REGENT

Press, Issue 22599, 3 January 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

REGENT

“THAT CERTAIN AGE”

To say that any picture featuring a star is better than that in which she first made her name is often incorrect, but experienced critics throughout the world are unanimous in the opinion that Deanna Durbin has scored an even greater success in “That Certain Age” (now at the Regent Theatre) than she did in “Three Smart Girls.” It is probably a better picture, and it is certain that it is film entertainment of a type which appeals to young and old. and which should be seen by all. Seldom, if ever, have the trials and tribulations of adolescence been so tenderly and sympathetically portrayed on the screen. The young heroine’s mistaking of hero worship for love, her disillusionment, and the reactions of her young bgy friend, blend into action that makes laughter the first consideration and pathos the second.

Songs, as usual, play an important part in the film, and the first rosv rapture of youth is brilliantly depicted. The musical score is a fine one. and Ihe settings are ambitious and successful.

Deanna is the daughter of a newspaper proprietor and. with her playmates, she decides to put on a Scout Benefit Show. Their plans are threatened when a war-weary correspondent, Melvyn Douglas, takes possession of the family’s guest house. The youngsters attempt to scare him away and Douglas is eager to go. However, Deanna becomes infatuated with bum.

MAJESTIC

“HOLLYWOOD HOTEL”

It would be difficult to imagine a brighter or more cheerful entertainment than “Hollywood Hotel,” which is the leading attraction of the new programme at the Majestic Theatre. In a long and successful series of musical romances, this one certainly goes to the top. The music goes with a swing all the way and the comedy is of that sparkling variety that keeps the laughter ringing. The complete broadcast of one of America’s leading radio programmes is a big feature of the film, and undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year’s entertainments. The popular Dick Powell is the star and he has one of the best roles of a successful career. He makes the most of it, and so do Rosemary and Lola Lanfe, in the respective parts given to them. Responsible for the comedy are such favourites as Ted Healey, Hugh Herbert, Alan Mowbray, and Glenda Farrell.

An extra attraction on the programme is Momi Kaaimoku, the fascinating Hawaiian solo dancer, who appears on the stage with her South Sea Island troupe in an enchanting presentation. She completely charmed her audience at her initial appearance, and is bound to be a popular favourite for the remainder of the Christchurch season.

Catching the glamour and beauty of the South Seas, “Aloha Land," is an entertainment by itself. For beauty, rhythm, and enchantment, Christchurch has not seen anything more appealing for many a long day than the Hawaiian hula as presented by the talented principal of this company and her clever and engaging artists.

TIVOLI

“GIRL OF THE GOLDEN WEST”

Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Mac Donald, the most popular singing team now appearing in films, win fresh laurels in “Girl of the Golden West,” which is now in its fifth week at the Tivoli Theatre. Charming music, blending with the romance of California, in the days of gold-mining camps end pastoral missions, makes the new operetta an inspiring picture for film enthusiasts and music-lovers of all ages. Popular masterpieces by Liszt and Gounod, Californian folk songs, dreamy waltz tunes, and lively Spanish melodies, give the featured singers ample chance to demonstrate the capabilities for which their voices are most suited.

Leo Carillo and Walter Pidgeon have leading supporting roles, while Buddy Ebseri provides some rollicking comedy. Others in the picture are Leonard Penn. Priscilla Lawson. Bob Murphy, Olin Howard, and Cliff Edwards. The story is a plausible tale of an orphan girl who runs a saloon in the Wild West, and finds romance In strange circumstances, and music with the first piano to be brought across the Rockies.

LIBERTY

“CAIN AND MABEL” WITH “PENROD AND SAM”

Lilting music, rollicking comedy, romance, and thrills, combine to form the entertainment in “Cain and Mabel,” one of the attractions at the Liberty Theatre. These ingredients, added to the fine performances of its two famous stars, Marion Davies and Clark Gable, and that of an exceptionally strong supporting cast, make this picture one of the outstanding screen productions of the year. “Penrod and Sam,” generally regarded as the most popular story of adolescent fun and adventure that the great Booth Tarkington ever wrote, js the associate feature. This classic hovel has been transformed into a film comedy drama, with Billy Mauch as Penrod and Harry Watson portraying Sam.

GRAND

“EVERY NIGHT AT EIGHT” AND “DESERT GOLD”

Zane Grey’s thrilling story, “Desert Gold,” and “Every Night at Eight,” a comedy set to music, provide attractive entertainment at the Grand Theatre this week. In "Desert Gold,” in which Larry (Buster) Crabbe, Robert Cummings,- Marsha Hunt, Glen Erikson and Monte Blue are among the leading players, a white man learns the secret of hidden Indian treasure, and a colourful story of adventure, thrills and romance develops. “Every Night at Eight" takes its title from the radio amateur hour, George Raft and Alice Faye being cast as struggling performers who try hard to gain recognition. The film lends itself to plenty of bright entertainment, and some first-class songs are introduced. Mixed up in the singing is a pleasing romantic angle.

METRO, SYDENHAM

DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME

“There’s Always a Woman,” a bright comedy featuring Joan Blondell and Melvyn Douglas, heads the programme at the Metro, Sydenham. Warner Gland is seen in “Charlie Chan 'On Broadway.” the second picture.