ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23966, 16 May 1941, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

Civic Theatre.—The beginning and growth oi a mid-western university fornix the absorbing setting of the poignant love storv "Cheers tor Miss Bishop," which will have its first presentation at the Civic Theatre to-day. Directed by Tay Carnett and produced by Richard A. Rowland, the plot nilfolds against the surging life of a town in the 'nineties and deals with three Stirling romances of a beautfnl schoolDistress and her experiences and feelings as she grows older. Martha Seott plays the title role, while William Gar2<*ui, Edmund Gwenn, Sidney Blackmer and Donald Douglas appear in major roles. .In addition the picture introduces Mary Anderson, who appeared in a minor role in "Gone AY it li the Wind." A splendid supporting programme includes another short film in the "Popular Science" series. Regent Theatre. —Typifying the courage of the Canadian Mounted Police, Cecil B. de Mille's spectacular technicolour drama "North-West Mounted Police" is attracting large audiences to the Regent Theatre. St. James' Theatre. —One of the most ambitious productions attempted on the screen. David 0, Sclz,nick's "Gone With the Wind" will continue its sucee.'sful season at St. James' Theatre today.

Plaza Theatre.—Charlie Chaplin's talking comedy "The Great Dictator," which is enjoying the second week of its season at the Plaza Theatre, is a clever satire on totalitarian States. Supporting him are Jack Oakie. Reginald Gardiner, Billy Gilbert and Paillette Goddard. Chaplin himself was responsible for the production, direction and story.

Majestic Theatre.—Comedy, mystery and adventure are combined in the latest film in the Nick Carter detective series, "Sky Murder," which is the main attraction on the new programme at the Majestic Theatre to-day. A murder on a luxury air liner involving several beautiful girls as suspects provides the novel theme of the story. Walter Pidgeon is the principal. How an energetic young newspaper reporter fights ngamst the lack of modern safety devices in a coal mine is related in fniversal's adventure drama "Black Diamonds," which will also be shown.

Century Thfeatre.—A deeply absorbing drama of a mail's love and a woman's sacrifice is told in ''They Knew What They Wanted," the screen version of Sidney Howard's Pulitzer prize play, which will have its initial screenings at the Century Theatre today. Romantic complications involving an unlettered hut kindly Califorman vineyardist, a lonely waitress tired of drudgery and a handsome ranch foreman are woven into the dramatic story. A correspondence courtship between the former pair makes a stirring opening when the vineyardist encloses a photograph ol his foreman. Principals include Charles Laughton, Carole LomWilliam Gargan, Harry Carey and Frank Fa v.

Embassy Theatre.—Deftly handled narrative and crisp dialogue are features of Warner Brothers' comedy drama "I Want a Divorce," which is the current attraction at the Embassy Theatre. Joan Blondell and Dick Powell appear as a happily married couple in the first sequences, but the wife does not approve of her young lawyer husband making money by winning divorce eases. There is an amusing _ and dramatic conclusion. Gloria Dickson, Frank Fay and Jessie Halph head the supporting" cast. Strand Theatre.—A well-known cast, including George Raft, Ann Sheridan. Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino, appears in Warner Brothers' drama "The Road to 'Frisco," which heads the new programme to be shown at the Strand Theatre to-day. The romance between a hard-working truck driver and a waitress in a roadside cafe is interrupted by the jealous wife of the truck driver's employer, who accuses him of complicity in her husband's murder. Oxford and Avon Theatres.—R.K.O.Radio's screen version of Christopher Mor ley's recently - published novel "Kitty Foyle" will begin a season today at the Oxford and Avon Theatres. Personifying an average city business girl of the depression years, Ginger Rogers, who first established herself as an.outstanding dancer in such films as "Vivacious Lady" and "Top Hat," ghos a meritorious performance in the title role. "Dr. Christian Meets the Women" will also he shown. Roxy and Tivoli Theatres.—Describing the efforts of Wild Bill Hickok to fight the leaders of a gang-controlled western town Columbia's thrilling outdoor drama "Beyond the Sacramento" will have further screenings at the Roxy and Tivoli Theatres to-dav. Bill Elliott and Evelyn Keves are the principals. Horses are the main actors in the unusual film "King of the Sierras," which will also be shown.

State Theatre.—David Niven, the English actor, gives a sterling performance as a gentleman and a jewel thief in "Raffles," which will begin a season to-day at the State Theatre. Olivia de Havilland appears opposite him. Vogue Theatre—The entertaining comedy "Come on George" and the film "Maisie," with Robert Young and Ann Sothern in principal roles, will be screened at the Vogue Theatre to-day. George Formby heads the cast of the first attraction.