Amusements Reviewed

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 211, 6 September 1941, Page 10

Amusements Reviewed

"GONE WITH THE WIND UP" I CIVIC Jimmy Nervo Teddy Knox The Crazy Gang-. Bud Flanagan Chesncy Alien ; Charlie Naughton Jimiy Gold

V\ ith a cast headed by the famous 1 comedy team of Flanagan and Allen, I "Gone \\ ith the Wind Up" opened to 1 roars of laughter from audiences at the ! Civic Theatre yesterday. In startling con- , trast to the many war pictures, this film turns the European situation into a back- . ground ol i lotous farce. Screamingly funny situations pile one upon another. D.gs at Hitler and his doubles aie not excluded fi om this merry story, and the heads oi tiie Nazi party would be veiy j annoyed at the jibes at the Gestapo, tiic , concentration c-aiup buffooneries and the skits on the Fuehrer and "Fatty" Goci-' iiig. to mention but some of the knockabout fun of this hilarious picture. This is a picture tli.it will make you forget , your worries whether they be women or \ work, men or money. It is c-omedy that : makes children forget that they have to ! return to school, and parents forget the ; noise and annoyances of the school holi- . days.

In making the film. G.B.D. gathered together three of the most popular comedy teams, Xeivo and Knox. Flanagan and Allen and Xnughton and Gold, expertly directed by Marc-el Varnel. The Crazy Gang, as the six aie called, are shown as members of a balloon barrage squad who incur the wrath of the authorities by running a fish and chip stall on the sly and advertising their business on the side of the balloon they are supposed to be minding. During an important demonstration the balloon rises, carrying the roof of the shop and the gang with it. finally setting them down on the Western Front, where they join in with captured Frenchmen, and are thrown into a concentration cam]i. This provides even more hilarity, which continues up to the satisfactory ending.

STRAND Now entering the fifth week of its Auckland season, "Little Nellie Kelly," at the Strand Theatre, has proved one of the most popular films i'o screen in the city in recent months. Warmly humorous, and yet with ite momenta of pathos, the picture has an appeal foe all ages and types. The story is a natural one and is enact'ed naturally. The mother of '"little Xellie" marries in Ireland against her fatlher's wishes, and sets out for America, taking her embittered father.

Shortly afterwards she dies in child-birth, and later it becomes the task of the youngest member of the family to reconcile her fat'her and grandfather. Playing the title role—and also the role of her own mother in the early stages— Judy Garland confirms all previous good impressions and creates a few new ones. She grows up in '"little Nelly," and in her first mature role demonstrates convincingly that she can ac-C as w ell as sing—and she sings very well indeed. Included among the Irish songs introduced are "Xellie Kelly, I Love You."' "It's a Great Day For the Irish," "Sinping in the Rain" and "Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow." George Murphy, as the father, turn* in a convincing portrayal, while t/he veteran Charles Winninger is as lively as ever as t'he cause of all the trouble and heartaches. One of the latest Passing Parade short features ajid a colour cartoon, "Mrs. Ladybug." are included in the supporting programme. aramme. The former eh-ort feature is a e'everly produced skit titled '"Willie and the Mouse." One of the latest Paramount ne-wsrecls also screcns.

"YOU'RE THE ONE" MAJESTIC Bonnie Baker Herself Orrin Tucker Himself Luke Laramie \lbert Dekker Joe Fnr.k Ed. Everett Horton Dr. Colonna Jerry Colonna Aunt. Emma Renie Kiano Paramount director Ralph Murphy Also. "REACHING FOR THE SUN."

Screen audiences will find bright entertainment in the Paramount production, on le the One," the main attraction on the new programme at the Majestic J iieatre. Comedy and music are delightfully blended, and the picture acclaims the popularity of Bonnie Baker and Orri-. J uckcr on the radio in Ameiio. Xh2 comedy is in the pattern o; vaudeville and material pioneered in that iorm of entertainment is used. The story deal? with the etTorts of a band leader t.. socuie a radio contract and a singer tj acquire employment by him. It opens iu a .Manhattan ladio station and mo l , es to a nc-aith resor:. where amusing incident? occur. Miss Baker sings a number of si ng.s ai this picture of gav cr-medv and bintht lnusic, with Orrin Tucker's" band supplying accompaniment Jerry Colonna, ais-o o: the radio, play? a proniineit par', and Kdward Everett Hortun is in the cast to spark the proceedings. Amus : ng dia" loguc. which is e.ipablv handled, serves to round off this excellent presentation of a cc mcdy-i omance.

The songs are introduced without firvoilmg the continuity of the story and include £wh tj popular numbers as •'You're the V n , r - . >tiawl,erry Lane" and "Oh. Johnnie. It is all good fun and the Ope of entertainment that will appeal to

. also on the new programme i« Reaching for the Sun." a Paramount production. Romantic action is mixel with humour in this essentially human t-n ,r( V whith fc, . at,!roe T "cl McOca and r.lion Drew. It is a hilarious story, with p.enty oi action and adventure.

REGENT j Dramatically illustrating the wav in which America is preparing to defend her shores from the air, "I Wanfod Wings." at the Regent Theatre, has been freely acclaimed as one of the greatest aviation nims e\er made. Certainly, from the point of view of authenticity, it is unique. Paramount's producer, Arthur Hornblow. was successful in obtaining the use of 25,000,000 dollars of American Army aeroplanes for use in the film, a large portion of which was actually filmed at the flying fields of Jvelly and Randolph. The huge Flying fortress bombers seen in the picture were vir e< r\ March Field, California. The " a . r . Department eo-operated closely in t>he making of 'T Wanted Wings," wirii the result that 1000 cadet*, their 400 officers and instructors, and 2->4.» enlisted men appear in the film to add realitv and to j man the 1137 planes.

It is interesting to note that Ray Miltit ' iiliain Holden. Brian Donlevy and " ayne Morris, who have leading roles, are all flyers in private life and were, therefore, able to give many 'realistic touches to their portrayals. Introduced in the picture is Veronica Lake. who. with her performance in the film.'ha 6 won rhe title of the "Blonde Bomber"—and richly deserves it. She is something new in screen personalities and has created a sensation overseas. Constance Moore has the leading feminine role.

The plot is an engroaeina one and told with a twist sufficiently unusual to make even the most hardened filmirocr sit up and take notice. The well-tried policy of "working back" is used to advantage. Outstanding among a series of excellent scenes is a most realistic shot of a mock air raid over Los Angeles.

The recent launching of H.M.S. Hinau is shown on the supporting programme. Al«o screening is a Pathe British newsreel and some intimate chots on board H.M.S. Lsander in the Middle E&st. Next attraction at the Regent is to 'be the hilarious production, "The Road to Zanzibar."

CENTURY The film version of Erakine Caldwell's controversial novel of rural Georgia, "Tobacco Road," at rhe Century Theatre, is a cleverly-directed tale of" abnormal character*, living in abnormal circumstance*. The incredibly sordid existence of a class of wayback folk in the United States is, perhaps, difficult for New Zealanders to appreciate, but the story of a family of share-croppers living on the starvation line from year to year is told plainly enough to bring home the intended moral, even if it has no application in this country. The stage version ran in Hollywood for eight years and caused a storm of public discussion t6 rage round the frankness of itis dialogue and the revelations of its subject. The picture is shorn of much of the oruditv of the original, but retains all the vital human interest features—and the comedy I'll at crops up in strange places—and has in the finst week of its Auckland season achieved Che success it undoubtedly deserves.

A memorable characterisation is given by Marjorie Rambeau, who makes "Sister Bessie" come to life in lier portrayal of a conflicting character attracted in opposite directions by the ungings of evangelism ana romance. Charley Grapewin investe *>he tragic figure of the head of the family with a power that holds the attention. Gene Tierney. William Tracer, Elizaberh Patterson and Slim Summerviile show out well in important roles among the cupporting cast. John Ford directed for 20th Century-Fox.

An exclusive official USSR. record of Russians facing up to the realitv of invasion, titled "Russia At* War." is an interesting short feature included in the supports. This is the first time a film of this nature has ibeon «=crrenecl in Auckland. The launching of H.M.S. Hinau and the featurette "Northern Patrol" are ateo shown. OXFORD—AVON One of the most hfiarious of Columbia's ] successful modern comedies, "This Thing Called Love," is continuing its Auckland season at the Oxford and Avon Theatres. Melvyn Douglas, who "Stayed for Breakand Rosalind Russell, the "'Hired Wife," are co-starred for the first timf?. and their escapades have to be seen to be appreciated. A wealth of sparklir.g dialogue and an abundance of humorous situations arc provided for in the script. It is a story of a young woman with very unorthodox views on marriage and a bridegroom who objects to her carrying them out. Complications ensue of the sort filmgoers describe as "smart,", "sophisticated" or "risque," according to their viewpoints, but always very amusing. The principals, of course, are perfectly suited to the roles and turn in delightful characterisations. They are aided and abetted by such well-known comedy players as Binnie Barnes, Allyn Joslyn and Gloria Dickson. Alexander Hall, the man whose deft, sure treatment contributed so much to the success" of Columbia's recent series of comedy films, again commands praise for his expert work in this latest production. Described as "a miracle of marital highjinks," this comedy of frustration is really clever, humorous entertainment, joyfully moving from laugh situation to laugh situation at a pace that never flags. The associate attraction at both theatres is the absorbing Columbia picture. "Xobody's Children." which is screening in Auckland for the first time.

VOGUE The fast-moving film. "Too Hot to Handle." and the dramatic production, "Each Dawn 1 Dir." together form the attractive fare offeiing at the Vogue Theatre this evening. Clark Gable and Myrna Loy handle the leading roles in the first-mentioned film in capable style and the light story contrasts well with the second feature. Two Hollywood "tough guys" share the billing in "Too Hot to Handle," and a combination of George Raft and James Cagney is something that should not be missed. Much of the talfe is concerned with intrigue behind prison walls and the outcome of the engrossing plot is in doubt until the final reel. Showing at the children's matinee is the screen's dumber one singing cowboy, Gene Autry. in o ne of his best efforts. "Oh Susannah." with which is shown "Too Hot to Handle.''

"ANDY HARDY'S PRIVATE SECRETARY" ST. JAMES' Judge Hardy Lewis Stone Andy Hardy Mickey Rooney Mrs. Hardy Fay Holden Polly Benedict Ann Butherford Aunt Milly Sara Haden Kathryn Land Kathryn Grayson Director: George B. Saitz IM.G.M.) iun with Micky ltooney is always the most wholesome and widely appreciated style of humour dispensed from Hollywood. and as the big boy of the Hardy Family he has established a universal friendship with film-followers. In the latest of this series. "Andv Hardy's Private Secretary." which opened it# Auckland run at St. James' Theatre yesterday. patrons were delighted with the high note of entertainment sustained by Mickey Rooney, and with the extra charm added to the family connections by t-he singing and polished acting of Kathryn Grayson. the secretary. It is probably a more consistently cheerful study of adolescent growing pains than any we have had from the Hardy family for some time, and is enhanced by a characteristically interesting St. James" supporting programme.

Featuring much of the Humour and pathos incidental to the average family of the middle class in the education stages of the youngsters, "Andy Hardy]* Private Secretary" has to do with Andy's high school development. Mickey Rooney"# special flair for importing a boisterous brecziness into all his roles without ever a suspicion of being out of character remains as pronounced a feature of this story as of all it«s predecessors. In danger of being "plucked" in his exams, owner of a new car. accidental wrseker of another person's prospects, and college executive with the glamour of a private secretary he swings from the depths to the seventh heaven with a naivete that convinces and an exuberance that exhilarates everyone within sight and sound. Kathryn Grayson as a pleasing foil rounds off the hilarity.

Xew Zealand industries that have come into being out of the war and may becomie post-war asset.-! are most interestingly featured in studies of linen flax grooving and processing in the South Island, and shots of the launching of H.M.S. Hinau at an Auckland shipyard. A travel sketch of Washington, with special attention to the official eiclc of the U.S.A. legislative capital, has many angles that grir* attention. and the Passing Parade subject is a dramatic t.-.le of an anti-Nazi ghost pa-per in oppressed Be'gium.

PLAZA A well-trier] combination —that of Irene Dunne Mid Cary Grant —enacts a natural and appealing story with the smoothness that comes from long experience in "Penny Serenade." current attraction at the Plaza Theatre. The joys and sorrows of these two. cast as a young married couple, and the experiences of the circle about them, form the main tliread of the plot, which is warm with hum.m interest and appeal, and filled with everyday material of every-dav life—the laughs and tears that colour normal existence.

The picture derives its title from f. record recital played by Miss Dunne a* she prepares to leave her husband. Through a flashback of revolving discs and background theme music dated to the times, the songs cue a portrayal or the courtship of the pair, he a newspaper man and she a salesgirl in a music store. After the marriaue Grant buys a country paper, and to satisfy the maternal lorvgings of his wife, who is unable to bear her own children, a baby is adopted. For a while it looks as if the family's precarious financial condition will prevent final adoption, but the child is at last adopted and raised to the ace of six. when death suddenly deprives the parents of their daughter. Grief almost separates the two. but a happy ending is provided with the possibility of the nursery being opened once again.

Both principals pive splendid portrayals, and Kdsrar Buclianan affords a homely and comical characterisation a* a friend of the family eaually adept at handling .1 linotvpe machine or a baliy's tub. Beulah Bondi is properly svmpathetie and soft spoken as the head of an adoption agener. There is a well-varied supporting programme. DANCING Orance Coronation Ballroom. Band: Oaietv Hal', old-time dance: Pirate Shipipe Cabaret. Pirate Shipne Orchs*tra: Masonic Hall. Collegians Band: Rialto Ballroom. Bhythm BaseaV Ordin^txa: Crystal Palace Ballroom. Kpi Shalloon's Band: Metrrvpole Cabaret. Metr-opo l * Band; Peter Pan Cabaret, Peter Pan Band.

CINEMA GUIDE

EMBABBT-—John War"* and Betty Field In 'The Shepherd of the Hill*." OXFOID--Rosalind Fu*sell in "This Thin* Called l,ore" and Edith Fellows In "Kobody'i Children." STB AND—JndT Garland and George Murphy in "Little Nellie Kelly." CKNTTtT—Chirley orapewin and Marjorle Rambeau in "Tobacco Road." ClVlC—Fl»na*an and Allen In "Gone With The Wind Up." MAJESTir—Orrin Tucker In "You're The One" and Ellen Drew in "Reaching lor the Sun." ROXY—Charles Barrett In "Cattle Raiders*' and Tim Holt in "The Fargo Kid." ST. JAMES*—Mickey Rooney and lan Hunter In "Andy Hardy's Private Secretary." REGENT—Ray Milianfl and William Bolden In "I Wanted Wince." PLAZA—lrene Dunne and Cary Grant In "Penny Serenade." BRITANNIA—"North-West Mounted Police" and "Free and Easy." BERKELEY (Mission Bay)—"So You Won't Talk." CAPTTOL—"No. No. Nanette" and "Life With Henry." CRYSTAL PALACE—"Lady Hamilton." DELTA (New Lynn)—"The Mortal Storm" and "The Bluebird." DE LUXE—"TiII We Meet Again" and "King of the Lumberjacks." FORESTERS (Birkenhead)—"All This And Heaven. Too." GAIETY (Takapnna)—"North-West Passage." GREY LYNN—"Little Bit Of Heaven" and "Dr. Cyclops." LIBERTY (TarneH)—"That's Right. You're Wrong" and "Rhythm of the Saddle." I MAYFAIR (Sandrinrfcam)—"The Mortal Storm" and "Captain Caution." NEW ROYAL—"The Return Of Frank James" and "Saint's Double Trouble." PEERLESS (St. Heller's)—" Nurse Cavell." FICTUREDROME fMilford)—"The Mummy's Hand" and "Grandpa Goes To Town." PRINCE EDWARD—"The Ghost Of St. Michael's" and "Goldrush Malsie." PRINCESS—"The Lone Voyage Home" and "Saint In Palm Springs." REGAL—"Torrid Zone" and "Playgirl." REGENT (Epsom)—" The Starmaker" and "He Stayed For Breakfast." RIALTO—"Lady Hamilton." RIALTO (Sunday)—" Blondes For Danger" and "Convict 99." STATE (Symonds Street) —"The Philadelphia Story." STATE (Devonport)—"Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Too Many Girls." STATE (Onehunga)—"Cheers For Miss Bishop" and "Prairie Schooner." STRAND (Onehunga)—"Rhythm on the River" and "Andy Hardy Meets a Debutante." TlYOLl—"Cattle Raiders" and "The Fargo Kid." TUDOR—" Ma ry land." VlCTOßlA—"Contraband" and "Law And Disorder." \|OGtJE —"Too Hot To Handle" and "Each Dawn I Die." AVON (Newton)—" This Thing Called Love" and "Nobody's Children." AVOND ALE—"Daughters Courageous" and "Henry Goes To Arizona." ASTOR—"French Without Tears" and "Meet The Wildcat." ADELPHl—"Brother Orchid" and "Roadshow." ALEXANDRA—CIosed lor Rebuilding. AMBASSADOR—"I Love You Again" and "Yes, My Darling Daughter." RADIO PROGRAMMES

Highlights from to-night's radio programmes are as follow:— 1TA—7.49 p.m.. Studio recital by Patricia MeLeod (soprano): 8.29. Studio recital bv Jean MeFarlane 8.44, Studio recital by the Melody Four; 9.25. Kay Kyser and his Orchestra. 2YA—*7 .45 p.m.. "Theatre Memories": 7.54. "Cappy Ricks"; 8.19, Wellington Competitions Society; 9.35, Dance Programme. IYX—7.O p.m.. After dinner music; 8.0, Radio Concert Hall; 9.30, Filmland memories. IZM—7.O p.m.. Sports results: Gordon Hutter: 7.30. Orchestral selections; 8.0, Dance session.

Highlights from to-morrow's radio programmes are as follow:— IT A—7.o p.m., Anglican Service, relayed from St. Matthew's Church. Preacher: Re*. Canon R. G. Coats; 8.30, Eric Coates and Symphony Orchestra: "London Again" Suite; 8.28. "A Lady of 56," comedy by W. Graeme-Holder. !YA—7.O p.m.. Presbyterian Service. relayed from Kelburn Church. 8.5. Dr. James Lyon (Trinity College Examiner), conducts an orchestral concert of his own works. IYX—B.3O p.m.. London Philharmonic Orchestra; 9.0, Capella Singers, soloist and Orchestra; 9.28. Philharmonic Choir. IZM—7.O p.m.. Orchestral and instrumental items: 8.0, Concert; 5.45. National Service Session.

STATE The film that met with 00 much miccew in its original Queen Street showing in Auckland, "The Philadelphia Story, constitutes the main feature of the new programme at the State Theatre Symonds Street. The notable feature about the film is that it was in tne main role of \ this amusing story that shuffle-foote ; ; James Stewart won the coveted Academy j Award with a typical portravsi. The i cast is practically an all-star one. including Cary Grant. Katharine Hepburn, Roland Young, Ruth Hussey and John Howard. The tale is a light-hearted affair, ecnc-erned with the doings of th<- life of the upper 500 in general and their romantic entanglements in particular. A.i j appealing supporting programme include--such short features <ie th° Academy Award-winning cartoon. "The Milkv Wav," Cinesound and M-G.M. nvwerecl* and an excellent short feature dealing with Singapore A.I.F. training.