ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23661, 21 May 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

ST. JAMES' THEATRE William Powell makes a "welcome return to. the screen in "Another Thin Man," which concludes its season at St. James' Theatre to-day. The excitement and drama which is often met with in a young doctor's life has been recaptured in the latest of the "Dr. Kildare" series, "The Secret of Dr. Kildare," which opens an Auckland season at St. .James' Theatre to-mor-row. Like its forerunners," this picture is notable-l'or sincerity and characters; that are very true to life. The title role is played hv the cleve'r young actor Lew A.v res, while other prominent parts are filled by Lionel Harrymore, Helen Gilbert, Lionel Atwill and Laraine Day. PLAZA THEATRE Sparkling wit and dramatic tension alternate throughout the very entertaining Columbia production "Mis Girl Friday," now being shown at the Plaza j Theatre. C'ary Grant and Rosalind Russell are excellent in the main parts and are very capably supported by Ralph Bellamy and .Helen Alack. MAJESTIC THEATRE A rollicking comedy, "Angels Wash Their Faces," heads to-day's programme at, the -Majestic Theatre. Prominent parts aro taken by the "Dead End Kids." and associated with these irrepressible youngsters are Ann Sheridan, Bonita Granville and Ronald Reagan. "j\ly Irish Molly" is'the associate feature. The winner of the St. Violin Ambulance baby contest will be presented at the theatre to-night. CIVIC THEATRE Romance, comedy and drama are skilfully blended in the colourful picture "Destry Rides Again," which is to he shown again to-day at the Civic Theatre. Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart are the principals. REGENT THEATRE "Gulliver's Travels," a brilliant fantasy expressed through the vivid medium of a coloured cartoon, is to continue a very successful season at the Regent Theatre to-day. The next | attraction will be the gay romance "It's a Date," with Deanna Durbin in the leading role. CENTURY THEATRE Laurel and Hardy's newest farce, "A Chump at Oxford," will again be shown at the Century Theatre to-day. The two comedians appear as a couple of 'street sweepers who are sent to Oxford University as a reward for accidentally catching a thief. On their arrival at the ancient seat of learning they aro the butt for numerous student pranks, which suddenly cease when it is discovered that Laurel is a muchrevered scholar and athlete who had disappeared from Oxford years before when he lost his memory. "The Rebel Son," an unusual and well-produced Cossack drama, is the associate attraction. "An Englishman's Home," dealing with the activities of a "fifth column'' in England, and tho landing of parachute troops in London, will he the next change. DE PARIS THEATRE Charles Bover and Danielle Darrieux have tho main roles in the tragedy "Mayerling" which is the current attraction at the de Paris Theatre. In itself a great technical achievement, tho full-length sound-puppet cartoon "The New Gulliver," which took six years to produce, and which uses over 3000 puppets, will commence a season on Friday. Included among the year's ten best films in the United States, "The New Gulliver" is based on Swift's immortal tale, and retains tho full satire of the original. For the major portion of the film there is only one living actor, all other roles being taken, by ingenious •

EMBASSY THEATRE A dramatic English film, "Poison Pen," will again be shown at the Embassy Theatre to-day. One of the most famous of all French films, "The Cheat," will. commence its Auckland season on Thursday. Adapted from the French production "Le Roman d'un Tricheur," this newest of Continental productions to come to New Zealand lias English-spoken dialogue instead of merely sub titles. "The Cheat" is written. directed and enacted by Sacha Guitry, acclaimed as France's greatest living character actor.

OXFORD THEATRE Hilarious situations suited to the talents of tho Tiitz Brothers are provided in tho outstanding comedy "Pack ITp Your Troubles," which is being shown at tho Oxford Theatre. .Jane Withers appears in one of the principal roles. TIVOLI THEATRE Glen Morris and Eleanor Holm appear in "Tarzan's Revenge," wljich, with "Blind Alibi," a thrilling crime drama featuring Richard Dix, will be shown to-night at tho Tivoli Theatre. Special concessions will bo available. STRAND THEATRE Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald head a strong cast in the delightful musical romance "Rose Marie," which is the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. W. S. Van Dyke was the producer. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO Excellent performances aro given by Vivien Leigh and Conrad Voiat in the leading roles of "Dark Journey," which will be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-night.