PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 25324, 4 November 1944, Page 12

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT. Outstanding entertainment is promised patrons of the Regent with the release of the big Warner Bros.' picture, ' Casablanca.' It is thorough, sound showmanship that has made the screen play ' Casablanca ' a vivid and exciting adventure. Humphrey Bogart sets the pace. As " Kick he is a tough '' guy " again, but a right " guy." He can take care of himself in any piace, at any time, and in any company. Back in Casabianca the action of the story conies to a climax in the surprise meeting between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Involved with them is Paul Henreid, who portrays Ingrid's husband and the leader in the underground movement. While the stars of ' Casablanca ' turn in performances that leave little to be desired, it is the work of that. masterly quartet of villains, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, and Peter Lorre, that rounds out the picture. OCTAGON, The transformation of a likeable young American-educated Japanese into • a ruthless and brutal army officer is the theme of ' Behind the Rising Sun,' R.K.O. Radio's sensational film disclosure of Nippon's real plans for conquering the world, which is how showing at the Octagon. Eager to take part in the industrial development of his native country, the young Japanese is compelled by his father to join the army instead—for the father realises that the Japanese new order will crush those who do not go along with its ambitious schemes. • The youngster obediently takes part in the Japanese invasion of China, and his rapid change into a stern militarist brings about his separation from his father, his. American friends, and bis fiancee. This in turn leads to the dramatiij complications of the plot, into which the sudden attack on Pearl Harbour bursts like a bomb. Margo, Tom Neal; and J. Carrol Naish play the roles of,the trio.of Japanese principals, ■with Robert Ryan, Gloria Holden, and Don Douglas as the three Americans. ST. JAMES. The spectacular production, ' The Great Waltz,' will continue for another week at the St. James. The play is based on the life of Johann Strauss. Fernand Gravet, as the composer, is starred opposite Luise Rainer,- playing Strauss's wife, Poldi. Miliza Korjus, the Polish singer, portravs Carla, the opera star sweetheart of the composer. Dimitri Tiomkin', the eminent Russian com-poser-pianist, adapted the Strauss music, with Dr Arthur Gattman, first conductor of the Johann Strauss Theatre in Vienna, as conductor of the great orchestras. In the first half of the programme a specially selected list of featurettes will be screened. Starting to-morrow, sssions will commence daily at 2 p.m. and 7.45. STATE. A vivid Columbia drama, ' None Shall Escape,' dealing with the decisive defeat of the Nazis and the bringing to justice by the United Nations of the principal war criminals is now screening at the State. The picture in a forthright manner depicts a little Polish court', room, where each criminal in turn attempts to defend bis actions during the war period. iMany instances of the- brutality of highly-placed Nazi officials following the conquest of Poland are realistically depicted. One of the most.stirring scenes is the brutal murder of lovely Janina, a young Polish girl who trie3 to flee from the bestial overtures of Nazi officers. Heading a; brilliant list nf featured players are Marsha Hunt, Alexander Knox, Henry Travers, Erik Rolf. Richard Hale. Dorothy Morris. Ruth Nelson- and Kurt Kreuger.

EMPIRE. An engrossing mystery story will be presented in' Universale ' Two Tickets to London,' which is the current attraction at the Empire. Michele Morgan, known as the most popular screen actress of pre-war France, is starred. Alan Curtis appears with her in a romantic role. Distingiushed players in the supporting cast include C. Aubrey Smith, Barry Fitzgerald, Tarquin Olivier, Mary Gordon, Oscar O'Shea, and Dooley Wilson. ' Two Tickets to London ' is described as the graphic enactment of a na-tion-wide man hunt. Curtis portrays the fugitive an alleged enemy accomplice who is believed to be responsible for a major marine calamity. Miss Morgan appears as the girl who unwittingly aids his escape nnd eventually brings about his capture. Tarquin Olivier has a conspicuous role, and is seen in many dramatic acts with Miss Morgan and. Curtis. Dooley Wilson singe two . numbers ;' Lead Kindly Light.' and ' You are My Sunshine,' and Miss Morgan's vocal ability is demonstrated in her rendering of ' You Don't Know What Love Is.' &n excellent supporting programme includes a. further episode of 'Mysterious Dr Satan.' STRAND. A new mystery drama, ' False Face6,' has pride of place' in the Strand's current programme. The story deals with a district attorney's attempts to bring about a better understanding, between himself and his wayward, son. When the lad becomes involved in a murder the father is torn between his desire to protect his son and his sworn duty to prosecute him. Music and drama are cleverly combined to produce excellent entertainment in ' Nearly Eighteen,' the associate film. Gale Storm is the central . figure in the story, and this sprightly young actress has seldom been seen to greater advantage. Her ability as a singer of popular songs is given full scope in her performances on. the floor of a night club which figure prominently in the story. The story concerns the efforts of Miss Storm, not quite 18, to carve- out a career as a singer, and how she finally finds both career and love are told in a stirring climax. A further episode of the 'Great Northern Mystery' will, also be screened. GRAND. An engrossing story of love and courage is told in ' Happy. Land,' the main attraction in the new change of programme at the Grand. This big Twentieth CenturyFox production combines emotional drama, thrilling romance, and human adventure. A talented cast of players is headed by Don Ameche, Francis Dee, Harry Carey, and Ann Rutherford. The supporting feature is a musical film, ' My Gal Sal/ wiih Rita Hayworth in the title role, and Victor Mature, John Sutton, and Carole Landis at the head of a powerful supporting cast. MAYFAIR. The new programme to" be submitted at the Mayfair to-day contains two offerings of more than ordinary merit. The chief attraction, is ' The More the •. Merrier,' a gay romance, starring Joel McCrea, Jeaa Arthur, and Charles Coburn. An engrossing adventure story is told irr the associate film, 'South of Suez.' with George Brent, Brenda Marshall, and George Tobias in the chief roles.