PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 23882, 12 May 1941, Page 10

PICTURE THEATRES

STATE An unusual inheritance would never have reached a beautiful girl except for the efforts of a debonair but deadly gunman in ‘ The Saint in Palm Springs,’ now showing at the State. Latest in the RKO Radio thriller series, featuring George Sanders in the title role, the current offering chronicles further amazing exploits of Simon Templar, The Saint, who wars on the crime barons of tho world. This time Templar is recruited by Inspector Remark to seo unofficially that a beautiful young lady in California receives three valuable foreign stamps left her by her deceased father. His efforts to fulfil the dangerous mission make this “ Saint ’’ offering one of the most exciting in the popular group. GRAND Comedy, romance, and music are all to be had in ‘ Too Many Girls,’ which is the main feature on the programme at the Grand. Tho plot deals with the adventures of a madcap heiress and her bodyguard of four all-American football stars, who have been hired by the girl’s father to keep her out of trouble. Lucille Ball and Richard Carlson head the cast, which also includes Ann Miller, Eddie Bracken, Frances Langford, Desi Arnaz, and Hal Le Roy. Tim Holt is the main actor of the thrilling western drama, ‘ Wagon Train,’ which is the associate feature. REGENT Thrilling, sensational, and' dynamic best describes ‘ A Date With Destiny,’ the new attraction at the Regent. Interwoven with intrigue and romance, this exceptional film lias all the ingredients of first-class entertainment. • As Dr Sebastien," the psychiatrist, Basil Rathbone gives one of his outstanding performances, while Ellen Drew, the beautiful and talented new star, and John Howard, up and coming juvenile lead, provide the romantic interest. Ralph Morgan is cast as Dr Downer, physician to a former wife of Sebastien’s; Lawrence Watkins as Hugh O’Connell, owner of a daily newspaper; Barbara Allen as O’Connell’s wife, wealthy and scatter brained; John Howard as Gil Sawyer, a reporter on O’Connell’s paper, and an ardent suitor of Linda’s. OCTAGON In the most famous and colourful of all screen roles Tyrone Power brings to thrilling life the exploits of the celebrated bandit in his latest picture, ‘ The Mark of Zorro,’

■which is the current attraction at the Octagon. Boasting the most spectacular action and sword play the screen has seen,. Power’s role is crammed with hard riding, furious fighting, ardent romance', and highlighted by an unforgettably realistic duel with Basil Rathbone. Fred. Cavens, noted fencing instructor, coached him for his big duel with Basil Rathbone. Ernesto A. Romero, former Mexican Consul in Los Angelos, tutored him in Spanish. Harry Green taught him some trick of black magic, while Nick Castle and Geneva Sawyer showed Power and his leading lady, Linda Darnell, the fine points of dancing a Spanish waltz. STRAND Denis Morgan, raised to stardom by Warner Bros, in ‘ River’s End/ at the Strand, is the most experienced law enforcer in Hollywood. In ‘ Tear Gas Squad 1 he was just that, except that unlike most officers, Morgan was permitted to demonstrate that he could sing, and in ‘ River’s End he appears as a member of the North-West Mounted Police. * Over the Goal/ the second picture, should appeal to ell sportsmen, for the rival teams in the picture are not just movie extras, but are fast and brawny members of the University of Southern California’s varsity squad—the Trojans, EMPIRE How the Navy is guarding Britain’s shores and keeping overseas trade secure, together with a soul-stirring romance, is vividly portrayed at the Empire. Clive Brook is as his best as captain of the flagship, John Clements, as the reckless end dashing lieutenant, and Judy Campbell as the girl in the case. This film was made possible by the co-operation of the British Navy and the Royal Air Force, which makes it undeniably a first-class picture. In it are teles of mysterious German raiders, which endeavour to blockade Britain by attacking her convoys, but Hitler, with all his schemes and barbaric tricks, counted without the sterling doggedness of the British seaman. ST. JAMES Paramount’s outdoor Western, ‘ The Texas Rangers Ride Again,’ which is being screened at the St. James, features John Howard, Ellen Drew, Akim Tamiroff, May Robson, Charlie Grapewin, and Anthony Quinn. ‘ Texas Rangers Ride Again ’ is the story of cattle rustling on mass production lines on the huge Dangerfield ranch in Texas. The associate feature is the jungle thriller, ‘ The Jungle Princess,’ cp-starring Ray Milland and Dorothy Lamour. MAYFAIR Paulette Goddard and Bob Hope are the leading stars of ‘ Ghost Breakers,’ the attraction at the Mayfair, which is a clever comedy staged in a haunted house. The second feature is Priscilla Lane and John Garfield in ‘ Dust Be My Destiny.’