that the white people sank their differences to fight against the horor and deatn that swept through the ruined State. STATE THEATRE. Cosmopolitan though it is, the university of Oxford never had a stranger pair of students than Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, who in their latest picture, "A Chump at Oxford," now showing at the State Theatre, cause a series of riotous situations at that centre of learning. Early in the picture the, inimitable comedians are shown as typical American "down and outs," taking whatever work they can to bring'them in an occasional meal. By good luck and a discarded banana skin they capture a bank robber and as a reward for their services are given by a grateful the opportunity of realising their ambition'to secure a proper education. From the moment of their arrival at Oxford until the final fade-out there is never a dull moment, and the scenes where Laurel drops his usual air of stupidity and becomes the aristocratic Lord Paddington," athletic and intellectual leader of Oxford, while the faithful OHie- becomes "Fatty," his obsequious man-servant, are among the finest of any Laurel and Hardy film. On the same programme a new Continental star, Harry Batir, is introduced to New Zealand audiences in an actionfilled story of Tsarist Russia, entitled "Rebel Son." DE LUXE THEATRE., . "These Glamour Girls" and "Back i Door to Heaven" conclude tonight at ' the DeLuxe Theatre. •' ■"Code' of' the' Secret Service," .starring; "Ronald Reagan, and "Gang Bul- : lets," with Ann Nagel and Robert ■ Kent, open tomorrow. OPERA HOUSE. The French production "Katia," presented under the title of "Catherine," which concludes tonight at the Opera House, is a photoplay worthy to be ranked among the very finest yet made. "Catherine" has its moments of magnificence, but nearly all the most moving sequences are filmed in simple surroundings—a room, a bench in a park, a window looking on to the street— these are the sets the French director chose, but one feels that an American director would have had these same sequences in lavish surroundings. This restraint and simplicity are in evidence throughout the whole of "Catherine." The story is that of the romance of Alexander, Tsar of all the Russians, brilliantly played by John Loder, and Catherine Dolguruky, daughter of a Russian nobleman. Danielle Darrieux has this role, and her performance is one alongside which most other film star's dramatic portrayals seem shallow and artificial. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. "First Love" and "Forgotten Woman" conclude tonight attjhe New Princess Theatre. / Modern dress, a modern story, and modern technicolor befit Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy better than anything V they have attempted in the past. Despite their successes together in "Naughty Marietta," "Rose Marie," "Maytime," and "Girl of the Golden West" they establish still another milestone for the film musical in "Sweethearts," which commences at the New Princess' tomorrow. A new warmth and vividness of personality colours all their efforts in this Victor > Herbert adaptation. "Women In the Wind," starring Kay Francis, is the associate film. ASCOT THEATRE. "Boy's Town," starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, is playing a return season at the Ascot Theatre. It is a true story of the forgotten boy who gets his chance to live. Also showing is "King of the Newsboys," with Lew Ayres and Helen Mack in a poignant story of the slums of a big city. The supporting "shorts" are varied and entertaining. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Joan Bennett and Jack Benny play co-starring roles in "Stranded in Paris," a gay comedy of a stranded theatrical troupe, which is showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Little-known heroes of peace, members of the American Coast Guard, are glorified in Columbia's dramatic "Coast Guard," which is the associate film. TUDOR THEATRE. "Hotel for Women" and "Quick Mixlions" will be shown finally tonight at the Tudor Theatre. "Mr Smith Goes to Washington," which opens tomorrow at the Tudor Theatre, is one of those films which have to be seen and studiea to be appreciated. In the first place, it is not a comedy, though it has some very amusing situations. It is, indeed, a drama of the highest order. The film is typically American in that it satirises one of the most sacred American institutes The leading role is played by James Stewart, who is thoroughly at home in the role of the young, awkward youth leader who is abruptly pitchforked into the office of United States Senator. Jean Arthur also has a role to her liking as the astute and capable secretary. The film has a surprising number of capable supportin^ stars, including Guy Kibbee, Edward Arnold, Claude Rains, H. B. Warner, Eugene Pallette, and others. A goi'den memory-book for grown-ups and a delightful screen experience for children, Columbia's "Five Little Peppers and How They Grew" will be the associate film. Heading the cast of the film version of Margaret Sidney's famous childhood classic is Edith Fellows, whose "Poh'y Pepper" stirs many nostalgic memories of the days when "Polly" was the heroine of every juvenile reader.

TIVOLI THEATRE. "Song of the Plains" and "Smashing the Spy Ring" .conclude tonight at the Tivoli Theatre. "They Shall Have Music" and "Within the Law" open tomorrow. RIVOLI THEATRE. "Unexpected Father" and "Off the Reqord" conclude tonight at the Rivoli Theatre. Co-starred for the first time in their spectacular careers, Errol Flynn and Bette Davis come to the Rivoli Theatre tomorrow in "The Sisters," adapted from the glorious love story by Myron Brinig Besides the brilliant star team the cast includes a list of players that reads like a "Who's Who in Hollywood"—Anita Louise, Jane Bryan, lan Hunter, Donald Crisp. Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers, Alan Hale, Dick Foran, Patric Knowles, Lee Patrick, Laura Hope Crews, Harry Davenport, and many others. Mary Boland. Charlie Ruggles, Donald O'Connor, Joyce Mathews, and Billy Lee, cast as members of that funny "Fitch" family which made its screen debut in "Boy Trouble," return to the screen in the new Paramount comedy "Night Work," which is the associate film. ROXY THEATRE. "Angels with Dirty Faces" and "Torchy Blanc in Chinatown" conclude tonight at the Roxy Theatre. "Blackwell's Island," the Warner Bros, picture starring John Garfield, which opens tomorrow, is based on the clean-up of New York's city gaol in 1934, when Welfare Island, formerly known as Blackwell's Island, housed all the short-term prisoners sentenced from' the great metropolis. An actionpacked drama of America's great westward surge, "The Oklahoma Kid," with James Cagney as the title character, is the associate film. A stirring cavalcade of the opening of the great southwest, it is one of, the year's largest productions, and numbers over 3000 people in its huge outdoor scenes. REX THEATRE. "Wild and Woolly," starring Jane Withers and Walter Brennan, is the main film on the concession night programme at the Rex Theatre. "Sabotage," the associate film, stars Sylvia Sidney, with- Oscar Homolka, John Loder. and Desmond Tester. This is an excellent thriller, dealing with modern sabotage and the human drama behind it.