ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23818, 20 November 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

Roxy, Tivoli Theatres.—Thrilling action is the keynote of the film "Headin' East," which will be shown* for tho first time at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. The veteran actor of Western roles, Ruck Jones, heads the cast, but tho locale of the iilm is mainly in the city of New York, which .Jones visits to deal with a gang of criminals, whose action at the markets is ruining his father's business as a grower. Attractive Ruth Coleman plays tjie feminine lead, while the part' of the leader of the gangsters i.s capably portrayed by Donald Dmigias. An associate feature is the crime diania "Smashing the Money R : ng." Majestic Theatre. —Comedy and drama are blended in the picture "You're Not So Tough," which, with "The Biscuit Kilter," comprises the doublefeature programme to be shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The Dead End Kids and Nan Cirey head the cast in the former attraction. The new programme at the theatre on Friday will consist of the entertaining film "Three Cheers for the Irish" and the drama "Three Faces West." The popular young actress Priscilla Lane, Thomas Mitchell and Alan Hale take the leading parts in the main feature. Civic Theatre. —A popular actor who made a recent return to eminence on the screen, Lew Ayres, has the main J role in the riotous farce "The Golden Fleecing," current attraction at tho Civic Theatre. Rita Johnson and the old and well-known comedian Leon Errol take prominent supporting roles. With Melvyn Douglas as a Communist, and Loretta Young as a banker's wife the sophisticated comedy "He Stayed for Breakfast" will commence a season at the theatre on Friday. Regent Theatre. —Witty dialogue interspersed with topical references characterises the performance of Bob Hope and Paillette Goddard, the successful team of "The Cat and the Canary," in their latest appearance in "The Ghost Breakers." which will be shown to-day at the Regent Theatre. A spectacular sea drama of special interest at the present time,' "Convoy," which will have its initial screenings at the theatre on Friday, deals primarily with the work of the British Navy as it polices the world's waterways. Interwoven into this theme is an enjoyable domestic story, with Clive Brook, Judy Campbell and John Clements as the main figures. A good deal of amusement is provided by typical and realistic scenes among the English sailors t while the exciting sequences of a sea battle aro excellently presenied. St. James' Theatre. —Bright and sophisticated entertainment is provided by the film "L Love You Again." which will again ho presented at St. James' Theatre to-day. The popular comedy team of the ."Thin Man" series of films, Myrtia Loy and William Powell, appears at the head of the cast, which also includes Frank McHugh and Edmund Lowe. An historical story of pioneering in America, "North-W-est Passage," will be shown for tho first time at the theatre on Friday. Adapted from the book by Kenneth Roberts, the picture is photographed in remarkably natural tcchnicolour, and the story allows Spencer Tracy to demonstrate his ability for dominating spectacular drama in addition to the character parts in which he usually appears. Robert Young and Ruth Hussey play major roles. Plaza Theatre. —A thrilling film of adventure at sesi in the early part of last century, "Captain Caution," will again be shown at tho Plaza Theatre to-day. Victor Mature has his first leading role in this picture, and his capable handling 1 of a dashing part augurs well for his future. The next attraction at the theatre will bo tho film "Lucky Partners," in which Ginger Rogers and Ronald Colman appear. Century Theatre. —Set against the smart background of the fashionable life of Continental capitals, the film "1 Was an Adventuress" will again be shown at the Century Theatre to-dav. | As the glamorous decoy for two jewel I thieves, the beautiful ballet dancer Zorina has a role which shows her to | advantage, and her elaborate gowning I is a feature of the production. A hrilj limit climax to the film is provided by | the dancing of the ballet "Swan Lake" | bv Zorina and an American ballet, 'lhe ' popular English actor Richard Greene contributes a fine performance opposite Zorina, while Peter Lorre and Erich von Stroheiin appear in major parts. Some fine news reviews are included on the programme.

Embassy Theatre. —A poignant story of human suffering is unfolded in tho dramatic production "The Way of All Flesh," to he presented finally at the Embassy Theatre to-day. Commencing a season at the theatre to-morrow is a film which is at once both thrilling and amusing. "Night Train to .Munich." Set iii the period just prior to the outbreak of the present war. the greater part of the action revolves round the occupation of Czecho-Slovakia by tho Nazis. Hex Harrison gives an excellent portrayal as a secret service agent entrusted with the safety of a Czech inventor. while the romantic interest is supplied by .Margaret Lock wood as the inventor's daughter.

Vogue Theatre. —A modern theatre, equipped with the latest sound devices, the Vogue, Jvaraugahape Road, will be opened on Friday when its first presentation will be the delightful teeluiicolotir film "The "Wizard of oz. In future tlie features to be presented will lie chosen bv public requests which are to bo forwarded t.o the theatre manager. "The Wizard of Oz" is a charming fantasy in which Judy Garland s adventures in the land of Ox make fine light entertainment. A number of bright"tunes which have become very popular are introduced into the film, and such experienced players as .Billie Burke. Frank Morgan and Bert Lahr contribute excellent performances. Oxford, Avon Theatres.—A powerful human drama. "My Son, My Son!" will be presented at the Ox lord and Avon Theatres to-day. Excellent acting bv the principals. Louis llayward, Urian Ahernc and Madeleine Carroll, develops fully (lie force of the drama! ic situations

Strand Theatre. —The inadvertent entry of the English comedian George Koniihy into secret service work forms the theme of "Gunner George," the film which will continue its season at the Strand Theatre to-day.

State Theatre. —Mickey Rooney gives a lino performance in portraying the youthful nd ventures of the famous American inventor in the film "Young Tom Kclison," to bo presented to-ni<;lit at the State Theatre.