ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22657, 19 February 1937, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE Olive Brook, whose performances always have that air of naturalness which has brought him to the front rank among present-day actors, appears in "Lonely Road," the current attraction at tho Majestic Theatre. Appearing opposite him is the talented actress Victoria Hopper, whose most notable performance in recent pictures was as the wife of Mozart in "Whom the Gods Love." The story of the present film deals with the suppression of gun-running on the English coast. The most prominent of the supporting playersjaro Nora Swinburne and Malcolm Keen. To be shown on the same programme is a Laurel and Hardy comedy entitled "Towed in Hole, and a Universal licwsreel. CIVIC THEATRE Outstanding portrayals are given by the leading players, lirrol Ilvnn and Olivia de Havilland, in "The Charge of the Light Brigade," the current attraction at tho Civic Theatre. A romantic plot has been constructed as a background for this historic story, and the manner in which it is handled by the large cast is a tribute to tho producers, Warner Brothers. The two leading performers will be remembered for their excellent acting in "Captain Blood." .REGENT THEATRE

Comedy entertainment of a high standard is provided in "Polo Joe, which is to commence a season at tho Regent Theatre to-day. Tho stylo of acting which has made all tho comedies of Joo E. Brown such outstanding attractions is again the cause of much of the appeal of this production. He is cast as an American youth who, after having spent a considerable period in tho remote parts of China, returns to the welcoming set of friends who centre around his wealthy aunt. They are all very keen polo players and "Polo Joe," in order to vindicate himself in tho eyes of an attractive girl living near by, is compelled, after several tales concorning his brilliance at the game, to take a part in the popular sport, about which, actually, lie knows nothing at all. Appearing opposite him in the leading feminine part is Carol Hughes, while "Skeets" Gallagher also is in the cast. Among the interesting short films included in the supporting proframme are a coloured cartoon and a 'aramount newsreol. ST. JAMES* THEATRE With a story specially written by the successful author Ben Travers for the equally successful actor Tom Walls, "Dishonour Bright," which is to be shown for the first time in Auckland at St. James' Theatre to-day, is assured of popularity by reason of the inimitable style of comedy it presents. Tho theino of tho story is concerned with a delightful series of matrimonial complications which offer ample scope for the witty dialogue and compromising situations which Tom Walls is so expert at handling. There are two important feminine parts in the film, the first, that of the wife of Stephen Champion (Tom Walls), being taken by Diana Churchill. In tho part of the wife of a rather suspicious lawyer Betty Stockfield is responsible for a very pleasing performance. Eugene Pallette, who appeared with William Powell in "My Man Godfrey," also is in the cast. There is a very entertaining supporting programme. EMBASSY THEATRE Now in its second week at the Embassy Theatre, tho most recent production of the brilliant director Alexander Korda, "Rembrandt," continues to bo shown before very large and appreciative audiences at every screening. Charles Laughton, who pfays the part of tho famous painter, makes another outstanding contribution to tho notable character studies which have from time to time been seen in motion pictures. On the supporting programme is a very enjoyable coloured cartoon entitled "Toby Tortoise Returns."

NATIONAL THEATRE To bo shown for the first time in Auckland at the National Theatre today is the dramatic production "Career Woman," which is to be presented with "Charlie Chan in Egypt." The main parts in the first film are taken by Claire Trevor and Michael Whalen, while other less important roles are handled by Isabel Jewell and Erin Linden. Warner Oland, in the role of the screen detective character, Charlie Chan, has the main part in the second attraction, in which a pleasing comedy part is taken by the negro Stepin Fetchit. LONDON CINEMA Jack Oakie appears in a prominent role in "Florida Special," tho first film on tho programme being presented at the London Cinema to-day. "The Eagle's Brood," which deals with the further adventures of the character from tho novels by Clarence E. Millford, "Hopalong" Cassidy, is a, second attraction. STRAND THEATRE " Dimples," in which the title role is handled with ability by the talented child actress Shirley Temple, continues to prove popular at the Strand Theatre. Thero are some well-executed dances and some entrancing songs introduced into the main story. BRITANNIA THEATRE "San Francisco," in which difficult roles are played with distinction by Clark Gable and Jeanette Mac Donald. is to bo screened at tho Britannia Theatre to-day. Spencer Tracy also is in tho cast. Tho supporting programme includes tho novelty film " Audioscopiks." TUDOR CINEMA Margaret Lindsay and Walter Hull are tho principal players in "Personal Maid's Secret," which is to be shown to-night at the Tudor Cinema. Ruth Donnelly also is prominently cast. STATE THEATRE "Walking on Air" (Gene Raymond and Ann Sothern), and "The Golden Arrow" are the films on the current programme at the State Theatre. George Brent and Bettc Davis arc the leading players in the second picture. STAR CINEMA Conrad Veidt appears in "King of tho Damned," tho first attraction on to-day's programme at the Star Cinonm. "Conio Out of the Pantry" also is being shown. VICTORIA THEATRE "The Last of the Mohicans" and "13 Hours by Air" are the films to be shown to-night at the Victoria Theatre. ASTOR THEATRE "The Dancing Pirate" and "Kelly the Second" are the films on to-night's programme at the Astor Theatre. "San Francisco" is to be shown on Monday. MAYFAIR THEATRE Richard Arlou has a prominent part in "Three Livo Ghosts," which will bo shown with "Tho Perfect Gentleman" at tho Mayfair Theatre to-night. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Two full-length films, "Charlie Chan at the Race Track" and "Star for a Night," are to be shown to-night at the State Theatre, Onehunga.

PLAZA THEATRE Ono of the ten best films of /last year, "Smartest Girl in Town, is to commence a season to-day at the J laza Theatre. The main feminine role is taken by Ann Sothcrn, while the most important actor is Gone Raymond, Ihe film is a delightful romantic comedy > somewhat similar in style and rapicutj of action to the earlier production ill which those two talented players appeared, "Walking on Air." lhe plot is ingenious and works out to a very pleasing climax. Raymond appears as a wealthy young man, who, in ordei to move in similar circles to an attractive but poor photographer s model (Ann Sothern), has to pose as a competitive photographer. The humorous incidents which abound in the picture lead to a particularly hilarious climax. A number of highly entertaining short films is included in the supporting programme.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES I Two full-length films, both of which contain some of tho most enjoyable comedy situations to have been _ included in recent similar productions, are being shown on the same programme this week at the lloxy ami Tivoii Theatres. The first picture deals with the merry-making and joviality of American sailors, and is entitled "Lady Bo Careful." The main roles are handled in a capable manner by a large cast, headed by Lew Ayres, Mary Carlisle and Larry ("Buster") Crabbe. Mystery and Jiilarity are successfully combined in the second attraction, "The Plot Thickens," in which Zasu Pitts appears opposite James Gleason. The story concerns attempts to recover sorno very valuable emeralds which have been stolen, and the manner in which the tense situations are turned into humorous ones is another tribute to the ability and versatility of the principal players. The films are both being screened for the first time in New Zea* land. EPSOM REGENT AND ALEXANDRA Sophisticated comedy is to be enjoyed in "Mv Man Godfrey," which is the first film being shown to-night at the Epsom Regent and Alexandra Theatres. "Girls' Dormitory" is being screened on the same programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Jane Withers appears with Slim Summerville in "Pepper," which" is to be screened to-night at the Crystal Palace nnd Rialto Theatres. Irvin S. Cobb also hns a part. The second attraction is "Half Angel," in which prominent roles are taken by Charles Butterworth and Frances Deo. CIVIC THEATRETTE Enjoyable entertainment is provided in the attractive programme being presented at the Civic Theatrette to-day, when "Thunder Mountain" will be the principal film shown. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT "East Meets West" is to be screened with "Nobody's Fool" at the State Theatre, Davonport, to-night.