ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23021, 26 April 1938, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE The popular girl singer Dcanua Durbin adds to the good opinions she has already won in Mad About .Music," which will again be presented to patrons of tho Regent Theatre to-day. In tho latest production she is given an opportunity to show that slio can act as well as sing, and her part is tho more pleasing for this broader scope. She sings a number of songs, among them being Gounod's "Ave Maria." C'appy Hara's Harmonica Band also appears in tho film. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Greta Garbo and Charles Boyer both give brilliant performances in "Mario Walewska," which will again be presented to audiences at St. James' Theatre to-day. Continuing tho new; tendency toward the employment of historical settings, tho new film has added interest in that it presents a vivid portrait of the more personal side of history. The story of tho great lovo in tho life of tho French Kinpcror Napoleon for tho Poli.sh patriot whom he gave up as a hindrance to his ambition is told with real feeling. Charles Boyer has never given a better portrayal than in tlio present film, and lie is ably seconded by Greta Garbo in 0110 of tho most dramatic- roles of her career. Reginald Owen, Alan Marshall and Dame May Whitty also are in tlio cast. PLAZA THEATRE A now Continental actress is introduced for tho first timo in "The Sky's the Limit," which is at tho head of tho programme to bo presented at tho Plaza Theatre to-day. This is Mara Losseff, who has the part opposite Jack Buchanan. The latter is cast as an aeroplane designer who has invented a new craft in which the Air Ministry is interested. Ho would not mind losing the credit for tho invention to his rival for the girl's hand wero it not ior tho fact that ho would probably also lose the use of the facilities of tho big plant for which ho is working. His efforts to have himself recognised as tho inventor aro finally successful, and tho picture ends 011 a romantic note. MAJESTIC THEATRE One of the most brilliant of modern comedies vet to be presented 011 the screen, "Tho Awful Tfuth," will again be shown at tho Majestic Theatre today. The main roles are in the capable hands of Irene Dunuo and Carv Grant, both of whom aro gifted with real talent for light comedy. The present story is based on the estrangement of a young married couple, entirely due to a misunderstanding yet incapable of settlement through the obstinacy of both parties. The plot moves at a fast pace until the final scene, in which a charming and humorous reconciliation is enacted. The first half ot the programme is made up of a varied selection of shorter features. EMBASSY THEATRE An historical drama, "Wells Fargo," is tho main film on the programme of tho Embassy Theatre to-day. Wolls auu Fargo were the men who first inaugurated transcontinental mail and transport services in the United States, and the difficulties and dangers they had to contend with are faithfully portrayed in the film. Joel McCrea and Frances Dee play opposite each other Jn the production, the heroic theme of which is the indomitable spirit of the early pioneers. A lighter touch is introduced by Bob Burns, whoso slow-voiced humour has an individual charm which adds greatly to tho entertainment of tho film. Much interest will attach to the first presentation of Grace Moore's latest picture, "I'll Take Romance," which is tho next attraction at the Embassy. The famous singer has another romantic role in the film, and her glorious voice is heard in several excerpts from the operas. She also sings a "swing" number with considerable verve. Melvvn Douglas and Stuart Erwin appear in prominent roles.

MAYFAIR THEATRE Tho most recent film to be made by the popular comedian Jack Hulbert is "Paradise for Two," a musical comedy which is the main attraction at the Mavfair Theatre to-day. Also on the programme is "Stand-in," in which Leslie Howard has a role calling for considerable det't handling of a comedy part. In the former iilm the English comedian brings his inimitable style of humour to bear on the part of a French millionaire who finds himself suddenly involved with a dancer, played by Patricia Ellis. Through a minor street accident she is tanen to the theatre in the millionaire's car, and it is immediately believed that he is. interested in her career. A laughable series of events is gone through before the mistak# is cleared up. STRAND THEATRE The entertaining double-feature film to bo presented at the Strand Theatre to-dav comprises the films "45 Fathers" and "Thank You, Jeeves." The former film has the popular child comedian Jano Withers in the loading role, arid takes its novel ticle from the 45 members of a millionaires' club who cast lots to see which of them shall adopt the child. In the usual style of her pictures, she has a laughahle series of escapades and eventually manages to bring happiness to all concerned. A more subtle kind of humour is displayed by the Englishman Arthur Treacher in tho second production on the programme. He brings vividly to life the famous butler character created by P. G. Wodohouso. David Niven also appears. TIVOLI THEATRE An entertaining double-featuro programme is to be presented to patrons of the Tivoli Theatre this evening. Tho first film to be shown is "Don't Turn Him Loose," and this will be followed by the hilarious comedy "Hero Comes Trouble." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE The bright modern comedy "The Awful Truth," with Irene Dunne and Gary Grant in the main roles, heads the programme to be presented at the Prince Edward Theatre this evening. William Gargan and Judith ( Barrett appear in the second attraction, "Behind the Mike," a story of broadcasting in the United States. STATE THEATRE Anthony Hope's famous novel has been translated faithfully into the style of the screen in "The Prisoner of Zenda," which heads the programme to bo shown at the State Theatre tonight. The main roles in the production are taken by Ronald Colinan, Madeleine Carrol, Mary Astor and C. Aubrey Smith, all of whom give very even performances. STAR CINEMA The double-feature programme to be screened at tho Star Cinema to-day comprises the films "Pick a Star" and "The Toast of New York." BRITANNIA THEATRE Deanna Durbin hns the main rolo in "100 Men and a Girl," which will be screened with "A Dangerous Adventure" at the Britannia Theatre tonight. BERKELEY, MISSION BAY

The main item of entertainment at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, this evening, is the Jane Withers comedy "Angel's Holiday" and a full supporting programme also is being shown.

CIVIC THEATRE Now in its second week at tlio Civic Theatre, tho latest production in which the Olympic skating champion, Sonja Henie, appears, "Happy Landing," is still eiijoving a succe.ssiul season. Opposito Miss Henie is Don Amechc, who had a similar rolo in hor former picture "Girl in A Million," Cesar llomero also appears, being cast as 11 band leader, who has crossed the Atlantic on a publicity campaign and carelessly captured tlio affections _ of the simple Norwegian girl. She follows him back to New York, and it is only there that she learns that ho has been trifling. She eventually finds happiness with Don Ameehe. The film contains some beautiful scenes of ballets on the ice, and is one of the best of its typo yet to he produced. LONDON CINEMA Joanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy have the main roles in the musical film "Hose Marie," which is at the head of the programmo to ho shown at tho London Cinema, to-day. An excellent number of shorter features also is being 'screened. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The entertaining film "Music for Madame" will head the programme to he shown at the Crystal Palace and ]{ialto Theatres this evening. A varied selection of shorter pictures also is being screened. TUDOR CINEMA A brilliant modern comedy, "Lore .Tn a Bungalow," is the main attraction at tho Tudor Cinema this evening. Interesting short films mako up tlio first hall' of the programme. VICTORIA THEATRE The double-feature programme to he presented at the Victoria Theatre this evening comprises the films "The Perfect. Gentleman" and " Moonlight Murder." ASTOR CINEMA Mystery and comedy are combined on the programme of the Astor Cinema tliis evening, where "The Preview Murder Mystery" and "His Night Out" aro being shown.