ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22985, 12 March 1938, Page 20

ENTERTAINMENTS

I ST. JAMES' THEATRE The life of the great Irish politiciar Charles Stewart Parnell, as told i'T John Yan Druten's famous play, is the basis of the dramatic, historical filir "Parnell," which opened its season at St James' Theatre yesterday hetorc large audiences. The dynamic actoi Clark Gable brings to the screen tlu strong personality, the idealism ant tenacity of Parnell in forceful style and, as Katie O'Shea, with whom th« statesman fell in love, Myrna Loy adds another charming portrait to her re cord. The historical background of the film, founded on real events, ia a wcl- - come change from the romantic fictior of many so-called historical pictures and makes the story of the two centra figures stand out in clear and realistic detail. The struggle for Home Kule ii the chief factor in the story of the film Parnell's stern fight received a set-bacl when he was accused of encouraginj; the notorious Phoenix Park murders Later, ho had a breakdown in health recovering under the enre of Katie O'Shea. His struggle for Home It tilt at last seemed to be near success wher Glndstonp absolved him from blame ir the conspiracy, and his fame was thcr at its height. With dramatic sudden mess came the divorce proceedings iu stituted bv the time-serving Willi* O'Shea, m which Parnell was cited a; co-respondent. His situation was rend ered difficult by the hostility of man) of his most influential friends, and hj( was forced to choose betweeu his country and his own wishes. The stronj, supporting cast includes hdmunc Gwenn, Edna May Oliver and Billi< Burke. Heading the associate pro gramme is a Pete Smith novelty en titled "Grand Bounce," another fea ture being a coloured Fitzpatricl travelopue. "Glimpses of Java anc Ceylon. For its varied entertainment and strong appeal, this programme should prove extremely popular. I PLAZA THEATRE lAxl exciting story of espion ige is presented in "Lancer Spy," i Twentieth Century-Fox picture whicl opened a seascjn at the Plaza Theatre , yesterday. Briskly narrating in a serie: of exciting episodes a remarkable ex ploit achieved- by a British se'crei agent, the film is based on a novel writ ten by Martha McKenna and adaptec for the screen by Philip Dunne. Quite apart from its merit as entertainment "Lancer Spy" is of particular interest in that it is the first film in whicl George Sanders, the promising Britisl acter, has a leading role. Sanders at tracted considerable attention by the merit of his supporting performances ir "Lloyds of London" and "Slave Ship' and his impressive work in "Lancei Spy" leaves no doubt that Hollywoor has discovered a nevr leading man o; considerable charm and acting ability Cast .as Lieutenant Michael Bruce, oi the Royal Nary, Sanders impersonate: a captured German officer whom he re sem.bles and enters Germany chargec with a desperate mission. _ Proof oi Sanders' acting ability is given in ai: early scene - of the picture when he walks out of one door as the Prussiar officer and enters another as the British, lieutenant who is merely pretending to be the Prussian. The clothes, shortcropped hair, make-up and every other detail are identical, yet Sanders manages "to distinguish quite clearly between, the two men, and does so without speaking a word of dialogue. The film .is also notable in that it is tlu first,to be directed by Gregory Ratoff, Hollywood character actor and screen author. the assistance of a splendid supporting cast, which includes such accomplished performers as Dolores Del /Rio, Peter Lorre, Joseph Schildkraut and Maurice Moscovitch. Mr, Hatciff has offered a most convincing proof of his versatility by his inspirec presentation of as excit ing and as entertaining as any showr in Auckland for many months. , News reels'ind a comedy are included in the supporting' programme. , '■ '' : . t ' -i MAJESTIC THEATRE AH < the' ingredients of the perfeci Edgar Wallace mystery story are tc fee found i,n the screen version of "Th< Frog," which heads the strong double feature programme which comiriencec a season at the Majestic Theatre yes terday.-The myfitery is made even more baffling on the screen by the rapidit) with which events happen. The un known. criminal, who goes under the name of the "Frog," is seen lurkin} in the strangest situations, and Scot land Yard finds his capture one of theii most difficult problems. A cleverly in troduced element of comedy takes th< intensity off many of his actions, anc praise is due to Gordon Harker, the well-knowc. Cockney actor, for th< adroitness .with whi-ih he mingle! humour with deeds. Another leadinj part in the - film is taken bv Noal Beery, junior, whose resemblance t( his father is astonishing. The produc tion was in the capable hands of Her bert' Wilcox. A second attraction or the ' programme is a picture dealing with the rivalry of two great steel manufacturing firms. The talentec young actress Rosalind Keith takes th< part' of the owner of a large business the manager of which is trying to ruir it for his own ends. Don Terry givei a strong performance as the hero. The associate programme includes a TJni ,rersal gazette. '. I':*■' ; j REGENT. BPSOM The musical film "Shall We Dance,' with Fred Astaire and-Ginger Roger in the main parts, will be presented to day at the Regent Theatre, Epsom "Trouble in Morocco" also being on th( programme. r:ffi ] I BRITANNIA- THEATRE The'Metro-Goldwyn : Mayer film "Cap tains Courageous" will be shown to-daj at the Britannia Theatre together, witr ''Lady from* Nowhere." TUDOR CINEMA,, Bing Crosby appears in the musical film "Waikiki Wedding," which heads a strong programme at the Tudor Cinema to-aay. ' MAYFAIR. SANDRINGHAM The strong double-feature programme "Elephant Boy" and "The Good Old Soak" will.be presented to-day at thf Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham. GAIETY THEATRE, OTAHUHU Irene Dunne and Cary Grant appear in "The Awful Truth," which headi to-night's programme at the Gaiety Theatre, Otahuhu. EMPRESS THEATRE Bobby Breen gives a pleasing performance in "Make a Wish" which, together with "Breakfast for Two," comprises to-day's programme at the Empress Theatre. ALEXANDRA THEATRE An entertaining double-feature programme including the films "Rose of lralee" and "Reported Missing" is tc be screened to-day at the Alexandra Theatre. , REGAL THEATRE Two clever comedies, "I Met Him ir Paris" and "On Again, Off Again,' are the features of the programme tc be shown to-day at the Regal Theatre BERKELEY THEATRE The beautiful actress Kay Francis ap pears in "Sweet Aloes," which heads ) atronz programme to-day at the Berke ley Thfcatre.

REGENT THEATRE The whim of an eccentric rich man, who inserted a clause in his will that his wealth should be divided among an.y of a selected number of people who could double a sum of money in a certain period, provides tho basis of the action in "Double or Nothing," which opened a season at the Regent Iheatri yesterday. Among the contestants art characters portrayed by Bing Crosby, Martha Kayo, Mary Carlisle and Andy Pevine, a cast which gives some index of the entertainment value of the film. Their efforts are resisted by relatives of the dead man, and much amusement and a certain amount of excitement come.from the resulting struggle. Andy Pevine opens a golf school, offering lavish prizes to anyone who can hole out in one. His rivals hire a golf champion, but, when he has failed and wealth is within the proprietor's grasp, a drunken man takes the prize. Binj; Crosbv is seen as the owner of a dance hall. "The efforts of the dead mail's relatives seem to be oil the point ot success when by an unexpected coup the hero defeats them. Some of the most brilliant and spectacular acts by acrobats and dancers are incorporated ill the picture, and Bing Crosby also sings a number of songs in attractive style. The supporting programme is oi tlie usual high standard, including a Grantland Rice sports novelty "Rhythm of the Game,'' a coloured cartoon "Peeping Penguins," and a News of the World. The New Zealand boy soprano Joseph Lyons appears on the stage. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The original American comedians thi Ritz Brothers score one of their great est successes in "Life Begins at Col lege," which heads an attractivi double-feature programme at the Box; and Tivoli Theatres to-dav. The hilari ous nature of the comedy, which a times verges on burlesque, is shown bi the characters which the three brother: assume in the picture. They are seoi as three trouser pressors trying to wori their way through college. All the lea tures of college life as known in tin: country through the films are treatec in the same light-hearted manner. Free Stone takes the part of the captaii of the foothill team, one member beinj a burly Bed Indian portrayed witl characteristic skill by Nat Pendleton The fact that the Indian has 10,001 dollars a day pocket money, revemu from a nuinher of oil-wells, makes bin attractive to, one of the college girls portrayed by Joan Pavis, and her pur suit of him is a fruitful source o: humour. Tony Martin, as the leadei of the college dance band, and tin promising actress Gloria Stuart providi the romantic side of the picture, ii addition to singing a number of songs The second film on the programme "Living on Love," has James Puiir and A\ hitney Bourne in leading roles, STRAND THEATRE The life of Queen Victoria, as shown in the film "Victoria the Great," now being screened at the Strand Theatre, makes an interesting and vivid historical narrative. Many of the scenes were filmed in the heart of London, and such places as Buckingham Palace. Windsor Castle, St., James' Palace and Balmoral Castle, are seen iu the magnificence of the last century. The story describes in dramatic fashion the life of the queen from the time when she came to the throne at the age of 17 until her jubilee 60 vears later. In the title role the English actress Anna Neagle gives one of the best characterisations presented iii Auckland for some time, and, as Albert the Prince Consort, Anton "Walbrook brings to life that mo6t charming of princes. The lavishness of the age is transferred to the screen with outstanding success, especially the jubilee, which is filmed in beautiful technicolour. The film is an U.K.o.'Radio production. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A popular novel "Heidi of the Alps" forms the basis of a film of the same name which will be presented to-day at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres, with.Shirley Temple in the chief role. The second picture is '-Midnight Madonna." STATE THEATRE Together with a well-selected programme of short features, the comedy "Married Before Breakfast" will be screened to-day at the State Theatre. Robert Young has the most important part. STAR CINEMA "Vogues of 1938," an attractive coloured film, and "Xancv Steele is Missing." will be presented to patrons of the Star Cinema to-day. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The Olympic skating champion Sonja Henie appears in "Thin Ice," which will be presented to-day at the State Theatre, Devon port, the second film being "Wild Money." STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Two full-length films, "Under the Red Robe" and "Charlie Chan on Broadway," comprise to-day's programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga. LONDON CINEMA Gary Cooper, gives.a brilliant characterisation in "Mr. Deeds Goes tc Town," which is the main attraction to-day at the London Cinema. ASTOR THEATRE A dramatic historical film, "Lloyd? of London" is to be shown to-day at the Astor Theatre along with "The return of Sophie Lang." ADELPHI THEATRE One of the cleverest comedies of the rear, "I Met Him in Paris" is the main picture on to-day's programme at tho Adelphi Theatre. "Flight from Gilory" will also be shown. PRINCESS THEATRE The Irish film "Rose of Tralee" will he screened to-day at the Princess Theatre, the second attraction beinu "Riding on Air." VICTORIA THEATRE Frank Capra's epic film, "Lost Horizon," with Ronald Colman in the major role, will be screened again tolay at the Victoria Theatre. ORPHEUS THEATRE Two full-length films. "Slim" and "Angel's Holiday," will be presented ;o-day at the Orpheus Theatre. CAPITOL THEATRE Peanna Purbin's successful film "Three Smart Girls" will be screened to-day at the Capitol Theatre, together with "North of Nome." WINDSOR THEATRE Carole Lombard gives a clerer performance in "Love Before Breakfast," which will be presented to-day at the Windsor Theatre, the. second attraction being "The Great O'Malley." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE A number of well-known comedians appear in the film "Pick a Star," which will be screened to-day at the Prince Edwird Theatre, together with "KathMfl.fnnrnuMi 5 *

CIVIC THEATRE Clever acting by a large oast, smooth direction by David 0. Selznick, the beauty of technicolour photography, racy dialogue anil a diverting story make most satisfying entertainment of ;the Him "Nothing Sacred," which was screened for the first time at the Civic Theatre yesterday. The mood of the picture is set in the first scenes, where Wallace Cook, leading reporter on the New York Morning Star, unwittingly perpetrates a hoax on his editor. As a last chance he in sent to Warsaw, Vermont, in order to obtain a story about a nirl who is said to be dying of radium poisoning. He gets little encouragement from the inhabitants of the town, who are notable chiefly for their vocabulary of onlv two words, "Yes" and "No!" Finally ho finds the girl, and decides to take her to New \ork with him. Her doctor, however, has in the meantime discovered that his fears for the girl are incorrect, but, as she wishes to see New York, she and the doctor go there with the reporter, who is still unaware of the situation. On her arrival the girl is feted throughout. the city, her bravery in the face of death appealing to a gullible public. Her constant attendant is Wallace Cook, who is unable to understand how she makes a show of courage when her fate is so near. The rest of the story cannot be told without damaging the interest, but humorous situations tollow swiftly upon each other until one of the most entertaining finales of reI cent films. Frodric March gives an outI standing performance as the reporter, while Carole Lombard repeats the success of "My Man Godfrey" in the leading feminine role. As the tempestuous editor, who is kept in a whirl of doubt and delusion by the ot the i reporter and the girl, Walter Connolly | is at his best, while Charles Winninger ! is well suited bv the role of the doctor. The supporting programme includes a coloured cartoon "Ali Baba," an item entitled "Ornamental Swimming, and several newsreels. MAYFAIR THEATRE The enterprising young actor Gene Raymond, husband ot the famous singer Jeunette Mac Donald, has the leading role in the swiftly moving comedy "The j Life of the Party," which will be pre- ' sen ted at tho Mayfair Theatre to-day, ! with "Fight for Your Lady." Raymond is seen as a young man who cannot marry until he is 00 without losing three million dollars. AN hen he meets a vivacious singer, 'portrayed by Harriet Hilliard, who does not wish to bo married because it would hinder her career, some unexpected things happen. There if> a talented cast of comedians in tho film. Jack Oakio, John Boles and Ida Lupino have prominent parts in "Fight for Your Lady, ' which is an original comedy centred in London and Europe. There are a number of songs in tho film. EMBASSY THEATRE A strong emotional film entitled "Madame X" will continue its second week at the Embassy Theatre to-day. The title role in this famous melodrama has been taken by many actresses well known on stage and screen, including Sarah Bernhardt and, among more recent ones, Ruth Chatterton, and in this version Gladys George gives a portrayal which has been ranked with those of her predecessors. The part of Madame X's 6on, who defended her in a Paris court without knowing her identity, is taken by John Bcal, while Warren William and Reginald Owen are also prominently cast.