AMUSEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 193, 17 August 1939, Page 17

AMUSEMENTS.

regent.

A thrilling document of British wartime aviation "Dawn Patrol," opens at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. There is a great east headed by Errol Flvnn, and including David Niven, Basil Rath-bone Cr ' s P- Flynn plays the part ?L. e "ashing Courtney, who, with Scott (David Niyen) forms a pair of hell-for-leather flying fools of the British Royal r lying Corps, continuing day after dav, after night, to wreak havoc with the enemy while death takes its toll regularly among their less experienced comrades. AVhen finally Courtney is grounded after being promoted to command of the 59th Squadron and is forced soon after to send Scott's green young brother to his death in the air, Niven turns on his old pal and renounces him. Mow Scott, in a great sequence, takes over Niven's death-sentence assignment in a great lone flight in enemy territory, creates a climatic moment, which, for sheer pulse-pounding drama, has yet to be equalled. It is a story of action and tragedy which future films will have difficulty in equalling. MAJESTIC. "The Gang's All Here," a detective melodrama relieved by touches of comedy, begins a season at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow. That star of British musical comedy, Jack Buchanan, does gome excellent acting in this thriller and in spite of lack of the usual aid of song or dance makes a bid for international honours. Edward Everett Horton maintains his | reputation as one of the cleverest actors Britain has produced, while Otto Kruger and Jack La Rue are both definite assets to the entertainment. John Forrest (Buchanan) is about to retire and write detective novels when he finds himself back at his old job as insurance investigator, to face many adventures, as he comes up against a gang of racketeers and thieves, before the film reaches its climax. 1 he second attraction is a story from the pen of the famous JCane Grey, "Heritage of the Desert," a Western drama packed with action, suspense and surprise, to say i nothing of comedy and romance. J.t is a superior outdoor production and a worthy brain-child of the noted writer. MAYFAIR. Next to nothing lies between the Seven Flying Santells and death as they perform their amazing feats of contortion and acrobatics. They will appear at the Mayfair Theatre for a season opening on Friday, and will perform twice daily. They dance and juggle on a single strand of wire, they balance on top of a pole 30 feet in the air, doing astounding acrobatic feats, and make many other daring acts. To be thoroughly appreciated they have to be seen. This is their first and only etafje engagement in Auckland prior to their appearance at the Centennial Exhibition. Their performance is presented in conjunction with the screening of "Old Bones of the River," a story of thrills and laughter in darkest Africa. The popular comedian, Will Hay. piays the leading role in this amusing film. PLAZA. Brilliantly acted, magnificently directed and skilfully produced, "Tail Spin," Twentieth Century-Fox's thrilling melodrama of three wemen who fly, will flash across the screcn > of the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. Here, told for the first time, is the exciting story of women of the sky, their split-second escapee and the heartthrobs behind their spectacular lives. Rarely has the screen dealt with a more compelling theme than this, and rarely has it succeeded in maintaining such breathless suspense from beginning to end. Three brilliant actresses play the leading roles. Alice Faye as the warm-hearted, reckless Trixie, does some brilliant acting, while Nancy Kelly as quiet, plucky Lois, and Constance Bennet as the cool, superior Gerry, also deserve high praise. Charles Farrell and Kane Richmond are the leading male players, meriting hearty applause. The film is one of the finest productions from the studios of Twentieth CenturyFox and it bears the unmistakable mark of the genius of the producer, Darryl F. Zanuck. >.

- v"The' ilattle Princesl" 'is Ifce fitting title pfc Bhirlesr TempkV latest production opening atvtne Civic Theatre to-morrow. The little princess of the screen gives the greatest performance of her 'meteoric career in this all-techni-colour film, her winsome smiles and tears being enough to delight any audience, however critical. "The Little Princess," one of the greatest and most popular classics in world literature, was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett at the height of her fame. It was an instantaneous success and, like "Little Lord Fauntleroy," its fame and popularity have never waned. An impressive cast supports Shirley Temple. Headed by Richard Greene and Anita Louise, It includes lan Hunter, Cesar Romero, Arthur Treacher and others. Walter Lang is the proud director of this outstanding film, and Gene Markey was associate producer. Other features in the Civic's holiday programme include two cartoons, the first, Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck in "The Whalers," and a technicolour Terry Toon film, "Barnyard Eggs-citement." STRAND. The irrepressible Jane Withers hits the top of the bill in her latest fast-moving picture, "Boy Friend." As the "kid Sister" of a two-fisted young police rookie, Jane finds that life is one. round ! of excitement —and romance. Her boy friend is George Ernest, who stars ** Billy Bradley. Back from military school all shiny and natty in a smart uniform, Billy sets the heart of Sally Murphy (Jane Withers) throbbing. He is her first "crush," and out they go together to buy ice creams, Sally walking on air. Billy's brother, who is in the police force, is killed by a gang of thieves, and Bally is determined to find out who the murderer is. Excitement follows excitement until the film reaches Its dramatic climax. The second 'attraction at the Strand Is Hughie Green and his Gang in "Melody and Romance." Hughie Green has bad a meteoric rise to fame.. Only 18 now, he has had four years of life as a star, and this film should do much to push him even further up the ladder of succeaa, EMBASSY. Even musical geniuses do not eacape from the fiery darts of cupid's bow. Johann Strauss was no exception, and the story of his romances take an important part In "The Great Walts," at the Embassy Theatre. A touching story, it tells how the great musician grows away from his former sweetheart to fall in love with his prima donna as he soars to fame. However, when, confronted by the two women, it is to . the old love that be turns, and it is his first sweetheart that shares the personal, tribute;, of* the Emperor Frans Josef in the eloping *cenes. To the music of Strausf tunes, and to the singing of Miliza Korjus in her first screen appearance, this remarkable picture sketches the life of the musician. Fernand Gravet takes the part of, Strauss, while the brilliant Polish opera etar, Miliza Korjns, makes her firist screen appearance am the singer Carla, and Luise Rainer. first actress to win the Academy Award twice in succession, stars as Poldl, the wife. of Btrauaa,« -