ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23573, 6 February 1940, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

PLAZA THEATRE "Stanley and Livingstone," an historical drama produced by 20th Cen-tury-Fox, heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. Spencer Tracy and Sir Cedric Hardwicke interpret faithfully .the characters of the reporter and the missionary, making the story of their meeting and subsequent friendship an epic of idealistic endeavour. Nancy Kelly, Richard Greene, Walter Brennan and Charles Coburn are all good in main supportiijg parts. MAJESTIC THEATRE A rousing melodrama, "Mutiny on the Blackhawk," heads to-day's programme at the Majestic Theatre. Leading roles in this exciting story of slavetrading on the Californian coast are taken by Richard Arlen, Andy Devine and Noah Beery. The associate attraction is a polished,drama entitled "Tell No Tales." Melvyn Douglas heads a strong cast. CIVIC THEATRE Franchot Tone and Ann Sothern are the two popular players who head the cast in "Fast and Furious," the main attraction at the Civic Theatre to-day. An excellent supporting programme is headed by a Robert Benchley comedy and a coloured cartoon. CENTURY THEATRE An impressive tribute to the courage of an English nurse who defied the Kaiser's troops during the occupation of Brussels in the Great War is paid in R.K.O. Radio's drama "Nurse Edith Cavell," which is at present enjoying a successful season at the Century Theatre. Anna Neagle, who. following her brilliant performance in "Victoria the Great," was hailed as England's leading actress, is responsible for a notably restrained and sincere portrayal in the title role. She presents Nurse Cavell as a quiet, unassuming woman who was simply determined to go forward and interpret her duties as a nurse as she saw fit. Her " activities have been verified through documents and letters and a realisation that the picture is true should aid appreciation of an unparalleled example of heroism. A varied selection of short films fully maintains the quality of the programme. The main supporting feature is a "March of Time" called "The Battle Fleets of England." "Donald Duck" is the central figure in a highly-amus-ing cartoon by Walt Disney. David Niven, who has enjoyed a rapid rise as an actor, appears with Loretta Young in the bright comedy drama "Eternally Yours," which is to be the next attraction at the Century Theatre.

ST. JAMES* THEATRE The seventh of the "Hardy Family" comedies, "Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever," will continue its popular season at St. James' Theatre to-day. Mickey Rooney once more gives a brilliant character portrayal as the irrepressible Andy Hardy. STRAND THEATRE Magnificent acting by Robert Donat and Greer Garson is a feature of the Metro-Gokhvvn-Mayer picture ''Goodbye, Mr.-Chips!" which is now in the second week of a season at the Strand Theatre. Terry Kilburn also lias a prominent role. OXFORD THEATRE Hollywood's brilliant comedy producer, Hal Roach, was responsible for the hilarious film "The Housekeeper's Daughter," which is to be shown at the Oxford Theatre to-day. Joan Bennett, John Hubbard, Adolplie Menjou and William Gargan head the cast. EMBASSY THEATRE Excellent light entertainment is provided in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's comedy "It's a Wonderful World," to-day's attraction at the Embassy Theatre. Claudette Colbert and James Stewart are the principals. TIVOLI THEATRE Guest-night will be observed at the Tivoli Theatre to-night, when the two dramatic films. "Painted Desert" and "Always Good-bye," will be shown. George O'Brien has a leading role in the first picture.