ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23482, 20 October 1939, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Alexander Korda's film "The Foui Feathei,*s," which is to continue a most successful season at the Civic Theatre to-day, has an epic sweep and a magnificence that stamp it as one of the finest to come from a British studio. Adapted from the widely-read novel ol the same name by A. E. W. Mason, it inscribes on the screen a' stirring chapter from British history, and also unfolds a story of personal courage and self-sacrifice. .John Clements is always convincing as Harry Faversham, the young army officer who proved to his frierxls the true nature of his ideals, while other leading players are Ralph Richtardson and C. Aubrey Smith. REGENT THEATRE «ie spontaneous gaiety of the famous and novel dance "The Lambeth Walk" prevails throughout the entire length of the merry comedy of the same name which is to be shown for the first time at the Regent Theatre to-day. Heading a. talented cast of well-known English players is Lupino Lane, who, in tho London stage success "Me and My Girl," from which this film is adapted, danced the "Lambeth Walk" for the I first time. His partner on that occaI sion was Sally Gray, who also has an I identical role in the picture. Around tho intriguing dance, which undoubtedly is the highlight of the production, has been woven a gay story which has seldom been equalled as a veritable •feast of farcical humour. Lupino Lane appears as Bill Snibson, a lad from .'Lambeth, who is discovered to be the lost Lord' Barford. Under the eagle eye of his domineering aunt, a duchess, he is incarcerated in Barford Castle anel there taught to be a fit and proper person to justify his exalteel rank. He is shown the correct style in which to carry a glass of sherry, raise his hat. and wear spats, while in a riotous scene lie is given a lesson in deportment by the duchess. Even the "Lambeth Walk" fails to melt tho latter's stern countenance. Norah Howard is magnificent in this part. ST. JAMES' THEATRE ' Spectacular in the extreme, the Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical romance "Ice Follies of 1939" will open a season at St. James' Theatre to-day. _ A moving human story is unfolded against the dazzling background of a revue on ice, with the members of the original Ice Follies, gorgeously arrayed, gliding anel turning m a scries of elaborate spectacles which bring a breathtaking beauty to the production which has ljeen missing in -films of the conventional musical type. These scones are photographed in vivid technicolour, which enhances their natural beauty and striking effect. The successful presentation of skating ballets and choruses was attained only after innumerable technical difficulties had been overcome, but the acclaim with which "Ice Follies of 1939" has been received overseas will undoubtedly make it 'the forerunner of a new and extremely popular type of musical extravaganza. Drama and comedy have been deftly blended in the story, which traces the career of a singing iceskater who, through a series of lucky incidents, finds herself on the path to fame as a film actress. Her good fortune, however, is marred by the loss of her husband's affections, as their devotion to different spheres of the entertainment world lead them apart. Joan Crawford has never appeared to better advantage than in the leading role of this picture, while as her husband, who is also the manager of the ice follies, James Stewart always makes his part seem natural and sincere. Lew Ayres, recently seen in. the-"Dr. ELildare" series of films, is another prominent member of the cast who should add to his popularity with a clever interpretation of a light role. PLAZA THEATRE Spectacular skating scenes, rhythmic modern music and bright, original humour have been welded into the background of" the entertaining • picture "Second Fiddle," which is to open a season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Sonja Henie skates with all her accustomed artistry and grace, while the appealing story allows her more scope than usual to reveal the piquant and vital personality which, more perhaps than her brilliance on the ice, has won her lasting popularity. She is cast in this picture as an attractive young schoolteacher who wins a film contract for a much-advertised role. Her publicity man is successful in arranging a romance with a matinee idol to increase her value at the box office, but, unfortunately for both business interests and his'peace of mind, he falls in love with the new actress himself. Tyrone Power brings a refreshing masculine vigour, to the film with his direct and polished performance as the publicity agent, while Rudy Yallee takes the part of the official lover. Six new tunes by Irving Berlin, including another ballroom novelty, "Back to Back." add to the lighthearted appeal of "Second Fiddle." MAYFAIR THEATRE The famous screen character Charlie Chan faces the most baffling case of his career- in the fast-moving mystery drama "Charlie Chan in Reno," the main attraction at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. The brilliant Oriental detective is shown flying half-way round the world to solve a crime committed in one of the gayest cities of the world, anel in an atmosphere of elance bands and night clubs lie succeeds in unravelling the case with typical Chinese astuteness. Sidney Toler gives a polished performance in the main role and is supported by Ricardo Cortez arid Phyllis Brooks. "Ask a Policeman," a gay comedy, is the associato film. Will ft ay heads the cast. STATE THEATRE Edgar Bergen appears with his two amusing puppets. Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, in the light-hearted picture "You Can't Cheat an Honest Man." which is to be shown with the spectacular historical drama "Suez" at tlie State Theatre to-night. Tyrone Power is responsible for an excellent performance in the part, of de Lesseps. the builder of the Suez Canal, in the second film. Loretta Young and Annabella also have leading ports.

STAR CINEMA The young actress Jane Withers is the central figure in the bright film "Rascals," which heads the programme to bo shown at the Star Cinema to-day. "Queen of Hearts,'' with Grade Fields in a leading part, is the associate feature. The popular English comedienne is supported by John Loder and Monte Banks. A varied supporting programme also is to be shown. ASTOR THEATRE A moving drama of the racetrack is unfolded in "Stablemates." the main attraction at the Astor Theatre tonight. Wallace Beery and Mickey Roonev are responsible for excellent portrayals in the main parts. "Smashing the Spy Ring" also will be shown. TUDOR CINEMA The two popular players Clark Gable and Myrna Loy nppear together in "Too Hot to Handle, the main attraction on to-night's programme at the Tudor Cinema. A fast-moving and entertaining story traces the adventurous career ot a newsreel cameraman. BRITANNIA THEATRE A powerful drama, "The Outsider," will be shown with Jackie Cooper's latest picture, "Newsboys' Home," at the Britannia Theatre to-night. A splendid interpretation is given by George Sanders in the title rolo of the , first attraction.

•MAJESTIC THEATRE The attractive Continental actress Franciska Gaal, last seen in the drama "The Buccaneer," successfully attempts a new type of role'in the rollicking comedy "The Girl Downstairs," which heads to-day's programme at the Majestic Theatre. She is supported by the popular players Franchot Tone, Walter Connolly and Rita Johnson. Incomparably amusing from the first scene to the last, the story traces the adventures of a dashing young architect who, while courting a beautiful heiress in her luxurious Swiss home, falls in love with lier scullery maid. In sharp contrast to the first picture, the associate attraction is a powerful drama entitled I Stole a Million."- George Raft has seldom been more convincing than in his role as an average young man whc once started on the path to crime finds himself becoming more and more deepiv implicated. His bitterness toward the society that outlaws him gradually gains mastery over his finer feelings until he becomes a desperate killer. EMBASSY • THEATRE No picture could have a theme more appropriate to the present time oi international strife than the enthralling British production "The Four Jusl Men," which was acclaimed by large audiences when it opened a season a 1 the Embassy Theatre yesterday. As ar. adaptation of one of Edgar Wallace i most thrilling novels the film reaches great heights as pure entertainment However, it also reveals in grim anc unrelenting detail the insidi-ou. 1 methods of international espionage which, with their threats to the honoui and prestige of great nations, also endanger the peace and security of al the peoples of the world. The foni just men" are Englishmen who will ingly risk their lives in a gallant endeavour to save their fellow-country men when they discover agents of : foreign power at work on a desperate plan to destroy England's lines or communication with her colonies. Theii designs include the blocking of tin Suez Canal, and although such ar ambitious outrage may seem fantasti* to the sceptical, the powerful reality of the film, due to the skilful directioi and masterly acting, brings a realisa tion that 'such dangers are always present and the patriotism of such re sourceful young men as those of the picture is'not always given free rein Although the plot is concerned witl such vital issues it is at no time allowec to become merely a succession of grirr and unimaginative details, for humoui is subtly woven into many scenes, anc an extremely attractive young lady in troduces the element of romance. Anns Lee takes this part, while the "fom just men" are Frank Lawton, Griffitl Jones. Francis L. Sullivan and Hugl Sinclair. A strong supporting pro gramme precedes the screening of th( main picture and includes a shori feature describing Australia and ai interesting "Popular Science." ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES Two lusty films of adventure anc romance, "Ride, Ranger, Ride" anc "Timber Stampede," comprise the ex cellent double-feature programme nov being shown at the Roxy and Tivol Theatres. Both have Western setting: and are replete with the genuine thrill: and humour of melodrama. The populai singing actor Gene Autry heads th< cast in "Ride, Ranger, Ride," appear ing as a member of the famous Texai Rangers, the intrepid horsemen wht waged an unceasing war against savage marauding Indians who resented th( march of progress in the Westeri States of America toward the end o: last century. Besides being the leading figure in a fast-moving and dramatii plot, Autry is heard in carefree cowboy songs with the Tennessee Ramblers, i "hill-billy" band which is popular witl many radio listeners in America. Smiley Burnette heads the supporting players A desperate conflict between .the owner; of a mountain cattle range and timbei and railroad interests forms the theme of the exciting film "Timber Stampede." George O'Brien appears oppo site Marjorie Reynolds in tho mair. role. STRAND THEATRE "Way Down South," a film that is a personal triumph for the brilliant bo\ soprano Bobby Breen, heads the nei\ programme at the Strand Theatre today. The young singer proves himseli an* accomplished actor in the course ol a dramatic story of a fight to save ar old family plantation in Louisiana from an unscrupulous lawyer, while his voice, still unbroken, has gained in clarity and richness with maturity. A strong cast of supporting players includes Alan Mowbray, Ralph Morgan, Sally Blane and Steffi Duna. The programme is completed with another highly-entertaining picture, "The Girl from Mexico," which marks the return to the screen of Lupe Velez, who gives a typically spirited portrayal. VICTORIA THEATRE The facetious detective film "The Grade Allen Murder Case" heads the programme at the Victoria Theatre tonight. Gracie Allen's incomparable comedy is as mirth-provoking as ever, while brilliant dialogue adds to the enjoyment of the picture. "Pride of the West," with William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy, is also included on the programme. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A thrilling melodrama of the Royal Sorth-West Canadian Mounted Police, : 'Heart of the North," heads tho entertaining programme to be shown tonight at the Crystal Palace and Rialto dieatres. A technicolour production, it las Gloria Dickson and Allen Jenkins n the main parts. "The Saint Strikes Back," based on a novel by Leslie Dharteris, is the associate attraction. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE George Sanders and the promising Australian actress Mary Maguire are he leading players in the remarkable Ira ma of the medical profession "The Dutsider," which is to be shown, tonether with "This Man is News," at 'he Prince Edward Theatre to-night. 3arrv Iv. Barnes appears as a carefree )ut brilliant newspaper reporter in the ocond picture.

GREY LYNN CINEMA A popular English stage comedian, Stanley Lupino, heads the cast of the ;ny musical comedy "Hold Mv Hand." which Avill be shown at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-night. A thrilling melodrama entitled "The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt" completes the programme. Warren William heads a strong cast. CIVIC THEATRETTE Two fast-moving and dramatic pictures, "Fighting Shadows" and "The Devil is Driving," comprise the entertaining programme to be shown at the Civic Theatrette to-day. Tim McCoy heads .the cast in the first film, a Western melodrama, while Richard Dix is the leading player in the second picture. BERKELEY. MISSION BAY Superb characterisations by Walter Connollv, as a prison superintendent, and John Beal, as a convict, are a feature of the powerful drama "Penitentiary," which is the principal attraction at the Berkeley Theatre, Mission Bay, to-night. Short films comprise the associate programme.