Entertainments

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 2, 3 January 1941, Page 9

Entertainments

REGENT THEATRE—TO-DAY “THE SEA HAWK” “The Sea Hawk” unfurls the prlorious Rftfra of the boldest buccaneer ever to fight under the flag of the skull and cross-bones, exciting naval battles between England and Spain, fierce fighting In danger-swept waters of the Spanish Main! Behind this, court intrigue, internal politics, midnight raids, fighting through enemy ambush—all the tyranny that shackles men lo the tortures of bondage! In a way It all parallels current events with the 16th Century—England as the foe of the aggressor, then as now. Among England's great heroes of the day was The Sea Hawk (Errol Flynn), a fearless fighter, a sort of “Robin Ilood of the Seas,” confiscating gold and merchandise which he brings home to fill England’s dwindling coffers. On one of his daring adventures he captures the ship carrying the Spanish Ambassador (Claude Rains) and his English niece (Brenda Marshall), with whom The Sea Hawk falls in love. While the Queen (Flora Robson) berates this exploit, in secret she sends him off to pirate more gold from the Spaniards. They learn of this plan, trap him in a swamp-infested jungle and imprison him as a galley slave aboard a Spanish vessel. With a dagger he loosens ills shackles o.nd almost single-handed overcomes both the galley timekeeper and whipper. 11/ then frees his fellow prisoners, who engage in hand-to-hand fights and duels with the ship's officers and men. The Sea Hawk takes possession of the ship, saves the day and the Navy for England. In recognition of this, he wins knighthood from the Queen, and the love of the Ambassador’s niece. KOSY THEATRE—TO-DAY “TROUBLE BREWING” ! “Trouble Brewing” is undoubtedly one of George Formby’s funniest films. George has an excellent part as a printer’s compositor who fancies himself as a detective. His escapades whilst trying to entrap a gang of crooks are an absolute riot. One particularly funny episode is where George deputises for the horoscope writer of the paper and innocently causes his friend to think that a certain horse will win s race and enable them to make a great deal of money. Of course, George does not know his pal, Bill, has taken it from the day’s horoscope, neither is Bill aware that George has written the column. Off to the races they go and George’s'' savings are invested on a horse, but It does not seem to have a chance and is loft right behind. Disconsolately the two men throw away their ticket and make their way to the exit. Meanwhile the horse has suddenly spurted forward and actually wins the race. It is not until George and Bill are just, outside the course that they hear the news, and naturally go tearing back to find the ticket. Then George’s troubles begin. Ihe ticket is found but the money isn’tand George is forced back to the crime trail again. “The Outsider." Lines of dialogue that are as arresting a* the crack of a whip abound in “The Outsider,” showing at the Kosv Theatre, and starring Mary Maguire and George S&ndsrs. Here are a few samples: Banders, the quack of a famous surgeon—“My degree is A.F.D.—After Doctors rail. ’ And again on the subject of his outrageous fees, “There are only two fees th ??. iuld v OO much " To a- sympatheu<j listener he says o£ his unpopularity, n ?‘ ethical and t m not English—that s the whole trouble.” A poor patient, aiagoonsd into touting patients for him, says, "He may be a crook and a swine, but he can cure people.” There is the crux of this brilliant story by Dorothy Brandon. Ragatzy, the bone-setter, appalls the medical profession by his manners and methods but he ‘does cure people. When the daughter of a famous surgeon loaves her father’s house for Ragal/.y s to try his c ure, drama rises to lever heat, particularly when affections and loyalties complicate the medical ethics of tiie situation.

STATE THEATRE—TO-DAY “DANCE, GIRL, DANCE” “Dance, Girl, Dance,” is an exciting story of back-stage life the type of entertainment that possesses universal appeal. Co-starring Maureen O’Hara, J*ouis Hayward and Lucille Ball, the sparkling comedy-drama with music reveals itself to be a most unique offering, combining romance. laughs, poignant drama, and a wealth of diversified songs and dances against spectacular backgrounds. The three stars have never been seen to better advantage. Miss O'Hara is ideally cast as an impoverished dancing girl who dreams of fame as a ballet star. Miss Ball is a member of an unsuccessful dancing troupe, but being more practical, she is out to get what she can, especially from her legion of sugar daddies. Hayward portrays convincingly a disgruntled playboy millionaire whose wife divorces him and who seeks solace with the two girls until Miss Ball hog-iies him at the altar. Ralph Bellamy gives another of bis sterling characterisations, playing the role of a noted dance impresario who eventually discovers Miss O'Hara while ®* l , e is engaged as a comedy build-up for Aliss Balls sensational numbers in a cheap variety Show theatre. - The knockdown and drag-out battle the two girls stage when their jealousy reaches the exi P losl ye , s fage has never before been S «f. on the screen. Sons and dance highlights ox the scintillating film arc Stax - ,” ballet spectacle l'eaturng Alaureen ° Kara; and LUeilie Ball's two colourful offerings. “Jitterbug Bit*” fvo d i ™ otl \ er * What Ho IDo Now?" Edward; Ward, Chester Forest and Robert Wright created the three lilting tunes. MAYFAIR THEATRE—TO-DAY “MEN WITHOUT SOULS” One of the most thrilling dramas of the new season is Columbia’s “Men Without Souls,” now at the Mayfair Theatre. John Litel, Barton AlacLaffe and Rochelle Hudson are featured in the unusual and exciting story of a two-fisted prison chaplain who fl£his a whole prisonful of desperate men apd wins his battle. Glenn Ford, Don Beddoe and Cy Kendall plav important roles in the new film which was directed by Nick Grinde. Associate Feature. Blondie wants a maid so Dag wood needs a rise! The fun is so terrific, even Daisy faints with excitement! Better than ever—the Bumsteads (God bless them) remind us there's lots to be gay about, in the newest adventure of the screen's beloved family! Breeziest and best of the hectic Columbia series, "Blondie Has Servant Trouble” again finds Arthur Lake as harassed hubby Dagwood, Penny SingleLon as beautiful Blondie, Larry Simms as Laby Dumpling. Also on this grand programme is ehapManchu ” he brilliant serlal '‘Drums of Fu METEOR TO-DAY “IT ALL CAME TRUE” “It All Came True,” Warner Bros, film version of the famous Louis Bromfleld story, will show to-night at the Meteor Theatre with Ann Sheridan in the starring role, and Jeffrey Lynn, Humphrey Bogart and Za.su Fitts featured with her. Louis Bromtield, author of such fine novels as "Tne Rains Came” and others, now deals with the hopes and disappointments of a group of people living in a New York boaruing house. With the intensity of plot and characterisation typical of Bromfleld's stories, he shows how these people, content to live in the reveries of their past, are suddenly thrown into a turmoil, when a gangster uses the boarding house os a hide-out. The mood and pace change smoothly from the fond old “Gay Nineties” to the disconcerting realities of the present. The songs ure a good example of that. Ann Sheridan sings such old favourites as “Air. Dooley," “Oh, You Beuutiful Doll” and “Pretty Baby” with the same distinctive quality that she sings the brand new rhumba, “Gaucho Serenade” and the sweet romantic ballad, “Angel in Disguise.”