AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 150, 28 June 1939, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

"DANGER ISLAND." ROXY-TIVOLI. Mr. Moto Peter Lorre ■Sutter Jean Hersholt Joan Castle Amanda Huff Twister McGurk Warren Hymer Commissioner Gordon . . Richard Lane Commissioner .Vladero .... .Leon Ames Director: Herbert I. Leeds (2<>th Century-Fox). A'teo: "LARGER THAN* LIFE," with Frank McHugti and Jane Wyman.

Peter Loire, one of the finest character actors in Holly-wood, is starred in the latest of the seriee dealing with the adventures of J. P. Marquand'e famous Japanese detective ejiaractei-, Mr. Moto, which opened at fche Rosy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. "Danger Island" is the title of the new film, and it is well-named; someone is in danger from start to finish, and the suspense is maintained to the final fade-out. The Hungarian star hae played "Mr. Moto" almost exclusively during the last year or two, and he lives the part- to .perfection in hie latest offering. His makaup is flawless, and in addition to acting convincingly he displays the remarkable jiu-iiteu ability that was a characteristic of Marquand's character. Heading the supporting caet Jean Hersholt is as convincing as usual in a role different from the sympathetic type he has had lately. He is cast ae a shrewd and suspicious businessman.

Lovely young Amanda Huff, who, -with Robert jJowery, introduces the romantic interest, showe eigne of fulfilling the promise she displayed in her earlier roles, and givee the best performance of her ehort career. Just a* impressive is Warren Hymer, of the rock-like jaw, who k ideally cast as a tough all-in wrestler fascinated by Hγ. Moto's jiu-jitsu ability. As the plot develops Mr. Moto, on tho trail of the murderer of officials connected with police anti-smugglinf? operations, goes to a swamp-bound island, the lair of the eimigjiler*. There he and his assistant ( Hymer) are captured, and undergo a .M'lies of hair-raising experiences before they escape and help the police to track down the crooks. Frank McHiiffh poi trays a modern American veiviou of Pygmalion when he I faJio in love with a statue, and then the tlirl who posed for it, in "Larger Than Life, ,, on the same programme. McHugh is well suited to farce-comedy roles of this type, and he has never 'been eeon to bettor advantage than in this him. Jane Wymim is excellent in the feminine lead, and tho strong cast includes, as well, Cora Withei spoon, Diana Lewis, Berton Churchill and Ferris Taylor. The film was finoothly directed by Lewis Seiler. REGENT. The great siieress of the "Thin Man" films, starring Myrna Loy and William Pov.ell. started a cycle of similar films in Hollywood, and now Britain has followed the lead with "This Man is News," opening at the Regent Theatre on Friday. It is only in spirit that this film is similar to tbe "'Thin Man" pictures, however, for the ftory is original and has a newspaper ollioe as a background. The plot, adapted from an original novel by two Scots newspapermen, tells of a star reporter who, by coincidence, becomes involved in n crime he has invented and is soon in darker of losing his life at the hands of ganprsters, and his jcb at the hands of a sceptical Scots news editor. Action ie fast throughout, and culminates in the chief crook being captured in ignominious circumstances by the reporter's wife. Barry K. Barnes is the reporter, and Alistair Sim the news editor. Valerie Hobson, who was featured in "The Drum," has the feminine lead. EMBASSY. Conclusive proof of the popularity of I the stars, Elisabeth Bergner and Michael Redgrave, are the crowds that have packed the Embassy Theatre for the showings of their latest screen vehicle, "Stolen Life." Redgrave is the young Englishman who made an instant success with his first screen appearance in "The Lady Vanishes," and he confirms the good impression he created in his debut by I giving a clever performance in "Stolen Life." Miss Bergner is better known than her leading man by reason of her triumphs in the field of emotional screen drama, notably in "Escape Me Never" and "Dreaming Lips." She acts right up to her highest standard in her latest appearance in a difficult dual role, as twin sisters. The story., of the complications that follow the impersonation by one of the girls as her married sister, has a strong psychological flavour, and is intensely interesting. MAJESTIC. Few more capable dramatic actreeeee than Kay Francis arc in Hollywood to-day, and the beautiful dark-haired etar acte up to her highest standard in "My Bill," booked to open at the recently-renovated Majestic Theatre on Friday next. She is cast as a widow, who has run through her inheritance and is faced with the problem \o( supporting her four children. The three i oldest leave her to go and live with a wealthy aunt when she is innocently involved in a ecandal. But her youngest stays with her, and it is with his help that she brings her family together again and clears her name. She has a difficult role, I but gives a convincing and entertaining I .performance. Bonita Granville, who [.--howed herself to be an actreee of real ability in "White Banners." Anita Louise. Bobby Jordan and Dickie Moore head the supporting cast. Sonnie Hale and Wilfrid Law son are starred in the associate attraction. "The Gaunt Stranger." screen version of Edtrar Wallace's famous novel, '•The Ringer." Louise Henry has the feminine lead.