ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 311, 30 November 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “THE CASE AGAINST MRS AMES.” George Brent, dynamic Irish hero of a score of hits, is co-starred with Madeleine Carroll, English screen favourite, in hoi first American picture, “The Case Against Mrs Ames,” screening at the Regent to-night. A story as close to tile as yesterday's headlines, centred about a woman's fight to clear her name of murder and to keep the custody of her six-year-old child, is the basis of “The Caso 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 .Mrs Ames to tile gallows, yet proves llie means of her salvation. Tho 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. I’iiblic opinion is against her; her husband’s mother is a bitter enemy; her own lawyer seems lukewarm iu her defence. The accused woman. in a dramatic courtroom scene, pleads for a chance to defend herself. Acquitted, she remains guilty in the public eye. 1 lie subsequent battle for her child, in which •.lie is- opposed by I lie 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 the list are Arthur T readier, Alan Baxter, Beulah Bondi, Alan Mowbray, Brenda Fowler, Esther Dale. Edward Bropliv, Richard Carlo and Scotty Beckett. William A. Seiter directed the production. STATE THEATRE. “THE FLYING DOCTOR.” Australian film production has conic into its o.vn. W itii international stars heading tht east, expert liritish technicians behind tho production, and a story no Australian or New Zealander can tail to appreciate, “The Flying Doctor” screens at the State Theatre to-night, starring Charles r urrell, witn Mary jiaguue, utiu a magnificent supporting cast. 'Hie film is biiied as Australia’s supreme screen achievement and it. fully justifies the claim ! The story lias lor its theme two dramas. Sandy Neison (Charles I arrc.l) is a wanderer. Casual, tireless, incurably restless, ever on the look-out for wider horizons, lie typifies the Australian adventurer; and lie is a man whom none could fail to like, and trust. Bv chance he meets little Jenny Rutherford (Mary Maguire), and before his true spirit, momcutairly drugged by the sweet romance, can re-awaKcu to assert itself, bo is married to her. But tho eagle cannot be pinioned. lie disappears, and after vicissitudes in Sydney, working at casual jobs, and fighting for a crust in the wrestling ring, lie heads for out-back again. And this time be is lucky, lie and his little pal, “Dodger” (Joe_ Valii), strike gold. Tho story of Sandy s love is interwoven with the diama of tho Aerial Medical Service. The Flving Doctor (James Raglan) who lias Cloncurry as his base, is Sandy's friend, and their lives are inevitably linked by an intriguing twist of fate.