CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1941, Page 14

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE.

Reminiscent of the gay and carefree comedy romances that burst into public favour after the production of "It Happened One Night, the film now showing at the Regent Theatre, "Hired Wife," is a welcome tonic in these days. The plot deals with a young business man who marries his secretary in order to safeguard a financial deal, and who wants, after this financial deal is over, to unmarry and remarry a glamorous hard-bitten blonde with plucked eyebrows. But there is more to it than that.

OPEEA HOUSE.

Powerful acting by Merle Oberon and Geoi'ge Brent has made " 'Till We Meet Again" one of the strongest love dramas ever screened in Wellington. The film, which is showing at the Opera House, concerns a runaway from the law, played by George Brent, and his meeting in China with a girl suffering from an incurable heart ailment who has only a few months to live, portrayed by Merle Oberon. The intriguing and tragic implications of the situation, particularly after the arrest of the man, are fully realised in this production.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

"Escape," now in its second week at the Majestic Theatre, continues to delight large audiences. Adapted from the sensational novel by Ethel Vance, the film is a startling revelation of the methods used by Hitler and his immediate associates to intimidate the German people. The cast js exceptionally fine, and difficult roles are played with a polish which reveals that a complete understanding of the characters was gained when the film was produced. Norma Shearer and Robert Taylor give splendid performances.

ST. JAMES THEATRE

The veteran actor Frank Morgan drops everything else for a pure comedy role in "Hullabaloo," which Ls showing at the St. James Theatre. It is virtually a one-man show, and Morgan, as an actor and grand opera singer of twenty-odd years' standing, carries it almost entirely on his own. He plays the part of a man. conscious of his faded glories, who attempts to break into commercial broadcasting so that he and his three ex-wives may be provided for. The supporting programme includes a short showing the visit of the American fleet to Auckland.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

The film version of the famous musical comedy "Irene" holds pride of place on the double bill at the Paramount Theatre. The lovely British star Anna Neagle is ideally cast for the part of the Irish shop girl who rises to giddy heights in the social world and who is desired in marriage by her wealthy employer. The other star is Ray Milland. The second feature is "The Mark of Zorro." Tyrone Power is the unasked night-riding bandit who strikes terror into the heart of old California.

DE LUXE THEATRE,

Much- has been heard lately of the British raids on European oilfields, and a film centred around a typical field is appropriate at the present time. Such a film is Wai'ner Brothers' "Flowing Gold" now showing at the De Luxe Theatre. With its blazing oil fire, its "gushers," lofty derricks, and scenes of well-boring, the film is intensely interesting, and it is topped off by an excellent cast headed by John Garfield Republic Pictures have a novel method of proving that honesty is the best, policy in "I Was a Convict." the associate feature. Barton Mac Lane is starred. The second chapter of "Junior G-Men" completes the programme.

PRINCESS THEATRE

"The Women." starring Norma Shearer. Joan Crawtord, and Rosalind Russell.' and "Margie." with Tom Brown and Nan Grey, are showing at the Princess.

ROXY THEATRE,

"The Sea Hawk." starring ErroJ Flynn, and "The Leather-Pushers," with Richard Arlen and Andy Devine, are showing at the Roxy.

REX THEATRE

"The Ssint Strikes Back" and "Flight to Fame," starring Charles Farrell and Jacqueline Wells, are showing at the Pov

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE

STATE THEATRE,

TUDOR THEATRE.

PLAZA THEATRE,

Many well-known and popular songs* which were born in famed 46th Street, New York, are reproduced in the spectacular musical comedy "Tin Pan Alley," which is screening at the King's Theatre. With Alice Faye, Betty Grable, Jack Oakie, and John Payne in the main roles, the film, lavishly produced, narrates the experiences of two song publishers, whose works achieve considerable prominence, and the romance of one of these with a vaudeville star (Alice Faye).

The master of screen horrors, Boris Karloff, has another dramatic role in "Before I Hang," which is showing at the State Theatre. Evelyn Keyes and Bruce Bennett head the supporting cast. A thrilling and authentic account of the journeys of Osa Johnson, wife iof the world-famed explorer, Mr. Martin Johnson, into' the dark interior of Africa and other remote regions, "I Married Adventure," is the associate feature. Some of the most remarkable scenes ever filmed are brought to the screen in this exciting production. They include spectacular fights among almost unknown cannibal tribes, and mysterious customs and superstitions of uncivilised native races.

Darryl F. Zanuck again has captured a great tradition with his Technicolor production of "Maryland," -new 20th Century-Fox picture, which is showing at the Tudor. Packed with thrills, romance, and beauty, it is even greater than "Kentucky," and is solid entertainment all the way through. Walter Brennan, Fay Bainter, Brenda Joyce, and John Payne head the cast. The second film is "Men Without Souls."

One of the most mirth-provoking British comedies in recent times. "Band Wagon," which heads the bill at the Plaza Theatre, has a galaxy of British stars. Foremost of these is the new gag-maker, Arthur Askey. who has sprung from radio fame to screen fame in a matter of weeks Another name not unfamiliar to radio fans is that of Jack Hylton who appears with his famous dance band Pat Kirkwood, George Formby's attractive leading lady on several occasions, also appears.

SUBI'RBAN I'HEATRES.

Kinema (Kilbirnic).—"Wolf of New York," Edmund Lowe and Rose Hobart; "Blondie Brings Up Baby," Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake.

Rivoli (Newtown).—"Lucky Partners," Ronald Colman and Ginger Rogers; "The House of Fear," William Gargan and Irene Hervey.

Vogue (Brooklyn).—"The Lady in Question." Brian Aherne, Rita Hayworth; "They Made Me a Criminal," Claude Rains, Ann Sheridan.

Regal (Karori).—"Convoy," Clive Brook, John Clements.

Ascot (Ncwtown). "You Can't Fool Your Wife," Lucille Ball and James Ellison; "Hot Steel," Richard Arlen and Andy Devine.

King George (Lower Hutt). —"Pygmalion," Leslie Howard; "Down on the Farm," the Jones Family.

Prince Edward (Woburn). —"The Proud Valley," Paul Robeson; "One Crowded Night," Billie Seward and Ann Revere. ;

Empire (Island Bay).—"The Old Maid." Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins; "Charlie Chan in the City of Darkness."

State (Petone).—"Sporting Blood," Robert- Young and Maureen O'Sullivan.

Capitol (Miramar). —"Wagons Westward," Chester Morris and Anita Louise; "Outside the Three-mile Limit." Jack Holt and Harry Carey.

De Luxe (Lower Hutt).—"Comet Over Broadway," Kay Francis and lan Hunter; "Rhythm of the Saddle.'' ■'

Grand (Petone).—"The Boys From Syracuse," Allan Jones and .Martha Raye; "Black Diamonds." Richard Arlen and Andy Devine. i

Palace (Petone).—"Rose Marie," Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy.