Entertainments

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 4, 6 January 1941, Page 7

Entertainments

REGENT THEATRE—TO-DAY “THE SEA HAWK” “The Sea Hawk” unfurls the glorious saga 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 to 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 Hood 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, fn 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 his shackles and almost single-handed overcomes both the galley timekeeper and whippet*. Hzthen 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 a 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 left 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 Ls 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’t; and George is forced back to the crime trail again. “The Outsider." Dines of dialogue that are as arresting as the crack of a whip abound in “The Outsider,” showing at the Kosy Theatre, and starring Mary Maguire and George Sanders. Here are a few samples: Sanders, the quack of a famous surgeon—“My degree is A.F.D.—After Doctors Fail.” And again on the subject of his outrageous fees, “There are only two fees —nothing and too much.” To a sympathetic listener he says of his unpopularity, “I’m not ethical and I’m not English—that’s the whole trouble.” a poor patient, dragooned 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 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 leaves her .father’s house for Ragatzy’s to try his cure, drama rises to fever heat, particularly when affections and loyalties complicate the medical ethics of the situation.

STATE THEATRE—TO-MORROW “KIT CARSON” Based on the real-life story of one of the boldest and most dashing adventurers in American history, Edward Small’s latest production, “Kit Carson.” with Jon Hall playing the title role, shows to-mor-row at the State Theatre. The cast in “Kit Carson” features, in addition to Hall, Lynn Bari, Dana Andrews. Ward Bond, Harold Huber and Clayton Moore. Spotlighting the adventure-filled episodes of Carson’s life when he joined John C. Fremont of the United States army to survey and map the shortest overland route to California, Small’s film of “Kit Carson” abounds in spectacular scenes involving bitter fighting with the Indians, dangerous treks in wagon trains, plots, and counter-plots engineered by sly and cunning Mexican schemers. Most of the sweeping outdoor scenes for “Kit Carson” were photographed on location at Kayenta, Arizona, next door to the Navajo reservation, and hundreds of the Navajos participated in filming. Small was delighted that he won the co-operation of the Navajos. Otherwise he would have been unable to transfer to film the great scenic beauties and amazing topography of Monument Valley. This vastly picturesque section was chosen for the major location site because of its natural magnificence and complete isolation. 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 Mac Lane and Rochelle Hudson are featured in the unusual and exciting story of a two-fisted prison clmpiain who fights a whole prisonful of desperate men and wins his battle. Glenn Ford, Don Beddoe and Cy Kendall play important roles in the new film which was directed by Nick Grinde. Associate Feature. Blondie wants a maid so Dagwood 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 Singleton as beautiful Blondie, Larry Simms as Baby Dumpling. Also on this grand programme is chapter 5 of the brilliant serial “Drums of Fu Manchu.” METEOR THEATRE—TO-DAY “GAUCHO SERENADE” Gene Autry’s first tune title picture, “South of tho Border,” was a tremendous success and played in hundreds of theatres throughout the country. The second, “Rancho Grande,” duplicated this success. Now, to the Meteor Theatre today comes his latest and biggest screen success, “Gaucho Serenade.” No Gene Autry picture could bo complete without Smiley Burnette w r ho has appeared in all the Gene Autry westerns. Smiley is an expert musician, and in “Gaucho Serenade” sings the “Wooing of Kitty MacFuty,” a comic song which he himself composed. June Storey is the third chief component of this entertaining film. The story weaves round little Michael Willoughby, an English boy in school abroad, who receives a message from his adored father in America, to join him at

once. Michael believes his father to be tho owner of a vast property known as the Ranciio “San Quentin,” a name whicn. his father has concocted to keep from his son the knowledge that he ls In prison, the innocent victim of a false embezzler menl charge. The message has actually come from the real culprits, Martin and Blake, who plan to kidnap the youngster, Lo llis * at:et y a » threat against Wiliougiiby, senr., who is about to give tesiimony which will clear himself and convict them. Michael arrives at the dock and meets Gene Autry and Frog Millhouse in mistake for the two crooks. ttl ‘r n 0,1 things begin to happen. mere is a first-class supporting programme. ,