ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23840, 16 December 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

Regent Theatre.—The tumultuous decade which followed the Great War forms the chronological background of Warner Brothers' drama "'I he Hearing Twenties," which will be shown again to-day at the Regent Theatre. Leading roles are played by James Caguey and Priscilla Lane. The ever-popular young singer Deanna Durbin is featured in "Spring Parade," which will be the next attraction at the Regent Theatre. She is cast as a young Austrian village girl who takes a trip to Vienna. In the metropolis she meets a handsome young Viennese, played by Robert Cummings, and falls in love with him. The stormy story of their love, its many trials and tribulations, and its ultimate triumph over all difficulties, makes absorbing entertainment. Among the delightful songs Duunna Durbin sings in this film are l, lt's Foolish, But It's Fun." "Waltzing iu the Clouds," "When April Sings," "Blue Danube Dream" and "In a Spring Parade." Alischa A tier heads the supporting cast. St. James' Theatre.—The latest of the popular "Hardy Family" series, entitled "Andy Hardy Meets a Debutante," is proving popular at St. .lames' Theatre. The irrepressible Andy is once more played by Mickey Roonoy, while Judy Garland, who appeared in an earlier film in the series, makes a welcome reappearanoe. -Miss Garland sings one of the latest "swing" numbers. Plaza Theatre.' —A tender love story treated from an original angle forms the main theme of "Our Town," the United Artists film version of Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize play, | which is the current attraction at the ; Plaza Theatre. The story is told by a I narrator, played by Frank Craven, who i introduces the players and explains the j action. Martha Scott, who played Emily ion the New York stage, has the same i role in the film, while William Holden appears opposite her. Majestic Theatre.—Hugh Herbert, I the comedian, sets something of a record in his latest film "La Conga Nights." now showing at the Majestic Theatre, in that he plays seven differ- j ent characters. Constance Moore and Dennis O'Keefe supply the romantic interest. "Phantom Raiders" is the associate attraction. Civic Theatre.—Lucille Ball has a leading role in the R.K.0.-Radio production "Dance, Girl, Dance," which is now showing at the Civic Theatre. Maureen O Hara and Louis Hayward, who recently scored with his performance as the wastrel youth in "My Son, Mv Sou!" are prominently oast. The film is taken from a story by Yield Baum. Century Theatre.—With their flair for dramatic acting. Spencer Tracy and Loretta Young give pleasing performances in "Man's Castle," to-day s attraction at the Century Theatre. The story opens when Spencer Tracy meets starving Loretta Young in a park. In spite of the fact that he, too, is destitute, Spencer Tracy marries his protegee in order to give her protection. He is won over by the childlike devotion of his wife, but after a short separation returns to her. In an attempt to break open a sale Spencer Iracy is wounded and returns home before the death of his accomplice. The story closes with Spencer Tracy and Loretta Young escaping to happiness. Strand Theatre.—Of particular Interest to theatre patrons in these times, "Convoy," ' the powerful sea drama in which Give Brook and Judy Campbell take the leading parts, will again be presented at the Strand Theatre to-day. Excellently photographed, the climax is reached with a battle between a British battleship and the Deutschland. The supporting castis headed by Edward Chapman, Edward Rigby and Penelope Dudley Ward. Embassy Theatre. —Rex Harrison and .Margaret Loekwood are the principal plavers in the thrilling British melodrama "Night Train to Munich." which heads to-day's programme at the Kmhassv Theatre. Comedy is supplied bv Naunton Wayne and Basil Radford. Oxford, Avon Theatres. —A dramatic story of Czecho-Slovakian family life under Nazi rule, "Four Sons" heads to-dav's programme at the Oxford and Avon Theatres. "Missing People" is the associate attraction. State Theatre.—A brilliant story of scientific endeavour is presented in "Kdison the Man." the fine film which will again head the programme at the State to-day. Spencer Tracy has the leading role. Vogue Theatre. —Jeanette Mac Donald :,nd Nelson Kddy head the cast ,in "Sweethearts." the technicolour 1 romance which will be shown to-day at the Vogue Theatre.