CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 92, 15 October 1940, Page 4

CURRENT ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. All the riotous colour and gorgeous beauty of the romantic South Seas are alive on the screen in Paramount's Technicolor production, "South of Samoa," which is showing at the Regent Theatre. More glamorous and more gaily dressed than ever, Dorothy Lamour is the vibrant castaway on an uninhabited island, while her companion is a chimpanzee she has raised and trained. Then Robert Preston and Lynne Overman are forced to abandon ship on her paradise shore. The tempestuous romance, and the traitorous actions of J. Carrol Naish, Polynesian chief, who is chasing the sailors, mount up with suspense to the climax of a tropical typhoon. ST. JAMES THEATRE. "Adventure in Diamonds," which heads the bill at the St. James Theatre, has an entertaining and refreshing theme written round the exploits of an illicit diamond ring and their efforts to smuggle rich hauls from South Africa. The stqry is well handled and has many amusing interludes. The romantic angle is provided by George Brent and Isa Miranda. International jewel brigands, fascinating adventuresses, romantic-minded army officers, and leaders of sophisticated South African society are incorporated! in this film of high intrigue. I MAJESTIC THEATRE. Now in its third week at the Majestic Theatre, "Edison the Man" is still attracting large audiences. Like most truly great souls, Edison was as approachable as he was kindly, and though his mind broadened with the progress of the years he was always at one with his employees in sympathy and understanding. From the days when he commenced life as a country telegraphist to the crown of his career one fact is well brought out in the film, his thoroughness in perfecting and amplifying his discoveries. As a story, "Edison the Man" is attractive because of the loyalty of his wife and picked permanent staff. OPERA HOUSE. The sheer delight of brilliant singing, the splendour of the pre^revolution days in Russia, and the tragic effect of the revolution itself on the aristocrats are skilfully blended in "Balalaika," which is showing at the Opera House. There is a polish about the film version 3f this popular play that comes only from expert and artistic direction and consistently high quality of acting. Nelson Eddy, of course, is alone sufficient reason for the success of "Balalaika," but with him is Ilona Massey to add her beautiful voice. Frank Morgan and Charles Ruggles are two old favourites in the large cast. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The entertaining adventures of a shipping magnate's son (Bing Crosby) and his mate (Bob Hope) who prefer the variety of the East to the dull routine of office work, form the material from which has been fashioned "The Road to Singapore," principal attraction at the Paramount Theatre. The story has plenty of humour and there are several catchy songs by Bing Crosby, Dorothy Lamour supplies the romantic interest. The sucond big feature is the latest production in the "Dad and Dave" series. It is entitled "Dad Rudd, M.P.," and is in every respect a highly creditable-en-tertainment capable of standing on its own merits in company with the best products of the American studios. ROXY THEATRE. "On Your Toes,". which is showing at rhe Roxy Theatre, offers a double dose of entertainment. It stars Zorina, an exotic dancer of extraordinary versatility and charm. But "On Your Toes" is not solely. an exhibition of dancing. In a way the dancing is only incidental to uproarious comedy. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., and Madeleine Carroll are stars of "Safari." NEW PRINCESS THEATRE. Lusty outdoor drama of the pioneer west, "Song of the.. Plains," is showing at the Princes: Theatre. The picture presents Nelson Eddy in his most virile characterisation to date. The second feature is "Buck Benny Rides Again," Jack Benny's newest picture for Paramount and undoubtedly his funniest. REX THEATRE. An entertaining romantic comedy, centring around New Yoi'k's Radio City, "Radio City Revels," heads the bill at the Rex Theatre. Bob Burns, Jack Oakie. Kenny Baker, and Ann Miller head the cast. The associate film is "Sky Grant," a thrilling story of gallant airmen who blaze an air trail from America to England, via Alaska and Siberia. Richard Dix, j Chester Morris, and Joan Fontaine are starred. Entertaining and topical supports complete the programme. VOGUE THEATRE, BROOKLYN. "Juarez" (pronounced "War-ezz"), starring Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Brian Aherne, Claude Rains, John Garfleld, Donald Crisp, is showing at the Vogue Theatre. Lola Lane and Paul Kelly are starred in "Tqrchy Blame in Panama," the associate film. Selected supports complete the programme. GRAND THEATRE, PETONE.. "Lucky to Me" and "Women With' out Names" conclude at the Grand Theatre tonight. Commencing tomorrow Republic Pictures present Lloyd Nolan, Barton Maclane, and Lola Lane in a film that has every kind of thrill, "Gangs of Chicago." Clive Brook, Garry Marsh, and Anna Lee are starred in Robert Morley's outstanding stage success "Return to Yesterday," the second feature. STATE THEATRE, PETONE. "Remember," starring Robert Taylor and Greer Garson. with Lew Ayres, is showing at the State Theatre. Flawlessly cast, the picture was given the deft direction of Norman Z. McLeod, who made '"Topper" pictures, and a fast-action screen play by McLeod and Corey Ford, national magazine writer and humorist. PALACE THEATRE, PETONE. "Two Fisted Ranger" and "Mother by Proxy" will conclude at the Palace Theatre tonight. Five tense dramas within a drama is the distinctive thrill that is offered in "Tell No Tales," featuring Melvyn Douglas and Louise Platt, the attraction . tomorrow. Franchot Tone and Franciska Gaal are starred in "The Girl Downstairs," the second feature. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE, WOBURN. The Saint's in a spot of trouble in the film, "The Saint's Double Trouble," starring George Sanders, which is showing at the Prince Edward Theatre. .He finds that he has a double in New York who signatures his. crimes with The Saint's emblem. Sacha Guitry. greatest -French actor,: makes his English screen debut in "The Cheat," the second feature, KING GEORGE THEATRE, LOWER HUTT. Celebrating his thirtieth anniversary in motion pictures with one of the outstanding characterisations of his career, Lionel Barrymore comes to the King George Theatre in the picturisation of last season's great Broadway success, "On Borrowed Time." Beulah Bondi, Una Merkel, Bob Watson, Nat Pendleton, Henry Travers, and Grant Mitchell are others ia the cast.

CITY AND SUBURBAN THEATRES

KING'S THEATRE. Not since "Jesse James" has Tyrone Power had a role like that of "Johnny Apollo" in the drama of that title which co-stars him with Dorothy Lamour at the King's Theatre. "Johnny Apollo" is the alias of a young college man, a banker's son, who turns mobster when the father he idolised is sent to prison and his wealthy friends turn against him. Dorothy Lamour is more alluring than ever as "Lucky" Dubarry, night club entertainer, who understands and loves the boy, no matter what he does. PLAZA THEATRE. Some of the screen's most able players appear, in support of Maureen O'Hara, new Irish discovery, in "A Bill of Divorcement," a powerful drama of sacrifice which is showing at the Plaza Theatre. Portraying the principal roles are Adolphe Menjou as a shell-shocked husband, Fay Bainter as his frustrated wife, Herbert Marshall as the latter's suitor, Dame May Whitty^ Patric Knowles, C. Aubrey Smith, and Ernest Cossart. Miss O'Hara is cast as the daughter whose sudden realisation that there is a streak of tainted mentality in her family brings about a crisis in her life. DE LUXE THEATRE* The comedy team of Priscilla Lane, Wayne Morris, Jane Bryan, Eddie Albert, Jane Wyman, and Ronald Reagan, which first made its bow in; "Brother Rat," makes a welcome return in "Brother Rat and a Baby," the main attraction at the De Luxe Theatre. It relates further adventures of the six who, in "Brother Rat,' played havoc with the discipline in an American military college. The supporting film, "Tear Gas Squad, mixes music with a story of a policeman's revenge on the gangsters who murdered his brother. The cast includes Dennis Morgan, John Payne, and Gloria Dickson. The programme commences with a 15-minute community sing. STATE THEATRE. "Cross-country Romance" and "Millionaires in Prison" conclude tonight at the State Theatre. Heading the State Theatre's new programme tomorrow will be "The 39; Steps," an ingenious adaptation of John Buchan's well-known story of the machinations of an international spy organisation and. the exciting adventures that befell a man in his efforts to outwit the gang. Robert Donat proves an admirable Richard Hannay, his personality being particularly well suited to the role of the adventurous young Canadian. Madeleine Carroll has a difficult part, but she invests it with the light and shade that only an accomplished' actress can command. Her racy comedy scenes with Donat balance the tense drama of the story. The associate feature will be "Love j Takes Flight," the story of a transPacific flight, starring Bruce Cabot and Beatrice Roberts. TIVOLI THEATRE. The motion picture treatment of Rudyard Kipling's greatest novel, "The Light That Failed," starring Ronald Colman, and featuring Walter Huston, Ida Lupino, Muriel Angelus, Dudley Digges, and many others, is showing at the Tivoli. "The Light That Failed" is a powerful romance which takes place in London and the Sudan during the closing. years, of the last century. Few motion - picture thrillers have been released which equal the eventful pace with which the director plays the emotions of love, greed, fear, revenge, patriotism, and espionage against each other in "Calling Philo Vance," the second feature. RIVOU THEATRE. Hailed as one of the most exciting and romantic films ever brought to the screen, "Devil on Wheels," which is showing at the Rivoli Theatre, forcefully depicts all the lure of the great sport of motor racing on world-famed tracks. Pat O'Brien, Ann Sheridan, Gale Page, John Payne, and Frank McHugh head the cast. "Black Friday," heralded as the newest idea in horror pictures, with Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi in the starring roles, is the second feature. TUDOR THEATRE. The screen's loveliest new star, Linda Darnell, appears in "Star Dust," the 20th Century-Fox film which has been transferred to the Tudor Theatre. "Star Dust" tells of the two plucky smalltown youngsters who love each other, sharing their ambitions and their heartaches in the great adventure that is Hollywood. Handsome John Payne is the boy. Laughter afloat and ashore is the keynote of the associate film, "Sailor's Lady." Nancy Kelly and Jon Hall head the cast. SEASIDE THEATRE, LYALL BAY. There is plenty of varied entertainment in "Spies of the Air," showing at the Seaside Theatre. The story deals with the leakage of secrets from a lonely aerodrome where yet another super-fast plane is being nursed to completion for the Air Force. "That's Right—You're Wrong," the associate film, marks the debut of Kay Kyser, noted orchestra leader. ASCOT THEATRE. Cheerful, wholesome comedy is the order at the Ascot Theatre. "He Married His Wife," starring Joel McCrea and Nancy Kelly, is a hilarious romance full of complex situations. With it is showing "What Would You Do, Chums?" Syd Walker and Jean Gillie unfold a human story of light character with an impressive message to all. The supporting items of the programme are varied and topical. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. "Dark Victory," the Warner Bros, film which is showing at the Capitol tonight, presents Bette Davis as the ill-starred heroine of one of the most tenderest, one of the most poignantly beautiful romances ever unfolded upon the screen. Included in the cast are George Brent and Humphrey Bogart. The associate attraction is a Higgins Family comedy, "The Covered Trailer," featuring James Gleason. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A sophisticated and amusing film story of scandal in high places, Walter Wangers "S'iightly Honourable," with a cast headed by Pat O'Brien, Edward Arnold, Ruth Terry, and Broderick Crawford, is showing at the Empire Theatre. This is a picture that strikes along two entertainment fronts, coupling a strong dramatic plot with a smart comedy theme. The associate film is "Whispering Enemies." starring Jack Holt. REGAL THEATRE, KARORI. Walt Disney's latest masterpiece, "Pinocchio," is having its first suburban ( screening at the Regal Theatre. The great master of the animated cartoon has used all of his skill in the production of this full-length feature, and the result is a realism that is amazing. "Pinocchio" is painted on a broader canvas than the popular "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" —its action ranges over land and sea, in the caverns under the ocean, and away again to the sinister Pleasure Island,