ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 217, 12 August 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAYFAIR THEATRt. '/ “MY LITTLE CHICKADEE.” Since her very first picture, Mae West lias followed a custom of introducing at least one new song in each of her films.. And her present Universal picture, ‘‘My Little Chickadee,” now showing at the Mayfair Theatre, ies no exception; in the production, Mao sings “Willie of tho Valley,” written especially for her by Milton Drake and Ben Oakland. The song tells tho story of Willie, a gold miner who is pursued by many a maid because of his fortune and his gold teeth. Gene Austin and Candy and Coco accompany the star for this number. Miss West is starred with W. C. Fields in “My Little Chickadee.” Also on the 6amc programme “Oh Johnny, llow You. Can Love,” starring Tom Brown and Peggy Moran, plus “The Green Hornet.” STATE THEATRE. “MY SON, MY SON.” An unforgettable story, brilliant performances. outstanding direction, and a beautiful production make Edward Small’s film version of Howard Spring’s “My Son, lily Son 1” ono of the finest pictures of the year. This new film drama is being released by United Artists at the State Theatre to-day. “My Son, My Son 1” has a brilliant array of stars in Madeleine Carroll, Brian Aherno and Louis Hayward, a trio which enhances the picture by down-to-earth, unforgettable acting. Others who turn in excellent performances include Harry Hall, one of tho best contemporary character actors, Josephino Hutchinson, Larainc Day, Sophie Stewart and Bruce Lester. With his usual skill for maintaining swift tempo and clear characterisation, Charles Vidor has directed “My Son, My Son 1” with a remarkable sureness of touch and, with unsurpassed clarity of insight. Tho story of “My Son, My Son 1” is rich in emotional implications and . every day drama. It concerns a father and a son, and the high hopes that fail to materialise. William Essex’s dreams for his son fade into thin air when he realises that Oliver is a vain and selfish young man, over sophisticated, insincere and cynical. Oliver realises almost too late that he lias brought misery to the people who have surrounded him with love and understanding. Golden-haired Madeleine Carroll, portraying tho role of Livia Vaynol, has never turned in a screen characterisation to equal her present one in this picture. REGENT THEATRE. “FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS.” Paramount has made Terence Rattigan’s saucy play, “French Without Tears,” into a memorable film, and the result is a spicy comedy, full of wit and humour. The principle setting is a school in tho South of France for the teaching of French to would-be English diplomats. The school is presided o\er by the voluable, weighty Professor Maginot (Jim Gerald), and kept in domestic order by his vivacious daughter, Jacqueline (Panine Darcey). Except for the bibulous and amatory adventures of Brian (Guy Middleton) with Chi-Chi (Toni Gable), the life and work of the school run along smoothly enough till the arrival of young Kenneth’s sister, Diana (Ellen Drew). As Kenneth’s introductory remarks and Diana’s general appearance soon indicate, Diana is a very, lovable young woman, likely to be a very disruptive influence in a household of compulsorily studious and, naturally, high-spirited young men. Alan (Ray Milland) takes a dislike to Dkxna before ho has. even seen her, because her arrival necessitates his giving up a comfortablo ’.oom for the discomfort of a vamp stretcher in Brian’s den. Alan’s worst suspicions are confirmed when he meets Diana, all curls and coyness, while he is shifting his books and other gear lo make way for her. Yet, as it turns out, he has the advantage over the others, who fall for her “sweetness” like a row of nine-pins. When the household has again settled down, this time into a sort of armed neutrality, a new complication is introduced in the shape of the commander (Ronald Culver), a nautical gentleman of settled habits, and even more settled convictions, who falls an easy prey to Diana’s wiles.