ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 31 January 1936, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC: “BROADWAY MELODY OF 1936’’ STARTS TO=DAY

Combining everything theatregoers could possibly wish for, the eagerlyawaited dancing and musical hit, “Broadway Melody of 1936” will have its gala premiere starting to-day at the Majestic Theatre. “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 Powell, a star new to filmgocrs. . . . “a really superb tap dancer,” said one critic, “performing the most intricate steps with ease; she should thrill those who enjoy dancing.” Robert 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 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,” “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 booking plans are open for the season, at the theatre booking office.

REGENT: SATURDAY, MONDAY “MEN WITHOUT NAxMES” AND THE LOUIS=BAER FIGHT

Finally screening to-night “The Unwelcome Stranger” is sure )o 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 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 Searle, Bradley Page and Frankie Darro is more than adequate. 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 llis 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: “THE SILVER! STREAK” AND ROYAL CONCERT ORCHESTRA, SATURDAY

Brilliantly crowning .a century of railroad progress, “Zephyr-Silver Streak,” aristocratic grandson of the Iron Horse, conies'to the rails to answer the challenge of the air. At the Chicago World’s Fair, where it was on exhibition, and during its tours of the United States, it has been guest to more than three million people. In the R.K.0.Radio picture “The Silver Streak,” to be shown at the Theatre Royal to-morrow, the train will be seen in a spectacular dramatic production. The hair-raising thrillers of the Pearl White and Helen

Holmes era, pale into insignificance when compared to the modern thriller of the rails, “The Silver Streak.” It shows a train going at an incredible speed, with the engineer at death grips in the*cab. Around curves it goes, and through switches that open just in time, missing freight trains by an eyelash, over drawbridges that close in the nick of time. The relief from the thrills, aside from a strong love interest between Sally Blane and Charles Starrett as the romantic leads, is the r comedy provided by an able team, of funny men, Edgar Kennedy, Arthur Lake, and Guinn “Big Boy” Williams. Also in the cast are Hardie Albright, William Faruum, Theodor von Eltz, and Doris Dawson. The Royal Orchestra will again play selected numbers.