ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20732, 16 February 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES RUSSIAN BALLET TO-NIGHT This evening, beginning at 8 o’clock, the directors of J. C. Williamson Theatres. Ltd., will present the famous Covent Garden Russian Ballet in three of their most brilliant, productions—namely, “Carnaval.” “The Swan Lake” and “Les Presages,” in each of which the principal dancers and the whole company achieved their biggest successes in London, Australia and Auckland. The Covent Garden Russian Ballet is by far the greatest and most important attraction ever brought to New Zealand by J. C. Williamson. The plans will be on view at the box plan office uiftil 5 o’clock, and afterwards seats may be selected at the Theatre Royal. The Russian Ballet includes such noted artists as Irina Baronova, Tatiana Riaboushinska, Anton Dolin, David Lichine. Paul Petroff, Tamara Grigorieva, Anna Volkova, Sono Osato, Roman Jasinsky, Yura Lasowsky and others whose names are well known the world over. “Carnaval,” which was created by Mr Michael Fokine. is staged under this famous choreographist’s personal direction. The regisseur-general is Serge Grigorieff, and the symphony orchestra is under the direction of Antal Dorati one of the world's most notable conductors. There are over 100 people concerned in the three ballets, which will be staged with all the magnificent scenery, wardrobe and lighting effects that were brought direct from London to Australia and New Zealand from the Covent Garden Theatre. ROXY THEATRE Made from the best-selling novel by Francis Wallace, “Kid Galahad” deals not only with those elements of the boxing ring with which everyone is familiar, but with the behind-scenes manoeuvring of fighters and managers. Eddie Robinson (staunchly backed by his girl friend “Fluff.” played by Bette Davis) has one contender for the championship. Humphrey Bogart has another. There is an 11-round fight for the championship, a duel to the death between the two managers after the fight, some vast scenes of Madison Square Garden—and yet, .vithal. a tender romance between Eddie’s fighter and Eddie’s sister. Joe E. Brown has been almost everything in the sport world —prizefighter, racer, circus clown, hiuTijumper, bike-rider, hoofer, acrobat — and in “Polo Joe” he comes as a synthetic polo player. Again he portrays the meek soul who tries to cover his fright at his own limitations by insisting that they do not exist, with entertaining results. REGENT THEATRE “The Crowd Roars” is a thrilling tale of the boxing ring, in which excitement, romance and comedy are blended in very entertaining fashion. Robert Taylor appears as a professional boxer, under the control of a gambler. In his first fight at Madison Square Gardens, McCoy (Taylor) finds himself opposed by his former instructor, who is attempting to regain the light-heavy-weight championship of the world. With an unfortunate blow McCoy kills his friend and sports writers at the ringside are led to believe that it was a “lucky" punch. The story is brought to an exciting conclusion with a contest for the world’s championship. A fine supporting cast includes Maureen O’Sullivan, Frank Morgan and Edward Arnold. LAUREL AND HARDY Laurel and Hardy will be seen on Saturday in the last film they made together, “Blockheads.” STATE THEATRE “Racing Lady” deals with a wealthy automobile manufacturer who uses his string of thoroughbred horses and his attractive girl trainer solely as a publicity venture

to aid his business. He runs into trouble, however, when he attempts to scratch the" horse that this girl raised from a colt, simply because he was not certain that the steed could meet the requirements of his stable policy “win or nothing”! “15 Maiden Lane” presents Claire Trevor and Cesar Romero, supported by Lloyd Nolan and Robert McWade, in a clasli of vivid personalities set in the world-famous jewel centre. The film is a thrilling story of an almost impossible diamond theft, and holds the close interest of the audience as it works up to its exciting climax. “BOSS OF LONELY VALLEY” “Boss of Lonely Valley,” an exciting Western film featuring Buck .lones, and “Gateway,” with Don Ameche and Arleen Whelan, will be screened to-morrow.