ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23276, 20 February 1939, Page 15

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE Gary Cooper, who made his first appearance on the screen in western roles again takes the part of a cowboy m Samuel Goldwyn's entertaining production "Tho Cowboy and the Lady," which heads the excellent programme at the Plaza Theatre to-day. The leading feminine part is capably played by Merle Obcron, who is cast as the daughter of a presidential candidate. While staying at a ranch, the "irl falls in love with the cowboy, but there are many amusing scenes before their romance is finally brought to a satisfactory conclusion. MAJESTIC THEATRE An outstanding programme is offered at the Majestic Theatre to-day, when the two Paramount productions "King of Alcatraz" and "Pride of tho West" will be presented. Lloyd Nolan and Robert Preston have tho chief roles in the first film as wireless operators on a liner travelling from San Francisco. Tho two men are continually quarrelling over 'women acquaintances but are staunch friends when any trouble arises. A dangerous criminal escapes from Alcatraz prison and with his gang boards the ship in disguise. The pleasure cruise develops into an exceptionally tense affair when tho gang suddenly takes charge of tha liner. All opposition is quelled except that of the two operators, and they defy tho criminals by sending out messages giving the ship's position. A fight ensues and the film is brought to an exciting climax. The popular cowboy character Hopalong Cassidy is once again seen in "Pride of the West," tho second attraction. This part is played by William Boyd, who is supported by George Hayes, Russell Hayclen and Charlotte Field. The story commences with a coach robbery and Cassidy is called upon to bring tho criminals to justice. CIVIC THEATRE A brilliant cast, headed by Douglas Fairbanks, junior, Janet Gaynor, Roland Young and Billie Burke, appears in the delightful modern comedy "The Young in Heart," which will continue its season at the Civic Theatre to-day. Tho Carletons are a family living by their wits as they journey throughout Europe. They are forced to leave tho Riviera district with tho polioa on their trail and they arrive in England to wait for a likely victim. One is found in tho person of an elderly spinster, Miss Fortune, but complications ensue before they are able to bring their plans to completion. Items by Charles Tuckwell 011 tho Wurlitzer organ will be features of the excellent supporting programme. REGENT THEATRE One of the brightest comedies to be offered in Auckland for some time is "It's in the Air," which will be presented at" the Regent Theatre to-day. The popular English comedian George Formbv gives an hilarious performance as an unintelligent young man who suddenly discovers himself in the Royal Air Force. One of the most amusing scenes is where Formby finds himself in charge of an unpiloted aeroplane, which is performing amazing "stunts," to the delight of those watching. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES A thrilling motor-racing picture is brought to the screen in "Road Demon," which is the principal attraction at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Henry Arthur takes the role of a young racing driver, Jimmy Blake, who loses his position driving a truck and is trying to obtain work 011 the speedway. At the stadium, he meets Ted Rogers, who is experimenting with a new machine. Later, when the car crashes and tho inventor decides to discontinue the trials, Blake induces a' number of friends to buy the car. The machine is reconditioned in preparation for an important contest, but three unscrupulous drivers decide to prevent the new car from winning. Rogerg, who is the driver, is forced into a crash, but escapes without damage and carries on to win an exciting race. Joan Valerie has the main feminine role and other parts are played by Henry Armetta, Tom Beck and Bill Robinson. An unusual murder mystery is offered in "The Patient in Room IS," which is the second attraction. Patric Knowles appears as a private detective recuperating from a nervous breakdown in a private hospital when a wealthy man is murdered and a supply of radium stolen. Tho detective sets a trap for the murderer and tho mystery is solved in an original manner. Knowles gives a fine performance in the main role and tho supporting parts are well played by Ann Sheridan, Eric Stanley and John Ridgley. STRAND THEATRE Tyrone Power, Loretta Young and the French actress Annabella are cast together in the entertaining 20th Cen-tury-Fox picture "Suez," which will be presented at the Strand Theatre to-day. Power appears as Ferdinand de Lesseps, tho French engineer, through whose foresight and courage the Suez canal was built. The picture opens with do Lesseps being sent to Egypt on a diplomatic mission, and while riding through the desert he envisions what it would mean if a canal were to be dug, connecting tho Mediterranean and Red Seas. Many difficulties are encountered, but de Lesseps perseveres, and is at last rewarded with success. One of tho most spectacular parts of the picture is a scene in which a black simoon sweeps down 011 tho almost-constructed canal. EMBASSY THEATRE Winner of the Academy Award for her splendid portrayal in "Dangerous" and well known for many fine dramatic performances, Bette Davis is tho leading player in tho Warner Brothers' drama "Jezebel," which is to be shown at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Miss Davis appears as a "beautiful 'but heartless girl, living? in New Orleans during the years preceding the outbreak of tlie Civil War. She defies all the southern traditions by smoking, drinking and carrying on numerous romances with the young gallants of New Orleans. Henry Fonda and George Brent aro among tho supporting players. STATE THEATRE A splendid programme is provided at tho State Theatre to-night when tho United Artists' production "These Three" and the adventure film "Call of the Wild" will he shown. _ The fine cast in tho first attraction is headed by Joel McCrea, Merle Oberon and Miriam Hopkins, while Clark Gable and Loretta Young appear in tho second film, which is adapted from Jack London's thrilling story of tho Yukon. STAR CINEMA The entertaining romantic film "The Bride Wore Red," in which tho principal players are Franehot Tone. Joan Crawford and Robert Young, is the principal attraction .at the Star Cinema to-day. Also 011 the programme is tho crime drama "The Last Gangster." The principal players in this production are Edward G. Robinson and James Stewart. CAPITOL THEATRE "Stolen Heaven" is to be showYi with "Kentucky Moonshine" at the Capitol Theatre to-night. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE Charlie McCarthy appears in "Letter of Introduction," which is to be shown with "Yellow Jack" at tho Prince Edward Theatre to-day.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE After ati absence from the screen of nearly two years, Norma Shearer excels even her previous fine performances in her latest film "Marie Antoinette," which is now in its third week at St. James' Theatre, She makes the portrait of the ill-fated Hapsburg princess a study of remarkable significance and stature. Next to Miss Shearer's performance comes that of an almost-unknown English actor, Robert Morley, who takes the part of tho awkward and unhappy Louis XVI. There is an excellent supporting programme. MAYFAIR THEATRE Adventure, romance and comedy are combined in the spectacular Warner Brothers' film "Adventures of Robin Hood," which will continue its highly successful Auckland season at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. Errol Flynn makes a dashing Robin Hood, the man who defied the tyrannous rule of Prince John and the barons during the absence of Richard the Lionheart on a crusade. The oppressed people find a champion in this romantic figure who forfeits his lands and riches to live a hard life in Sherwood forest. Olivia de Havilland is charming as the beautiful Maid Marian, while among tho other members of the strong cast are Basil Rathbone, Claud Rains, lan Hunter and Herbert Mundin. The picture is filmed throughout in teehnicolour and the beautiful English scenery is seen to advantage through this medium. • BERKELEY, MISSION BAY Errol Flynn gives a dashing portrayal in tho film "The Perfect Specimen" which is to be shown patrons of the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, tonight. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Fredric March gives the finest performance of his career in the thrilling film "The Buccaneer," which heads the programme to be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT The films "Breaking the Ice" and "Dangerously Yours" will bo shown patrons of the State Theatre, Devonport, to-night. TUDOR CINEMA The entertaining production "Vivacious Lady" is to be the main item of entertainment at the Tudor Cinema to-night. VICTORIA THEATRE "Evervbodv Sing" and "Port of Seven Seas" are the two full-length films to be shown at tho Victoria Theatre to-night. BRITANNIA THEATRE The hilarious comedy "Dad and Dave Come to Town" is to be shown with "Port of Seven Seas" at the Britannia Theatre to-night.