ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 141, 16 May 1941, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

Mayfair Theatre.—Followers of the popu- | lar "Hopalong" Cassidy series of action I picturos will be glad to know that their hero, William Boyd, who sustained a fractured leg while making' one of the previous pictures, is hack. He returns to the screen in "Doomed Caravan," a tale of wagon freighting days on the plains, which shows to-day at the Mayfair Theatre, and, according to Hollywood advice, he is as fit as ever and ready to give out with the vim and vigour which lias characterised lu's former appearances. Boyd was hurt when his famous horse, "Topper," shied at a rattler on location in Kcrnvillc, California, and pinned him against a tree. Dealing with the difficult pericd when youth merges into manhood, Columbia's "Military Academy,'' the associate feature at the; .May/air Theatre, presents a most, amazing story that, will appeal to parents and youngsters alike. The film tells a dramatic tale of the ambitions, dreams and conflicts of lads on the threshold of life. Regent Theatre.—ln the tradition of the great stage and film success "The l.tick of the Navy," which played long seasons in the. war of 1914-18, is the M-G-M British film "Contraband," a rattling good thriller, full of the tang of the sea. Swiftly (lie action changes from contraband detection methods by the Royal Navy in the English Channel to pulse-quickening encounters with a nest of Nazi spies, concealed in the night haunts of wartime London, following the outbreak of war in 1939. Stark realism is the keynote of the film in consequence of the assistance given (he British National-American producers by (ho Iloyal Navy. The actual methods employed in blockade running, as the Navy keeps its vigil iii the Channel, are faithfully and thriilingly portrayed. As the story unfolds in the fashionable section of London, scenes in the completely blackcd-Out streets, hazardous with a torrent of Ira flic, add a note of authenticity. Tall, handsome Conrad Veidt, as Captain Andersen, skipper of a Danish liner, plays convincingly the part of an adventurous seafarer following a beautiful British girl spy into ihe coils of underground Nazidom. State Theatre.— Bristling with spicy situand smart dialogue, and cleverly blending emotional drama with sophisticated comedy, "Play Girl" stars Kay Francis in a, role tailor-made to her versatile talents. In sharp contrast to her characterisations in "Little Men" and Dcanna Durbin's "It's a Date." Kay Francis"s role in "Play Girl" presents her as a glamorous fortune hunter who has lived by her wits. Thanks to her cleverly planned breach of promise suits she had done right well for herself until, on her last two campaigns, she draws blanks. Although she does not look a day older than 30 (she is really 40), she feels she is getting passe. Struck with the brilliant idea of carrying on her man-baiting campaign by proxy, she lakes a beautiful but young girl of 19, teaches her all (he 'tricks she knows for fleecing wealthy play boys, and together they form a unique partnership, cashing in on the girl's youth and beauty and her own experience. From New York to Chicago they cut a mighty swathe through the bankrolls of unsuspecting but susceptible males, while the young girl carries a secret love in her heart for a happy-go-lucky cowboy who a tyre for them on a highway months previously. Meteor Theatre.—Tn the story of tlireo gallant sons of the plains with a leaning lo larceny, "Hangers of Fortune." which shows to-night at '.he Meteor Theatre, Paramount has delivered an action epic that is first class for adventure, romance and lusty iaughs. Director Sam Woods, turning away from the leisurely pace of "Good-bye, Mr Chips" and "Our Town." has produced a picture that is distinguished for its slashing action and the power of ils climax. A cast, notable for the presence of Fred Mac Murray and Patricia 34 orison in the romantic leads, acts the picture with all the ingenuity and skill at its command. Several of the screen's more promising young players are given a chance to carry a picture on their own in l'araniount's "Dancing on a Dime." and the result is one. of the most entertaining musicals seen for many a long day. The cast is headed by Robert Paige, a comparative newcomer who is rapidly making an impression.