ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22984, 11 March 1938, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE The latest film in which Bing Crosby has appeared, "Double or Nothing," is to open a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. The chief members of the cast are soon as the beneficiaries under the will of an eccentric i old gentleman, a clause providing, however, that they must double an allotted sum of money in a certain time' before they can gain the legacy. Much amusement is derived from the endeavours of two of the cast, Martha Raye and Andy Devine, whose efforts meet with failure. Bing Crosby t sings a number of songs in his inimitable style. The New Zealand boy soprano Joseph Lyons appears on the stage. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Clark Gable, popular hero of "San Francisco," arid Myrna Loy,' who has won recognition by her charming performances in "The Thin Man" films, are together in' the leading roles of "Parnell," which will open a season at St. James' Theatre to-day. , The story of Charles Stewart, great Irish statesman, has been the subject of numerous plays, and, from its nature, is ideally suited to the screen. In this picture the important historical events of his career form the background for the interesting story of his romance with Katie O'Shea, which had its climax in the celebrated divorce suit brought by Willie O'Shea in which Parnell was cited as co-respondent. The significance of Parnell's struggle with Gladstone for Home Rule gives a solidity to the structure of the film, which is rarely found in historical romances. Edmund Gwenn, Billie Burke and Edna May Oliver take the chief supporting parts. An Our Gang comedy entitled "Three Smart Boys" will also be shown.

PLAZA THEATRE A thrilling story of espionage during the Great War is told in "Lancer Spy," which will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. George Sanders, who appeared in "Lloyds of London," has the leading role in this film, and gives a performance which is notable for its versatility in a difficult characterisation. He is seen as a ish naval lieutenant, who, in order to gain secret service information, disguises himself first as a German army officer, then as an elderly Prussian general in the high icommand, and .finally, as a prosaic, Swiss railway p6rter. His adventures in Germany form the basis of an exciting tale. Dolores del Rio takes the part of a beautiful spy, who' falls in love with the Englishman x and Peter Lorre gives a typically sinister portrayal of one of thq German authorities. Maurice Mosdovitch is also in : the strofig supporting cast. MAJESTIC THEATRE A well-balanced programme comprising two full-length pictures will be screened at the Majestic Theatre for the first time to-day. The ; niain attraction, entitled, "The Frog," is he screen version of a mystery story by Edgar Wallace, whose finely conceived and realistic novels still command attention several yeiars after his death. The mystery surrounding the identity of a criminal known as "The Frog" is of a particularly baffljng nature, and all the ingenuity of the police is needed before it is solved. The popular Cockney actor Gordon Harker takes the leading role, the promising young player Noah Beery also being in the cast. The second film on the programme, "Dangerous Adventure," is concerned with the rivalry of ;two steel manufacturing firms,, the owners being Don Terry and Rosalind Keith. MAYFAIR THEATRE ; 'V, The musical comedy "The Life of the Party," an R.K.0.-Radio production, will commence a season to-dav at the Mayfair Theatre. Gene Raymond and Harriet Hilliard supply the romance in the production, and Joe Penner, Parkyarkarkus, Helen Broderick and Victor Moore, four of the leading American comedians, are responsible for most of the humour. "The Life of the Party" concerns the romance between Barry, an heir to a fortune, played by Raymond, and Mitzi, a struggling, young singer, a role taken by Miss Hilliard. This romance follows a rocky and highly amusing path and is interspersed with six tuneful song successes and three dance numbers. When thfe match is opposed, Mitzi pretends to be married to Barry and there are many entertaining complications before the "film is brought to a conclusion; "Fight For Your Lady" will also be shown.

EMBASSY THEATRE A strong dramatic story is told in "Madame X," which is now in its second week at the Entbassy Theatre, and which will be screened to-clay together, with an interesting associate programme. The role which was made famous by Sarah Bernhardt arid played on the stage and screen by a long list of well-known actressess is taken on this occasion by Gladys George, who makes it one of the best of her career. John Beal, who was seen in "This Little Minister," takes the. part ;of Madame X's son, and "Warren 'William is seen as her husband. A feature of the supporting programme is the latest March of Time feature. STRAND THEATRE Following a successful extended season at the Civic Theatre, "Victoria the Great" will be given its first presentation at the Strand Theatre to-day. Anna Neagle gives an outstanding portrayal as the great queen, a role which calls for changes, not only in appearance, but also in character, from a girl to the aged queen who lived to celpbrate the jubilee of her reign. Anton Walbrook takes the part of the Prince Consort.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Shirley Temple gives an appealing performance in the 20th Century-Fox production "Heidi of the Alps," which heads tho programme to be presented to-day at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. Jean Hersliolt and Arthur Treacher are the main supporting players. The second attraction will be "Midnight Madonna," featuring William Warren. STATE THEATRE | The Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer eomedyromance "Married Before Breakfast" is the principal picture on the programme to begin a season to-night at the State Theatre. Robert Young and Florence Rice are the main players and are responsible for exceedingly amusing performances. Interesting short features will also be screened. STAR CINEMA

Tho outstanding technicolonr production "Vogues of 1938" is tho main full-length film to be shown to-day at the Star Cinema. Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett are the principals. The film contains an unusual and amusing story woven round the activities of a fashion house. "Nancy Steele is Missing" is the second attraction. j TUDOR CINEMA The popular singer Bing Crosby takes the leading role in the musical romance "Waikiki Wedding." the main attraction at the Tudor Cinema tonight. ;• STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT "Thin Ice" and "Rose of Tralee" will be presented to-night at tho State Theatre, Devonport.

CIVIC THEATRE "• . 'i'y The famous producer of "A Star is Born" and "The Prisoner of Zenda," David O. Sclznick, was responsible for the brilliant technicolour film "Nothing Sacred," which will have its first screenings at the Givic Theatre to-day. A rollicking satire on the gullibility of tho New York public in regard to what they read in tho newspapers, "Nothing Sacred" has an exceptionally strong cast, the two chief players being Fredric March and Carole Lombayd. Although Fredric March has gained his reputation for more serious acting, he proves that he is equally competent in lighter roles, while Miss Lombard repeats the success which she gained in "My. Man Godfrey." The elaborate, hoax which March, as the leading reporter on the Morning Star, perpetrates on his publisher and editor is the beginning of a swift-moving story, remarkable for crisp and witty dialogue. Others in the cast are Charles Winnin;;?r and Walter Connolly.

ROXY AND TIVOLI. THEATRES Extremely large audiences are attending the presentation of "Life Begins at College," in which the Ritz Brothers have tho leading roles, aud which will again be screened to-day at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The humorous nature of the story ran bo grasped from the fact that "three brothers take the parts of trouser pressers who are trying to work their way through college. All the aspects of screen collegiate life, music, football, dancing and frivolity, are worked into this entertaining production. Fred Stone takes tho part of the football captain, one of the members of the team being a burly Red Indian portrayed by Nat Pendelton, who has ten thousand dollars a day to spend, this being the re'venue from a number of oil wells. Ho is pursued by a girl student, represented in grotesque fashion by Joan Davis* The romantic side of the film is in the capable hands of Tony Martin and Gloria Stuart. Martin is seen as the leader of the dance band, and there are many songs and musical numbers incorporated in the film. Altogether twelve songs are sung* all being composed specially for the film. Others in the supporting cast are Dick Baldwin, Joan Marsh and Dixie Dunbar. The second picture ori the programme is a comedy, entitled, "Living on Love." James Dunn and Whitney Bourne take the leading roles, and a noval and interesting storv is centred round their adventures. Solly Ward has | an important support&g part. The film is an RKO Radio production. 'f|Br

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A well-balanced programme consisting of the two full-length productions "Pick a Star" and "Kathleen Mavonrneen" will be offered to patrons this evening at the Prince Edward Theatre. "Pick a Star" is an attractively, presented and bright musical comedy and an abundance of humour and the second film has a romantic story. LONDON CINEMA " Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" is th® title of the entertaining production which heads the programme;.commencing a season to-dav at the London Cinema. The film is a comedy* of an unusual type and a strong cast. BERKELEY THEATRE Featuring the . players Kay ( George Brent, and Roland Young,'-the picture "Sweet Aloes"- is-the principal attraction to-night at the Berkeley Theatre. A "supporting programme of a high standard will also be screened.' - .. ,■ v.;: : v•••! • KMnrfr ! BRITANNIA THEATRE "Captains Courageous" and "Lady From Nowhere" are the two fullJeiiEth films which will be. screened tonight at the Britannia Theatre. Freddie Bartholomew is. se6n in the first production.

STATE THEATRE. , ONEHUNGA ' The popular actress Arinabella takes the leading part in the historical drama "Under the Red Robe," which will be screened to-night with "Charlie Chan on Broadway" at "the State Theatre, Onehunga. ', ; ASTOR THEATRE The full-length films "Lloyds of London" and "The Return of Sophie Lang" are the current attractions at the Astor Theatre. ... ■ V . MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM , ; ' "Elephant Boy" and < ''Good Old Soak" will be shown to-night at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringkam. i • t . ''C : VICTORIA THEATRE, The outstanding Frank Capra production "Lost Horizon" is the; principal offering to-night, at - the Victoria Theatre, Devonport. Ronald Colman i« the central iigure of the production.