ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 262, 3 October 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE. “CHARLIE CHAN UN PANAMA.” It has remained .for the 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 ho so complete or vivid as tho 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 tho Earl Dorr Biggers sleuth has yet turned out. Sidney Toler is perfect ■ onec again as the wily Oriental detective and with an excellent supporting cast the story is powerfully done. The cast includes Jean Rogers, Lionel Atwill, Mary Nash, Sen Yung (as Chan’s “No. 2 sou”), Kane Richmond, Chris-Pin Martin, Lionel Itoycc, Helen Ericson and Jack La Rue. Executive Producer Sol. hi. Wurtzel selected Norman Foster to direct the screen play by John Larkin and Lester Ziffren. America’s first screen family, the Jonses, have lost their home and their money and their Dad is laid up 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.” tho 20th Century-Fox film showing at the Slate Theatre; and things happen so fast they have trouble keeping up with the march, of events. Outstanding as always is Mr Spring Byingtoii. She shows she can roll up her sleeves and dig in when her home and family are menaced by hard times. Jack, again portrayed by the talented Ken Howell, is still the amateur Romeo.

KOSY THEATRE. “COCOANUT GROVE.” i T.he world’s most famous nightclub is brought to the screen for the" first time in Paramount’s “Cocoanut Grove,” the new film showing to-day at the Kosy Theatre. Distinctly now type of film fun is presented in this gay romance that'revolves about the trials, tribulations and the final success of an unknown swing band trying- to break into the actual Cocoanut Grove, mecra of all young band-loaders. While the production is studded with bit tunes, the story has not been subordinated to music atuJ specialties. On the contrary, each musical number makes what the movie scripters call a “story point,” contributing to the logical development of the plot. Fred Mac Murray, last seen with Carole Lombard in “True Confession,” is starred as the swing-happy young band leader. His lovely leading lady is radio thrush Harriet Hilliard who plays a role in tho 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 ment of the Drummond character’s ■ pic tures is the new mystery. “Bulldog Drum mond Comes Back,” which shows to-day at tho Ivosy Theatre. The story of this Paramount film is of a chase over lingland, led by rhymed clues, that takes Drummond and bis friends on the. trail o! a gang of criminals who have kidnapped bis fiancee.