ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 29 January 1936, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC: “ONE HOUR LATE” Joe Morrison, famous radio tenor, appears opposite Helen Twelvetrees, who is at present engaged in making “Thoroughbred” for Cinasound in Australia in a modern eomc3y v entertainment with tuneful songs and a strong blending of drama, “One Hour LatV’ which had its initial screening at the Majestic yesterday. Morrison is cast as a young clerk who wants to marry the girl of his dreams, but she puts him off while her employer, the victim of unrequited love, tries to find companionship, and his wife tries to find freedom. Then in one dramatic hour, the lives, the loves an plans of these unusual people are changed. completely How this is brought about is entertainingly told in a dramatic finale. In the varied supporting programme is included '.a- Chic Sale comedy,' “The fOld Burglar,”., an interesting Paramount Pictorial, and the latest editions of Paramount News Service. Tuneful new songs, excellent dancing and a gpocl cast are combined in the eagerly awaited “Broadway Melody of 1930” which commenced at the Majestic on Friday. This new .film stars Jack Benny, famous for his comedy work on the radio, and Eleanor

Powell, a star new to filmgoers. . . . “a really superb tap dancer,” said one critic, “performing the most intricate steps with ease; she should thrill those who enjoy dancing.” Bobert Taylor * takes the part of a play producer who is in the midst of casting his musical show and is visited by Miss Powell, his home town childhood sweetheart, who ■ begs him to let her appear in his play. But he refuses, feeling that she is too nice a person to he mixed up with Broadway life. But Una Merkel, as Taylor’s secretary, has confidence in Miss Powell and hits upon an idea to make her famous —and here the sparkling comedy begins in earnest. Like its brilliant predecessor of the earliest days of talking pictures, it introduces songs that arc sure to be hummed and whistled for weeks. Among the num- • hers are “Broadway Rhythm,” “I’ve Got a Feelin’ You’re Foolin’ ’ and “On a Sunday Afternoon.” It introduces also another newcomer to the screen in the person of Harry Stockwell, who. because of a fine voice and a pleasing personality, should become very popular. Preliminary hooking plans are now open six days in advance, at theatre booking office.

“THE UNWELCOME STRANGER”’ REGENT: THURSDAY AND FRIDAY,

Spencer Tracy, always a powerful figure on tlie screen, is at liis best in “The Murder Man,” vivid Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer feature which screens finally to-night. "With him appears Virginia Bruce, whose loveliness is almost overlooked in the emotional depth of her performance. The sta» share honours in a swift, dramatic storj? of the “behind the scenes” adventures of newspapermen in New York. In many ways the tale is unique, for it rips aside the veil of secrecy which surrounds metropolitan newsrooms when a “big story” is breaking. Woven into the unusual drama is a romance as lender as it is unusual. For the Thursday and Friday season “The Unwelcome Stranger” is sure to endear itself to every type of audience. Not only is its story a very human one of interest to both adults and children, but the productionjs excellent, the cast splendid, the direction sympathetic apd the heart throbs and laughs wisely spaced. Jack Holt’s portrayal of the wealthy horse owner is. just another reason, why he has maintained starnulom for _ so long. Mop a Barrie delivers a sincere and charming performance as Holt’s wife, Ralph Morgan handles the horse trainer’s role with his usual competence, in fact every member of the supporting cast which includes Jackie Searle, Bradley Page and Frankie Darro is more, than adequate. Patrons are reminded that matinees are held on Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only unless specially advertised otherwise. This allows for a matinee for every change of programme.

V;theatre royal, to-night, “DANGEROUS CORNER,” MYSTERY DRAMA There is thrilling mystery romance in RKO-Radio’s production of “Dangerous Corner,” which will open at the Theatre Royal this evening. Adapted from J. B. Priestley’s notable play and the novel of the same name, “Dangerous Corner” introduces a new story structure treatment'. This plus excellent acting by each member of the cast, makes this unusual production an outstanding entertainment. Six intimate-friends and relatives are all involved in a mysterious suicide. Each of the six people could have disclosed startling evidence at the inquest, but rather than get mixed up in the inevitable scandal that would resiilt. they all remain smug and happy behind their respective half-truths. One year later the same group is gathered af a party when the accidental identification of a cigarette box belonging to the dead man, shows how the trend of conversation, resulting .from this identification, might havo forced the truth from the lips of all, and in so doing, change their very destinies. Virginia Bruce, Conrad Nagel, Melvyn Douglas, Erin O’BrienMbdre, Betty Furness, Henry Wadsv/brtli. lan Iveith, and Doris Lloyd are all'splendid in their roles. Phil Rosen’s direction is noteworthy.