CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 96, 23 April 1940, Page 12

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE;

A grim chapter in England's history is brought to life in "The Tower of i London,", which heads the programme --\ at the Regent Theatre. As a his- 1 torical feature, it ranks with the j best, the atmosphere of those troubled j } times of the fifteenth century being j: reproduced with graphic realism and the whole tragic tale being told with dramatic force. As Henry 111, the unscrupulous and clever Duke of Gloucester, who refused to allow the fact that he was sixth in succession to the Throne to.be a serious bar to his ambition, Basil Rathbone gives an outstanding performance. Boris Karloff as Mord, the executioner, and Barbara O'Neil are splendidly cast. The supporting programme includes a musical number and a coloured cartoon." MAJESTIC THEATRE. "The Women." a satirical comedy denouncing leaders of society who spend their time, in beauty ' salons, night clubs, and drawing-rooms prying into each other's private lives, is now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have based this provocative film. in the famous play of the same name, which was written by Claire Boothe and which enjoyed instant success , on the New York stage. Norma Shearer plays the part of Mary Haines, the most . likeable character, ■. earnestly and with fervour. Rosalind Russell, as Sylvia Fowler, the gossip, is one of the dominating figures of the film. Equally convincing is Joan Crawford as a calculating vamp who comes between Norma Shearer and her husband. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The Old West is seen at its best in "Destry Rides Again," now in its second week at St. James Theatre. Marlene Dietrich has a new role, that of a saloon siren, and thoroughly enjoys what is one of the best female battles seen on the screen. The contrast be-, tweeh her rages, with her blonde mane, flying free, and her seductive parlour tricks when she is working some swindle on the patrons of the Lost Chance, gives the film a rare flavour. As Francine, a transplanted New Orleans witch of the underworld, Marlene supplies half the interest. James Stewart carries 'everything with him as Destry, the son af a peace officer who was .shot in the back. Mild mannered, and unarmed, he takes hold or the feverish little border town of Bottleneck from the start. . ; PARAMOUNT THEATRE^ More sympathetically presented than they have ever been before, the "Dead End" Kids are the: central characters of "Hell's Kitchen," the Warner, Bros, picture which heads the bill at the Paramount Theatre. The story is;also unusual in that it includes as.a -"foil for the boisterous youngsters an adult character who is in effect ]ust such a kid grown much older, much wiser, and much tougher. This character, is played by Stanley Fields. The other leading : roles are taken by Margaret Lindsay, Ronald Reagan, Grant, M£ chell, and Frankie Burke. Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase^. the fourth of the Warner^Bros.-|eries p Ol pictures based on . the, -^dely-reac Carolyn Keene stories, is, the second feature with Bonita Granville. again intteroS of the indomitable girl .detective. /,/' ■:■ ': :.'-.'.. ■ .''■.." '.. . . ";.'' .->vv : ■'.'. ,''■•■.. laopera house/ ■•••'• ,*.■..:•;;■.'■■ Not only Tthose'\who Wssed the screening of "The^ Wizard of Oz» yhe* it was first shown in Wellington but hundreds who did see it then wilT welcome its reappearance \ this week_at the Opera House.. "The ; Wizard of Oz, ._ which is filmed in colour,' is fantasy and pantomime,. yet _has an underlying philosophy, and. it is tuneful and ;beautifuL Briefly^ it- concerns the adventures of Dorothy (Judy Garland), the Tin MahJJack Haley), the Scarecrow. (Ray. Bolger), and the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr). Through the/ effects: of a Kansas cyclone they find themselves in a - remarkable^ and wonderful place, where alL.kinds oi curious creatures and things have their existence;;. "■.■';••. :.V /■'. \ ■'; '"-':.. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. A feature film produced by Samuel Gbldwyn always assures outstanding entertainment. But now this brilliant producer presents one of the supreme, achievements of his genius,- "Stella Dallas," which is showing, at the Vogue Theatre. It is a powerful, gripping revelation of a, woman's struggle to rise above her, natural position in'life, the gradual, breaking-down of her efforts, and her eventual rise to supreme nobility. "Stella Dallis" was one of the silent screen's great successes. Barbara Stanwyck gives a performance that has been hailed as- one of the finest of the year and one that; has placted her in a new height of/film fame. "Stop, Look, and Love," the gay new 20th Century-Fox picture, which is the second feature, stars Jean Rogers, William^ Frawley, Robert Kellard, and Eddie Collins. . STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Dodge City," the south-western Kansas, U.S.A., town glorified by the Warner Bros. Studio in its Technicolor production, "Dodge City," which is showing at the State Theatre, came into existence because its site lay just five miles from Fort Dodge and was just at the edge of the military reservation, so liquor could be sold legally there. It is the picturesque period of Dodge City's colourful history before the turn of the century that Warners glorified in their big Technicolor "production. Errol Flynn is starred. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "King of the Turf" and "Garden of the Moon" conclude tonight at the Grand Theatre. . r Foremost musical picture of the year and probably in screeri history, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's adaptation of Rudolf Friml's operetta, "The Firefly," opens tomorrow, with Jeanette Mac Donald starred, and Allan Jones and Warren William in featured roles. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Meet Dr. Christian" and "Land of Fighting Men" conclude tonight at the Palace Theatre. ,-.•■■ "Theodora Goes Wild," Columbia romantic comedy which introduces Irene Dunne in her first comedy role, will be the feature attraction tomorrow. Melvyn Douglas appears opposite the star. The supporting feature, "Reformatory," stars Jack Holt in a thrilling action drama. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. A European frontier town on the edge of no-man's-land, with two mighty, nations locked in a life-and-death conflict —that is the spectacular setting for "Hotel Imperial," showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. "Time Out For Murder," first of 20th Cen-tury-Fox's new Roving Reporters series, is the associate film. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. One of the year's most exciting films is Action Pictures' "The Lost Jungle," the Clyde Beatty starring film which is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Beatty is the world's greatest animal trainer and the only man alive to mix lions, tigersi panthers; and bears in the one cage, all performing at the same time. "Garden of the Moon," starring Pat O'Brien and Margaret Lindsay, is the second feature. KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents Robr crt Donat in "Good-bye, Mr. Chips," which is showing at the King George Theatre. If versatility be the keynote to an actor's success the world is apparently open to Robert Donat, for m his latest role he has a part which, in point of departure from his earlier hit portrayal in "The Citadel." presents a$ striking a contrast as that of black and white.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE

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Based on the famous story by Hornung, "Raffles," screening for another week at the King's Theatre, continues to delight large crowds with its humour, excitement, and romance.- In the title role, as the aristocratic thief, Test match cricketer; and society ling, is David Niven (now, in . the Royal Air Force at Home) and; opr posite him is the beautiful' Olivia de Savilland. Raffles baffles Scotland Yard with his daring robberies, most of which are committed with some charitable motive. When, however, he becomes engaged. to;,a charming young lady, he swears to leave the life of crime. But one* last fling remains, and it is in this firiaj effort that he runs, once- more against the dour but efficient Inspector MacKenzie of the Yard. . PLAZA THEATRE. English films .of high quality are/seldom seen these days, but occasionally local audiences are fortunate to see a picture that combines a high degree of skill in production and direction with the pleasing qualities ©f soft English voices and homely backgrounds. Such a film is "A Window in London," in which the leading actor is Michael Redgrave, who sprang into prominence through his excellent performance in "The Lady Vanishes." The film, which is showing at the Plaza Theatre, is about everyday people,, but they seem to pack into the few days depicted excitement, aidventure, .laughter, and tragedy. The film is finely played, Redgrave being assisted by Paul Lukas and Sally Gray in the other leading roles. The supports include films taken at the funeral of the late Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. . ' ■ '..''.•'. .. STATE.;,THEATRE., : ;, : :■■ "Mother by Proxy* and- ."Outside the Three-mile Limit" conclude tonight at the State Theatre. What happens when the arrogance and stupidity of a British Army captain unwittingly precipitate an armed rebellion against his Majesty's 'forces in Pennsylvania before the revolution is told in "The First . Rebel," which wiU be the main feature at the State Theatre from tomorrow. Claire Trevor and John Wayne have the leading roles/- The imperilling of ten years of n\arital loyalty and devotion when a beautiful interloper endeavours to break up the happy home, is;the theme, of "Married and in Love," the other feature. Alan Marshal arid Barbara, Read play the married couple, and' Helen Vinsen the home-wrecker. ._ A special short feature in .techriicolour, "The Call of Hawaii." will also be shown. ; . •. .-,.'.:■. ,::;!;^;ft.-,, : :'[ '■}.■ de luxe theatre:';;■•■■r,-;"6-The new main feature at the pc Luxe Theatre,: "Hell's Cargo,", has; for \JLts background fee Mediterranean,where.ships of three nationalities;are engaged in international .patrol- Work; Three commanders; k rFrenchmari, ;an: Englishman, and a Russian, are brpught together through social < contacts iwitbi the French commander's■-■ Wife, -but each) one is suspicious ;of ; the !i other,:- >the; more so when their crews are involved in a fracas, durmgvWhichAa;Vmah;;va civilian, is stabbed. 'The; picture goes on to tell: of how the cpmmanciers gainrespect for one ariotheri.as^henaboiard a: French destroyer, they; dash through; a cloud of accidentally •released poison gas which is threatening .'"': a disabled passenger ship lying in its,path. The supporting film, "Dancing Co-ed," stars Lana Turner. .An'" instalment of the :serial,: "The Phantom '■ Creeps,'.' completes the progran^e. ;•"'■;'; ■ ',; ■• - : .;. TUDOR THEATRE, p y : :)- : v;\ A fine human drama that should stir older filrngoers' memories of 1001 thrilling yesterdays, "Hollywood JCavalcade^ lias been transferred to -the /Tudor Theatre. The producer of this"?filffi p* colour; was Darryl F. Zanuck.|Anibrig: the" celebrated ■ locales used' /are/^the;: Criterion Theatre, ] where Al Jolson again: electrifies the: audience '• ith, his singing of "Kol Nidre": the Ambassa-i----dor Hotel's Cqcpriut :Grbve s known as a rendezvous for "moving picture luminaries; the ,' beach -at - Santa Monica, where; Mack Serinett 'filmed his; famous bathing beauties. The stars: are Alice Fay and Don Airieche. Set partly against the Sandhurst -Military College, "Sword of Honour" is the, associate film. Geoffrey Toone and Sally Gray are the principals. r ,: ■ ' V;".' /■■ ASCOT';THEATRE.';-:;:' '.■;=■. ■.• -- ~ "Stronger Than Desire,'* showing: at the Ascot Theatre, with Walter Pidgeon and Virginia Bruce; is a dramatic story of a lovely wife who is suspected of murder through blackmail. The additional attraction is a bright comedy, "A Bride for Henry," with Anna Nagel and Warren; Hull: in the leading roles. There are entertaining SUPIKirtS. ■.. ■■■,■ ■,■;■■' ■ '/'/A ;;.;■•< :. -/.:'..,: .-"■■ ■'.. .,'■"; .'■REXTHEATREi.'/r ; v;::;: ; '■■ Helen Parrish is seen with the famous "Dead End" kids in their new Universal picture "Little Tough Guy,'' which is showing' at, the Rex Theatre. Also showing is "The Crime of Br Hallet," starring Ralph Bellamy arid Josephine Hutchinson. , • . CAPITOL THEATRE, BURAMAR. Fist-fightingflyers blazing an airtrail over the Alaskan wilderness are the central figures in Universal's new Richard Arlen-Andy Deyine co-star-ring action drama, "Legion of; Lost Flyers," showing at the Capitol Theatre An amazing new sleuth, who collects i rare stamps and clever murderers with;; equal calm, is introduced .;■ to screen audiences in "Inspector Hornleigh," the associate film. •> :

K -' : v/ . TIVOXI-THEATRE/.;' ;.:';.\:;;;Y;;; - Teaming Annabella and . Robert Young, "Bridal Suite" is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Never were two leading players ■ more happily, cast * than this pair, assuming .respectively the roles of an irresistible ,', •■ geress of- a \Swiss inn ' and an. . American playboy. ,r And ■ when it is added that this romantic comedy ■ twain are assisted by such screen artists as Walter Connolly, Reginald . Owen, Gene Lockhart, Arthur Treacher, and Billie Burke, one may well gather that "Bridal Suite" is a , • picture not to be missed. In his first V starring role since making his mark ( : in Hollywood as a featured player > in "Angels With Dirty Faces" and '"The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse," Humphrey Bogart, filmdom's ace gang- -- = ster, stars in; "King of _the Under- ' world," the associate film."' , : ;: RIVOLI THEATRE. For the surprise night at the Rivbli Theatre two new 1940 release produc- . tions will be screened. Both films are Y.y highly entertaining and have excel- J lent casts. They have never been previously shown in Wellington. The first half of the programme consists; of outstanding short subjects. ../, . . ;, ; ..NEW PRINCESS.-THEATRE.-;. ; ::;;,/- Current events make an extremely timely film of "British Intelligence,' the Warner Bros, picture featuring Boris1 Karloff and Margaret Lindsay, which -is •. showing at me. New i Prin- : ;: cess Theatre, for it tells a vivid, excit- \- ing, and engrossing tale of wartime espionage during; the 1914-18• .World . War. Much of its interest arises; from '> the thorough exposition it gives of; the methods of operation.which spies use , f in wartime. . The asscbiate ■ feature .is New Universal Films' "The .Big. Guy," starring:: Victor } McLaglen ;an<3 Jackie >: Cooper. •:.;■ ";■'■■;'-■•• t'v: :^- ■■::-:'V"v:."/ 'r1 ■ *-'\\\'^: ■■■."- REGAL THEATRE/ KARORI;; V- %; Although ; the- word :"^laniour''^is ;:• v growing;a bit threadbare; through con- ..% stant usage in Hollyiypod, it will have; to do until a better word is coined. \ Meanwhile, - "glamour" describes Uni- ; . versal's "Rio*" showing- at the-. Regal • , Theatre. The story begins in Paris, with Basil Rafebone appearirig .as.a prince, of finance 'Whose false empire .; is threatening to crash about his ears. The associate film V deals with y the ,: famousy"Pyjama;Girl";:riiurder case, vi; ;v ,--.; v;;v^;:;V;'-iaLBiRNiE;.j^Ei^ ■ '■■■ As in* fee case of every: good Screen adaptation .of a, stage success,, the motion ■ picture .Version sof "Yesi,; My Darling Daughter,"' showing: at : fee Kilbirnie Kinema, demonstrates that a ; good show can-be even: better when . made into a film. Priscilla Lane heads the cast/ Victor McLagleri is rioted for the' rugged characterisatioris; he; enacts for.the:cariieras.. to "Ex-CbamPi -fee associate filitn, he appears as^a brokendown; exichampion prize-fighter, proud - of two -possessions^ -;They are |a;champipr^hip;lhelt, vand:va:;Morfeless,; snobbisli •;;son£: ■ _ •■!/•■ -^(i-i^-Ji ;Kl • '■■ :'-^-M^ ■■ :■' EMPIRE;-THE AT*E,; } ISLAN^JBAT. '■"Spericer^ -Tracy ■: ti^k-i:;:iriV;:J;another masterful - performance ,35. theV;darin| reporter-explbrer r:i:: ''inV: "Stanleyg ;:and LiVirigstpne,'?:; showing at:^^ fee; Empire Theatre.VJ; Starredtwife him' are Nancy Kelly arid Greene-:in| .fee rbtnaritic rpies, heading an outstanaing , cast whicli: includes -Brennan, Charles Cpbufnis Sir Cedric ' Hardwickev Henry Hull, arid; Henry^Travers. :.and WIS band^ EvelynKDall, Harry; Richrnan, and. • Florence ; : Desmbnd ; are the stars of •? the film.; ' •V. E& J. bh^sto;ri-i;':a^nd:^-<lJbMi: auctioneers, ;wm-;sell vhptiseiip^ fee residerice;^ 2i? Palrii Avenue,; Lyall Bay, tprilbrrow vat ,10 a.m. They;>will also sell hbusetiold( furnishings >j on the premises, 117 Barnard ,Streel£Highland Park, tomoirow, at 1.30 p.mC|, /...,