ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 205, 31 July 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

METEOR THEATRE. “THIS MAN IS NEWS.” A novel anti oxciting newspaper murder mystery with Barry K. Barnes and Valerie Ilohson in the principal parts of 'Paramount’s new British release, “This Man Is News,’" is now showing at the Meteor Theatre. The cast also includes Alastair Sim, John Warwick, Carry Marsh, Edward I.exy, James Pirric anti Kenneth Buckley, while David MacDonald directed. The story deals with a. reporter who achieves notoriety as the result of a murder story ho sends in to his paper before the actual crime is committed. As may be imagined, this produces uncomfortable consequences for him; but, fortunately, ho is able to prove an alibi. Tho gang of crooks concerned, however, is of the opinion that either he must possess amazing foresight, or else ho knows too much; and they decide ho would be better out of the way. Their attentions cause the reporter to become front-page nows, himself, but in the end with the help of his wife, he is instrumental in bringing the crooks to justice. STATE THEATRE. “KEEP SMILING.” From the first riotous moment, when wo meet her as a burlesque “Tommy” having difficulty with her uniform, to the last triumphant scene at a luxury beach pavilion, Gracie Fields i 6 the life and soul of “Keep Smiling.” The story of “Keep Smiling” provides a refreshing and happy tonic. A riotous show is being staged iri a provincial thcatro by a touring music-hall troupe, with Gracie Fields as their star. Their manager, played by Joe Mott, has agreed to give charity the proceeds, but is discovered attempting to keep most of the money himself. Gracie leads the troupe in rebellion and they walk out ou Mott. Penniless, they determine to start their own company. Gracie takes them all to her grandfather’s farm. Avia (Mary Maguire) the troupe’s soubrette; Bert (Rogar Livesey), the pianist; Denia (Jack Donohue); and six other members of the company go with Gracie to the farm. They completely upset the routine of the place with their rehearsals in (he open air, infuriating old ■Silas Gray (Edward Ribby). It is a stray dog (“Skippy,” of “Thin Man” fame) who eventually helps the troupe to success at a seaside pavillion, luit only after the vil- ; lainous manager has been severely dealt with. Romance has flourished between Avia and a celebrated pianist (Peter Coke) and the- love of Bert for Gracie has been declared.