ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 283, 28 August 1942, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

No Grimmer Side To Sea

Film At State Theatre Lupe Velez is a very lucky girl. Unlike millions of others, she is »h e to go to sea hi waters reputedly Axis-lnHsted, and yet have all the fun in the world- nd become involved inflight-hearted and bilious complications. There s none of the grimmer touch of “Convoy >n Mexican Spitfire at Sen,” the latest of toe scries which has opened at the State Theatre. 11l this film the sea is made to sail on, not to sink into. A honeymoon couple, always figures Of fun, whether alloat or hsliore, embark on a honeymoon cruise,- ifi which the most hectic complications arise with much masquerading, much bashing in anu out of the wrong cabins, and a great deal of laughable tomfoolery. The cast is interesting; beading it is Lupe Velez, once publicised as I be most temperamental star In Hollywood. (J.liat was In the far-off days when temperament was good publicity.) She has established herself today as a comedy actress of considerable ability, us followers of her-Mexi-can Spitfires series will vouch. Second In the east is Leon Errol, that amazing little rubber-legged comedian who is no stranger to the boards of the Grand Opera House, which he trod many rears ag°- J Is a top-liner -in Hollywood. Another interesting name is that of Charles (Buddy) Rogers, whose career hi films has been one of ups and downs. He deserted Hollywood to become a -band leader,, enjoying teauons In both London and New xerk fie returned to films and again deser «<1 to become the husband of Mary 1 icktord. Today he is again making the grade as a light 3 comedy star. Zasu Pitts, probably the most widely Impersonated star in the world, also plays an important Part. Altogether, “Mexican Spitfire at Sea Is an exceUent show beside which the Battle ° the Atlantic almost sinks into nothingness. Tim Holt is the star ot the’otlier picture, “Come On, Danger." Young Holt must make one of these films each morning before breakfast, so frequently does his name crop up pt the head ot the cast of one ot these "melodrammers.”

Tudor Theatre. — One would hardly expect Carole Lombard and Jack Benny to be on the screen together any time, but least of all In a , film directed by- Ernst LUbltseh. It is strange that Lubltseh s “To Be or Not to Be.” set as it is in wartime Warsaw, should be a romantic comedy that gives the stars ample scope.

Opera House. — Kenneth Robert's “NorthWest Passage” is too great a work to be presented within the compass of one picture, so when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer set out to film the book they wisely concentrated on the first part, entitled “Koger s Rangers.” Spencer Tracy is the star of the film, and supr.rting him are Robert Young, Ruth Hussey and Walter Brennan.

Majestic Theatre.— Opening today is the film version of the musical comedy which was written round the same theme as Bernard Shaw s famous “Arms and the Man.” It Is Oscar Strauss’ "The Chocolate Soldier. Ibe familiar tunes are sung by Nelson Eddy, who in tins film has a new leading lady, Else Stevens, from the New York Metropolitan Opera.

De Luxe Theatre.—At the head of this week’s programme at the De Luxe Theatre Is another musical, “Born to Sing. Il hasn't got the array of talent that distinguished He immediate predecessor, ‘ V hat s Cookin’”? but in its way it is well up to standard. Virginia Weidler and Douglas McPhail are two up and coming young performers who have worthwhile parts, and there is much good music and spectacle The second feature is “Gentleman From Dixie.” with Jack La Rue and Marian Marsh.

Plaza Theatre. —Perhaps the best description of “No Greater Sin,” is that given by Sir W. B. Benham, K.8.E., or Otago University. • He saw the film and remarked that it was “an important warning.” And that is exactly what it is. It is a genuine and most convincing attempt to break down the barriers that prevent open discussion of any public mention of venereal disease —a social menace that 16 fast causing right-thinking people in New Zealand to raise their eyebrows and begin to ask why fuller facts have not been brought out into the open long ere this.

St. Janies Theatre.—ln “Ride ’Em Cowboy” there is a sort of plot which, like a submarine, occasionally appears on the surface and then dives deep into illogical nonsense again. Abbott and Costello, specially the latter, are the two great screen finds of the war. The Him is as subtle as a crack on the jaw, and yet it keeps youthful privates in the stalls and staid colonels in the circle laughing their heads off. There are others in the picture, too, and a scone Io remember is a negro girl’s singing of “A-Tisket. A-Tisket.”

Paramount Theatre. —After watching the adventures and behaviour of 'Tarzan and his mate last evening, it seemed that a suitable lesson might be taught Hitler and his satellites in forcing them to watch the Tarzan films—the attitude to life and their fellow beings of throe savages whom Hitler has denounced in contemptuous tones. The African jungle with its creatures Is a gentlemen’s club when viewed beside .the bloodstained laws which govern Nazi morality. ‘‘Tarzan’s Secret Treasure” takes one a step further in the daily life of Mr., Mrs. and Junior. In some wayti they are the African counterpart of Mr. and Mrs. Thin Man et enfant. Their happy home has been inrated bv unscrupulous whites. Soon there are shooting and stampeding animals and distrust and intrigue. “Duke of the Navy’’ is the second Him.

King’s Theatre.—The states of the United States seem to be taking turns in giving their name to Hollywood films. The latest to do «o is Texas, and in its production, the film pays some tribute to the fact that title derives from the largest State in the Union. There is plenty of action, and much of the atmosphere of the wide open spaces. William Holden, Claire Trevor find Glenn Ford make an impressive lineup at the top of the cast, and George Bancroft and Edgar Buchanan are in support. SUBURBAN THEATRES Vogue (Brooklyn).—‘MVth Parallel,” Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard: “Small Town Boy,” Fay Compton, Jed Prouty. Empire (Island Bay).—“Joan of Paris”; “Skylark,” Ray Milland, Claudette Colbert. Regal (Karori).—“Louisiana Purchase.” Bob Hope, Vera Zorina; “The Invisible Woman,” Virginia Bruce. John Howard. Ascot (Newtown).—“House of Seven Gables.” George Sanders. Margaret Lindsay; “Dr. O’Dowd.”. Shaun Glenville, Peggy Cummins. Tivoli (Thorndon). —“Road Show,’’ Adolph Menjoii, Carole Landis; “Moon Over Miami,” Bet tv Grable, Don Anieche. Klnema (Kilblrnie). — “Ice-eapades.” James Ellison, Dorothy Lewis; “Little Men.” Kay Francis, Jack Oakle. King George (Lower Hutt).—“Topper Returns.” Joan Blundell. Roland Young. Do Luxe (Lower Hutt). —“Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” Gracie Allen, William Post, Jun.; “Jungle Cavalcade,” Frank Buck. Prince Edward (Woburn). —“Forced Landing,” Richard Arlen, Eva Gabor; “The Singing Outlaw.” Bob Baker. Joan Barclay.

Capitol (Miramar). —“You’ll Never Get Rich,” Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth; “Laugh It Off,” Tommy Trinder.