ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23761, 14 September 1940, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS

Regent Theatre.—Warner Brothers' impressive biographical film "Dr. Ehrlich's Slagic Bullet" continues to attract enthusiastic audiences to the Regent Theatre. Enacted with sincerity and dignity it ia a worthy tribute to tbe memory of a great scientist. St. James' Theatre. —Light entertainment of a high • standard is presented in "Dr. Kildare's- Strange Case," a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, which heads tbe current programme at St. James' Theatre. As in the former pictures of this series, an interesting glimpse of modern hospital routine and medical research is gained during the passage of a polished comedy-drama. Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Larraine Day and Nat Pendleton give their customary sound performances. A varied selection of short films includes a Pete Smith oddity. Plaza Theatre. —Now in the second week of its season tbe comedy "My Favourite Wife" will be shown at the Plaza Theatre to-day. The film sets a high standard of sophisticated entertainment and one uproarious scene f<sllows another in swift succession, while the acting of Cary Grant and Irene Dunne contributes much to the unr doubted success of the picture. In supporting roles Randolph Scott and Granville Bates are worthy of mention for their performances.

Majestic? Theatre. —Large audiences at the Majestic yesterday testified to the popularity of the Dead End Kids in the new attraction "On Dress Parade." The youths' roles in this production are somewhat different from their former appearances as denizens of the slums, and as cadets at a military academy they are an unqualified success. The only one of the band who retains something of the toughness of the city-bred is Leo Goreev. and his introduction to discipline in the academy provides the basis of the story. A dramatic plot is unfolded against a background of realistic scenes of work in a st-eel foundry in the associate attraction "Hot Steel," in which Richard Arlen heads the cast.

Civic Theatio. —An intrinsically human drama, unrelenting in its frankness, "Grapes of Wrath" opened a season at the Civic Theatre before large and appreciative audiences yesterday. The absorbing story opens with 'a typical American farming coinmunitv bereft of their possessions in Oklahoma through the destruction by the dust storms. It is a time of economic depression und n. "trol< to "tlio orchards of California brings disillusion, faced, nevertheless, with great courage. Oxford Theatre. —Lilting romantic songs and carefree humour' are interwoven in the light-hearted story of R.K.O. "Radio's film "Irene," which is now being shown at the Oxford Theatre. Anna Neagle and Ray Milland are responsible for clever portrayals in the main roles. There is a bright associate programme.

Century Theatre. —Crowded audiences at the Centurv Theatre yesterday were delighted with the entertaining farce "Too Many Husbands," which was shown for the first time. Based on a play bv Somerset Maugham and skilfuliv directed bv Wesley Ruggles, the film has a cast of players experienced in handling light roles. The plot concerns the return of a supposedly dead man who finds his wife about to commence a honeymoon with her second husband, and this gives ample scope for the introduction of hilarious situations. In leading roles Jean Arthur, Melvvn Douglas and Fred Mac Murray give 'pleasing performances. Strand Theatre.—The comedy of the Australian backblocks is once more brought to the screen by BertBailey and Fred McDonald in "Dad Rudd, M.P.." the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. Forthright in manner. the old farmer causes the greatest consternation among professional politicians, and gives his constituents their most enjoyable election in years. Minor characters are well drawn by Connie Martvn, Yvonne East and Alec Kellaway.

Roxy, Tivoli Theatres. —Two exciting films, "Calling Philo Vance" and "Half a Sinner," comprise to-day's splendid double-feature programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. In the first attraction, a detective mystery of the modern type. Ralph Forbes and Sheila Bromley head a talented cast. Heather Angel, Walter Catlett and Constance Collier are three popular players in "Half a Sinner." State Theatre. —England's charming actress Greer Garson appears opposite Robert Taylor and Lew Avres in the rollicking comedy " Remember," which is the main attraction at the State Theatre to-day. The very promising juvenile plaver, Virginia Weidler, heads the cast in " Bad Little Angel," also to be shown.

Embassy Theatre. —Bette Davis further strengthens reputation as the screen's most accomplished dramatic actress with a dynamic character study in "The Old Maid," a film with a tragic theme that is now being shown at the Embassy Theatre. Miriam Hopkins and George Brent also deserve praise for excellent acting. Victoria Theatre.—The films "Ninotchka " and " The Gang's All Here " comprise to-day's well-balanced programme at the Victoria Theatre. "Ninotchka " is Greta Garbo's first comedy. Tudor Cinema. —The comedv-drama " Hotel For Women " heads to-day's programme at the Tudor Cinema. The troubadours, Joan and Betty Raynejr, will be seen in a novel sketch prior to the film programme.

Crystal Palace, Rialto.—Acclaimed as one of the finest films of the year. United Artists' drama " Rebecca " will be shown at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres to-dny.