ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22839, 21 September 1937, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES* THEATRE The screen version of Pearl S. Buck's famous story, "The Good Earth," which has been prepared for film presentation under the same name, heads tho programme now being shown at St. James' Theatre. This story of the life of a Chinese peasant was the last achievement of the famous Hollywood producer Irving Thalberg, and is regarded as the best picture he ever made. The two Austrian actors Paul Muni and Luis© Rainer, who last year gained the Academy award for their performances, appear as Wang tho farmer and O-lan, his wife, who had been previously a slave. There is a brilliant supporting cast, which ably interprets the large array of characters. PLAZA THEATRE "There Goes My Girl," in which the two well-known actors Gene Raymond and Ann Sotheru givo entertaining performances, will again head the programme at the Plana Theatre to-day. Unlike the previous pictures in which these two players have taken part, "There Goes My Girl" does not depend on music and light comedy for its appeal. It has a strong dramatic story, as well as witty dialogue and unusual situations. A coming attraction at the Plaza Theatre is tho 20th Century-Fox production "Wake Up and Live." This film, which incorporates a number of bright songs and clover dances, has a strong cast of established musical favourites, including Alice Faye, Jack Haley, Ben Bernie and Walter Winchell. A feature of this picture is said to be the original dialogue in many of the scenes, especially thoso in which Walter Winchell appears. Alice Faye gives a very pleasing performance as the heroine.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Two full length films will be screened at the Majestic Theatre to-day, the chief one being "Laughing Irish Eyes." the popular tenor Phil Regan takes the part of a boxer, who is also possessed of a good voice. The secdnd picture, "Secret of Stamboul," is a thrilling story of adventure in Constantinople. In an associate feature the third birthday of the Dionne quintuplets! is described. CIVIC THEATRE The beautiful film "Wings of the Morning," which is now being_ screened at the Civic Theatre for the third week, owes much of its appeal to the manner in which it has captured the soft green tones of the Irish landscape, where the greater part of the action is set. The French actress Annabella takes the leading role, and John McCormack sings several songs. The male part of most importance is well handled by Henry Fonda. EMBASSY THEATRE "I Met Him in Paris," one of the most amusing comedies seen in Auckland for some time, will continue its third week at the Embassy Theatre to-day. The leading roles in the film are handled with an unusual feeling for character by Claudette Colbert, Robert Young and Melvyn Douglas. A picture made notable by the strength of the story and the fine acting of Bette Davis, "Marked Woman," is the coming attraction at the Embassy Theatre, and will be shown for the first time on Thursday. Bette Davis, who was awarded the Academy trophy for her performance in "Dangerous," a picture of similar type, shows that her ability has in no way lessened since that achievement. TIVOLI THEATRE A long and varied programme has been arranged for to-night at the Tivoli Theatre, when cuest-night concessions will be available to patrons. The first film to be screened is "Sweet Adeline," a musical comedy, in which the popular actress Irene Dunne has the leading part. She is supported by Hugh Herbert and Donald Wood. Also on the programme is an exciting picture ' entitled "1 Am a Thief," in which Ricardo Cortez gives a strong performance. Associate features include a short comedy, a musical number, and a "Believe it or Not" nevelty.

STRAND THEATRE The screen version of Mazo de la Roche's famous novel, "Jalna," with Kay Johnson and lan Hunter in the main parts, heads the programme to be screened at the Strand Theatre today. The second film also to be shown is "Ball at Savoy," a musical romance in which good performances are given by Conrad Nagel and Marta Labarr. A supporting film is "The March of Time," showing glimpses of the SinoJapanese struggle in Manchukuo. MAYFAIR THEATOE A double-feature programme of outstanding interest, is to be screened at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. The first film, entitled "You Can't Beat Love," has Treston Foster and Joan Fontaine in leading roles. Herbert Mundin gives a good performance as a butler. The second picture, "The Big Shot," also has many humorous situations, with Guy Kibbee appearing in the main part. « STATE THEATRE An entertaining musical comedy, "Sing, Baby, Sing," heads the • programme which is to be screened at the State Theatre to-night. The popular actress Alice Fave has a leading part in the film, which includes many spectacular dances. Arthur Treacher appears in the second picture, "Thank You, Jeeves." STAR CINEMA Excitement and a thrilling story are found in "The Magnificent Brute," which is the main picture on the programme offered to patrons of the Star Cinema to-day. The second attraction is a comedy, entitled "Pepper."

TUDOR CINEMA Warner Oland, well-known player of Oriental roles, appears in "Charlie Oil an at the Racetrack," an exciting; detective film which is to be screened at the Tudor Cinema to-night. LONDON CINEMA Two full length films arc to be screened at the London Cinema to-day. These arc Child," a strong drama, and an entertaining picture entitled "The Girl Friend." PRINCESS THEATRE Guest-night attractions to be shown at the Princess Theatre to-night include "Freckles" and 5 a comedy entitled "The Mayor's Nest." CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Two popular pictures are to be shown to patrons of the Crystal Palace and Rial to Theatres to-night, including "Borderland" and "Lot's Mako a Million." MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM Two entertaining pictures, "Old Man Rhythm" and "The Daring Young Man," will be screened at tho Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham, to-night. STATE THEATRE. DEVONPORT "Dangerous Corner" is the chief attraction at tho State Theatre, Devonport, to-night, when the musical film Kentucky Minstrels" will also bp screened.

REGENT THEATRE A film which has for its sotting a troopship returning to England with a regiment after service in the East, entitled "Farewell Again," will be screened at the Regent Theatre to-day. Without indulging in over-sentiment, the director, Tim Whelan, has made a film that is ridi in humour and unusually true to life. The chief parts.are taken by actors who have been responsible for sound performances in previous British pictures, Leslie Banks, Flora Robson, Sebastian Shaw and Patricia Milliard. The supporting programme is of an entertaining nature, the outstanding feature being Walt Disney's Academy Award Revue, in which are shown the most successful cartoons mado by that artist.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A strong dramatic picture entitled "The Unguarded Hour" heads the programme which will be screened at tho Prince Edward Theatre for the first time to-night. Leading parts are taken by Loretta Young and Franchot Tone, who give clever renderings of tho characters they portray. In the second film, "Thanks a Million." the wellknown actor Dick Powell sings and dances in his inimitable fashion. There is a good supporting programme. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA Kav Francis appears in "Stolen Holiday, which will bo screened • to-night at" tho State Theatre, Onehunga, together with "Under Your Spell."