ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23413, 1 August 1939, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES* THEATRE The unusual sotting'of a largo ranch provides opportunities for much delightful humour in the bright comedy "Out West with the Hardvs," the current attraction at St. James* Theatre, in which the Hardy family leaves the town for tlio more interesting life or the country. Perhaps the member who most enjoys the new environment is Andy Hardy, again played by Mickey Rooney, who sots out to prove that lie is a true soil of tlio W est —and miserably fails. PLAZA THEATRE The well-known comedians Oliver Hardy and Harry Langdon in the bright film "Elephants Never Forget," which will continue its successful season at the Plaza Theatre today. Having won the favour of Zenobia, a show elephant which he has treated. Hardy, in the part of a country doctor, spends most of his time avoiding the animal's exuberant expressions of gratitude.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Anna May Wong adds a further triumph to her long list in the tense drama "King of Chinatdwn," which continues to attract large audiences to tlio Majestic Theatre. Tho other main role in the film is taken by the fine character actor Akim TamirofF. "Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police," which will also he shown on the programme, tells of a new and even more exciting adventure of the famous "Sapper" hero, who is again played by John Howard. CIVIC THEATRE A stirring dramatic story of love and hale, foilv and revenge, is unfolded in "Wutheri'ng Heights," the screen version of Emily Bronte's classic, which will again bo shown at tho Civic Theatre to-day. Tho intense atmosphere of inexorable fate is superbly conveyed to tlio audience by the-magnificent and inspired acting of : Merle Oberon, Laurence Olivier, David Niven, Flora Robson and a strong supporting cast.

EMBASSY THEATRE A polished performance is given by the glamorous Continental actress Isa Miranda, who plays opposite Ray Miiland in the dramatic film "Hotel Imperial," which is to continue its season at the Embassy Theatre to-day.- The magic spirit.of the lilting waltz tunes that made Vienna the gayest city in Europe lias been recaptured in the romantic musical film "The Great Waltz," which is to open a season at the Embassy Theatre with a gala premiere on Thursday. Based on the life of the renowned composer, Joliann Strauss, the storv abounds with glittering spectacle, delightful romantic interludes and also several tensely dramatic incidents that wore not infrequent in the career of the . fiery, spirited musician. Musically tho picture is outstanding. Symphony orchestras of 90 instruments, augmented by rare Amati and Stradivarius violins and choruses of 100 voices, accompany the beautiful opera star Miliza Korjus in her colourful singing of tho haunting Strauss melodies. The part of Strauss is taken by Fernand Gravet, and the brilliant actress Ltiise Raincr is cast as his sweetheart, Poldi Vogelhuber.

STRAND THEATRE The gay romantic film "Climbing High," in which Jessie Matthews and Michael Redgrave both give excellent loading portrayals, will again be shown on. the programme at the Strand Theatre to-day. The second film is the comedy-drama "Old Iron," with Tom Walls giving an outstanding character study of a hard old director of a shipping company, who keeps, with great tenacity and'grim humour, to his task of v protecting his rights in tho firm from a . rival shareholder. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO The dramatic film version of the late Winifred Holtby's best selling novel, "South Riding," will again be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night. Ralph Richardson, remembered as Denny in "The Citadel," has the chief role, that of Carne, a Yorkshire squire struggling to maintain his estate against increasing odds. Edna Best and Edmund Gwenn head the supporting cast.

STATE THEATRE The story of Father Flanagan, who has established a little community, whore boys of the slums may make themselves a career, is splendidly told in "Boys Town," which will be presented again at the State Theatre tonight. Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney are the leading players, the former having won the Academy Award again for his performance in this picture. Excellent short items complete tho programme.

TIVOLI THEATRE , An enjoyable programme will be presented to patrons at the Tivoli Theatre to-night, when guest night concessions will be available. The principal attraction is an hilarious comedy entitled "Mummy's Boys," while the associate film is an exciting melodrama, "Fight to a Finish." In addition to tho feature films, n number' of short comedies and. films of general interest will be shown.

STAR CINEMA Tho outstanding drama of life on the frontier of India "The. Lives of a Bengal Lancer" will commence a season at tho Star Cinema to-day. The main roles are capably taken by Gary Cooper, and Franchot Tone. Also on the programme i.s < tho comedy "Look dp and Laugh," in which the Lancashire comedienne Gracio Fields has the principal part. MAYFAIR THEATRE Tho thrilling espionage drama "They Mado Her a Spy" and the unusual melodrama "Almost a Gentleman" will again be the two main attractions at Ibe M.avfair Theatre to-day. Sally Filers has tho main part in the former production as a girl who seeks out tho leaders of a spy ring in order to avenge the dcatii of her brother. ' • BRITANNIA THEATRE John Howard appears in tho thrilling melodrama "Arrest Bulldog Drummond," which heads the entertaining programme at tho Britannia Theatro to-night. "Trouble at Midnight" is tho second film. . -

GREY LYNN CINEMA The enjoyable double-feattiro programme to bo presented at tho Grey Lynn Cinema to-night comprises the lilms "California Straight Ahead" and "The Flying Hostess." Guest night concessions will bo available.

BERKELEY, MISSION BAY An entertaining musical comedy entitled "Hold That Co-ed" niul an exciting mystery melodrama, "Mr. Moto Takes a Chance," comprise tho current programme at tho Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay. Peter Lorre heads the cast in tho second film. TUDOR CINEMA Joel McOreft nnd Lorettn Young have tho main roles in the bright modern comedy "Three Blind Mice," which heads tho entertaining programme to be shown at the Tudor Cinema to-night. Short filraa comprise the associate programme.

REGENT THEATRE Paris, the city where so many strange things seem" possible, is -the seitting for the hilarious comedy Midnight, which will again bo screened at tne Regent Theatre to-day. A strong cast is beaded by Claudette Colbert, and includes John Barry more, Don Amec e and Francis Lederer. Ihore is a supporting programme. VICTORIA THEATRE Colin Tapley and Lew Ayres have the chief roles in the . thrilling mystery melodrama 4'Tlie (airiine Nobody Saw, which, together with the entertaining musical comedy "College Holiday with Martha 11 aye, Jack Benny, Burns and Allen and Mary Boland m the main roles, will be shown at tho Victoria Theatre to-night. PRINCE • EDWARD THEATRE Guest night concessions will be available at the Prince Edward Theatre tonight, when a thrilling outdoor drama, "North of Nome," and a strong, human drama. "Craig's Wife." will bo presented. Jack Holt gives a powerful characterisation in the first film, while Rosalind Russell is prominently cast in "Craig's Wife." ASTOR THEATRE Tho enjoyable double-feature programme to be presented at the Astor Theatre to-night includes the films "Student Doctors Can't Take Money" and "Armoured Car."