ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 18

ENTERTAINMENTS

roxy and tivoli theatres Wayne Morris, Pat O'Brien and Joan Blondell are the three popidar playei" 3 who head the cast of The Kid fi'Oir, Kokonio," a fast-moving comedy or the boxing ring, which opens a season with "Star Reporter" at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. MAJESTIC THEATRE Two dramatic films. "Mutiny on the Blackhawk" and "Tell No Tales," head the entertaining programme to be shown at the Majestic Theatre to-dav. Richard Arlen and Andy Deyine are associated in the first production. 1 lit. most accomplished of Hollywood s many talented juvenile placers, Freddie Bartholomew and Jackie Cooper, appear together in "Two Bright Boys, a powerful drama of the oil industry which is to be shown for the first time at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Freddie Bartholomew's latest appearance was in the comedy "Listen Darling" while Jackie Cooper will lie remembered for brilliant acting in a difficult role in "White Banners." The associate attraction will be a prison drama entitled "They All Come Out.' CIVIC THEATRE Franchot Tone appears opposite Ann Sothern in the riotous comedy "Fast and Furious," which is the current attraction at the Civic Theatre. A strong supporting programme also is being" shown. "The Cat and the Canarv," a screen version of John Willard's famous mystery play, _ will open a season at the theatre on Friday. REGENT THEATRE "Dodge City," the present attraction at the Regent Theatre, will conclude its popular season to-morrow. Dedicated to the cause of thousands of American youths whose upbringing in the slums offers them little alternative to a life of crime, the Warner Brothers picture "Angels with Dirty Faces" will open : a season at the Recent Theatre on Friday. James Ca"nev and Pat O'Brien are the leading" actors, cast as an embittered gangster and a priest. The conflict of these two characters creates a compelling drama which is an ideal vehicle lor the pressing social problem to which the film gives so much attention. The "Dead End Kids" arc all excellent in the main supporting parts. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Mickey Rooney proves incomparably amusing as he struggles to produce a high school entertainment and then voTuntarilv adds to his woes by falling "seriously" in love in "Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever," the seventh of the "Hardy family" series, which is , to be shown again at St. .James Theatre to-dav. Lewis Stone, Ann Rutherford and Terry Kilburn have prominent roles. A film entitled "Drunk Driving" is an outstanding feature of the supporting programme. PLAZA THEATRE Twice winner of the famous Academy Award, Spencer Tracy is responsible for another magnificent characterisation in the 20th Century-Fox film "Stanlev and Livingstone." which is :it present being shown at the Plaza Theatre. He gives a perfect interpretation of the subtle change wrought in Stanley's personality by his association with the missionary, who was also one of the greatest of African explorers. Sir Cedric Hard wick o appears in the latter role. CENTURY THEATRE "Nurse Edith Cavcll," a film produced by R.K.O. Radio, is the mam attraction on the current programme at the Century Theatre. Excellent acting, direction' and photography make this picture a worthy tribute to the gallantry and rare devotion to duty displayed by Nurse Cavell in the early years, of the Great War. I. he story or her defiance of the Kaiser's army and her subsequent death before a firing squad has been compiled from documents and letters, strict adherence to fact being another of the picture's outstanding qualities. Anna Neagle. May Robson, Zasu Pitts. Edna May Oliver, George Sanders and 11. B. Warner are the chief members of the cast. A light-hearted story of modern youth is presented in the United Artists picture "Eternally Yours," to head the new programme at the Century Theatre on Friday. The English actor David Nivcn, who has demonstrated his versatility in such widely differing films ns "Bachelor Mother'* mid Ihe Dawn Patrol," is cast as a philandering young professional magician. The part of his wife, who tries to entice him awnv to the solitude of the countrv. is very capably interpreted by Loretta Young. Good performances in light roles are also given by Hugh Herbert. C. Aubrey Smith and Billie Burke. EMBASSY THEATRE One of the most amusing comedies produced recently. Metro-Goldwyn-Maver's "It's a Wonderful World," heads to-dav's programme at the Embassy Theatre The vivacious actress Claudette Colbert heads a strong cast, which includes James Stewart and Guy Kibbee. ' OXFORD THEATRE Hal Roach's latest comedy, "The Housekeeper's Daughter," continues a successful season nt the Oxford Theatre to-day. The leading roles -are played brilliantly by Joan Bennett. John Hubbard. Adolphe Menjou, William Gargan and George F. Stone. STRAND THEATRE "Good-bye, Mr. Chips L", MetroGold wyn-Mayer's screen version of James Hilton's widely-read novel, heads to-day's programme at the Strand Theatre. Outstanding portrayals are given by Robert Donat and Greer Carson as the story's leading characters. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Richard Greene, Loretta Young and David Niven appear in the drama "Four Men and a Prayer" which, with "Danger Patrol," will be shown tonight at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres.