ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

THREE UNIT PROGRAMME FINALLY TO-NIGHT. ALEXANDER KORDA’S “MOSCOW NIGHTS” TO-MORROW. The current three unit programme now at the Majestic is proving exceedingly popular and will be presented for the last time to-night. Headed by one of Metro-Gcldwyn-Mayer’s more important new season offerings, “Whipsaw” brings Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy together. Miss Loy is seen as a member of an international ring of jewel thieves and Soencer Tracy as a secret service man who traps her through romance. “Camera Thrills,’ a short featuie depicts the dangers that beset the newsreel cameramen in their daily pursuit for sensationalism. Laurel and Hardy provide much of the happy laughter in “Fixer Uppers” while Pete Smith describes “Crew Racing,” an unique oddity. Commencing to-morrow at the matinee, “Moscow Nights” is a colourful picture having an exciting and unusual story of espionage in Russia. It provides three notable performances —that of Harry Baur, one of the leading Continental actors, as Brioukow. a rich Russian peasant and a war-time profiteer; Laurence Olivier, in the role of Ignatoff, a wounded officer; and Penelope Dudley Ward, as Natacha, a hospital nurse. Natacha is engaged to Brioukow, but the marriage is interrupted when Ignatoff later becomes trapped in the meshes of a war-time espionage organisation, and is court-martialled. His fate depends upon a single word from Brioukow, a hostile witness. The scene pi ovides a stirring climax to strong drama in which Baur gives a lemarkable display of the dramatic ability that has made him famous on the Continent. A spectacular background of great depth and beauty and a delightful musical accompaniment, vocal and instrumental, are provided with brilliant effect. Athlene Seyler plays the role of a spy. . . “LAST DAYS OF POMPEII,” FINALLY AT STATE TO-NIGHT.— “CHARLIE CHAN IN SHANGHAI,” TO-MORROW. Gripping realistic spectacle is the keynote of the current attraction at the State which depicts graphically the scenes of revelry and splendour that marked the last days of the ancient pagan city. The story is exceptionally well told, and the settings are absolutely authentic, being magnificently set against a background which in the final scene shows the titanic eruption of Vesuvius. To-morrow, will be screened the newest of the “Charlie Chan” pictures, a scries renowned for its splendid mystery and cleverly worked out solutions. This new release “Charlie Chan in Shanghai” stars, of course, the creator of the role in Warner Oland, who as usual gives an entirely convincing portrayal as the wise, kindly old Chinaman who after many and varied adventures succeeds in bringing about the downfall of his adversaries. Again playing ar> enemy of crime whose barbed epigrams and Oriental wile outwits the cruder strategy of his foes, Oland proves the nemesis of a band of opium smugglers who have defied the secret service of two nations. Oland’s exciting adventures begin almost from the moment he sets foot in Shanghai. His first problem is to find the murderer of the English secret service man who had sent for him. From Irene Hervey, the Englishman’s niece, he receives clues that’ set him on the trail of the smugglers. Then Russell Hicks, who purports to be an American federal agent, joins Oland in the pursuit. In the course of the film, Chan’s life is often attempted. Circumstantial evidence points to Charles Locher, Miss Hervey’s fiance, as the criminal, and he is imprisoned but escapes with Miss Hervey’s aid. Finally Oland and Russell Hicks venture into the lair of the smugglers to make a capture. The malefactors are caught after a furious gun battle, but the surprise climax is reserved until after the capture, when Keys Luke, playing Chan’s son, arrives with information that changes the complexion of the entire affair. Patrons are reminded that “Curly Top,” Shirley Temple’s long-awaited starring picture, commences on Saturday, and are advised to book early at Begg’s. REGENT TO-NIGHT AND WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING, CAPTAIN MARRYATT’S “MIDSHIPMAN EASY” With the modern liking for films of atmosphere it is surprising that someone has not translated “Mr Midshipman Easy'’ to the screen before now. However, here at last is Captain Marryatt’s world popular adventure romance brilliantly transferred to the screen, alive with action, rollicking choruses and teeming with thrilling adventure. It»is a picture to be hailed with delight. One can almost smell the gunpowder and the tang of the salt sea as this immortal story is brought to bounding, vigorous life on the screen. It is a film which cannot fail to appeal to every member of the family. Here is a tale of youth and high adventure, of storms at sea, desperate fights and last minute rescues, of crashing broadsides and boarding parties, of encounters with Sicilian brigands and the saving of beauty in distress, and runnirfg through it all is the infectious humour of a young midshipman who went to sea in Nelson’s navy, firmly believing in the equality of man and willing to argue the point with all and sundry. The associate programme includes two Pathe pictorials, a news gazette and an interest subject “G. 30 Collection” being a survey of activities at the London Post Office, while a clever and amusing colour cartoon is presented in “Balloon Land.” On Thursday and Friday next a cast which reads like “Who’s Who in Hollywood,” is assembled in “Dancing Lady.” Never in the annals of filmdon has such a dynamic list of headliners been associated in one picture as in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dancing Lady” with Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Franchot Tone, Nelson Eddy, Fred Astaire, May Robson and Winnie Lightner, who are sped on their merry way by 300 beautiful girls all combining to enact a picture which beggars description.