ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 March 1936, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

SPECTACULAR MUSICAL REVUE: j “GEORGE WHITE’S SCANDALS” I Few films have been presented in Nelson which can rival George White’s 1935 Scandals" for spectacle and variety of entertainment.. Rich in elaborate scenes, tuneful music and clever dancing, there is a fascinating theme which carries the interest to the end. As a producer George White has already distinguished himself, and this latest production further enhances his reputation. From the opening until the pleasuig ; nd ■ logical conclusion the film is a se.piu 1 <-e of scenes amazing in detail and fascinating in elaborate technique. In a :o: tion there is a delightful nriujit stoic and a liberal introduction ct whin si< a I humour. A particularly large and t.uenlcd cast gives a vivid interpretation to the story. Alice Faye and .lames Dunn j provide some excellent team work m the principal roles, while Ned Sparks, always a dominating personality m a film, gives a fine performance. The plot concerns two talented but unknown artists who, engaged by an insignificant company, are found by George White, who decides to give them leading parts in his latest Broadway production. They are an outstanding success, and the manner in which they finally conclude their careers is a fitting conclusion to the story. The featurettes include a Terrytoon Cartoon, gazettes, and a nature study.

“Escapade,” the week-end attraction for tlie Majestic, is a. William Powell and Lnise Rainer starring vehicle that is said to be particularly pleasing. It marks the screen debut of Miss Rainer, a Viennese actress of rare charm. Frank (Morgan, Virginia Bruce and Reginald Owen have important parts.

STATE: “McGREGOR’S BENEFIT” TO-NIGHT STARRING ANNE SHIRLEY AND WILL ROGERS IN “STEAMBOAT ROUND THE BEND.”

To-night’s programme at tlie State is one of the finest comedy pictures that Nelson has seen for quite a while. In addition to Will Rogers there is Anne Shirley, known and long remembered for her remarkable performance in “Anne of Green Gables” in which picture she became firmly established as a star of the first magnitude. Will Rogers, of course, needs no introduction as one of the finest natural humourists the screen has knowiy Ilic secret of his continued popularity lay in the fact that be was just the same m real life as he was on the screen. 1 here was never any forced humour in his pictures. Everything he said or did was natural and real; thus he earned his unending popularity. “Steamboat Round the Bend,” is a rousing story of life along tlie Mississippi. Produced by Sol. M. W’urtzel and directed by John Ford from a screen story by Dudley Nichols and Lamar T’rotti, the picture is the story of a couple of steamboating rivals, Will Rogers and Irving Cobb, their hilarious rivalry and their lifc-and-deatli race which brings the story to its speclacuar climax. Most of the humour and drama of “Steamboat Round tlie Bend” arises from Will Rogers’ efforts to set right- tlie lives of "a pair of youngsters who are in love. The romantic interest is supplied by Anne Shirley and John McGuire. McGuire, who plays Rogers nephew kills a nian in a quarrel over the girl. At Rogers’ urging be stands trial ana is sentenced. At first Rogers is inclined to blame the girl for lus nephew s plight, but their common interest draws thorn together. They join m a valiant attempt to get tlie money that will tree McGuire, meet hilarious adventures and hardships. And finally, in tlie most spec, tacalar and rousing race the screen has ever staged, they save the boy. stepin Fetchit, the sepia, slow-motion star Eugene Pallatte and Berton Churchill are prominent in the supporting cast o! “Steamboat Round the Lend. lalrons are again reminded that the proceeds of this eycjiing’s performance will help swell the fund that is being raised to provide for the widow and dependents of the late Squadron Leader McGregor. Particulars as to sale of special tickets are advertised elsewhere in this issue.

REGENT: TO-NIGHT “HERE COMES THE BAND.” THURSDAY ZASU PITTS IN “SHE GETS HER MAN”

To-night the final presentation will be given of “Here Comes the Band.” That there is something different in this Metro -Gold wyn -M ayer musical production something which appeals to an • audience was evidenced at last night’s performance. Not only is there varied musical entertainment to suit all tastes, but the film also abounds with comedy, and with Nat Pendleton and Ted Healy in the roles of hilarity this aspect of the plot is certainly not neglected. led Lewis and his Band are also featured and this well-known musical combination in conjunction with a chorus of 100 voices present a feast of happiness, harmony and hilarity. Romance is set to melody and mirth rides high on the wings of song in this fine love story set to music, and it is recognised as one of the most elaborate extravaganzas the Mero studios have produced, which in itself is a guarantee of superb entertainment Outstanding numbers include “Roll Along Pi’airie Moon “Headin’ Home,” and “You re My Thrill,” which Lewis sings with Spanky McFarlane, the diminutive “Our Gang comedian. Beautiful Virginia Bruce plays the leading role while Harry Stockwell, one of America’s leading baritones, is the singing hero. On Thursday and Friday hilarious comedy drama holds sway in “She Gets Her Man,” starring the agitated Zasu Pitts. The picture is brilliant burlesque on the “G” Men type of picture and for laughprovoking situations and fast hilarious action it stands in a class of its own. ; Imagine Miss Pitts as an accidental ! heroine who unwittingly foils a bank lobbery and is promptly hailed as a I national deliverer. She is toured through the country by an enthusiastic agent and comes in actual contact with the entire criminal brotherhood of a great city. Here the fun becomes riotous and the climax of the picture is as startling as it is humorous. Opposite M>ss Pitts is Hugh O’Connoll and the two players make an ideal scream-team and in “She Gets Her Man” are the centre of a swift succession of laughable situations. Ino supporting east includes such renowned players as Helen Twelvetrces, Luoien Littlefield and Edward Bropliy. ,