ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23036, 13 May 1938, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Excellent entertainment, will be offered at the Civic Theatre to-day when Shirley Temple's latest film "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" will be shown. The young actress gives a good performance as tho girl singer whom Randolph Scott is attempting to engage for his radio programme. In spite of strong opposition from Shirley's aunt and step-father, the scheme is carried through and the story i? brought to a happy conclusion. The strong cast includes Helen Westley and Slim Summcrville, who provide nuich of the humour in this enjoyable production. REGENT THEATRE The outstanding production "Mad About Music" is to continue a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. The young soprano Deanna Durbin shows that she can act fully as well ns she can sing, and is largely responsible for the success of the film. As the singer's adopted father, Herbert Marshall gives an accomplished performance in a difficult role, while Arthur Treacher in the part of a butler is responsible for a very humorous portrayal. Others in the cast are Gail Patrick and William Frawley. ST. JAMES' THEATRE William Powell and Myrna Lay, who have previously appeared together with success in the "Thin Man" films, head the cast in the bright comedy "Double Wedding," which will commence its season at St. James' Theatre to-day Miss Jioy and Powell are engaged in a stormy romance throughout the film and give excellent performances in difficult roles. Powell is seen as a carefree caravan-dweller, who spoils his romance with Miss Loy by trying to induce her sister to become an actress Unfortunately, Miss Loy has other plans, which do not coincide with those of Powell, and a clash is inevitable. The film is full of ludicrous situations, which cannot fail to provoke laughter. John Beal and Florence Rice provide the second romance in tho picture, while many amusing incidents are supplied by Edgar Kennedy, who is engaged in a constant quarrel with Miss Loy. The supporting programme includes a Fitzpatrick Travel film entitled "Chili, Land of Charm," and an amusing "Our Gang" comedy. MAYFAIR THEATRE The boy soprano, Bobby Breen, gives an outstanding performance in his latest film "Hawaii Calls," which will continue its successful season at the May fair Theatre to-day. The young t singer is heard in several delightful Hawaiian melodies arid in the Irish classic "Macushla." As a San Francisco street urchin, Bobby stows away on a ship bound for Honolulu. With his young Hawaiian friend, he is able to escape from the ship with the aid of the ship's musician, Ned Sparkes. Once on shore, they are involved in a series of highly amusing adventures, which culminate in the search for a band of criminals. With the capture of the gang, the picture is brought to a successful conclusion. A clover cartoon by Walt Disney entitled "Lonesome Ghcsts" will also be screened. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Successor to other noted athletes in the title role, the Olympic decathlon champion Glen Morris is perfectly cast in the part of Edgar Rice Burroughs character Tarza'n in "Tarzan's Revenge," which is the main feature on the programme to be presented at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Set in the forests of Africa, the story tells of the adventures of an American exploring party searching for rare animals, and the protection given them by Tarzan, who wards off tlie attack? of his wild animal friends in several thrilling scenes. Among the party is Eleanor Holm, who gradually strikes up a friendship with the bush-dweller, who accompanies her friends on the trip as an ally and protector. A thrilling scene is provided when tho girl is kidnapped by a tribe of natives. Tarzan sets out to rescue her, and succeeds after a single-handed battle with the tribe. The picture has a happy and romantic conclusion. Professional ice hockev is the background for the second film on the programme, "The Game That Kills." The mam roles are taken by Charles Quigley and Rita "Hayworth. Quigley appears as Alec Ferguson, a hockey player whose brother has been killed during a game. Suspecting foul play, Alec begins an investigation which reveals that his brother was murdered, and tho film tells of the arrest and conviction of the criminals. VICTORIA THEATRE The popular radio comedian Sandy Powell has the main part in "Can You Hear Me, Mother?' f which will be shown to-night at tho Victoria Theatre. "Trapped by G-Men" is the second attraction. STATE THEATRE The powerful drama "Madame X," in which Gladys George and Warren William have tho principal roles, will be presented to-night at tho State Theatre. Kenny Baker appears in the second attraction "Mr. Dodd Takes the Air." STAR CINEMA The Marx Brothers give their usual amusing performances in "A Day at the Races," which will be screened today at the Star Cinema. "Girl in a Million" will also be shown. LONDON CINEMA The well-balanced double programme to be presented to-day at tho London Cinema includes tho films "His Night Out" and "The Revenge Riders." REGENT, EPSOM The two films "Thin Ice" and "You Can't Have Everything" form the programme to be presented at the Regent Theatre, Epsom. ASTOR THEATRE "Farewell Again" and "Counsel for Crime" comprise the well-balanced programme to bo screened to-night at the Astor Theatre. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Tho popular comedian Eddie Cantor, has the chief role in the bright comedy "Ali Baba Goes to Town," which will bo screened to-night at tho Crystal Palace "and Rialto Theatres. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The thrilling drama of the seas, "The Hurricane," will be presented to-night at the Stato Theatre, Devonport. STATE THEATRE, ONE HUNG A Tho attractive double-featuro programme to be presented at tho State Theatre, Onehunga, to-night includes the films "Victoria the Great" and "City Girl." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE "Way Out West" and "Hopalong Rides Again" comprise the excellent programme to be presented to-night at the Prince Edward Theatre. CIVIC THEATRETTE The thrilling film "Alibi for Murder" will bo screened to-day at tho Civic Theatrctte.

MAJESTIC THEATRE The latest of the Bulldog Drummond series "Bulldog Drummond's Revenge" will bo shown to-day at the Majestic Theatre. John Howard, who has the title role in this film,' gives an excellent characterisation as the adventureseeking hero of "Sapper's" novels. Tho secret of a new explosive has come intf the possession of a gang of criminals and Scotland Yard decides to enlist the help of Drummond to capture the gang. After many thrilling adventures, Drummond is at last successful, and the secret papers are returned to the police John Barrymoro gives a clever portrayal as Colonel Nielson, tho chief of Scotland Yard, while Reginald Denny is also in the cast. The second attrao tion is the musical comedy "Thrill of a Lifetime," which offers excellent entertainment. Tho Yacht Club Boys give their usual versatile performance and introduce several new songs in their inimitable manner. Dorothy Lamoiu, Betty Grable and Leif Erikson are alse in the cast of this enjoyable film. The usual interesting short features will also bo presented. EMBASSY THEATRE The delightful comedy "Beg, Borrow or Steal" opened its season at the Embassy Theatre yesterday. Frank Morgan, who has the principal role in the film, is cast as Ingraham Steward, a tourist guide on the Riviera. When ho hears from his daughter Joyce (Florence Rico) of her approaching marriage, ho bemoans the fact that lie had not been informed sooner, so that it could take place at his chateau. Unfortunately for Steward, who owns no chateau, his daughter decides to transfer the ceremony to the Riviera. Steward summons to his aid several of his friends, who gain their livings by doubtful means, and a chateau is procured. With the police on their tracks, Steward's friends provide many amusing situations as they attempt to escape from the clutches of the law. In the meanwhile,/ Joyce complicates matters by falling in love with one of her father's . friends, Bill Cherau (John Beal). Steward, who is only to glad to cancel the wedding, unfolds his exploits and breaks up the ceremony. Bill lias in tho meantime been arrested, but he escapes, and the story is brought to a happy conclusion. Frank Morgan, who has previously appeared in supporting roles, gives an excellent portrayal in an amusing part, while Reginald Denny and Herman Bing provide a great deal of humour by their escapades. An interesting supporting programme, including a Pntlie Gazette and a Harman-Ising cartoon will also be screened. STRAND THEATRE Lily Pons displays her talent for light roles in "Hitting a New High," . which will commence its season at the Strand Theatre to-day. Miss Pons is cast as a cabaret singer who is intent on becoming an operatic soprano, and in this role her charming voice is heard to advantage. With Jack Oakie and Edward Everett Horton included in the cast, the picture is not lacking in humour and excellent entertainment is provided. An amusing romantic comedy "She's Got Everything," in which Gene Raymond and Ann Sothern have the main parts, completes a most enjoyable programme. BERKELEY, MISSION BAY The exciting mystery film "Slim" is the main attraction at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, to-night. The usual fine supporting programme will also bo shown.