ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22513, 23 November 1944, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES t CIVIC THEATRE \ “ Jack London ” brings to the screen the exciting, romantic life of the great writer. It was always said that the- experiences of Jack London were more sensational than those of the characters in his books, and that claim is substantiated by the film. Michael O’Shea gives a fine performance in the title iole, and is well supported by Susan Hayward and Ralph Morgan. Scenes or the Melbourne Cup continue to Interest audiences. STATE THEATRE “ China Girl ” combines romance and thrills in entertaining rashion. It is a story or a sensational escape from the Japanese, with realistic air battles and a drama or espionage. Gene Tierney and George Montgomery have the romantic leads, and Lynn Bari and A ictor McLaglen are prominent in the cast. “ Bombardier ” is another exciting romantic drama, with Randolph Scott, Ann Shirlev and Pat O’Rrien heading the cast. These two stories provide thrills and romance in good measure. REGENT THEATRE “ Girl Crazy,” which contains melodious songs and striking dances, is a merry ro- • mantic comedy starring Mickey Rooney and j Judv Garland. In strong support are .Nancy ; Walker, Guy Kibble, Rags Ragland and Tommy Dorsey and his band. “ The j Miracle of Morgan’s Creek,” featuring Ed- | die Bracken and Betty Hutton, will head the new programme tomorrow. It is said < to be very runny. ROXY THEATRE “ Orchestral Wives ” is a sparkling and ! exciting romantic comedy with music, : featuring George Montgomery, Ann Ruther- j ford and Glen Miller and his band. Bright, modern music is introduced with good effect, and an Interesting story Is told. In effective contrast is “ Omaha Trail,” a thrilling story of the West, filled with action, adventure and romance. James C.ralg and Dean Jagger head a strong cast. , THEATRE ROYAL “ Timber Queen ” Is an exciting ro- ! mance or the lumberjacks, with Richard ArLeu and Mary Beth Hughes in the ro- , mantic leads. . “ Smith of Minnesota ” is another thrilling drama, featuring Bruce Smith and Arleen Judge. Tomorrow night the first chapter or the new serial, “ The ; Great Northern Mystery,” will be screened, j There will be a special matinee on Saturday morning, beaded by “ Pirates on i Horseback.” WILLIAMSON’S COMPANY J. C. Williamson’s brilliant* company of j comedy and dramatic artists, which is to , stage “ Susan and God ” at the Theatre , Royal on Saturday evening, and “ The Two i Mrs Carrolls ” on Monday night next, has 1 experienced the most successful tour of; any theatrical organisation that has visited ' New Zealand for very many years. Special ' interest attaches to the production of “ Susan and God ” because the onerous part or Susan is to be portrayed by the , locally-born Bettina Welch, who is an un- ; denlably fine actress. Added Interest is : the fact that as Barrie the sterling actor Lloyd Lamble has a part that may have , been specially created for him. Another interesting feature or the approaching season is that It will Introduce for the first time several artists who have proved themselves to be outstandingly fine artists, Including Lesley Jackson, a talented young Wellingtonian, Diana Craig, a brilliant young English actress, and June Mendoza and Ruth Montgomerie, two delightful young Australians. Others who will appear in the two pieces are John Tate, Lily Moore, Frank Bradley, Ethel Gabriel, Allen Christie and Sam Stern. “ YEOMEN OF THE GUARD ” j The annual production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera by the boys of Southwell School is always a very popular event. This year the opera chosen is “The 'Yeomen of the Guard,” one of the most tuneful and dramatic productions of the famous collaborators. It will be staged at the Frankton Town Hall next Monday and Tuesday nights. Large audiences are assured. The box plans are lining rapidly.