ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 261, 2 October 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE

“CHARLIE CHAN 'IN PANAMA.”

It lias remained lor tlie screen’s most famous sleuth, Charlie Chan, to give moviegoers a real and dramatic insight into the forces of destruction that constantly menace the Panama Canal, America’s so-called “lifeline.” No understanding of the vital problems facing Canal defence officials can bo so complete or vivid as the picture one gets after seeing the 20th Century-Fox film which shows to-morrow at the State Theatre, “Charlie Chan is Panama.” Authentic it may be, but the film is.primarily one of the best mystery entertainments the Earl Derr Diggers sleuth has yet turned out. Sidney Toler is perfect once again as the wily Oriental detective and with an excellent supporting cast the story is powerfully done. The cast includes .lean Rogers, Lionel Atwill, Mary Nasli, Sen Yung (as Chan’s “No. 2 son”), Kane Richmond, Chris-Pin Martin, Lionel Royco, Helen Evicson and Jack La’ Rue. Executive Producer Sol. M. Wurtzcl selected Norman Foster to direct the screen play by John Larkin: and Lester Ziffrqn. ■ America's first screen family, the Jonses, have lost their home and their money and their Dad -is laid up j in the hospital. All they have-left is’their car’and their trailer —but they’re having a grand time, anyway! They head for California in “On Their Own,” the 20th Century-Fox film showing at the State Theatre, and things happen so fast they have trouble keeping up with the inarch of events. _ Outstanding as always is Mr Spring Byington. She shows she can roll up her sleeves and dig in when her home and family are menaced by bard times. Jack, again portrayed by the talented Iven Howell, is still the amateur Romeo.

KOSY THEATRE

“COCOANUT GROVE.

The world’s most famous nightclub is brought to the screen for the first time in Paramount’s “Cccoanut Grove,” the new film showing to-day at the Kosy T heatre. Distinctly now type of film fun is presented in this gay romance that revolves about tho trials, tribulations and the final success of an unknown swing band trying to break into the actual Cocoanut Grove, meeea of all young hand-leaders. While the production is studded with hit tunes, the story has not been subordinated to music and specialties. On the contrary, each musical number makes what tho movie sculptors call a “story point,” contributing- to t:hc logical development of the plot. Fred Mac Murray, last seen with Carole Lombard in “True Confession,” iis starred as the swing-happy young band leader. His lovely leading lady is radio thrush Harriet Hilliard who plays a role in the picture identical with her occupation in real life. She is Mrs Ozzie Nelson, and sings with her husband’s band. Another Bulldog Drummond picture that more than upholds the traditional excite meet of the. Drummond character’s , pic turcs is the new. mystery. “Bulldog Drum mond Comes Back,” which shows to-day at the Kosy Theatre. The story of this Paramount film is of-.a chase over England, led by rhymed clues, that takes Drummond and his friends on-the. trail of a gang of criminals who. have kidnapped his fiancee.