ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23759, 12 September 1940, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

Majestic Theatre. —Daring adventures are vividly enacted in "Hidden Gold," the main feature of to-day's well-balanced programme at the Majestic Theatre. The drama "Women Without Names" and the third episode of the serial "The Green Hornet" are the supporting pictures. Some of the most talented juvenile players on the screen, the "Dead End Kids" make their latest appearance in Warner Brothers' fast-moving comedydrama "On Dress Parade," which is to be the main attraction at the theatre to-morrow. Important roles are filled bv John Litel, Frankie Thomas and Cissie Loftus. The intense activity of a modern steel mill forms the background to a stark drama in "Hot Steel," the associate film. Clever portrayals are given by Richard Arlen, Andy Devine and Peggy Moran. Civic Theatre. —The gay musical romance "Two Girls on Broadway" concludes a popular season at'the Civic Theatre to-day. A powerful drama with vital social implications is presented in "The Grapes of Wrath," an adaptation of John Steinbeck's famous novel», which opens its Auckland season at the theatre to-morrow. Henry Fonda, Doris Bowdon, John Carradine and Jane Darwell fill the main parts. Regent Theatre. —The inspiring story of a great scientist's battle against the ravages of disease is presented with dignity and realism by Warner Brothers in their film "Dr. Ehrlich'6 Magic Bullet," which is to continue its season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Edward G. Robinson's penetrating character study as Ehrlich should place him in the forefront of the screen's most accomplished actors. St. James' Theatre. —Large audiences at St. James' Theatre yesterday found excellent light entertainment in "Dr. Kildare's Strange Case," a further film in Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer's series depicting the adventures of the likeable young interne which was being shown for the first time. The first half of the picture deals with medical ethics, and is noteworthy for an authentic hospital background often lacking in similar productions. The story then gradually moves to the intriguing climax, which involves the successful treatment of a raving lunatic. Lew Ayres and Laraine Day appear as Dr. Kildare and his pretty assistant, their pleasing romance lending a human touch to the occasional bizarre scenes inside the hospital. Lionel 'Barrymore once again brings a refreshing' candour to the screen in his role as a crippled diagnostician. The supporting films include a Pete Smith specialty. Plaza Theatre.—Sparkling dialogue and polished direction are features of R.K.O. Radio's comedy "My Favourite Wife," which heads the current programme at the Plaza Theatre. The leading players are Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.

Century Theatre. —Two talented English players, Anna Neagle and Ray Milland, are associated in the success of "Irene," the light-hearted musical picture which concludes an extended season at the Century Theatre to-day. Produced by Columbia, from whose studios have* come many of the most popular comedies in recent years, _ "Too Many Husbands" is to have its initial screenings at the theatre to-morrow. Jean Arthur, last seen in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," handles her part with consummate ease, and Melvyn Douglas and Fred MacMurrav are at their best as her rival "husbands." There will be a varied selection of short films.

Roxy, Tlvoll Theatres. —The excitements of espionage and murder mystery are merged in the melodrama "Calling Philo Vance," the main film on to-day's splendid double-feature prog:amine at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. Ralph Forbes gives a suave performance as the detective, Philo Vance, and sjmong the supporting players is the attractive young actress Sheila Bromley. A desperate war is waged between gangsters and G-Men in the second picture, "Half a Sinner."

Strand Theatre. —Typical Australian humour is interwoven with a dramatic plot in "Dad Riuld, M.P.," a Cinesound production now being? shown at the Strand Theatre. Bert Bailey and Fred McDonald take their usual roles its "Dad" and "Dave," and there is a talented supporting cast. A film showing child, evacuation in England heads the associate features.

Embassy Theatre. —A superb dramatic portrayal by Bette Davis marks the poignant story of "The Old Maid," the main attraction at the Embassy Theatre to-day. The fine acting of the principal is supplemented by the very capable supporting performances of Miriam Hopkins and George Brent.