ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22579, 18 November 1936, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A powerfully dramatic story of a young lawyer's struggle to regain the eminent position lie onee held, after a series of erushing (linsi|>pt)i 11 tinorits, is presonteil in the (Columbia 1' ilins production. "The Final Hour," the main attraction on the entertaining doublefeature programme to be presented sit the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres for the first time to-day. Ralph Bellamy takes the part of the young lawyer, while the part d! the night-club performer, who helps him iu liis struggle to make good again, is convincingly portrayed by Marguerite Churchill. \\ hen a mutual friend of the young couple is murdered by "gangsters," and the young woman is charged with the crime, the film becomes grippingly dramatic. Ralph Bellamy as the lawyer who establishes the girl's innocence undoubtedly captures the acting honours and lie has seldom given a better performance. Also on the same programme is si thrilling Western film, "The Arizona Haiders." Larry Crahhe, Raymond Hatton, Marsha Hunt and .fane Rhodes have the important roles.

CIVIC THEATRE William Powell, who has handled countless light comedy roles on the screen, scores yet another success in "My Man Godfrey," now at the Civic Theatre. Powell plays opposite Carole Lombard, and the choice has been fully justified. As a butler in the household of which Miss Lombard is mistress Powell has many opportunities of expressing his always original thoughts and ho takes advantage of them. There is a satisfactory romantic conclusion. Entertaining shorter items include Helections on the Civic grand organ. REGENT THEATRE Hick Powell's latest production, "Stage Struck," at the Regent Theatre, contains more tunes, dances and jokes than any picture of its kind made for some time. Powell has an eminently suitable role which gives him many singing opportunities and Joan Bloiidell handles tlh' feminine lead capably. The Yacht "J1 u b Boys are included in the lesser players. One of L. Phillips Oppenheitn's tales, "J ho A mazing Quest of Mr. Ernest Bliss, will commence a season cn Friday. Gary Grant and Mary Brian are the prominent players.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE Metro-Goldwn-.Mayer's epic of the San Francisco earthquake, "San b rancisco," lias attracted large audiences to St. James' Theatre during its season of five weeks. The picture is a full one with a soundly-constructed story, some moving scenes of the earthquake and fire, of the dance halls in the lower part of the town and the opera house in the more exclusive part, and with any amount of humour. .leanctte Macdonald sings very pleasantly and Clark Gable and Jack* Holt lend her sound support. On the associate programme is a novelty by Pete Smith entitled "Andioscopiks." A wartime romance is the theme of "Su/.v," which will follow "San Francisco" on Friday. Jean Harlow, Car.v Grant and Franchot Tone are the leading players, with Lewis Stone and Benita Hume in lesser roles. Smart repartee and frequent change of scene combine to make, the story move along quickly with plenty of excitement. PLAZA THEATRE One of Australia's most romantic figures, the flying doctor of North Queensland, suggested the story told in the Australian production, "The Flying Doctor," at the Plaza Theatre. Charles Farrell, from Hollywood, and the Australian player, Mary Maguire, have leading roles, while Tom Lurich, the wrestler, and Don. Bradman, tho cricketer, make brief appearances. A musical production which ( ;>-oiiiises to be amusing and entertaining is "Sing Baby, Sing," which will open a season on Friday. There is a largo cast, which includes Alice Fa, ye, Ted Healy and Patsy Kelly. EMBASSY THEATRE Sinclair Lewis' tale "Dodsworth" has been skilfully adapted to' the screen in the film of the same name at the Embassy Theatre. Walter Huston has portrayed Dodsworth with rare understanding and Ruth Ghatterton and Mary Astor handle important roles with distinction. Three of the March of Time series dealing with horse-racing in America, internal aviation developments in England and Italian aggression in Albania are included in the associate programme. NATIONAL THEATRE

A film set to' the beautiful background of America's tourist playground, Yellowstone Park, is "Yellowstone," now at tho National Theatre. The picture, in spite of the beauty of its settings, is essentially one of action and ILilph Morgan and Judith Barrett handle the principal roles capably. A second attraction is "The Great Impersonation," in which Edmund Lowe plays a dual role with distinct success. The problem of the correct education and parental control of children is raised in "Enlighten Thy Daughter," which will open a season on Friday. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Guest night concessions will he available at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night, when the intensely moving film, "Only Yesterday," will he presented. Margaret Sullavan and John Holes have the leading roles and there is a talented supporting cast. Phillip Holmes and Mary Carlisle are the players in the second attraction, "Million Dollar Ransom." Edward Arnold also has an important part.

STATE THEATRE Kay Francis and Sybil Jason appear in "1 Kound Stella Parrisli," at tlio Stato Theatre. The disappearance of a prominent actress is the first in a train of exciting happenings leading to an unusual climax. STAR CINEMA Poland Young lias the title role in "The .Alan Who Could Work Miracles," at the Star Cinema. The story is an imaginative one from the pen* of H. G. Wells and bears traces of the skilful direction of Alexander Korda.

STRAND THEATRE Mystery and romance are combined to make "Satan Met a Lady," at the Strand Theatre, one of the most stimulating pictures to he shown in Auckland for some time. Bette Davis handles the leading role with her customary ease and assurance and Warren William and Alison Skipwort.li excel in supporting roles. LONDON CINEMA Will llav has a prominent role in "Radio Parade of lP.'i.j," at the Eondon Cinema. A further attraction is an adventure film, "Mount Everest." PRINCESS THEATRE "Cross Country Cruise" and "The Calendar" are the films to bo shown at the Princess Theatre to-night, when guest night will bo observed. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Entertainment consisting of the films, "Hell Cat" and "The Love Captive," will be presented at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night, when guest night will be observed.

MAJESTIC THEATRE A graphic picture of the accidents caused in America through excessive speed in motor-cars is "Toll of the Road," at the Majestic Theatre. Ihe film constitutes sin effective pi p^e . °» propaganda against reckless driving and for this reason has been approved by countless automobile associations. There is a thread of romance running through it which widens the film's appeal. Also being shown is "Three Cheers for Love." TUDOR CINEMA The nonchalant William Powell gives one of his most nolished performances opposite Jean Artnur in "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford," the current attraction at the Tudor Cinema. •* FANNY'S FIRST PLAY " The Little Theatre Society will present, George Bernard Shaw's entertaining work, "Funny's First Play," for a season of five nights iri the concert chamber of the Town Hall, commencing on Saturday next. The play will bo produced in its entirety, in five episodes, including an induction and an epilogue, Booking arrangements are advertised. ROYAL AUCKLAND CHOIR The Royal Auckland Choir, of 70 male voices, will be heard in the Town Hall to-morrow night. The assisting artists will be Miss Helen Dykes, soprano, Dr. Trevor de Give Lowe, 'cellist, and the Clarion Quartette (Miss Lilian Woods, Miss Bervl Smith, Mr. L. Harvey and Mr. D. Black),