ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23192, 11 November 1938, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE Wayne Morris, the actor who leapt to fame with his brilliant portrayal in the title-role of "Kid Galahad," has the leading role in "Submarine D-l," the gripping film which® continues to attract capacity audiences to the Regent Theatre. Pat O'Brien and Frank McHugh' also appear in the cast, theso three taking the roles of members of a crew that venture beneath the sea to test out submarines of new design. An excellent supporting programme, which includes a film of New Zealand in colour, "Long Bright Land," also is being shown. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Four of the screen's leading players, Myrna Loy, Franchot Tone, Rosalind Russell and Walter Pidgeon, head a strong cast in the film Man-Proof," which will commence a season at St. James' Theatre to-day. A light social drama, in which witty conversation and th 3 ultra-modern type of "streamlined" acting play major parts, "Man-Proof" tells tho story of Mimi Swift,_ a _ young society girl who imagines she is in love with a man-about-town of the typical American type. Miss Loy handles the role of Mimi in magnificent fashion, while Walter Pidgeon excels all his previous performances with his portrayal of the good-looking but shallow Americana. Mimi, however, is placed in the unenviable position of finding herself as a bridesmaid at the wedding of the man she had hoped would marry her. When he returns from his honeymoon with his wife, which part is taken by Rosalind Russell, Mimi endeavours to recapture his affections, but is prevented from doing so by the shrewd generalship of the wife. It appears that all will end unhappily for Mimi until she finally discovers that she really loves not the American, but her faithful friend Jimmy Kilmartin (Franchot Tone). All the principals give sparkling performances and carry the film triumphantly. An excellent supporting programme also will bo shown.

MAYFAIR THEATRE An. opportunity to see again the immortal Rudolph Valentino, who, is still hailed as the greatest screen actor of all time, will be given patrons of the Mayfair Theatre to-day when "The Sheik," the production which made Valentino famous, will be shown in a revived- form. Adapted from E. M. Hull's novel, "The Sheik" is the story of a young Arab chieftain, Ahmed Ben Hassan, who sees and falls in love with lovely Diana Mayo (Agnes Ayres). Ben Hassan holds up the girl's caravan and takes her captive. How the flaming spirit of the girl revolts, how she forces him to release her, only to realise that she is actually in love with him, forms the basis of a gripping story. Adolphe Monjou, well-known to theatre-goers of the present day, also has a prominent role in the film. John Howard and Mary Carlisle appear in "Touchdown Army," the second attraction, which will be having its first New Zealand screening. MAJESTIC THEATRE A dramatic prison story, and one of the finest brought to the screen, for some time, is "Penitentiary," the outstanding production which will commence a season at the Majestic Theatre to-day. This is the dramatic story of a politically ambitious warden who finds that life inside a State penitentiary goes* deeper than mere individual desires. Walter Connolly, John Howard, Jean Parker and Robert Barrat play the leading roles and all give excellent portrayals, especially Connolly, ■who gives a fine performance as the warden. The story tells how a convict (John Howard) is made to suffer for the 1 wrong of another man. of which he is not allowed to inform the authorities because it would mean a contravention of the criminal code. The 12-year-old actress, Edith Fellows, has the leading role in the hilarious Columbia production "Little Miss Roughneck," which will also be on the ' programme to be shown to-day. The Majestic Theatre has a refutation for well-varied and entertaining programmes and the one to be shown for the first time to-day conforms with the theatre's high standards.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES The story of a brave young band of men pledged to stand for righteousness and justice in the days of the old lawless West is unfolded in "The Devil's Saddle Legion," the main item of . entertainment on the programme! now showing at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. The sinking cowboy, Dick Foran, who has the leading role in the film, appears as the chief of this band, which has many exciting encounters with outlaws. Dick Foran gives a dashing portrayal, and during the course of the film finds time to present three songs written by thei composers of the popular number "My Little Buckaroo." One of Hollywood's most popular young actresses, Anna Nagel,. a. daughter of the prominent actor of "silent days, Conrad Nagel, has the leading feminine role and gives a performance that augurs well for a career well above the average. Thrills abound in "Adventurous Blonde," the second full-length attraction on this; outstanding programme. Glenda Farrell again appears as the girl_reporter,: "Torchy" Blane, while opposite her is Barton* Mac Lean in the role of Detec-tive-Lieutenant Steve Mcßride, her sweetheart. The film contains numerous thrilling moments which occur as the pair track down a murderer and solve a baffling mystery. PRINCE EDWARD- THEATRE Bert Bailey and Fred Mac Donald take the leading roles in "On Our Selection," the Australian comedy which will be shown at the Prince Edward Theatre to-night. The film was the first talking production to be made in the Commonwealth and was directed by Ken Hall, who has made so many other fine films during his career. Bert Bailey lias the role of "Dad" and his characterisation reflects to a.large degree .his own outlook on life, dry humour and sincerity being features of his portrayal. Fred Mac Donald appears as Dave, a typical Australian character. The first half of the programme consists of a highly entertaining series of shorter features. STRAND THEATRE' , A number of Irving Berlin's most popular and tuneful melodies are presented in "Alexander's Ragtime Band," the outstanding musical production which is still attracting large audiences to the Strand Theatre. Alice Faye is ' heard to great advantage singing these numbers, while Tyrone Power and Don sAmecho head a strong supporting cast. "Alexander's Ragtime Band" tells of ..tho introduction of syncopated rhythm into music. LONDON CINEMA The contrasted programme to be presented at tho London Cinema to-day comprises the films "It Had to Happen" and "Whispering Smith Speaks." BRITANNIA THEATRE Fredric March has the main role in "The Buccaneer," which is the main feature to bo shown at the Britannia Theatre to-night. "Song of the City": is the second attraction. PRINCESS THEATRE .. j Tho musical film "The Goldwyiv Follies" and, "She Loved a Fireman" are the two productions Oh the programme of the Princess Theatre tonight. : STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT "Four Men and a Prayer" and "She Had to Eat" are the attractions to be. shown to-night at the State Theatre, Devonport.

CIVIC THEATRE The story of the relentless pursuit by tho police of Pepo Lo Mcko, notorious French jewel thief, is vividly brought to tho screen in "Algiers,' ' the gripping,", 1 drama at present at tho Civic Theatre. ' 1 Charles Boyer gives another brilliant portrayal as the clever criminal, whila? others in a strong cast are Hedy Lamarr and Sigrid Gurie. A well-varied supporting programme includes a short film showing tho running of the Melbourne Cup of 1938, won by the New Zealand horse Catalogue in convincing style, c EMBASSY THEATRE Based upon incidents in the life* of the great English actor of the 18th century, David Garrick, the film "The Great Garrick," which commenced what should undoubtedly be a most . popular season at the Embassy Theatre :; > yesterday, is a gay and rollicking.,, comedy. Brian Aherne, well remem- , bered for his delightful performance**: in the record-breaking "Merriljr We Live," has the title-role,, a task which he handles in excellent fashion. While the film is a costume pllay—the locale being London and Paris —it is :aot a drama, nor is it a serious biographical sketch of tho career of JDaviu Garrick. The incident in the life of the actor with which the picture deals may or may not have happened. The story tells how Garrick, after achieving unprecedented success on the London stage, leaves for a season in the Paris theatres. A false rumour gets to Paris , before him, however, this being'to the effect that Garrick had said he "was» crossing the channel for the piurpese . of "teaching the French how to act." The heads of Comedy Francaise decide to teach Garrick a lesson. They rent an inn just outside Paris and put ' into it a staff made uj; of actors and actresses. Garrick arrives "with his valet, Tubby (Edward Everett Hor--ton), and strange things start to happen. Garrick is keen enough to sensethe theatrical atmosphere or the place,' however, and he thwarts the perpetra- 1 . tors of the plot. A beautiful a' part taken' by Olivia de Havilland, comes to the inn, saying that hei' coach has broken down near by. Thinking she is part of the plot, Garrick makes* ardent love to her, but is involved "in a difficult situation when he discovers,, her innocence. An excellent supporting' programme comprises a, travelogue en- \ titled "Mysterious Ceylon," a short musical film, a coloured cartoon and the latest newsreels.

STATE THEATRE :sg Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Macdon aid are responsible for another brilliant musical success iji their production "Rosalie," which, heads itJae pros gramme to be presented to-night to : patrons of the State Theatre. -A wellf blended series of shorter features is included on the programme. p STAR CINEMA "Wise Girl" will be shown with "Freedom for Sale" ,/jat the Star Cinema to-day. -f

BERKELEY. MISSION BAY

Joel McCrea and Frances Dee have the main roles in "Wells Fargo," which is the main attraction at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, tonight. Short features make Up the first half of the programme. . > TUDOR CINEMA t A. complete vaudeville entertainment is presented in "Calling All Stars," which will be shown at this Tudor Cinema to-night. This wi3T he preceded by "True Confessions." , CRYSTAL PALACE; AND RIALTO The double-feature programme to be presented at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night includes the films "Josette" and "Mr. Mcrto Takes a Chance." STATE .THEATRE, ONEHUNGA The thrilling feature "Kidnapped" is at the head of the programme to be presented to-night at lihe State Theatre, Onehunga.- 'the second, feature is "A Trip to Paris/' v'-V STAR THEATRE, PAPAKURA The child actress Shirley Tomple appears in "Heidi of the; Alp;i,'* which will be shown at the. Star Theatre, Papakura, to-night, together with, the film "Sinners in Paradise." i : 'V r Slavic THEATRETTE. The two films to be shoini to-day at the Civic Thea.trette are " The Best Man Wins'* and "Air i Hawks/' Jack Holt has the lead inthie first attraction. ■ .'it .*;? ASTOR THEATRE J Silvia Sidney and; Joel MoCrea' give /■. brilliant performances in "Di?ad End';" which is to be presented to-night -at the Astor Theatre. • ,-i ' —•— "' \ .i ■ ■ • VICTORIA THEATRE -'l Jeanette Macdonald has a singing role in "The Firefly," which •will he screened to-night at the Victoria Theatre. • t 1