ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22670, 6 March 1937, Page 20

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE A dramatic story of American political life, "The Gorgeous I-lussy,is continuing a successful season at St. James Theatre. Joan Crawford and Robert Taylor fill the principal roles, while Franchot Tone and Melvvn Douglas also are prominent. The film is notable for the outstanding portrayals of the leading players and for tlio excellence oi the old-world scenery. PLAZA THEATRE Dramatic entertainment of a very high order is presented in the Twentieth-Century Fox production, "White Hunter," which was warmly received by large audiences at its initial Auckland screenings at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The cast is a notable one and is headed by the talented actor Warner Baxter, who already has a long list of previous screen successes to his credit. All those who sa,w and admired his excellent performance in the titlerole of "The Prisoner of Shark Island will have every reason to bo_ pleased with his latgst film. In "White Hunter," Baxter is given wider scope for revealing his talents as a first-class dramatic actor than has ever been his portion before, and it is seldom that he has given a better performance. The story concerns a big-game hunter who is engaged to act as a guide on a Safari in Kenya by the very man who caused liis virtual banishment from civilisation. As soon as the two men meet, the old enmity flares up and is aggravated 011 the one hand nv the ailection of the visitor's daughter for the hunter. The clash of two strong wills, the bitter feeling between the two men and the wild surroundings of the African jungle, replete with animal and native life, combine to form a film of unusual interest and gripping intensity. Wilfrid Lawson takes the part of the munitions manufacturer who unwittingly engages his former enemy (Warner Baxter) as a guide, and later endeavours to bring about his death, while.feminine roles are well portrayed by Gail Patrick and Juno Lang. In spite of the intensely dramatic nature of the story, the film is not without its lighter moments, much of the humour being provided by Alison Skipworth and George Hassell as an illassorted married couple wholly out of their clement in Africa. Equally enjoyable as the main attraction is the splendid supporting programme which includes a newsreel depicting the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, formally opening the new Nelson aerodrome. Another outstanding item is a musical film in colour entitled "Fingal's Cave." Set to the music of Mendelssohn, the film provides some of the most beautiful, scenic photography in colour seen on the screen for some time. MAJESTIC THEATRE A romance of Australia, " Orphan of the Wilderness," the Cinesound production which began a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, is one of the most unusual films ever made, for it is the first to have a kangaroo as its hero. Based on the well-known magazine story " Wilderness Orphan," it tells the "storv of Chut, a young kangaroo which becomes a pet on a sheep station, is tormented by the shearers, and finally ends up as a boxing kangaroo in a travelling circus. Chut is ill-treated in the circus, and goes back to the bush, hunted by circus hands and country folk, but is saved in the end bv two people who have always remembered the sheep station pet. The story captures to a remarkable degree the true spirit of Australia, and combines romance and thrilling action most effectively. There are scenes of life on a great sheep station and among the crowds of the cities, and all the colour and excitement of a touring circus. One of the finest scenes in the film is the rescue of Chut as he is being hunted down by his enemies in the valley where he was'born. From start to finish the whole production is proof of the high standard that has been attained by Australian film producers, and a convincing reply to those who have said that Australia is a land without romance. An excellent cast was assembled for the film and, although Chut takes the honours. Gwen Munro and Brian Abbot, two well-known stage players, give outstanding performances. Miss Munro plays the part of an equestrienne in the circus to which Chut is taken and Abbot is the man who befriends Chut when he is left alone in the bush. The part of the brutal circus proprietor who ill-treats Chut is played by Harry Abdy, and other parts are filled by Sylvia Kellawav and Joe Yalli. The other picture on "the double-feature programme is " Alibi For Murder," an exciting mystery. in which the leading character is a radio news reporter who acts as a detective and attempts to solve the murder of an American inventor. The inventor's business manager, and an armaments " king," are involved in the mystery, which is solved in a most dramatic manner. William Gargan plays the part of the reporter and the principal feminine role is taken by Marguerite Churchill. CIVIC THEATRE Lily Pons, the vivacious French operatic soprano who made a most favourable screen debut in " I Dream Too Much," will add to her popularity by her performance in " That Girl From Paris," an RKO Radio picture that opened a season at. the Civic Theatre yesterday. Miss Pons again sings a number of modern compositions most attractively, while the bell-like quality of her high notes in the " Una vo«> poce fa" aria from "The Barber of Seville," brings the film to a stirring climax.' "That Girl From Paris" is a film that all will enjoy, not only for its singing, but also for its humour and brilliant musical score. Outstanding comic performances are provided by Jack Oakie. as a mercurial tapdrummer,; Mischa Auer, as a sad-faced pianist; and Herman Bing, whose acting contributed largely toward the hilarity of " The King Steps Out." The musical background of the film is both ingenious and attractive. Audit cuees will be especially interested in the | clever arrangement of the popular Strauss composition, " The Blue Danube." The plot presents Miss Pons as an opera singer who enters the United States without a passport and so falls foul of the immigration authorities.. She falls in love with the leader of an orchestra, Gene Raymond, and a diverting series of adventures follow. Miss Pons is hoard in three attractive modern songs in the course of the film, besides a bracket of classical compositions. Playing opposite her, Gene Raymond again shows his talent for light comedy. The resourceful direction of Leigh. Jason has given ( the film many clever touches that make it one of the most attractive musical films that has been shown in Auckland for a considerable time. The supporting items include newsreels, a musical film with pictuesque colour photography, and a fascinating camera record of various forms of sea life. TUDOR CINEMA The popular English actress Jessie Matthews appears with Robert Young arid Sonnie Hale in "It's Love Again," now being shown at the Tudor Cinema. CAPITOL THEATRE The noted musical and dramatic film "San Francisco" is to be shown at tlio Capitol Theatro to-night. "Audioscopics" forms a further attraction. ADELPHI THEATRE "Girls' Dormitory" and "China Clipper" are to be screened to-night at the Add phi Theatre. REGAL CINEMA To-night "The Road to Gloi'y" and "Earthworm Tractors" are to bo shown at the Regal Cinema.

REGENT THEATRE Brian Ahem© and Merle Oberon both give excellent performances in "Beloved Enemy," now being screened for the second week at tlio Regent Theatre. The story, which rises to great heights of dramatic tension, concerns the Irish rebellion of 1921, when hatred was so bitter between England and Ireland. Supporting roles are capably interpreted by Henry Stephenson, David Niven, Karen Morley and Ra Hould, a 12-ycars-old boy from Dunedin. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two full-length films, "Pigskin Parade" and "Two-fisted Gentleman," are at present attracting large audiences to the Roxy and, Tivoli 1 heatres. In the first production the main parts are taken bv Stuart Erwin and Patsy Kelly, and the minor roles are filled by such talented players as Jack Haley and Arline Judge. All the delightful music and appealing romance which the American company of Twentieth Century-Fox is so adept at infusing into musical comedy has been introduced into this film, and no further guarantee of the excellence of the entertainment provided is necessary than a review of the cast. In the second attraction the leading players are James Dunn and June Clay worth. This production is a delightful romantic comedy from the successful studios of the Columbia company. Both films are being presented for the first time in New Zealand. STRAND THEATRE Probably the most popular team appearing oil the screen to-day and certainly the best dancers, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, have the leading parts in "Top Hat," the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. Many new songs and dances are introduced and the pair are seen at their best in "The Piccolino," one of the outstanding scenes in the film. Prominent players in the supporting cast include Edward Everett Horton and Helen Broderick, who are both seen to advantage. A wide variety of shorter films completes the programme. EMBASSY THEATRE One of the most unusual and at the same time attractive productions to have been screened in Auckland for a considerable time, "Cfaig's Wife," commenced a season at the Embassy Theatre on Thursday night, when it was screened before a large and appreciative audience. The story is short, but all the quality that it has been the custom to spread over a long film has been condensed into a concise and intense drama. John Boles and Rosalind Russell are the principal players, while capable support is given by Billie Burke. NATIONAL THEATRE An historical romance of a standard not often attained, "Anthony Adverse," is the current attraction at the National Theatre. The outstanding dramatic actor Fredric March takes the part of Anthony, and his characterisation is one of his best to date. Olivia do Havilland also acts with distinction. There is an exceptionally large cast of supporting players, including such wellknown performers as Claude Rains, to be remembered for his superlative performance in "The Invisible Man," and Anita Louise. STATE ONEHUNGA, AND EMPRESS This evening's programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga, and the Erapress Theatre, includes a musical film, "Stage Struck," in which Dick Powell and Joan Blondell are seen to advantage. A drama, "Without Orders," 13 an added attraction, and there will be a fine selection of shorter pictures. STATE THEATRE The ever-popular comedy pair Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy are responsible for another of their uproariously funny performances in "Our Relations, the main picture on the current programme at the State Theatre. In addition there is a delightful variety of shorter films. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO George Arliss, who has been seen in many successful films, has the leading role 'in "East Meets West," the current attraction at the Crystal Palace and Rial to Theatres. "The Girl on the Front Page," in which Edmund Lowe appears, is the second film. BRITANNIA THEATRE "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" is to be shown together with "It Had to Happen" at the Britannia Theatre to-night. LONDON CINEMA "College Rhythm" will be the main attraction at the London Cinema today. "Whirlpool," in which Jack Holt appears, will be a further feature. ALEXANDRA THEATRE "Charlie Chan at the Racetrack" and "Guns of the Pecos" comprise tonight's programme at the Alexandra Theatre. ASTOR THEATRE Two full-length pictures. "The King Steps Out" and s'Fury, form the programme now being screened at the Astor Theatre. STAR CINEMA The • well-known juvenile actress Shirley Temple gives a delightful performance in "Captain January," which with "Passport to Fame" is now being shown at the Star Cinema. MAYFAIR THEATRE "The Bohemian Girl" and "Whipsaw" arc tlio films to bo shown to-day at the Mayfair Theatre. GREY LYNN CINEMA "Private Number" and "Paddy O'Day" aro the films on the programme at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night. PRINCESS THEATRE "Song of Freedom" and "Guns of the Pecos" comprise to-night's programme at the Pjincess Theatre. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT "Ladies in Love" and "Thank You, Jeeves" are the current attractions at the State Theatre, Devonport. NEW ROYAL THEATRE • A programme comprising '.'Educating' Father" and "Under Two Flags" will be screened at the Now Royal Theatre to-night. VICTORIA THEATRE ' "Fatal Lady" and "Three on the Trail" aro the pictures to bo screened at the Victoria Theatre to-day. SUNDAY PICTURES "Over the Garden Wall," with Bobby Howes in .the loading rolo, will be screened at tlio Rialto Theatre 011 Sunday night, tho proceeds going to local charities. An address on "The State Church in England" is to be given by Mr. Hall Skelton, under tho auspices of the Rationalist Association and Sunday Freedom League, at the Strand Theatre to-morrow night. A mvstery drapia, "The Warren Case," is the main item on the picture programme.