ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 7 October 1936, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS MAJESTIC: BRILLIANT PICTURE, “SANDERS Olr THE RIVER.” ON FRIDAY THE FIRST ALL OUTDOOR ALL COLOUR FILM, “THE TRAIL OF THE LONESOME PINE” The current attraction at the Majestic is an amazing screen achievement. a remarkable film and epic of our Empire—“ Sanders of the River.” Its story is inspiring and exciting with spectacular adventure and drama —a fine tribute to British rule in Africa. The picture also achieves greatness for the impressive portrayal by Paul Robeson as “Bosambo” and Leslie Banks as “Sandi.” Paul Robeson, “that human organ” is probably the only person adequately endowed racially, physically histrionically and temperamentally to play the native chief. Throughout he is a dominating figure while his magnificent voice is superbly recorded in many African melodies. Banks’s District Commissioner Sanders is inspired acting; the combination of ruggedness and quiet restraint fils the character of the District Commissioner who ruled the strength and wisdom over a large part of West Africa. “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. On Friday next, commencing at the 2.30 session comes a rare screen achievement, a history making production in the first all-outdoor, allcolour action picture “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” with Sylvia Sydney, Fred M'acMurray and Henry Fonda in the leading roles. Rich in romance, action, comedy and appeal “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” would be a great picture in the usual black and white but as presented in nature’s own colours it brings to the screen a rare beauty such as has never before graced the sheet of filmdom. Gorgeous mountain backgrounds spring to life in nature’s own breathtaking colours, while the story is as enduring as the towering pines that shelter it. Patrons are reminded that plans for the season are now open.

WALLS—LYNN—HARE AT STATE IN “FOREIGN AFFAIRES”

Walls-Lynn pictures have been renowned for amusing situations, but surely nothing has ever exceeded their absurdities in “Foreign Affaires.” Tom Walls has discarded his apparently endless youth and appears as a gay old dog with a riotous history behind him, an empty bank balance and extravagant tastes. He plays the disreputable old Captain to perfection. And yet he never lets you forget that “good claret runs under me shirt”! Aristocratic of bearing, he swaggers gloriously—with never a penny in his pocket. Luck breaks well for the gallant captain, however, and he makes a kood win on the Turf. Then the sunny Riviera claims him. Here the scenes are glorious, the sea blue and the little Continental towns gay and light-hearted. But there is a Casino! Again the Captain finds himself penniless—then dark doings are set on foot. The sunshine is still there, and gaiety and the opulence—but there is dirty work somewhere — and Robertson Hare means to find out!

REGENT: FINALLY TO-NIGHT-“PUBLIC NUISANCE No. 1.” THURSDAY AND FRIDAY’S ATTRACTION, “SPEED” To-night sees the final screening at the Regent of that uproarious comedy “Public Nuisance No. 1,” featuring Arthur Riscoe and Claude Dampier. Thursday and Friday’s attraction at the Regent is “Speed,” another Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer programme. In this mechanical age there is natural interest in anything that has to do with the glamour and mystery of events that occur behind the scenes in the great industries. This interest attains its highest pitch when it concerns the lives of the dare-devil men who test cars and ’planes before they leave the factories. Lucien Hubbard, the producer, with Edwin L. Martin directing, has caught the charged atmosphere of a vast automobile concern at a time when its product is facing a revolutionary change that may make or break the company. The story, written by Lawrence Bachman and Milton Krims, is unique in its combination of romance and teriffic action. The cast presents James Stewart, Wendy Barrie, Una Merkel, Weldon Heyburn, Ted Healy, Ralph Morgan and Patricia Wilder. James Stewart, as the picturesque test driver absorbed in his invention of a new carburettor, not only delights the audience with his spectacular daring, but definitely wins them for his qualities as a romantic young lover. Wendy Barrie, playing the role of an executive’s daughter working in the plant incognito, gives a charming characterisation. Weldon Heyburn portrays the brilliant engineer and rival for the affections of the girl with ability. There is also a fine array of six excellent supports, making up a splendid evening’s entertainment.