ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23769, 24 September 1940, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

• Civic Theatre.—The spectacular outdoor drama "The Westerner" will be shown at the Civic Theatre to-day. Based on actual events during the settlement of the West, the film has Gary Cooper at the head of a fine cast. Regent Theatre.—A charmingly natural picture of family life, "Four Wives" will bo shown at the Regent Theatre to-day. Witli the same cast as the earlier production, "Four Daughters," tho film makes excellent entertainment.

St. James' Theatre.—Tracing the fall of the Austrian Empire, the romantic film "Florian" will ho shown at St. James' Theatre to-day. Robert Young and Helen Gilbert play the leading roles, while a magnificent Lipnizan stallion appears as tho charger belonging to the Emperor Franz Josef. The ballerina who toured Now Zealand with the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, Irina Baronova, lias a prominent part in tho production. A coining attraction to the theatre is the film of the life of the American inventor, "Edison the Man." After a brief absence from pictures,'-Spencer Tracy returns to take the title role of tho production. Plaza Theatre. —Repeating the success of his initial screen appearance in "Thp Hurricane," Jon Hall is the leading player in "South of Pngo Pago," a romantic drama nqw Joeing shown at the Plaza Theatre. Victor McLaglen and Frances Farmer also have main roles.

Majestic Theatre.—Light entertainment of a high standard is provided by the current programme at the Majestic Theatre, "Sandy is a Lady" being the main attraction. In this rollicking comedy tho popular baby Sandy is supported by the brilliant comedians Mischa Auer and Eugene Pallette. •'Cheer, Boys, Cheer," is the second picture. Oxford Theatre. —The brilliant technieolour cartoon "Pinocchio" will continue a season at the Oxford Theatre to-dav. The film was produced by Walt Disnev studios.

Embassy Theatre. Powerful dramatic acting characterises the film "The Old Maid," the current attraction at tho Embassy Theatre. Also on the programme is the feature "London's Reply to German Claims." The next attraction at the theatre will be tho bright romantic film "Remember the Night?" With a good enst and a novel plot, tho picture has won wide popularity elsewhere, and expert direction combines with the excellent performances of tho leading artists to make it a production not easily forgotten. Fred Mac Murray appears as a young lawyer prosecuting a glamorous jewel thief (Barbara Stanwyck), and the two provide the romantic interest of the story. Clever character acting is f;iven by several of the supporting players. Century Theatre.—Recalling the gay life and happy melodies of the 'nineties tlio brilliant musical production "Lillian Russell" will continue its season at the Century Theatre Excellently cast as the stage's first personality girl, Alice Faye recaptures the scintillating spirit and the glamour of the life of Lillian Russell. The sincerity of her acting and her rendering of popular old songs adds another fine performance to her long list of successes. Don Ameche and Henry Fonda head a strong supporting cast. Also to be shown is the short feature "The Battle of Britain." a graphic survey of recent events in England. Strand Theatre. —Comedy, romance and thrills are interwoven in a story of the drama of hospital life in the film "Dr. Kildare's Strange Case," to be shown at the Strand Theatre today. A fine performance is given by Lew Ayres in the role of the young interne, while Lionel Barrymore demonstrates his gift for characterisation as tho gruff specialist Dr. Gillespie. Laraine Day and Nat Pendleton complete the cast.

Tivoll Theatre. —Fine entertainment is provided by the two films "Hold 'em Navy" and "Sophie Lang Goes West" which are included on the programme at "the Tivoli Theatre to-night. Guest night concessions will be available. State Theatre. —A thrilling tale of courageous Welsh miners is told in the film "Tho Proud Valley," to be shown at the State Theatre to-night. Paul Robeson has the leading role.