CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 123, 26 May 1937, Page 6

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

CITY AND. SUBURBAN IHEATHES

REGENT THEATRE. "History is Made at Night," now Rowing at the Regent Theatre, has everything • that makes. ;for^ stirring : drama and first-class" entertainment. As Paul, the urbane, efficient headwaiter of the popular. Parisian cafe, Charles Boyer excels even his usual high standard. Supporting him are Jean Arthur, Colin Clive, and Leo Carillo.. The' supports include .newsreels, a sports subject, and a fine new Mickey-Mouse cartoon. Although, not unnaturally, no mention of the fact, is,made, v the plot of "Stolen Holiday." which will start on Friday at the Regent Theatre, is an almost exact parallel to the story, ot the sensational Stavisky scandal which caused such a sensation in France ana indeed throughout Europe some'years back. The plot is dressed up with a wonderful background of Faris fashion salons, Kay Francis playing the part of a mannequin who becomes an innocent tool in the hands of the adventurer whose gigantic swindle rocks .France. Claude Rains, who stole the acting honours in "Anthony Adverse, gives another polished performance as the swindler, while lan Hunter, a ris- > ing young star who was seen in J.ne White Angel" recently, is also.featured A? would be expected in a film about fashionable, Paris n ?^f?' HXe SL Ue^Pa?^etS MAJESTIC THEATRE. Rich in' singing, music," and scenic beauty, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film version of the popular operetta . Rpse Marie" is delighting large.audiences in its second week at .the Majestic Theatre. Jeannette M-acDonald ,and Nelson Eddy, who^iake the .leading roles, sing not merely the-* original score, which includes the" "Indian Love Call," " "Rose -Marie," . "Song .of the Mounties," and several other items, but also selections from tne operas "Romeo-vand^ Juliet. ana. "La Tosca.'^ ''' :KMiss>s:■ s earlier sceneg:J^piay.#her. v as_ a ; temperamentalAprimp^pnpa;, tnen learning..'that'her brother?,'has■ escaped, from gaol;aria is hiding.-in.'.northern,: Canada she "attempts te find Ann. Durf, ing the journey ■• she.-. encounters. Ser-, geant 3ruce■:" (Nelson Eddy)., , and ,is * compelled .ttticcept him1 as. her escort. The rest of -'the.'^tory ;Ktells':,hqw^ the . good-humoured fii-mpunted^pohceman tames her tantrums, and. ■wins-her.:at-fections. ■; Thi&! suppprtg -arg; 1 . ■;•■'.. ST.-'j^JE.S.THEAi'^E.-.,/.;.-./:. ''Tarzanr;Escapes";: is;., the current; attraction • W- -the,: St. James .Theatre. A young Eriglish^.Sh":|hd his sister (William Henry: and Beqita pume) set off to find- their- cousin.:,;: (Maureen: O'Sullivan),. yttiom' they b,elj.eye .to be living.. with a powerful^: -gunglermah (Johnny Weissmuller).and whose Signature is necessary, for a legal aocument.-. Their guide';,,(Jxihn Buckler) has ideas of capturing::?Tarzan, and when, after, escaping frpnibh'entile ' warnprs and crossing cr.ftbdile^irifested. rivers, they ' arrive in-his: part rof the country, Buckler:sets his trap.; Tarzan"at first -is too- wary, but on; the trek back, owing to, Buckler's-plflttir/gf the_party is captured by /natives after■ Tarzan has been made prisoner. With tne aid of his animal friends, however, he escapes, and is able to wreak vengeance on his enemies. The supports are of a very high standard. • : " ' -KING'S THEATRE. The beautiful voice of Bobby Breen is the outstanding feature in Rainbow on the.River," the mam attrac- ■ tion in the current programme at the King's > Theatre. The songs which Bobby sings are "Old Folks at Home." "Ring, Ring de-Banjo," "The Camptown Races." "Aye Maria (Schuberu, the theme number "Rainbow on the River," "Waitin' for the Sun." a spec- / tacular spiritual • number; the traditipnal hymn "Hply, Holy, Holy," and "The Flower Song," an exceedingly delightful; song, which Bobby in his best manner. The supporting fea■iture is "Don't Tell the Wife." It deals with the adventures'of a gang of financial crooks who, against, their will, become'public benefactors. Guy Kibbee takes the leading part.. / '■ . . "Borderland," a Clarence E. Mulford story, and 'The Accusing Finger" will be the new features at the Kings Theatre on- Friday. ' ; PRINCESS THEATRE. '■■ Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer appear as .cotistars ,-pf' David p. Selznick's technicqlour- production of "The Garden of Allah,"""which heads the programme 'at the Princess Theatre. The famous Robert Hichens love story presents Miss Dietrich .and Beyer in their greatest reles as the principals in one of the strangest' -and: most beautiful romances ever brought to the screen. A comedy-romance played against the colourful background of> a pretty camera model's'career is the basis of "Smartest Girl in,, Town," a sprightly entertainment teaming Gene Raympna and Ann Sotliemrin the stellar roles, and shown as the additional feature. A comedy, a musical novelty,, and two newsreels complete the. bill. ~ ;-SHORTJ'S THEATRE.' ;v : ". ■„ The story of "Rangle;;',River,"" the1 Columbia production .k, showing at; ShortVs Thipatre, -^wasS written Jot Zane Grey,' great «?sp.ortsman-authorj, his versatile' pen creating countless thrills set against a background of the, great Australian .cattle country. Besides starring Victer Jpry, 'Rangle River" has .a large supporting cast, including Margaret Dare, charming_yeung Sydney girl,' Robert Ccpte, George Bryant, CecU Perry, Rita .Pauncefort, and George Sterling. • "Roaming Lady," the second attraction, is a thrilling adventure .tale of the Chma Seas with Far Wray and Ralph Bellamy-m the stellar roles. / _ . "Little Miss l ..Nj()bpdy.," , with Jane Withers, and' '"O'Malley of the Mounted" will be the new features at Shortt's Theatre on Friday.;:,:. ; nJLBIRNIE KINEMA. True friendship that proves1 itself under a hail of fire and in the face of gay adventure is the theme pf the dashing, colourful, and exciting. Twentieth Century picture; "Professional Soldier," which is,. screening at. the Kilbirnie Kinema, with -Victor McLaglen and Freddie Bartholomew in the main roles. Mkhael Whalen and Gloria Stuart are featured. "The tensely dramatic and gripping Paramount motion picture,-; ''Valiant is,-the Word for Carrie," which will also be shown, ■ introduces Gladys George, famous stage actress, to the screen. - STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Libelled Lady" screens finally tonight at the State Theatre, Petone. "Alibi for Murder," which opens at the State Theatre, Petone, tomorrow, not only provides plenty, of enjoyment, but pffers a problem in crime solution that taxes the talents of deduction of the audience to a maximum. It is a Columbia production featuring William Gargan with Marguerite Churchill, and has been handled' expertly to make the most of that valuable dramatic element—suspense. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. Bette Davis is starred in the First National production "The Golden Arrow," shpwing at the Grand Theatre, Petene. The picture is based on the play by Michael Arlen, . npted English playwright, and is a story pf love in high society, set in" a background of luxurious yachts and.resort hotels. George Brent has_ the main supporting role. ~i-;":. 7.;=:. ,; '. ' The short subjects .consist of a "Musical Revue" cartoon-.^arid serial. PALACE THEATRE/'PJETONE. A thrilling story of the., sea "Mutiny on the Bounty," with Charles . Laughton, Clark Gable, and Franchot ■Tone, is- screening at the Palace Theatre,.JEetbne". ;VFour Days'- WorL- / der t ". presenting a ,;Mvf' star,. Jeanne t- Dante, anduaSSdlouned-'cartoto complete | the-excellent-programme.

PLAZA THEATRE. Sonja Henie, world champion ice skater, lives up to the title of "the film "Girl in a Million," in which she is starred at the Plaza Theatre, for not only does she give superbly graceful and sensational exhibitions on the ice, but her dainty .whimsical manner and her natural appeal combine to make her a most attractive and accomplished actress. The film.itself is outstanding for several reasons, but mainly in that it combines beautiful figure-skat-irig-and'ice-ballets, musical numbers, a romantic theme, and drama with a copious supply of humour. The supporting cast is exceptionally strong, including Adolphe Menjou, Jean Hersholt, Ned Sparks, and the Ritz Brothers. ' The story,, which for the/main part is set in Swiss Alpine country, tells of the complications, romantic and otherwise, which occur when the, training of an innkeeper's, daughter: for Olympic skating honours is interrupted by the advent of a party of Americans. The supports include, newsreels'and a cartoon. , . : :-.';"'•'* ;. '■.-■•• de luxe theatre;-, ;;;■',: ; .-';.• Edmund Lowe 'and'Elissa Landi-are the stars' of "Mad Holiday,".-Me ■of the films on the attractive,'double bill at the De Luxe Theatre this'-week. The other film, is "Devil's -Playground," a ...drama of love aridr.adventure, near" an. .American navalbase, and with Hichard-Dix, Chester Morris,1 and Dolores del Rio playing the.'lead-.-irig-r01e5,..-.-'-" " / ;■ ■■' .-,;■; • Continuing in the tradition, of.i-"It Happened One Night," "Mr..: ; -Deeds Goes to Town," and "Theodora Goes Wild," the Columbia Studios willpresent on Friday at the De Luxe Theatre a n,ew comedy-drama entitled "More Than a .Secretary," with Jean Arthur and George Brent in the star roles. In addition to the popular principals^.the picture has an exceptionally,I,..strong supporting cast including ...y. Lionel Stander,/Reginald Denny, Ruth1 .Donnelly, Dorothea" Kent, "and Geraldine Hall. Now one .of the screen's foremost, comediennes, Miss Arthur tries her hand at another comedy role in "More Than a Secretary," with George Brent appearing as a fine foil in the 'fifst-.Jight "role he has had since "Livjng;,on-, Velvet." ;;,"^;,:;?:^: STATE.,THEATRE. ;:■•.-. '■■ '"Hearts^ lrj;-R^iMl<jn," which is showing- at -$c vState^/Theatre,. is .; more than '■:■■, -a-t'idelightful;;.'page in' the liyes- of',? they: •■pionne-1 Quintuplets. It.is" a"w^ll-kriit'-s,tpry_ of a popular family m.edipal^prHctitioner,.-Dr.' Luke (Jean.-Hershplt) ..Who ,decides upon a novel. fer,m of ".celebration, a reunion of'the .hundr.e^s;,of. persons whom he has helped Jo-:bring into the world. ■Before the', reunion, his nephew Tony (Robert:;, Kent) ,'* a. promising young doctor,-arrives 'frpm Torpntp to relieve hiS;.;uncle ; \vhen -the, latter goes on a ■world r.tdur. Tony3.is.-in love with the dpctpr's : assistant "lj<Rochelle Hudson) feuf'.the; ■•■■arriyal-'ipf ■ one of Dr. Luke's "early, 'charge?,' Sflr^. Sheridan, with her husband, a/:d6i?tor and Tony's benefactor;, threatens ;very serious:. complications. ~slim Summervilleyas the vil-> Jage'constable, lends a spice of,hurnpur; J ~,"Jhe ..pictjure.;.-..There- is; a,;gopd supporting programme.'" :. . M 'Si-iMK^'i'i: Courageous Cpast Guard " crews rescue passengers frcm a burning ship, and later passengers and crew from a hurricane-battered vessel, in R.K.O.Radio's romantic drama, "Sea Deyjls," coming to the State Theatre on Friday. Victor McLaglen, Preston Foster, and Ida Lupino are starred, with. Donald Woods heading the supporting cast. REX THEATRE.,. In "Black Sheep,", the rhainv.f eattire at the Rex Theatre, > Edmund f«Lowe plays the role of. ;a man who is called upon to gamble for all that Is deai v.te him in life, in the, place o| money.. Other -faveurites m the! cast ajre. Claire Trevor, Tom Brown, Eugene Pallette, Adrienne Ames, Herbert Mundin, and Ford Sterling. The ■ other attraction is "Ten-dollar Raise," featuring, the popular Edward Everett Horton. VThe story cpnperns a timid bookkeeper, plunged Tn ledgers: -for years, .suddenly falling in'love with a new steiio-, grapher'XKaren/Merjey), and forced fc balance the'probjern of a' static pay-! check and an ecstatic romance. From a prince of a fellow, his boss turns into a tyrant." •-. v .'.. .-:.'-. , / ,;"; ~...;,r E OXY..:,.THEATREr-, -.. '-,'.-1 ."'■Stealing; a rareridiamofid arxd yet hot being a thief is the ■paradoxical situation in^which Joan "'"Perry;;cpkfeatured with Ralph Bellamy, finds herself in Columbia's "Counterfeit" Lady," showing at the Roxy Theatre. From the moment Joan gets her ringers on the- jewel until, the unexpected climax there are dramatic and exciting . complications. •■ The supporting feature, "Hbllywppd Bpuleyard," a Parameunt prpducticn, starring John Halliday, is a colourful story of the comeback of a fallen screen idol and has'-in it a big parade of famous names of the, silent film days and ■ current pjay.ers* ol prpmirience. 'Marsha Hunt and-Robert Cumniingsv supply the lpye?interest. »\ . '■ -t . SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Merrily rolling: alongvonJ'a. vacation pn^wheels, the1 hap;py,-/scrappy Jones i airily ■' fill the wide-ipen spaces with iiin and- hilarity iri^hejr latest'and best Twentieth Cfehtury-Fpx hit, ."Back tp Nature," which is shpwing finally tonight at the. Seaside Theatre, Lyall Bay. The associate feature, ,"Night Waitress," starring JVlargot Grahame, has '; the glamoreus San - Francisco ■waterfrcnt as its background, wijh its hidden mysteries and .breathless thrills. Selected short subjects will be shown from 7.30 tp 8 p.m. :' ; CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "The Devil Dell," an M.G.M. thriller, ■now > shewing -at the.'-Capitol: ■Theatre, is based on the startling, fantastic novel, "Burn, Witch, Burn," by A. Merritt, distinguished author ...of mystery stories, and stars Lionel Barry r niore, with a notable cast of supporting players. Among them are Maureen O'Sullivan, Robert Greig, Grace Ford, Lucy Eeaumont, Arthur Hohl, and Fred Warren; A race track romance, "Racing Lady,"- co-featuring Ann Dvorak, Smith Ballew, and Harry Carey, is the other attraction. OUR THEATRE, NEWTpWN. "Sisters Under the Skin," the main attraction showing tonight at Our Theatre at reduced prices,;brings together three of the screen's outstanding players—Elissa Landi, Frank Morjgah, and Jqseph Schildkr.aut—in a modern romanfce of a. woman -who seeks happiness in a mansion but finds it in an attic. Her loyalty holds her to the man who can give her everything, but her heart asks for the other who can offer her only love. The Blakely household is the scene pf some hilarious goings on in the comedy drama "The Party's Over," the second attraction, starring Stuart Erwin and Ann Sothern. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. For the :first time the rugged, two-fia-ted Clark Gable of old and the lovely Jeanette' Mac Donald with the voice that thrills >.-are '-brought together, : , with Spencer. Tracy sharing stellar" honours, in M.GM.'s" '^outstanding -production "San Francisco," which opens at the Empire-Theatre tonight. . "San1; Franciscp" has drama, love interest, comedy, and spectacle. "Audioscopics," : the screen's ,late£|r novelty, and other-short subjects round off the bill. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Dealing -with a-son's poignant efforts to clear his'father's name of an undeserved stigma, "Winterset," showing at the Regal. :Theatre tonight, is from Maxwell'Anderson's dramatic hit, and is said to be one of the most remarkable film offerings of the year. Contrasting a romance of poetic, intensity against the background of New York, the film", promises- to. duplicate .the. re--markable success cf the stage play. Burgess Meredith, Margp, and Eduardo Giannelli enact the leading roles.

TIVOLI THEATRE. A dramatic star-shell is provided in "The Road to Glory," the Twentieth Century-Fox production now showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Fired with .the inspired acting of such performers, ihe.filmjtells a gripping story of love in '.all its .phases, painted1, on a canvas as •great ;;ahd. encompassing as the war ;itself v ; !■. Baxter is seen as the warweary'^'commander :of a valorous regiment. Monique, a lovely French nurse (June Lang), provides him with his only interest in life. Fredric March, Baxter's chief aid, "unwittingly falls in love with Monique, too, unaware that Baxter cares deeply for the girl. The triangle creates a crisis between the two men, which is increased when Baxter, to his astonishment, discovers that his father, Lionel Barrymore, is a private in the regiment. "Women Are Trouble," which will also be shown, is a newspaper story out of the ordinary in every respect. Stuart Envin,' Florance Rice, and .Paul Kelly have the main roles. RIVOLI THEATRE. "Sensation," the main attraction at the Riyoli Theatre, is the inside story of a murder hunt—Fleet Street versus Scotland Yard, with a ruthless news-paper.-reporter known as "Lone Wolf Heaton" .-. exDOsing a defenceless woman's most precious secrets to provide front-page news, for a sensationloving public., 7. Perfectly cast in the starring role is John-Lodge as. the unscrupulous Pat-Heaton, U; ace crime reporter ": of the famous' "Murder Gang:"-^He-h^-aI.new Australian "find", .playing opposite.. him—lovely Margaret Vyner—in: the.role of his fiancee;*;aaire /.Lindsay, "Sensation is tensely dramatic and charged with many(thrills,,'yet: it. does not lack in humour, and,there is also a touch of ■romance. \~' They.'Paramount comedyromance,' .^'Wedding Present, is also screening?-with^Joan Bennett and Cary Grant.;in >stellgr/roles. .. BROOKLYN THEATRE. -The attractions at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight will be "Murder With Pictures," starring Lew Ayres and Gail Patrick, ■■:-ana;;-.s"The Princess Comes Acro'ssi" ■ Carole Lombard an/d/,, Fred" Mac Murray. MISSION OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL. Under the auspices of the Baptist Church of Wellington city and suburbs a special series of mission services are to be held in the.Vivian Street Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Alexander Hodge, 8.A., 8.D., Ph.D., minister of the Auckland Baptist Tabernacle, will be the preacher." Dr. Hodge exercises a ministry of wide influence in the' northern city,' and although a newcomer to the Dominion he is widely sought after ,as a preacher. Prior to coming to New Zealand, he occupied prominent pulpits in England. He is a graduate of Spurgepn's 'College, and has .degrees .from "the. London\University.' He also studied in Germany. BRITISH-ISRAEL LECTURE. • In what promises to be the most interesting lecture of the series given by Mr. V. R. Brown (under the auspices of, Mr. W. E. Wilson) the speaker will deal' with "Momentous Happenings in the Mediterranean. What Do They Mean?" The lecture willbe given this evening in the Trades Hall, -Vivian Street, >and will be illustrated throughout' with coloured lantern slides. Exceptional interest has already .been aroused by these lectures, the Jialjl-lastt week"-being filled to- capacity. ' An orchestra.-A^ill supply "approipriate music. .<■'■ '"'*■"■ ■ ; _>■ ;"! '"'■" 'WRESTLING ON MONDAY.'' Matros Kirilinko, the colourful Kuban Cossack wrestler, will make his first appearance in Wellington when he meets "Lofty" Blpmfteld at the Town Hall on Monday night. Kirilinko has given some outstanding performances since he arrived to join the Dominion Union's men, and,is so far undefeated. Blemfield: has ■ completely recovered from the .eye injury which .prevented him from -taking the ring the last time he was to" have wr.estied here, and his many followers will again be on hand to see whether he can handle the fiery Russian. Kirilinko has been in his time a soldier, circus strong man, .arid Graeeq-Roman and catch-as-catch-'can wrestling champion. He started wrestling as a professional about ten years ago, and was a prominent figure in European. wrestling until,' in 1931, he came under, the -notice of .Jack C.urley, the well-known New York promoter, who was on a visit to Europe in. search.jOf'fresh talent. , Curled •signed-him up for .a two-year'contract and took-liim■ to the-States, where, the' proved ;to;,be, an. outstanding; success.'. He hadiiopiy, two lpsses in'tyw- years/ and his .displays were.of the type .that appeals' .strorjgly .to wrestling patrphs. Kirilinko weighs 16. stone, is splendidly, built,- and is a .fast-.and-' aggressive wrestler. ■ There will be amateur preliminaries': :• •'."'- ).:. ■;.:•' ":■■'.: •'-'„■ '