ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 228, 23 June 1941, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

Plaza Theatre.— When film producers go to ® costume piece, it is usually to be taken as a retreat from current problems into Hie pretty, frilly fantasy-world of the past. Columbia's "Tree of Liberty” is not. like that for while it deals faithfully with historical incidents of the struggle of the American Slates against what they regarded as the despotism of George Hl. it does contrive to show that the principles for which free men will fight, were the same then as now. (.'ary Grant, making a clean break with the domestic comedies, plays the part of Matt Howard, a backwoods Virginian. On the same programme is a new kind ol short called "International Forum." in which four American journalistk. one of whom is Dorothy Thompson, discuss the prospects of tlie war in 1911.

State Theatre.—"Laddie.” a film from Gene Stratton-Porter’s popular book of tlie same name, is the main item in the programme, with ’lint Holt and 1 irginia Gilmore in the leading parts, supported bv Joan Carroll. Spring Byington, Robert Barral. and Milos Mander. Also on the programme is “The Villain Still Pursued Iler.'' a horse of a very different colour. This hilarious fai-eo is, iii effect, a burlesque of a once popular “mellerdraniiiier. ’ "The Drunkard.” All told, this prosgramme supplies enough variety to satisfy all tastes. "The Face Behind Hie Mask,” with Peter Lorre, will be the next, attraction at the State Theatre.

St. James Theatre.—"The Invisible Woman" is a bright show which Inis for its leading players John Barrymore. Virginia Bruce, and John Howard. Unlike its predecessor. "The Invisible Mam” which had a certain grim theme running throughout, the present film is a delightful satire which deals out laughs and eomie situations as consistently and as completely as the other dealt out thrills. Such a film, with no rhyme or reason must, of necessity depend on action and aiders for its success. In this. “The Invisible Woman” lias been particularly happy.

De Luxe Theatre. —"The Dark Streets of Cairo” lias all the ingredients of ait exciting action story fabulous jewels, beautiful women, strange sellings. unscrupulous jewel thieves. Sigrid Gnrie. seen too seldom these days, has the leading role, and is supported by a good cast, which includes Katherine De Mille, Ralph Byrd, Kddie Quillan, George Zucco, Lloyd Corrigan, and that favourite of the silent screen who seems to lie making a successful eoinehaek — Roti Ln Roque. The associate film. "Free ami Easy.” is nn adaptation of :t stage play by Ivor Novello.

Majestic Theatre.—“Gone Willi Hie ■Wind” is drawing to the close of a long season at the Majestic Theatre. From start to finish, it is subtlv planned to hold the interest, of the audience. Something is going on all the time, and when the drama and contrast of warfare is for a time eclipsed by the seemingly quieter times of peace, tile interest is still held by the quieter conflicts of personality. Clark Gable as Butler is good, but both he ami Olivia de Havilland as Melaine arc outshone by Vivien Leigh in the part of Scarlet. O'Hara.

Regent Tbcatre. —Now iu its second week- at the Regent Theatre, "A Dispatch'from Reuters," tells the story of the famous Renters News Agency. It has as its leading character Edward G. Robinson. The film starts with bis sleepy and poetic partner. Max (Eddie Albert), finding themselves on the verge of ruin. No one wants their pigeon post. The film ends with Reuter, upou the opening of the telegraph line from the south of Ireland to London, announcing the assassination of Abraltani Lincoln seven hours before the news is received through the normal channel and being accused of lying to rig the stock market but. being vindicated.

Starring Rosalind Russell and James Stewart, "No Thue For Comedy” will be the new picture at. tlie Regent Theatre, starting on Thursday.

King’s Theatre. —"The Sou of Monte Cristo” carries on tlie romantic tradition of Alexander Dumas’ book. “The Count oi Monte Cristo,” and with Louis Hayward in the title role, it ean be assured of success. The period is the reign of Louis Napoleon of France, ami the background of the story is the little kingdom of Lcichtenberg, situated, apparently, as a sort of buffer State between France and Prussia. George Sanders as the villainous Lanett has a part much to his liking. Joan Bennett wears beautiful gowns as the Grand Duchess Sonia, and has a part well suited to her also.

Tudor Theatre. — For its story and its ingenious trickery alone, "The Thief of Bagdad” would be worth seeing: in addition to that, a pleasant idyllic romance lias been ably played and beautifully presented. Sabu has the leading role. It is a splendid antidote for the reality of the times. "Ellery Queen, Master Detective” brings one of a popular series of crime stories to Hie screen, with Ralph Bellamy in the leading role.

Opera House.— Robert Donat adds to his already large collection of motion-picture laurels with his lino performance in "Goodbye Mr. Chips,” the screen version of James Hilton’s famous novel about a schoolmaster, Hilton’s Story, with its tenderly sentimental touches, its portrayal of a gentle, kindly schoolmaster in his passage through the years, has been most effectively translated into the film. Greer Garson gives a charming and attractive characterization as his wife.