ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23213, 6 December 1938, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAYFAIR THEATRE The well-balanced programme to be shown at tho Mayfair Theatre to-day includes a story of the race-track, "Speed to Burn," and the Jones Family comedy "Safety in Numbers." The cast in the first film includes Michael Wlialen, Lynn Bari and Henry Armetla. "All's Button Alloat" will be presented at tho Mayfair Theatre on Friday. MAJESTIC THEATRE A thrilling drama of life in ono of America's most notorious prisons is offered in the film "Alcatraz Island," which is included on the double-feature programme % bo presented at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The associate picture is the bright comedy "Tho Gladiator." In this, the popular comedian Joe E. Brown appears as a football player and wrestler, this roie supplying a perfect vehicle for his talents. The American wrestler Man Mountain Dean is among the supporting players. CIVIC THEATRE Splendid performances are given by Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall in the leading roles in ."Always Good-live," the stirring drama which in to c'ontinuo its season at tho Civic Theatre to-day. Miss Stanwyck appears as a young mother whose husband is killed in an accident before her eyes. She is forced to let her son be adopted and some years later is faced with the problem of whether she should marry the man slio loves or the foster-father of her child. Lan Hunter, Binnio Barnes and John Russell are also prominently cast. RECENT THEATRE Alaska, the vast Arctic territory belonging to the United States, provides the colourful background for the Paramount production "Spawn of the North," which is to continue its season at tho Regent Theatre to-day. Directed by Henry Hathaway, who was responsible lor the production of "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" and "Souls at Sea," the film has an outstanding cast, including George Raft, Dorothy Lamour, Henry Fonda and Akim Tamiroff. There is an entertaining supporting programme. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Four of the leading players from " Tho Goldwyn Follies, " Adolphe Menjou, Andrea Leeds, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, appear together once again ,in the Now Universal film "Letter of Introduction," which is to be shown at St. James' Theatre to-day. As in his previous film, McCarthy, supplies much of the humour with his quips and sarcastic remarks. The supporting features include' a Mcntone musical, and a New Zealand travelogue describing Nelson province. EMBASSY THEATRE Presenting a problem which has faced many young married couples, tho romantic comedy "Tho First Hundred Years" will continue its successful season at the Embassy Theatre to-day. The story deals with a newly-married couple who quarrel when the husband refuses his wife the right to continue with her own career after their wedding. As a new comedy team, Robert Montgomery and Virginia Bruce are outstanding, and they are well supby Warren William, Binnio arnes, Alan Dinehart and E. E. Clive. The excellent associate programme includes a Robert Benchley novelty, a Pete Smith specialty, and an "Our Gang" comedy. "Cloistered," one of tho most unusual films to be produced for some time, will bo presented at the Embassy Theatre on Thursday for a short season. For the first time,' with the special permission of tho Pope, cinema photographers have been allowed to make authentic pictures of life within the walls of a convent. The subject has not been treated before, and tho film should have a wide appeal.

STRAND THEATRE Gary Cooper, Frances Deo and George Rait have the principal roles in the drama "Souls at Sea," which is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre to-day. The story deals with the period when the slave trade was still practised, and shows the efforts of the British Government, through one man, to put an end to the trade. A "Popeye" cartoon will also bo shown. TIVOLI THEATRE An outstanding double-featured programme is offered at tho Tivoli Theatre to-night when guest-night concessions will be available. Margaret Lindsay, Glenda Farrell and Lyle Talbot appear in the first film, "Law in Her Hands." in the second attraction, "Hot Money," Boss Alexander and Beverly Roberts have the principal roles. Tho interesting; supporting programme includes a tworeel comedy, a musical and a cartoon. STATE THEATRE Tho modern comedy "Merrily We Live," in which Brian Aherne, Con-* stance Bennett.- Alan Mowbray and Billie Burke appear, will be shown at tho State Theatre to-night. The amusing story is centred round life in an American household where tho mother invites tramps to stay as guests in the hope of reforming them. A touring novelist comes to tho door, is mistaken for a tramp and begins a series of hilarious adventures. STAR CINEMA Amusing performances are given by Irene Dunne and Douglas Fairbanks, junior, in tho comedy "Joy of Living, which is to bo presented with "Flying Down to Rio" at tho Star Cinema to-day. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The popular radio comedian Sandy Powell continues his success on* tho screen in "It's a Grand Old World," which is to be shown at tho Crystal Palace and Rialto Thoatrcs to-night. Tho second feature on tho programme ' is tho comedy "Wolf's Clothing," a crime story with many amusing incidents. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Adapted from one of tho lato Edgar Wallaro's most exciting novels, tho film "The Crimson Circle," heads tho attractive programme at tho Prince Edward Theatre to-night. The second attraction is the hilarious comedy "Girls Will Bo Boys." BERKELEY, MISSION BAY Tho girl soprano, Deanna Durbin, makes her first appearance on tho screen in a. leading role with Nan Grey and Barbara Read in the bright comedy "Throe Smart Girls," which will commence a return season at the Berkeley ' Theatre, Mission Bay, tonight, 1 ' TUDOR CINEMA The satirical comedy "The Man Who Could Work Miracles," in which Roland Young and Joan Gardnor appear, heads the attractive programme to bo presented at tho Tudor Cinema to-night.

ASTOR THEATRE Tho well-balanced programme,to bo shown at tho Astor Theatre to-night includes tho films "Coronado" and "Crime Unlimited."