ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 210, 3 August 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “JUAREZ.” “Juarez” (pronounced Warezz), the Warnerij Bros, epic re-creation of one of the most,-dramatic stories of modern history, has' a cast, which in the number of top flight stars, has seldom, if- over, been equalled in any previous picture. Paul Muni dud Bette Davis head the list which includes Brian Aherno, John Garfield and Claude Rains All of the resources of the greatest producing organisation in the industry to-day, and the contents of an apparently unlimited purse have been fused into the making of a picture of absorbing interest, powerful and intense drama, tremendous scope, breathless beauty and inspiring significance. Aside from its majestic impressiveness as a production, “Juaiez” is of unusual interest in that it proves that the bare facts of history can be woven into moving, compelling drama without once deviating from authenticity. That, in view of many past historical pictures, is indeed an achievement. It relates tho attempt of Napoleon 111. of Prance to end the life of tho Mexican republic by placing a puppet emperor on its throne, it tells *of tho tragic fate of Napoleon’s hapless tool, Maximilian von Habsburg, and his beautiful consort, Carlota, who has passed into history a-s “the mad empress,” and it tells, inspiringly, of tho brave and successful fight of tiio Mexican president, Benito Pablo Juarez, born a humble Zapotecan Indian, to rescue his country from the hands of the imperialistic despoiJors.

STATE THEATRE. “HE MARRIED HIS WIFE.” “He Alarried llis Wife” shows at the State Theatre to-day. Joel AloCrea and Nancy Kelly are the stars' in this gay hit and they receive marvellous support from a oast including such winners as Roland Young, Alary Boland and Cesar Romero. Darryl F. Zanuck was in charge of production and tho film boars his expert mark. It boars’also Ihe deft touch of Director Roy Del Ruth who handles this comedy in just tho way it should have been done. The screen play by Playwright Sam Heilman, veteran Scenarists Darrell Ware and Lynn Starling, and Author John O’Hara, is packed with perfect situations and repartee gems that make llic dialogue constantly sparkle. Their story opens with Joel and Nancy together in celebration of the first anniversary of their divorce. Although they were, and still arc, very much in love, Joel’s passion for horses and horse racing broko up the match and now he is paying heavy alimony. He has just bought another plug which has delayed his latest payment, so Nancy has him 'thrown into gaol forthwith. Joel sees the only wf.y out of tho situation is to have Nancy marry again and with i lie advice of his lawyer, Roland Young, cots the stage for a romance between her and Lyle Talbot. a very colourless and unromantic young man despite his two recent years in Persia. Joel arranges for perfect weather, moonlight, plenty of solitude and romantic music for Nancy and Talbot at Alary Boland’s week-end party, whore he hopes to got Talbot to pop the question.