ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23770, 25 September 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

Roxy, Tivoll Theatres. —A thrilling film of police work, "Tear Gas Squad" will commence a season at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. Dennis Morgan plays tlie main role, and his excellent baritone voice is hoard in a number of songs. The young actress who has only lately risen to leading parts, Gloria Dickson, appears opposite Morgan, and <<;ivos ;t fine performance. The associate attraction is the horse racing film "Pride of the Uluegrass," in which two talented child players, Edith Fellows and .James McCnifion, take prominent parts. The story centres round the liie of a racehorse which is struck blind, but continues its racing career. Regent Theatre.—Natural and effortless acting adds to the charm of the human story in the film "Four Wives," which will continue its season at the Iterant Theatre to-dav. "Cavalcade of Academy Awards" will also be shown. St. James' Theatre.—The romantic film set against the background of the fall of the Austrian Empire, "Florian" will be shown at St. James' Theatre today. Pobert Young and Helen Gilbert head a strong cast, while Irina Baronova 'appears on the screen for the first time. A beautiful Lippi/.an horse lias the title role. Spencer Tracy adds another .striking character portrayal to his long list of successes in the production "Etlison the Man," which will commence a season at St. James' Theatre on Friday. Remembered for his brilliant achievements in such films as "San Francisco," "Captains Courageous," "Stanley and Livingstone" and "UoyS Town," Tracy's acting is well up to standard, and ho imparts a depth of understanding and sincerity to the character of Edison, which brings out the real greatness and the humour of the celebrated inventor. An excellent cast of minor players gives admirable support to the leading actor, and notable performances are given by Kita Johnson, Lvnne Overman and Gene Lockhart. Charles Coburn, who has been appearing in some excellent parts lately, gives a splendid character interpretation. + Plaza Theatre. —The stirring saga of the Pacific "South of Pago Pago" will bo shown at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Jon Mall, remembered for his brilliant achievement in "The Hurricane," plays the main role, while Victor McLaglen has a typical part. The next attraction at the theatre will be "Saps at Sea," iu which Laurel and Hardy appear.

Majestic Theatre. —Amusing situations and coincidences form an entertaining plot for the comedy "Sandy is a Lady," to bo'shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. Baby Sandy plays the title role, well supported bv the. two youngsters, Butch and Buddy, who appeared in "The Under Pup." Mischa Auer and Eugene Pallette contribute much to the humour of the film. The associate attraction is the picture "Cheer, Bov.s, Cheer," a British production, in'which Edmund Gwcnn appears.

Civic Theatre.—Feuds among settlors of the West provide the thrilling theme of the film "The Westerner," current attraction at the Civic Theatre to-day. Gary Cooper gives an expert performance in the leading role. Embassy Theatre. —The dramatic film "The Old Maid" will be shown for the last time at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins give forceful portrayals at the head of an expert cast. A fast-moving comedy romance, "Remember the Night?-", will commence a season at the theatre to-morrow. The film has a novel plot with an unusual twist to it which holds the interest of the audience throughout, while the performance of the main players lends conviction to tho production. As a young lawyer, Fred MacMurrav lias one one of his best roles for some tiihe, and Barbara Stanwyck capably fills the part of an attractive jewel thief. Excellent characterisation is provided by several members of the supporting cast. Century Theatre. —Favourite tunes of 50 years ago are introduced i,nto the film "Lillian Bussell," which will be shown at the Century Theatre to-day. In the role of the glamorous stage personality, Lillian Russell. Alice Fave is highly successful, and admirably portrays the spirit of the days of music halls. Don Ameche has a role well suited to liini, while other well-known players in the cast are Henry Fonda, Edward Arnold, Helen Westley and Warren William. The supporting programme includes the short feature "The Battle of Britain," depicting an attack 011 a convoy off Dover and recent events in England.

Strand Theatre.—Authentic scenes of hospital life in New York form the background of the picture "Dr. Kildare's Strange Case," to he shown at the Si rand Theatre to-day. Lew Ay res and Lioliel Barrymoro head the cast. State Theatre. —With the noted negro bass Paul Robeson at the head of a strong cast, "he poignant drama "Proud Valley" will be the main attraction at the State Theatre to-night