CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1940, Page 10

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

Those captiviting . little creatures j who people the land of Lilliput are given life and form in a delightfully realistic manner in the second of the i full-length animated cartoon films to | come to Wellington, "Gulliver's' Travels," which is showing at the Regent Theatre. Technically, the production is irreproachable, and in addition the spirit of the imaginative story is captured in a waj that would have warmed the heart of old Jonathan Swift if he were alive. The film is don; in technicolour. and the tiny folk in their tiny homes coincide in a very satisfying manner with the mental picture one has always had of them. Then there are the timid King Little and the aggressive King Bombo, and the three spies, Sneak, Snoop, and the ginger-headed Snitch. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "After the Thin Man," now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, marks the return of William Powell, absent from the screen for two years, in one of the extremely popular "Thin Man" series. Co-starred with him is Myrna Loy, associated with him in the earlier "Thin Man" pictures. "After the Thin Man" seems to be the best of the series, It provides a wealth of sinister characters, the usual number of red herrings to annoy the serious amateur sleuth, and a satisfying dramatic and unexpected denouement. Supporting programme items include latest oversea newsreels, a Fitzpatrick traveltalk, and one of the popular Pete Smith | specialties. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. j The extraordinary thing about all the Marx Bros.' pictures is that they are almost convincing in spite of their crazy craziness, and s6 when this mad trio, in "Marx Bros, at the Circus," at the Paramount Theatre, get properly into their mad stride it looks and sounds reasonable enough, in the circumstances. And that is buffoonery par excellence, of the kind invented by the Marx brothers and held by them on their own without need of copyright or patent rights, because no one else can climb (or fall, according to the point of view) to their level of entertaining absurdity. The Paramount set out to make this programme all crazy, and so the companion picture is "Alf s Button Afloat," a sea version of the army button of a few years ago. To make sure that no laughs are left unused a Walt Disney Donald Duck cartoon rounds off the programme. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Featuring the popular crooner and radio star, Bing Crosby, and the four-teen-year-old Linda Ware, the possessor of a remarkable soprano voice, the picture at the St. James Theatre, "The Star Maker," fulfills its promise of bright and satisfying entertainment. It literally goes with a swing from start to finish, the whole story being carried along from one catchy tune to another. Linda Ware singing the "Dark Town Strutters' Ball" and "An Apple for the Teacher" are two of the high points of the picture, while the little lady provides a complete contrast in a fine operatic performance accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Dr. Walter Damrosch. Bing Crosby is heard with his usual effectiveness in several lively numbers. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea join with Cecil M. De Mille in bringing to the screen the story of one of the boldest feats of American history, and recreating one of the most colourful periods',of .the nation's past in.; "Union Pacific," which is showing at the Vogue Theatre. Heading a cast that includes Akim Tamiroff, Lynne Overman, Robert Preston, and Brian Donlevy, Miss Stanwyck and McCrea play the beautiful and fiery daughter of the "U.P.'s" first engineer and a stalwart trouble-shooter, respectively. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Without a doubt "South 'Riding," showing at the Princess Theatre, is one of the finest and most entertaining dramas ever made by a British studio. Based on the famous Winifred Holtby novel. "South Riding" tellsi a vivid story of life in a small Yorkshire town. The main characters are played superbly by an exceptionally strong cast, headed by Ralph Richardson Edna Best, Edmund Gwenn, and Ann Todd. The associate feature is "Code of the Secret Service," Warner Bros.' thrilling film based on exploits of the United States Secret Service. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "The Under Pup" concludes tonight at the State Theatre. ~„,,. The immaculate Mr. Basil Rathbone is not so immaculate in his latest picture, "Rio," which opens tomorrow. In fact, he looks like the role he is playing—that of a convict in a jungle prison. In "Rio" Rathbone is one of a cast which includes Victor McLaglen, Sigrid Gurie, Le- Carrillo, and Robert Cummings. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Timber Stampede" and "Conspiracy" conclude tonight at the Palace Theatre. . | As thrilling as a power dive withj full throttle is Monogram's "Stunt! Pilot," the Tailspin Tommy mystery drama, which opens tomorrow. A 1,000,000-dollar libel suit and the dramatic complications deriving there-! from are the foundation of R.K.O. \ Radio's "Sued for Libel," absorbing! newspaper story featuring Kent Taylor, I Linda Hayes, Lilian Bond, and Morgan Conway, which is the second feature. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. "Stagecoach," with Claire Trevor and John Wayne, will be shown finally at the Grand Theatre tonight. j Thrilling adventure, stirring conflict, j and breathless emotion crowd each! other for plenty of excitement in Shir-1 ley Temple's latest picture for 20th | Century-Fox, "Susannah of the Moun-1 tieg." The famous story of the old north-west is the attraction commencing at the Grand Theatre tomorrow, with Randolph Scott and Margaret Lockwood, star of "The Lady Vanishes," featured in the romantic roles. PRICE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. "Blind Alley," Columbia's searching psychological, study of a desperate gunman, is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. The film, which alternates between smashing action and subtle mental conflict, features Chester Morris and Ralph Bellamy. Music and comedy are the two basic ingredients of "The Garden of the Moon," the associate film. ' KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. , With Claire Trevor and John Wayne playing the top roles, Walter Wanger's new frontier drama, "Stagecoach," heads the bill at the King George Theatre. It unfolds a gripping story of pioneer courage—of the brilliant heritage that has descended to young generations from men who fought and hewed a nation out of a wilderness. DE LUXE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Hugh Herbert and Baby Sandy share starring honours as a brandnew comedy team in Universal's zestful film "Little Accident," which is showing at the De Luxe Theatre. Based on the famous stage hit of the same title, "Little Accident" is a whirlwind comedy drama. Three dead men, each with a tale to tell, confront that amazing new sleuth "Inspector Hornleigh," in the 20th Century production of that name, which is the associate film.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE

Based on the struggle of over twenty years ago, but a grim reminder of the conditions of the world today, "U-Boat 29," which is the feature at the King's Theatre, is a timely film dealing with the menace of Germany's underseas fleet. With the background of Scapa Flow during the war period, the plot is clever and entertaining, dealing with a great gamble by the German naval heads to smash once and for all, the power of the British Battle Fleet. Conrad Veidt assumes with ease the character of the German Üboat officer to whom the dangerous espionage job is given, and Valeric Hobson, Sebastian Shaw, June Duprez, and Marius Goring have other leading roles. The story is one of espionage and counter-espionage right in the heart of Britain's greatest naval base. Among the supports is a "March of Time" dealing with Finland. PLAZA THEATRE. What have secretaries got that wives haven't? The answer will be found in "Day-time Wife," the main attraction at the Plaza Theatre. In this picture Linda Darnell is Tyrone Power's wife. Although she loves him dearly, all is not well in the nest, and when hubbie takes to working late at the office and coming home with powder and perfume on his collar, his loving wife has some grounds for her suspicions. Determining to find out why a secretary should be more alluring than a real wife, she takes a job as Warren William's secretary, and in parrying his advances learns quite a lot. Linda makes her husband's life miserable by her veiled allusions to his carryings on with his secretary, but she is still intent on winning him back. DE LUXE THEATRE. Ann Sheridan and the "Dead End" Kids are starred in "The Angels Wash Their Faces," Warner Bros.' story of civic corruption in a New York suburb, now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. It tells how a gang of "fire-bugs," who burn buildings for the insurance on them, frame a charge against one of the boys at the neighbourhood to divert suspicion from themselves, and ensure his conviction by false evidence. The boy's sister (Ann Sheridan), a district attorney's assistant (Ronald Reagan), and the boy's friends determine to free him and bring the crimes home to the real culprits. The supporting film is "Private Detective," featuring Jane Wyman and Dick Foran, in an intriguing murder mystery that is not without its touches of comedy, j TUDOR THEATRE. Samuel Goldwyn's "Raffles" is the main attraction at the Tudor Theatre. Known as the American Cracksman, he has been baffling Scotland Yard with his daring and spectacular robberies for months, and then, just as he is aboutto withdraw from his dangerous career, he furnishes the Yard with its first and only clue. David Niven. as the Amateur Cracksman, gives a notable performance, arid Olivia de Hayilland's | portrayal of the cracksman's fiancee proves that she is an actress of brilliant talents. The associate film is "The First Rebel." starring Claire Trevor and John Wayne. ROXY THEATRE. The international comedian Will Mahoney is featured in "Ants in His Pants," showing at the Roxy Theatre. He plays the part of Barney O'Hara, the owner of an old-fashioned sideshow act, whose tenderhearted and kindly disposition leads him into innumerable situations. His wife, Evie Hayes, makes her first film appearance in this picture. The associate feature is the mystery-thriller, "The Cal.and the Canary,"*, starring BobS* Hope and Paulette Goddard. ■ ASCOT THEATRE. Robert Donat, remembered for his fine performance in "The Citadel," once /again reveals his acting skill in "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," showing at the Ascot Theatre. As the kindly schoolmaster,, ideal of his pupils, Mr. Chips gains a great human understanding and compassion. Also screening is "Disbarred," starring Otto Kruger and Gail Patrick. It is a revealing story of the methods of crooked lawyers to defeat the law. Mendelssohn's "Wed-, ding March," in technicolour, com* pletes a splendid programme.

RIVOLI THEATRE. Boasting one of the greatest comedy casts ever assembled, "Yes, My Darling Daughter," is showing at the Rivoli Theatre. In the romantic leads are those two charming youngsters, Priscilla Lane and Jeffrey Lynn, who were suph a heart-warming pair of young lovers in the memorable "Four Daughters." Their romance again travels a rocky road, but this time there is no tragedy about it. How Reno became America's divorce capital is brilliantly told as the background of R.K.O. Radio's offering, "Reno," costarring Richard Dix and Gail Patrick, which is the associate film. The story of the Nevada city's transformation from a rough-and-tumble mining town to its present prosperity comprises the picturesque canvas against which is painted the engrossing human story of the two stars, and what happened to their romance. TIVOLI THEATRE. Engineering and photographic problems never before encountered in a motion picture went into the filming of "The ' Wizard of Oz," hailed as Hollywood's most ambitious musical spectacle since "The Great Ziegfeld." The picture, 100 per cent, musical and filmed in technicolour, is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. The story tells of how Dorothy, a Kansas farm girls, goes to the Land of Oz. There she meets a Scarecrow who wants brains, Tin ! Woodman who wants a heart, and a Lion who wants courage. "I Killed ', the Count," which is the pssociate film, ' is the first film to give Syd Walker a 1 part he can really get his teeth into. ■ He plays the role of a detective in- ; spector from Scotland Yard, who is faced with the embarrassing fact that : there are three confessions to the ! murder he is investigating. ! SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. From the slum districts of the great '■ cities have risen some of the greatest ( leaders —in Government, industry, edu- ■ cation, and religion. "Angels With 1 Dirty Faces," showing at the Seaside Theatre, takes this subject as its theme, and develops it into a powerful and deeply-moving story that carries a strong social message. The Ritz Bros, are starred in Damon Runyon's "Straight, Place, and Show," the asso- ; ciate film. * EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. "The Beachcomber," which is show- ' ing at the Empire Theatre, marks the . highest point in the distinguished : career of the great screen actor 1 Charles Laughton. Based on' aW. Somerset Maugham story, the picture casts Laughton in the role of "Ginger Ted," a unique and interesting char- ; acterisation which he handles with all ; the adroitness and finish which he lent Ito the parts of Captain Bligh in "Mutiny on the Bounty," and the title role of "Rembrandt." The well-known British comedian Will Hay, ably hindered by Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt, is seen in "Ask a Policeman," the associate film. ! REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. I "The Beachcomber," which is show- [ ing at the Regal Theatre, signalises . the outstanding character delineation [■ in the distinguished career of the English actor Charles Laughton. [ Cast as "Ginger Ted," English beach- \ comber and remittance man cast up \ on a small island in the Dutch Malay, \ Laughton surpasses even his per- \ formances as Bligh in "Mutiny on the '. Bounty," and as the celebrated painter i in "Rembrandt." , - REX THEATRE. Glenda Farrell and Barton Mac Lane, popular stars who have been teamed in several "Torchy Blanc" productions, ' are paired again in "Prison Break," thrilling drama of San Quentin, which is showing at the Rex Theatre tonight. With Mac Lane and Miss Farrell is a cast which includes Paul Hurst, Constance Moore. Also shown is Danielle Darrieux and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., in "Rage of Paris." '( ' BOXING ON THURSDAY. X .The Wellington boxing season will be opened at the Town Hall on Thurs,day night with an all-amateur programme. This form of getting activities under way was tried out last fear and proved so successful that it is intended to" make it an annual event. Besides providing the public with "thrilling fights between the best amateur boxers in the Wellington and Hutt Valley areas, the programme will give help to the gymnasiums, which will share the whole of the proceeds. The local boxing clubs have produced some excellent talent in the past and the standard at the present time is as high -as ever it was. There will be about a dozen bouts with all the weight divisions represented.

STATE THEATRE. "I Was a Spy" and "City of Chance" conclude tonight at the. State Theatre. Hollywood, famed for its super-ex-travagance in the production of lavish films; has at last been topped in superstupendous sets—and by a French producing organisation. Felix Gandera, a French producer and director, achieved this unprecedented feat by utilising for his background and sets the famous Magmot Line, which took more than four years to build and at a cost of 2,000,000,000 dollars»' to the French Government. It took the indefatigable Gandera many months to unravel miles of official red tape to get the necessary permission to film "Double Crime in the Maginot Line," which opens tomorrow at the State Theatre. "Double Crime in the Maginot Line" is based on an. original story by Pierre Nord, and involves the entrance, of a German spy to the line, endangering the entire structure. In the cast besides Vera Korene are Victor Francen, the star, Jacques Baumer, Pierre Magnier, Jacques Berlioz, Henry Guisol, Vidal, and other well-known French artists. Telling the story of a Central American insurrection led by a daring bandit, and how. the U.S. marines help to put a. halt to his reign of terror, "The Marines Fly High" is the associate film. Heading the cast are % Richard Dix and Chester Morris as two flying lieutenants assigned to help train native volunteers in a nationalist army, and Lucille Ball as a courageous American girl and operator of an extensive cocoa plantar tion. The rivalry of the two marines over the young lady is as determined as their relentless efforts to apprehend the ruthless guerrilla who is ravaging the section.