ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 253, 25 September 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

METEOR THEATRE. . ‘THE WARE CASE.” Clive Brook, whose film appearances have, alas, been too rare during tl'.o last few years, makes a welcome reappearance in the A.T.P. production, “The' Ware Case,” now showing at the Meteor Theatre, and it is doubtful if the popular star has ever been seen to bettor advantage. He brings to the part of Sir Hubert Ware a skill and understanding, calculated to make you like the character, although his morality and general behaviour do not bear examination. Sir Hubert is popular with everybody, loved by his wife, loved by other men’s wives, even worshipped by, his men frionds, although time after time they have to rescue him from tho consequences attaching to dud cheques. When the revelation about such a cheque comes near, Sir Hubert runs off to Monte Carlo in the hope of being able to raise the money. And although fys luck at tho Casino is not all that ho hoped it would be, the irresponsible baronet returns home, seemingly convinced that the trip had been worth while, in that it had supplied tho charming means of another flirtation. The story moves on to its dramatic climax when the body of Sir Hubert’s rich brother-in-law is found drowned in the lake after dinner one night. Then conics tho trial scene, with Sir Hubert in the dock and everybody convincing themselves that such _ a “good, fellow” could not possibly be guilty of 'murder. REGENT THEATRE. “UNION PACIFIC.” Barbara Stanwyck, in a role completely different from any she has previously attempted, and Joel MeCrca, as a character strongly reminiscent of the one he portrayed last season in “Wells Fargo,” are co-starred in the romantic, loads of ••Union Pacific,” which screens to-night a.t the Regent Theatre. Although the popular Miss Stanwyck has played roles as varied as Middle Western farm-woman, New England factory wench and Park Avenue debutante,. her Mollie Monahan in “Union Pacific” marks something totally new in ■the Stanwyck repertoire. She is a daring, warm-hearted, fiery girl of the West, the daughter of the “U.P.s” first engineer, the postmistress of “end of track” and little sister of the husky railroad-builders. She is equally at home outwitting Western sharpers, comforting tho homesick Irish labourers, battling Indians on the warpath or engaging in high-powered romance. Mollie’s romantic interest in “Union Pacific” is one Jeff Butler (played by the handsome McCrea), a brave and reckless trouble-shooter whom tho Washington Government has assigned to help keep order along tho right of way. The two meet at “end of track,” the gaudy, brawling settlement that moves e\ 4 er Westward with the railroad, and their romance moves as swiftly forward as the phenomenal railroad itself.

On the supporting programme are two items worthy of special note. The first is another of those fascinating “Popular Science” series in colour, and tho second is a Popeye cartoon entitled “Leave Well Enough Alone.” In addition, the latest world news events will also lie screened, and in 'these days of important happenings the newsreel takes upon itself far greater value to the theatre patron than was formerly the case. Box plans are now open at Collinsoti and Cunninghante’s, and you will lo well advised to reserve .your seats early . for this outstanding programme. . ,