CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 24, 29 January 1938, Page 13

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

Dashing romance; -: • combined ■ with ugly plots and conspiracies-supply a picturesque arid"colourful background for the "Prisoner-.of Zen-da,!' which is showing for a second;weekat the Regent Theatre-. Ronald Colman, suave and .polished,,captures the admiration of all in' the. picturisalLun'of Anthony Hope's, celebrated book with his dual roles of king; and' adventurer. As Rudolf Rassendyle, an • Englishman' on holiday in Europe^,, chiefly for the: renowned fishing, • he- is unexpectedly [ called • upon because of \a- remarkable resemblance- to .act .theM-ole.-of. king at -a coronation, from :which'.-,the king'has been kidnapped-■- Adventure, and- danger follow'bard-.on/his,-heels; when the conspirators, thwarted in -their, purpose, turn upon. ;him '■ to^ wreak vengeance. The film reaches, a ;hrgh 'tension ■ when the scenes move to the? castle of Zenda where the King is held- prisoner. Madeleine Carroll has the "leading feminine role of Princess. Flayi.a, -.betrothed- to the.king, and she: gives;an. excellent performance. Douglas Fairbanks, ,jun., a , carefree plotter; -'Raymond- 'Massey, sneering- ambitious - t'Kro'rie- sriatcher, bluff C. ..Aubrey . Smith, Mary Astor, David Niven, arid ■"Montague"-Dove are other memberes of a distinguished cast. Glittering uniforms, brilliant, bedroom scenes, and the,'dazzling spectacle of a Coronation add;.to the-.pomp, and. cerenlony-: which"'. surround •'.' : th.e>", regal splendour v of the film. The supporting programme' is splendid.' . '■] ■'■■'■

MAJESTIC THEATRE,

"Maytime," another of Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer's successes, is now in its third week at the Majestic Theatre, and its appeal remains undimlmshed. The favourite singing stars, Jeanette Mac Donald and Nelson Eddy, have never been more happily casi than in this production, and they have practically unlimited opportunities to sing, which is what most of those who go to the Majestic will want from them. "Naughty Marietta" and "Rose Mane" reached a standard beyond which it seemed even these two sta^s could not go, but "Maytime," in its. setting and story, allows such great scope for acting and singing that it is not surprising to find both Miss MaeDonald and her co-star excelling themselves The Rida Johnson Young operetta, Which was one of the most memorable hits of the New York stage, has been Uvishly adapted by Robert Z. Leonard, who was responsible for "The Great Ziegfeld," and the story is delightfully embroidered with a wide variety of songs by Sigmund Romberg and Herbert Stothart, as well as excerpts from famous operas such as "Tannhauscr," "Riogoletto," "II Travatore," "Lohengrin," "Marta," and "Bohemian Girl." With the famous song hit from the original play, "Sweetheart, Will You Remember?" also included, there is a feast of. music which makes the listener long for more. John Barrymore heads a brilliant supporting cast. The associate programme is of a high.'order.

ST. JAMES THEATRE

Newspaper reporting,' humour, and romance are delightfully* blepded m "My Dear Miss Aldnch," which as. now showing at the St. James Theatre, with Maureen O'Sullivan, Edna May Oliver, and Walter Pidgeon in the starring roles The story deals with the sudden inheritance by a t,mall-town schoolteacher (Miss O'Sulhvan) qf a leading New York newspaper and her subsequent endeavours >to make herself worthy of the position by becoming a successful lady reporter. Walter 1 Pidgeon is the managing editor, and his policy, up to the time of Miss O'Sullivan's arrival, was^ that Jadies had no place in a newspaper office. There are many exciting and thrilling incidents as Miss O'Sullivan and the,managing editor try to outwit each other in the reporting of what promises to be the big "scoop" ot the year. Their combined efforts result in their paper securing the story, and the picture takes a romantic turn at the climax when the pair realise -that they love each other Thioughout the film the efforts of Edna May Oliver provide many hilarious moments. The supports I include one of Laurel and Hardy's best I comedies, a. Pete "Smith oddity, an interesting film depicting the discovery lof radium, a miniature musical based lon "Annie Laurie " and an "Our Gang" I comedy A number jot news items are .also shown.

NEW PARAMOUNT THEATRE

. -"Whether •'half-,the,■.wprlcl is..-qualified to.say whether :the"other: half."is crazy or not is the question raised in 'Mr: Deeds Goes -to" Towns" at-the.•New-Paramount. Theatre.' ;The::.answer .•* yes, arid- that,,both. halves ;.are' 'right from their differer.i*' Viewpoints ' .of \yhat'constitutes life: Gary Cooper, as the .simple-seeming young man :of a country town-who 'inherits' ' millions, goes to New York in. the: tow of " the family solicitors, who lay "their plans to milk him dry.. Tuba, artist; poet* and -good mixer as he was, in Mandrake Falls,-- there is .a, lot of sound sense in the "hick" which 'he; shows in ways which disconcert; the r city sharks, and-he might,,in . time have becorrie -. a riches-ridden wretch but for Jean Arthur,:, who, ,as.an" alert newspaper woman,'-.pickshirri'up. one rainy night by playing; on --his. simple chivalry, .and, tradingl 'on his friend:ship. She plays him up as "The Cintderella. Man" in . herv sensational "sheet.". The :■ shock',of :her.'perfidy maddens him, and .• gives lawyers . the opportunity: of trying to prove him in|sane so that distant relatives may inherit.' ' Thenceforward " the- ' story, which' includes powerful court scenes, enthralls by broadening frorh: comedy tcsfar,ce in'its humour"and deepening f rom-pathos •to tragedy in ;the .strangest ■. of love-tales,, with. a; dynariiic •c-H--[max. Comedies;-and- a colour, rhapspdy are "supports. . ~ , '.;. 7 ■■

NEW PRINCESS THEATRE

Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray, the romantic pair of "The Gilded Lily" and "A Bride Comr>s Home." afe teamed together again in Paramount s "Maid of Salem," romance of a Puritan maiden and a Virginia cavalier, which 'is showing at the New- Princess Theatre. ■ "Maid of Salem" was produced and directed by Frank Lloyd, three-time winner of the Academy ./..ward, and it boasts a cast of Hollywood's most1 brilliant feature and character players. The associate feature is "Double or Nothing," a romantic comedy starring Bing Crosby. Also in the cast are Maitha Raye and Andy Devine.

PALACE THEATRE, PETONE

Sir Guy Standing plays the role of a crusading political chief in Paramount's "I'd Give My Life," now at the Palace Theatre, Petone, with Tom Brown, Frances Drake, Janet JBeecher, and Robert Gleckler. Jack Oakie and Sally Eilers play the leading roles in Paramount's "Florida Special," the second feature, starring Kent Taylor. It is a story of love, fun, and tragedy aboard an express tram speeding from New York to Florida.

GRAND THEATRE, PETONE

' Paul vßobesori, one of- the world's greatest and most glorious singers, re:urns to the screen in an original, dramatic film with music,.' "Big , Fella," which' is showing', at,...the. Grand Theatre.. ... '."Big Fella", presents, him in a jple unlike anything; he-has ever, done, combining powerful drama human characterisation with a number of stir-ring • musical numbers, written especially for Robeson.

STATE THEATRE, INTONE

The thrilling tale of how one man's daring rid the Old West of its worst gang- of cattle-rustlers •is told"' in "Hopalong Rides Again," latest,.- in Paramount's series of Clarence . E. Mulford Western's, which is showing at the State Theatre,- with- William Boyd again cast in his familiar role of "Hopalqn'g." The second at-, traction is "Partners in'Crirrie,'1 starring' Lynne... ; Overman ' and Roscoe Karns. It is a thrilling story of G-men and gangsters and a blackmail scheme.

OTY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

PLAZA THEATRE

DE LUXE THEATRE;

Notable for the appearance of John liarrymore in a /mystery film, the programme at the De Luxe Theatre this week features an exciting Bulldog Drumrnond episode ■ and ■ a comedy, "Blonde Trouble" starring Eleanoie Whitney, Johnny Downs, and El Brdndel, which wins honours f,or humour of ment. Bairymore's appearance as a inspector in the Drummond film, "Bulldog Drummond Comes Back," gives it outstanding appeal from the stait. And the tact that the supporting players, including John Howard, a newcomer to starring honours, and Reginald Denny, not so new but always welcome, are adequate in every possible way makes the film easily one of the best of the1 Drummond senes. The story is exciting too On the eve of her marriage to Drummond, his fiancee is kidnapped. No trace of her can be found and the only clue is a gramophone record, which tells, in rhyme, oust how she may be won back. The condition of the chase is. that the police on no account must,, be.called in. From that point, a sort of "treasure hunt begins, and Drumrnond ploughs through obstacles, unobstrusively tracked by Colonel Neilson, of Scotland Yard. Denny, as Algy Longwoi th, does his best to lend a futile hand, and the comedy and drama are skilfully interwoven. The climax is exciting, and a notably well-acted film is interesting fiom beginning to end NeWsreels complete a programme of considerable merit.

KING'S THEATRE.

REX THEATRE

The highly-dramatic story;, of-what happened''to a" young-.man who -borrowed from the lqarV sharks, in order to bring vacation "'happiness to! .his little family is 'told ;lii.- fi.l Proitiise; To Pay," now at.-tha.Rex'.Theatfe..Ches-ter Morris and Helen rMabk-Vai.e".'., the two principals—the '■'> young. ■:. husband and wife";'-' Leo 'Carillo,-^s rthe archvillain, is all that'?.6u}d"'toe-'asked-' for in "heavy" chai-acterJsati6rif:-"Milhohs,--toe second' attraction/'-Stafring-.. Gordon Harker. is a hilarious comedycfollowing the adventure S ;oi one, ptto JForbes, the newly-rich "With.-a-•;rather.;; shady past, and' his aspirations;to-the ;rank of gentlemah-^in v spite "-of a/ Billingsgate accent. " '-,;■:; ''-, '-■■[''■ .'•' .;■' >

SHORTT'S TFIEATRE

"Frisco Kid," ' Warner Bros.' dramatic picturisation of the thrilling pioneer days of did San Francisco when the Barbary"" Coast•-• seethed with1, activ-ity-and life" -Withirr-ilts borders-was the wildest ::'adveriture,".:;;is.? Showing - at Shbrtt's Theatre.; The /allrstar"/ cast is headed by James.; >Gagney,,,, who is ;supported ■-by> '-Margaret--. Lind : say, ' Ricardo "'"CdrteE,-v* and?;:.',Lin :Dami"ta;: . rn.br.e : thati'.'. forty ' persons in the principal. roles. :a"nd thousands in the gigantic rhob scr'rics. More hilarious laughs^ and m'! -i ' big..-thrills : than seen on the screen vi many- : a long-..;day are packed into the Warner Bros, comedy drama; "The Big Noise," the'second attraction, 'starring Guy'Kibbce' and Warren Hull. ' ' "" "'.'

ROXY THEATRE

'■.'•'.'Mountain Justice';1' hc-w-at ihe.Rbxy 'Theatre?--is-■ a '-gripping , -melpdrama )Da'sed; upon -a"-young- girl's.tambition to b-ring 'the benefits of > civilisation to the :'.b'enighted.;pfebple"'of -h^r remote vijlage' in -trie:-hills Thwarted- 1- 'by neirlyrail, of their*—especially^er own ■father—she - almost*-sacrifices her : life for- her ideals- ol betterments ■ Bnngahg rt'o the--screen: "for-trrei first time as ;r leading' mariVthat 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. -,-■. •-. ~ ■•'■■ ■"'.'• .* .

KILBIRNIE KINEMA

Another demonstration "of the versatile1 talent of Jean Harlow and Robeit Taylor is evident in the delightful romantic comedy, "Man in Possession," now at the Kilbirnie Kinema. Miss Harlow and Taylor are teamed for the first time, and their collaboration is distinctly a success. Adventure, as only Rudyard Kipling could write it. blazes from the screen in the Twentieth Cen-tury-Fox pictur;salion o£ his "Wee Willie Wirjue," which is the second featuie with Shirley Temple and Victor McLaglen in the starring roles.

EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY

The.stbry'ofa poor working,girl who gets a £ 12,000 sable coat as;a gift and •then has-.to. live .up to. it,'brings.-Jean Arthur. Edward Arnold;.and-Ray Mil-land'-to-the-screen of the.' Empire Theatre' in "Easy Living."'. -The -coat literally, comes., to' .her.from .Heaven— while she ; is. riding-jDri top of. a 1 bus. It causes a Wall Street crisis, saves a hotel from bankruptcy,- gets a waiter fired from a'restaurant; and wins.Miss Arthur a.handspYh'e'husband.' For the third tim.e in his'screen career, George O'Brien' takes to the sea for the locale of his latest starring picture r ';"-Wind.jammsr,"' thesecond feature. ; ";■•. •

REGAL THEATRE, KARORI

and spectacular'melodrama adds "particular, vividness to Paramount's' colourful ' production, "High, Wide, and.Handsome," which is showing at the Regal Theatre. This film shows capable Irene- Dunne from still another refreshing angle, and reveals Randolph Scott in.a performance permeated with strength*-and "'virility. Lionel Barryrno're, always rriaster'of ; the character, analysis, in- a. screen/portrayal, again touches the .heart, in 'his latest role" as a fearless old-country judge in "A Family Affair," the second attraction.

"..The.Queen of the Silvery Skates," Sonja Henie, will be "seen at the Plaza Theatre for a .further week-in "her latest film, "Thin Ice." Opposite her, in a role that suits him" admirably, is the new screen favourite Tyrone Power, and together they make a: teanf that has'a great appeal for picture-lovers. The plot of the., story deals with the falling in love by ..a--prince ' (Power) with a skating teacher (Miss Henie) at a pleasure resort.in..the alps. /.Miss Henie does riot suspect Hhat'Power is anything, other than .a Press reporter attending an international .conference in. the village, and many ' diverting scenes are created,.-.7 The musical numbers are very, catchy, and .some of the mountain'scenes ai;e very'fine. Sonja is seen in new miracles. :of. .grace'as- she .skates and skis alqcg./the .silver-' alpine slopes with the prince..-. TOe-yery fact that' Arthur; Treacher's. name appears .in the cast suggests '.'that'the film in parts: has "a:- wealtlv of hVmorous • incidents. Interspersed.'.'throughout the story' are three elaborate skating.'riumbers,' the Prince Igor: Russian ballet, a beautiful-Vienna,1 waltz,-and ;a fox trot fantasy; There'is an "excellent supporting . .cast.: The first 'part. of . the programme consists of excellent subports'. ' including- a- detailed .filming of the Panay incident. • •_.:•-.• ■ ■■:'.

One of the wittiest pieces pf screen* entertainment is "Stage Door," which has been transferred to- the King's Theatre. Some of the most successful' of modern authors and writers of plays have realised the interest value of cro» sections of humanity, and so their woA has for a setting people gathered in a bus, a tra:n, an hotel, or at a dmner party. In "Stage Door" the same richness of character study is found, for its setting is a theatrical boardinghouse. That noted screen writer Morne Ryskind adapted the film, story fiom a play by Edna Ferber and George Kaufman of "Showboat" fame "Stage Door" is a swiftmoving comedy, headed by Katherine Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and Adolphe Menjou, whose personalities are striking contrasts. Katherine Hep-j burn is an outspoken young society miss whose father 'buys her a coveted role in a play, thinking to cure her of her stage-struck ideas by making a display of her bad acting. Adolphe Menjou gives a smooth interpretation af the theatrical producer, and Ginger Rogers is shown in new lights as the sharp-tongued little dancer. A newcomer to the screen, Andrea Leeds, who plays the part of the girl who should have had the leading role, is a new star in the making. Tho supporting programme is of a high standard.

TIVOLI THEATRE,

With Spencer Tracy, Gladys George,, and Franchot Tone teamed in the leading ■ roles,. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer s "They Gave Him a Gun" is showing at the Tivoli Theatre. Tracy is seen as Fred Willis, circus barker, 1 while Franchot Tone plays the small-town bookkeeper, ':. Jimmy Davis, ■' who turns racketeer following'the war. Gladys George is the Red Cross', nurse, Rose Duffy, whom : they both love. Featured supporting roles include Cliff (Ukulele Ike) Edwards as Laro,. Tracy's circus helper, and Mary Lou Treen as Saxe, Rose Duffy's fellow-nurse. /Itiere: are approximately 250 speaking: parts, all told. A rollicking whirlwind of mischief and excitement, the irrepressible 'Jane Withers romp's ■ merrily through the laugh-provoking situations of "The 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 1 young madcap . is. ably supported by Anthony Martin, Leah Ray, ■ Joan Davis, El Brendel, and Joe Lewis.

7RIVOLI THEATRE,

"Camille," now at the RivolL Theatre, with Greta Garbd and Robert Taylor as its sensational, co-starring'team, brings mutual distinction .to 1 Hollywood's two most glamorous stars. The notable supporting cast includes Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Jessie Ralph, Henry Daniell, Lenore .Ulnc, and Laura Hope Crews, and there is not a performance among the group that does not deserve praise. The Dumas love classic of "The Lady of the Camellias" provides a peculiarly brilliant vehicle for theglamorour Garbo. Taylor, whose ■ amazing success in a brief two years on the screen has made him an international figure, comes, into his own as a dramatic actor of rare talent in the exacting role of Armand. A brilliant cast headed by Joan Crawford, William Powell, and Robert Montgomery, appear in "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," based on the stage play by Frederic Lonsdale, which is the second feature. Miss Crawford portrays the charming Ame-. rican widow in London society with finesse, and William"•.=P-.owell ••■ is excellent as the suave butler who is m reality a croqk. : Robert Montgomery p6ftrays the young English lord who falls in love with the American girl, only to find her under suspicion 01 jewel theft. . ' . , '

OUR THEATRE,,.

Entertainment of the highest order is offered at Our Theatre tonight. "Saratoga,".. Metro Goldwyn Mayer's successful thrill romance1 of the turf heads the programme. Clark-Gable and Jean Harlow are co-starred, with Lionel Barrymore, Frank Morgan, and Una Merkei; in a'fast-moving story of a rich horse owner's daughter'and her hates and loves." Also - showing ' is Jean Arthur and George Brent in ;a whimsical comedy romance, "More than a Secretary." The story tells of a prim secretary with submerged, emotion who is .editor of a health,magazine, and her subsequent stepping out with the boss.

CAPITOL THEATRE,

The fact-that "Merry-go-Round - of 1938," which is showing -at the Capitol Theatre, enjoyed an extended .season at th: 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 stage work. The popular comedian-Stanley Lupino heads a large cast in the laugh sensation "Over She Goes," the second feature. Deanna Durbin. is heard in a 'delightful' short, ' entitled;.'' Every Sunday Afternoon."1 ••-. ' -r''' -'y. ■- ."■

BROOKLYN THEATRE,

"When Love is Young"' will "be- the main feature at the Brooklyn Theatre tonight. The cast includes Virginia Bruce and Kent Taylor: "The Mighty Treve" will also be screened; This feature is appealing on account of its human simplicity, and the- outdoor scenes are "■ thrilling. The-Cast ''includes Noah Beery, jun.-,Barbara;Read, and Treve, the wonder dog. The supports include a comedy-'and newsreel. . a.. ' , ■ ' : " ..;/'.■'■ '-

SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL T BAY.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Man-in Possession" is the main feature ■at ■; the Seaside Theatre. Robert Taylor,: and Jean Harlow are in the leading roles. Will Hay, that grand comedian,- with his team of well-known schoolboys appear iri "Good Morning Boys," the associate attraction.. A new serial will commence tonight. "Jungle Jim" is the title and its appeal ■ is widespread. The supports are excellent. : , ■ .

MID-SUMMER SHOW.

The Wellington Horticultural.: Society's Mid-Summ^er show will be .held in- the Town Hall; next Wednesday.' The -show will be officially--opened-at 3 -o'clock by. Mrs.; Kno-x-Gilnier,.- ; the president of .the society," who has just returned from an extended; tour abroad.. -'Schedules may' be 1 obtained from the secretary," telephone 41-484, arid the committee will give every assistance to those entering'for the first time. Gladioli,, dahlias, and hydrangeas provide'types of blooms particularly suitable, for show purposes. An attractive feature of the show will be the trade displays, and also the decorated tables, the work of the.ladies of the committee and the members\of ladies': clubs. Afternoon tea-will be available, during the afternoon, and music both afternoon and evening: will add to the brightness of the show. Intending exhibitors are reminded that entries close'"'at'"4 .p.m.) on Tuesday. .Those entering may telephone their !entries where -unable to call at the office of the secretary or use the post in time. : , . . .. . '. ' ;

SUNDAY PICTURES.

Tomorrow at the De Luxe Theatre, at 8.15 p.m., there will be screened one of the finest pictures produced in recent years, "Red Waggon;" a picturisation of Lady Eleanor Smith's famous book. It is a story of circus life;- the sawdust ring, the horses, -the clowns, and all the fun of the ".big top. Gay-hearted and hard-boned sons'and daughters of 'the circus,- and' the gipsy camp follow.Cfc lure of the wide open spaces. England, Wales,-'lreland; and Scotland. The love "story is one of universal appeal—the eternal triangle in which Joe Prince, Zara, and Sheba are the three characters. The proceeds of the entertainment will go to the Mayor's Metropolitan Relief Fund.

BAND PERFORMANCES.

The Wellington Municipal Tramways Band will give a performance at the Zoo and the Air Force Band will play at the Home of Compassion tomorrow afternoon, commencing at 3 o'clock.

The': Artillery .Band" will-give a firstclass programme of music at the Botanical Gardens, commencing at 3 p.m. tomorrow., This band has been practising assiduously for the Palmers,ton. North' contest. The new Royal Artillery uniforms, said to be the Smartest band uniform in ; New Zealand, will be worn.' "There will be-a silver coin collection' for defraying expenses to the1 contest at Palmerston North.

HUTT PARK TRAINS

In today's issue will'be found the Railway Department's "• advertisement giving particulars of cheap'fares and train arrangements in connection with the Wellington Trotting 'Club's Summer Meeting at Hutt Park on February 3 and 4. ■ . ■ . ■-.■..