ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20492, 7 May 1938, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES “MARIE WALEWSKA” AT THE regent theatre Mounted with a spectacular lavishnf*ss. “Marie Walewska,” in which the incomparable Swedish actress Greta is co-starred with Charles Boyer, is a fine production. The story opens in 180 G, when Napoleon, on a trip to Poland to discuss Polish co-operation in return for protection from Russia, meets the Countess Walewska, youthful wife of the octogenarian count. The love that develops between them, her sacrifice of a home and reputation to be his devoted follower, the tragedy which occurs when Napoleon, through exigencies of national politics, is forced to marry the Ilabsburg Princess, Marie Louise—all have place in the compelling story which ends at Elba, where the countess visits Napoleon for the last time, accompanied by their four-year-old son. The settings of the film include the great Pontiatowski ballroom in Warsaw, Finckensteln Castle in Prussia where Napoleon and the Countess Walewska lived, Napoleon’s headquarters on the Island of Elba, and the stirring scenes of the Emperor’s retreat, from Moscow. The supporting programme includes “Jungle Juveniles,” a Pete Smith Oddity; "Glimpses of Austria,” a Fitzpatrick travelogue; the Cinesound Review and the British Air Mail News. “HAWAIIAN BUCKAROO” AT THE STATE THEATRE “Hawaiian Buckaroo,” starring Smith Ballew, the singing cowboy of the soreen, brings the virile drama and action-filled pace of the great southwest to the paradise isle of the Pacific for the first time. Swaggering into trouble and scrapping his way out, with lilting cowboy songs on his lips, a trouble-busting cowpuncher heads for a danger quest on the relentless trail of rustlers from the hills of Arizona to the shores of Waikiki. Ballew blazes new trails as he finds adventure and romance in the Pacific isle. The unusual situation of an author basing his novels on his own exploits as a gentleman criminal entails dramatic complications in “Double Danger,” In which Preston Foster and Whitney B.ourne have the leading roles. The exciting story revolves around the efforts of a police commissioner to capture a mysterious super-cracksman. The film of the Braddock-Farr boxing contest shows every detail of the thrilling ten-round bout.

“ADVENTURE'S END" AT THE THEATRE ROYAL A thrilling sea story framed against a Southern Seas canvas, “Adventure’s End,” tells of the love of Diana Gibson for John Wayne, who comes on board the whaling vessel after he has obtained a rich fortune in pearls, despite the efforts of natives to kill him. No sooner is Wayne safely aboard the vessel than he is attacked by Mauroml Olsen, Jlaylng the role of first mate. Olsen notices the curious manner in which Miss Gibson watches Wayne, and correctly suspects that she is interested in the newcomer. The story reaches a surprising climax following a mutiny at sea, a hurricane, and a tremendous struggle between a crew of men in a small boat who harpoon a whale. “Melody of the Plains” is a musical Western, with two song hits and a story packed with thrills. Fred Scott, who takes the lead, is a new screen personality, possessing not only the ability to ride and fight in the usual Western manner, but also a fine baritone voice. “A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS'* AT THE CIVIC THEATRE The combination of a Wodehouse story and the dancing and comedy gifts of Fred Astaire makes “ A Damsel in Distress” great entertainment. The film is a perfect vehicle for the talents of Fred Astaire, and for the comedy introduced by George Burns and Gracie Allen. Taken from the successful novel by P. G. Wodehouse, “A Damsel in Distress” tells the story of a love affair that commenced In a taxicab in London, when Astaire, whose publicity agents (George and Grace) have made him a reputation of being a great lover, is endeavouring to escape from pursuing \Vomen, and steps into the same taxi as Joan Fontaine (cast as Lady Alyce), who is equally determined to give her guardian the slip. Lady Aiyce’s guardian, Iveggs (Reginald Gardiner;, is left in the hands of the law through trying to force an entry into the taxi, and is reprimanded by his employer, Lady Aiyce’s mother. He saves himself by felling her of Aiyce’s clandestine meeting with the famous American dancer. The story continues on romantic and amusing lines until the exciting climax is reached. A Mickey Mouse cartoon in colour. “The Clock Cleaners.” is a feature of the slrong supporting programme. Anzac Day in Sydney, with the New Zealanders on parade, and views of the New Zealand team winning the Polo Cup are also shown. “THE BRIDE WORE RED” AT THE ROXY THEATRE Joan Crawford again demonstrates her artistry in “The Bride Wore Red.” Willi the star are her .actor-husband, Franchot Tone, and Robert Young In romantic competition. Utliers in the cast whose performances are noteworthy are Reginald Owen, Billie Burke. Lynne Carver, George Zucco and Dickie Moore. The story describes Die dramatic adventures of a charming girl who rose from poverty to wealth and then gained spiritual riches in love. Deepiv human in theme. "The Bride Wore Rod” has ttie recklessness and colour of Ihe waterfront as a background. Miss Crawford portrays (Continued in previous column)