ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland load a company of juvenile vaudeville artists in tho gay picture "Babes ill Anns,'' a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, which is now in the second week of its season at St. James' Theatre. Based 011 a successful Broadway musical extravaganza, "BaV.cs in Arms" has, besides many interludes of lilting song hits and bright dance s«v quences, a story combining all the elements of pathos, comedy and true human drama. Impersonations of Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore are further proof of Mickey I'ooney s amazing wealth of talent, while Judy Garland sings more delightfully than ever. Leading members of the supporting cast are Guy Kibbec and Charles Winninger.

PLAZA THEATRE Myrna Loy is seen in a new type of role in the authentic adaptation of Louis Bromfield's widely-read novel, "The Rains Came," which is still proving a popular attraction at the Plaza Theatre, Supporting parts are brilliantly interpreted by Tyrone Power, George Brent and Brenda Joyce. Scenes of devastating earthquake, flood and firo have been realistically constructed b." the director, Darryl F. Zanuck. MAJESTIC THEATRE A small child of innocent demeanour is the cause of much embarrassment to the cast and great amusement to tho audience in New Universale lighthearted film, "Little Accident," which drew large crowds to the Majestic Theatre yesterday, when it opened its Auckland season. Baby Sandy makes her third screen appearance' supported by Florence. Bice, Hugh Herbert, Joy Hodges and Richard Carlson. Some of Hollywood's most promising young players are seen in "Those Glamour Girls," which also is being shown. Lew Ayres. Anita Louise, Tom Brown and Lana Turner fill the main roles. CIVIC THEATRE The Marx Brothers again prove themselves three of the greatest comedians of the screen in "At the Circus," which is the current attraction at the Civic Theatre. Apart from the clowning of the principals, the picture is one of the most complete and entertaining presentations of circus life yet made. Tho popular singer Kenny Baker heads the supporting cast. RECENT THEATRE A great novel which has proved its popularity 011 the screen before has been made again with even greater success in "Beau Gcste," the exciting adventure film which will be shown again at the Regent Theatre to-day. Gary Cooper takes the main role. CENTURY THEATRE An entertaining story and excellent teehnicolour are two of the main features of "Hollywood Cavalcade," the story of the rise of the motion picture industry, which will again be presented at the Century Theatre to-day. The main parts are in the hands of Alice Faye and Don Amcehe, and once again their portrayals give realism to r. romance of the past. The picture is especially interesting £pr its reconstructions of many types of films which have, disappeared with the advance of actinf standards and technical methods, on< of these, which shows the "Corned; Cops" in one of their farcical adyen tures, being one of the funnies sequences seen in Auckland for years .1. Edward Bromberg, Stuart Erwin am Buster Keaton are at the head of : fine supporting cast. "Mexican Spit fire,*" the associate feature, is anothei bright production. Lupe Velez, Leoi Errol and Cecil Kellaway being tin principals.

ROXY AND TIVOLI THEATRES "The Cisco Kid and the Lady." r rousing romance, and "Mother In Proxy," a poignant drama, comprint the "well-balanced programme to be shown again at the Roxy and Tirol Theatres to-day. Cesar Romero is ad mirably cast as a dashing adventurer with Marjorie Weaver, Chris-Pin Martin, George Montgomery, Robert Barrat, Virginia Field, Harry Green anc Gloria Ann White in prominent parts. Difficult roles in a revealing human story are played with confidence and rare dramatic insight bv Lyle Talbot, Wynne Gibson and Walter Abel in the second picture.

STRAND THEATRE Replete with the thrills of action, "Range War" is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre to-day. William Boyd again gives a staunch portrayal of Clarence K. Mulford's fascinating character, Hopalong Cnssidy, who is the central figure in an exciting series of alarums and excursions,. Bright entertainment is afforded in the associate feature, "Some Like It Hot.'' Bob Hope and Shirley Ross are the principals in this Paramount production, ivluch introduces several new tunes sung and played in "swing" rhythm. OXFORD THEATRE Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland are together in the leading roles of "Dodge City," the romance of the early days of American settlement- which will again head the programme at the Oxford Theatre to-day. Also to be shown at all but the 5 p.m. session is ".Nancy Drew, - Trouble-Shooter,' 1 in which Bonita Granville is the principal. EMBASSY THEATRE An outstanding performance by Betta Davis makes "Dark \ which will continue its season at the Embassy Theatre to-day. one of the finest dramas to ho seen m Auckland for some tune. George Brent and Gcraldine Fitzgerald head'thc supporting cast. STATE THEATRE Mctro-Goldwvn-Maver's brilliant fantasy "The Wizard of Oz" is the current attraction at the State Theatre. Juclv Garland is the leading player, and' nther important parts are taken |,v Frank Morgan, Bert Lalir. Jack Ijn ley and Ray Holger. "From Manger to Cross" will lie screened at matinee sessions next week.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO .loan Bennett, Adolphe Meniou and .John Huhbard appear in tlio rollicking farce "Tlio Housekeeper's Daughter," -which is to be shown with "Too Busy to Work" at the Crystal Palace :yul Rialto Theatres to-day. THEATRE DE PARIS "Young Vienna Sings Again." fin oxrcllcnt European musical film, heads Today's programme at the Theatre de Paris. "Song of Youth" is the associate feature. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE England's greatest character actor, Charles La ugh ton, appears in "Jamaica Inn." to he shown with "Stronger than Desire" at the Prince Edward Iheatre to-day. «