ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23732, 12 August 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

Plaza Theatre. —The natural and straight-forward acting of George Sanders is largely responsible for the popularity ol' "The Saint Takes Over," an adaptation of a novel '■ by Leslie Charteris which heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. Walt Disney's brilliant full-length tcchnicolour cartoon "Pinoechio" is to open its Auckland, season at the theatre on Friday. Majestic Theatre.—A desperate war is waged by the officers of the law against racketeers and their scheming attorneys in the enthralling melodrama "The Parole Fixer," which is the main attraction at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Four of Hollywood's most promising younger players, Anthony Quinn, William Henry, Virginia Dale and Richard Denning, head a talented oast. "Black Eyes," a moving human drama, also is to be shown, together with the gripping serial "The Green Hornet."

Civic Theatre.—Long popular on the London stage, Stanley Lupino makes another successful film in "Lucky to Me," the ~ gay musical comedy now being shown at the Civic Theatre. An entertaining story is interspersed with ballets and bright tunes, tlie latter being composed by Noel Gay, who wrote "The Lambeth Walk."

Regent Theatre.—-"The Road to Singapore," a rollicking musical farce, heads the current programme at the Regent Theatre. The popular singer Ring Crosby takes the main role, with Dorothy Lainonr and Bob Hope in prominent supporting parts. Sunny tropic isles and carefree native feasts provide a light-hearted background.

St. James' Theatre. —Two of the world's leading modern dancers, Fred Astaire and Eleanor' Powell, are the principals in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's spectacular musical comedy "Broadway Melody of 1940," which heads to-day's well-balanced programme at St. James'Theatre. Other leading figures in the light-hearted story are George Murphy, Frank Morgan and Jan Hunter. Supporting features include a travelogue describing Fiji and one of the "Passing Parade" series.

Century Theatre. —Lavish settings filmed in glorious teclmicplour and lilting tunes charmingly sung by Anna Xeagle are the main features of ".Irene," 'an R.K.O. Radio production now enjoying a popular season at the Century Theatre. The plot is based on a stage play of the same name and is little altered in essentials. Associated with Anna Neagle is Bay Milland, whom many theatregroers will remember for a particularly fine comedy portrayal in "French Without Tears." Important parts also are filled by Billie Burke, Arthur Treacher. May Bobson and Roland Young. The landing of Ncav Zealand troops in England is depicted in a newsreel. Strand Theatre. —A note of fantasy in the romantic theme and the sparkling comedy of Ernst Lubitscli make "The Shop Around the t Corner," today's attraction at the Strand Theatre, one of the most delightful comedies produced this year. Margaret Sulfevan gives a charming portrayal in the leading part, supported by James Stewart, Frank Morgan and Joseph Schildkraut. There is an associate programme of high standard.

Oxford Theatre. —Comedy at its best is presented in "The Doctor Takes a Wife," now being shown at the Oxford Theatre. Ray Milland and Loretta Young appear as a medical lecturer and a woman novelist whom the daily newspapers mistakenly allege to be married. Hilarious complications follow until the film's brilliant climax.

Embassy Theatre. Metro-Goldwyn-Maver's powerful drama "Earl of Chicago" is to "be shown again at the Embassy Theatre to-day. In the title role Robert Montgomery excels his best performances of the past, while other noteworthy, members of the cast are Edward Arnold and Edmund Gwenn.

State Theatre. —With its gay theme and sparkling dialogue, the sophisticated comedy "French Without 7 Tears" is enjoying ,a successful season, at. the State Theatre. Outstanding performances are given by Ellen Drew, Ray Milland, David Tree and Ronald Culver. - Rcxy, Tivoli Theatres.—"The Man With Nine Lives" and "Private Detective" comprise to-day's programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres.