ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23839, 14 December 1940, Page 16

ENTERTAINMENTS

Majestic Theatre.—A riotous comedy , farce, "La Conga Nights,'' set in South I America, to the tuneful rhythm of rhumlia music, delighted audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday, when the film commenced an Auckland season. The comedian Hugh Herbert gives an hilarious performance in seven different comic roles. The associate attraction is the Nick Carter detective film "Phantom Haiders," in which Walter Pitlgetm a p pears. Civic Theatre.—Lavish musical sets make a scintillating and enjoyable film of "Dance. Girl, Dance," the romantic comedy which was shown for the first time before crowded audiences at the Civic Theatre yesterday. Screen version of Yicki Bourn's story of life behind the stage, the? film presents Maureen O'Hara in a leading role. Severn I new songs are introduced in the picture, including "Mother, What tin 1 do Nowr" and ".Jitterbug Bite." Clamorous Lucille Ball and handsome Louis Haxward complete the main cast, whiles Halph Bellamy has a prominent pa rt. Regent Theatre. —A thrilling drama, of 11n: chaotic conditions in America during the prohibition period, ".I. ho* Pouring Twenties." was well received by large audiences at its initial presentations at the Hegenl Theatre yesterday, Depicting the rise ol racketeers itt tiie illicit liquor trade, the film makes exciting i uienainmeiit, the more so as ii reduces melodrama to ti minimum. Adapted from the writings of a journalist of the period. Mark Mellingcr, the picture is a faithful account of the .lives ol men v, ho acquired tortunes illegally almost over-nighl. Pugnacious James Cagney gives a line performance as a gangleailor in purlnership with Humphrey Bogart. Prist ilia Lane and Gladys George also appear. St, James' Theatre. —The humorous adventures of the 1 lardy iamily in New York provides the theme ol the latest, ol the popular film scries "Andy Hardy Meets a Debutunie," which had a successful opening ol its season at >t. .lames' Theat re yesterday. The familiar cast, comprising Mickey Booney, Lewis St one, Cecilia Parker, hay Moldcn ami Ann Rutherford, appears with two notable additions. The popular juvenile, singer Judy Garland, who has appeared iu onlv one of the series before, is prominently cast and introduces a number of delightful new songs, while .Diana, Lewis takes the role of a New Yorkdebutante. An excellent- supporting programme will be shown, including the short feature "Behind the Guns," an ofliein 1 film from the British Ministry of Information. Plaza Iheatre. —The sincere and convincing simplicity ol the film "Our Town" made a favourable impression on the large audiences which attended its initial screenings at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The superb acting of the players, combined with the adroit handling of the film cameras to gain impressive scenic and lighting eftects. makes the appealinglv human plot fine entertainment. Outstanding port ray aL are contributed, by William Molden. Martha Scott. Thomas Mitchell. Prank Craven and Pay Bainter. Guy Kibbee and Bottlali Bondi take major parts. Century Theatre. —Similar to the successful film "Seventh the romantic picture "Man s ( astle w shown for the first time before enthusiastic audiences at the Century Theatre yesterday. Dialing with a charming romance which blooms in the sordid New York slums, the film affords ample scope for dramatic acting which is fully exploited by the players. In spite of the squalor of its background, the picture becomes a charmingly sentimental story by virtue of excellent direction ami the brilliant performances of Spencer Tracy and Lorctta Noting |in the principal roles. (Hernia farrell, Walter Connolly and Dickie Moore complete the cast. A varied and entertaining supporting programme is being shown. Strand Theatre. —One of the best topical dramas ever produced by English studios. "Convoy." will he shown 1 to-day at the Strand Theatre. Authenj tie scenes of life, on board a British battle cruiser actually filmed at sea under war-time conditions vividly portray the magnificent work of the Navy at, the present time, while scenes among typical British sailors provide light relief. .Interwoven in the theme of the film is a domestic story, the principals 1 being ('live Brook- sis commander of the vessel. John Clements as his subordinate ti dicer and .Judy Campbell. The supporting programme includes the feature "Britain at Bay. Roxy, Tivoli Theatres, —A thrilling outdoor drama o{ the great logging industry of America, "King of the Lumberjacks," again heads the programme at the Boxy ami Tivoli Theatres today. The adventure of life in a lumber fa in p affords John Payne one of his best and most rugged roles, and it is well suited to his vital personality. Attractive Gloria Dickson plays the feminine lead. Also to be shown is the drama of the vagrant, lives of unemployed American women, "Girls of the B on d." Oxford, Avon Theatres—Poignant drama of the tragic effects of the Nazi invasion of Czeeho-Slovnkia is provided in the stirring film "Four Sous," which will be shown to-day at the Oxford and Avon Theatres. The picture is notable for the outstanding performances by the leading players, particularly the stage actress P.ugenie Lcoutovicli. who plays the part ol the mother of a family which is tragically divided on political issues. "The .Missing People ' will also lie shown. Embassy Theatre. —Topical in content. and presenting an enjoyable type of humour reminiscent of the film "The La tlv Vanishes." Met ro-( lold wy u-.M avers brilliant spy melodrama "Night Train to Munich" continues to attract, enthusiastic audiences to the Lmbassy Theatre. A fine F.nglish cast is headed hv Bex Harrison, Margaret, Lockwood. and the two inimitable comedians Nauntoii Wayne and Basil Badlord. State Theatre.- Spencer Tracy gives another line characterisation as one of Hie greatest inventors of modern times in " Kdison the Man." which will continue its season ill the State Iheatre to-dav. Although typical of the whole restless endeavour of ivli son's lite, the production deals mostly wit It his greatest success, the electric light. Vogue Theatre.—Delightfully produced in leehuicoloiir. the musical comedy "Sweet hearts" will be _ presented again to-day at the \ oguo Theatre. Two of the screen's most popular singers. Nelson I'.ddy and Jeauette MficDtmaltl. appear in the lending roles.