ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22619, 6 January 1937, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Another of tho attractive tlouble-fea-tnro programmes which tin- Roxy ami Tivoli Theatre managements have found so popular will commence a season at both theatres to-night, comprising "Trailin' West" and "Marred Windows." Dick Koran, possessor of a pleasing voice and personality', has the leading role in the former and if it is true that the supporting parts are subordinated to his. it is equally true that his acting justifies the position. \\ ith desert settings of unusual beauty, many bright melodies and a quantity of typical American wit, "Trailin' West" promises to bo a thoroughly enjoyable picture. A cast which includes such notable players as June Travis. Jtarlon Machine, Craig Reynolds, Dick Purcell and (Jeorge Stone appears in the second picture, "Marred Windows," which presents jis exciting a story of warfare between police and gangsters as lias recently come to Auckland. ST. JAMES' THEATRE One of the most. lavish and colourful musical revues yet brought to the screen, "The Great Ziegfeld," which is at present earning the applause of capacity audiences at St. James' Theatre, is also an important contribution to the screen's outstanding biographical films. In the part of Kloren/. Ziegfeld, jun.. William Powell is responsible for a convincing portrayal, which i-: overshadowed only bv the brilliant acting of Luise Rainer, as the actress, Anna Held. Myrna Loy also lias an important rolo. PLAZA THEATRE Cast as a "high-pressure" tractor salesman the famous American comedian Joe E. Brown is seen at his best in "Earthworm Tractors," which bends the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. ; The chief feminine part is taken by June Travis, and the high standard of her performance is emulated by the rest of the east. The jirst part of the programme is taken up with an entertaining selection of musical films, which are proving highly popular. The eagerly-awaited Western film, "Texas Rangers*" in which the well-known players. Fred Mac Murray, Jack Oakie and Jean Parker, have prominent roles, is to be shown in the near future. MAJESTIC THEATRE One Laurel and one Hardy are capable of producing hilarious comedy, but in "Our Relations," the film now showing at the Majestic Theatre, the comedians are cast as dual characters, with screamingly funny results. First as hen-pecked husbands and later as carefree sailors, the pair give their best performance to date. The supporting programme is well up to the standard I of the main attraction. CIVIC THEATRE . Five new specially-written songs are | presented by the brilliant negro actor- | singer. Paul Robeson, in his new pic- : ture. "Song of Freedom," a festival | of music and melody, which is the main attraction at the Civic Theatre. The film blends beautiful melody with a poignant and often thrilling story. With his magnificent voice and presence Robeson captures the principal honours, ali though Elisabeth Welch, as his wife, ' also gives a meritorious portrayal, ln- ! cidents from the Henneberry v Richards boxing bout and the second test lietween England and Australia are included in the supporting programme.

STATE THEATRE j With three such experienced actors ' as Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Jack | Holt in the leading parts, the Metroi Gold wyn-Mayer film "San Francisco" is enjoying a very successful season at 1 the State Theatre. The delightful voice ' of Jeanette MaeDonald is heard to ad- ! vantage in a number of selections from ! grand opera. NATIONAL THEATRE Full of bright and tuneful songs the colourful musical production " Show Boat." in which Irene Dunne and Allan Jones appear, continues to attract large and appreciative audiences to the National* Theatre. The celebrated negro bass, Paid Robeson, also i is in the cast. EMBASSY THEATRE Described as the strangest honeymoon j story in fiction. "The Garden of Allah," ! in which the chief feminine role is taken by Marlene Dietrich, continues to enjoy a successful season at the Embassy Theatre. Charles Boyer, whose perform- ! ance in "Caravan" stamped him as j an actor of outstanding ability, is cast ! opposite Miss Dietrich and the handling of the romantic theme by these | two distinguished players is a tribute j to the genius of the casting director. strand Theatre Excellent performances are given by Loretta Young and Don A medio in | "Ramona," which is shortly to conj elude its season at the Strand Theatre. ! Technicolour photography enhances the : appeal of the film. There is a well- ! varied selection of shorter films, which ! also provides enjoyable entertainment, i STAR CINEMA Wallace Beerv appears opposite the i late Marie Dressier in "Tugboat | Annie," which, together with "Bright 1 Lights," comprises the entertainment tat the Star Cinema. Joe E. Brown is prominently cast in the latter pici ture. j LONDON CINEMA One of the most popular pictures yet i seen in Auckland, "Naughty Marietta," uwith Jeanette MaeDonald and Nel- ■ son Eddy in the main roles, is the ; principal attraction at the London i Cinema, where a well-varied supporting programme also is being shown. TUDOR CINEMA A bright and spectacular musical I comedy, "King of Burlesque," with Warner Baxter, Alice Kave, Herbert j Mundin and Jack Oakie in the main : roles, will be the principal attraction at the Tudor Cinema to-night. 1 CAPITOL THEATRE "The Clairvoyant," presenting Fay Wray and Claude Rains, and "Music : in the Air," in which John Boles appears, {fro the main films to be shown at the Capitol Theatre to-night. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Sinarty" and "Long Lost Father" are the films to he shown at the State Theatre, Onehimga, to-night, when the popular guest night session will be observed. RECENT, EPSOM "Life Begins at Forty" and "Ten Dollar Raise" are'the main items on the programme to be shown at the Regent Theatre, Epsom, to-night. RIALTO THEATRE "Lottery Lover" heads the current programme at the Rialto Theatre. "Dance Band," which presents both an excellent story and many tuneful songs, completes an attractive programme.

RECENT THEATRE Because it offers real entertainment "Cain and Mabel," now in its second week at the Rodent Theatre, continues trl attract capacity audiences. The picture combines music, mirth, spectacle aiwl action in a manner which cannot fail to appeal to even tho most fastidious picture-goer. In a role quite niil'ike his previous parts Clark Gable is seen as a world's champion boxer, whule ojiposite him is Marion Davies, as a prominent actress. Ihe climax to the film carries a surprise for even the• most imaginative audience. MAYFAIR THEATRE ".Solitaire Man" and "The Show OH"' arc included in the many attractive pictures to be shown to-night at the Mnylair Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE THEATRE "Fnder Pressure," an exciting story of work among divers many fathoms under the sea, and "A Daring Young Man." a light comedy-drama, are the current pictures at the Crystal Palace Theatre. PRINCESS THEATRE "Ladies Should Listen," a diverting romantic comedy, and "College Rhythm," a gay comedy containing tuneful songs, are at the Princess Theatre.