ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23848, 26 December 1940, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

Majestic Theatre. —"Flight Angels," in which Virginia Bruce, Dennis Morgan anil Jane Wvniaii have the leading roles, ;iii(l the delightful comedy "Tlie Captain is a Lady" will he presented tor the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-day. As a special Christmas attraction the; full-length coloured cartoon "Gulliver's Travels" will enjoy a return season, screening with other entertaining items at the morning session i only to-day and each morning for the ; next week. A picture with particular j topical interest, "Mystery Sea Raider," will head the new programme at the theatre commencing to-morrow. The production deals with the activities of a Nazi ship in the Caribbean Sea. Also on the programme is "W<jrld in Flames," a collection of special newsreel pictures over the last ten years, it will also be shown at a session to-mor-row at I p.m. Civic Theatre. —Spencer Tracy again gives an outstanding performance in the vivid drama "1 Take This Woman," which will continue its season at tho Civic Theatre to-day. He appears as a young doctor who is torn between different paths of his profession, and has excellent support from Hedy Lamarr, who has the other leading role. Regent Theatre.- —All the gaiety of the music-loving city of Vienna is brought to the screen in "Spring Parade," which will continue its successful season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Older now, although with no diminution in her youthful charm, Deanna Durbin sings and acts delightfully in the leading role. St. James' Theatre. —One of the ; most popular of musical operettas, j "New Moon," is presented with unusual beauty in the screen version, which had a most successful opening at St. James' Theatre on Tuesday evening. United again to continue their series of musical triumphs, Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Mac Donald give excellent performances, as well as making the most of the many Horn berg melodies for which the operetta is famous. These include such numbers as "Lover Come Back to Me. 5 ' "Stout Hearted Men" and "Wanting You," the solos and duets of the principals being backed by brilliant choruses, and the whole being set in scenes of spectacular interest. The powerful story tells of a French Duke who is sold as a bondsman in New Orleans and who later escapes, and as a pirate captures the woman who was formerly his owner. Plaza Theatre. —A fine east of talented players appears in the enthralling drama "1 Married a Nazi," which will commence an Auckland season at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Based on Oscar? Sehisgall's popular story, the film presents unlimited dramatic opportunities, which are used to the best advantage by the cast. In the role of a girl whose husband becomes estranged from her on their return to his native land. Joan Bennett proves an accomplished actress. Opposite her appears Francis Lederer, while beautiful Anna Sten completes the triangle. A role different from his usual type is played by Lloyd Nolan as an American newspaper correspondent, while one of the outstanding actresses of the screen. Maria Ouspenskaya, lias a prominent supporting part. Utto Kruger and Johnny llussell also appear. Century Theatre. —Filled with the unusual interest of lands and places j beyond the normal paths of life, "I i Married Adventure," which will again ' be presented at the Century Theatre j to-day, presents the story of Osa John- i son, one of the most remarkable women 1 of modern times. Having its New Zea- I land premiere, Maurice Maeterlink's ! charming story "The Blue Bird" will j be shown at the theatre for the first I time to-morrow. The theatre's first ! anniversary presentation, this picture j brings Shirley Temple to the screen in : her finest production to date, and adds j to its universal appeal by an excellent j 1 use of technieolour. Spring Byington > and Eddie Collins have supporting ! roles. Embassy Theatre. —Approved by j overseas critics and the large audience : I which witnessed its opening screening ' last night as a picture of outstanding merit, "All This and Heaven Too," the new attraction at the Embassy Theatre, ! is one of the finest productions of the Warner Brothers' studios this year. 1 Taken from one of the most successful | of recent novels, the picture reaches a : great height of dramatic intensity, not only through Rachel Field's fine story, but also by the performances of Bette i Davis and Charles Rover, who have i proved themselves in the highest class of film players. The theme of the picj ture is the quiet and deep love beI tween a French nobleman and the , governess of his four children. I Roxy, Tivoli Theatres. —An absorbing | story based on the difficulties which ( arise in the taking over of lands for ! army purposes is told in Gene Autrv's 1 latest film "In Old Monterey." which will again head the fine double-feature programme at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. In the leading role of an army sergeant whose duty it is to pacify the ranch-owners whose property 'is being confiscated, Autry again gives : a fine performance and also sings a | number of popular new songs. The 1 second attraction is a rousing melodrama. "South of Arizona." Charles Starrett has the main part and is supported by the Sons of Pioneers, j Oxford, Avon Theatres. Maureen O'llara. Louis Ha.vward and Maria Ouspenskaya have the leading parts in "Dance, Girl. Dance," the romantic musical comedy which will again be shown with "Beyond To-morrow" at the Oxford and Avon Theatres to-dav. Charles Winninger and Jean Parker appear in the second film. Strand Theatre. Metro-Goldwyn- ! Mayer's entertaining film "Andy Hardy ! Meets a Debutante" should again prove | popular when it is shown at tho Strand ' Theatre to-day. Leading roles are taken \ by Mickey Rooney and another young player, Judy Garland, who is heard in | several song numbers. I Vogue Theatre. —Bernard Shaw's ■ brilliant modern comedy "Pygmalion" ; will again be the main attraction at ' the Vogue Theatre to-night. Wendy ] Miller, who makes an excellent first. ; appearance in this production, and Leslie Howard, are the principals. A I special children's matinee will be held ] this afternoon, when "45 Fathers ' and j "The Californian" will be shown. State Theatre. —Unexcelled among j recent productions for its _ dramatic ! power and the excellence of its acting, "Rebecca" will again be presented at the State Theatre to-day. Taken from the fine novel by Daphne du Maurier, the picture is noteworthy for the portrayals of Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier in the leading roles.