ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 25

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE An entertaining human interest story is told in the film "Judge Hardy's Children," which commenced a season it the Majestic Theatre yesterday. Lewis Stone gives a convincing portraval as Judge James Hardy, Mickcv Hoonev appears-as his son Andrew, and Cecilia" Parker as his daughter Marian. The role of Mrs. Hardy is taken by [? a v Holden. Because of his public utilities research Judge Hardy is called from his home town to head a nowor investigation commission in Washington He arrives with his wife, daughter son and their Aunt Miliy. They meet a French family and Andrew soon commences a love affair with "'"Siif-ii ime (Jacqueline Laurent), the -(laughter of tln> family. Life pmceeds happilv until Marian meets members Hof the Lee family and becomes interested in the son Steve. J The Lees are interested in a power monopoly vitally ■-affected by the decision of Judg«kardv's commission and b.v adroit, niiestioning thev get Marian to repeat, her father's remarks about the investigation. Her first report causes the corporation's stock to rise on Wall Street and Judge Hardy and his associates M realise that there has been a "leak" in information. The wily judge harbours a suspicion and makes remarks indicating that the public will tr.ke over the utility corporation. When < M al -ian repeats this to the Lees and they act accordingly, he realises what has happened. How the girl has talked becomes common knowledge and Mr. Lee visits the judge with phonograph records, secretly made, of bis daughter's voice, giving information from her father's home conversation. He must decide in favour of the utilities corporation, he is told, or these will be used to involve him in a national -scandal. The judge is prepared to resign to' protect his daughter from scandal and the family returns home. By a clever move Judge Hardy meets the situation and the film ends happily tor all concerned. The associate attraction 'is the dramatic film "Lady in tlie Morgue." CIVIC THEATRE I Although Auckland theatre-goers have enjoyed several "crazy" comedies njthin the past few months, "Bringing Up Baby." which commenced a season nfc the Civic Theatre yesterday, is even more hilarious, than most of its predecessors. Gary Grant, who established himself as a comedian in "The Awful Truth" and strengthened this reputation in "Topper," reaches a new height with his -portrayal of a staid nntf dignified professor of zoology. Katharine Hepburn, in a delightful comedy role, handles the part of a tempestuous society girl who always gets what she wants, excellently and graduates with honotirs as a first-class comedienne. A .brilliant cast of supporting plavers is headed by the inimitable May Robson, who is scrti as the wealthy, domineering aunt of Miss Hej>bitrn. T|iq role of the boastful Irish, hig-gamw hunter is taken by' Charlie RueglesA while others prominently . featured arc Walter Catlett, George Irving, Leona Roberta and Virginia Walker. The story is clever, with witty dialogue and a wealth of hilarious sequences that provide for the best of entertainment. In keeping with the novelties of its plot, the picture offers settings. A huge museum room with a full-sized brontosatirus skeleton SO feet long; a luxurious Connecticut estate, a country club, a noted New York hotel and a small-town gaol comprise the principal backgrounds against which the story runs its riotous course. It is made doubly amusing by the change which comes over Grant when he falls under tho spell of Miss Hepburn and deserts his work and his fiancee to embark on the atnazing adventures: A voting l&opnru .takes a prominent part in the film. An enjovable feature of the associate programme is the short organ recital by . Penn Hughes. Also to be screened is a Mickey Mouse cartoon, a Pathe Gazette and a musical film "Latin Rhythm." REGENT THEATRE The bright English comedian George Formby appears in the hilarious film ,v "I See Ice," to be shown at the Regent Theatre to-day. Splendid characterisations are given by Kay Walsh, Betty Stockfeld and Cyril Ritcliard in supporting roles. Formby is cast as the none-too-successful assistant of a photographer in an English provincial town. In a tram one day he becomes infatuated with a beautiful girl (Miss Stockfeld) and in his preoccupation is ' carried past his connection to London. Varied experiences, which provide many hilarious scenes befall the young photographer in tho metropolis. He has the chance of attaining his ambition to become a press photographer when he * is deputed •by a newspaper to take .' photographs of an important ice-hockey match. Formby is installed in the referees' box, but due to a misunderstanding he is called upon to control the game. The interesting supporting programme includes such films as "London by Night" and a Max Fleischer cartoon "Play Safe." CRYSTAL PALACE * AND RIALTO JRie brilliant comedy "Joy of Living," to be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-dav, has included in its cast Irene Dunne, Douglas Fairbanks, junior, and Alice Brady. Trevor and, Dixie Dunbar appear, in the second attraction, "Walking '.Down Broadway." Tho supporting programme includes n Walt. Dis-ney-cartoon, "The Moth and the. i;;* Flame'"'and a film of tho second ;• .crj&afc test. fRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Adapted from the novel by Robert, ' the dramatic film ;*Tide " is to bo shown at the Pnnce Edward Theatre to-day. Alison Stipirorth, Arthur Treacher and Mae are cast in tho comedy "Hitch Wo Lady." ; ADELPHI THEATRE . ( Glamorous Annabella- appears in at the Ritz," to-day's attracjl.o.ll at the A del phi Theatre. A splenolQ performance is given bv Smith nallew in " Hawaiian Buekaroo." PRINCESS THEATRE A splendid performance is given by Jane Withers in • tho entertaining the Princess Tlieatro to-day. Leadirvj ro .' os "i the second attraction, •Nothing Sacred," are taken by Carolo '°nibard and Fredric March. 0 VICTORIA THEATRE A splendid cast appears in "Tho Carrier," to be shown at the Victoria Theatre to-dav.- Leo C'arrillo and Jean Parker are prominent leaders. , ,!f r second attraction is the film |ii. ' an °f the People." . ' If;: - v | LONDON CINEMA • I.• Remedy and adventure are combined i+ j , Production "Early to Bed," txo-day s attraction at * the London mema. "Air Hawks" is' also to be I shown. | REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM l T Good performances are given by Gavnor and Fredric March in g;? technicolour producA Star Is Born," which heads ®tP? ro S r amme to-day 'at the Regent fetre, Epsom."

MAYFAIR THEATRE The popular English comedian Jack Hulbert is prominently cast in tho screen adaptation of one of Edgar Wallace's novels "Kate Plus Ten," to bo presented to-day at tho Ma.vfair Theatre. An amusing performance is given by Hulbert as a Scotland Yard detective, who is engaged in a search for a dangerous gang of criminals led by an attractive young girl known as "Kate." His work involves him in many amusing and thrilling scenes during which lie falls in love with tho loader of tho gang, finally succeeding in the capture of the criminals. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Splendid entertainment is offered at tho Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day when the exciting film "Tho Return ol Jimmy Valentine" is to be shown. Roger Pryor takes tho role of a noted newspaper reporter who seeks to win a reward of 5000 dollars olfered for knowledge of tho whereabouts of Jimmy Valentine, mystery sale-breaker. Pryor meets "Midge" Davis (Charlotte Henry) who tries to convince him that she knows someone who can positively identify Valentine. She says that tho mystery man's former assistant, lied Dolan, is employed as chauffeur by the Davis family, A gun-man named Scapelli, who seeks to kill Valentine, learns of Dolan's identity and tries to make him tell of tho whereabouts of his late master, but the chauffeur will not speak. Pryor ultimately learns who Valentino really is, but when he seeks to telephone the story to his editor Scapelli intervenes and covers him with a gun. He forces Pryor to put in a call for Valentine to meet him at a bank in half an hour, with the object of killing him. The film ends with a sensational climax. Harry Davenport 'takes a leading role in the second attraction "Fugitives." STRAND THEATRE Tho delicate, imaginative use of colour is one of tho features of Samuel Goldwyn's brilliant technicolour production, "The Goldwvn Follies," which will continue its season at the Strand Theatre to-day. The cast, which includes artists taken from almost every type of entertainment, is headed by Adolpho Mcnjou, who is cast as an eccentric Hollywood producer. As lie finds ho has lost touch with bis public, lie is forced to employ a typical American girl, a role portrayed by Andrea Leeds, to criticise the films in production from the point of view of the average theatre-goer. Much of the humour in tho film is supplied by Edgar Bergen and his doll Charlie McCarthy, who have become such noted personalities on the American radio. The Ritz Brothers appear in many amusing scenes, while a newcomer to the screen, Zorina, reveals herself as an extremely clever and attractive dancer. Other roles are capably portrayed by Ella Logan, . Kenny Baker and Helen Jepson. > EMBASSY THEATRE Beautiful Olympe Bradna finds wide appeal in the entertaining picture " Stolen Heaven, '* to be presented at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Lewis Stone and Gene Raymond appear in supporting roles. Raymond and Miss Bradna are cast as jewel thieves in a large European restaurant. The story is entertaining and set in surroundings that considerably enhance the film. STATE THEATRE Versatile Sandy Powell appears as an ardent football fan in the comedy "It's a Grand Old World," to be shown at tho State Theatre to-day. The story tells of how Powell, after many attempts, is successful in winning a large sum of money in a football sweep. The new singing actor Gene, Autry takes a leading rolo in the second attraction, "The Old Corral." STAR CINEMA Jack Oakie and the French actress Lily Pons appear in the comedy "Hitting a New High," to be presented at the Star Cinema to-day. Will Hay takes a leading rolo in "Oh. Mr. Porter." STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The super-sleuth Warner Oland gives a convincing portrayal in the production " Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo," to be presented at the State Theatre, Devonport, to-day. " Paradise for Two " will also be shown. STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA Shirley Temple appears in the appealing film " Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.". to be shown at the State Theatre, Onehunga, to-day. "Island in the Sky" is also to be presented. EMPRESS THEATRE " Dinner at the Ritz " and " Thank You, Mr. Moto *' are to be shown at the Empress Theatre to-day. The splendid supporting programme includes cartoons and a news reel showing tho first cricket test. REGAL THEATRE A thrilling story of intrigue and adventure is told in the film " Lancer Spy,'' to-day's attraction at the Regal Theatre. The Ilitz Brothers and Joan Davis appear in the second attraction, " Life begins in College." CAPITOL THEATRE The popular young actress Deanna Durbin. gives an entertaining performance in "100 Men and a Girl," to be shown at tho Capitol Theatre to-day. "You Can't Have Everything" will also bo presented. WINDSOR, PAPAKURA With its setting in the royal palaces of England, the outstanding film "Victoria "tho Great," in which tho main roles are capably portrayed by Anna Neagio and Anton Walbrook, will bo shown to-day at the Windsor Theatre, Pa pakura. TUDOR CINEMA The amusing comedy "Prescription for Romance," in which Mischa Auer, Wendy Barrio and Kent Taylor appear, 'is included on the programme today at tho Tudor Cinema. BERKELEY, MISSION BAY Garv Cooper and Frances Dee are included in the cast of • "Souls at Sea," which will be presented to-day with excellent supporting features at tho Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM Excellent entertainment is offered at the Ma.vfair Theatre, Sandringharn, today, when a line programme, including "Stella Dallas" and "My Dear Miss Ald rich," will be shown. BRITANNIA THEATRE Robert Louis Stevenson's famous story is brought to the screen in the film "Ebb Tide," which will bo shown to-day at the Britannia Theatre with tho comedy "Laughing at Life." GREY LYNN CINEMA Thorno Smith's hilarious comedy is brought to tho screen in "Topper," which will be shown to-day at the Grey Lynn Cinema. The second attraction is "Rembrandt," in which Charles Laughton has tho chief role, a

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Continuing the .success of sucli brilliant musical productions as "Naught> Marietta" and "Hose Mario," the outstanding Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film "Rosalie," commenced n season a Sjt. James' Theatre yesterday before large audiences. The singing ol Nelson Eddv, the tap-dancing of Eleanor Powell and the spectacular ballot scenes combino to make one of tho finest films of its kind to lio seen for some time. Eddy appears in the main male lead as a cadet at West Point Military Academy, who is famous both for his play on the football field and his singing. This role gives him plenty of chances to givt> lino interpretations of several modern and popular songs composed by Cole Porter, including "In the Still of the Night." "Rosalie" and "Who Knows," in which he is joined by Miss Powell. Brilliant exhibitions of tap-dancing are given by Eleanor Powell, who displays those extraordinary talents which have" won for her the title of "Queen of the Taps." An Hungarian actress llona Massey, who makes her first appearance in American films, possesses an attractive voice and promises to bo one of tho singing sensations of the screen. In an entertaining story Miss Powell is cast as Princess Rosalie, heiress to the throne in tho small Balkan kingdom of Romanza, who has been finishing her education with two. years at a school in tho United States. During her stay she falls in love with a cadet from a military academy Dick Thorpe (Nelson Eddy), and when about to return to her native land, invites Thorpe to visit her during tho annual festival. Thorpe is astounded to learn on his arrival in Romanza that Rosalie is betrothed to the son of the chancellor j and immediately returns to Americn. A timely revolution, however, forces tho royal family to come to the United States' and a reconciliation is effected between tho young couple. Frank Morgan, Edna May Oliver. Billy Gilbert and Reginald Owen are also prominently cast in the film. Excellent ciate features include a Peto_ Smith specialty "Surf Heroes," an historical mystery, "Jonquim Murrietft" ami newsrcels dealing with the Royal visit to France, the fourth cricket test and the flight round the world of tho American aviator Howard Hughes. ASTOR THEATRE William Powell and Luiso Rainer ap- ; pear in tho screen version of Baroness Orczy's novel "Tho Emperor's Candlesticks," which is included, on tho programme at the Astor Theatre to-day. "Freedom for Salo" is the second film. CIVIC THEATRETTE An excellent double-feature programme, including "Annie Oakley," in which Barbara Stanwyck and Preston Foster appear, and "We're Only Human," will be presented to-day atthe Civic Theatrette. The second film is a thrilling production dealing with tho fight of G-men against gangsters.