ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 1 February 1936, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

“BROADWAY MELODY OF 1936” AT MAJESTIC That such a musical picture as “Broadway Melody of 1936” has never been seen in Nelson before is indicated by the huge audiences which the film attracted to the Majestic yesterday. One reviewer seems to have found the secret of its popularity. He wrote “Everything is brand new, different and uniquely novel. There are a different- story, new and different people, different and more beautiful production backgrounds, different but just as catchy music, and something ultra modem in the line of spectacular ensemble dance routines. It is a musical - comedy romance, brimful of smart and clever comedy. It deals with Broadway folk—a stage producer and his amorous- * ly-inclined ‘angel,’ who has ambitions to be something more than a shimmering headliner, a wise cracking keyhole columnist, and a ‘morning glory’ girl, Eleanor Powell, sensational in lier own right as a marvellous dancer and accomplished singer.” Jack Benny, a famous radio entertainer, plays the part- of the smart columnist, and Sid Silvers as his “stooge” gives a hilarious performance. Una Merkel gets many a laugh, too, and Vilmn and Buddy Ebsen, eccentric dancers almost without equal, provide some of . the biggest “hits.” 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 Feclin’ 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 fine voice and a pleasing personality, should become very popular. Intending patrons are urged to take advantage of the booking facilities. Plans are now open for all performances at- the theatre. REGENT: TO NIGHT AND MONDAY. “MEN WITHOUT NAMES” AND THE LOUIS=BAER FIGHT

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 to-night and Monday. An exciting and colourful story which follows members of the secret sendee organisation of that country in their pursuit of criminals, “Men Without Names” has Fred Mae 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 Jn conjunction with “Men Without Names” i 3 a short feature recording a punch and round by round description of the Baer-Lous fight. The remainder of the vignettes for the preinterval session are of very high entertainment value and their variety is sui ' e to appeal. Next week’s attractions are The Goose and the Gander,” a refreshing comedy drama featuring Kay Francis and George Brent, followed by Ralph Bellamy and Karen Morley in Monogram’s _ dramatic picturisation of Robert Herrick’s intensely human novel The Healer.” Patrons are reminded that matinees are held on Saturdavs, W ednesdays, 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, TCLNIGHT Brilliantly crowning a century of railroad progress, “Zephyr-Silver Streak,” aristocratic grandson of the Iron Horse, comes 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-.1v0.-Radio picture “The Silver Streak,” to be shown at the Theatre Royal - to-night, 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 modem 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 Plane and Charles Starrett as the romantic leads, is the 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 Farnuiri, Theodor von Eltz, and Doris Dawson. The Royal Orchestra will again play selected numbers.