ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 22 June 1936, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE LAST OUTPOST”: THRILLING ADVENTURE AT MAJESTIC. • Magnificent scares in the mountains, desert and forest of two' continents form the background for a vigorous story of adventure and sacrifice in “The Last Outpost” which received an enthusiastic reception at the Majestic on Saturday. The film will have its final screenings on Kings Birthday. Skilful production by Lloyd Sheldon is apparent from the opening scene, whore Cary Grant, commander of a British armoured car base in Northern India, is taken captive to a native outpost, to the final scene where a m’ilitary burial amid the desert sands of the Soudan ends the career of a brave and resourceful soldier. The actual story depends for its success largely on the performances of Cary Grant, Claude Rams and Gertrude Michael. Grant, as the representative British officer, is fully the equal of Cornier in “Bengal Lancer” and his lighter, less serious nature, with an eye to the humour in every situation, is thrown up the more vividly by contrast with the sober portraya! of Rains. The latter, as the secret service intelligence officer to whose resource and courage there is no limit, gives a high-class performance. Gertrude Michael provides the romantic element The skilful tactics of both sides and the brilliance of Prince Obolensky in the football match between the All Blacks and England are shown in one of the excellent supporting pictures. Once again the team that gave such a splendid performance in “Barbary Coast,” Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrca v/in their laurels and leave no doubt as to their suitability in “Splendour”, a dramatic, screen play by Rachel Crothers (author of the Broadway successes, “Let Us Be Gay” and “When Ladies Meet”) which is the new film for Wednesday.

ASTAIRE-ROGERS INCREASINGLY POPULAR IN “FOLLOW-THE-FLEET” AT STATE. Over 1000 people visited the State on Saturday to see the newest melody and dancing spectacle created by those masters of rhythm, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Critics declared “Top Hat” was their greatest, but Astaire, Miss Rogers and a stellar cast have conspired in production of “Follow the Fleet” to make reviewers dig deep for new superlatives. This time Miss Rogers whose whirlwind stepping has always been done in a team number with her co-star in their previous hits, solos for the first time in “Follow the Fleet.” This first lady of the personality dance does it alone to the catchy rhythm of “Let Yourself Go,” one of seven songs composed for the nautical RKO Radio romance 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 pantomine. 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 feet, whose only ambitions are to lead a band and marry the girl—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 dance hall. The picture’s cargo of romance and melody is added to by Harriet Hilliard, brought from the national broadcasting studios in New York to make her screen debut in a romantic team with Randolph Scott who plays a sailor buddy of Astaire. Astrid Allwyn makes their affair a turbulent triangle.

REGENT FINALLY TO-NIGHT “EXCLUSIVE STORY.” COMMENCING AT THE SPECIAL MATINEE TO-MORROW “NO LIMIT” AND “THE VOICE OF BRITAIN.” Witnessed on Saturday by a large and appreciative audience “Exclusive Story” concludes its thrilling season to-night. Drama as seen by a newspaperman is the theme of “Exclusive Story” which features Franchot Tone, Madge Evans, Stuart Erwin, Joseph Calleia and a strong support cast. An exciting tale of a crusade versus modern day racketeers, it was written by Martin Mooney, New York reporter, who was placed under fire by a grand jury and sentenced to goal for refusing to divulge the source of his astonishing information read by millions in a series of sensational newspaper articles. From this material the new picture was written. Commencing at. the special 2.30 session to-morrow (the King’s birthday) the Regent will celebrate the occasion with an excellent British programme consisting of “No Limit” a really good comedy thriller which uses for its background the famous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy contest. The famous English comedian George Formby and the renowned Florence Desmond make a convulsing comedy combination and literally speed through this supercharged racing comedy at a million smiles per hour. In conjunction there is an interesting and entertaining documentary film sponsored by the 8.8. C. and entitled “The Voice of Britain,” dealing with life behind the scenes at Broadcasting House. The following well known personalities are presented, Mr Stanley Baldwin, Ramsay McDonald, Sir John Simon, Bernard Shaw, J. B. Priestley, H. G. Wells, Sir Josiah Stamp, Clapham and Dwyer, the 8.8. C. Dance Orchestra and also the Symphony Orchestra. On Thursday and Friday the much heralded Eugene O’Neill comedy drama “Ah Wilderness” is to be presented. It is a smashing triumph for both Wallace Beery, who stars as the lovable alcoholic, Uncle Sid. and Lionel Barrymore, who plays the father role enacted on the stage by George M. Cohan and the late Will Rogers.