CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 108, 2 November 1940, Page 12

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

The eternal triangle has its setting in the wild and bleak North-west in "Untamed," the main feature of the Regent Theatre's new programme. Filmed in Technicolor, "Untamed" stars Ray Milland, and with him are Patricia Mqrison and Akim Tamiroff. The story is adapted from a famous one by Sinclair Lewis. The shorter features include interesting newsreels and an orchestral number of merit.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

Depicting in a ruthless and forcible fashion the manner in which the Nazi political machine crushes down freedom of speech and expression of opinion and subjugates the people to the one idea, "Mortal Storm," which is in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, provides an object lesson of intense interest. The picture is splendidly acted and splendidly staged, and it tells a story that throws into stark relief the tyranny that enslaves Germany. It tells how Professor Roth, eminent physiologist, but a non-Aryan, is persecuted for his beliefs, how his family circle is disrupted from within by the fanaticism of his stepsons, and how he himself dies in a concentration camp—a famous scholar hounded to his death because he was honest enough to stick to his beliefs. The professor, played by Ralph Morgan, has an ally in his daughter, Freya (Margaret Sullavan) and Martin (James Stewart), a peasant farmer, both of whom refuse to bow to the Nazi doctrine. These two attempt to escape over the border by a secret pass, but tragedy crowns their success when a Nazi patrol, headed by Freya's brother, played by Robert Young, overtakes them. The supporting programme is excellent.

ST. JAMES THEATRE

The irrepressible George Formby, complete with banjo, bobs up again with great gusto in "Gunner George," which is in its second week at the St. James Theatre. It is a typical Formby comedy, though, if anything, it rates a little better than most of his pictures, and the oafish George, with his knack of just beating disaster by a hair's breadth, mixes thrills with his harmony and comedy. As an unofficial member of the British Secret Service, recruited unexpectedly and forcibly from a beach glee party, George gets more out of his depth than ever, but through a series of foolishly lucky coincidences, and with the help of a charming young lady, also a member of the Secret Service, he succeeds in foiling an enemy plot to destroy troop transports. His final appearance, as he is shot out of a torpedo tube from a submarine to land fair and square m the young lady's arms, is the climax to a number of equally incredible but highly-amusing happenings. The picture has its ingenious moments and is laughable all the way through The supporting programme is varied and interesting.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

"Mem Kampf—My Crimes" is unusual and grim; unusual because there is practically no cast-no one would want to imitate Hitler and take the credit for it, anyway-and grim because Hitler's whims and petty ambitions have given the world its greatest tragi-comedy. This production at the Paramount Theatre gives the career of Enemy No. 1 from the days when he was just "Little Adolf' ,f obscure parentage that was doubtfully Aryan, through his brilliant art career (which reached its peak in the forging of names to Old Masters), on through his impressive Great War service (he won half a stripe a year for four years), and then to the development of that latent genius that endeared him to Czecho-Slovakia, Poland, and half a dozen other countries. The roots of the film are in the closing days of the Great War, and the audience sees those roots spread gradually into the twisted, rotten tree of Nazism, with those creeping limbs waiting to lean over the neighbours' fences. Most of the film is fact, and that which is not is based on fact, for which there can be no better corroborative evidence than the many scenes actually taken at decisive points in the Nazi story— the burning of tho Reichstag, the disguising of German mobilisation as a "Labour Corps," the comical Fuhrer himself straining his larynx at some of the many "heil" parades of fanatical followers, the signing of the Munich Pact, and many other gems of modern history. It is the Nazi pill served up in condensed form and minus any suggestion of a sugar coating; there is the impression of an insane, unbelievable whirl, uprooting all preconceptions of the new era that was supposed to follow Germany's last defeat. At the end there are inspiring glimpses of Britain's might, including views of New Zealand troops. It is a fine film that will serve a useful purpose. The associate feature is "Money to Burn," an excellent comedy headed by James, Gleason, and there is a good supporting programme.

VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN,

Robert Taylor and Hedy Lamarr are the romantic team in "Lady of the Tropics," showing at the Vogue Theatre. "The Gang's All Here," the second feature, starring Jack Buchanan, is a comedy that shows that there is still new comedy material to be found in the world.

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

With a cast headed by Allan Jones, Mary Martin, and Walter Connolly, unforgettable melodies written by Victor Herbert, and a romance of the show world of the early 1900's, "The Great Victor Herbert," is showing at the Regal Theatre. "Buck Benny Rides Again," starring Jack Benny, is also showing.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY

"Turnabout," based on Thorne Smith's well-known novel, is showing at the Empire Theatre, with Adolphe Menjou, Carole Landis, and John Hubbard heading the cast. "The Lone Wolf Strikes" is also showing.

ASCOT THEATRE

The screen's best-Joyed family, the Hardys, appear at the Ascot Theatre in "Judge Hardy and Sou," starring Mickey Rooney and LeAus Stone. Also showing is "Calling All Marines," with Donald Barry and Helen Mack. It is a fast-paced drama of spies and espionage in a navy college.

KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER

HUTT.

"Road to Singapore," with Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour, and Bob Hope, is showing at the King George Theatre.

STATE THEATRE, PETONE

Epic screen entertainment, crystallised in a great story of the sea, the story of the triumph of steam over sail, "Rulers of the Sea," starring Douglas Fairbanks, Jun., Will Fyffe, and Margaret Lockwood, heads the bill at the State Theatre.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE

The "Dead End Kids on Dress Parade," a Warner Bros, picture starring the Dead End Kids, is showing at the Grand Theatre. "Blondie on a Budget," newest and best of the richly human domestic comedies, is the second feature.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE

"Outlawed Guns," featuring Buck Jones, a Universal adventure drama, is the feature at the Palace Theatre. "Torchy Gets Her Man," starring Glenda Farrell and Barton Mac Lane, is the second feature.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE.

FLAZA THEATRE,

STATE THEATRE,

OPERA HOUSE

RIVOLI THEATRE

TUDOR THEATRE

ROXY THEATRE

REX THEATRE

NGAIO PICTURES

Combining colour, melody and laughter, "Irene," the sparkling comedy-romance, has drawn such generous appreciation from the public that it is now entering its third week at the King's Theatre. Partly through the excellence of the cast, which includes Anna Neagle, Ray Mil land, Roland Young, Billie Burke May Robson, and Arthur Treacher, and partly through the skilful handling of the plot and the clever introduction of colour sequences, "Irene" is lifted out of the ordinary run of light romance and . takes on a vivacious character of its own. The story deals with the lively career of Irene O'Dare a salesgirl whose irresistible charm finds a response in the hearts of all, and who finally becomes the toast of a continent. Ray Milland is seen as a dress designer who i s one of the suitors of Irene, and Roland Young and Billie Burke provide much of the humour, the former as a manager of a gown shop, and the latter as a pamPei'ed A society woman. May Robson and Arthur Treacher are in typical roles as grandmother and butler respectively. The supports are topical and good.

The hilarious complications which arise when a supposed long-de-ad wife suddenly confronts her husband on the night oi his honeymoon with his second wife provides the riotous basis of .My Favourjte Wife," which is showing for an extended season at the Plaza Theatre. Heading the cast is that brilliant comedy team Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. The story is a succession of laughs and excitement which are accelerated by the husband's discovery that his first wife has been stranded all these years on a tropical isle with a handsome explorer, who now wants to marry her. How the quartet of bewildered people manage to extricate themselves from their dilemma leads to a laugh-provoking climax. The story is a complicated farce of the type that is fast gaining in popularity. A fine supporting programme assists in providing a night of excellent entertainment.

Two of America's pressing problems are depicted in films at the State Theatre. "Passport to Alcatraz" tells of the sabotage, inspired by aliens, that is causing the United States grave concern. Jack Holt, feigning partnership in the widespread gang of crooks who are determined to balk the munitions output, plays an impressive part. The second feature is "Girls of the Road,' 8 a most unusual picture. It tells of young American women who take to hitch-hiking in the outback to escape moral perils and sustenance difficulties in cities.

Excellent comedy is provided in "The Middle Watch," which has been transferred to the Opera House. The probability of the story does not matter: it is the fun that counts, and that is provided in pleny by an excellent cast. Two bright girls stay to dinner on H.M.S. Falcon, ajid they stay considerably longer owing to the fact that they miss the last boat ashore. Then, of j course, complications begin. Here is one of his Majesty's ships due to sail for exercises; on board all night are two girls. The commander, the captain, and the admiral have each in turn to be told, and explanations are not too easy under the circumstances, especially as the admirals wife is a lady with very decided views about everything and everybody. The fun becomes faster and faster until the climax is reached. Jack Buchanan and Fred Emney have able support from Leslie Fuller and Reginald Purdell. There is an excellent supporting programme.

"Geronimo," which is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, tells the story of the last great Indian uprising which took place in the Great South-west territory purchased by the United States from Mexico. The cast includes Preston Foster, Ellen Drew, Andy Devine, and Gene Lockhart. "The Invisible Man Returns," Universal's weird mystery drama, is the associate film. Sir Cedric Hardwicke heads a cast that includes Vincent Price and Nan Grey.

Heading the Tudor Theatre's new programme is "The 39 Steps," an ingenious adaptation of John Buchan's well-known story of the machinations of an international spy organisation and the exciting adventures that befall a man in his efforts to outwit the gang. Robert Donat heads the cast. The supporting film is "Little Old New York," the stars of which are Alice Faye, Fred Mac Murray, and Richard Greene.

"Numbered Woman," a Monogram feature, is showing at the Roxy Theatre. Featured in the cast are Sally Blanc. Lloyd Hughes, Mayo Methot, Clay Clement, J. Farrell Mac Donald, and John Arledge. Also showing is "The Great Waltz," starring Luise Rainer and Fernand Gravet.

Three fantastic clues confront the master detective of fiction in solving the super-crime of his arch-enemy, the criminal genius Moriarty, in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," which is showing at the Rex Theatre. Basil Rathbone plays the great sleuth. The associate film is "Mad About Music," starring Deanna Durbin.

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE

"Adventure in Diamonds," an exciting picture filmed in Africa amongst the diamond mines that breed dark intrigue, is showing at the Princess Theatre. George Brent and Isa Miranda are starred. Good, fast action, culminating in a thrilling race between two stagecoaches, characterises the latest adventure of the famous cinema cowboy, "Hopalong" Cassidy, called "Stagecoach War," which is the second feature.

CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAII

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame," starring Charles Laughton, is showing at the Capitol Theatre. Laughton gives the crowning performance of his career. The associate attraction is "Millionaire Play Boy," featuring Joe Penner.

SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY

Robert Taylor, Greer Garson, and Lew Ayres are starred in "Remember?" which is showing, at the Seaside Theatre. Ann Sothern plays Maisie in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's laugh-thriller, "Congo Maisie," the associate film.

KHAN L> ALL AH PICTURES

'"Four Daughters," Warner Bros, picturisation of a famous story of Fanny Hurst, starring the Lane sistei-s, Priscilla, Rosemary, and Lola, and Gale Page, is showing at the Khandallah Pictures. The second feature is "The Man From Montreal," starring Richard Arlen and Andy Devine.

1 "Confessions of a Nazi Spy." starring Edwai'd G. Robinson, George Sanders Paul Lukas, and Francis Lederer, which is showing at the Ngaio Pictures is an exposure of Nazi spy methods. The associate feature is "The Magnificent Fraud,",starring Akim Tamiroff.

TIVOLI THEATRE

When a smart, smug woman department store executive, who prizes hHr feminine independence above all els«J, meets a carefree, adventurous sort of fellow who is sure that she was made to fall in love with hiry\ romantic and comic complications without end ensue in Paramount's "Honeymoon in Bali," showing at the Tivoli Theatre with Madeleine Carroll and Fred MacMurray. "Frozen Limits," starring the Crazy Gang, is the second feature.

DE LUXE THEATRE

The sixteenth birthday of the De Luxe Theatre lasts all this week, in a particularly happy programme of films and stage acts; the combination will appeal to everyone. "Wagons Westward," with Chester Morris, Anita Louise, Buck Jones, and Ona Munson playing the leads, is a picturesque romance of the middle eighties when America was establishing new frontiers further and further west. The second feature is "Mickey the Kid," the story of a boy who fought his way against the handicap of being branded as the son of a crook. The leads are played by Bruce Cabot,. Zasu Pitts, and Tommy Ryan. The audiences join in the birthday with community singing and the artists are Mr. .H. F. (Tony) Wood), first manager of the De Luxe; Miss Emily Mackenzie, the Dancing Usherette, and Mr. Roland Lavin at the Wurlitzer organ.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN.

Paramount's glorious singing cavalcade of show business, "The Star Maker," starring Bing Crosby, is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. On the same programme is Hal Roach's "Captain Fury," starring Brian Aherne, Victor McLaglen, and June Lang.

COMBINED CHOIRS AND CANTATA.

An opportunity to assist London air raid victims is offered to those who attend the special musical treat arranged by Mr. H. Temple White to take place next Monday evening iii the Blue Triangle Hall at 8 o'clock. Items will be presented by the Wellington Boys' and Girls' Choirs, an instrumental trio, and a soloist followed by "Sunbeam," a children's cantata in two acts. The music of this cantata is the work of Claud M. Haydon, Mus.Bac, and the words are by David W. Fraser, both of Lower Hutt. The Hon. Mary, Celia, and Isobel Monckton, children of their Excellencies, will be present. The entire proceeds will be donated to aid London air raid victims. Tickets are available from Chas. Begg and Co., Ltd., from members of the cast, and at the door. Particulars of the programme are advertised.

SUNDAY PICTURES

At the Paramount Theatre tomorrow night "St. Martin's Lane," a picture which has attracted large audiences at the principal theatres in the large centres, will be shown. No film of such a standard has previously been released for Sunday screening. The leading parts are taken by Charles Laughton and Vivien Leigh. The star of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Henry VIII," and "Mutiny on the Bounty" surpasses all triumphs in this film. "St. Martin's Lane" is a comedy-drama introducing Charles Laughton as a pavement entertainer of the London* theatre queues. Others in the cast are Rex Harrison, Larry Adler, Tyrone Guthrie, and Gus McNaughton. Proceeds are for the funds of the Regimental Pipes and Drums Band (City of Wellington's Own). Reserves can be made by telephoning Paramount Theatre (51-842) after 7 p.m. tomorrow.

AFTERNOON TEA SESSION.

The Vivien Blamires instrumental trio have arranged a new and delightful programme for next week's afternoon tea session at the Waldorf.

BAND PERFORMANCES

The Wellington Municipal Tramways Band will give a performance at the Botanical Gardens and the Wellington Caledonian Pipe Band will play at Oriental Bay tomorrow, commencing at 3 p.m.

SUNDAY CONCERT.

The Kilbirnie Wrestling and Sports Club will present another variety entertainment in the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow night. Making . their first appearance in New Zealand will be Miss Emily McKenzie, a brilliant dancer, who arrived recently from America, and a quartet of Samoan girls. Other artists will be the "Hillibillie Troupe," a band of young people with Spanish guitars, piano-accordions, banjos, mouth-organs, etc.. Valma Hunt (acrobatic dancer), N. Sander (novelty instrumentalist), Leigh Brewer (child artist), Allan Mann, the Lang Sisters, Lue Mcllvride, a spectacular ballet ("Wings Over the Navy"), Harry Rillstone (sketch artist), Albert McGowan (New Zealand's George Forrhby), and a String Instrumental Combination! (the Aotea Entertainers). j

"THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF

CHRIST."

"We must all appear before the tribunal of Christ." So declared the Apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthians, and as was also frequently taught elsewhere in the New Testament Scriptures. This teaching was perfectly logical, for how otherwise could believers "receive according to whatthejr have done, whether good or bad?" When will the judgment occur? Who will' be amenable to it? What will be the reward of the accepted and the punishment of the rejected? These questions will be answered in the course of a lecture entitled "The Judgment Seat of Christ," to be given in the lOO.F. Hall, Allen Street, tomorrow evening at 7 o'clock. Questions will be invited at the close of the lecture, particulars of which are advertised.

ROSE DAY APPEAL

As the Rose Day appeal will take place on Friday next in Wellington and the suburbs ,a meeting of ladies willing to help with the appeal will be held in the Wellington Returned Soldiers Association's Rooms on Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. Stands will be allotted at this meeting. _______ - _«_ J «_»«»

ART EXHIBITION

+.

Art lovers should visit the annual exhibition of the New Zealand Academy of inne Arts at the National Art Gallery. Buckle Street. The gallery will be open tomorrow from 2 p.m. to *5 p m Two further sales made at the Exhibition yesterday are '"The Port Hills, Christchurch," by F. A. Price, and "Below Tekapo Bridge," by Esther Hope. _______„»»———

SUNDAY LECTURE.

Mr V R Brown will lecture on the inspired'prophesies tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the St. John's Ambulance Hall, 29 Vivian Street, his subject being "Will a Dictator Rule the World?"

MANAWATU SHOW.

In today's issue the Railway Department advertises cheap fares and train arrangements on November 6 (People's Day) in connection with the A. and P. Show at Palmerston North.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

A lecture entitled "Christian Science: The Operation of Divine Power in Human Affairs," will be given in the King George Theatre, Lower Hutt, on Tuesday night at 8 o'clock. The lecturer will be Miss L. C. Coulson, C.5.8., London, England, a member of the Board of Lectureship of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts.