AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20431, 16 December 1940, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

KING’S THEATRE “TOM BROWN’S SCHOOL DAYS” “Tom Brown’s School Days,” the classic story which has thrilled millions of readers for almost a century, comes to the screen as a gripping, vivid and exciting entertainment for all, young and old. The picture, which concludes at the King’s Theatre 10-night, traces the remarkable career of the historic Dr. Thomas Arnold, head master of England’s famous Rugby School from 1824 to 1841. -“Men Against the Sky”: To-morrow-

The amazing adventures of three men and a girl whose lives are vitally involved with the building of the fastest pursuit plane in.the world .form the unique basis of “Men Against the Sky.” a stirring romantic drama of modern aviation. Richard Dix. as a disgraced pilot, Kent Taylor as a handsome aircraft designer, Edmund Lowe as an aggressive plane manufacturer, and Wendy Barrie as an ambitious draftswoman are the principal players. Competing against other major companies in creating the swiftest lighting ship in the world, the four people labour frantically against almost insuperable odds. Throughout their hectic experiences a warm romance progresses between the girl and the chief designer. As the young woman’s shiftless brother, Dix desperately strives to make up for his ill-spent life by secretly contributing practical advice which ultimately aids in the perfection of the plane. Spectacular thrills and the actual appearance in the picture of Howard Hughes' famous record-breaking speed plane, are further highlights of this gripping drama.

REGENT THEATRE

DR. EHRLICH’S MAGIC BULLET” LAST NIGHT

“The Story of Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet,” a film constructed along the same lines as “The Story of Louis Pasteur,” heads the interesting programme being screened at the Regent Theatre for the last time tonight. The pictures have a great deal in common in that they represent a new trend in the motion picture field, entertainment and service, but beyond this lies a highly interesting fact. “Louis Pasteur” of course paid tribute to Louis Pasteur, the eminent French scientist. “Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet” is an entertaining and dramatic picturisation of the life and work in the medical field of Dr. Paul ’Ehrlich, winner of the Nobel Prize for his scientific discoveries. It so happens that Ehrlich was a friend and disciple of Pasteur, and carried on some of the work that the French scientist started. Like Pasteur, Dr. Ehrlich sought constantly to establish an ever closer relationship between medicine and chemistry. He named and sought that recurrent dream of every sincere microbehunter, a “magic bullet” which would kill microbes, just as a cartridge from a rifle will kill big game. For Dr, Ehrlich this dream came true, to be of great benefit to all mankind. Edward G. Robinson has his greatest role as Dr. Ehrlich. The supporting films include , “Bow-Wow,” an unusual Tcehnicolour travelogue of the Navajo Indian country; “Slap-Happy-Pappy,” a humorous Technicolour cartoon; air mail review, and Cinesound news. —To-Morrow: Ray Miiland in “Untamed”—

The beauty of 1 the North American woods —serene and stately in summer, but cruel and dangerous when the winds of Winter blow —provides the background of one of Paramount’s most important productions for the current 'season, “Untamed,” which costars Ray Milland. Patricia Morison and Alum Tamirof!', and which begins at the Regent Theatre to-morrow.

Based on Sinclair Lewis'-novel "Mantrap." the fascinating and intriguing story tells of the age-old—bat ever new—romance of two men and a woman, the soul-stirring narration of a French-Canadian guide who realises that he is losing the love of his citybred wife to a young society doctor. Heralded as an absorbing screen drama, the picture was directed by George Archninbaud arid features Jane Darwcll and Wiiiiam Frawley at the head of a notable supporting cast.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

WALLACE BEERY IN “20 MULE TEAM,” and “TWO THOROUGHBREDS” Affording Wallace Beery his most colourful and convincing characterisation since “Viva Villa!" and teaming him with two other veterans, Leo Carrillo and Marjorie Rambeau, “20 Mule Team” opens to-day at the Majestic Theatre. Saga of the Death Valley pioneers who dug borax and

hauled it to the railroad 102 miles away by mule trains across blistering desert sands and through sun-baked canyons, “20 Mule Team” finds Beery outdoing any of his recent roles as Muleskinncr Bill Bragg, best driver on the route by his own admission. As the Indian “swamper,” Piute Pete, Carrillo is at his peak, and as the hotel and saloon owner Jessie Johnson, who throws Beery out despite the fact that he considers himself virtually engaged to her, Miss Rambeau comes near to filling the shoes of the perfect comedienne. Supplying the junior “heart interest” are a young pair of great promise, Noah Beery, jun., showing himself a chip off the old block in

his first role with his uncle, and Anne Baxter, a newcomer from the New York stage. Young Noah has easy assurance as the company paymaster, Mitch, while Miss Baxter reveals both charm and fire ns Jean, Josie’s.daughter, who jilts Mitch and attempts to elope With the gambler, Stag Roper, played with spnvity by Douglas Few ley. Clem Bevans as the prospector.. Chttekawalla; Barton Churchill as "Jackass” Brown, head ot the Desert Borax Company and Beery’s boss, and Arthur Hold as the fake marshal are all authentic period pieces. Filmed in the original locale amid picturesque settings, “20 Mule Team” has all the attributes of the best western talkies, and keeps its action rolling at all times. The associate feature is “Two Thoroughbreds,” starring Jimmy Lydon and Joan Brodcl. An added attraction is the latest Pathe air-mail news.