ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23222, 16 December 1938, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE "Our Fighting Navy, 4 '" the entertaining Herbert Wilcox production demonstrating the strength of Britain's naval forces, will be presented at the Regent Theatre to-day. The picture has an authentic background, for, with the co-operation of the naval authorities, tho autumn manoeuvres of the Atlantic fleet were filmed. The plot for the story is set in a mythical South American republic, where a revolt has broken out. The president of the country has sought sanctuary with the British Consul, and tho rebels clamour for him to be given up to them. In the meanwhile, a British cruiser has been despatched from tho Home Fleet and arrives on the scene just as El Mirante, the rebel cruiser, has threatened to bombard tho consulate. The captain of the British Audacious decides to fight tho more heavily-armed El Mirante, although ho knows that his own sweetheart is a prisoner on board. The battle between the two cruisers makes some of tho most exciting naval scenes yet brought to the screen. ST. JAMES' THEATRE A splendid programme, the main feature of which is the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy "Love Finds Andy Hardy," is offered at St. James' Theatre to-day. The story of the main film deals chiefly" with the several amusing love alfairs in which Andy Hardy becomes involved, this role being portrayed by Mickey Rooney. The other players include Lewis Stone, Judy Garland, Fay Holden and Cecilia Parker. A Pete Smith specialty and a Fitzpatrick travelogue will also be shown. MAYFAIR THEATRE One of the most amusing naval films to he made since "Splinters in tho Navy" is offered at the iMavfair i Theatre to-day, when "AIPs Button | Afloat" will commence the second week ! of its season. The film is a modern ver- i sion of the fable of Aladdin's lamp, for i it deals with the adventures of a i marine who possesses a button retaining the power of summoning the allpowerful genie. MAJESTIC THEATRE The Dungdin actor Colin Tapley, who was selected as one of the New Zealand representatives in the Paramount "Search for Beauty" contest, has the best role of his screen career in "Booloo," the thrilling jungle film which will be shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Tapley gives a splendid performance as a voung scientist who sets out for the Malayan jungles to justify statements made by his father concerning a white tiger. A London geographical society scoffs at a statement made by the father of Rogers (Tapley), that certain tribes 'are accustomed to sacrifice beautiful girls to the tiger, in the belief that it is the incarnation of a god. After the expedition has made its way into the dense forests, Rogers is deserted by his party and comes into conflict with a band of natives who are about to sacrifice a young girl. The film is brought to a dramatic climax. Supporting roles are taken by Jayne Regan. Mamo Clark and Michio Ito. The second feature on tho programme is the amusing comedy "Professor, Beware," in which .tho popular comedian Harold Lloyd makes a welcome return to the screen. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES An entertaining story of a cavalry horse which wins the Grand National Steeplechase in England after being rejected by a United States cavalry corps is brought to the screen in the Warner Brothers' picture " Sergeant Murphy," which is included on the programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. The picture is notable for the fact that the brilliant young Australian actress Mary Maguire has a leading role and gives an outstanding performance. Ronald Reagan appears as a private in the Army, who is devoted to his horse, "Sergeant Murphy." Fearing that the horse will be taken from him when he retires, he makes it appear spirited on parade and finally causes it to. bolt -when the colonel is reviewing troops. Encouraged bv the colonel's daughter (Miss Maguire). he trains it in hurdling and then decides to enter it for the great English steeplechase at Aintree. The bright, romantic comedy "Love, Honour and Behave," in which Wayne Morris, Priscilla Lane and John Litel appear, will also be presented. j CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO' Splendid portrayals are given by Bette Davis and Henry in tho dramatic film "That Certain Woman,''! which will be presented at the Crystal! Palace and Rialto Theatres to-niglit. The second attraction is the bright comedy "Rascals," in which Jane. Withers is prominently cast. Several j enjovable new musical numbers are introduced by Borrah Minevitch and his "gang." CIVIC THEATRETTE Bright entertainment is offered at the Civic Tlieatrette to-day, when a doublefeature programme, including the film "She Couldn't Take ft," and the exciting Western production "The Revenge Rider," will be presented. Special concessions will be available for children. STRAND THEATRE The modern domestic comedy "Sing You' Sinners," in which Bing Crosby. Fred .Mac Murray and Ellen Drew are prominently cast, will commence a season at the Strand Theatre to-day. Humorous situations, witty dialogue and several attractive new songs are features of this Paramount production. STATE THEATRE The entertaining story of episodes in the life of Judge Hardy his American family, "You're Only Young Once," will be shown at tho State Theatre to-day. Fine performances are given by Lewis Stone, Mickey Rooney, Fav Holden and Cecilia Parker. The "second attraction is the thrilling Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer mystery film "Whipsaw," in which the leading roles are capably played by Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy. STAR CINEMA Tho onjovable programme to l<e shown at the Star Cinema to-day includes the thrilling drama "Devil and the Deep," and "Monte Carlo. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT ' The films ".Tosette" and "Mr. Mo to Takes a Chance" coniiinso the programme at the State 'lhentre, Devonport. to-night. Simone hinion appeals in the first film STATE THEATRE, ONEHUNGA a' stirring story of. the hardships iindererone by civilians in the Spanish Civil War is brought to the screen m "Blockade." to ho shown with 1 m from the 6ity," at the State theatre. Onehunga. to-night. TUDOR CINEMA Hilarious situations and witty dialogue are features oi' Alexander Korda's technicolour production "Divorce of Lady X." which is included on the programme at the Tudor Cinema to-night. Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier have the leading roles. BRITANNIA THEATRE Robert Taylor is prominently cast in the film "A* Yank at Oxford," which is to be shown at the Britannia Theatre to-night. The second attraction is the drama "The Devil's Party."

CIVIC THEATRE The enjoyable R.K.<X Radio production "Mother Carey's Chickens heads the programme to be presented at thd Civic Theatre to-day. The film has been adapted from Kate Douglas Wiggin'a dramatic story of a devoted family's struggle, and an outstanding cast, including Ann Shirley, James Ellison and Ruby Keeler, gives an imaginative interpretation of the characters in the story. John Carey is a captain in the United States Navy, and, before leaving for service in the Spanish-American War, he and his family go on a picnic, during which they meet a young teacher, Ralph Thurston. Later, news comes that the father has been killed in action and the family have to live on the small naval pension alone. Interwoven into the story of their struggles is the romance between Thurston and one of the daughters. Penn Hughes will also be heard in some attractive numbers on the Wurlitzer organ. EMBASSY THEATRE Adapted from Jacques Deval's famous play of the same name, the romantic comedy "Tovarich " commenced a season at the Embassy Theatre yesterday before large and appreciative audiences. Charles Boyer, who was recently seen in the crime drama "Algiers," reveals his talents in a comedy role and gives an attractive portrayal of a Russian aristocrat who is forced to seek employment in Paris after the revolution. Supporting him is Claudette Colbert, who gives a performance reminiscent of her characterisation in " Bluebeard's Eighth Wife." She makes the princess a charming personality, -importing strength and dignity into her role. Another prominent feature of the film is the acting of Melville Cooper, as the Parisian banker who is the employer of the two refugees. He becomes a captivating figure in the very experienced hands of Cooper, who had the same part in the original London production of the play. Mikail and Tatiana are an attractive* couple, in spite of the thor- „ oughlv unpractical manner in which they 'look after the banker's household. There are a number of dramatic scenes, one of the most outstanding being a dinner party scene, where they find themselves waiting at the tableon a man who had tortured the husband in Russia. Although they are penniless, they have been entrusted with forty million francs by the Tsar, but this "is placed in the bank until such time as their country needs it. It is in their association with the two children of their employers, whom they completely captivate, that the film reveals its. "most entertaining situations. These are acted cleverly and the comedy is lifted to great heights. The excellent associate features include a travelogue in technicolour, "What the World Makes," a novelty, "Puppet Love," and the latest air mail news reels, depicting events overseas. LONDON CINEMA Outstanding portrayals are given by Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon in the screen version of Baroness Orczy's famous novel "The Scarlet Pimpernel," which will be shown at the London Cinema to-day. "Half an Angel will also be presented. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE The delightful comedy "Romance for Three," in which Frank Morgan, Florence Rice and Robert Young appear, will be presented at the Prince Edward Theatre to-night. The second attraction on the programme is the drama "The Devil's Party." BERKELEY, MISSION BAY The life of the great Irish patriot is depicted in the Metro-Gold wynMaver film "Parnell," to be presented at the Berkelev Theatre, Mission Bay, to-night. Clark Gable and Myrna Loy have the leading roles. VICTORIA THEATRE ! The drama of life in New York, "Big Citv," will be shown at the Victoria Theatre to-night, with the comedy "Let George Do It." George Wallace appears in the second attraction. ASTOR THEATRE Erich Remarque's famous novel is brought to the screen in "The Road Back," to be presented at the Astor Theatre to-night. "Reckless Living' will also be shown. c -