ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 30 January 1936, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

“BROADWAY MELODY OF 1936,” MAJESTIC, TO=MORiROW To-morrow the most eagerly .waited music and dance production of the new season, “Broadway Melody of 1936,” will replace the present entertaining drama, “One. Hour Late,” which features Helen Twelvetrees, Joe Morrison, and Conrad Nagel. “Broadway Melody of 1936” transcends all previous musical extravaganzas, with its tuneful new songs, superb dancing and new cast of scintillating players headed by Jack Benny, famous for his comedy work on the radio, and Eleanor Rowell, a star new to filmgoers. . . . “a really superb tap dancer,” said one critic, “performing the most intricate steps with case; she should thrill those who enjoy dancing.” Robert Taylor takes the part of a play producer who is in the midst of easting 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 be 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 are sure to be hummed and whistled for weeks. Among the numbers are “Broadway Rhythm,” ‘‘l’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 Stockwcll, who, because of a tine voice and a pleasing personality, should become very popular. Preliminary booking plans are now open for the season, at theatre booking office. REGENT: TO=NIGHT AND FRIDAY To-night and to-morrow afternoon and evening “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 produrtionjs excellent, the cast splendid, the direction sympathetic and the heart throbs and laughs wisely spaced. Jack Holt’s portrayal of the. wealthy' horse owner is just another reason why he has maintained starmdom for so long. Mona 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 Searlc, Bradley Page and Frankie Darro is more than adequate. An engaging array of vignettes makes the pre-inierval session an hour’s delightful entertainment. From the files of America’s Department of Justice were drawn the facts and data on which is based the story of “Men Without Names,” which comes to the Regent on Saturday and Monday. An exciting and colourful .story which follows members of the secret service organisation of that country in their pursuit of criminals, “Men Without Names” has Fred Mac Murray and Madge Evans in the stellar roles'. Also featured is David Jack Holt, the phenomenal child actor last seen here in “The Age of Indiscretion.” Again young Holt gives a performance remarkable for one of his years. In conjunction with “Men Without Names” is a short feature recording a punch and round by round description of the Baer-Louis fight. 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.

THEATRE ROYAL, TO-NIGHT, “DANGEROUS CORNER,” MYSTERY DRAMA There is thrilling mystery romance in RKO-Radio’s production of “Dangerous Corner,” which screens at the Theatre Royal this evening. Adapted from J. B. Priestley’s notable play and tlie 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 al] involved in a mysterious suicide. Each of the six people could have

disclosed startling evidence at the mnuest but rather than get mixed up m the inevitable scandal that would resu they all remain smug and liappy behind then- respective half-truths One yeai later the same group is gathered at a party when the accidental identification of a cigarette box belonging to the dei mail, shows how the trend of conversation resulting from this identification might- have forced the truth from the lins of all, and m so doing, change then very destinies. Virginia Bruce, Conrad Nagel, Melvyn Douglas, Erin O’BnenMoorc, Betty Furness, Henry Wadsworth. lan Keith, and Dons Lloyd are all splendid in their roles. Phil Rosen s direction is noteworthy.