ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23591, 27 February 1940, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

' | REGENT THEATRE Charles Latighton and Elsa Lanchcstor are tho leading'players in the outstanding comedy "The Beachcomber." which will continue its season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Tho film is adapted from a novel by Somerset Maugham. ST. JAMES' THEATRE Robert Taylor appears opposite beautiful Hedy Lamarr in "Lady of the Tropics," a MetVo-Goldwyu-Mayer production, which is the current attraction at St. James' Theatre. A strong supporting programme also is being shown. The acting honours "are. shared by Norma Shearer, Joan Crawlord. Rosalind Russell and Mary Boland in - The Women," a screen version of Clare Boothe's very successful stage play, which is to open a season at the theatre on Friday. The setting for the story is the social world of New York, and it<s course is revealed through the malignant though polished conversation of society leaders. PLAZA THEATRE "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," a provocative drama directed by I*rank Capra, heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibhee and Thomas Mitchell are excellent in the chief parts. MAJESTIC THEATRE An accomplished cast is headed by Robert Young, Ann Sothern. .Jan Hunter. Ruth Husse.v and Cliff Edwards iu the lighthearted picture "Maisie," which is to be shown with "Missing Witness" at the Majestic Theatre today. The second feature is a virile drama exposing the schemes of American lottery racketeers. Irene Hervoy and Preston Foster both give splendid portrayals. CENTURY THEATRE One of Hollywood's best dramatic actors, Basil Rathbone, takes the part of the famous detective of fiction once again in the film "Sherlock Holmes,", which is drawing large audiences to the Century Theatre. The actor will be remembered' for bis outstanding characterisation in "The Hound of the Baskervilles," and the most fastidious of theatregoers will- agree that the talents of Basil Rathbone are admirably suited for the part. Nigel Bruce is seen again as Dr. Watson. /J he fabulous crown jewels of Great Britain are the centre of this story of crime in London. There are some very touching and some very humorous scenes with an affecting romance in "Here I am a Stranger," which will be shown at the Century Theatre shortly. Chief charm of the domestic story is the very natural acting of Richard Greene, who .is consistently believable in all he does and savs. Fine performances are also given by Richard Dix, who appears as The father, and Gladys George, as the mother of Richard Greene. Russell Gleason contributes a good characterisation of a simple, honest youth from a farm. EMBASSY THEATRE Death is the central figure in the intriguing . fantasy "On Borrowed Time," which will be the.main attraction at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Lionel Barrymore and Bobs Watson, a talented juvenile actor, are prominently cast. "Daughters Courageous," a moving drama enacted by the leading players of "Four Daughters," will begin a season at the theatre on Thursday. Priscilla Lane, Lola Lane, Rosemary Lane and Gale Page are supported by John Garfield. Claude Rains, Jeffery Lynn, Fay Bainter and May Robson.

CIVIC THEATRE A warm, human story is interspersed with gay comedy and lilting song hits ill to-day's attraction at the Civic Theatre, the Paramount film "The Star Maker." Bing Crosby is supported by Louise Campbell, Ned Sparks and tho brilliant young singer and actress Linda Ware. STRAND THEATRE A Russian production of high technical perfection with superimposed English dialogue, "Professor Mamlock" is attracting large audiences to the Strand Theatre. The film is a scathing indictment of Nazism, and depicts the sufferings of a Jewish professor under the persecution of the Gestapo. The associate programme includes a film dealing with modern Palestine. TIVOLI THEATRE Guest-night concessions will he available at the Tivoli Theatre to-night, when a double-feature programme, comprising the films "Kentucky Moon-' shine" and "Condemned Women," will be shown. The Kit/, Brothers appear in the first picture. f ROXY THEATRE Boris Ivarlofl', well known for hjs roles in "horror" films, is prominently cast in the eerie mystery drama "The Man They Couldn't Hang," which heads today's programme at the Roxv Theatre. The associate attraction is "The Man Who Dared." OXFORD THEATRE "The Flying Deuces," "20.000 Men a Year" and "Battle Fleets of England" comprise the popular programme now being shown at the Oxford Theatre. Laurel and Hardy appear together in the first film. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RI ALTO A drama of the Russian Revolution, "Knight Without Armour," in which Robert Donat and Marlene Dietrich appear, will be shown to-night at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres.