CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 72, 26 March 1940, Page 10

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. Encouraged, no doubt, by the good reception accorded "Four Daughters," the producers of that successful picture ■ have employed virtually the same cast for "Daughters Courageous," which is showing at the Regent Theatre. Wisely the makers of the new picture have not followed the customary procedure of using a sequel to the earlier story. The daughters are played by Priscilla, Rosemary, and Lola Lane, and Gale Page, and John Garfield, Jeffery Lynn, McHugh, and Dick Foran appear as the suitors of the young women. As father of the girls Claude Rains carries off ,the acting honours of the picture. Entertaining because of its wit and general j cleverness, the picture deals more subtly with a serious theme—the con-j trast between two philosophies of life, one, that of the seeker after pleasure in adventure regardless of responsibilities, and the other that of the man who becomes successful' through attention to duty and the affairs of business. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland have teamed admirably in previous films, but nothing so convincing as in "Babes in Arms," now screening at the Majestic Theatre. Actually, the film is a musical show provided by some of the most talented youths and girls in Hollywood. Judy Garland sings excellently—serious numbers and light —and shows a capacity as an actress far beyond her years. Mickey Rooney, of course, is his usual delightfully entertaining self. Briefly the story deals with the lives of the sons and daughters of once famous stars of vaudeville. Dealt a bitter blow by the inauguration of the motion picture industry, and later the talking film, the parents resign themselves to permanent obscurity. It is left to their sons and daughters in a magnificent show to revive public interest in the stage. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Inspired originally by the phenomenally successful song from which it derives its title. Republic's "South of the Border" is showing at the Paramount Theatre. The film has songs, laughter, thrills, and it has a thoughtfully-contrived story with a timely angle which creates an illusion that the audience is witnessing actual events dramatised from the daily newspaper headlines. Mexican oil concessions, coveted by one of the European belligerents, provide a focal point on which the action revolves. Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette, as special investigators of the Federal Government, are sent to Palermo, south of the Mexican border, to investigate operations which may result in a "border situation" which will threaten the peace and neutrality of the United States. Thrilling entertainment, with a good share of wholesomeness, excitement, and comedy, is Republic's "Sabotage," the associate film. Arleen Whelan and Gordon Oliver head the cast. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The new talking picture version of "Beau Geste," P. C. Wren's famous novel of the Foreign Legion, now showing at St James Theatre, should, by reason of its excellent and lavish production and the splendid acting of the principal players, attract record attendances. Nothing of the spirit of the novel has been sacrificed and the African scenes, where most of the action takes place, are wonderfully photographed. The strong and well-chosen cast is headed by Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston as the Geste brothers, "Beau," "John," and "Digby," and Brian Donlevy gives a fine display of character acting as the brutal sergeant "Markoff" with whom the three brothers come into conflict. Susan Hayward and J. Carrol Naish figure in the supporting cast. As indicated by the nature of the production, thousands of other players round out the cast, serving as legionnaires and members of wold desert tribes. REX THEATRE. Two splendid films are showing on the concession night programme at the Rex Theatre. The main attraction, "Venus Makes Trouble," starring James Dunn and Patricia Ellis," is a fast-moving comedy. "Flight from Glory," with Chester Morris and Whitney Boune, is the associate film. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Fast and furious farce predominates in "His Exciting Nignt," showing at the Seaside Theatre, with Charlie Ruggles and a cast of expert comedy players. "His Exciting Night" presents Ruggles as a bridegroom, snatched from the church and placed in an embarrassing predicament with a gorgeous blonde. "Oklahoma Kid" is the associate attraction. TUDOR THEATRE. Hal Roach's "A Chump at Oxford," which is showing at the Tudor Theatre, is rated as the funniest and most hilarious four-reeler yet to co-star Laurel and Hardy. "A Chump at Oxford" tells the story of two street cleaners who inadvertently capture a bank robber. When the bank president offers them a reward, they ask instead that they be sent to the lofty spires of Oxford for an education, which during their misspent lives they happened to miss. From thereon, the story moves at a rapid pace. Harry Baur, the great French actor, makes one of his rare appearances in a British picture in "The Rebel Son," a powerful drama of Cossack Russia, which will be the associate film. KILBIRNIE KINEMA. Infant charm, hilarious comedy, and romantic intrigue are combined in a most effective manner in Universal's "Unexpected Father," showing at the Kilbirnie Kinema. The infant charm is supplied by Baby Sandy, moviedom's most sensational baby. The comedy comes from Mischa Aver, and the romantic intrigue is supplied by Dennis O'Keefe and Shirley Ross. An actionpacked drama of America's greatest westward surge, "The Oklahoma Kid," with James Cagney as the title character, is the second feature. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Dramatic and exciting is Columbia's "Clouds Over Europe," showing at the State Theatre. This picture is something different in the way of spy films because of the constant introduction of clever witticisms and humorous situations. Not even during the most dramatic moments does this film lose its sense of humour. Ralph Richardson, Laurence Olivier, and Valeric Hobson are the principals. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. The most talked about. picture of the year, Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band," currently is at the Palace Theatre with Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, and Don Ameche starred. Splendidly cast, "Dangerously Yours," the second feature, is one of the most deceptively concocted mystery stories of the year, with new and thrilling "twists." Cesar Romero and Phyllis Brooks head the cast. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Blackwell's Island" and "Way Down South" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre. Lovely Frieda Inescort, who scored such outstanding personal success in "The Trial of Portia Merriman" and "Woman Doctor," is co-starred with Otto Kruger in "Zero Hour," which opens tomorrow. One of the most beautiful and talented stars on the screen today, with a speaking voice that is a charm to listen to, Frieda Inescort first came to Hollywood for a holiday and remained there. "Chasing Danger," featuring Preston Foster and Lynn Bari, is the second feature.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE. The new production of Victor Hugo's famous novel "The Hunchback of i Notre Dame" is attracting well-meritea ■ attention at the King's Theatre. The (great settings make the picture notable as a spectacle of medieval Paris, and it is also outstanding by reason ot the splendid character acting of Charles Laughton as the hunchback. Those who remember the silent version, which created a stir in the picture world a few years back, will be able to make interesting comparisons. When the voices were absent overemphasis was laid on the settings, but in the modern production the impressive scenes against which the action takes place are relegated to their proper place as a background, however spectacular, to a moving story of romance and tragedy. There are many remarkable scenes which will doubtless long remain in the memories of those who see this picture. PLAZA THEATRE. Many films have been made of the life and habits of India, its superstitions and beliefs, but few have caught the atmosphere of that vast continent with such subtle force as "The Rains Came," now in its fourth week at the Plaza Theatre. Tyrone Power, as the cultured Indian doctor, is the personification of that breeding and gentle, ness that have marked the true Indian aristocracy; George Brent, hard-living and indolent remittance man. sought after in spite of himsell 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 bored Lady Esketh, acquaintance (and lover) of the Englishman years before These players give fine performances. When the rains prayed for by the natives, did come, they brought tragedy and disease to which earthquake and fire added terror. It was then thai the white people sank their differences to fight against the horor and death that swept through the ruined State. STATE THEATRE. "Escape to Paradise" and "Legion of the Lawless" conclude tonight at the State Theatre. Poking gentle fun at the business of making pictures in Hollywood, "That's Right—You're Wrong," which opens tomorrow, marks the film debut of Kay Kyser, noted orchestra leader, who is co-starred with Adolphe Menjou. The amusing story reveals some of the hectic problems studios have in creating scenarios for certain personalities. Its principal theme —designed for laughing purposes only—revolves around the problem of making a picture with Kay Kyser as the star. Kyser plays himself and, in addition to the members of his famous band, the cast also includes May. Robson, Lucille Ball, Dennis O'Keefe, Edward Everett Horton, Roscoe Karns, and Moroni Olseri. How an American wireless man is plunged into the middle of an undercover fight between the storm troops of a dictator country and a band of patriots trying to overthrow the Government, makes the exciting theme of "Conspiracy," new action thriller, which will be the associate film. The film presents Allan Lane and Linda Hayes in the romantic leads, with Robert Barrat also featured. Another attraction will be "The Pointer," a Walt Disney Mickey Mouse production. DE LUXE THEATRE. Tense situations abound in Universal's "Gr§en Hell," a drama staged in the Amazon jungle, which is now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Joan Bennett play the leading roles, and other important parts are filled by Alan Hale, George Bancroft, and George Sanders. The story deals with the adventures of an archaeological expedition in search of Inca ruins far from civilisation. Its members include one Richardson, who has rather casually attached himself to the expedition. The ruins have been discovered when Richardson is poisoned by an arrow. The head native is sent to civilisation to find his relatives, and returns with his wife. Richardson dies and the woman herself becomes seriously ill. The situations that develop when she finds that she was never really married to Richardson are well handled The associate feature presents the Higgins family in a delightful comedy, "The Covered Trailer," in which the fun waxes fast and furious. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. An entirely novel twist to the theme of mistaken identity raises "Dead Man's Shoes," showing at the New Princess Theatre, into a class of its own. The chief protagonists are Leslie Banks and Wilfrid Lawson, both of them players from the top flight. Those who imagine the theme outworn should see this as a reminder that it is still possible to dramatise new situations in a blase twentieth century. The associate feature, "Call a Messenger," starring the "Dead End" Kids, deals with the adventures of a band of street kids who go to work as messenger boys and make good in spite of themselves. ROXY THEATRE. Racketeering in all its ramifications, particularly that branch which centres its activities in the illicit liquor trade, is forcibly pictured in "Scarface," the Howard Hughes epic, which is showing at the Roxy Theatre. The result is a vehicle which for sheer dramatic power has seldom been equalled upon stage or screen. Paul Muni is starred. Republic's "Calling All Marines," the associate film, reaches a new standard in thrilling action, as Uncle Sam's marines fall into action against a gang of merciless spies. ASCOT THEATRE. The wonder fantasy in beautiful technicolor, "The Wizard of Oz," is showing at the Ascot Theatre, with Judy Garland and Frank Morgan in the leading roles. It is a gorgeous musical triumph, marking a new era in screen entertainment. Also showing is a breezy speedway mystery romance, "Burn 'Em Up O'Connor," with Dennis O'Keefe and Cecilia Parker. The supports are outstanding. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Laurel and Hardy again provide good, down-to-earth slapstick on the screen in their latest picture, "The Flying Deuces," which is showing at the Empire Theatre. This laugh-pro-voking comedy proves to be one of the best of their long career. The bravery of men who give their lives that others may live is brought to the screen in the -associate film, "Coast Guard," hailed by Hollywood as one of the most thrilling and dramatic records ever to be screened. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. One of the most magnificent motion pictures the screen has ever shown heads the programme at the Regal Theatre. It is Darryl F. Zanuck's production of "Stanley and Livingstone," the 20th Century-Fox film, starring Spencer Tracy as the heroic reporteradventurer who found Livingstone. Nancy Kelly and Richard Greene are also starred at the head of a great cast. Three years in the making, much of the film was shot in the actual locale in Africa. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. The jovial queen of comedy, toast of Britain and the Continent, Gracie Fields, returns to the screen in "Shipyard Sally," which is showing at the Capitol Theatre. Directed by Monty Banks, the film gives Gracie the background she likes best —the working class of England. The associate attraction, "Mr. Wong, Detective," has Boris Karloff in the featured role.

TTVOLI THEATRE. Produced with the co-operation of the Royal Air Force, "The Lion Has Wings," which is showing at the Tivoli Theatre, contrasts in a sequence of fascinating shots the spirit of Britain, devoted to sport, seeking education, concerned with progress, with the spirit of Nazi Germany, drilling, marching, organising, preparing day and night for one purpose and one purpose only—war! The first episodes of the war are brilliantly reconstructed, including actual shots of the daring raid on Kiel. Merle Oberon, Ralph Richardson, Flora Robson, and June Duprez contribute memorable performances. Unquestionably unique in treatment and in theme, Columbia's "Golden Boy" is the associate film. The new film, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Adolphe Menjou, and William Holden, is based upon Clifford Odets's romantic drama. RIVOLI THEATRE. Samuel Goldwyn's "They Shall Have Music," which is showing at the Riyoli Theatre, is an outstanding motion picture, powerfully enriched by the glorious music of Jascha Heifetz, who makes his first screen appearance. In addition, "They Shall Have Music" presents for the first time the unusually talented California Junior Symphony Orchestra. Expertly blending action, drama, comedy, and romance, Columbia's "Whispering Enemies" is the associate film. It reveals itself not only as thoroughly satisfactory entertainment but as a blasting expose of the most vicious racket America has j f ever known. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. The audacious methods used by a modern Robin Hood to capture a gang of notorious criminals, while seeking to unravel the threads of a ghastly murder of which he is suspected, forms the dual theme of R.K.O. Radio's thrilling action drama "The Saint in London," showing at the Vogue Theatre. Third in a series of exhilarating productions based upon the internationally famous books by Leslie Charteris, the film presents George Sanders in the role of one who has dedicated his life to suppressing crime in all corners of the world. How an ambitious youth rises above his environment in the slums of New York to eventually control the distribution of all metropolitan newspapers is the,basis of Republic's powerful drama "King of the Newsboys," associate film. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. "Naughty, but Nice," the musical comedy starring Dick Powell, Ann Sheridan, and Gale Page, is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Frieda Inescort, who scored such outstanding success in "Portia on Trial," is co-starred with Otto Kruger in the second attraction, "Zero Hour." KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Screening tonight at the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, is Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer's daring exposure of U-boat warfare, "Thunder Afloat." Wallace Beery, Chester Morris, and Virginia Grey have leading roles. There are excellent "shorts."