ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22580, 19 November 1936, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE One of the most entertaining light comedies to bo seen in Auckland for some time, the Universal Pictures production "My Man Godfrey," is being enthusiastically received by large audiences at every session at the Civic Theatre. Based on a story by EricHatch and adapted for the screen by the well-known scenario writer Morris Ryskind in collaboration with tlie author, the film depicts the life of the eccentric Bullock family, whose highly amusing behaviour provides an endless source of amusoinent for the audience. William Powell is scon as a butler who is rescued from the direst poverty by beautiful Irene Bullock, a part exceptionally well played by Carole Lombard. His efforts to reject her romantic advances provide some of the funniest scenes in the film. REGENT THEATRE Thoroughly enjoyable light entertainment is presented in the Paramount musical film "Stage Struck," which will conclude a very successful season at the Regent Theatre to-day. The talented singing player Dick Powell heads the cast, while the leading feminine role is convincingly portrayed by Joan Blondell. The Yacht Club Boys are responsible for several pleasing vocal numbers. Adapted from one of the most successful stories to come from the pen-'of E. Phillips Oppenheim. "The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss," which is to be shown for the first time in Auckland to-mor-row, should be assured of a warm reception from local audiences. The film depicts the adventures of a young millionaire who wagered his medical adviser that ho could live on one year's earnings. Ho becomes a salesman, a greengrocer, a chauffeur, and finally finds romanco with the secretary of an oven business. Cary Grant gives an exceptionally good performance in the part of the young millionaire, while Mary Brian, as the young woman with whom he falls in love, also is outstanding. The film has lost none of the appeal of the novel and provides first-class entertainment. ST. JAMES* THEATRE The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production "San Francisco" will have its final presentations at St. James' Theatre to-day. Commencing to-mor-row, "Suzy" will be shown. Jean Harlow, Franchot Tone and Cary Grant are the principals. PLAZA THEATRE The well-known American actor Charles Farrell gives a convincing performance in the leading role of the Australian production "The Flying Doctor," which is to conclude a very successful season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Mary Maguire has the leading feminine role, while Tom Lurich, the wrestler, and Australia's great cricketer, Don Bradman, also appear. Commencing to-morrow, the highly entertaining musical film - "Sing Baby Sing" will be shown. Included in the talented cast are such well-known players as Alice Faye, Adolphe Menjou, Patsy Kelly and Ted Healy.

NATIONAL THEATRE Thrilling entertainment is provided in "Yellowstone," the main attraction on the current double-feature programme at'the National Theatre. Ralph Morgan and Judith Barrett are the players. "The Great Impersonation," which also is being shown, is an excellent adaptation of one of Phillips -Oppenheim's most exciting murder mysteries. Edmund Lowe heads the cast. Daring and frank in its treatment of_ a story which illustrates the responsibilities of parents for the actions of their children, "Enlighten Thy Daughter," the film which is to be released to-morrow, has received the endorsement of the Racial Hygiene Association of New South Wales. It is a film which stresses the importance of the right kind of home life to the younger generation and draws attention to parental responsibilities which are too often avoided. The theme has been treated with the greatest circumspection throughout and tlio utmost care has been exercised to ensure that no cause for offence is given. EMBASSY THEATRE Walter Huston gives one of his finest characterisations in the title-role of the Samuel Goldwyn production "Dodsworth," the screen adaptation of Sinclair Lewis' powerful novel, which heads the current programme at the Embassy Theatre. Ruth Chatterton as Dodsworth's shallow, flirtatious wife, Fran, also is outstanding, while Mary Astor scores a great success in the part of tho sympathetic Mrs. Cortwright. Paul Lukas and David Niven also contribute very satisfying portrayals. STRAND THEATRE The accomplished young actress Bette Davis, who was awarded the gold statuette presented for the best performance of 1935. gives another excellent characterisation in "Satan Met a Lady," the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. Joel McCrea, who will be remembered for his outstanding acting in "These Three," plays opposite Joan Bennett in "Two in a Crowd," tho entertaining film to be shown to-morrow. STATE THEATRE Intensely dramatic entertainment is presented in " I Found Stella Parrish," the main attraction on the current programme at tho State Theatre. Kay Francis gives a brilliant performance in the title-role, while tho child actress Sybil Jason also is outstanding. Spencer Tracy and the beautiful Sylvia Sidney are tho players in " Fury," tho intensely moving film which heads the programme to be shown to-morrow. STAR CINEMA Largo audiences continue to be attracted to tho Star Cinema, where the London Films production, " The Man Who Could Work Miracles," is enjoying a very successful season. The story was written by H. G. Wells. Fred Astairo and Ginger Rogers are seen at their best in " Follow the Fleet," the entertaining film to be shown tomorrow. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO " Dancing Pirate," in which Steffi Duna, Frank Morgan and Charles Collins appear, is the main attraction on the entertaining programme to be presented at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. Edward G. Robinson is seen at his best in the second film, " Bullets or Ballots." Joan Blondell and Frank MoHugli appear in support. CAPITOL THEATRE Dickie Moore has a prominent role in "Timothy's Quest," tho main attraction 011 the double-feature programme to be presented at the Capitol Theatre to-night. "The Mystery of the Marie Celeste" is the second film. ASTOR THEATRE Entertainment consisting of the films, "Three Live Ghosts" and "She Couldn't Take It," will be presented at tho Astor Theatre to-night. TUDOR CINEMA Jean Arthur and William Powell are tho players in the entertaining murder mystery, "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford," tho current attraction at the Tudor Cinema, "Desire" will be shown to-morrow.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Randolph Scott and Frances Drake are the players in "Toll of the Road," the main attraction on the current double-feature programme r.t the Majestic Theatre. The film depicts the futility of dangerous driving and indiscriminate speeding. "Three Cheers for Love" is the second film. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An enthusiastic reception was accorded tho Columbia Films dramatic production, " The Final Hour," when it was presented for the first time in Auckland yesterday at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The film depicts a young lawyer's struggle to fight his way back to a prominent position in his profession after a series of crushing disappointments has led him to the verge of failure. .Ralph/ Bellamy gives an excellent portrayal as the lawyer, while Marguerite Churchill, as the night-club performer who encourages him to make good, also is outstanding. The picture reaches a thrilling climax when the girl is charged with the murder of a former gangster and circumstantial evidence points to her guilt. The lawyer whom she befriended makes a valiant and successful attempt to save her. A western film, " The Arizona Raiders," is the second attrnction. EPSOM REGENT THEATRE " The King Steps Out " and " Border Patrolman " are the films to be shown at the Epsom Regent Theatre to-night. BLIND INSTITUTE CONCERT Returning only last week from a very successful tour of the North Island the band and concert party from the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, comprising over 40 talented musicians, will present an excellent musical programme in the Town Hall next Monday night. The party has created wide interest in the 40 centres in which it. has appeared and it is expected that the programme ,to be presented on Monday night will be equally well received. " FANNY'S FIRST PLAY" Under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Brampton the Little Theatre Society will present George Bernard Shaw's excellent "Fanny's First Play," in tho concert chamber of the Town Hall for a season of five nights, commencing on Saturday next. Booking arrangements are advertised. BAND CONCERT In place of the recital which was to have been given by massed Auckland bands at Blandford Park next Sunday afternoon, a concert will be presented at the Tivoli Theatre on Sunday night at eight o'clock. Many well-known radio and concert artists will assist. SALVATION ARMY FAIR Attractive programmes have been arranged for the Salvation Army's "All Nations Fair," which is to commence in the Congress Hall, Grey's Avenue, to-night, at eight o'clock. Atwaters' mouth-organ band will be in attendance. The fair will be continued tomorrow and again on Saturday.