ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22618, 5 January 1937, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE "With Clark Gable and Marion Davies j heading an exceptionally well-chosen ; cast, "Cain and Mabel," the current i attraction at the Regent Theatre, pro- j rides thoroughly enjoyable light entertainment. Full of bright dialogue and w'itty repartee, the film is a .brilliant example of the type of sophisticated comedy at which American producers excel. Somo very spectacular dance scenes, characterised by the lavishness for which Warner Brothers' studios arc noted, also are presented. ST. JAMES' THEATRE The story of Florcnz Ziegfeld, the colourful American personality who revolutionised the stage productions of ! his time, is vividly portrayed in "The j Great Ziegfeld," the main attraction j at St. James' Theatre, William Powell, i possibly one of the most talented actors ; yn the screen, gives an excellent per- ! formance in the title role. Luiso Rainer, i who appeared with Powell in "Esca- J pade," is again cast with him, while j Myrna Loy also appears in an important part. There is an entertaining selection of shorter films. PLAZA THEATRE The popular comedian Joe E. Brown j gives one of his funniest performances ; in the leading role of "Earthworm I Tractors," the highly amusing comedy ! film which heads tho current pro- j gramme at the Plaza Theatre. Cast as a "high-pressure" salesman, he is given wido scope for introducing his inimitable foolery and he receives capable support from a largo cast, headed by June Travis and Guy Kibbee. MAJESTIC THEATRE The two inimitable comedians Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy are seen to advantago in "Our Relations," tho film at present attracting large audiences to the Majestic Theatro, where it has been transferred after enjoying a very popular season at St. James' Theatre. There is a large cast of supporting players, whose performances assist in making the film ideal light | entertainment. CIVIC THEATRE Ono of the most striking figures on j the screen to-day, Paul Robeson, scores his greatest success in "Song of Freedom," the current attraction at the | Civic Theatre. In the part of a London dock labourer, who is able to realise one of his most cherished ambitions and return to his native Africa through his wonderful voice, Robeson is heard in several fine bass solos and he has seldom given a more satisfying performance. TIVOLI THEATRE A picture of decidedly gay and humorous nature, "College Rhythm," is the principal item on an attractive programme to be presented to-night at the Tivoli Theatre. There are a number of original and fanciful dances accompanied by lively melodies, and the dialogue contains a good deal of the I best type of American witticism. | "Ladies Should Listen," the second i item, is no whit inferior to the first, j It is a merry romantic comedy with a j most unexpected ending. STRAND THEATRE Brilliant technicolour phptography, I clever acting and tuneful music are ! combined to make first-class entertain- ; ment in "Ramona," the beautiful romantic film now being shown at the ' Strand Theatre. Loretta Young gives : one of the finest performances of lier career in the title role, while another outstanding portrayal is given by a little-known player of considerable ability, Don Ameche. EMBASSY THEATRE I Adapted from the book by the famous j author Robert Hitchens, the United j Artists production' "The Garden of j Allah" is enjoying a very successful I season at the Embassy Theatre. Marlene Dietrich has the main feminine part, while the chief male role is in the hands of Charles Boyer. The film is directed bv David O. Selznick and its appeal is added to by the skilful use of technicolour photography. STATE THEATRE Clark Gable plays opposite Jeanette Mac Donald in "San Francisco," the musical film which is attracting large audiences to the State Theatre. With the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 as a background, the picture presents a moving story of two men of widely different character. Spencer Tracy gives I an excellent performance in a supporting part, while Jack Holt also is j prominently cast. NATIONAL THEATRE ! The glorious singing of Paul Robeson | combines effectively with the accomj plished acting of Irene Dunne to make ideal entertainment in "Show Boat," j tho musical film which heads the cur- ! rent programme at tho National j Theatre. Other well-known players in ! tho cast are Alan Jones, Charles Wini niger and Helen Morgan. The lastnamed is heard in two very enjoyable short songs.

TUDOR CINEMA Warner Baxter appears with Alice Fave in the spectacular musical comedy "King of Burlesque," which will be shown at the Tudor Cinema to-night. STAR CINEMA "Tugboat-Annie," in which Wallace Beery is cast opposite the late Marie Dressier, heads the current, programme at the Star Cinema. "Bright Lights," with Joo E. Brown, also is being screened. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Irene Dunne and Allan Jones appear at the head of the large cast of "Show Boat," the entertaining ' musical film which will be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. Charles Winniger also is in the cast. LONDON CINEMA Two singers of outstanding .ability, Jeanette Mat-Donald and Nelson Eddy, have the leading roles in "Naughty Marietta," the film now being screened at the London Cinema. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA "Crash Donovan" and "Postal Inspector" comprise tho entertaining programme to bo shown at the Epsoin Regent and Alexandra Theatres tonight. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The two highly entortaining films. "Mystery Woman" and "Freckles" will be screened at the Stato Theatre. Devonport, to-night. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Enjoyable entertainment is provided by "Sniarty," which heads tbe current programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga. "Long Lost Father" also is being shown.