CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue CXXIII, 10 April 1937, Page 7

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

DE LUXE THEATRE,

Two first-class features are .now screening at, the De Luxe Theatre, and between them they provide varied and excellent entertainment. "Sea Spoilers," 'starring John Wayne and Nan Grey, is a drama of' the American coastguard, fast and full of action, with a gun battle between smugglers and coastguards furnishing a climax, and "Two in a Crowd," with Joel MeCrea and Joan Bennett in the leading roles, is a romantic drama with plenty of chuckles ' arid its full quota of -pathos. Also, "Two in a Crowd" has , unusually brilliant supporting castr dncluding Elisha Cook, Jun., Alison Skipworth, Reginald Denny,, Henry Armetta, Andy Clyde, and Nat Pendleton. "Sea Spoilers" traces the efforts ■ of a young coastguard officer to track •down a gang of smugglers who have ,not only escaped with seal skms -in 1 their possession, but have taken his fiancee with them. The- smugglers a,re well hidden away in the rugged coastline, and it is a long and dangerous ■job to bring them to justice. "Two in 'a Crowd" portrays the things that happen to a boy and a girl, both down and out, when they find a thousand- . ■dollar note in the street. The note is in two pieces, each has one, and if ■they separate their fortune is worth -less than, a. penny stamp. Thenstruggle for success,' the disappointments they encounter, the quaint people that become entangled in the 'story, and the romantic aspect' all contribute towards a very entertamVing film. The supporting players are •also' Well-cast, and the whole, film is outstanding for its continuity. The ■supporting subjects include newsreels depicting the flood- havoc in the . . United States.': • ■ ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Theodora Goes Wild," now showing at the St. James Theatre, is one of the cleverest and wittiest comedies seen in years,; and Irene Dunne, in the title role, excels herself with some really fine acting. She has what amounts to a dual role, but carries it off with flying colours. To play the character of a small-town girl who has done nothing more exciting than 'play the , organ at church and assist m the organisation of bazaars, and to make it blend harmoniously with that of the publicity-hungry novelist, cited uvtwo divorce actions, is no mean feat Melvyn Douglas plays the young artist whose name is linked eventually with -that of the notorious novelist, Caroline Adams. The story opens in the office of the "Lynnfield Bugle,", which has bought the serial rights of Miss Adams's .best-selling novel, "The Sinner." Its publication raises a storm of abuse from the local literary circle, prominent among which are. the aged Lynn sisters, the "oracles" whose mouthpiece is the young and charm- ' ing Theodora Lynn. The serial is stopped, and Theodora goes to New York to visit her aged uncle. ■ While there, it transpires that she is Caroline ' Adams, and she considers it necessary to attempt to keep up the reputation of that rather lurid personality. Her fame follows her back to Lynnfield. Then- the young artist she has met_ in • the city follows her also, the action '. speeds up. Theodora then breaks loose "into her new' personality, and em- ' barks on a campaign of emancipation. 'The results are amazing," but highly satisfactory to all concerned. Newsreels and a coloured cartoon complete the programme. KING'S THEATRE./ ~.{ . . A novelty in musical; pictui'es, with a hilariously -funny -story as" a thread on which the world's foremost coloratura soprano strings-her pearls of song, is offered -.to,.picture-goers in "That s Girl From Paris." which, is. screening- ; at the King's Theatre, - with a' brilliant cast headed "by Lily .Pons, Jack O&kie, and Gene Raymond. Breaking away entirely from, the customary type of musical comedy, the offering is a gay laugh-feast, from start to finish. Combining some of ' the best-known classical numbers with a group 'of " sparkling new tunes,' throbbing drama, revolving around a brilliant attorney • and two girls who seek his affection, and climaxing in a thrilling courtroom scene, is presented in R.K.O. Radio's "Criminal Lawyer," which will be the other attraction, with Lee Tracy and Margot Grahame in the top roles. REX THEATRE. A film story as fast-moving rand as t'pical of the modern age as the mighty airliners which served as its background, Universal's "Flying Hostess" is now showing at' the Rex Theatre. Judith Barrett, William Hall, William Gargan, Astrid Allwyn, the comical ■ Andy Devine, Ella Logan, the radio star, Addison Randall and Maria Shells all are .in ' the cast. . "Flying .Hostess" is packed with drama, comedy, thrills, and suspense. The story of America in the period of 1775,. the struggle of settlers to acquire hew lands and homes, and their battles with the wilderness and the hostile 1 Indians furnish the vivid background for the associate feature, "Daniel Boone," starring George O'Brien and ' ' Heather Angel.. ■ CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. A new romantic team, of unusual appeal is introduced in the Metro- .'■ Goldwyn-Mayer picture . "Fury," screening at the Capitol Theatre tonight. Spencer Tracy and Sylvia Sidney, the co-starring leads, give out- ■ standing' performances in this, one of "the most powerful screen plays yet released. With Richard Arlen heading a notable cast, "Three Live Ghosts," with its comedy, drama, and romance, comes to the screen in a sparkling new version. An excellent supporting programme includes the latest Cinesound News. "Table Tennis," a Pete Smith Sportlight, and a glorious coloured musical film., • EMPntE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A:versatile plot, exciting adventures, and an engaging love story are features of the new Clive Brook-Victoria ' Hopper production, "Lonely Road," which screens tonight at the Empire. Theatre. The story deals with the ad- ■ ventures of an ex-commander of a British submarine and the entrapping i. of an unsuspecting- lorry-driver in the ■ meshes of a gun-running plot. Co-star-ring- Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and ■ ' Dolores Del Rio, the second feature. "Accused," is a dramatic story of "■■ Bohemian Paris, a mystery thriller in which a young wife is accused of the - murder of a suspected rival in her hus- ■ band's affections. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Wive versus Secretary," screening tpnight at the Regal Theatre, has - the great starring combination of Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and Myrna Loy heading an admir- ,-, able cast. The picture is flawless, in 'story, flawless in performance, arid ■ dazzlingly beautiful in setting. One of •'.the greatest comedy casts ever assemb- ' ilel in Hollywood, including Alice Faye, ■Adolphe Menjou, Gregory Ratoff, Ted " Healy, Patsy Kelly, Michael Whalen, and the Ritz Brothers, is featured in I "Sing, Baby, Sing," ■ the other attrac--1 tion. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Dainty Deanna Durbin, a brilliant ; arid altogether charming personality, makes her screen debut in. Universal's gay comedy drama, "Three Smart ,- Girls," which is showing at the State Theatre. Surrounded by a cast of established cinema favourites, includ- ■ ing Binnie Barnes, Alice Brady, Ray ■ Milland, and Charles Winniger,-- this youthful newcomer to the screen lives up : .to advance notices of her. musical genius. ' .;;" ' GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. . ; "The Devil is a Sissy,".showing at the Grand Theatre, teams for the first time three of the biggest young names ! in pictures, Freddie Bartholoriiew, '•Jackie Cooiier, and Mickey Rooney. It is ■a story of three boys facing life on the sidewalks' of New York. Katherine Alexander,.lan Hunter, Peggy Conklin, and Gene and Kathleen Lockhart are others prominent in the cast.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

■TIVOLI THEATRE,

"Ramona," the 20th. Century-Fox triumph, showing at the Tivoli Theatre, features Loretta Young, and Don Ameche at the head of an exceptional cast including Kent Taylor. Pauline Frederick, Jane Darwell, Katherine de Mille, and John Carradine. One of the year's outstanding cinema achievements, "Ramona" • sets new standards in the fields of colour, scenic beauty, and romance. Scenic beauty is represented by one of the loveliest vistas in the world—the San Jacinto Mountains in California —where the outdoor .'"shots" were photographed.. With Loretta Young in the title role and Don Ameche as Alessandro, the film will long be remembered as one of the screen's greatest lpye stories.' Comedy entertainment' at its best is provided in the associate feature, "Kelly the Second." It is a refreshing and delightful comedy feature with a bit of. an Irish flavour administered by such popular sons and daughters of old Erin as Patsy Kelly, Charley Chase, Guinn' "Big Boy" Williams, Edward Brophy. Pert Kelton, and others. • RIVOLI THEATRE. A new First National drama dealing with' the sport of kings, "Down the Stretch," is screening; at the Rivoli Theatre today, with Mickey Rooney, Patricia Ellis, and Dennis Moorein the leading roles. The story is built around a boy who is unable to get a jobwith any stable because his father, a famous jockey, had throwri a race, but is finally taken under the wing of a woman owner of -a famous Kentucky racing stable. For a long time he is given no opportunity to ride because. of the prejudices of the trainer, but at last he gets his chance in the famous Kentucky Derby. The associate feature, "Straight From the Shoulder," based on Lucian Cary's sensationally successful stories,' shows a quick-thinking artist who, when he witnesses, a gang killing, sketches the killers for police,- thus identifying them. The killers, pursued by the police, vow to "get" him, and are thwarted only by the courage and'bravery of his young son, played by. David Holt. Ralph Bellamy, Katherine' Locke, ■ Onslow Stevens, and Andy Clyde have the other principal roles.' ■ STATE THEATRE.' ■ . Jane Withers, • dancing, singing, _and acting as she has' never done before-, eclipses all her previous performances in her latest and best picture, 'Can This be Dixie," the current attraction at the State Theatre. Four new song hits are introduced, a number .of excellent dancing tableaux shown, ■ anoV a story of unusual merit presented. The tale opens with Jane and Slim Summer, ville touring Dixieland as universal joyspreaders and venders of a. famous medicine. While they are on 'the property of an old colonel, however, the local sheriff detains them on various charges and their caravan-home is taken from them/ -The colonel befriends them and takes them to his mansion where they learn that he is in danger of losing his plantation unless the mortgage is forthcoming. The one hope lies in the colonel s horse winning an important, race, .and _ in order to raise, the acceptance fee Slim and Jane organise a party of negro performers and win ■ a-broadcasting competition.-.•. The <horse,.. is. unfairly beaten, however, and many amusing incidents occur before the' picture is brought to a,very;happy climax. The supports are of,a.;high.standard.. BOXY THEATRE: "They- Met in a'-Taxi,"' Columbia's, romantic comedy-drama, featuring Chester. Morrisvand H Fay ,Wray, is -themain' feature at the -Ro-xy,;-Theatre. It; tells'of the diverting,-.experiences of a pseudo-heiress . and a Manhattan cabdriver who has' become the unwilling squire of the lady in' distress; The supporting picture/ "The Isle of Fury" based on. the Somerset' Maugham novel "Three in Eden,"'is packed with thrills from start to finish,- culminating in a titanic struggle to the death of : two men caught in the snakelike tentacles of an octopus .at the. .bottom of the ocean. The feaured 'players are Humphrey Bogart, Margaret; Lindsay, ,and Donald Woods. ''-."; . .'. SHORTT'S. THEATRE. The Dionne quintuplets appear for the first time as stars of ,a feature length story in "The Country Doctor, now showing at Shortt's Theatre. Jean Hersholt has'the leading role in. this human, heart-warming drama .'-of ,a physician who devoted his entire life and energy to' helping .his backwood people. . June Lang, Slim Summerville, Michael Whalen, and Dorothy Peterson are featured in the leading supporting roles. Brilliant spectacular all-star drama depicting the construction of a sub-Atlantic tunnel is presented in "The Tunnel,", the associate feature. :; Richard Dix has the main role. :, KILBIKNIE KINEMA. Janet Gaynor and Robert Taylor are co-starred in the excitingly dramatic "Small Town Girl," which comes to the Kilbirnie : Kinema tonight. The story is of a bad good little girl who marries a brilliant and handsome young doctor to get away from the boredom of her sleepy little town. Supporting the starsvis a finished cast including Binnie Barnes, Lewis Stone, Andy Devine, Elizabeth. Patterson, Frank Craven, and James Stewart. The associate feature will be "The Poor Little Rich Girl," regarded1 by many as Shirley Temple's greatest picture. The new song hits: featured in the production are "When I'm With You," "But Definitely," "You've Gotta Eat Your Spinach, Baby," "Oh, My Goodness," and "Military Man." . OUR THEATRE, NEWTOWN. The,most fascinating man-hunt four smart,1 girls ever planned is a feature of "Ladies in Love," the 20th CenturyFox picture which heads the doublefeature programme showing at Our Theatre. Starring Janet Gaynor, Loretta Young, Constance Bennett, and featuring Simone Simon, the film is a brilliant story of four wise little innocents who trust to their charms to win the men they love. Claire Trevor and Cesar Romero play the principal roles in the associate feature, "15 Maiden Lane,".a 20th Century drama of diamonds. ' PRINCESS THEATRE. "The Charge of the Light Brigade," Warner Bros.' stupendous production suggested by the immortal poem of Alfred. Lord Tennyson, is the main feature at the Princess Theatre, with an all-star cast headed by Errol Flynn and Olivia de Hayilland— and over 15,000 extra people. The film story is replete with; thrills from start' to 'finish, and' .presents a glamorous romance in which two brothers are rivals for the love of a: beautiful girl. Paramount's "Poppy," starring W. C. Fields, is the additional attraction. It is a story of circus life in the early days. .The supporting cast includes Rochelle Hudson. Richard Cromwell. Lynne - Overman, and Catharine Doucet. -. • ■ SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. "Small Town Girl," featuring Rob-ert--Taylor ' and Janet Gaynor, and ."Keep Your Seats, Please," will be the two features on tonight's, programme at the Seaside Theatre. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. The current features at the Palace Theatre are "The Girl on the Front Page," starring Gloria' Stuart.' and Edmund Lowe, and "Bengal Tiger," with S9tan, the man-killer, Barton Mac Lane, June Travis, and Warren Hull.. TRAVEL TALK. Sister Evans) who recently toured the Great Barrier Reef area in North Queensland, will give a lantern slide illustrated lecture, on her experiences and of the industries and mission work, in that part of Australia, tomorrow night In Nimmo's Hall at 7.30. •

REGENT THEATRE. The inimitable.'Mac West scores another success in tier latest comedy "Go West, Young Man," which heaas the programme at the Regent. The screen play was actually written by Miss 'West and the dialogue at times is a riot of merriment with typical West wise-cracKs. Mac West's roie is forty years more advanced than .in some of. her previous successes. Instead of being a,highly-dressed beauty of .the "naugnty nineties," she is a glamorous .' rum star of. ultra-modern technique. A clause in the lilm contract wnich has brougnt her_,fame and fortune makes love and matrimony forbidden fruit for' five years. - This does not prevent her, however, from playing with hre, and the humour of her deft juggling with the hot coals without actuary, getting burnt gives the film many intriguing and hilarious sequences. Closest peril 'of all was her intrigue with the tail, blonde, and hanasome inventor-garage hand, played by Randolph. Scott, whom'she all but entices to Hollywood. Her own heart of gold, however, saves his heart and the situation. Another peril of the lire was an old flame, now a prominent politician, a role taken by fyle Talbot. Her Press agent, Warren William, ispaid especially to Keep the contract intact, but though he deftly leads her out from all the forbidden gardens into which her erring feet stray, he himself falls a victim to her allurements. Among the musical numbers are "On a Typical Tropical Night" and. "I Was Saying to the Moon." The supports include a women's choir and orchestra, "Musical Charmers," a "Popeye" cartoon, an excellent newsreel on the American strikes and the devastation of the floods. MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Libelled Lady," an entertaining story of newspaper life, now in its third week at the Majestic Theatre, is outstanding for the appearance of four of the most prominent artists on the screen, William1 Powell, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, and Spencer Tracy. Miss Loy plays the part of a society heiress, who considers that an article about her in a newspaper is libellous, and proceeds to file a suit for damages amounting to five million dollars. Spencer Tracy, the editor of the newspaper, commissions the "star" reporter to devise some method of having the suit withdrawn. The reporter is represented by William Powell, who gives a delightful characterisation in this role. The heiress starts to take a more than friendly interest in him, and matters are : complicated a great deal, when after a series of particularly exciting scenes Powell finds himself married to his editor's sweetheart. There is a series of very involved and highly-amusing situations before the whole story is brought to an unexpected and pleasing conclusion. The supporting items include the fourth instalment of the "March of Time" series for the year, and a Pete Smith oddity, "Killer Dog." MONTE CARLO BALLET. The final • performances by Colonel W. de Basil's Monte Carlo Russian Ballet are • being' given in the New Opera House this afternoon and even-, ing. During their visit to Wellington, the members' of the company have fully proved their versatility in all branches of ballet dancing and they have shown that they understand and. can interpret all the varied creations of the poetry of motion: Outstanding among these dancers, Leon-Woizikow-sky, Helene Kirsova, and Valentina Blinova have given beautiful presenr tations of the solo parts in the various ballets. The ballet that received the greatest applause, last night was "La Spectre. de la Rose" ("The Spectre of the Rose"), Michael Fokihe's lovely creation.', Igir Ydusskevitch was virility and grace personified, while the dainty Valentina Blinova was extremely fine as the young girl who returns from her: first ball--and sits, in the moonlight, where the Spectre of the Rose dances. In complete contrast was "Scuola di Ballo"', --'/(the ' ; School of Dance), which was adapted by Leonard Massine from Carlo'Goldini's comedy. Soriia Woizikowsky i.gaye1 a fine performance. Although perhaps not one of her 'most ; celebrated, Bromslava Nijinska's creation, "Le Cent Baisers" (the Hundred Kisses), was colourful and vivid, and Tamara Tchinarova in the role of the-Princess'was delightful. ■ A popular ballet was the last, "Le Beau Danube," to the well-loved music of Johann Strauss. Here • the choreography was Leonard Massine s. As Helene Kirsova, who was to have taken a principal part, was unable to appear, Mile. Blinova took her part, •and made a gay figure in her claret costume. Leon Woizikowsky was full of dashing gallantry as the Hussar, and Nina Golovina was dainty: and neat as the1 young lady. The orchestra played admirably under Jascha Horenstem and Ivan Clayton, arid ably supported the dancers. ■. v ■'~••..'.. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. With all the boisterousness and freshness of youth, "Three Smart Girls,' which is in. its second week at the Paramount Theatre, provides some novel and humorous situations in its original and comical story. Deanna Durbin, Universal's new discovery, is a distinct success in the leading role, her rich singing being outstandingly remarkable for a fourteen-year-old girl, while her frank and impetuous mariner delights all. She is heard in several varied songs ranging from romantic numbers to grand opera, and gives the same effortless performance in each, assuring her a front place in the ranks of the stars. .-■■ Binnie Barnes as the gildedi "snake in ;the grass,'-'.arid her scheming mother (Alice Brady) give realistic performances which are evenly balanced by the efforts of Charles Winninger,, John King,- Ray Milland, Nan Grey, and Barbara Read. An excellent supporting programme is screened- and includes ■ gazettes, of the latest world news. . . .■-... PLAZA THEATRE. "Lloyds of London," the dramatic film of the role which the famous organisation has played in, British history, entered its third week at the Plaza Theatre yesterday before a large house and scored another success. The film, which is of an ingenuity rare even on the screen, deals with the boyhood pact formed between Jonathan, Blake, enlarger of the functions of Lloyds, and another youngster whose name was Horatio Nelson. ' The revelation of the activities' of Lloyd's coffee house in the late eighteenth century is skilful, and dramatic and from that point when Jonathan Blake, who has brought timely aid to the'coffee house and saved the members- of the insurance syndicates from victimisation, -enters the service of Lloyds to the dramatic ending when he keeps his boyhood faith with Nelson and learns that it has made possible the victory of Trafalgar, the film develops a cleverly woven and absorbing story of love, adventure, and war. The principal roles are played by such well-knowns as Madeleine Carroll, Freddie Bartholomew, Sir Guy Standing, and C. Aubrey Smith, and such newcomers of high promise as Tyrone Power, and the New Zealander Ra Hould. The-supporting bill includes excellent features, the latest newsreels, a travel film of the Philippines, and some interesting sports pictures. BROOKLYN THEATRE. -The main attractions at Brooklyn' tonight are "Gentle Julia," featuring Jane Withers, and "The Border Patrolman," with George O'Brien. BAND PERFORMANCES. The Wellington Caledonian Pipe Band will give a performance at Scorching Bay,, and the Institute. Silver Band will play at the Zoo tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY.' Robert Taylor and Janet Gaynor head the cast-, in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's exciting and dramatic production, "Small Town Girl." Janet Gaynor portrays a bad, good little girl who marries a brilliant and handsome young doctor to get away from the boredom of her sleepy little home town. All who love a good wholesome laugh will delight in "Keep Your Seats, Please," a. hilarious comedy co-star-ring George Formby and Florence Desmond. • • ■