ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 June 1936, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

UPROARIOUSLY FUNNY COMEDY. “HANDS ACROSS THE TABLE” Uproariously funny comedy is presented in “Hands Across the Table,” which commenced a season at the Maiestic yesterday. Of all the numerous efforts to re-capture the mood of “It Happened One Night,” “Hands Across the Table” must rank among the most successful. In the shrewd perfection of its timing and the whip-like crackle of its wit, the production is an outstanding example of the type of entertainment for which Hollywood is unexcelled. Based on a story by Vina Delmar, the brilliantly written screen play presents Carole Lombard as a cynical manicurist, whose ambition is to defy the call of love and snare herself a wealthy husband. Fred MacMurray is the impoverished son of an aristocratic family who plans to wed an heiress for exactly the same reason. The humour is clean and many of the little by-play witticisms are especially delightful. The supporting programme is well up to the high standard that is maintained at the Majestic and include Betty Boop Cartoon, “Broadway Highlights,” and the latest edition of overseas news service. Already interest is evoked in the approaching season of “The Last Outpost” on Saturday. Hailed as an Empire epic film, “The Last Outpost” contains full-blooded incidents and adventure. The story is centred on a character strikingly reminiscent of Lawrence of Arabia, and with its theme of British military valour and daring in the far-flung outposts of Empire, this new film has a similar appeal to “The Lives of a Bengal Lancer.” Claude Rains and Cary Grant are the chief players, while a fairly important role is played by Colin Tapley, the New Zealand actor.

STATE: “THUNDER MOUNTAIN” AND “TEN DOLLARS RAISE” TO-DAY AND TO-MORROW. ASTAIRE—ROGERS IN “FOLLOW THE FLEET” ON SATURDAY. Zane Grey’s 1935 novel “Thunder Mountain” makes a virile, outstanding outdoor film, particularly with Geo. O’Brien in the’stellar role. The film deals with gold rush days, and . is crammed with splendidly exciting action and comedy. Ed. Everett Horton makes everyone laugh in “Ten Dollars Raise,” a lighthearted comedy which constitutes the first part of the programme. The big musical of the year comes on Saturday, when the world renowned Astaire —Rogers pair will be seen in “Follow the Fleet” which is a new treat in store for the legions of admirers of this miracle dance team. The red-blonde dance stylist, whose whirlwind stepping has always been done in a team number with her costar in their previous hits, solos for the first time in “Follow the Fleet.” Clad in brief rehearsal shorts, this first lady of the personality dance does it alone to the catchy rhythm of “Let Yourself Go,” one of seven songs com Dosed for the nautical by Irving Berlin. As in “The Gay Divorcee,” “Roberta’ ’and “Top Hat, however, the co-starring masters of melody and rhythm combine their talents, doing three numbers that range from interpretive to comedy pantomime. The paces are set by “All My Eggs in One Basket,” “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” and “Let Yourself Go” —all by Berlin, who again, as in “Top Hat,” has contributed the complete musical score. Astaire abandons top hat and tails for a sailor’s blues as a lad from the battle fleet with music in his soul and wings on his feel, who'e only ambitions are to lead a band and marry the girl he l oves —whose romantic road is as rough as the Atlantic in February. Ginger brews the storms as an entertainer whom bad luck has landed on the singer’s stand of a cheap dance hall. The picture’s cargo of romance and melody is added to by Harriet Hilliard, brought from the featured vocalist spot with Ozzio Nelson s orchestra in New York to make hei screen debut in a romantic team with Randolph Scott who plays a sailor buddy of Astaire. Astrid Allvvyn makes their affair a turbulent triangle. Mark Sandrich of “Gay Divorcee and “Top Hat” fame, directed a ollov the Fleet” which was produced by Pand.ro S. Berman. REGENT TO-NIGHT AND FRIDAY, “INVITATION TO THE WALIZ. SATUR DA Y, “EXCLUSIVE STORY,” WITH FRANCHOT TONE AND MADGE EVANS There is a very interesting and unusual story of the Napoleonic era told in the romantic musical, “Invitation to the Waltz,” which is to be presented to-night and Friday afternoon and evening. It is a story of intrigue and adventure, with the central figure a pretty young ballet dancer, Jenny Peachey. It is she who is called upon to carry through the daring scheme of ruining a German Duke in order to obtain for England his alliance against Napoleon. But there is a serious mistake to begin with. She thought the Duke of Wurtemburg was a young fellow whom she had met in England, whereas this gentleman was really only one of his Grace’s adjuttants, Max. Consequently her mission is much more dangerous than she originally supposed. As will be seen "Invitation to the Waltz” has an engaging story and the cast is ideal. Lilian Harvey, the charming young lady, has a role that fits her like a glove, and exactly the same may be said of the handsome young man who plays opposite her, Carl Esmond. Carl is not unknown to filmgoers, for it was he who played the juvenile masculine lead in the Richard Tauber film, “Blossom Time.” Also in the cast are Hay Petrie, remembered for his brilliant characterisation as “Quilp” in “The Old Curiosity Shop,” and the famous Russian dancer Anton Dolin. A sensational newspaper drama, “Exclusive Story,” featuring Franchot Tone and Madge Evans, will begin its two-day season on Saturday next. It is written by a first-class American newspaper reporter, Martin Mooney, who it v/ill be remembered was sentenced by a grand jury for refusing to divulge his source of information anent his crusade against the racketeer overlords of New York, dealing in particular with the notorious “policy game,” which is said to rob citizens of millions of dollars each year. The exciting theme of “Exclusive Story” is told in the lives of a group of people who are in one way or another affected by the machinations of the various gangs. The film is thrilling in the extreme and amazing because it is true. It weaves into its plot three major events, the “Policy Racket,” the Morro Castle fire, and activities of “G” men. Stuart Erwin, Joseph Calleia, and many other well known names from the Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer studio are assembled with Tone and Miss Evans in this exciting picture.