ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 27 March 1936, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

“ESCAPADE” TO-MORROW. VARIETY AND REVUE, “WHITE'S “SCANDALS” FINALLY TONIGHT Unrivalled for spectacle and variety, "George White's Scandals” which stiii occupies the playing time at the Majestic will he shown for the last time to-night. Rich in elaborate scenes, clever dancing and originality of sketches, there is a delightful musical score and a liberal introduction of whimsical humour. A particularly large and talented cast is headed hv James Dunn. Alice Faye, Eleanor Rowell, while such favourites as Ned Sparks and Cliff Edwards provide much of the films humour. George White, creator and producer adds interest to the success of the show. A new and fascinating screen personality wili be introduced to Nelson theatregoers in “Escapade.” the American adaptation'of the German story, to. marrow at the Maiestic. She is Luise Rainer, a genuine Viennese actress and indeed a rare discovery. Her possibilities as a dramatic actress have not been overrated and she possesses a charming quaintness of manner and simplicity which marks her individuality. The popularity and reputation ns an actor in sophisticated roles of William Rowell, who plays opposite Miss Rainer, is increased by his perlormance. As a debonair artist in Vienna lie is as nonchalant- and faintly cynical as ever and he develops a slightly harassed air as complications interrupt Ins hitherto smooth-ly-flowing life. The supports in the programme include a Laurel and Hardy comedy, “Tit for Tat, a Rete Smith oddity. “Water Sports’’ and a special film of King George V being laid to Tiest.

STATE: “STEAMBOAT ROUND THE BEND” FINALLY TO-NIGHT; “GINGER” TO-MORROW Will Rogers and Anno Shirley make fast and furious comedy in "Steamboat Round the Bend, ’ which will be screened finally to-night at the State. This romantic adventure picture ot lite on tile Mississippi is one of those fast moving films that hold the interest from beginning to end. It is definitely n laughter picture'and the final scene depicting a* river race between rival captains is one of the really humorous highlights among recent pictures. Saturday’s picture introduces a new star in Jane Withers, who lias the stellar role in the comedy “Ginger. ’ This is the girl who imitated a machine gun, told tales on Shirley Temple, tried to run her down with a doll carriage and proved herself a complete annoyance in “Bright Eyes.” Little Miss Withers sets a new style in comedy entertainment in “Ginger,” which kept preview audiences in continual laughter and caused the prediction that the film is a great beginning for what looks like a great career. Little Jane gives a cliaractcrisa-. lion full of personality and talent in her new picture and audiences are assured that they will enjoy her as much in this story as they hated her in “Bright Eyes.” When Jane, the little, independent, self-reliant product, of Ninth Avenue is taken into the Rark Avenue home of the pampered Jackie Searl, that’s when the real fun starts. 0. R. lleggi'c gives an outstanding performance as Jane s lostcr-uiic-le and Katherine Alexander and Walter King provide an unusual romance as Jackie Searl’s parents. Newspaper reports from all over Australia and New Zealand indicate that this gifted juvenile lias become instantly popular with theatregoers. She has proved to lie the most natural youngster the screen lias found this season and a splendid future is predicted for her. The plans, are at Begg’s.

REGENT: SATURDAY, THRILLING MYSTERY, “CHINATOWN SQUAD” “She Gets Her Alan” which concludes its season at the Regent to-night is one of the season’s funniest comedies and co-stars Zasu Pitts and Hugh O’Connell. Aliss Pitts occupies a position all her own aft a, comedienne and all theatregoers are familiar with her fluttering hands, flusmiliar with her fluttering hands, flustered action and woebegone expression and with her co-star these two are the centre of a swift succession of uproar iously laughable situations. “Sim Gets Her Alan” is brilliant burlesque on the cun-ent “G” Men type of picture and for laugh-provok-ing situations and fast hilarious action it stands in a class of its own. Opposite Aliss Pitts is High 0 Connell and the two players made nil ideal scream-team and in “She Gets Her Alan” are the centre of a swift succession of laughable situations. Ine supporting cast includes such renowned players as Helen Twelvetreos, T.uciou Littlefield and Edward Bropliy. For the Saturday and Alomlay season what is said to be one of the leading mystery entertainments ever projected is listed in “Chinatown Squad.” The picture deals with thrilling events in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the largest Oriental quarter in America-. A beautiful girl, a packet ol indiscreet loyc letters and a jade ring form the basis of as strange a - tale as lias ever been (old.' It is a slory of Sail Francisco’s famous Chinatown, its overlords, its Tong wars and its priests of hate; its secrets and its throbbing romance; its intrigue and its mystery.. Chinese and whites become engaged in a battle ol wits, and the police become an important factor when its Chinatown squad attempts to solve a murder in a chop suey restaurant. The exceptional cast of featured players includes Lyle Talbot. Valarie TTobson, Hugh CConuoll and Andv Devine.