Entertainments

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 142, 17 June 1941, Page 7

Entertainments

REGENT THEATRE—TO-DAY “CALL A COP” George Formby has two “leading ladies” in his latest topical comedy. “Call a Cop,” ! showing to-day at the Regent Theatre. 1 The official one is Dorothy Hyson and the ' other Jack Melford. Dressed as a woman, | with a long black wig and flowing clothes, Jack takes the part of an entertainer at I a police concert attended by George, who as a Police War Reserve constable is also on the programme. George has some embarrassing moments before discovering | that the “lady” is really a man—and j some more embarrassing moments when. 1 a little later, he mistakes a real woman I for the impersonator. Poor George, he is always getting into trouble and before he i extricates himself from his troubles in this merry mirthquake you’ll have lots of laughs. Take a tip, “Call a Cop” just for fun. Two outstanding supports of timely interest are included in the preliminary I programme. The lirst, one of the March of Time series, titled “Arms and the Man,” gives an interesting insight into America's gigantic war effort. “Air Communique,” released by the British Ministry of Information, tells the inside story of Britain’s success in the air. MAYFAIR THEATRE—TO-DAY “MAYTIME” Splendid in every sense of the meaning and therefore complete justification for the general public’s request for a further return season, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s i lavish musical romance, “Maytime,” commences its third Palmerston North screening to-day. Truly the singing } sweethearts of the screen, Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy have never been more gloriously thrilling than in “Maytime,” which picture is from Sigmund I Romberg’s memorable Broadway musical | triumph, and patrons who have not I already seen “Maytime,” or who are i anxious to see it at least once more, are advised that this will be its final presen- I tation in this city. A specally chosen I first half includes a Colour Travel, an Our i Gang comedy, a very clever musical revue | and another of the popular “Passing par- | ade” subjects.

STATE THEATRE—TO-DAY | “THE FOUR FEATHERS” “The Four Feathers” boasts a grand story. Added to the exciting adventures of Kitchener’s Army at Khartoum, there is the sustained psychological study of a man who knows that he is a coward. A. E. W. Mason’s story records how a young Englishman is forced into army life because of family tradition and how he resigns his commission on the eve of his regiment’s departure for the Sudan. Four friends present white feathers to the tortured fellow as a sign of his cowardice. Then the narraLive switches to Egypt and we are told how the ex-soldier decided to redeem himself by proving that he has courage. With most amazing bravery he saves the lives of the men who stigmatised him, returns the feathers and,, goes home to England to claim his rewards of honour and love. John Clemente gives an outstanding performance as the sensitive fellow who transforms his cowardice into real heroism. He is convincing first as the unhappy soldier and later, when disguised as a native, he suffers torture and constant danger to rescue his comrades. Ralph Richardson has the role of a dashing soldier and handles it expertly. Even in the tragic sequences after he has been blinded by the cruel desert sun he manages to swagger a bit and have a most appealing air of bravado about him. METEOR THEATRE—TO-DAY “VICTORY” Paramount has brought together what be considered a perfect cast for .Victory, now at the Meteor Theatre. [ Fredric. March and Betty Field, in the starring roles, are magnificent in the abroles a3Si * n ed them. Featured vwth March and Miss Field are Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Sig Rumann. Margaret WychRovr-. Prltz Feld ’ Lionel if nnOthiSl e^ ott S no ana Chester Gan. i anything, Conrad s memorable story in the transfer from the r hty P en to th © screen. John I Lj. Balderston, who wrote the screen nlav Urom the novel, took few I the original story, and the film retains the epic qualities that make Conrad’s book immortal. They are all there, the assortment of strange characters, the turbulent adventure, the heroic fight of two people forced to kill to prevent three ; sinister characters from invading their j island retreat and destroying their love. There Is an outstanding associate programme. Seats may be reserved at Millar and Giorgi, ’phone 5182. or theatre, 'phone 5753.