AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1940, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House Now Showing: “THE OKLAHOMA KID.” “The Oklahoma Kid,” with James Cagney in the title role, is the surging 3 drama of an Empire in creation, and its dramatic, thrilling action will hold audiences throughout, during its screening at the Opera House to-day, to-night, also to-morrow and Thursday. The new Cagney starring picture is a rousing melodrama of the onen spaces in the days when homesteaders were erasing the last fron tiers in the United States. It is a semi-historic tale of the great land rush and other events which followed the opening up of Oklahoma territory to settlement in 1893, but it scores primarily as thrilling entertainment made memorable by superb acting by the star and such players as Humphrey Bogart, Rosemary Lane and Donald Crisp. It is interesting to note that Jimmy Cagney is a dashing horseman; it is also interesting to observe him decked out in sombrero, buckskin jacket, high heeled riding boots and with two old coit six guns on his hips instead of one automatic slung under his armpit, but all that can’t hide the fact that he’s essentially the same Cagney who has long been recognised as the screen’s foremost exponent of forceful action. Ah his brilliant gallery of city bred hard guys to the contrary notwithstanding this picture proves that the elements which make Cagney such a compelling actor really fit better against the roomy background of the great outdoors, than they ever did in the narrow confines of city streets. In other words he’s great as a rip roaiing hell-for-leather, quick trigger gunman of the plains. Naturally, even a Cagney alone could not make “The Oklahoma Kid,” the thrilling entertainment it is, but he has all the aid that is necessary—a swell story, and a swell supporting cast. Heading the supporting players are Humphrey Bogart who outdoes himself in a portrait of ruthless villainy; he is not, it may be noted a cowardly villain but fully courageous as the hero, a fact which helps to make the final encounter between Cagney and himself which is a vicious hand-to-hand battle, one of the greatest fight scenes ever seen on the screen. The ‘romantic interest is beautifully sustained by lovely Rosemary Lane who i unfolds a dramatic talent that shows ' that she has progressed a long way ' from the sweet little singer with Fred i Waring’s band who landed in HollyI wood a couple of years ago. Donald Crisp as usual is brilliantly effective in the sympathetic type of role for which he is so much in demand Others in the cast include Harvey Stephens, Hugh Sothern Edward i Pawley and John Miljan.

REGENT: FINAL SCREENING OF “WINGS OF THE NAVY.” Commencing Wednesday: Two excellent Comedies: “Hey! Hey! U -S-A. and “WOMEN ARE LIKE THAT.

A new Will Hay film is always an eagrely anticipated event. This peerless comedian whose facial antics and irresistible wise-cracks are always hailed with uproarious enthusiasm by filmgoers of every age and type will be seen in his latest comedy,. “Hey! Hey! U.S.A.” Will Hay in his most popular characterisation —that of Dr. Benjamin Twist who this time sustains the most amazing and thrilling adventures in the heart of Chicago’s gansterland. Bringing to the screen that unique biend of simultaneous suspense and hilarity peculiar to a Will Hay film, “Hey! Hey! U.S.A." 'shows how this famous character starts out in the guise of a lawless hotel porter who is drugged, and awakes to find himself on board an American-bound liner. In an attempt to achieve his only possible salvation ho is compelled to impersonate a distinguished professor of education. With the action-packed sequences ol the picture ranging in the background from the giant interior of a transAtlantic luxury liner to the bustling thoroughfares and sinister gangster quarters of Chicago, the star is aidea and abetted in his madcap mirth-mak-ing by two famous American screen personalities—Edgar Kennedy and Tommy Bupp, the combined antics of, this perfectly matched trio providing! highlights of hilarity which set a new ’ record in laughter scores.

THE ASSOCIATE FEATURE A delightful and novel comedy, “Women Are Like That” (incidentally, a most appropriate title) is grand entertainment on the sophisticated side, with smart and amusing dialogue, polished acting and ultra-modern settings. Pat O’Brien and Kay Francis head the cast. Patrons are advised to book early. ’Phone 601. COBDEN SOCIAL. A social and dance for Cobden members of the Second Echelon will be held in the School Gymnasium to-night. The Cobden Farewell Committee has complete arrangements in hand for a most successful gathernig. There are 22 Cobden men in the Second Echelon, . and to-night’s function is expected to draw' a great crowd. Marley’s old time and modern music will be provided, with numerous novelties. Cards are available for non-dancers, and the low admission charges will help to draw a record crowd.