PICTURE FILMS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 8, 20 October 1943, Page 5

PICTURE FILMS.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. <. Screening finally to-night at S p.m., two unforgettable, pictures of Russia to-day, “In the Rear of the Enemy,” a thrill-packed drama of the worldfamous Russian ski troops. Second feature, “Russia Fights for Freedom.” Commencing to-morrow at 7.30 p.m. and again on Friday at 2 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., double feature programme, a thrilling mystery, “Night Monster,” with Irene Hervey and Lionel Atwill. Second feature, a riotous musical comedy, “Road Show," with Adolphe Menjou, Carole Landis and John Hubhard. Plus “Gang Busters,” Ep. 0. Shudders and mystery thrills dominate the action of UniverSal’s “Night Monster,” a shivery masterpiece among those dark and forbidding shock films which always fill theatre seats with patrons and patrons with gasps. Heading the list of players in “Night Monster” are Bela Lugosi and Lionel Atwill, a pair of names which loom brightly in any list of Hollywood favourites. This story, an original screen play by Clarence Upson Young, moves rapidly through a series of murders which take place in one of the gloomiest, creepiest settings yet constructed for the cameras.

Hal Roach’s latest comedy production, .‘’Road Show,” has a’ cast which boasts no less than nine of the topflight names in film comedy. This impressive line-up includes Adolphe Menjou, Carole Landis and John Hubbard. In addition, ‘‘Road Show,” introduces for the first time on the screen “The Charioteers,” the immensely popular radio team which makes its screen debut singing a group of Hoagy Carmichael tunes written especially for the picture. The hero is played by John Hubbard. Adolphe Menjou, whose screen talents are too well known to need further discussion, is cast as Colonel Carraway, while lovely blonde Carole Landis plays the role of Penguine Moore,