ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 3 October 1936, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS MAJESTIC: WARNER BAXTER IN IDS GREATEST ROLE IN METRO - GOLDWYN - MAYER S “ROBIN HOOD OF EL DORADO” Sweeping across the screen with majestic grandeur “Robin Hood of El Dorado” opened yesterday at the Majestic cinema to herald the re-birth of a brand new era of spectacular outdoor films. Brought to the screen by famous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios the picture is powerful in conception and performance with Warner Baxter offering his most memorable portrayal—that of the fiery Joaquin Murrietta, far-famed rebel patriot who was driven to banditry to avenge the invasion and persecution of his countrymen in the Far West. Painted with spectacular strokes on the tremendous canvas of the screen “Robin Hood of El Dorado” still finds opportunity to deal with romances, heartaches, the joys and sorrows of that absorbing historic character. It is an outdoor epic reminiscent of “The Covereci Wagon,” “The Big Trail” and other spectacular photoplays which stand as milestones of motion picture progress. Cast opposite Warner Baxter in the leading feminine role is Ann Loring, a new “discovery” who promises to be one of the most talked-about actresses in Hollywood. Other principals -include Bruce Cabot and Margo, famed Spanish dancer. Commencing at the afternoon session on Wednesday we are proud to announce the triumphal return of that splendid screen achievement “Sanders of the River.’ Taken from the late Edgar Wallace’s famous story Alexander Korda that wizard of production has released through United Artists a brilliant picture to which is added the magnificent voice of Paul Robeson and Leslie Banks’ best portrayal. “Sanders of the River” has grand theme, vivid spectacle and without doubt is a magnificent picture.

GINGER ROGERS AS SOLO STAR AT STATE TO-DAY

Ginger Rogers, the titian-haired partner of Fred Astaire in “Top Hat,” “Roberta,” and others, achieves the goal of every, Hollywood player—solo stardom in a vehicle ideally suited to her distinctive talents, “In Person.” Her opportunity to star alone comes as a climax to an extraordinarily rapid rise from modest featured dramatic and dancing roles through costardom with William Powell in “Star of Midnight,” with Francis Lederer in “Romance in Manhattan,” and with Astaire in the sensational film musicals. In all, she displayed dramatic skill and a penchant for comedy. “In Person” provides Ginger with a rich light comedy-drama role, and enables her to sing three original popular songs and to execute several striking dance routines. She portrays a temperamental screen celebrity who falls in love with a gentleman, annoying so thoroughly that he determines to take the egotism out of her, forcing her to go to extraordinary lengths to trap him into marriage. The romantic difficulties culminate in what has been adjudged one of the funniest climaxes to < come to the screen this season.

The three popular melodies are “Got a New Lease on Life,” “Don’t Mention Love to Me,” and “Out of Sight, Out of Mind.” The music finds logical introduction in the story, as do the two dances which Miss Robers performs. The final musical scene is an ensemble number created by Hermes Pan (who worked on the dance numbers in “Top Hat”), in which a chorus of twelve men forms a background for Ginger’s routines. George Brent, who has won his popularity appearing as leading man for some of the most important feminine stars on the screen, among whom are Kay Francis, Bette Davis and Great Garbo, has the featured male lead opposite Miss Rogers. He is said to be at his best in “In Person,” liglfit comedy being his forte. Alan Mowbray, who played lead in. “Becky Sharp,” has a prominent role, as have the capable veterans, Grant Mitchell Samuel Hinds and Louis Mason.

Worthy of note is Miss Rogers’ wardrobe, consisting of nineteen outfits created by the nationally famous designer, Bernard Newman, couturier for “Top Hat,” “Roberta” and other pictures.

REGENT: OUTSTANDING ATTRACTION. HELEN TWELVETREES IN “THOROUGHBRED” NOW SHOWING

To-day’s attraction at the Regent is one of the really great pictures of the year. Starring Helen Twelvetrees, Frank Leighton, Nellie Barnes and New Zealand’s own actress Elaine Hamill “Thoroughbred” is one picture that should not be missed. As the title suggests “Thoroughbred” is a story of the race track and it holds the audiences interest from start to finish in eager anticipation. Stormalong the equine hero of the film, arrives from the land of his birth, New - Zealand, looking miserably thin and leggy but, carefully trained by Joan (Helen Twelvetrees), very soon develops into a wonder horse. The finale of the picture is one that will cause patrons to sit on the edge of their seats in sheer excitement. As entertainment “Thoroughbred” makes no apology to either Hollywood or Elstree. There is an exceptionally strong supporting programme and the management have no hesitation in giving their personal recommendation to this exceptionally fine show. We earnestly request those patrons who have either telephone or pencilled reserves to please collect these by 7.30 p.m. due to the heavy bookings.