ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE Ralph Richardson's facetious portrait of a Scotland Yard investigator is typical of' the unorthodox trend of / " Clouds Over Europe," the Columbia picture which was shown to large audi- . ences when it opened the second week of its season at the Civic Theatre terday. However serious the threat or •espionage 'may be in real life, in this diverting comedy it serves merely _as the background for a swift succession of incomparably amusing scenes. Laurence Olivier and Valeric Hovjson aro two accomplished players who add rurther interest to the film. Apai't from an excellent selection ol short films the first half of tho programme marks the first appearance of tho talented organist Lionel Corrick. j REGENT THEATRE Crowded audiences at nil sessions Tester day indicated that the second week of " The Sun Never Sets at the Recent Theatre will be as successful as the first. Tho eminent British actor Basil Rathbone, and Douglas Fairbanks, junior, share tho acting honouis in an absorbing dramatic story which domnnds sincere portrayals from' every member of the cast. Incidents from tho-various war zouos. including the Nazi raids on the Firth of I'Oftli, ar the lending features of a varied supporting programme. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Metro-GOl dwy 11 -Mayer's latest musical romance. Broadwaj' bcrenado, featuring the-over-popular Jeanotto MacDonnld, was enthusiastically icceived bv the largo audiences which attended its first Auckland presentations at St. James' Theatre yesterday. Heading the large cast of associate flayers are Low Ayres. Lan Hunter and Frank Morgan. - For tho first time since . her appearanco in " San 1> rancisco, Miss Mar Donald carries ttie vocal honours singly. Her songs havo been wisely selected' to'please diversified; audiences the numbers including I'or L\ery Lonely Heart," ''Tunc Changes Evcijihing but Love, One Look at and High Flying. The song J? or Every Lonely Heart is based on Tschaikowskv's " None But the .Loiillj ■ Heart." Rich in elaborate stage numbers, tempered with absorbing realistic story, " Broadway Serenade" contains practically every conceivable TO of entertainment, the story tolls of the climb tb success of a girl who began her musical, career singing m cheap night clubs. When she has nttft ned success, her husband, played by Lei\ Avres, becomes jealous becauso her name is linked with that of a leading Broadway personality in tho. social columns of the newspapers. They become separated and he tries to gain success for himself as a composer. Lew Ayres ■ performance in this role is sincere and real and demonstrates why lie has become one of the most popular film •actors of recent months. Tho comedy is fairly well divided between Frank Morcan. giving another of his lamous impersonations of a Broadway __ producer,- Virginia Grey and .Rita Johnson; chorus girls who vio for his attention. . The supporting programme includes a Peto Smith speciality, an " M.G.M.; miniature, and newsreels ot the war.

PLAZA THEATRE The daring exploits of a young Englishman who has dedicated his life to a mthW war on crime tunmh many ■thrilling moments in The Saint in / London?' the H.K.O. Hacho picture which attracted large crowds to the Plaza Theatre 'yesterday when it was shown for -the first time The film is based on a story by Leslie Chartens, whose creation of " The oaint ' immediately ensured his Success as a . writer of popular fiction. George banners, who has interpreted this role be-, foro, gives the direct and virile characterisation the story demands, while Sally Grev, the charming Lnjilish actress who was seen recently in Hie Lambeth Walk." is cast opposite him. - Gordon MeLeod appears as a puzzled, but kindlv Scotland Yard inspector, " and Henrv Oscar takes the part of a ruthless leader of international criminals. The story opens with ' The Saint being invited to London at the rcqiiost of the British Secret Service His adroit methods enable him to ascertain the personnel of a crime ring which 18 engaged on' a scheme to defraud ri tor- • eign government, but his efforts are / nullified when he becomes suspected of murder. When his accomplice, a pretty vounp debutante, is kidnapped 1 lie "Saint's'' task becomes even more complicated. His' eventual success is depicted- in' ft novel and enthralling climax. BERKELEY, MISSION BAY The entertaining Metro-Goldwyn--Mayer production "Navy Blue and Gold" is the- main picture to-day at the Berkeley Theatre. Mission Bay. The large cast includes Lionel .Barrymore, " Robert Young, James Stewart and Billie Burke. STATE THEATRE, DEVONPORT • • Warner Brothers' sensational drama of a Nazi Spy" heads the current programme at the State Theatre, Devonport. Edward G. Robinson and Francis Lederer are the main players. "Chasing Banger" is the second film. z CAPITOL THEATRE Mickey Roonoy is the central figure of the bright comedy "Love Finds Andy - Hardy," which, with "That Certain Age,'"' wi|l bo shown at tho Capitol j " Theatre to-day.

iWINDSOR THEATRE, PAPAKURA "Confession," a tense drama, will be shown with "Stepping Toes" at the Windsor ■ Theatre, Papakura, to-day. Kay Francis appears in the first film. DELTA' THEATRE Bobby Breen heads the cast of "Fisherman's Wharf," the main attraction at the Delta Theatre to-day. "Son of Frankenstein" also is to bo shown. MAYFAIR, SANDRINCHAM "Dad and Drive Come to Town'' will he shown with "Service Do Luxe" at the Mayfair Theatre, Saiulriiigham, today. Carole ; Lombard appears in the second film.. DE LUXE THEATRE "The Nearest Thing to Heaven," with Charles Bo.ver and Irene Dunne, and "Daredevil Drivers" comprise today's programme at tho Do Luxe Theatre. ASTOR THEATRE Clark Gable* and Myrna Loy have tho main roles in the thrilling drama "Too Hot To Handle," which will be presented to-day at tlna Astor Theatre. "Strange Faces" will also be shown.

BRITANNIA THEATRE Lew Ayres appears as Jimmy Kildare once more in the medical drama "Calling Dr. Kildare," which heads to-day's programme at the Britannia Theatre. ."Submarine D-l" is tho asMOciato attraction. STATE. ''THEATRE, ONEHUNGA "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse," with Edward G. Robinson prominently cast, and the bright comedy "Boy Friend" comprise to-day's programme at the State Theatre, Onehunga. ALEXANDRA THEATRE Shirley Temple makes her first appearance in a'technicolour film in "The Little Princess," which, together with "The Gorilla," a Ritz Brothers comedy, will be s)iown to-day at the Alexandra d'heatre. ... .

MAJESTIC THEATRE Enthusiastic audiences were very farourably impressed with the brilliant acting of Akim Tamiroff in the remarkable drama "The Magnificent Fraud," the main feature on the splendid double-feature programme which was shown for the first time at tlio Majestic Thcatro yesterday. In this picture the gifted character actor interprets a difficult part with the confidence of an experienced player, and lie is even more natural and convincing than when ho appeared as the French pirate in "The Buccaneer" and the Chinese bandit leader in "The General Died at Dawn." His current role is that of an actor who is persuaded to impersonate a South American dictator after the latter has been killed in a bomb outrage. Lloyd Nolan also is responsible for a masterly portrayal as a reckless American adventurer who is the force behind the dictatorship. Patricia Morison, a promising dramatic actress, George Zucco and Mary Boland are prominent members of the supporting east. Excellent light relief from the powerful drama of the first attraction is provided by the associate film, the gay farce "Should Husbands Work?" The Biggins family, whoso adventures were tho cause of much amusement in "My Wife's Relatives," make their latest appearance in "Should Husbands Work?" Jimmy Gleason, Lucilo Glenson, Russell Gleason, Harry Davenport and Mary Hart are the principals. ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES "Women in the Wind," a thrilling drama which has as its main theme the part women have played in the development of aviation, heads the double-fea-turo programme to. be shown at the Ro:;y and Tivoli Theatres to-day. A polished portrayal is given by Kay Francis as an intrepid aviatrix, who has set her heart on winning an air derby so that she may pay a specialist to attend her crippled brother, the victim of an aeroplane crash. Victor .Tory and. William Gargnn are both convincing in the main supporting roles. Another fast-moving film, "S.O.S. Tidal Wave," is the associate attraction. This production is said to be tho first picture in which the wonders of television have been demonstrated. Ralph Byrd and Kay Sutton head tho cast. STRAND THEATRE Fay Baintor, an Academy Award winner who has previously been noted for her brilliant acting ill dramatic films, is equally successful in comedy, as is shown by her performance in the current attraction at the Strand Theatre, tho hilarious farce "Tho Lady and tho Mob." Tho plot deals with tho efforts of an elderly lady to expose the methods of a corrupt mayor and city corporation. Slio evetl goes to the lengths of hiring gangsters to aid her, and among many highlv-amusing episodes are her arrest and sojourn in prison. Brian Donlevy and Jacqueline Wells are the principals of the tenso drama "Behind Prison Bars," an additional attraction. EMBASSY THEATRE

An appealing love story with many a humorous interlude is unfolded in tho Motro-Goldwyn-Mayor production "Bridal Suite," which is to continue its season at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Tho popular players Annabella and Robert Young head the talented cast, which also includes Billio Burke, the inimitable Arthur Treacher, Reginald Owen and Walter Connolly.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Brian Aherne and Victor McLaglen have the main roles in the outstanding adventure drama "Captain Fury," which is tho principal attraction to-day at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. The film deals with the early days of Australia's history. The associate picture is "Career." in which Edward Ellis and Ann Shirley appear. STATE THEATRE Elisabeth Bergnor proves herself a consummate actress in the intriguing drama "Stolen Life," the main attraction at the State Theatre to-day. Michael Rodgravo and Wilfred Lawson also have leading roles. A rousing melodrama entitled "The Barrier" and a short musical feature, "Tannhauser." complete tho programme. STAR CINEMA The technicolour film version of Gilbert and Sullivan's famous comic opera "The Mikado" is the principal attraction at tho Star Cinema to-day. The D'Oylcv Carte chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra provide the music. "Miss Fix-it," a Jane Withers comedy, is the supporting film. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE An outstanding programme comprising the medical drama "Calling Dr. Kildare," the English musical- comedy "Hold My Hand" and the first chapter of the "Lone Banger" serial, will be presented at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. Lew Ayres appears in the first film, while Stanley Lupino is featured in "Hold My Hand." STAR THEATRE, PAPAKURA Two comedies, "Love Finds Andy Hardy" and "There Goes My Heart." comprise to-day's programme at the Star Theatre, Papakura. Mickey Booney appears in the first film. GREY LYNN CINEMA Freddie Bartholomew and Jackie Cooper are prominently cast in the inspiring human drama "Spirit of Culver," which will be presented at the Grey Lynn Cinema to-day. "Dead Men TellNo Tales" is the supporting film. VICTORIA THEATRE Mickey RoOliey has the main role in tho film' version of Mark Twain's immortal hook "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," which, with "Persons in Hiding," 11 melodrama, will be shown to-day at the Victoria Theatre. TUDOR CINEMA Clive Brook and Bari-y K. Barnes are tho leading plavers in tho unusual English mystery drama "The Ware Case," which is the current attraction at tlio Tudor Cinema, Latest riewareeb will also be shown. STRAND, ONEHUNGA "Hold That Kiss" and "Daughter of Shanghai" comprise to-day's programme at tho Strand Theatre, Onehunga. Mickey Booney appears in the first film. EMPRESS THEATRE Claude Bains and Fay Bainter give inspired performances in the magnificent drama "White Banners," which, with 'Tvc Got a Horse," will be shown to-day at tho Empress Theatre. ADELPHI THEATRE The film version of Eniilv Bronte's unforgettable novel - _ Wuthering Heights" and a thrilling mystery drama, "Mr. Moto on Danger Island." comprise to-day's programme at tho Adclplii Theatre. PRINCESS THEATRE A stirring drama of America's pioneering days, "Stagecoach," is the main attraction at the Princess Theatre to-day. "Boy Friend" is the associate film. REGAL THEATRE Loretta Young and Warner Baxter are the main players in "Wife, Husband and Friend," which, together with "I've Got a Horse," will be shown today at tho Begal Theatre. REGENT THEATRE, EPSOM " Judge Hardy's Children" is to be shown at the Regent Theatre, Epson). I to-day, together with Grade Melds [latest picture, "Keep Smiling."