ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 75, 25 February 1938, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “KING SOLOMON’S MINES.” During the last six months or so there has been a dearth of brilliant film adaptions of story classics. “Les Miserablcs,” “David Copperfield,” “Little Women,” are but three productions that come to one’s mind. Strangely enough, England lias contributed but little to tho Wially excellent classic productions to date, but now at last wo have seen an English film that will rank with any previous classic brought to tho screen. For sheer entertainment and unexcelled pictorial presentation of the author’s original ideas, “King Solomon’s Mines,” screening at 8 and 10.30 to-night at the Stale Theatre, takes first place in to-day’s film world) H. Rider Haggard has been responsible for adventurous, imaginative tales that have thrilled readers since the ’eighties and will continue to do so for years to come. These stories have all the glamour and romance that appeals to any imagination, and “King Solomon’s Mines” is probbalv the best of these. It is ideal film material, and as adapted and presented by G.-8.-D. under tho direction of Robert Stevenson, it is definitely Britain’s film triumph and in tense, exciting entertainment. The story of Kathy O’Brien and her diamond-mining father who obtain a wagon lift from a hunter, Allan Quartrrmain, and who arc later joined by Commander Good and Sir Henry Curtis, explorer and adventurer, with the powerfully built Untbopa fpr driver and guide, makes interesting material. O’Brien then disappears with a map ho has obtained, supposedly locating the fabulously rich diamond mines—Kinpr Solomon’s Mines—and the party, following in tho wake of Kathy who has gone in search of her . father, takes an interest in the proceedings. From the moment they are captured by Zulus and Umbopa reveals himself as their rightful king, the story builds up to a thrilling .and powerful climax that involves fierce tribal wars, gruesome mischief hy witch-doctors am) an enormous volcanic upheaval. These scenes have been brilliantly and realistically produced, and the tribal war and celebration 6ccncs in which thousands of natives take part are both impressive and spectacular. As Umbopa, Paul Robeson has never been seen to hotter advantage. He sings three songs during tho action of the film in glorious voice, arid acts with conviction. Sharing all honours is Cedric Hardwicke as Allan Qna.-tcrinain, adventurer. This convincing Eng fish star adds but one more characterisation to his successful list. Roland Young maxes Commander Good an interesting, frien.tly little fellow with brilliance, and the romantic interest is sincerely handled by Anna Lee and John Loder. /■

/ ~ MAYFAIR THEATRE. “YOU’RE A SWEETHEART.” Alice Faye, more glariiorous and beautiful than ever before, singing the hit songs of the year, and for the first time on the screen dancing, the art which brought her to the screen in the beginning. George Murphy, in the hilarious role of a waiter who becomes a millionaire for a week, wins tho Jove of a Broadway star and figures in tho headline romance of the century ! He dances as lie never danced before. These two favourites of tho screen, together with an all star cast of the world’s most brilliant entertainers, were swirled together in a lavish cocktail of melody, laughter and grandeur to produce Universal’s smashing musical triumph, “You’re a Sweetheart,” which starts to-morrow at the Mayfair Theatre. Costing mure than a million dollars, the B. G. “Buddy” De Sylva production reveals Ken Murray and Oswald at their funniest, together with Frank Jenks and Frances Hunt, two new comedy discoveries of the year. Loading a dancing chorus of more than a hundred beautiful girls is Edna Sedgwick, famous ballerina of two continents. Andy Devine is seen as the comical bodyguard who wants to get back into prison so he can play on the football team. These and a dozen oilier elements make "You’re a Sweetheart” a top-notch musical that stands in a class by itself. Seen in a dancing role for the first time on the screen, Alice Faye and George Murphy form a new team of dancing stars, backed by a chorus of pretty girls, that will literally take one’s breath away as they spin, whirl and glido to the newest song creations of Jimmy McHugh aud Harold Adamson. Hollywood critics, acclaiming the picture at its premiere, wrote glowing compliments for the dazzling dialogue and comedy scenes. Capitalising on the talents of Alice Faye, George Murphy, Frank Jenks, William Gargan and other capable members of tho cast, the writers filled the story with laugh-provoking situations, and surprise plot twists that gave it the momentum and tempo of an express train in high gear. Those who have soon the lavish production declare that there is more, solid entertainment, more laughs, more spectacular dance routines and beautiful song numbers woven into the picture than in any other musical that was ever filmed.