AMUSEMENTS

Grey River Argus, 11 June 1943, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

Opera House

Now Showing: “Laugh it Off starring Tommy Trinder and Jean Colin; also “Madame Spy'-’ starring Constance Bennett and Don Porter. “LAUGH IT OFF.” . Unmistakably patterned for wartime popular entertainment, Laugn it Off’’ with Tommy Trinder (comedy star of “Sailors 3”) supported bv Jean Colin, Peter Gawsborne, W. Patch Sidney Burchell (Australian baritone), and Geraldo’s famous dance orchestra, now showing .at the Onera House. m , The story opens with Tommy and Sally stars of a Blackpool concert party, who with other members of the company find themselves jobless on the outbreak of war. Tommy reports for military duty, where his adventures with wartime train service, his rough handling of a tough fellow who turns out to be the ser-geant-major and riotous introduction to the mysteries of army life bring howls of laughter. When the sergeant falls down on preparing a concert, Tommy gets the old concert party together, which goes with a bang. The troops are entertained, the Colonel can look the General in the eye, the sergeant sees his Waterloo, concluding in a grand patriotic snectacle which .'features marching songs, and old favourites with Tommy inveigling the audience to join in. “MADAME SPY” Constance Bennett, whose screen career has been high-lighted with brilliant dramatic success, is said to have one of her most spectacular roles in “Madame Spy” now showing at the Opera House. T'he picture is described as a distinct innovation in topical espionage adventure movies.

Miss Bennett portrays a young bride, deeply in love with her husband, who is unable to disclose to him that she is a Federal agent rounding up a nest of spies. Porter, her husband, is a famous newspaper man, .and when his own investigation of the spies puts him on the trail of his bride, the complications ensue rapidly.

Regent Theatre

Commencing Friday: “Crossroads,” starring William Powell— Hedy Lamarr,,

A combination of swift-moving action and powerful, believable drama, plus one of the vear’s most powerfulcasts headed by William Powell and Hedy Lamarr—the screen’s most polished gentleman, the screen’s most glamorous lady—are together for the first time in Metro-Goldwyn Mayer’s story of blackmail and intrigue. The stellar cast includes Basil Rathbone, Claire Trevor, Felix Bressart, H. B. Warner, Philip Merivale, Margaret Wycherly, Guy Bates Post, James Rennie and Vladimir Sokoloff. The picture combines all the elements of suspense, intrigue, romance and thrills, and gives abundant opportunity for Powell and Lamarr to display their individual talents. Excitement and romance parallel one another, with Powell in the dramatic role of a man who finds himself struggling .against malevolent odds to maintain the life he has built for him. As a French diplomat, Powell is catapulted into a life of intrigue when Rathbone accuses him of once being a notorious underworld character. With the help of his accomplice, Claire Trevor, Rathbone baffles Powell to such .an extent that he doesn’t know which is his true identity. Director. Conway maintains this heightened suspense until the last moment, and not until the final scene is the audience aware of the true situation. The excellent associate programme includes one of the most remarkable shorts ever to come to this country and should be seen by everyone. Its title is indicative, “Mr Blabbermouth.”

“Hei Tiki”

COLOURFUL MAORI PICTURE COMING TO GREYMOUTH. A film which is creating considerable interest throughout New Zealand to-day is “Hei Tiki,” which is to be screened at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next, w’ith special matinee each day.

“Hei Tiki” was photographed entirely in New Zealand, location being on the west coast of the North Island. There are no actors mentioned by name, no make-up and no painted or manufactured scenery. The film, which re-created an old M.aori legendary romance, was conceived and directed by Alexander Markey, photographed by Howard Bridgman, and then went to America, where is was sound-synchronised in Hollywood, with the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra playing the music. Reports reaching New Zealand have indicated that the finished product had .a very successful run in the United States, and the most hardened motion picture critics are unanimous in their praise of its general qualities.