ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 February 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE, “ON BORROWED TIME.” Lionel Barrymore carves a new niche for himself with his superb performance of the lovable old outspoken Cramp, in “On Borrowed Time.” Easily the most unusual film of the year, “On Borrowed Time” is- also one of the most heartwarming and touching. It has Lionel Barrymore in the most perfect characterisation he has ever achieved. Even at that, Barrymore is hard pressed for honours both by Sir Cedric llardwickc as the mysterious 6tranger, Mr Brink, and by eight-year-old Bobs Watson as the grandson, Bud. By the very inflection ot his voice llardwickc achieves a portrayal of the mysterious strangler, Mr Brink, personification of Death, which is remarkable for its quiet incisiveness. Played absolutely straight it is nevertheless highly imaginative and convincing. As Bud, Bobs Watson is certainly the most natural youngster who has ever brought all the delightful qualities of childhood to tho screen. For Inis simple story of a grandfather who desperately fights Death* to prevent a grandson whom lie adores from falling into the clutches of an unscrupulous aunt, M-G-M has assembled a unique cast of “actors’ actors.” Beulah Bondi is at her finest as the devoted Granny, l. na Merkel was never more warmly human than as the maid, Marcia, and Eily Malyon etches with unerring strokes what must certainly he the most unsympathetic role of the year as the entirely despicable Aunt Dcnietria.

STATE THEATRE. "TIIE FLYING DEUCES.” Laurel and Hardy again provide good, down to earth slapstick on the screen in their latest picture, “The Flying Deuces, screening al the State Theatre. This laugh-provoking comedy proves to be one of tho best oi their long career. There is little reliance on gags. Instead, the comedians have resorted to that excellent brand of pantomime which distinguished them during their earlier years. It might lie suggested hero that those who see the picture pay particular attention to the musical score. Music has been used to excellent advantage lo augment the comedy situations. ami has more than substituted for the gags that are so commonly relied on in such pieces. 1 lie story concerns a couple of tourists in Paris, w/io through unrequited love for a girl, join the French .Foreign Legion to forget her. Given the dirtiest jobs in the regiment, they finally rebel, only to lie charged with desertion. Sentenced to death, they- escape in an endurance aeroplane. As a couple of novice iliers they make the most of comedy opportunities, finally crashing. Tire climax of the picture is best left nnrevealed. It neatly caps the generous series of comedy situations. As the French girl with whom Hardy is in love, Jean Parker reveals vivacious charm. Reginald Gardiner, as the jealous husband and Legion officer, proves capable in one of his rare straight roles. Both are featured. Ihe director, A. Edward Sutherland, again displays his flair for light touches. The picture, produced by Boris Morros, is released under the RKO Radio banner. “THE DAY TIIE BOOKIES WEPT.” “The Day tho Bookies Wept” seems to he tho funniest of Joe Pciiner’s screen vehicles to date. presenting the noted comic ns a taxi-driver who becomes involved with a racehorse. Devoted to his flock of pigeons and to his fiancee, Betty Grable, the sister of a fellow liaekman. Ponncr hasn’t much interest in anything else. But the other drivers, annoyed because they invariably lose while betting on- the ponies, got together i:i a bright scheme. They will buy a horse of (heir own, enter him at the track and make a killing at tho expense of the bookmakers ! Penn err is elected to purchase the steed and train him, and does so, much against his will. The task interferes with his romance and with his attention to his pigeons. The horse he has been tricked into buying is a “drunkard ’ which won 1 run unless intoxicated —a fact of which Periner isn’t aware. On this basis has been erected a:i hilarious story structure, one tiiat gives the popular funster plenty of opnotunity for his mirthful talents.