ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 July 1939, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA/HOUSE.

“THE BOY FROM BARNARDO’S”

Everyone has always thrilled at the courage of those hardy men who go down to the sea in ships, but the respects of those sturdy boys who are their shipmates are paid in the action packed drama of youth, in “The Boy from Barnardo’s” to be screened at the Opera House to-night, to-morrow and Monday. This impressive picture is based on the British Merchant Marine, with Freddie Bartholomew and Mickey Rooney in the juvenile starring roles, portraying two contrasting characters in the famous RussellCotes school and the Barnado Home for the reclamation of youth. These two youngsters may be remembered for their unforgettable performances in “Captains Courageous.” Now they are seen, slightly older, more mature, but still the . rough-and-tumble boys with a high code of honour and a great love for the sea. A strong supporting cast is provided in this film that will interest every parent and every member of the younger generation. Freddie appears as an orphan boy who is in the custody of two crooks. They represent him as “Lord Jeff” in an effort to carry out their schemes to raise money. The boy is arrested and sent to the Barnado Home where he is trained for the sea. The story concerns his life there with othfer boys of his kind. One of them, portrayed by Mickey Rooney, is a petty officer who hounds the pewcomer at first, then becomes his friend. Eventually they graduate together and are assigned to duty aboard the huge liner Queen Mary. The supporting cast includes Charles Coburn, Herbert Mundin, Peter Lawford, Terry Kilburn, and several others, along With two hundred boys.

NEW SERIAL. “FLASH GORDON’S TRIP TO MARS” Flash Gordon’s amazing rocket ship will again roar across the screen of the Opera House, commencing Saturday matinee, in the 15 sensational chapter-play, “Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars,” with Larry “Buster” Crabbe in the leading role. Nothing like it ever before, so be advised and don’t miss a single sensational chapter of this thrilling serial. Special photograph of Flash Gordon will be given to each person attending.

REGENT: Final screening of “FLIGHT TO FAME” and ‘STRAIGHT PLACE AND SHOW.’ Commencing Saturday is a splendid double star programme, “THE GLADIATOR” AND “RACKET BUSTERS.”

Joe E. Brown heads the cast with June Travis, Robert Kent and Man Mountain Dean, of ring fame, in “The Gladiator.” Departing from his customary characterisations, the cavernmouthed comedian, in his newest offering, portrays the role of a scientifical-ly-created superman. Those who read Philip Wylie’s novel of the same title will remember the humorous circumstances under which “The Gladiator” was launched on his college misadventures. Brown, returning to Webster College as a sophomore, is beaten and bludgeoned on the football field in the. spirit of good clean fun when he attempts to impress Miss Travis, the belle of the campus. That night the Professor who owns the boarding house where Brown resides, selects Brown as the unwitting subject of an experiment to increase the human normal strength manyfold. The expert-

ment works. From that point on the story is as amazing as it is amusing, picturing Brown ’as a virtual orie-maii Olympic team and a favourite with all the ladies. In the secondary male lead is Robert Kent, able young actor who is the rival of Brown for June Travis’ affections. In a prominent juvenile role is 12-year-old Dickie Moore, in a poignant portrayal of a runaway orphan befriended by Brown. In the role of the eccentric professor, who evolves the secret of the superman, is Lucien Littlefield. And portraying his nagging wife is Ethel Wales. Man Mountain Doan, the ponderous comic mainstay of the wrestling ring, and Brown came to grips in the climatic wrestling match, said to be one of the most spectacular and hilarious sequences ever captured by movie cameras. “The Gladiator” was directed by Edward Sedgwick, who piloted Brown through two previous successes “Riding on Air” and “Fit for a King.”

Also , screening a thrilling drama based on evidence unearthed during the recent drive against crime in New York, “Racket Busters,” carries with it an air of authenticity, and is the more gripping on that account. Humphrey Bogart, , as head of a racketeering organisation calling itself the Manhattan Trucking Association, and George Brent, as leader of the independent truck owners on whom the association levies toll, both have strong roles, while Gloria Dickson does a very fine piece of acting as Brent’s wife. The terrorism by which the racketeer, through his gang, tries to force the truckmen to pay him tribute, leads to many gripping incidents and culminates in an attempt by the gang to call a strike, with the object of cutting off the city’s food supply and forcing the community to accept the gang’s terms. The revolt of the independent truckmen leads to a fight to the finish —a smashing finish. Patrons are advised to make early reservation. ’Phone 601.