ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23109, 6 August 1938, Page 24

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAYFAIR THEATRE With Peter Lorre in the title role, the thrilling film "Mr. Moto's Gamble" is to be shown at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. The story is told in a most entertaining manner by a cast which includes Keye Luke, Dick Baldwin and Maxie Rosenbloom. Baldwin, a prizefighter, has defeated his opponent in a boxing match and. the fighter dies from the effects of poison which entered a cut 011 his head. Traces of the poison are found on Baldwin's glove, but Moto proves that it was placed on the glove without Baldwin's knowledge. Lee Chan (Keve Luke) is present at the light with Boson bloom, a retired fighter, who unwittingly furnishes a clue as to' the- man who placed the poison on the glove. Realising that Moto is about to solve the case, the criminal sets out to kill the detective, who thwarts these plans by surprising last-ihinute moves. The thrilling climax shows Chan and Moto each trying to bo first to solve the mystery.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Comedy and drama are well blended in the outstanding programme which commenced a season at the Alajestic Theatre yesterday. The first film is "'lt's A Grand Old World," in which the inimitable English comedian Sandy Powell gives a highly amusing performance.' Powell is well known on the radio, and in this film continues the success which he has gained in previous productions. He is cast as aii unemployed workman whoso one interest in life is football and he is seen attending a match when the picture commences. He is quite happy to be receiving the dole and is disgusted when the labour exchange finds him a position as a stage, hand in a theatre. Powell falls in love with the leading lady and. becomes a hero by accidentally capturing an escaped lion. He is amazed to discover that he has won a football pool, and buys his fiancee's ancestral home, which has been put up for auction. Powell visits the house and discovers what he believes to be a robbery, but which is, in reality, the production of a film in which the members of the theatre are taking part. The cast includes Cyril Ritehard, Gin a Malo and Frank Pettingell. James Newill has the chief role in the second attraction, "Renfrew of the Royal Mounted," a film dealing with the activities of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A clever gang of counterfeiters, operating on the Canadian-American border, murder a sergeant who lias discovered their identity. The difficult task oi capturing the band is assigned to Sergeant Renfrew, who unexpectedly becomes friendly with the leader of the counterfeiters, who is engaged as a chef at a famous hotel resort. He becomes involved in a series of thrilling adventures in his desperate attempt to break up the gang, and the picture is brought to an exciting climax when Renlrew succeeds in capturing the criminals single-handed. The main supporting roles are in the capable hands of-Carol Hughes and William Ro.vle.

CIVIC THEATRE Filmed entirely in technicolour, "The Goldwvn Follies" is to continue its season' at the Civic Theatre to-day. The picture has an exceptionally strong cast of pi avers headed by Andrea Leeds, Adolphe Menjou and Kenny Baker. A prominent role is also taken by Edgar Bergen, ventriloquist, with the dummy Charlie McCarthy. The story is wound about the romance between Andrea Leeds and Baker, but this does not interfere with *the real purpose ot the picture, which is to provide a first-class musical entertainment. It includes everything from opera to jazz, while an excellent ballet is seen in a nunibei of spectacular* dances. Probably the operatic scene from "La Traviata" will impress itself most on music, lovers, while clever comedy is-provided by Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. The associate programme, includes a film of the first Rugby test played at Sydney between Australia and rvew Zealand

EMBASSY THEATRE The romantic tlrama " Stolen Heaven" is to be presented to patrons of the Embassy Theatre to-day. The vivacious new actress Olympe 4 Bradna takes a prominent role in this film, which is a clever blending of a new story in an old-world setting*' With Gene Ravmond, Miss Bradna operates as a jewel thief in a famous European restaurant, but when the police learn of their activities the couple are forced to cro into hiding in a fhrge forest. They meet a once-famous pianist, a part played by Lewis Stone, and arrange for him to give a recital. Their association with the old man alters many of their ideas and, as a result, they lead a new life, with their past forgotten. STATE THEATRE A fine performance is given by Edward G. Robinson in an exciting film of the American underworld, "The Last Gangster," which will continue its season to-day at the State Theatre. The supporting roles are portrayed by James Stewart and Rose Stradner. Laurel and Hardy appear in the second film, the comedy "Blotto." STAR CINEMA

A clever exhibition ,of skating is given by Sonja Henie in the entertaining film "Thin Ice," which will be shown to-day at the Star Cinema with the bright comedy "This Way, Please." Buddy Rogers and Betty Grable appear in the second attraction.

CAPITOL THEATRE Lloyd Hughes has the main role in the Australian production "Lovers and Luggers," which will be shown to-day at the Capitol Theatre. The comedy "It's All Yours," in which Madeleine Carroll appears, will also be presented. WINDSOR, PAPAKURA A fine portrayal is given by Gary Cooper in the drama of the ocean "Souls at Sea," to be presented at the Windsor Theatre, Papakura, to-day, with the entertaining production "There Goes the Groom. - BRITANNIA THEATRE Adapted from the exciting novel by Rex Beach. "The Barrier" is to be presented at the Britannia Theatre today, Wendy Barrie appears in the supporting film, "Prescription for Romance." ASTOR THEATRE Lionel Barrymore, Cecilia Parker, Eric Linden and Mickey Roonev are cast in the outstanding film "A Family Affair," to be shown at the Astor Theatre to-dav. The exciting production "Trouble at Midnight" is also to bo presented. CIVIC THEATRETTE The entertaining Australian film "The Flying Doctor." in which Charles Farreil has the main role, heads the programme to-day at the Civic Theatrette. The second attraction is the drama "First Offence." ■ EMPRESS THEATRE Jane Withers gives a convincing performance in "io Fathers," to-day',i attratcion at the Empress Theatre. Leslie Howard and Joan Blondell take prominent roles in the associate film "Stand In." VICTORIA THEATRE The glamorous act.ress Alice Faye is seen in the production "You're a Sweetheart," to be shown at the Victoria Theatre to-day. The splendid film "Madame X" is also to be presented..

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Spectacular flying scenes and an interesting story are features of the outstanding Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer drama of the air, "Test Pilot," which will continue its season at St. James' Theatre to-dav. A fine portrayal is given by Clark Gable as a" fearless pilot, Jim Lane, who is employed in testing newly-launched aeroplanes to prove their airworthiness. Lane is a carefree character who laughs at death and treats the most dangerous task merely aspart of his day's work. In contrast to the reckless Lane is Gunner (Spencer Tracy), Lane's friend and mechanic, who is ever ready to listen to the ominous warnings which his companion disregards. Much of the humour in • the film is supplied by Mvrmi Loy, who, as Lane's wife, re"lieves the stress of the flying scenes with her sly humour and witty remarks.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Excellent entertainment is offered patrons of the Roxy and Irvoli Theatres to-day, when the exciting drama "Blind Alibi" and the comedy "A Trip to Paris" will be presented. Richard Dix has the principal role in the first attraction as Paul Dover, a penniless sculptor, who pledges his aid to ii is sister to recover some of her letters, which have fallen into the hands of a dangerous gang of blackmailers. Dover disguises himself as a blind man and, with his dog to lead him, becomes acquainted with the activities of the gang. A rival band of criminals employs him to steal the letters, but he manages to outwit them and destroys the incriminating documents. A battle with two of the gangsters ensues, but Dover's faithful dog saves his master in spite of being wounded. The supporting cast includes Whitney Bourne, Eduardo Ciannelli and Frances Morcer. The popular Jones Family appear in "A Trip to Paris." The story deals with their adventures in the French capital when they are engaged in a sightseeing trip conducted by a cousin of the family. Later they are involved in a spy scare, when one of the younger members is discovered taking photographs with his candid camera. An outstanding supporting programme of short features will also be presented.

STRAND THEATRE The amusing comedy "Sweet Devil" offers good entertainment at the Strand Theatre to-day. A new comedy team, Bobbie Howes and Jean Gillie, is responsible in a large measure lor the success of the picture. The story tells of a beautiful young typist who falls in love with her employer. All goes well until his partner, Howes, comes on the scene and alienates her affections. Miss Gillie, in a fake suicide attempt, throws herself into the river, is rescued and taken to a house where Howes' engagement party is being held. She is hurriedly dressed in pyjamas and hidden in a room, unknown to the guests. She drinks too much champagne and joins the party —greatly to her own enjoyment and the consternation of all others concerned.

BERKELEY, MISSION BAY The musical picture "You Can't Have Everything," to be shown at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, to-day, has in the cast such players as Alice Faye, Don Aincche and Charles Winniriger." There is an excellent supporting programme. j

MAYFAIR, . SANDRINGHAM The sophisticated comedy "History is Made at Night" is the attraction for the MnyTair Theatre, Sandringhani, today. .lean Parker and Fred Stone appear in the second attraction, "Farmer in the Dell." LONDON CINEMA Two outstanding films, "Crimson Romance" and "Nobody's Fool," comprise the programme for the London Cinema to-day. Edward Everett Horton and Glenda Farrell take prominent roles in the latter production. X l TUDOR CINEMA Clive Brook f.ppears in the excellent film "Action for Slander," to-dav's attraction at the Tudor Cinema. The splendid supporting programme includes the latest of the "March of Time" series. ADELPHI THEATRE The splendid voice of the boy-actor Bobby Breen is heard in the film "Hawaii Calls," to-dav's attraction at the Adelphi Theatre. Fredric March and Carole Lombard appear in the technicolour film "Nothing Sacred." CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The thrilling production "Charlie Chan at .Monte Carlo," with Warner Olrfud in the title role, is to be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-day. in support appear Keye Luke, Virginia Field and Robert Kent. The amusing comedy "Paradise for Two" is also to bo presented.

STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT Shirley Temple takes a prominent role in the entertaining film "Rebecca of Sunnvbrook Farm, screening to-day at the State/fheatre, Devonport. Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond appear in the second attraction, "She s Got Everything." REGAL THEATRE The exciting film "The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel," adapted from the novel by Baroness Orczy, is to be shown at the Regal Theatre to-dav June Knight takes a leading role in the associate film, "The Lilac Domino ' ALEXANDRA THEATRE The thrilling film "Thank You, Mr Moto" is to he presented to patrons ot the Alexandra Theatre to-day. Glen Morris appears in the second production, "Tarzan's Revenge." PRINCESS THEATRE Annabella, who took a prominent role in the film "Wings of the Morning,'' appears in "Dinner at the Ritz," to shown at the Princess Theatre to-day. Peter Lorrc is cast in "Thank You, Mr Moto." GREY LYNN CINEMA

Ronald Column gives an outstanding performance in the exciting film "Prisoner of Zenda," to be shown at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-day. John Holes and Li'ili Deste appear in the associate film, "She Married an Artist " ' REGENT, EPSOM The great spy picture "Lancer Spy" is to be presented at the Regenf Theatre, Epsom, to-day. The outstanding cast includes George Sanders, Peter Lor re and Dolores Del Rio.."All In" is also to be shown. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Clark Gable and Myrna Loy give convincing performances in the noteworthy film "Parnell," to be presented to patrons of the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. Victor MeLaglen appears in "Laughing at Life." STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNCA The Norwegian actress Sonja Henie gives an outstanding performance in "Happy Landing," to be presented to Eatrons of the State Theatre, Oneunga, to-day. The thrilling film "Double Danger" will also be shown.

REGENT THEATRE With the English comedian George Formby in a leading role, the outstanding comedy, "I See Ice,' commenced a season at the Regent Theatre yesterday. The story is excellently handled by a cast which includes Kay Walsh, Betty Stockfield and Cyril Ritchard. Formby appears as the none-too-successful assistant of a photographer in a small English town and it is his life's ambition to become a press photographer. On the way to Birmingham Formby takes an interest in a girl named Judy (Miss Walsh) and in his preoccupation misses his. connection and is carried on to London. He is engaged as property man for an actor who is to appear at an ice carnival and learns that a celebrity named Bermanoff is to be in the audience. His camera instincts to the tore, he decides to take his photograph and try to sell it to a newspaper. The print also shows the editor of the paper in too friendly converse with a lady he has been told by the owner ot the paper to avoid. When I'ormby arrnes with the incriminating negative the editor suspects and does all in his power to secure it. The editor invites Formby to a night club, where the photographer is pursued by two persons determined to rob him of the negative, which lie has, however, alreadv traded away. Formby arranges with tiie editor to print the girl Judy's photograph in the paper, resulting in her securing an engagement to dance in the intervals at an ice hockey match. Formby is offered a post on the newspaper if he will take some photographs at the match, but when he arrives at the game he is forced to go on the ice to "act as referee. The film moves at a fast pace to a happy conclusion.

THE SHERIDAN PLAYERS The Sheridan Players will give their eighth public production in the Lewis Eady Hall next Tuesday and Wednesday' nights. The presentation, which will include both comedy and drama, is entitled "Four One-act Plays.' Assisting artists will be Miss Gwenda Weir, soprano, and Mr. Robert Simmers, tenor.

SCHOOLS' FESTIVAL Five hundred girls and hoys will take part in the secondary schools' festival of music, to be held at the Town Hall on Wednesday at 8 p.m. In addition to singing by the massed choir, songs and a poi dance will be given by girls from the Queen Victoria School and songs and the school haka by boys from St. Stephen's College,

PIANOFORTE RECITAL A pianoforte, vocal and elocutionary recital is to be given in the Lewis Eady Hall on August 16 at 8 p.m. The artists will be Zelda Pulham, Constance Johnson and Valerie Blackmore. Full details are advertised.