ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 308, 27 November 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “WHEN LADIES MEET.” In Metro-Goldwyn-Maycr’s cinema version of 6 ‘When Ladies Meet,” screening finally to-day at the Regent Theatre and one of Broadway’s biggest liita of its season. Harry Beaumont was given an unusually generous freedom in selecting prominent stage and screen artists to fill the principal roles of the comedy-drama. Ann Harding and Robert Montgomery have the co-starring roles. Other principals are Myrna Loy, Alice Brady, who makes her first talkie appearance in this picture, Frank Morgan, who contributed a memorable portrayal in “Reunion in Vienna, Martin Burton and Luis Albcrni. “THE CASE AAG AIN ST MRS AMES.” George Brent, dynamic Irish hero of a score ui inis, is co-starred with Madeleine Carroll, English screen lavourite, in hoi first American picture, “Tho Case Against Mrs Ames,” screening al tho Regent to-morrow. A story as close to life as yesterday's headlines, centred about a woman’s light to clear her name of murder and to Keep tho custody of her six-year-old child, is the basis of “The Case Against Mrs Ames.” Miss Carroll is cast in the title role. George Brent, who costars with Miss Carroll, appears as a ruthless district attorney who seeks to send .urs Allies to tile gaiioiu-., yet proves tne means of her salvation. The story opens with Miss Carroll on trial for the murder of her husband, a wealthy California,. social leader. A mass of circumstantial evidence points to her guilt. Bttblie opinion is against her; her husband’s mother is a bntor enemy; her own lawyer oceins hikewarm in her defence. T lie accused woman, in a dramatic courtroom scene, pleads for a chance to defend herself. Acquitted, she remains guilty in the public eye. The subsequent buttle for her child, m which olie is opposed by the power and wealth of her mother-in-law, makes an unusual and powerful screen story. An outstanding group of featured players support the star. Leading tho list are Arthur Treacher, Aian Baxter, Beulah Bondi, Alan Mowbray, Brenda Fowler, Esther Dale. Edward Bropliy, Richard Carle and Scotty Beckett. William A. Seiter directed the production. STATE THEATRE. “TIIE FLYING DOCTOR.” Australian film production has conn into its own. With international start heading Hit east, expert uritish technicians behind the prouuction, and a sto>y no Australian or aow Zealander can la,, to appreciate, “iho Flying .Doctor” comet to tne State Theatre to-morrow, starrm e Charles i'arrell, with Mary Maguire, urn. a magnificent supporting east. llie film is btiied as Australia’s supremo screen achievement and it luily justifies tliv cluiui 1 The story has tor its theme two dramas. Sandy Neison (Charles i'arre.i/ is a wanderer. Cusuui, tireless, incurabij restless, ever on tiio look-out lor wide, horizons, ho typifies the Australian au venturer; and lie is a man whom none could fail to like, and trust. By chance lie meets little Jenny Rutherford (Maty Maguire), and before Ins true spirit, monicntairly drugged by tho sweet romance, can re-awaken to assert itself, he is married to her. But the eagle cnnnoi be pinioned. He disappears, and aftei vicissitudes in Sydney, working al casual jobs, and fighting for a crust in tbo wrestling ring, no heads for out-back again. And tins time he is lucky. He and Ins little pal, “Dodger” (Joe Vaili), strike gold. The story of Saqdy's love is interwoven with the drama of the Aerial Medical Service. The Flving Doctor (James Raglan) who has Cloneurry as his base, is Sandy’s iriend, and their lives are inevitably linked by an intriguing twist of fate. How Sandy sustains a tragic loss but becomes victorious even in defeat; how Dodger Green makes a fortune; how Jenny Ruthorlord finds happiness at last; and flow the Flying Doctor makes history, build a story both human and noble. Adapted by J. 0. C. Orton from Itoberl Waldron’s novel of tho same name, “The Flying Doctor” is the finest film medium Australia has yet handled. The action throughout is brisk tempo. Careful casting has ensured that an excellent balance is maintained throughout by the players, who packed the film with thrills, comedy, and true-to-life drama that makes instant appeal.