ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 44, 21 February 1942, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT. THEATRE

The appeal made by "Skylark," through its outstanding cast (headed by Claudette Colbert, Ray Milland, and Brian Aherne) and the delightful j comedy, running, . through, a- bright! story,- accounts for a welcome extension of the season, of this-popular presentation at the Regent Theatre. There are other, attractive features, including a Ministry of Information short and a "Speaking of Animals" novelty. STATE THEATRE. George Sanders plays the part of an imperturbable amateur detective in the new attraction. at the State, "The Gay Falcon." He has a peculiar weakness; though perhaps a natural one after all, for crime detection, especially those crimes which necessitate invoking the aid of, or giving help to, beautiful ladies. This weakness gives much cause for worry to his fiancee, played.'by-/ Anne Hunter, who tries in vain to be a settling influence upon him. The film is essentially a comedy, most of the humour being, provided by George Sanders's casual manner, even in the face of dire peril. There is an excellent supporting programme. KING'S THEATRE. A first-class novel has been turned into a first-class film with the screening of Stewart Edward White's "Wild Geese Calling," jvhich is now showing at the King's Theatre. Action, drama, and romance are faithfully portrayed, and with Henry Fonda and Joan Bennett in the lead the picture, "goes over" from start to finish. Fonda, as a lumberjack with an urge to roam, is searching for his friend, Warren William, when he meets and marries Joan Bennett, who is earning her living dancing in' an unsavoury waterfront saloon. On their way to Alaska they have adventures, and once there excitement mounts. It is red-blooded drama excellently acted,' and the plot must be one of the best Alaskan stories yet filmed. An important role has also been assigned to Ona Munson. London during the 1941 blitz, the Malayan theatre, and another of the Father Hubbard series are among the supports. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The revival of those bright comedies like "Charley's Aunt," where a man in woman's dress provides most or the hilarity, is carried a long and verylaughable step forward with "Old Mother Riley in Business," which heads an eminently satisfying programme at the Paramount Theatre. Arthur Lucan, of course, is the "dame," and when "she" is around so are mirth, trouble, and complications. The clowning is superb and the situations delightful. Mrs. Riley puts, her full weight and ingenuity right behind a village shopkeeper threatened with a chain-store invasion, arid wins out in the typical Riley way. Neil Hamilton and June Storey are starred in "A Dangerous Lady," he as a private detective and she as an attorney. It has thrills and fun. A "Donald Duck" cartoon is included in the supporting programme. ST. JAMES THEATRE. The clash between two dynamic personalities, whose interests are totally opposed, is the theme of "Unholy Partners," which started at St. James Theatre yesterday. The starred players are Edward G. Robinson and Edward Arnold, two of the finest actora in the movie world. Robinson takes the part of a newspaperman whose ideas m journalism are unorthodox" but highly profitable, and Arnold that of a city] racketeer whose, methods are also unorthodox and also highly profitable. They are partners in the newspaper business, and the story takes its strength from the determination of the newspaperman to give the news irrespective of whose interests he might damage. The racketeer's interests get badly damaged by his partner's probings. The most dramatic feature of a first-rate dramatic picture is the (ending, and poker players will appreciate one bright episode. The supporting programme is varied, and includes the presentation of the V.C to Sergeant Hulme by his Excellency the GovernorGeneral. . OPERA HOUSE. Notable for its fine music and singing, "The Great Waltz" has been transferred to the Grand Opera House this week. It is based on the life of. the famous composer Johann Strauss, and it pictures with vivid beauty and realism the old Vienna in its hey-day, with its laughter and gay music. The singing of Miliza Korjus is unforgettable, while the acting of Fernand Gravet and Luise Rainer set the hallmark on an outstanding picture, The supporting programme is varied, and includes a Pete Smith oddity short and one of the "Crime Doesn't Pay" series. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Dr, Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman. Lana Turner. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Down in San Diego," an American response on land, sea, and in the air; "Riders of the Timberline." ROXT THEATRE. "The Farmer's Wife," Bob Crosby, Ruth Terry; "Rookies on Parade. PRINCESS THEATRE. "Night Train to Munich," Paul Hernreid, Basil Radford, Naunton Wayne; "Tight Shoes." TIME THEATRE. "Raffles," David Niven, Olivia de Havilland; "The House Across the Bay," George Raft, Joan Bennett. TUDOR THEATRE. "Suspicion," Joan Fontaine, Carey Grant; "Footlight Fever," Alan Mowbray, Donald Mcßride. * TlVOlil rHEATKE. "Western Union,' Robert Young, Randolph Scott, Virginia Gilmore; "Lydia," Merle Oberon. SUBURBAN THEATRES. Empire (Island Bay).—"The Ghost of St. Michael's," Clauds Hulbert, Will Hay; "Sailors Three." m Regal (Karori).—"Target for Tonight"; "Love Crazy," William Powell, Vogue "Pot o' Gold," James Stewart, Paulette Goddard; "Dr. Kildare Goes Home," Lew Ayres. Laraine Day. King George (Lower Hutt) .—"Hold Back the Dawn," Charles Boyer, Olivia de Havilland, Paulette Goddard. Capitol (Micamar).—"Flighi Command," Robert Taylor, Ruth Hussey, Walter Pidgeon; "The Great Swindle," Kinema (Kilbjrnie).—"l Wanted Wings," Ray MiUand, William Holden. Ascot (Newtown).—"Bitter Sweet," Jeanette MaeDonald, Nelson Eddy; "Girls on Probation." Rivoli (Newtown).—"This Thing Called Love," Rosalind Russell, Melvyn Douglas; "Badlands of Dakota," Ann Rutherford, State (Petone).—"The Thief of Bagdad."

Khandallah.—"Kitty Foyle," Ginger Rogers, Dennis Morgan; "Hurry, Charlie, Hurry," Leon Errol. Ngaio.—"The Lady Eve," Barbara Stanwyck; "The Saint's Vacation," Hugh Sinclair, Sally Grey. Prince Edward (Woburn) .—"Edison the Man," Spencer Tracy. Rita Johnson; "Blondie Goes Latin." De Luxe (Lower Hutt).— "Ellery Queen's Penthouse Mystery," Ralph Bellamy, Margaret Lindsay; "The Devil and Miss Jones," Jean Arthur, Robert Cummings.

Seaside (Lyall Bay).—"Sis Hopkins," Judy Canova; "Bowery Boy," Dennis O'Keefe, Louise Campbell. Palace (Petone).—"Michael Shayne, Private Detective," Lloyd Nolan; "The Kid from Kansas, Dick Foran, Leo Carillo, Andy Devine. Grand (Petone).—"Down Mexico Way," Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette; "You'll Find Out."