ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22900, 1 December 1937, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An exciting story of one of the most interesting aspects of the war against crime, "Born Reckless," is to commence a season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. It deals with the attempt of a gang of criminals to impose a system of "contributions" to their funds on the proprietor of a taxi business, and of his successful efforts to avoid the domination of the criminals and bring tlicm to prison. Brian Donlevy adds a virile strength to the role of a secret agent of the police department sent to break up the organisation of the men who are terrorising a whole city in their efforts to gain, control. He is given the task of driving a taxi during the "war," with the object of gaining an insight into the working of the criminals' organisation. While thus engaged he meets Rochelle Hudson, who has joined the criminals in an effort to find out who sent her innocent brother to gaol. Their romance adds a brighter note to the "thrilling incidents of the picture. Eventually the leader of the band, played by Barton Mac Lane, develops a bullet-proof, puncture-proof taxi, and begins systematically to wreck the company's cars. With the intention of getting control (if this juggernaut, Don levy joins the gangsters. Quick movos on both sides follow, during which evidence is at last obtained against Mac Lane. There are some thrilling motor-car crashes in the climax to the story. The last film made by the noted explorer Martin Johnson, "Borneo," is the second feature on the programme. Thrilling scenes of animals in their native haunts are features of this picture, entirely different in typo from "Born Reckless," and the result is well-balanced entertainment. REGENT THEATRE "Easy Living," which will again be presented at the Regent Theatre to-day, is a fast-moving romantic comedy in which the humorous element is predominant. In the role of a working girl suddenly thrown into a luxurious environment Jean Arthur cleverly interprets the amusing bewilderment of the girl, and has brought to the part the charm of her own personality. EdAvard Arnold has a prominent role in the film, and Ray Milland makes a capable male lead for Miss Arthur. "Mr. Dodds Takes the Air" is the next attraction at the Regent Theatre. ST. ; JAMES' THEATRE Exploring new territory in film scenarios, "Lost Horizon," to be screened again to-day .at St. James' Theatre, offers unusual entertainment. It is the story of one, man's dream of a refuge from. the recurring wars of Western civilisation and from the fear of its ultimate destruction, translated into fact in the garden territory of Shangri-la, in remote Tibet. Ronald Colman, as the leader of a band of Europeans suddenly cast into this strange environment, gives an outstanding portrayal, and is ably supported by the remainder of the cast. PLAZA THEATRE Alice Faye, the talented singing actress, plays feminine lead in "You Can't Have Everything," which will continue a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Opposite here is Don Ameche, equally at home in comedy or romantic roles, while the humour is in the capable hands of the Ritz brothers, the popular comedian Arthur Treacher and Charles Winninger. MAJESTIC THEATRE An intensely dramatic story of the aftermath of war, "They Gave Him A Gun,"" is the main item of entertainment on the programme at the Majestic Theatre to-day. There is a strong cast, including Spencer Tracy, Franchot Tone and the newcomer from the legitimate . stage, Gladys George. There is also an excellent series of shorter features. CIVIC THEATRE The ceaseless intrigue of 17th-century French politics forms the background of "Under the Red Robe," the current attraction at the Civic Theatre. As Lady Marguerite, Annabella gives a performance not less brilliant than that in her first picture, and is thoroughly at home in this historical romance. Conrad Veidt also appears in the production. On Friday the romantic story of adventure, "Love Under Fire," is to begin a season at the Civic Theatre. The popular players Loretta Young and Don Ameche have the leading roles in this production, which deals with an aspect of the trouble in Spain. They have the support of Frances Drake and the noted comedian, Walter Catlett. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Two well-balanced films, "Gridiron Flesh" and "The. Unwelcome Stranger," are included on the programme to be screened at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-day. The popular 'actor Jack Holt has the leading role in the latter film, and Eddie Quillan makes a welcome reappearance in the second picture. STRAND THEATRE ) J One of the most dramatic sea stories to be presented on the screen, "Slave Ship," is to bo shown again to-day at the Strand Theatre. The production is superbly acted and photographed, and tho leading players, Wallace Beery, .Elizabeth Allen and Warner Baxter, display a complete understanding of the needs cf the plot. MAYFAIR THEATRE The pictures "Bulldog Drumniond Strikes Back" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel" comprise the entertaining programme to be screened at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. STATE THEATRE Clark Gable, Franchot Tone and Joan Crawford are the leading players in "Love on the Run," an amusing comedy romance to be screened at the State Theatre again to-day. STAR CINEMA Beautiful singing enhances the attraction of "Naughty Marietta," which is to be presented again to-day at the Star Cinema. TUDOR CINEMA Errol Flynn heads the cast of "Green Light," the dramatic production to be screened again to-day at the Tudor Cinema. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM , \ The films "Under Pressure" and "Orchids to You" are to be presented today at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandrinuliam. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT An entertaining film, "Border Cafe," is the main feature at the State Theatre, Dovonport, to-day. A film of the recent Farr-Louis boxing match also is being shown. STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA Tho production "White Cockatoo" is to bo followed by "Tho Gay Deception" on tho programme of tho State Theatre, Onoliunga, to-day. PRINCESS THEATRE Tho films A Night at the Rita" and "One Hour Late" will be presented at tho Princess Theatre to-day.