ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23177, 25 October 1938, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Two of tho most popular singers on the screen to-day. Jennctto Mac Donald ami Nelson Fdily, are brought together once again in the Motro-Gioldw.vii-Alayer production "The Girl of the Golden West," which will lie shown at St. James' Theatre to-day. I'lte lilm is sot in C'aliiorma about the middle ot lust century when tile influence of the Spanish race was still apparent in the customs and happy lUe of the people. Other roles in the picture" are taken by Leo C'arrillo, Walter I'idgoon anil Huildv Kbsen. MAYFAIR THEATRE The child actress Jane Withers lias n more pleasing role than those she has taken in former pictures in the 2Uth Century Eon picture "Pascals," which heads an attractive programme at the Alayfair Theatre to-day. She appears as the princess of a gip.\\ band which is frequently earning the displeasure of the police. Much of the credit lor the success of the film goes to Borrali Minnevitch and his "gang." They supply a great deal of the entertainment, besides giving attractive selections on their month organs. ,\1 innevitch reveals hinisalf as a highly-gifted comedian. Altogether. it is an excellent film, offering entertainment equal to Jane Withers' previous pictures. The supporting programme includes a comedy sketch. "The Miss They Missed.in which Willie Howard, who recently was seen in the "Hollywood Hotel" revue, appears. Interesting newsreels will also bo shown MAJESTIC THEATRE Uandolph Scott and Joan Hennett have leading roles in the Paramount !>roduetion "The Texans," which will >e presented at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The story begins after the disastrous American Civil War, when the people of the great cattle-raising state were'attempting to gain control of their Government from corrupt politicians. The people are faced with the alternative of giving up their herds to the grasping provisional Government or taking them 100U miles to the nearest railhead, and the film continues as they commence their long journey.

CIVIC THEATRE A brilliant cavalcade of music is offered in the Irving Berlin production '"Alexander's Ragtime Banci," which will continue its season at the Civic Theatre to-day. The picture takes its title from the composition by Berlin, which marked the beginning of the modern music era. Many popular songs of the various periods since 1911, including such favourites as "Hemember," '"A Pretty Girl is Like a .Melody" and "Check to Cheek - ' are sung and played in the film. Excellent performances are given by a strong cast which includes the three principal players of "In Old i Chicago," Tyrone Power, Alice Fave ; and Don Ameclie. Power appears as the i leader of Alexander's Ragtime Band, with Miss Fave as the singer and Ameche as the composer, and the story deals with the progress of modern music down to the "swing" period. An enjoyable associate programme includes newsreels depicting events in Europe during the recent crisis and a Movietone Magic Carpet with many scenes of New Zealand life. EMBASSY THEATRE j A stirring drama is offered in "That j Certain Woman," which will continue its season at the Embassy Theatre today. In the main role. Bette Davis proves more than ever that she has few equals on the screen as an emotional actress, who mi ins her chief successes 111 roles in which she is subdued even in her tensest moments. Hi'nrv I*\>n<ln. who appears as ;> weak and irresponsible young man. brings sincerity and conviction to his portrayal. while lan Hunter gives one of his best performances for sonic time. I ROXY THEATRE Fine entertainment is offered in Smith Ballew's latest film "Panamint's Bad Mail," which is included on the (ionhle-f'eature program mo at the I'oxy I'heatre to-day. Ballew is cast as a special United States deputy, who is given the task of finding the identity of the men responsible for the frequent hold-ups to the Wells Fargo coach. Many exciting scenes follow when he assumes the identity -of a Texan outlaw, and becomes friendlv with the suspected men. The second attraction is "She Loved a Fireman." TIVOLI THEATRE A splendid programme has been arranged for patrons of the Tivoli Theatre to-night, - when guest night concessions will be available. The first film is the thrilling mystery, "The Walking Death." in which a capable performance is given by Boris Karloff in the leading role. Ambrose and his orchestra will be heard in the second attraction, "Soft Lights, Sweet Music." The interesting supporting features include a coloured cartoon and a short comedy. STATE THEATRE Some of the most spectacular flying scenes ever filmed are included in the thrilling air drama "Test Pilot," which will be presented at the State Theatre to-night. An outstanding cast of players includes Clark Gable, Myrua Toy, Spencer Tracy and Lionel Barrymore. STAR CINEMA The delightful comedy "It Happened One Night," in which Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert appear, will he shown at the Star Cinema to-day. The second attraction is the musical "Pennies from Heaven." PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE An excellent double-feature programme is offered at the Prince Edward Theatre to-night, when the bright comedy "The Three Wise Guys" and the mystery film "The Garden Murder Case" will be presented. LONDON CINEMA Excellent entertainment is offered j at the London Cinema to-day. when a well-balanced programme, comprising the comedy "The Moon's Our Home" ; and "Blackmailer," will be presented, j

REGENT THEATRE Well-known to New Zcalanders for his work on stage and screen, the popular Australian comedian George Wallace gives an entertaining performance in the Cincsound film "Lot George Do It." which i> the chief attraction at the Regent Theatre to-day. Vlallace appears as a rather unintelligent stagehand employed at a Sydney theatre, this role providing a perfect vehicle for his amusing lalents. He is well supported by the Scottish comedian, >loo Yalli, Alec Kellaway and Letty Craydon. Among the interesting associate features are one ot the "Crime Dnesn t Pay'' series, "It May Happen to You." and a Harinon-lsing cartoon, "Pipe Dreams." The newsreels include scenes in Europe during the Chechoslovakian crisis. STRAND THEATRE Making her first appearance in American hlnis. (iracie l-'ields gives an entertaining performance in "We're (ioing to lie Hicli," which will be presented at the Strand Theatre to-day. Miss Fields is cast as a music-hall entertainer in Melbourne toward the end ol last century, and the picture opens as sh<' is giving a farewell concert to her many friends in the town. She and her husband (Victor McLaglen) embark for South Africa in order to take part in the gold rush. On their arrival iu Capetown, the singer's husband announces that in* has invested their savings in a goldmine, but they soon discover that they have been swindled. Their troubles increase when he is sent to prison for taking part in a riot, but the picture is eventually brought to a successful conclusion. The second attraction is the mystery film "Young and Innocent. ' in which Nova Pilbeam is prominently cast. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Splendid performances are given by Ginger Rogers and .lames Stewart in tho comedy "V ivaeious Lady,' which will be presented at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. "Double Danger"' will also be shown.

ASTOR THEATRE The films "Crash Donovan" and "Broadwav Hostess" will he shown at the Astor "Theatre to-night.