ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22878, 5 November 1937, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE Two entertaining pictures will he presented at the Majestic Theatre for the first time to-day, the chief attraction being entitled "The Street Singer Returns." Arthur Tracy, who previously appeared in "The Street Singer's Serenade," and who has also won a reputation for bis singing on the radio, takes the most important part in the new film. He is seen as Richard King, an actor who quarrels with his leading lady during rehearsal. Dressed in his stage clothes representing a beggar, he wanders into the street, where he meets a girl named Jenny, who, thinking he is in reality, penniless, invites him to join a street musical act in which she appears with her uncle, played by Arthur Riscoe. A number of attractive songs are presented in the course ol the film. The second picture. "Roaring Timbers," is a turbulent story of the lumber camps in the Rocky Mountains. Jack Holt, appears as the "boss" ol a gang of lumbermen. CIVIC THEATRE The life of Jim Fisk, a pedlar who became one of the most powerful financiers in America shortly after the Civil War, forms to basis of "The Toast of New York," the colourful film which wilj be screened at the Civic Theatre for the first time to-day. Edward Arnold, the virile actor ol historical roles, takes the part of Fisk in this film, and handles the unusual role with a sure feeling for the finer points of character. Associated with Jim I'isk in his rise to fortune were Nick Boyd and Luke Hawkins, who arc portrayed by Gary Grant and Jack Oakie respectively. The chief feminine role, that of Josie Mansfield, who, with 1" isk s support, became one of the most popular singers in the city, is attractively handled by Frances Farmer, who has previously appeared opposite Edward Arnold in "Come and Get It." The film was directed by Rowland V. Lee. REGENT THEATRE The grey walls of an American prison enclose much of the action in San Quentin," the dramatic Warner Brothers picture which will open a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Pat O'Brien takes the part of an army officer, Captain Jameson, who, being sent to San Quentin as a yard captain, attempts to reform the criminals by humane methods, in striking contrast to those employed by his predecessor. One of the convicts is "Red" Kennedy, and Jameson's straight-forward character causes him to determine to be honest. He is told, however, that Jameson's kindness to him is the result of his affection for Kennedy's sister May. As a result, Kennedy makes a desperate attempt to escape. Ann Sheridan has the chief feminine role of May Kennedy. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Rudyard Kipling's story "Captains Courageous" will be again shown in its screen adaptation at St. James' theatre to-day. Spencer Tracy gives a brilliant characterisation of Manuel, a Portuguese fisherman on the Grand Banks, who rescues a boy, played by I'reddie Bartholomew, from drowning in the Atlantic. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A picture based on the further adventures of S. S. van Dine s popular detective Philo Vance, "Night of Mvsterv" heads the current programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Roscoe Karns and Ruth Coleman take the leading roles and Grant Richards is seen as the suave and keen-witted detective. W hen the police cannot solve the mystery of the murder of Julia Greene, a member of a wealthy family, Philo Vance is brought into the case. He discoverers that there is great animosity among the members of the family, who arc forced to live together under the terms of a will. The first death is followed by that of a brother and the mother, and an attempt on the life of the adopted daughter. After manv tense situations, Vance is able to discover the murderer and prove his case. Also on the programme is "Fly-Away Baby," with Glenda Farrell and Barton MaeLane. Miss 1" arrell takes the part of the newspaper girl "Torchv Blane." whose feats of detection' will be remembered from earlier pictures. In the present film she uses an aeroplane to track a criminal across America MAYFAIR THEATRE The musical production "Wake Up and Live" heads the programme to becin a season to-day at the Mayfair Theatre, and will be supported by a second full-length picture "The Lady Escapes " A large and talented vaudeville and comedy cast takes part, in the first picture and includes the wellknown players Alice Faye. Ben Bernie, Patsy Kelly, Ned Sparks, Jack Haley, Walter Winched and Joan Davis. Numerous successful songs are presented and the film contains spectacular dancing scenes, together with an entertaining story. "The Lady Escapes" has a romantic theme and excellent characterisations are given by Michael Whalen and Gloria Stuart. The two films combine to form a programme of high entertainment value. STATE THEATRE Wallace Beery gives an appealing characterisation in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production "Good Old Soak," which will be presented to-day at the State Theatre. The associate east includes Una Merkel, Eric Linden, Betty Furncss, Ted Hcalcv and Judith Rarratt. The second full-length picture on the programme is "The Song of Freedom." in which the chief part is taken by the popular negro singer Paul Robeson. whose outstanding bass voice and acting ability are given full scope. STAR CINEMA An unusual war-film, "The Road to Glory," heads the programme to be screened at the Star Cinema to-day. Fredric March, Warner Baxter and Lionel Barrymore take prominent roles. The second picture, "King of Burlesque," is a spectacular musical comedy, in which Alice Faye appears with Jack Oakie. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Charles Winninger takes the part of Cappy Ricks in "The Go-Getter," which will be screened at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. The second attraction is a musical film entitled "Top of the Town." LONDON CINEMA An entertaining double programme will be presented to-day at the London Cinema and will comprise the full-length productions "Accent on Youth" and "Scarlet River." ASTOR THEATRE An amusing comedy and a western story, are included in the programme to bo shown to-day at the Astor Theatre, where "My Man Godfrey" will be followed by "Bar 20 Rides Again." BRITANNIA THEATRE "A Star is Born" bends-the current programme at the Britannia llvntre and the associate attraction is "Under Cover of Night " PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "Man of the People" and "Guardians of the Air" are the two films to be screened to-day at tliu Prince Edward Theatre.

PLAZA THEATRE The struggles, adventures and emotions that shaped the lives of exsoldiers in the period of reeonstruction that followed the Great "War form the theme of "The Road Hark," the NewUniversal production which will commence a season to-day at the Plaza Theatre. Responsible lor the picture are three gifted men who rose to fame as authorities on the war and its psychological cfleet on the youth ot many nations. They are R. G. Sherriff, who will be remembered for his play "Journey's End," Eric Remarque, the German" novelist, and the producer James Whale, who himself served in the war. The part of Ernst JJcrkholz is played by John King and the roles of his" closest comrades are taken by Slim Summerville, Andy Devine, Manrice Murphy, Henry Hunter, Noah Beerv, junior, Gene Garrick and Lairj Blake. Barbara Read has the chief feminine part. The glamour and spectacle ot a Hollywood "premiere" will be found at to-night's presentation of "The Road Back" at the Plaza Theatre. The staff of the theatre will be dressed in the picturesque clothes of many different nations, and flags will be hung in the lobby. A hundred decorated ex-service-men'will be present. A number of wellknown theatrical personalities, including Elsa Stralia, George Storey, Duleio Mdner and Corona, will also attend the premiere. Mr. Baden Creighton uill bo master of ceremonies. STRAND THEATRE Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers give one of their best performances in "Shall We Dancer"', a musical 'film which is to open a season to-day at the Strand Theatre. The story is stronger than is customary in a film of this type and is a perfect vehicle for the two players. Astaire is seen as an American ballet dancer who is in Paris and to the indignation of his manager he falls in love with Miss Rogers, who takes the part of an American revue star. He makes her acquaintance under extremely amusing circumstances and follows her on board a liner when she is returning to her own country. A report appears that they are secretly married and they are forced into a marriage of convenience which they intend to dissolve, and this leads to even more embarrassing consequences. Dancing is deftly drawn in and comedy and songs are provided in an engaging fashion. EMBASSY THEATRE Samuel Goldwyn's dramatic production "Stella Dallas" will again be shown to-day at the Embassy Theatre, where it continues to attract large audiences. The poignant story is told with restraint and is real and natural, and sympathetic portrayals are given In- the leading players, John Boles, Barbara Stanwyck and Anne Shirley. Miss Stanwyck plays the part of a woman who marries above herself and who alienates her husband by her flambouyant behaviour. Her character gradually deteriorates and her sole redeeming feature seems to be her love for her daughter, a role taken by Anne Shirley. The film comes to a dramaticconclusion when Stella Dallas, realising that she is standing in the way of her daughter's happiness, gives her up to the care of her father. PRINCESS THEATRE "As Good As Married" and "Charlie Chan at the Olympics" provide excellent entertainment at the Princess Theatre, where the two films will be screened to-day. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The outstanding colour production "Wings of the Morning," starring the French actress Annabella, is to be shown to-day at the State Theatre, Devonport, together with "Make Way for a Ladv." TUDOR CINEMA The noted pianist Paderewski appears in "Moonlight Sonata," the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema, and lie plays several popular numbers. A romantic theme runs through the film. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM Attractive fare is provided for patrons at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham, to-dav, when the full-length attractions ' "Stowaway" and "Night Waitress" will be shown. CIVIC THEATRETTE Boris Knrloff gives his usual thrilling performance in "The Bride of Frankenstein," which will be shown today at the Civic Theatrette. The film is a successor to Karloff's earlier picture "Frankenstein.'' STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "Bulldog Drummond Escapes" and "Step Lively, Jeeves" provide thrills and humour in the programme to be shown to-day at the State Theatre, Onehunga.