Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 103, 3 May 1941, Page 6

Amusements Reviewed

"GONE WITH THE WIND." ST. JAMES'. Rhett Butler Clark Gable Scarlett OHara Vivien Leigh Ashley Wilkes Leslie Howard Melanie Hamilton Olivia de Havllland Brent Tarleton George Reeves i Stuart Tarleton Fred Crane I Director: victor Fleming (Selznick-M-G-M). Hollywood's great creation ami ciwniachievement arrived at St. .James' i heatro yesterday, and the Auckland multitude, or as much of it as could be squeezed into the capacity sessions, bowed down in adoration. David Selznick and M.G.M. (put ail tliev had into the creation of "Gone With the Wind," and found it good. Did they then rest from their labours? No, they set about telling the world about it, even to the uttermost ends of the earth. And so, in due course, it came to this far corner, to a palpitant Auckland—it was seen, and it conquered, t he novel picture-show tribute of applause at the fall of the curtain marked the screening in the evening. One of those rare productions in -which mechanicians, cast and producing coterie are caught at their peak to tit like a glove, even in the finest details, into the whole magnificent scheme, it is that freak of technical perfection—the .producer's dream. As it unfolded its spell of glorious tec-hnicolour and glamorous scene, of moving story, tender romance, tragedy and splashes of comedy, it held Auckland patrons last night thrilled and entertained—and they were incredulous that four hours should seem so short. "Gone With the Wind" follows Margaret Mitc'hell's famous book almost to literal translation. For those who have not read the book it may be mentioned that it is a human, throbbing history of a man and a maid in the adventurous days of the American Civil War. Clark Gable lias the man's role as Khett Butler. Yes, the Clark Gable whose reckless eye in earlier restrained roles has titillated so many maiden hearts. Here lie is let as a conquering male wit'U cave-man instincts in pursuit of 'his soul-mate. Ooh, girls, is he a thrill? And Vivien Leigh, as Scarlett o'llara, his quarry, fights back with a woman's weapons. She is the artistic embodiment of tlie .poet's eternal female—in our hours of ease, uncertain, coy and hard to please, but in times of stress a ministering angel. The prosperity, war. .poverty and resurgence -of the South is a thrilling story of itself, (but it is dominated by the human, pulsing tale <»f Rhett Butler ancl Scarlett O Hara. 'Hie high-spirited girl is hammered on the anvil of misfortune, -to rise and fight again against fate, while the caveman clubs her again and again to beat out the false values overlaying the gold he glimpses in her refractory heart. Character studies by a huge, talented cast give a legion of flashing sidelights to the story—Leslie Howard as the soul of chivalry. Olivia de Havilland the perfect wife. Hattie McDanioll the scolding, comforting and laughing coloured mammy, and a dozen others. Exquisite adjustment keeps an immense field easily focused for patrons, whose enjoyment of this enormous delicacy never flagged. When it was all lapped u.n they were loft licking the last crumbs off their lips, and asking _ for more. Even the inevitable cynic is denied ,his chance of wheezing that he d rather have a hard-boiled e Tn Gable's Rhett _ Butler the hard-boiled egg is there for his special benefit. "DIAMOND FRONTIER." MAJESTIC. r McLaglen Charles Clayton j ohn Loder £?o£"®„ Kreußer Anne Na e e l Philip Dorn rV wi i Cecil Kellau-ay Derek Bluje ..... Francis Ford Director: Harold Schuster (Universal). Also, "I'M NOBODY'S SWEETHEART NOW " with Dennis O'Keefe and Constance Moore. Shooting and riding, and fights with natives and jungle animals are featured m '•Diamond Frontier," the Universal production which heads the new programme at the Majestic Theatre. Laid in South Africa of the 1870's, tile picture tells of the crimes of a group of diamond miners and their eventual downfall through the efforts ot a man they have had wrongfully sentenced to years of penal servitude. The film authentically reproduces historic incidents connected with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa in 1869-70. The picture opens with the discovery, in the hands of children, of a large diamond. When its source is located there follow a stampede, fights for claims, ruthless warfare between diggers and outlaws who strive to control the fields.

Leader of the trio of miners who get control of the output of a diamond town i:i \ ictor McLaglen. The man he hats convicted on a trumped-up charge is Charles Clayton, played by John Loder, who had returned to the town to become a doctor. Escaping from the penal camp, T- 1 'help of a character portrayed by Siegfried Arno, and later with the aid of another character known as Noah, the doctor returns to see justice done. "Diamond frontier" is excellent entertainment because of its exciting action, tense moments and the nature of the background of the dram-a. The supporting cast, in addition to MeLaglen and Loder. includes Lionel Belmore, Anne Nagel, Cecil Kellaway and many others.

The associate film on the new programme is Universal's gay comedy romance with music, "I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now." It is an amusing mixture of laughter and lilting tunes. The story concerns the romantic problems of two pairs of young lovers whose marriage plans are obstructed by politics and parental objections. In the ensuing complications there is plenty of amusement, with the young lovers emerging victorious. The picture features a cast of youthful favourites, including Dennis O'Keefe, Constance Moore, Helen Parrish and Lewis Howard. In addition to the title song, two new melodies are introduced in the film by Constance Moore. ROXY—TIVOL*I. Patrons of the Roxv and Tivoli Theatres can look forward to thrilling, action packcd entertainment where "Pier 13," new 20th Century-Fox film, is screening. With New York's exciting waterfront as the background, "Pier 13" is played by a particularly fine cast which includes lovely Lynn Bari, Lloyd Nolan, Joan Valerie and Douglas Fowley. Although it is a heartpounding story of right against wrong, "Pier 13 'is packed with comedv. Lynn Ban has another fine part and Lloyd Nolan is cast in a surprise role. There are many laugh-producing exchanges of repartee when he meets Lynn in "Pier 13." Replete with thrilling mysterv. romance and spine-tingling twists in its plot, "Murder Over New York," a detective film from the 20th Century-Fox studios, makes an excellent associate film. Suave, sure Sidney Toler again portrays the super screen sleuth Charlie OJian. The story deals with the case of a sabotaged stratosphere bomber. with Charlie Chan battling deathdealing spies high in the skies over Americas greatest city. OXFORD—AVON. I The rich possibilties for excitement which spring from a film to do with ! , lave , be ?n exploited in Jail. Dark and Handsome," which is screening at the Oxford and Avon theatres. With Cesar Romero in the leading role, the film is not just another gangster film, but an exciting and amusing picture making good entertainment. r amiliar to many as the "Cisco Kid" Cesar is seen as a tender-hearted gangster, who rather than kill his victims locks them up and keeps them healthy and well. Attractive Virginia Gilmor'e supplies the romantic inferest. Cesar discovers her and in order to get more closely acquainted decides to pretend that he has a family—which he quickly invents—so that he can invite her to become a nurse in his home. The pace of the story never slackens, and matters are brought to a surprising finish, in a way which few would expect. Extremelygood in his part is Stanley Clements as a tough kid. Also screening is "Yesterday's Heroes," with Robert Sterling and Jean Rogers. Mingling excitement and romance, it tells the story of a vouii" medical student who deserts his childhood sweetheart upon becoming a football hero and marries a' celebrity hunting college widow, only to find his little world blown up in front of his facc. Direction was by 8.1. Leeds.

"THE ROAD TO 'FRISCO." KKG EXT. Joe Fabrlni George Raft Cassle Hartley Ann Sheridan Lana Cariser. Ida Lupino Paul Fabrinl Humphrey Bogart Pearl Fabrini Gale Page Ed Carlsen Alan Hale Director: Raoul Walsh (Warner Brothers). "I he Road to 'Frisco," the Warner Brothers feature which has opened at the Kegent i.s a thrilling and most human story, based on the lives of the holloweyed,sleepless men who drive heavy trucks by night along the winding roads of the North American continent, in an odds-on fight against death or financial ruin in a desperate attempt to win economic independence. It is not a gangster picture, yet it is made of the stuff of adventure, and is packed with thrills. Big trucks toppling in names to destruction, two-fisted fights between grimy, 'half-crazed drivers, and the ceaseless battle of wits waged by o" ner-drivers against the agents of rapacious fruit traders and instalment companies, with the sympathies of the audi-1 enco always heavily on the side of the drivel's, make the picture a telling commentary on a cruelly hard phase of the American road transport industry. But it is not all shade. There are relieving flashes of humour, and throughout the dialogue is crisp and racy. Indeed, even without the thrills, the excellence of the dialogue makes the film first-class entertainment. George Raft, Alan Hale, Ann Sheridan, Ida Lupino. Gale Page and Humphrey Bogart head the uncominonlv strong cast, ensuring the faultless enacti»e»t °f the story. In addition to the thrills of the road there is a cunninglyconceived murder, and in the court scene Icl.i Lupino, in the role of a selfish and faithless wife, rises to great dramatic heights which give* a crashing climax to the. story. Jhe I > athe British newsreel. which is a feature of the supporting programme. depicts London firemen fighting the names in the jrreat fire blitz of December 29. an appalling spectacle. Other scenes show the launching of the battleship Duke of York. There is an hilarious cartoon and a teehnicolouf" short Out Where the Stars Begin," which is as amusing as it is beautiful. "THE LONG VOYAGE HOME." . CENTURY. Joh » Wayne Thomas Mitchell lan Hunter ZSrJ*£■;". Barry Fitzgerald ' The Captain Wilfred Lawson eda Mildred Natwick Director: John Ford (United Artists). A packed house at the Century Theatre last night was greatly impressed with the ai tistic nature of the United Artist.s- \\ anger production of "The Lrong Voyage Home, w'hicji must rank as one of the great .pictures of the year. Fabricated ot four Eugene O'Neill plays of t'lie sea, tins is a stirring tale of seamen in the manner of director John Ford (who has given us many notable pictures), and the ianions screen playwright, Dudley Nichols, a pair whose collaborations in tlie past have established a style of their own. .Nealism. mood, tension and suspense are essentials of the Ford-Nichols product a congeniality of techniques brought l 'to flower in this offering. Givinc value to each of the plays merged in the picture, the script is so devised that most of the action takes .place alboard a steamer carryinc munitions to England. The highlight the picture is a„ attack upon tlie ship from a plane, resulting in the death of the principal. Another .has died before this in a storm which is an other highlight lhe Shanghai-ing of another principal provides the ending. However development of character is emphasised t'hrouerhout the picture. I'ortravin- the sailors whose yearnings and adventures compose the story. Thomas Mitchell, lan Hunter John Oualen. John Wavne. ™' T Fitzgerald and Ward Bond, and VV ilfred Lawson, as the captain, turn in exceHent performances, as do others in imnJ Strength of plot, power to impress, and force ot narrative are, in the case of other Ford-Nichols films, characteristics that ff o to make this film such a noteworthy entertainment.

The programme of secondary films on this new programme are of much ' H,^ ded stage presentation thih e\ enin<- -will be the appearance of Swhm "'T ? ncl Ri ? har, l Morris, two injthm pianists from the-Air Base.

EMBASSY. "rL-^T'^'; 1 - and emotional picture, Back Street is screening at the Embassy liZ tr lir Wltl > Clarles Bo > er an <l Margaret Sullivan in the leading roles, Fannie Huists novel, which created a sensation when it was first published, is faithfully portrayed with its wealth of characterisation and drama which at times is very tense. 1-ine performances are given by ail the actors, who seem to have sensed the atmosphere of the novel and brought it to the screen in truthful fashion. Charles Uoyer plays a part which is rather less sympathetic than usual. He is seen as a prosperous banker, Walter Saxel, from w , Orleans, who falls in love with Margaret Sul avan charming in her part of Kay Smith. The two plan to marry, but are frustrated owing to an unfortunate incident. \\ alter marries another woman but when he meets Ray later falls in love with her again. He wishes to get a divorce from his wife, but as this is not practicable the two become illicit lovers. In supporting roles Richard Carlson as a neighbourhood sweetheart of Ray, and Frank McHugh, as a witty and sensible salesman of Celtic origin, are outstanding. The film has in addition to its splendid acting gome beautiful photographic scenes, and in all technical respects is finely polished. Direction was by Robert otevenson. PLAZA. The Thief of Bagdad"' continues to delight audiences at the Plaza Theatre. A fantasy in beautiful tec-hnicolour, it has as its leading actors Sabu, Conrad eidt, June Duprez, John Justin and Rex Ingram. The opening scenes, showing the busy waterways of an Eastern city some centuries ago have been reconstructed in all their magnificence of colour. Throughout the picture colour is extremely pleasing; it is, in fact, an integral part of the picture. Sabu, the young- Indian actor, gives a sound performance as a young thief who serves -as faithful companion to a monarch dethroned and blinded by a usurper. His adventures (and they are many) are the central theme of the film. One of the most extraordinary scencs is when Sabu discovers a djinni, and with the cunning and smartness that his carefree life has given to him makes him his servant. One wonders how these scenes weire made. In them Sabu. compared with the djinni, is as diminutive a person as Prince David was compared with Gulliver. Magic, colour and romance blend delightfully in this film to make a composite, which is like a marvellous dream. Alexander Korda has dared to produce something different from what has previously appeared on the screen and he has succeeded fully. STRAND. James Stewart and Rosalind Russell are the centre of interest in "No Time for Comedy" a picture which belies its title. It is screening at the Strand Theatre. Adapted from a stage'play which won a high reputation 011 Broadway, it is a comedy of situation and dialogue founded on a spirit ot' iconoclasm. The dialogue is of a particularly sprightly nature .and the situations are delightfully humorous. Stewart plays the part of a country playwright who comes to the big town and startles everyone by writing in such understanding fashion of the "Park Avenue Crowd. ' Rosalind Russell is seen in the role of a successful stage actress who learns of Stewarts formula for writing successful plays. Two of Hollywood s best screen writers have captured the scintillating spirit of the original show and have brought it to the screen in undiluted fashion. The playwright, after writing and winning a high reputation in New York, is led into an attempt to write a play "with a message." By so doing ho alienates the affections of his wife, and is rewarded by seeing his pli>v a miserable failure. Genevieve Tobin, Charles Rugglcs, Allyn Joslyn, Clarence Kolb and Louise Beavers make up the talented array of supporting players Direction was by William Keighley.

"KITTY FOYLE." CIVIC. Kitty Foyle dine-- Rogers Wyn Strafford Der. "J Morgan Mark James Craig Giono Eduardo CLannelU Pop Ernest Cossart Mrs. Strafford Gladys Cooper Director: Sam Wood (RKO Radio). A critical review of "Kitty Foyle," which began, a season at the Civic Theatre last night, could have many effective openings. It could be simply: ".La.st night I saw a really hue picture," or then, it might be, "To see Cinder Kogers in the name role of 'Kitty i'oyle" ■was t.> know and understand why she won this year's Academy Award ae the screen's leading actrese." Or again, "An oddly effective realism has been attained — as well as a new film technique—by the use of the name character not only as the primiiial actor, but as a commentator uipon the reasoning of her action." Each of those statements ■would be true, but let us put it rather that in the dramatisation of Christopher Morley's "Kitty Foyle," a remarkable actress, Ginger Kogers, 'has made a character out of a book come to life, not only ■with full understanding herself, but •with the full understanding of the onlookerts. Ginger Kogers, who whirled into public acclaim as the dancing partner of Fred Astaire in "Top Hat" and other similar roles . . . who shocked her public a little, but showed her possibilities, when she threw off that character suddenly to appear in the somewhat sordidly dramatic "Primrose l'ath," who charmed again ill the light sophistication of "Lucky Partners" . . . lias, in "Kitty Koyle," touched the zenith of her career. Story, direction,! supports and dressing all given their due, it is still her personal triumph. She makes "the natural history of a woman" — just a .business girl—a really gripping drama. It is a simple story on the ■we l )- ■worn triangle theme ... a -woman and two men, one charming, accomplished, wealthy, the other also charming, but blunt and struggling. Behind it all is a father who taught her to stand on her own feet, to light back and to be honest with herself. To explain it would take columns . . . and Ginger does it so much ilvottei- on the screen. Dennis Morgan and •James Craig show more than usual ipromi.se in the .-portiayal of t.hcir roles. A newsreel, an Kdgar Kennedy comedy, a community singing film, and other entertaining features are on the shorts programme. and there is a special attraction in the playing of loved English melodies by Howard Moody at the grand organ, and a beautifully staged "Britannia" tableau, with Stewart Harvey singing "There'll Always Be An England." STATE. "Pride and Prejudice." which is showing at the State Theatre, tells of the Bcnnet family, with its live daughters, their inishi.ng but well-meaning mother, and their endearing and understanding father. A film of romance and secondly of comedy and manners, it has at the head of its cast Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, who give charming and entertaining perform a noes. VOGUE. Love comes again to Andy Hardy in "Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever," which, with Mickey Rooney i*i the starring role, is screening at the Yocue Theatre. The story, like all Hardy ones, is excellent. Also showing is "Viva Cisco Kid." with Cesar Koniero. Romero in a dashing part is likely to fall for any senorita who Miiiles upon him. and the adventures that befall him through this weakness arc •many. AMUSEMENT GUIDE. CIVIC SQUARE —Amusement Park. PICTURE THEATRES. j STRAND—James Stewart and Rosalind Russell in "No Time For Comedy." i CENTURY—John Wayne and Thomas Mltehell in "The Long Voyage Home." ClVlC—Ginger Rogers and Dennis Morgan in "Kitty Foyle." MAJESTIC—Victor McLaglen In "Diamond Frontier" and Helen Parrish in "I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now." ROXY—Lynn Bari In "Pier 13" and Sydney Toler in "Murder Over New York." ST. JAMES'—Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in "Gone With The Wind." REGENT—Ann Sheridan and George Raft in "The Road To 'Frisco." PLAZA—Conrad Veidt and June Duprez In "Thief Of Bagdad." OXFORD—Cesar Romero In "Tall, Dark and Handsome" and Jean Rogers In "Yesterday's Heroes." EMRASSY—CharIes Boyer and Margaret Sullavan in "Back Street." ASTOR—"My Son, My Son" and "Emergency Squad." ADELPHI—"The Sea Hawk" and "Girl In 313." AVONDALE—"The Secret Of Dr. Klldare" and "Road To Singapore." ALEXANDRA—CIosed for Rebuilding. AMBASSADOR—"Honeymoon In Bali" and "The Saint's Double Trouble." BRITANNIA—"Andy Hardy Meetd A Debutante" and "Untamed." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)—" Congo Malsle." CAPITOL—"Judge Hardy and Son" and "Wolf Of New York." CRYSTAL PALACE—"AII This And Heaven, Too." DE LUXE—"Four Wives" and "Outside The 3Mile Limit." DELTA (New Lynn)—"Tom Brown's School Days" and "He Married His Wife." FORESTERS (Birkenhead)—"The Light That Fulled." GREY LYNN—"The Ghost Breakers" and "Sporting Blood." GAlETY—"Broadway Melody." LIBERTY (Parnell) —"Adventure In Diamonds" and "Earl Of Chicago." MAYFAIR (Sandrlngham)—"Hollywood Cavalcade" and "Remember?" NEW ROYAL—"Spring Parade" and "Remember?" PEERLESS (St. Heller's) —"Sherlock Holmes" and "It Could Happen To You." PRINCE EDWARD—**2I Days Together" and "Sandy Is A Lady." PRINCESS—"The Mark Of Zorro" and "Charter PICTUREDROME (Milford)- —"My Favourite Wife." RECTAL—"I Married A Nazi" and "The Great Profile." REGENT (Epsom)—" The Old Maid" and "Barricade." RIALTO—"AII This And Heaven, Too." BIALTO (Sunday)—"So This Is London" and "Wallaby Jim Of The Islands." STATE (Symonds Street)—" Pride And Prejudice." STATE (Onehunga)—"Tin Pan Alley" and Fugitive From Justice." STATE (Devonport)—"Bluebird" and "Castle On the Hudson." STRAND (Onebunra)—"Nick Carter, Master Detective" and "Woman Is The Judge." SOUTHERN CROSS (EUerslie)—"Balalaika" and "Five Came Back." TlV york~" i>ler 13 ' and "Murder Over New TUDOR—"Edison The Man." VICTORIA—••4O Little Mothers" and "Christmas VO ™™;"c?sco Kid.'?' Geta Sprln * Fever " » na Ay %LTJl 6 yi-K™L? ark and H » nd6ome " RADIO PROGRAMMES. !YA—7 40 p m Studio recital by the Carina Trio; 7.52, Studio recital by Aileen Warren (pianist): 8.4 studio recital by Richard Motley (bass); 9.25, Recoided modern dance programme. 2YA 7 pm., Sigmund Romberg: A musical miniature, introducing music by this famous American composer; 8.1, Memories from Bonnie Scotland; 9.25. Dan<?e programme. IYX—7.O p.m.. After dinner music: 8.0. "Radio Revue"; 9.30, Filmland Memories. IZM—7.O P.m sports results; 7.30. Orchestral interlude; 8.0, Dance session. ar? 1 — hlißht3 from „ to-morrows radio programmes ha—7 0 p.m., Anglican Service, relayed from St. Matthew s Church. Preacher: Canon R o ?™ ts; ,?' 25 '. stl ! dl ° Recital by Henri Penn : 8.28, Ibsen s famous drama, "Pillars of Society. IYX-^_30I p.m New Symphony Orchestra, a..a . charles Panzera (baritone); 9.44, Rosette Anday (contralto). , IZM ~™ P- m -, Orchestral music; 9.30, Liszt's Concerto No. 1 in E. Flat Major. 2YA—7.O p.m., Presbyterian Service, relayed from St. Johns Church. Preacher: Rev. Gladstone ?«P If' 810 ' Qwenyth Greenwood (soprano)8.21 Haagen Holenbergh (pianist); 9.27. studio recital. Dorothy Stentiford (contralto).