ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23767, 21 September 1940, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

St. James' Theatre. —Large audiences were delighted with the romantic tale set against the pageantry of the Austrian Empire in the lilm "Florian," which commenced a season at St. James' Theatre yesterday. A beautiful white stallion plays the title role of Florian, the Lippizan charger belonging to the Emperor Franz Josef, and around the horse's life is centred the romantic interest, supplied by Robert Young and Helen Gilbert. .The most important character role in the picture, that of a veterinarian at the Imperial breeding farm, is capably taken by Charles Coburn, eminent stago actor, who has appeared in a number of successful productions. A featuro of the cast is the inclusion of Irina Baronova, tho Russian ballerina, who toured New Zealand with the Covent Garden company. Plaza Theatre.—Tho infiltration of undesirable white elements into the happy communities of tho Polynesian is the theme underlying the romance and drama of the now attraction at tho Plaza Theatre ; "South of Pago Pago." Tho large audiences which attended tho opening sessions yesterday were very favourably impressed by the virile acting of Jon Hall, whom many remembered for another good performance in "The Hurricane." Victor McLaglen and Frances Farmer also contribute vivid character studies.

Majestic Theatre. —With a cast of

loading comedians, the film "Sandy is a Lady" was shown to crowded audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. Baby Sandy is cast in tho main role, while the two child musicians. Butch and Buddy, who appeared in tho film "The Under Pup," have important parts. Eugene Palletto causes much amusement as an irritable building contractor, while Mischa Auer portrays a crazy inventor. The associate attraction is a British production, "Cheer, Boys, Cheer." in which Nova Pilbeam takes the leading role. Edmund Gwenn is in tho cast.

Civic Theatre.—A bitter fued fought

on the desolate Texas plains provides a stirring background to "The Westerner," a film which drew enthusiastic

audiences to tho initial screenings at

tho Civic Theatre yesterday. _ Gary Cooper has a role admirably suited to his talents as Colo Harden, champion of the cattlemen's rights. His dry good humour lends many bright touches to a story of strife and revenge. Walter Bronnan has a major supporting role. Regent Theatre.—Testifying to tho popularity of the players in "Four Wives," crowded audiences attended tho Regent Theatre yesterday, when the film was shown for tho first time. Sequel to the earlier production, "Four Daughters," the picture has lost nothing of the natural charm and appeal of its predecessor, and the Lemp family is still one of tho most human and interesting households the screen has ever created. In tho roles of tho four sisters, Rosemary, Priscilla and Lola Lane and Gale Pago give convincingly natural performances. A particularly interesting feature, "Cavalcade of Academy Awards," is included on the supporting programme. This film' shows scenes from award winning pictures since 1928, including productions

In which Marie Dressier, Mary Pick:ord and George Arliss appeared.

Oxford Theatre.—A technical masterpiece as well as light entertainment of the highest quality, Walt Disney's fulllength technicolour cartoon "Pinocchio" will continue its season at the Oxford Theatre to-day. A bright supporting programme includes a March of Time reviewing the strategic value' of the Philippine Islands. Century Theatre. —Recapturing the gay and scintillating spirit of tho 'nineties, the film "Lillian Russell" was shown to capacity audiences at the Century Theatre yesterday. In tho title role of the glamorous stage beauty, Alice Faye exploits every acting opportunity afforded her, and her singing of tho favourite melodies of the period is excellent". Among the songs are "After the Ball," "Rosie, You Are My Posie" and "The Band Played On." At tho head of the supporting cast are Don Ameche and Henry Fonda. Tho latter, as a shy lover of Lillian Russell, gives a capable interpretation of his part. A topical newsreel of events in Britain will bo shown on tho supporting programme.

Strand Theatre.—The adventures of a young interne in a New York hospital provide an entertaining story in the film "Dr. Kildare's Strange Case," the current attraction at the Strand Theatre. Mystery, romance and humour are' mingled in the intriguing plot, and Lew Ayres adds another successful role to his career as Dr. Jimmy Kildare. As the irritable, gruff but kindly Dr. Gillespie, Lionel Barrymore brings out still more forcibly his undoubted talent for characterisation. Attractive Laraine Day, as the nurse, and the comedian, Nat Pe.ndleton, complete the cast.

Roxy, Tivoli Theatres. l —A fast-mov-ing melodrama of the modern type, "Stage to Chino," heads tho current programme at the Boxy and Tivoli Theatres. Produced by R.K.O. Radio, the film presents George O'Brien in one of his most dashing portrayals, while Virginia Yale makes an appealing heroine. Tho thrills of the racetrack are brought to the screen in the vivid drama "Long Shot," which is an additional attraction. Leading roles are taken by tho popular players, George E. Stone and Marsha Hunt. State Theatre. —Few more amusing comedies have been shown this year than lan Hay's "The Middle Watch,'' which is the current attraction at the State Theatre. Jack Buchanan appears as a naval captain who has to cope with the problems arising from the discovery of two attractive female stowaways on his ship. Embassy Theatre.—lnspired acting allied with superb direction lias created a picture of rare dramatic intensity in "The Old Maid," Bette Davis' latest production, which is now in the third week of a successful season at tho Embassy Theatre. Prince Edward Theatre.—The story of tho first trans-Atlantic steamships is presented in "Rulers of the Sea," a Paramount film to be shown with "Scarf ace" at the Prince Edward Theatre to-day. i