ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20440, 5 March 1938, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES “THE BRIDE WORE RED” AT THE REGENT THEATRE Smooth and polished, “The Bride Wore lied" is another triumph for Joan Grawfurd. Aided by two distinguished leading men, Robert Young and Franchot Tone, Miss Crawford gives an impressive portrayal in the part of a cabaret singer who, through the generosity of an eccentric nobleman, is given an opportunity of living a life of luxury for a fortnight. Realising a life-long ambition to act the “grand lady,” Anni, the cabaret girl, soon realises that a life of luxury does not always bring happiness with it. Torn between her affections for the hwnblp village postman. Oinlio 'Tranche Tone,, and her aspirations for; the wealth of the rich Rudi (Robert Young), Anni’s masquerade is not the gay adventure she expected, and Miss Ciawford gives a fine interpretation of the cabaret girl's emotional struggles* Reginald Owen, as a pompous retired admiral, is largely responsible for the humour of the piece, but the dialogue throughout is interspersed with bright comedy. The supporting programme includes “Decathlon Champion,” a Pete Smith Oddity; “Stockholm,” a travelogue; the British Air Mail News and the Cinesound Review. “STAGE DOOR” AT THE CIVIC THEATRE “Stage Door” is a very entertaining comedy-drama, In which three popular players are well cast—Katharine Hepburn as a stage-struck society girl and Adolphe Mcnjou as a suave Broadway impresario, while Ginger Rogers hangs up her dancing shoes, except for one scene, in favour of a sparkling comedy role, that of a witty night club entertainer. The action of the film takes place in a typical New York theatrical boarding-house, in a fashionable night club, the offices of a Broadway producer, the palatial home of a society leader, and in a theatre on the opening night of a new production. Heading the supporting cast are Gail Patrick and Andrea Leeds, the former taking an important “gold-digger” part and Miss Leeds playing the heart-sick failure whose suicide inspires the society girl to an outstanding emotional performance when she is given her first opportunity on the stage. A vivid cross-section of life is reflected in the film, which deals with the turbulent careers of a group of ambitious young aspirants to stage fame, girls of ail classes who have migrated to New York from all parts of the country. “Pluto’s Qulnpuplets,” a Walt Disney cartoon, Is a prominent feature of the supporting programme. “FORTY NAUGHTY GIRLB” AT THE STATE THEATRE Two baffling murders, the pursuit of the suspected killer through the shadowy labyrinths of a theatre basement, a clever blackmailing scheme, and two attempts on the life of the ! detective investigating the case, com- I prise some of the many thrills of “Forty Naughty Girls.” Based on Stuart Palmer’s popular stories of Inspector Oscar Piper and his schoolteacher aide Hildcgarde Withers, the film presents James Gleason in the role of the crusty and boastful police officer whose blunders are corrected by the intuition of his aide (Zasu Pitts). All the action occurs inside a theatre within a few’ hours, one murder being committed in Hie ingenue’s dressing-room, and the other on the stage during a “black-out” performance in tlie revue. Drama, romance and comedy, blended into a fast-moving story and dealing with the picturesque spectacle of life at the United States Naval Academy, mark “Annapolis Salute,” with Janies Ellison, Marsha Hunt, Harry Carey and Van Heflin in the leading roles. “FEATHER YOUR NEST” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL For years one of England's foremost stage comedians, George Formby also established himself among the favourites of the screen with “No Limit” and “Keep Your Seats, Please." And his latest film, “Feather Your Nest,” is even funnier. The story tells of the comedian's mirthful blunders and hilarious adventures as a junior employee in a gramophone factory. George manages to drop and smash I lie uncopied master record of a worldfamed singer. This tragic mishap precludes all hope of the “rise" George and his pretty fellow-employee (Polly Ward) had expected. How George, aided by Polly, after a multitude of mirth-evoking adventures. finally feathers the “nest” makes a laughferladen story, which is delightfully punctuated with catchy songs, including “Leanin’ on a Lamp-post,” Feather Your Nest” and “I'm as Happy as a Sandboy.” Humour and pathos intermingle in “Some Blondes are Dangerous.” the emotions involved even overshadowing the fierce ring contesls. for the film depicts in poignant detail the temptations which beset the young men who finally reach a championship. “CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS” AT THE ROXY THEATRE “Captains Courageous,” a drama featuring Spencer Tracy and Freddie Bartholomew, and “Meet the Missus,”

a very funny comedy, will be screened to-day. “ Captains Courageous ” is a film version of Rudyard Kipling’s stirring novel of the seas and tlie men who go down to it. It shows how a spoilt child picked up by a fishing boat, is shown the real meaning of life and becomes a likeable boy instead of the hateful creature' of the earlier scenes. Freddie Bartholomew gives a fine performance as the child, and Spencer Tracy, as a fisherman with a splendid philosophy, gives a vivid study. Some of the sea scenes are very spectacular and the whole production is one of the finest brought to the screen. “ Meet tlie Missus ” is a film of a very different kind, but equally entertaining. It, keeps the audience in hilarious mood throughout- with its mixture of comedy and excitement. It is interpreted by a very strong cast. “Equestrian Acrobatics,” a Pete Smith Oddity, is also screened. There will be the usual newsreel session at 7.30. INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITIES JIM GERALD AND ELLA SHIELDS The phenomenal success which was achieved by Frank Neil’s “ Red, White and Blue” Company lias Induced him to send another and greater Tivoli show in association with J. C. Wililamson, Ltd., and this will appear here at the Theatre Royal on Monday, March 21. The latest attraction is entitled the “Wonder Show of World Stars,” j which begins its tour of the Dominion iat Auckland on Monday next. The j principal stars are Jim Gerald, the I famous Australian comedian, who rej cently returned from an English and ; American tour with a budget of new | fun material; and that delightful per- | sonality Ella Shields, known in every ; country as the World's Sweetheart. | A number of years ago Gautier’s i canine comedians visited New Zealand and caused a sensation. Gautier's i new team of dogs are better than ever ! and combine more novelty and origi- ! nality. i Among the others that Frank Nell ; has included in his company are Don Calvin. Mexican singing troubadour; Arne Hartman, wizard of the Wurlitzer: Petillo and Pesco. novelty clowns; Janetski, the xylophone king; V. S. Thompson, astounding dancer; Lily Coburn, Shirley Lawson, Grace Emerson, Len Rich, John Fraser, Max Reddy and the famous Tivoli Ballet and Chorus. The box plans will be opened on Friday, March 18.