ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23073, 25 June 1938, Page 21

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE The delightful singing of Jeanette Mac Donald and Allan Jones and the beauty of the settings for the story, are the main features of the brilliant production "The Firely," which will continue its highly successful season at St. James' Theatre to-day. Adapted from Rudolph Friml's beautiful opera, the film has a charming background of Spanish rural scenes, and the gaiety and pageantry of the cities. The story deals with a period of the Peninsular War,' when the Spanish people were trying to escape from the tyranny of the Napoleonic rule. Miss Mac Donald has the role of the Firefly, the Spanish dancer and singer, who becomes a spy in her country's service. She and Allan Jones ara heard in several charming songs from the original opera; including "Giannina Mia" and "Serenade to a Donkey."

ROXY AND TIVOLf THEATRES Three action-filled Western pictures are included in the programme to be presented to patrons of the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. The first, "The Old Corral," with Gene Autry the leading player, tells the story of a clash between modern criminals and sheriffs of the West. As the only witness of a murder committed by her employer while gambling, Eleanor Spencer (Hope Manning) has to flee for her life. She is pursued by Scarlotti (John Bradford), and after a series of tense experiences she is rescued by the sheriff, a role taken by Gene .Autry. Others prominently cast are Smiley Burnette and Lon Chane.v, jun. The second attraction is the Now Universal picture " Forbidden Valley," the principal parts in which are taken by Noah Beery, jun., and Frances Robinson. Beery is cast as Ring Hazzard, a young man who has been raised in the mountains in a secret canyon by his father, Jeff Hazard (Samuel S. Hinds), fugitive from a false murder charge, who is later killed by a wild horse. The young man meets Wilda Lanning (Frances Robinson) when he saves her from a stampede. AVhile driving a herd of horses to the neatest town, Wilda learns of a plot by Matt Rogan to steal the horses and brings a sheriff and his men to the aid of Hazzard. A desperate gun battle ensues, in which Rogan is captured. He is later recognised as the person who committed the murder for which Ring's father was blamed, ami Hazzard's name is cleared. The third picture to be shown is Rhythm Wranglers," in which Ray Whitley has the principal role. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Excellent entertainment is offered patrons of the Prince Edward Theatre to-dav, when the bright comedy, My Dear Miss Aldrich," with Maureen O'Sullivan and Edna May Oliver in the main rolds, will be presented, lhe second attraction is the thrilling film "Streamline Express." BRITANNIA THEATRE Gary Cooper has the leading role in the excellent drama "Souls at Sea," which, with the film "No Time to Marry," is to be presented at the Britannia Theatre to-day. Richard Arlcn and Mary Astor appear in the second attraction. ' PRINCESS THEATRE The well-balanced programme to be presented to patrons of the Princess Theatre to-day includes the screen adaptation of the Edgar Wallace novel "The Squeaker" and the bright musical comedy "52nd Street."

REGENT THEATRE ] Abounding in touches of genuine humour, and cleverly acted by a cast headed by Glaudette Colbert and Gary Cooper, 'the Paramount film "Bluebeard's Eighth Wife," which commenced a tscason at the Regent Theatre yesterday, is undoubtedly one of the best comedies seen in Auckland for some time, ranking in popular appeal with "The Awful Truth," The story does not need to be exceptionally strong, but, under the brilliant direction of Ernst Lubitsch, even the smallest incidents have the power of evoking delight. Gary Cooper appears as a droll American millionaire—a sort of Mr. Deeds gone to Paris—Avho seeks to make a Frenchwoman, portraj'ed by Claudette Colbert, his eighth wife. Until the eve of the ceremony, however,'he omits to tell her of his seven previous unsuccessful ventures, and the lady decides that she will not be a mere addition to the series. The campaign which she conducts in aid of her rights is the source of provocative comedy, humanised and rendered doubly piquant by the acting of the principals. Claudette Colbert's performance proves that evon "1 Met Him in Paris" did not mark the peak of her powers, while Cooper, with delightful whimsical touches, repeats the success which he made of a similar part in Lubitsch's earlier film "Desire." The supporting cast is of an equally high standard. Edward Everett Horton, as the impecunious father of the lady, vacillates through many amusing scenes. David Nivon, of the infectious smile, is well cast as an unsuccessful suitor, others who have associate roles being Herman Bing and Warren Hymer. The first half of the programme includes a Popeye cartoon entitled "Let's Celebrake," a popular science film in colour and a Paramount feature "Gold." LONDON CINEMA The bright comedy "Love Before Breakfast," with Carole Lombard in the chief role, is included on the programme to be presented at the London Cinema to-day. James Gleason appears in Lhe second film "Murder on the Bridle Path." BERKELEY, MISSION BAY Paul Muni gives an outstanding characterisation in the title role of "The Life of Emile Zola," the current attraction at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay. REGENT, EPSOM " The double-feature programme to be presented to patrons at the Regent. Theatre, Epsom, to-night, -• includes "King Solomon's Mines" and "Sparkles." STATE THEATRE. ONEHUNGA Taken from the novel of the, saint? name by P. G. Wodehouse, "A Dams?l in Distress" will be shown with "Danger Patrol" at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-day. A Walt Disney cartoon completes the programme. . REGAL THEATRE "The Hurricane,?:'with Jon Hall and Dorothy Lamour prominently cast, is the principal film on to-day's programme at the .Regal Theatre, lhe second picture is Flght for Your Lady." TUDOR CINEMA Excellent entertainment will he provided to-day at the Tudor Cinema where "Easy Living" is to be shown. Jean Arthur appears in the principal role, with Edward Arnold playing opposite her.

CIVIC THEATRE Mark Twain's well-known novel is brought to the screen in the outstanding technicolour production "The Adventures x>f Tom Sawyer," which will continue its season at the Civic Theatre to-day. A pleasing feature of this film is the fact that the story keeps closely to the author's original work, and the many amusing episodes in the book have lost nothing of their humour in the screen veision. The role of Tom Sawyer is portrayed by a newcomer, Tommy Kelly, who gives a surprisingly fine performance for a Child of his age. He is ably supported by a largo juvenile cast, while May Robson. who appears as the dour Aunt Polly, Walter Brennan and Victory Jory are also included in the film. All the well-known characters of the novel are seen in the picture—ragged Huckleberry Finn, the fair-haired Becky Thatcher and Tom's spoilt brother Sid. An interesting supporting programme will also be shown STRAND THEATRE The life of the famous O'Leary family forms the story for the entertaining 20th Century Fox production " In Old Chicago," which will continue its successful season at the Strand Theatre to-day. A feature of the film is the outstanding cast, which includes Tyrone Power, Alice Fa ye and Don Ameche. Power appears as the second O'Learv son Dion, and gives a faithful portrayal of the character of the man who became powerful in the politics of the city. Alice Faye has the role of a singer, who, with Dion, opened the largest saloon Chicago had then known. Alice Brady gives a sincere portrayal as the stout-hearted Irish woman, Mrs. O'Leary, and the Academy Award for the best supporting performance was well deserved. The film is brought to a thrilling conclusion with many spectacular scenes of the great fire which swept the city in 1871. GREY LYNN CINEMA Adapted to the screen from a novel by Baroness Orczy, "The Emperor's Candlesticks," which is to be shown at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night, is n drama of espionage during the Great War. The second attraction is "Vogues of 1938."

MAJESTIC THEATRE The adventures of a typical American family, who are spending their first holiday for eleven years at the famous Catalina Island, form the story for the hilarious comedy "You're Only Young Once," which commenced a "season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. Lewis Stone appears as Judge Hardy, who, with his wife (Fay Holden), and children, Marian (Cecilia Parker) and Andy (Micky Rooncy), sets out to enjoy his well-earned vacation. They arrive at the famous .holiday resort and the judge has visions of fulfilling his life-long ambition of catching a swordfish. Unfortunately, each member of the family has different ideas as to how a holiday should be spent, and the judge spends much of his time trying to prevent Marian and Andy from becomiug involved in all kinds of .humorous situations. Before the vacation is completed, Judge Hardy is called back to his work, as serious difficulties have arisen. Once again he shows his skill in solving difficult problems, and the story is brought to a successful conclusion. Mickey Rooney, who gave such a fine performance in "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry," again proves that he is an actor of no mean ability. Good portrayals are also given by Lewis Stone as the harassed father, and by Cecilia Parker. Tn contrast to the gay humour of the first attraction, the second film is the thrilling drama "When G-Men Step In." Don Terry, who is prominently cast in this production, gives a fine performance. WINDSOR THEATRE One of the best pictures to be screened in Auckland for some considerable time, "The Life of Emile Zola" bends the current programme at the Windsor Theatre. Paul Muni plays the title role. ADELPHI THEATRE An exciting drama of the south seas, "The Hurricane," will be shown to-day at the Adelphi Theatre. Jimmy Ellison is prominently cast in the second attraction, "Annapolis Salute." MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM The Laurel and Hardy comedy "Way Out West" is to be shown in conjunction with "A Girl With Ideas" at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringhnm, to-day.

MAYFAIR THEATRE The bright musical comedy "Love and Hisses," which opened a season at the Mayfair Theatre yesterday, reveals the young French actress Simone Simon as a' singer of considerable talent. This is the first picture in which she appears as a singer, among the songs she introduces being several new Gordon and Revel compositions. The storv concerns the introduction of a lien radio singer to the American public by Walter Winchell and Ben Bernio. Owing to a misunderstanding a feud flares up between the partners, providing an abundance of opportunity for comedy. Bert Lahr and Joan Davis also provide a number of humorous interludes in this Darryl F. Zanuck production. Outstanding among the Gordon and Revel songs are the numbers "Sweet Someone," "Broadway's Gone Hawaii" and "Oh! What a Man." Sidney Lanfield directed the picture for 20th Century-Fox. STATE THEATRE Drama and romance are cleverly blended in "Mario Walewska." the main attraction on the current programme at the State Theatre, in which the Swedish actress Greta plays the title role. Opposite her. Charles Boyer gives one of the best characterisations of his screen career in the role of Napoleon Bonaparte. STAR CINEMA Fredric March, Olivia De Havilland and Anita Louise are the principal players in "Anthony Adverse," the screen version of the book by Hervev Allen, which is to be presented to-day at the Star Cinema. The second attraction is "Wake Up and Live," with Alice Faye featured. CIVIC THEATRETTE TJiq programme to be presented at the Civic Theatrette to-dav includes the two fast-moving films "Shakodown," a story of the underworld <<f America, and "Roaming Lady." Lew Ayres is the principal player in "Shakedown" and Ralph Bellamy and Fay Wray are prominently featured in the second attraction. ALEXANDRA THEATRE Loretta Young and Warner Baxter head the cast in the powerful drama "Wife, Doctor and Nurse," which will be presented to-day at the Alexandra Theatre. The gay comedy "52nd Street," with Inn Hunter and Zasu Pitts prominently cast, is the second attraction. ASTOR THEATRE Carv Grant and Irene Dunne give excellent portrayals in the outstanding comedy, "The Awful Truth," the main attraction at the Astor Theatre to-day. "The Frame Up" also will be shown. VICTORIA THEATRE The two pictures "Bulldog Drummond Comes Back" and "Merry-Go-Round of 1938" comprise the programme to bo presented to-day at the Victoria Theatre. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT George Sanders, Delores Del Rio and Peter Lorre are the principal players in "Lancer Spy," which will bo shown with "Hitting a New High" at thu State Theatre, /Devonport, to-day. EMPRESS THEATRE Eddie Cantor provides much of the humour in the hilarious film "Ali Baba Goes'to Town," which, with "Said O'Reilly to McXab," will comprise the programme to be presented to-day at the Empress Theatre.

EMBASSY THEATRE ; The entertaining Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production "Thoroughbreds Don't Cry," in which the young New Zoaland boy Ronald Sinclair has a leading role, will continue its highly successful season at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Three juvenile players, "Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney and Ronald Sinclair, have the principal roles, and all give outstanding performances. The story deals with an attempt by an English baronet, portrayed by C. Aubrey Smith, to win the American Derby, and the running of the race provides a thrilling climax to an enjoyable film. An excellent associate programme, including an "Our Gang" comedy, will also be presented. ■" CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Carole Lombard and Frcdric March, giving entertaining performances _in the gav, modern comedy "Nothing Sacred,'"' and head the programme at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-dav* The second attraction is the amusing film "45 Fathers.'; in which the young actress Jane "Withers has the principle role.