ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

Plaza Theatre. —A moving musical romance, "Swanee River," is tor head (tho new programme at tho I'hiza Theatre to-day. The part of Stephen C; Foster, composer of numerous haunting melodies of tho "Old South," has been entrusted, to Don Anieche, who has given consistently good performances in films of the same type. Appearing opposite him is Andrea Leeds, with A 1 Jolson and Felix Bressart also, prominently cast. The songs of the picture include "My Old. Kentucky Home," "Swanee River." "Do Camptown Races." "Old Black .Joe" and others equally popular. The celebrated Hall Johnson negro choir takes a leading part in many colourful scones. Majestic Theatre.—Suggested by the brilliant short story of H. G. "Wells, tho fantnstio mystery drama "The Invisible Man Returns" is to be shown for tho first time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Splendid portrayals by .Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Nan Grey, Vincent Price and Cecil Kellaway play an important part in the success of the picture, but undoubtedly its outstaud- , ing features are the clever _ effects gained by the perfect .technique of modern photography. The. _ pirateinfested waters of tho romantic China Sens provido the setting for "Queer Cargo," the second attraction. Civic Theatre. —A story of Hollywood itself is unfolded in "Star Dust," today's now attraction at tho Civic Theatre. Linda Darnell, an attractive young actress who had her first important role in "Hotel for Women,' appears as a country girl discovered by n screen "talent scout" and given a test at the studios. However, she is rejected as being too young, and her subsequent struggle for recognition makes absorbing entertainment. Roland Young introduces subtle comedy as the "talent scout." while other important nilos are filled by John Payne, illiam Gargan. Charlotte Greenwood ntul Marv TTcaly. Tho film was directed by Walter Lang. Regent Theatre. Fever - infested jungles of Africa form the setting for the unusually powerful drama "Sata'ri," a Paramount picture beginning a season at the Eegent Theatre to-day. Very natural and convincing portrayals are given by tho two principals, Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Madeleine Carroll, who appear together' for tho first timo since "Prisoner of Zcnda." Almost equally fine performances are those of Tullio Carminati, Muriel _ Angelus, Lynno Overman and Billy Gilbert. Included in an entertaining selection of short features are tho latest < overseas newsreels and a film depicting clever aquatic evolutions by a women's swimming team. St. James' Theatre. —Mickey Rooney is the central figure of the comedydrama "Judge Hardv and Son," which is to continue its successful season at St. James' Theatre to-day. Century Theatre.— Noteworthy for its frankness and unhesitant exposure of conditions in the Welsh minefields, tho Gaumont-British-Dominions production "Tho Stars Look Down" is to begin its Auckland season at the Centurv Theatre to-day. The book 011 which tho plot is based was written bv A. J. Cronin, author of "The Citadel." Michael Redgrave and Margaret Lock wood, two promising young players who first appeared together in "The Lady Vanishes," are excellently cast in the leading roles. A polished character actor, Kniiyn Williams, heads a talented supporting cast. Supporting films maintain the high standard set in this respect by the Century Theatre, Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. —Canada's famed North-West Mounted Police play a prominent part in tho fast-moving melodrama "The Man From Montreal," the main attraction 011 the current programme at the Boxy and_ Tivoli Theatres. A virile portrayal is given by Richard Arlen as the dashing hero, while other popular players in leading roles are Andy Devine, Kay Sutton ana Ann Gwynuc. "Curtain Call," an, absorbing drama of the legitimate theatre, and a March of Time on Canada at war completes the programme. Embassy Theatre.—Tho fine acting of Bonald Colman dominates "The Light That Failed," tho film version of Hudyard Kipling's widely-read story, which has entered the second week of its season at the Embassy Theatre. There is a bright associate programme. State Theatre. —Tho topical drama •"Submarine Patrol" and the merry farce "Wife, Husband and Friend" comprise to-night's new programme at the State Theatre. Richard Greene appears in the first film. Crystal Palace and Rialto.—Bette Davis appears in the drama "Dark Victorv," to bo shown- with "Chan in Panama" at tho Crystal Palace and Hialto Theatres to-night. Oxford Theatre. "Vigil in the Night" and "The Saint's Doublov Trouble" are to-day's attractions at the Oxford Theatre. Strand Theatre. —Jack Buchanan is the leading player in the gay comedy "The Middle Watch," which will bo shown to-day at the Strand Theatre.