ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 5 October 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS IVI.UkSTiC: LAST NIGHT OF “ROBIN HOOD OF EL DORADO.” ON iVEDNESDAV •’SANDERS OF THE RIVER.” With Warner Baxter contributing the llnest periormancc oi nis career Kobin Hood oi El Dorado,” which screens finally to-night, takes its place among the magnificent outdoor features of the talking screen. Produced on a lavish scale it is a romanticised slice of one of tne most stirring periods oi American frontier history. "Robin Hood of El Dorado” has a dramatic majesty that gives it the aura of importance, while at the same time retaining the intimacy of romance and personal thrills which make for truly superb entertainment. The picture was a year in the making at the famous Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios and has a cast of thousands.

On Wednesday, commencing at the 2.30 session, the attraction will be ‘"Sanders of the River.” Based on the popular Edgar Wallace stories of the same title, it deals skilfully with British rule in Africa, and presents a story both inspiring and exciting. The story sets out to show that the way to control millions of untamed jungle dwellers is not by harshness and violence, but by making it obvious that their welfare is at the heart of the ruler. Loyalty brings its reward and only open revolt brings punishment. Leslie Banks and Paul Robeson are superb in the principal parts; it is difficult to decide whether one more admirers the brilliant understatement of Banks’ District Commissioner or the finely etched Bosambo and the really magnificent singing of Robeson. Others prominent in the well-chosen cast are Nina Mae McKinney, Tony Wane, Eric Maturin, Robert Cochrane and Martin Walker. “Sanders of the River” is so vivid, so majestic, so sincere and such a shrewd intermingling of travel, romance and drama, that it cannot fail to be among the most successful films of the year.

GINGER ROGERS CHARMS EVERYONE IN “IN PERSON.” WALLS-LYNN-HARE AT STATE WEDNESDAY.

Fresh from her magnificent triumphs with Fred Astaire in“ Top Hat” and “Roberta” Ginger Rogers makes her first solo success in “In Person,” which presents the star in a modern sophisticated comedy role, at the same time introducing new songs and spectacular dances, besides ravishingly beautiful gowns. Walls-Lynn pictures have been renowned for amusing situations, but surely nothing has ever exceeded the absurdities of the French Assize Court Hying the two for theft in “Foreign Affaires,” which opens on Wednesday. They are bewildered by the whole proceedings. Ignorant of the language, unfamiliar with Criminal Court procedure, they writhe under the restraint. Saddled with an interpreter who adds to the confusion, Capt. the Hon. Archibald Gore (Tom Walls) and Jefferson Darby (Ralph Lynn) listen impatiently to the gabble. The only thing that is at all clear to them is that they are prisoners and the Captain passes rude remarks which the Court understands! This is but a sample of the brilliant comedy which abounds throughout the film. Reservations of seats is advised.

REGENT FINALLY TO-NIGHT “THOROUGHBRED” OUTSTANDING ATTRACTION. TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, “PUBLIC NUISANCE No. 1,” BRIGHT COMEDY.

To-night sees the final screening at the Regent of that really outstanding Australian production “Thoroughbred,” featuring Helen Twelvetrees. Saturday’s packed houses were full of praises for this great show, and those who have not yet had the opportunity of seeing this picture are well advised to attend to-night’s final screening. There is also an exceptionally strong first half.

“Public Nuisance No. 1,” which is the star attraction at the Regent for Tuesday, is a show full of bright song numbers, snappy dialogue and comedy. Featured in the main role is Arthur Riscoe Frances Day and that inimitable comedian Claude Dampier, well known for his “silly ass” roles. Their acting—clowning—dancing — singing—is one mad, glorious mix-up of the most riotously, nonsensical tomfoolery ever seen on stage or screen. The picture with that something that others haven’t got—that “Public Nuisance No. 1.” It’s radically different, indescribably funny, this story of a man who. because of his love of the good red wine, is sent to the Riviera as a waiter in his uncle’s same hotel. How the girl helps the man to empty a rival hotel and fill up his uncle’s, only to find that the uncle has sold his own and bought his rival’s —and of the man’s riotous attempt to empty it again, has been told in a picture that gives eighty hilarious minutes with the greatest pair of laughtermakers that have ever been teamed together. There is also an excellent array of shorts that make' an evening’s entertainment on their own. Plans are now open at R. Thomas’s, Trafalgar-st. (late phone 596 or at the Theatre after 7 p.m.. telephone 1102).