ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22955, 5 February 1938, Page 21

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES', THEATRE "Maytime," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture) which opened a season at St. James' Theatre yesterday, is one of the most entrancing operettas yet brought to the screen. Jeanette MaeDonald and Nelson Eddy, who appeared with such success in "Naughty Marietta" and "Rose Marie," are once again seen in leading roles and once again act and sing with distinction. Sumptuously produced, sincerely acted and with a splendid musical score magnificently sung, this picture approaches perfection. Apart from the strength of tho story, which achieves a dramatic significance rare in musical films, "Maytime" is notable for tho variety of songs included in the score and for the imnginative use of background music to reflect the changing moods of the story. The principal numbers range from Romberg's "Sweetheart, Will You Remember?", Delibes' "Les Filles do Cadiz" and the plantation song "Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny" to a magnificent vocal adaptation of Tschaikowsky's Fifth Symphony and arias from grand opera. Representing a new departure for the screen, the operatic treatment of the Tscbaikowsky music, sung to French words by Nelson Eddy ajid Miss Mac Donald, is one of the most lovely and thrilling musical interludes the cinema has achieved. "Maytime" is primarily a musical story, filled with tho lilting solos and duets of the principals and with tho fine chorus work of well-trained singers. Tho director, Robert Leonard, has kept the narrative flowing easily, introducing the songs naturally and letting them bear their share in the development of the plot. Eddy and Miss Mac Donald receive excellent support from John Barrymoro. as a loving but jealous impresario, from Herman Bing, as an apoplectic maestro, from Paul Porcasi, as a composer, from Tom Brown, Lynne Carver, Rafaela Ottiano and many others. Items on the supporting programme include "The King Without a Crown" and "Ski Skill," which has a commentary by Pete Smith.

PLAZA THEATRE Rider Haggard's thrilling story "King Solomon's Mines" is brought to the screen in highly convincing manner in the Gaiunont British production of the same name which opened a season before large audiences at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The outstanding player is Paul Robeson, and his performance is notable both for his singing and his acting. His numbers include "Ihe Waggon Song" and "Climbing Up." He sings the latter twice, once with a remarkable echo effect that is particularly suited to the impressive mountain setting of the sequence. As the intrepid hunter Allan Quartermain, Sir Cedric Hardwicke gives a masterly portrayal. The popular English screen comedian Roland Young is particularly effective as Commander Good, and his quaint remarks provide welcome comedy relief in the highly dramatic sequences of the film. A romantic interest is provided by Anna Lee and John Loder. The party set out across the desert in search of the girl's father. Tho latter has gone in search of King Solomon's mines, and the expedition, after facing the tortures of thirst and sandstorms in the desert, ultimately reaches the mines. Here they are taken prisoner by a tribe of hostile natives. It is only the timely arrival of an eclipse of the sun that saves the white people from a horrible death. There follows a battle between two factions of the tribe, one led by Robeson and the other by the brutal chief. Roboson's army is victorious, and the party are at last at liberty to enter tho historic mines. Here they find the girl's father and after escaping the attentions of the local witch doctor and a volcanic eruption they escape with a small fortune in diamonds. There is an attractive supporting programme which includes a Fox Movietone newsreel of the sesqui - centenary celebrations in Sydney, including tho arrival of a number of Empire flying-boats. Also on the programme are a Gaumont British novelty film and an Educational Pictures musical featurette.

MAJESTIC THEATRE One of Zane Grey's most thrilling stories is brought to the screen by a talented cast in Paramount's "Thunder Trail," which opened a season yesterday at the Majestic Theatre. The main roles are taken by Gilbert Roland, as "Arizona" Dick Ames, Charles Bickford, as Lee Tate, and Marsha Hunt, as Amy Morgan. The story is a dramatic ono of two brothers Dick and Bob Ames, whoso father is killed when a waggon train on its way from California with a load of gold, is ambushed by Lee Tate and his band of renegades. Bob Ames is taken away by Tate, who takes a liking to the boy and brings him up as his own son, but the brother Dick is left for dead and is brought up by a Mexican prospector, Raphael Lopez. Years after the raid, Lopez and Dick ride into a town where Tate and his band are trying to steal a gold mine owned by Jim Morgan and his daughter Amy. Dick Ames recognises Tate and when he tries to find conclusive proof of Tate's guilt he is confronted oy his long-separated brother Bob, who starts a fight with him. In the course of the struggle Bob is identified by an old scar ana joins his brother in the effort to obtain the downfall of the bandit. The plot from this point is developed in a thrilling manner and the difficulties which beset the two brothers in their seemingly almost impossible task to bring the criminal to justice are graphically portrayed. The second full-length film on the programme is "On Such a Night," which tells a story of courage against adversity when the great Mississippi River floods and drives thousands of people from their homos. The main roles are taken by Karen Morley and Grant Richards.

RECENT THEATRE "Merry-go-round of 1938,'' one of the most entertaining comedies to be screened in Auckland for some time, commenced a season before large audiences at the Regent Theatre yesterday. The film is notable for its hilariously impossible situations and the brightness of the dialogue. The cast includes several of the screen's most accomplished comedians, outstanding among these being Mischa Auer and Alice Brady. John King is cast as a rich young man, Tony, whose fortune is dependent on the moods of his wealthy but eccentric Aunt Hortense, a part taken by Alice Brady. Tony is in love with Sally, a young vaudeville player, but his aunt does not approve of the match. In the role of Sally, Joy Hodges is responsible for a very appealing portrayal. The main comedy interest is supplied by the efforts of Sally's foster-fathers, Mischa Auer, Billy House, Bert Lalir and Jimmy Savo, to persuade Aunt Hortense that Sally is the ideal girl for Tony. To do this Mischa is disguised as an Indian swami complete with his bed of nails. Jimmy becomes his servant, Billy dresses as a woman and assumes the name of Lady Flintridge, a typical English aristocrat, iund Bert, learning that Aunt Hortenso in her girlhood had a love affair with a Canadian woodsman, obtains an axe, a sledge, a dog team and a woodsman's jacket. The situation is rather complicated when the self-styled swami discovers that ho is endowed with mystic powers, and Aunt Horte rise's real (over, who has deserted lumbering for the wrestling ring, makes a sudden appearance to claim his bride. The picture culminates in a wrestling match between the two woodsmen and Mischa brings his mystic powers into play to save Bert from an untimely death. The supporting programme includes a Government film production, "Our Bread," depicting the advances.of the wheat industry in the Dominion since its earliest days. Other featurettes are a "Going Places" travelogue., a novelty film, "Bushland Revels," and an Oswald the Rabbit cartoon, "Mysterious Jug."

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES How a conceited but likeable cinema actor who believes himself the world's greatest amateur detective actually solves a series of Hollywood crimes to the amazement of everyone but himself, forms the theme of the RKO-Radio thriller "Super Sleuth," which heads the current double programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Jack Oakie as the actor Bill Martin, and Ann Southern as the studio publicity director Mary Strand, take the leading roles. When he receives word that lie has been selected as the next victim of the murderer, Martin calmly plans to capture the criminal and is saved from the result of his rashness by Mary Strand. The picture combines thrills and humour and Oakie and Miss Sothern give entertaining portrayals. The second film is the G-men production Counterfeit Lady," which tells of the adventures of a clever woman jewel thief. Ralph Bellamy acts as a detective and Joan Perry is seen as the attractive criminal.

MAYFAIR THEATRE A gripping story is splendidly portrayed by a talonted English cast in "Action 'for Slander," the Alexander Korda production based on tho novel by Mary Borden, which will again be presented to patrons to-day at the Mayfair Theatre. The chief player is Clive Brook, who is ably supported by Ann Todd, Margaretta Scott and Ronald Squire. Brook appears as an army officer who is accused of cheating at cards in his own home at a time when his wife is about to leave him. Rather than cause a scandal he does not fight the allegations and resigns his poet. The picture is brought to a dramatic climax when ho finally decides to clear his name. The film is excellently produced and brilliant characterisations are given by the players. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Ronald Colman gives one of the finest performances of his career in the dramatic production "Lost Horizon, which forms the main attraction today at tho Prince Edward Theatre. The film is based on a novel by James Hilton and shows the discovery of a Utopian country in Tibet and its influence on tho life of a British diplomat. STATE THEATRE The popular comedians Laurel and Hardy give a hilarious performance in "Way Out West,' the main attraction on the programme to be shown to-dpy at the State Theatre. The wild west is the setting for their latest adventures and they make the most of the highly humorous incidents provided by the story. STAR CINEMA A pleasing double-feature programme comprising "Man in Possession" and "Back to Nature" will be offered to patrons to-day at the Star Cinema. Robert Taylor and Jean Harlow appear in the first picture, a comedy, and the Jones Family are featured in tho second. BRITANNIA THEATRE Clark Gable, Franchot Tone and Joan Crawford appear in the entertaining production "Love on the Run," which head 3 the double programme to be presented to-day at tho Britannia Theatre. The second film is the pleasing romanco "Laughing Irish Eyes." MAYFAIR. SANDRINGHAM The screen version of the novel bv Jules Verne, "Michael Strogoff," starring Anton Walbrook, will be shown to-day at the Mayfair Theatre. Sandringham. The associate feature is "A Family Affair." <STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNCA The British child actress Binkie Stuart heads the cast of "Rose of Tralee," which will be screened with "Flight from Glory" at tho State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT Robert Taylor appears opposito Barbara Stanwyck in "His Affair," which will be presented with "Rustlers' Valley" at the State Theatro, Devonport, to-night. ORPHEUS THEATRE An entertaining double programme will be offered to patrons to-day at the Orpheus Theatre. The films will be "Dark Journey" and "Born Reckless." GREY LYNN CINEMA "Nobody's f Baby" and '"Streot Singer's Return" will be screened to-day at the Grey Lynn Cinoma. . CAPITOL THEATRE . "Ready, Willing and Able" and "Heart of the West" will be presented to-day at the Capitol Theatro. WINDSOR THEATRE The two films "Swing High, Swing Low" and "North of Nome'" comprise the current programme at tho Wiudsor Theatre. ALEXANDRA THEATRE "Waikiki Wedding," with Bing Crosby in one of his popular roles, and a, second full-length picture "North of the Rio Grande" wilj be filmed at the Alexandra Theatre to-night.

CIVIC THEATRE Now in the second week of its season, Samuel Goldwyn's production "The Hurricane" will again be shown to-day at the Civic Theatre. "The Hurricane" is a dramatic saga of the South. Seas and the story, written by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall, hfes been translated into a picture of considerable entertainment value under the direction of John Ford. Dorothy Lamour / and Jon Hall head a strong cast, which includes Mary Ay tor, C. Aubrey Smith, Raymond Massey and John Carradine. The film combines tender romance, powerful drama and picturesque settings, and is brought to a spectacular climax when a storm sweeps the island' home of two native lovers, Tcrangi and Marama, who were separated for five years when Terangi had been imprisoned for striking a white man who had insulted him. The long imprisonment is the result of his unsuccessful attempts to escape, and when finally ho does escape ho risks his freedom by returning to the island to warn the people of the storm.

STRAND THEATRE The popular. double-feature programme comprising "Heidi of the Alps" and "52nd Street,'' which is now in the third week of its season at the Strand Theatre, will again be presented to-day. "Heidi of the Alps," a 20th CenturyFox picture, features the child actress Shirley Temple, who appears as the girl Heidi, and others in the cast are the noted character actor Jean Hersholt, the comedian Arthur Treacher, and Helen Westley. The picture has an appealing story and the interest is maintained by.' a dramatic development of the plot. The second attraction is a United Artists release and is a bright and spectacular musical production. Many talented players and eutertainers appear in the film, the most notable of whom are lan Hunter, Leo Carrillo, Pat Paterson and Zasu Pitts.

EMBASSY THEATRE Striking an unusual note in Rcreen entertainment, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture "Night Must Fall" will continue its season to-day at the Embassy Theatre. The production is based on the successful London stage play and the chief role, that of a youth. Danny, who is possessed of abnormal criminal tendencies and yet who is capable of exercising an extraordinarily strong charm, is taken by Robert Montgomery. Others in the cast are Rosalind Russell, who appears as a girl who is in love with Danny and who realises that he is a criminal, and Dame May Whitty, a3 the aunt of the girl.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Alice Faye and Don Amecho take the leading romantic roles in "You Can't Have Everything," the entertaining comedy which heads the current programme at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. The Ritz Brothers head the supporting cast. An associate feature is the mystery film "Reported Missing," in which William Gargan and Jean Rogers appear prominently. GAIETY THEATRE, OTAHUHU .The French screen star Annabella takes the leading role in "Wings of the Morning," a highly pleasing production in technicolour based on a story by Donn Byrne, which will be shown tonight at the Gaiety Theatre, Otahuhu. ASTOR THEATRE Janet Gaynor and Fredric March give outstanding performances in "A Star is Born," which heads the programme to-day at the Astor Theatre. This picture, which is in technicolour, will be shown together with "Guardians of the Air." ' PRINCESS THEATRE At the Princess Theatre to-day the principal attraction will be "Angel's Holiday," in which Jane Withers is responsible for a great deal of amusement. "Kid Galahad" will be a second attraction. VICTORIA THEATRE Two full-length films, "Farewell Again" and "I Promise To Pay/' form the attraction at the Victoria Theatre to-day. The first production is an interesting Erich Pomnier picture and depicts a dramatic incident in the British Army. BERKELEY THEATRE Paul Muni and Miriam Hopkins appear, in "The Woman I Love," which is the main attraction to-day on the programme at the Berkeley Theatre. An interesting supporting programme will also be shown. LONDON CINEMA Musical comedy and adventure are combined on the current programme nt the London Cinema, where tne chief .attraction to-day is "King Solomon of Broadway," featuring Eamund and Dorothy Page. The associate film is "Yellow Dust," starring Richard Dix. TUDOR CINEMA An entertaining romantic comedy "Romance in Paris" is the chief attraction to-day at the Tudor Cinema. The main players are Ferdinand Gravet and Joan Blondell, while Edward Everett Horton heads the supporting cast. An interesting programme of short films will also be shown. EMPRESS THEATRE Warner Baxter and Wallace Beery have prominent roles in a stirring dramatic film "Slave Ship," which will be shown at the Empress Theatre tonight. The other picture is "Love in a Bungalow." REGAL THEATRE That inimitable pair Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are onco more together in another dancing and singing picture, "Shall We Danco," which will be shown at the Regal Theatre to-day. The associate feature will be "Night of Mystery." ADELPHI THEATRE The screen version of Stanley Weyman's period novel "Under the Red Robe" comes to the Adelphi Theatre to-day. "Angel's Holiday" is the second attraction.