ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24104, 24 October 1941, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

Strand Theatre.—A gay romantic comedy is skilfully unfolded in tho Columbia production "I'll -V?. , Romance," which will have its initial presentations at the Strand Inentre to-day. The picture tells the delightful tale of an opera singer, completely dominated by her aunt, who plans to break a contract to sing in Buenos Aires in order to accept on* to appear in Paris. Jim Guthrie, an American, comes from tho Argentine with his henchman, _ Senor Poncho Brownelles, ex-taxi driver, and things begin to happen. Melvyn Douglas plays the part of Guthrie and, as usual, proves himself to be a master of light comedy, while Stuart Erwin has never been better as Panclio Browwelles. Guthrie decides to l'all in lovo with the charming singer as the surest method of ensuring her appearance in Buenos Aires. His campaign is so successful that when he kidnaps the singer, Elsa Terry, on the eve of her departure for Paris, she is more willing than lie- that his plot succeed. Fate in the person of the wicked aunt steps in, however, and hilarious complications follow in bewildering succession. Among the operatic numbers sung by Grace Moore, who has the role of the beautiful singer, are the Drinking Song from "Traviata," the finale of the third act from "Martha," and the duet from "Madame Butterfly," in which fihe is assisted by Frank Forest. The strong supporting cast is headed by Helen Westley, Richard Carle and Margaret Hamilton

Civic Theatre. —Individuality of production and great sincerity in plum tithe depths of human emotion distinguish the Warner Brothers film "City For Conquest," which enters the second week of a popular season at the Civic Theatre to-day. Two players of vastly different natures, James Cagncy and Ann Sheridan, have the leading roles. The picture seeks to present 3. real tale of a great city and of some of the citizens of its lower strata. It illustrates, with a fine instinct for tho right mood, how these persons rise and fall in the struggle for achievement' how sorrow and joy. hatred and disillusionment, and eventually enlightenment, accompany their individual ambitions. Cagney is seen as a young truck driver who wins fame as an amateur boxer. His girl friend seeks to find a place lor herself on the stage and the romance comes close to being broken up. Cflgney, although less aggressive in this part than usual, infuses great vitality into his acting. An additional attraction is the appearance on the stage <ii the beautiful Hawaiian film actress and dancer Momi Kaaimoku, who had a role in "Waikiki Wedding." Miss Kaaimoku claims to be the only Hawaiian dancer to have danced before President Roosevelt.

Century Theatre. —Arnold Ridley's famous stage play comes to life with expert comedy treatment iri the Gaumont-British-Dominions production, "Ghost Train," which will commence a season at the Century Theatre to-day. The suspense and mystery enveloping the haunted railway station are interspersed with the irresistible humour of Arthur Askey, who has a leading role in the film. All the train scenes are realistically presented, the final crash being staged with thrilling effect. The adventure begins when Arthur Askey stops the train he is travelling on because he has lost his hat. He and a miscellaneous company of travellers lose their connection and are forced to spend the night at a wayside station Here the stationmastcr tells them a terrifying tale about a ghost train which hurtles through the station at dead of night. Later a terrified girl bursts in and says that the train may not be looked on under pain of death, and when the stationmastcr is murdered the mystery deepens. Two more people come on to the scene and perpetuate the story of the ghostly express, which is then heard roaring through the station. The subsequent adventures of the little comedian as he endeavours to unravel the mystery provide exciting entertainment. A strong supporting cast includes Richard Murdoch, Kathleen Harrison and Carole Lvnnc

Oxford and Avon Theatres.—Telling an enthralling story of the early days of the immortal Franz Schubert in Vienna, a city once gay with soig and music, the Gloria Pictures production "New Wine" will continue a season at the Oxford and Avon Theatres today. Schubert, who was to become the greatest genius of his age, lived unknown in the city of song. Forced to fly from his native Austria, he found domicile in Hungary and there ho met a beautiful girl, Anna, who was later to become his inspiration. Together the young couple returned to Vienna, and there the composer, inspired bv Anna's lovo, wrote the lilting melodies that were to make him famous after his death. Pre-eminent in a strong cast in the picture is Uona Massey, who won universal acclaim for her performance in "Balalaika," In her latest picture she sings many of Schubert's songs, including "Serenade," "Ave Maria/' "Impatience" and "Hark, Hark, the Lark." Alan Curtis is east as the brilliant young composer Schubert. A gay. swift-paced romance is unfolded in the _ associate attraction, "Broadway Limited," which was produced by Hal Roach, famous for his Topper fiims.