ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 305, 24 November 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAYFAIR THEATRE. “A SOUTHERN MAID.” “A Southern Maid,” radiantly beautiful daughter of Sunny Spain, will captivate your heart and set your pukes beating to a gay rhythm of melody and romance. Fiesta scenes, vivid and picturesque; gay romantic sequences afloat, and a story of a runaway love match form a spectacular background for tho lovely Bebe Daniels, who plays the titlo role in “A Southern Maid,” British International Pictures’ elaborate picturisation of the world-fam-ous musical comedy romance, at tho Mayfair to-night. While the world at large has droppod to old conventions ooncerning love and marriago, in the South American State of San Giorgio, fathers still arrange their daughters’ marriages, and young Jack Rawdon, who has followed the beautiful Dolores all the way to her homeland, finds it hard to believe that she was unaware of her parents’ intentions towards a certain Francesco, superb but impoverished grandee. The course of true love does not run smooth, but it eventually “finds a way,” and a ghost looms up from the past to help the young lovers to happiness. Supporting Bebe Daniels, who is, of courso, the glorious Dolores, is Britain’s stage favourite, Clifford Mollison as Jack, a role which eminently suits his inimitable cheery self; Harry Welchman, -who plays Francesco, who is deprived of the woman he loves by both father and son, and Morris Ilarvc'y, as the martinet of a father. “IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT.” Theatregoers have been waiting with keen delight for the revival of “It Happened One Night,” which screens at the Mayfair to-night. Recognised as one of the finest comedies in years, it stars Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. It tells tho story of. a young newspaperman en route from Mhimi to New York by bus. One tho road he recognises Ellen Andrews—a runaway heiress —for whose return her father has offered a huge reward. The girl is totally spoiled and unable to care for herself so ho takes her under his wing, protects her from would-be-sheiks and bluffs off others intent on securing the reward. He t-reats the girl with indifference, tells her she is spoilt, worthless and helpless , but nevertheless assists in taking her to her newlyacquired husband in New York. They lose baggage and money, and are forced to proceed on foot—sleeping in haystacks and pawning their belongings to provide

meals. They fall in love, of course, but that’s the rest of the story. REGENT THEATRE. “FOR VALOUR.” After a lapse of some 18 months, one of tho most brilliant comedy trios ever united on the screen is once morejaunchod on a great new laughter campaign, and the result —a film which is proving to be tho comedy sensation of the year at the Regent Theatre. It is “For Valour,’’ a Capitol Film production, co-starring Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, and which has been adapted from an original story by that prince of comedy authors, Ren Travers. Directed by Tom Walls, it is the most ambitious picture ever undertaken by Uhis great trio, providing them with unique opportunities. The famous comedy co-stars both appear in dual roles. T oiu Walls, minus his moustache, appears ag a private in the Boer War, and a convict adorned with a perfect cauliflower ear. Ralph Lynn will be seen for the first time .without his monocle, as a major in the British Army, and later as a senile, doddering old man, and, of course, both stars contrive to appear as themselves. These facts alone are a sufficient guarantee of tlie film’s entertainment value, but, in addition. the Ben Travers story is unlike anything this inimitable pair have ever essayed. Major Pyke, wishing to reward suitably a jjrivale in his battalion for saving his life, is distressed to discover the man is an escaped convict, and when, years .afterwards, he sees him in prison, offers to bring up the crook’s son with his own grandson, who, it is hoped, will prove an influence for the good. In thi6 he proves sadly mistaken, for, from then on, a life of crime is led by all! The action calls for a great variety of settings, varying from the Boer War to a milk bar, with Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn performing the greatest confidence trick of the century. Doctors prescribe laughter a 1? essential to your diet —we prescribe “For Valour” as the greatest laughter cure ever to come to the screen. Veronica Rose and Joan Marion supply charming, feminine interest.