Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 205, 30 August 1941, Page 10

Amusements Reviewed

"PENNY SERENADE" PLAZA Julie Gardiner Irene Dunne Roger Adams Cary Grant Miss Oliver Beulah Bondi Applejack Edgar Buchanan Dotty Ann Doran Director: George Stevens (Columbia). The simple but appealing story of two ordinary people—a young married couple—■ is contained in "Penny Serenade," which opened at the Plaza Theatre yesterday. The joys and sorrows of these two people ■and the circle about them make a sometimes amusing, sometimes tragic tale. Warm with human interest and appeal, it is filled with tlie every-day material of everyday life, the laughs and tears that colour normal existence.

The roles of husband and wife are exportly handled by Irene Dunne and Cary Giant, whose names are associated with dozens of excellent The necessarily natural handling of the parts is carried to perfection, Miss Dunne adding to 'heiis the touching tenderness of a mother, and Mr. Grant giving a manly rendering of the role of 'husband. An amusing characterisation of a friend oi the family is afforded by Edgar Buchanan, while Beulah Bondi gives a tine rendering of the appropriately sympathetic and soft-sipoken head of a child adoption agency. Spontaneous naturalness is the keynote of the acting of the children in the picture, from six-year-old Eva Lee Kuiiey down to an unidentified six-week-t>ld infant. Background music to the picture is given by a number of popular songs, the one from which the picture takes its title being that played 'by the leading lady as she prepares to leave her husband.

The impression of the .picture on Auckland audiences was that of smiles and tears, the light and shadow of the everyday triumphs and knock-backs of ordinary liie icalistically portrayed.

The s'lippoitinu .program mo includes latest air mail news, c-ontaininjr klioLs 01' lite aboard 11.M.5. Lennder in the Middle East.

REGENT One of the most impressive pictures of tliu year, from a technical angle as well as from the viewpoint of story, "I Wanted Wings," at the Regent Theatre, is of particular interest iri that it gives an excellent impression of how America is training its young men for defence in the air. Not the least interesting point is that the far-famed Flying Fortress bomber makes an appearance and although naturally 110 details are shown, enough can be seen to realise that this new American product will be a force to be reckoned with by German air defence experts.

The story is told in an unusual and effective manner. A realistic mock air raid over Los Angeles forms the opening sequence. A radio commentator describes the raid, and at the conclusion it is announced that a Flying Fortress bomber has crashed, and a gil l's body has been found among the wreckage. Then follows a brief flash of the court-martial set vip to inquire into the accident, and the story then switches back to explain events leading up to the crash. This introduction is carried out perfectly and must be rated as being among the best film openings ever to be seen in Auckland.

Ray Milland and William Holden take rare of the leading roles in capable fashion with Wayne Morris contributing a lighter note as the recruit who manages to do everything wrong and still remain an expert pilot. Brian Donlevy also deserves mention for his outstanding portrayal of a tough yet sympathetic instructor. The feminine roles are in the hands of Constance Moore and Veronica Lake, the latter making a splendid job of her first big part.

The film was made with the co-opera-tion of the United States Army Air Corps, over a thousand aeroplanes of all types being used in authentic scenes of training operations.

CIVIC A particularly fine mixed identity comedy, "The Man Who Lost Hirueelf," delighted a crowded house at the Civic Theatre last night and kept" those in front rocking with laughter. The complexities in which a man finds himself involved when he undertakes to carry on in the personality of his double are negotiated iby Brian Aherne, a performer whose talent and versatility seem to knaw |no limitation. Opposite him, playing the wife of the man he is not, '"though she knows it not," is Kay Francis, gowned to the peak of fashion and displaying verve, vivacity and charm. S. Z. Sakall, as the man's valet", sparks the picture on the side of comedy. The story differs from its predecessors in the vein by doing away with one side of the dual personality casting at the close of the first sequence, an incident in which the two meni who look alike spend a night in drinking together, the survivor awakening next morning in the bed of the deceased under circumstances which compel him to masquerade as the latter until the close of the picture. The incidents sprung between opening and close afford Brian Aherne opportunity to display his great acting ability in many a situation. This brilliant film is for the purposes of humour and none other, and is staged with t'he smartness and sheen with which art director Jack Otterson invests all productions in kind.

Always a strong feature at the Civic, this week's supporting pictures are a whole entertainment in themselves. They include a Paramount Air Mail News, containing 6ome excellent war "shots"; "Music In the Morgan Manner," a good inusicale; "Fashions For Men," and "Candyland," an unusually entertaining animated coloured cartoon. STRAND

Clever fooling skilfully worked into an engrossing plot marks "The Ghost of St. Michael's," Will Hay's latest and merriest, now screening at the Strand Theatre. Once again filling his favourite role of schoolmaster, Will Hay is at his best as 'lie tracks down a murderer after being [suspected of the capital crime himself. His school is evacuated to the Isle of Skye after the outbreak of war, and there takes up residence in a huge, gloomy castle haunted allegedly by the ghost of "Mad McKinnon and his drowned bride." No sooner have the new arrivals settled down, however, than they become involved in a particularly complicated murder mystery. Hay and Claude Hulbert, who is cast as an assistant master, set out, assisted by the boj-s, to get to the bottom of the goings on, but succeed only in complicating matters even further. The situation grows more tense with every reel, and when McKinnon plays his phantom pipes in the latter stages—a suresign that someone is about to die —it appears that anything at all might happen. The eccentric but human schoolmaster is suddenly struck by a brainstorm, however, and runs the mystery to earth —only to be trapped with two of his pupils in a medieval torture chamber with a slowlydescending roof. It is all .good fun. as hundreds who have seen it wiTl testify, and well worth seeing. Claude Hulbert is a welcome newcomer to the series, and appears to be close on the heels of his brother in the race for popularity after his rccent successful appearances. Charles Hawtrey helps the hilarity in inimitable fashion. Thrills and comedy are also combined in the second feature, "Chasing Trouble/'" with Frankie Darro as the central figure.

STATE The fast and furious days immediately I preceding the last war and the tense years ! of the war itself are the background of i "Tin Pan Alley," showing in the evenings at the State Theatre. Symonds Street. Jack Oakie and Alice l"aye play the story o£ the men who ■wrote the songs to -which the armies of the world marched with a rare sympathy, and although the picture is in the main light in tone, it Qias flashes j of drama which lift it into a class of its own. Betty Gr&ble appears at the head .of the supporting caet. The immortal tale 1 of "Tom Brown's Schooldays" also screens at the evening sessions and forms the ! anain feature of children's screenings in ! the afternoons, .when a specially selected I supporting .©gramme of featurettes has I hefn chosen to appeal to children on 1 holidays. The two together form an attractive offering.

"TOBACCO ROAD" CENTURY i® e . ter ~ 1 ': Charley Grapewin ssie Marjorie Rambeau Elite May Gene Tierney Dude Lester William Tracy Director: John Ford (20th Cent.-Fox.) A daring play that swopt through America with a storm of public discussion raging round the frankness of its dialogue and the revelations of its subject, "Tobacco Road ' jet became famous and long-lived through its irresistible vitality. The play never reached this country, but in its place has come the film version. Shorn of the crudities, but retaining all the vital 'human interest features and the comedy tliat crops up in strange places, "Tobacco Road" enthralled patrons at the largely attended sessions of the Century Theatre yesterday, and promises to realise here the prolonged success attained by the stage production in New York. Supported hv entertaining featurettes, it makes a highly attractive and enjoyable presentation. Based on the almost incrediblv sordid existence of a class of wayback folk, "Tobacco Road" tells the story of a family of share-croppers, living on the starvation line from year to year. Their necessity develops abnormal characteristics, and the action is garnished with queer characters contrasted in the liveliest fashion to produce highly dramatic incidents relieved by a deal of comedy. Often the humour is grim, and there is a suggestion of tragedy running through the theme, but the story is powerful and grips the imagination. Charley Grapewin invests the tragic figure of the head of the family with a power that holds the attention, and Marjorie Rambeau makes "Sister Bessie" a character which is outstanding and memorable in its conflicting phases of evangelist and aging romanticist whose surrender to the sex urge leads to marriage with a youthful Romeo. Other fine characterisations of unusual humour and abnormality are given by Gene Tierney, William Tracey, Elizabeth Patterson and Slim Summerville.

ST. JAMES' Held over for a fourth week at the St. James' Theatre, the warm Irish comedy, "Little Nellie Kelly," is a film that anyone can see and enjoy. Those who hail from the Emerald Isle will revel in it particularly, but it still remains first-class entertainment for young and old. The story is a simple enough affair—of an Irish lass who married contrary to her father's wishes, of her death and the arrival of the remainder of the family in the United States, and of the efforts of the third generation in the person of "Little Nellie" of the title to bring about a reconciliation with the embittered grandfather—but it is told with feeliim and with Hashes of humour that makes it an epic.

For Judy Garland, "Little Nellie Kelly" is a landmark, marking as it does her entry into more mature roles. On this occasion she plays dual characterisations with conspicuous success, although one of the roles fades out in the early stages. In musical and romantic moments she introduces several songs, including "It's a Great Day for the Irish," "Nellie Kellv I Love You," and "Singing in the Rain.'

Heading a capable supporting cast arc Charles Winninger and George Murphy. The latter plays husband and father to Miss Garland's dual roles in sympathetic style, while Winninger departs from a long lino of genial characterisations to shine in a part which almost amounts to that of the villain of the piece.

Others to impress among the supporting cast are Douglas MoPhail. Arthur Shields, Rita Page and Forrester Harvey.

The supporting programme is well.up to the usual St. James' standard. "Willie and the Mouse" is one of the best of the Passing Parade series, and the colour cartoon, "Mrs. Ladybug," is a hilarious effort which has reduced hundreds to helplessness. The air mail review includes some excellent shots taken on board H.M.S. Leaudcr. '

EMBASSY "Come Live With Me," current comedyromance at the Embassy Theatre, might easily have been oalled the further adventures oi Hedy Lamarr. In "Comrade X," •Hedy was a Russian smuggled out of Bed Russia by an American newspaper correspondent (otherwise Clark Gable). Here Hedy is an Austrian who has overstayed her leave in the United States and who imarries a struggling young American writer (James Stewart), thereby circumventing the immigration laws. Like the previously mentioned film, "Come Live With Me," is composed of equal parts of romance and comedy—without the satire. The comedy note is struck in the first sequence and a series of hilarious scenes follow, particularly one in a park when Donald Meek, as "Joe Darsie." a tramp, approaches Stewart and, in the parlance of his trade, asks for money for a cup of coffee. When Stewart offers him his last dime, "Joe" takes pity on him and. taking out a wad of notes, offers his "touch" a dollar. "Joe's" philosophy isn't ■unique, Ibut it is amusingly presented.

Lan Hunter portrays a publisher who has an "underßtanding' with his wife, played by Veree Teasdale, and he and Stewart (become rivals for the apparently dubious honour of Miss Lamarr's hand. The story is cleverly handled by producerdirector Clarence Brown and reflects credit on Patterson McNutt, who was responsible for the screen play. Barton Mac Lane and Ed'ward Ashley show out among the supporting cast.

Featurettes include an aim<using cartoon. "The Lonesome Stranger" and "Baby Blues," a Pete Smith specialty. OXFORD-AVON Commencing the fourth week of its Auckland season, "Topper Returns," at the Oxford and Avon Theatres, lias proved itself to be well up to the standard of previous "Topper" films, if it does not actually surpass them. This time the mystery angle is emphasised rather more, although not at the expense of laughs, giving the picture an even wider range of appeal. All Hal Roach's skill in the way of mystery effects—sliding panels, dungeons, hooded men, shrieks in the distance and what have you—has been utilised and is helped in no small measure by the presence of the engaging, if revengeful, ghost played by Joan Blondell. Roland Young is once again the central figure who is unhappilly engaged in tracking down a murderer with the well-meant if somewhat embarrassing aid of Miss Blondell, while Billie Burke has a rich role as his naive wife. Eddie (Rochester) Anderson helps along the comedy side of the story in wholehearted fashion. "Ride On, Vaquero," which also shown at both theatres, is another triumph for the 'Cisco Kid as portrayed by Cesar Romei'o. This time the Kid not only tangles with kidnappers, but tangoes with Mary Beth Hughes, the glamorous blonde whose star shines brighter with each picture she appears in. Others featured in the cast are Lvnne Roberts, Chris-Pin Martin, Rol jert Lowery and Ben Carter. VOGUE The new double-feature .programme at the Vogue Theatre is well balanced this iweek with the .powerful, stirring film, "The Mark of Zorro," sharinjr the honours with the sophisticated farce, "My Favourite Wife." Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell provide the romantic attraction in the former picture, with Basil Rathbone slipping into place as the third corner of the triangle. These three enact to perfection the spine-chillinet tale of headlong rides the dark of a masked adventurer, of the jagged "Z" mark of (his gtf-ord, of terror and tears and happiness and sorrow. The well-tried comedy team of Cary Grant and Irene Dunne works smoothly together in "My Favourite Wife," the rib-etraining story of a man who married twice under the impression that his first wife was dead. How the tried to matters «p after her return—very much alivemakes splendid entertainment. Gail Patrick is not overshadowed in her role <yi the "second wife."-

"ROOKIES ON PARADE" MAJKSTIC Duke Wilson Bob Crosby Lois Rogers Ruth Terry Marilyn Fenton Gertrude Nlesen CIIB Dugan Eddie Foy. Jun. Kitty Mulloy Marie Wilson Joe Martin . Cliff Npsarro Director: Joseph Santley (Republic) Also: "DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS." with an anonymous cast A cast of funsters, several catchy new songs and a hilarious script make a very entertaining film of Republic's latest production, "Uookies 011 Parade," which began screening at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. The story has to do with a pair of thriftless song writers, played to the hilt by 15ob Crosby and Eddie Eoy. jun., and their chorus girl friends, portrayed by Ruth Terry and Marie AVilson.

Their adventures, first when they gamble away all the money they make, and later when the men are drafted into the army and the girls volunteer as hostesses in the military camp, keep the audience convulsed with .merriment for many of the 0!) minutes taken to show the picture. Many of the funniest sequences eonie with Bob Crosby's clashes with Mike Brady, a typical fire and brimstone sergeant of the old school.

There is 110 need for much sense in the plot. The wisecracks, horseplay and tuneful songs give momentum to this tale ol American "doughboys." and the pace is cracked from 'beginning to end. lncbuled among the songs are "Mother Never Told Me Why." 'My Kind.i Music." "What More Do You Want ?" "You II Xever <Jet Rich." ''I I>ove 'Sou More."' "Rookies On Parade." "Cliu.a Chi Hua Una." "Boi Xir Isist ])u Schoen" and "Londonderry Air." The climax of an enjoyable film is reached with a grand concert held in the military camp, with top-ranking entertainers taking part.

Equally interesting, but settinc an entirely different tone, is the thrilling and topical film "Down to the Sea in Ships." a tale of fitdicrmcn who fearlessly keep Britain's flag living in the danger-swept Xort.h Sea. Rich in variety, this is a programme for the times.

CINEMA GUIDE

CIVIC SQUARE—Amusement Park. ClVlC—Brian Ahcrno and Kay Francis in "The Man Who Lost Himself." MAJESTIC—Eddie Foy in "Rookies On Parade" and "Down To The Sea In Ships." ROXY—Gene Autry in "Ride. Tenderfoot.. Ride" and Bill Elliott in "Prairie Schooners. ** BT. JAMES'—Judy Garland and George Murphy In "Little Nellie Kelly." REGENT—Ray Milland and William Holden In "I Wanted Wings." PLAZA—lrene Dunne and Cary Grant in "Penny Serenade." EMBASSY—Hedy I.nmarr and James Stewart in "Come. Live With Me." OXFORD—Joan Blondell in "Topper Returns" and Cesar Romero in "Ride On. Vaquero." STRAND—CIaude Hulbert in "The Ghost of St. Michael's" and Frankie Darro in "Chasing Trouble." CENTURY—CharIey Grapeuin and Marjorie Rambean in "Tobacco Road." PICTUREDROME (Milford)—"Sandy Gets Her Man" and "Constantinople Express." GREY LYNN—"Contraband" and "Give Us Wings." LIBERTY (Pamell)—"Untamed * and "All At Sea." MAYFAIR (Sandringham)—"Dark Command" and "Grandpa Goes To Town." NEW ROYAL—"Brigham Young" and "Argentine Nights." PRINCE EDWARD—"A T.ittle Bit Of Heaven" and "Trial Of Mary Ducan." PRINCESS—"The Navy Steps Out" and "They Knew What They Wanted." REGAL—"Cheers For Miss Bishop" and "Flight Angels." REGENT (Epsom)—" The Mortal Storm" and "Tall, Dark and Handsome." RIALTO—"OId Bill and Son" and "I'm Still Alive." RIALTO (Sunday)—" Numbered Women" and "Stepping Toes." STATE (Symonds Street) —"Tin Pan Alley" and "Tom Brown's Schooldays." STATE (DeTonport)—"Till We Meet Again" and "The Villain Still Pursued Her." STATE (ODebunga)—"Torrid Zone" and "Brother Orchid." STRAND (Onehanga)—"North-west Passage." TIVOLI—"Ride. Tenderfoot. Ride" and "Prairie Schooners." TUDOR—"The Private Lives Of Elizabeth and Essex." VICTORIA—"CaII a Cop" and "The Biscuit Eater." VOGUE—"The Mark Of Zorro" and "My Favourite Wife." AVON (Newton)—" Topper Returns" and "Ride On. Vaquero." AVONDALB—"Mystery Sea Raider" and "Each Dawn I Die." ASTOR—"The Mortal Storm" and "Double Alibi." ADELPHI—"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "You'll Find Out." ALEXANDRA—CIosed for Rebuilding. AMBASSADOR—"Anne Of Windy Poplars" and "Henry Goes To Arizona." BRITANNIA—"SaiIors Three" and "Dr. Cyclops." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)—" No. No, Nanette." CAPlTOL—"Christmas In July" and "Return To Yesterday." CRYSTAL PALACE—"OId Bill and Son" and "I'm Still Alive." DELTA (New Lynn)—"Maryland" and "Rhythm of the Saddle." DE LUXE—"Kitty Foyle" and "Phantom Submarine." FORESTERS (Birkenhead)—"Swanee River." GAIETY (Takapuna)—"All This And Heaven, Too." PEERLESS (St. Hclier's)—"Spring Parade."

RADIO PROGRAMMES Highlights from to-night's radio programmes are as follow:— 1YA—7.30 p.m.. Studio recital by the Royal Auckland Choir. Alison Jessop (mezzo-soprano), and Isobel Langiands (violinist); 10.10. Hal Kemp and his Orchestra. 2YA—7.45 p.m., "Theatre Memories": Dalv's; 7.54. "Cappy Ricks"; 8.19. Wellington Competitions Society; 9.25, Dance programme. IYX—7.O p.m.. After dinner music; 8.0. Weekend Variety; 9.30, Filmland memories. IZM—7.O p.m.. Sports results, by Gordon Hutter; 7.30, Orchestral music; 8.0. Dance session.

Highlights from to-morrow's radio programmes are as lollow;—

A —7.o p.m.. Baptist Service, relayed from the Tabernacle. Preacher: Rev. Dr. Alexander Hodge; 8.30, Studio recital by L. E. Dalley (tenor); 9.28. The Opera "Cosi Fan Tutte " by Mozart. Part 11. 2YA—7.O p.m.. Brethren Service, relayed from Tory Street Hall. Preacher: J. s. Moir- 8 37 Handel music by the London Symphony Orchestra; 9.27, Something New for Bandsmen. IYX—B.3O p.m.. Radio Celebrity Concert; 8.45 National Service Session; 9.0, Continuation ol programme. IZM—7.O p.m.. Orchestral selections: 8.0. Concert--8.45, National Sen-ice Session.