CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1938, Page 15

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. '■ : All the beauty, colour, and swashbuckling adventure of the famous Anthony Hope, romance are seen at the Theatre in David O. Selznick's . magnificent- film production of1 "The Prisoner of Lenda," with Ronald Col- ( man, Madeleine Carroll, and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., playing the leading Colman plays the dual role of King Rudolf V and the adventurous! ■■Rassendyll in this tale of love and intrigue among the courts of Europe, "which John Cromwell directed from a screen play which John L. Balderston and Wells Root based on Edward *. Rose's dramatisation i of the Anthony - . Hope noveL Miss Carroll plays the ~ beautiful Princess Fla,via and young Fairbanks is seen as the dashing Ru,pert of Hentzau. Also prominently featured, in the cast are Mary Astof, C. ' Aubrey Smith, Raymond Massey, fend ' David Niven. ■ Sixty-two set?, rang- : ing in size from,a sentry-box no larger • 'than a telephone Jjooth.'tb a huge .cathedral and two castles, were constructed f pi*-.ther picture. " <

: .'.'■'. V '^tMAJESTIC" THEATRE. .; ' . : *< Eclipsing even their triumphs in '"Naughty Marietta" and "Rose Marie,"; Jeanet'te MacDOriald.and Nelson Eddy; ; the favourite singing stars, are nqw;;at . ■ v-the Majestic"Theatre ' ih\" "Maytime,". : Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's lavish adapta- ■; tion of the Rida ( Johnson Young pper- . • etta, which was one of the memorable '. 'hits of the New York stage. Directed ■: > by Robert Z. Leonard, the man who •gave fllmgoers. "The Great Ziegfeld," ■ with a wide variety of songs by Sig-imund-Romberg and Herbert Stothart, and-with a brilliant supporting cast • headed ..by John Barrymore, the picture, which is in its second week at • the Majestic, is one of the,outstanding : sensations of-the new movie; season. The famous song hit of the play, "Sweetheart, Will You Remember?" was '•■ retained for the filnvverVgion,"with,"the.remainder of the music divided'between 'the sentimental and) : : --operatic.'; ■.■■■"'' -■' /■■ ._ V.'1,..,; , '■,:'■;'■■ , ' ST. JAMES THEATRE, >:.' !-■ . "Merry-Gb-RoundM3f'l93B" cdncliidest tonight at St. James Theatre. ■'■■ "My Dear Miss '■ Aldrich,^? ■•'>sfamng: ■; ■■ .Maureen | O'Sullivan ■ and: 'Walter•Pidgeon, commences tomorrow. PARAMOUNT THEATRE; .."■' C "100 Men and a Girl" concludes toafa».*;. at r the Paramount- Theatre. One of the: best light comedies ever produced,' "Mr. Deeds Goes, to, Town," will begin at the New Paramount The,atr» tomorrow. It stars Gary Cooper \ aiid Jean Arthur, and gives the former, comedy role to-which he, is well suited. "Mr. Deeds."-may be said to have "started the.modern screen fashion for .crazy - comedies. - Gary . Cooper is seen as a quiet young man of 'extreme wealth.who'seeks;adventure ~ in a large city. -■ j'_.'■["■ ;..■•]..':.... . '■• ; .*■ "':X- ' KING'S THEATRE. •. - . ■' '■• "Heidi of the Alps" and "The Calilornian" conclude tonight at the King s Theatre. : ■ ■, ~ 1 "Forty-Naughty Girls"; and "Anna.polis Salute" commence tomorrow^.' , < SHORTT'S THEATRE. • "Sons o' Guns" and "Man Hunt", conclude tonight .at Shortt's Theatre.; "Frisco Kid," Warner Bros.' dra- ~ Biatic .picturisation of the thrilling pioneer days of old San Francisco when ' (he -Barbary Coast seethed, .with activity and life within its,borders was; the ; wildest adventure, is commencing tomorrow. The all-star cast is headed by James Cagney, who ■is I supported by Margaret Lindsay, Ricardo Cortez. and ■'■■ LiU Damita. more- than forty, persons In the principal roles and thousands in the gigantic mob scenes. - More hilari■■'lms'laughs and more big.^thrills-than; seen on the screen in many along day ; are packed into'the Warner Bros, comedy drama, "The Big Noise." the second attraction, starring Guy Kibbee and V/jVarren^Hull. : ... .-.,•■ ,• .;' ■.-:4:'.-R.pXY-THEATRE.'. - . '": "The >'Accusing Finger" and "Hide-. -. away Girl" "conclude.-tonight at the Roxy Theatre.; v . > ''"'' i "Mountain"Justice,", which opens tomorrow, is a. ; gripping melodrama based upon a young girl's ambition to bring the benefits of civilisation to the benighted people of her remote village in the hills. ■ Thwarted . by nearly all of them—especially her own father—she .almost sacrifices her life for her ideals' of betterment. Bringing to -the screen for the first time ha a leading man that idol of the U.S.A. radio waves, Kenny ; Baker, a Mervyn Leßoy musical comedy called •?Mr. Dodd Takes the Air," is the second feature. -- ; { , . . \ i KILBIRNIE KINEMA. ;' "Head Over Heels" and "The Toast of New York"- conclude tonight sat the - Kilbirnie Kinema. • ~ .; Another demonstration of the'versatile talent of.Jean Harlow and: Robert Taylor is evident, in the delightful romantic comedy,, "Man in Possession," which opens tomorrow. Miss Harlow and Taylor are teamed for. the first time and theft- collaboration is distinctly a success. They have the additional benefits of an excellent supporting cast and clever direction by W. S. Van Dyke. Adventure, as only Rudyard Kipling could write it, blazes from the screen in the" Twentieth Cen- . tury-Fox picturisation of his "Wee Willie Winkie," which-is the second feature, with ! Shirley Temple and Victor McLaglen in the "starring roles. ' Adventure—rugged as the kilted Highlanders holding Khyber Pass, colour £ul as India's jewelled and brazen hues, strange as the skirling bagpipes, in the roof of Asia, romantic as the Smpire's last untamed frontier—fills , every moment of (his exciting film. OUR THIiA'tfEE, NEWTOWN ; "One Hour Late, starring Joe Morrison, Helen Twelvetrees, and Arline Judge heads the double-feature proframrneshowihg at' Our Theatre at reuced prices; The story concerns,two roung-lovei-s who are separated as a Jesuit of a misunderstanding. In the dramatic finale; .which ■ takes -place >m a broken-down elevator, their difficulties are ironed out and they are happily united. The associate feature, "You Belong to Me," starring Lee Tracy and Helen Mack, is a drama or a broken-down vaudeville comedian •who lived to love and laugh. PALACE THEATRE, TETONE. 1 The killer who terrifies a great metropolitan hospital by his unseen depredations is neatly tripped by .the scatter-brained antics o£.,a nitwit, night nurse iri "The Great Hospital Mystery," now showing at the Palace Theatre, with Jane-Darwell. Sally Blanc, and Thomas Beck in the cast. Care-dis-nelling entertainment is provided in the associate feature, "Hideaway," with Fred Stone in his most lovable, laughable role, STATE THEATRE, PETONE. Edward Arnold, Jean Arthur, Ray Milland, and Luis Alberni come to the screen of 'tfie State Theatre; Petone, this evening in one of the mosl pretentious, productions of the current Season. The picture is Paramount's "Easy Living," a-comedy of the ultrasmart sort,- which Director Mitchell Leisen selected1 as:-his follow-up to the recent hit,. "Swing High, Swing Lovr." The plot of-the film, which is from a screen play by Preston Sturges, is laid . in New York. t GRAND THEATRE, PETONE. ■ Metro - Goldwyn - Mayor presents Joseph'Calleia in a new role, this time as a hero instead of a villain, in'"Man of the People," which comes to the Grand Theatre, Petone, tonight. The "original story pictures a modern city .and the political machine which makes it ;go. .Florence. Rice has the romanticrole. Tod Healy provides comedy, and a capable supporting cast includes Thomas Mitchell, ; Catharine Doucet, Paul Stanton, and' Jonathan Bate*,v,.:,. .-, . - .. -~'....,-■.

GITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

TIVOLI THEATRE. "High, Wide, and Handsome" and ■ "Over She Goes" conclude tonight at t the Tivoli Theatre. ' ' • With Spencer Tracy, Gladys George, and Franchot Tone teamed in the leading roles, - Metro,Goldwyn-Mayer's "They Gave Him a Gun" commences tomorrow. Tracy is seen as Fred Wil]is, circus baricer, while Franchot Tone plays the .small-town, bookkeeper, Jimmy Davis, who turns racketeer fol 7 lowing the war. Gladys George is the Red Cross-nurse, Rose Duffy, whom they both love. Featured supporting rbles include Cliff (Ukulele,.lke) Edwards as Laro, Tracy's circus helper, and Mary Lou Treen as Saxe,, Rose Duffy's fellow-nurse. There are approximately 250 speaking ; parts, all told. A.rollicking, whirlwind of mischief and excitement, the irrepressible Jane Withers romps merrily through the laugh-provoking situations of me Holy Terror," the Twentieth CenturyFox comedy hit which is the second attraction. In this latest and gayest fun-feast -of her career,, involving her in hilarious:doings with the : Navy, the, young madcap is ably * supported.; oy Anthony, Martin, Leah Ray, Joan; Davis, El Brendel, and. Joe, Lewis. When "Ginger" Jane f joins, the .fleet and proceeds to baffle the Admirals,, while making herself solid with the midshipmen, the • -normal '. course of events -gets thrown for a,, riotous loss, II the- impish hoyden sings %cv way; into trouble,-, and,then dances her way : right out again., - .' ' .. ' STATE THEATRE. ', ■■ • "Stage--Door" concludes tonight at Kennyißaker,: lan Hunter, Leo : Carrillo, and Pat Paterson, commences tomorrow. NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. I "Over She Goes," starring Stanley Lupino, and /'Kathleen Mavourneen, ! with Sally O'Neill, will conclude toi night at the New Princess Theatre. : Claudette Colbert and Fred Maci Murray, the romantic pair of me rGflded Cily" and "A-Bride Comes t Home,".'are teamed together again in '■ Paramount's "Maid of Salem," romance of a Puritan maiden and a Virginia ; cavalier, which begins tomorrow at the New Princess Theatre.. Maid of Salem" was produced and .directed by Frank Lloyd, three-time winner of the Academy Award, and it. boasts a cast of Hollywood's most brilliant feature and character players. The associate feature is "Double or Nothing," a romantic comedy starring Bing Crosby. Also in the cast are Martha Raye- and Andy iDevine. - ' . w REX THEATRE. The story'of a man who dedicated his life to winning control of a financial empire,: then threw away everything hi had won for the sake of-tte woman he loved is that of Para mount's "Shanghai," which is .now showing at,thb Rex Theatre. Charles Boy^r? gLoretta Young, Warner,Oland, and Alison Skipworth.head th^cast Georgeßurns and Gracie Allen, known as the screen's foremost comedy team, score another success in V***™??™* "Love in Bloom," the ■ other They are supported by Joe Morrison and Dixie Lee in this film which features four new Gordon and Revel song hits/ •'■//" ■■. ■ ' .;!,..;., •».,' ' ■;. ' EMPIREI THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. Claude Rains, dlofia Dickson, Edward NorriSi Otto Kruger, Allyn.Josilyn, and Lana Turner play.the leading roles in the.; sensational film Won't Forget," which is showing at ,the Empire ,■ Theatre tonight. '■ It presents the argument that a politically ambitious district attorney, by building up * .chain of circumstantial evidence—and at the same .time' craftily stirring anti-.seetibnal'hatred-^can send to death a perfectly innocent man accused of murder. Starring the mischievous Jane Withers in her best comedy, "The Holy Terror" will' also be shown, with Anthony Martin, Leah Ray, Joan. Davis, El Brendel, and Joe Lewis featured, ( in the cast. .'- ' _ ' \ •' •■ i i BROOKLYN THEATRE. "Wings of the Morning," taken in natural technicolour, will be the main feature at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight and tomorrow night. The stars are Annabella, Henry Fonda, Leslie Banks, John McCormack,' and Steve Donoghue. "Strangers on Holiday," the second feature, has . Constance Cummings: arid Hugh Sinclair as the stars. There will be a full, supporting programme.':: ;. ....:• . : ■■, ..;.■'■■ REGAL THEATRE. ~';■ Claude Rains, Gloria Dickson, Edward Norris, Otto Kruger, Allyn' Joslyn, and Lana Turner play the leading roles in the sensational film . I'They Won't ForgeV'^which is showiflg at the Regal Theatre tonight. It presents the argument that a politically .ambitious district attorney, by building up a chain of circumstantial evidence— and at the same time craftily, stirring anti-sectional hatred—^can send to death a' perfectly innocent man accused of murder. • Starring the mischievous Jane Withers in her best comedy, "The Holy; Terror," will also be shown, with Anthony Martin, Leah Ray, Joan Davis,'El Brendel, and Joe Lewis featured in .the cast. ■• . '-'High, Wide, and Handsome," starring Irene Dunn, : and ■■ 'A ; Family Affairj" with Lionel Barrymore, commence tomorrow. , CAPITOL THEATRE. The fact that "Merry-go-Round of 1938," which is showing at the" Capitol Theatre, enjoyed an extended season, at -th.3. St. James Theatre is in itself a recommendation. A non-stop comedy, featuring a team of first-rate artists, the picture is replete from start to finish with racy dialogue and- excellent stag ;• work. The names of Mischa Aver, Alice Brady, Billy House, Jimmie SavoV-and Bert Lahr, are household ones 'in the American entertainment world and these artists all combine to produce a'film of untiring •■ comedy. The popular comedian, Stanley Lupino, heads a large cast in the laugh sensation ■ "Over,- She Goes,'.' the, second feature Deanna Diirbin is heard in a delightful short. entitled "Every Sunday Afternoon." SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. Jack Oakie and Ann Sothern are starred in the hilarious comedy, "Super Sleuth," the main feature at the Seaside Theatre. Oakie is cast as a famous screen sleuth whose hobby is bragging about his ability .to-solve crimes even off the screen. After receiving a "poison pen" warning and witnessing the murder of another Tcreenftir who. is mistaken.*)!,him the would-be crime solver decides it is high time to show up. the pobceby capturing the criminal himself. "North of Nome," starring Jack Holt, is' the associate attraction. ORGAN RECITAL.. The, new Everett electric organ was introduced to a New Zealand audience for the first time last, night when a recital was given in Nimmo s wan, Wellington! by 6 Mr. H. Temple White. The hall was filled to capacity by a most appreciative audience. Mr .Temple White was assisted by Miss Leela Bloy, violinist, -and Mrs.. Wilfred Andrews, the well-known singer. The organ, which is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, has been imported by Hamilton Nimmo Sons, Ltd. It is 1 claimed/that it. differs from the usual electric organ in that the true pipe organ tone is produced; HARBOUR EXCURSION. Lovers of dancing-are advised to make up their parties now for the harbour excursion and dance whica will be held on board the Muntai on Saturday, commencing at 8 p.m. This function, which has been organised by the Port Nicholson Silver Band,' in aid of its contest fund, promise's to be an outstanding event. In addition 7to the music to be supplied by the batufc a full dance orchestra

PLAZA THEATRE. Dazzling in its spectacle, exhilarating in its fresh, gay out-of-doors romance, "Thin Ice," Twentieth Century-Fox film'starring Sonja Henie, more radiantly exciting than ever before, and Tyrone Power, handsome young screen Star who soared to fame in "Lloyd's of London," is showing at the Plaza Theatre. A star in her first picture, Miss Henie tops "Girl in a Million" with new miracles of grace never before revealed, as she skates and skis along the silvery Alpine slopes, with Tyrone Power and romance following close behind. Arthur Treacher, Raymond Walburn, and Joan Davis are featured in the notable supporting cast. The story is swiftly paced, exhilaratingly exciting; and Hilariously funny. Interspersed throughout the romantic story are three elaborate skating numbers, the Prince Igor Russian Ballet, a beautiful Vienna Waltz, and the Foxtrot Fantasy. DE LUXE THEATRE. "Married Before Breakfast" and "The Westland Case" conclude tonight at the De Luxe.: Theatre. ' "Bulldog Drummond Comes Back," starring John Howard, commences tomorrow. ■ • ■ '•_•'"' '