ENTERTAINMENTS CURRENT ATTRACTIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 25 November 1936, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS

MAJESTIC: KAY FRANCIS IN “I FOUND STELLA PARISH.” ON SATURDAY, GRACE MOORE AND FRANCIIOT TONE IN “THE KING STEPS OUT”

In previous films Kay Francis has shown her ability to play all types of parts with distinction, and it was probably with this in mind that the directors cast her for the star part in “I Found Stella Parrish,” which is now in season at the Majestic. With her brilliant performance as Florence Nightingale in the recently screened “The White Angel” Miss Francis stepped right out to the front and now again she is given a role which utilises her undoubted talents to the best advantage. There is a surprise variety of scenes in “I Found Stella Parish giving Miss Francis the chance to show in one picture the array of talents which has made her one of the favourites of recent years. The story centres round a well-known actress who endeavours to escape from an incident in her past. Playing opposite Kay Francis is lan Hunter, who is convincing as the friend-betrayer, and an important part has been allotted to Sybil Jason, the child star. She shows restraint which is surprising for one of her years. Other notable members of a strong cast are Paul Lukas and Jessie Ralph, who give fine performances and nobly support the splendid acting of the principals. Included on the programme are a “Believe It or Not” feature and a musical revue. No backstage story, no climb to the Metropolitan, but a charming and highly amusing tale of a royal romance in Austria brings the golden voiced Grace Moore to the Majestic on Saturday in “The King Steps Out.” Singing melodies composed by Fritz Kriesler. Franchot Tone is happily cast as the reckless, merry monarch, while Walter Connolly gives another great performance. Patrons are advised to make early reservations for this outstanding attraction.

STATE: SCREENING “IT HAD TO HAPPEN" AND “THE INVISIBLE RAY” 1

Perhaps the moral that 20th Century’s delightful love comedy, “It Had to Happen,” intends to point is that “faint heart ne’er won fair lady,” because before debonair George Raft wins the hand of glamorous Rosalind Russell in the picture now at the State Theatre, he goes through as amazing a series of romantic and highspirited adventures as the screen has presented in some time. Presenting this irresistible team of screen lovers in their first role together, “It Had to Happen” is the story of a man who blazed his way to dizzy heights for a dazzling girl beyond his reach. Manhattan is the scene of this racy drama, and George Raft is first introduced as he piles out of the steerage of a steamer with his friend, Leo Carrillo. In the mix-up on the boat he catches a glimpse of the alluring Rosalind Russell, a tempting heiress, and mentally resolves to fight his way up to her level. In episodic scenes, the picture traces his rapid rise to the top of the political tree. Then, when Alan Dinehart, Miss Russell’s husband, is involved in a bank scandal and appeals to him for aid, Raft suddenly finds the lady within reach. ■A picture with greater magic than ‘The Invisible Man,” with a central character more dramatic than “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” with Karloff given a chance to look handsome, sounds like the definition of a picture impossible to produce. And it was the definition until Universal made the impossible come true the other day with “The Invisible Ray,” the thriller which stars Karloff and Bela Lugosi together for the first time since “The Raven.” 'Up until now “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” has been the classic example of a scientist tui’ned into a fiend by the use of a mysterious drug. “The Invisible Ray” begins where “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” left off. In this Universal thriller, Karloff plays the part of Dr Janos Rukh, a scientist who discovers Radium X, many times more powerful than radium. He accidentally becomes poisoned by this ray. Whereas Dr Jekyll was merely the ordinary killer, Mr Hyde when under the influence of his drug, Rukh becomes a veritable torch of death. If he does not use an antidote on time his touch becomes deadly to those he loves or hates, equally. In time the drug affects his brain.

REGENT FINALLY TO-NIGHT, “SUPERSPEED,” “I’LL LOVE YOU ALWAYS.” THURSDAY AND FRIDAY “DRIFT FENCE” AND “F MAN”

The final presentation of “Superspeed” and “I’ll Love You Always” takes place at the Regent to-night. Thursday and Friday’s attraction is an outstanding double feature, “Drift Fence” and “F Man.” Zane Grey, whose Western tales entertain young and old with their thrilling action, is the author of “Drift Fence.” Featured in this outdoor drama are Larry “Buster” Crabbe, Katherine DeMille, Tom Keene, Benny Baker, Glenn Erikson, Stanley Andrews and Richard Carle. Arizona of the cattle-rustling, lawdefying days is the setting of “Drift Fence,” which concerns the adventures of a Texas Ranger in pursuit of a gang of desperadoes who have been stealing cattle in droves, and who resist all efforts of a big rancher to enclose his vast property. The second feature “F Man” deals with the fate of a country boy who goes to the city to make good as a Department of Justice operative. He finally gets a job as a soda-fountain clerk, but meanwhile continues to make regular visits to the office of the Department. He makes such a pest of himself that a minor official finally decides to do something about it. The “something” consists of first subjecting the victim to a series of “phoney” physical tests, which he passes with flying colours, and then the announcement that he has to become an “F Man” for a probationary period before graduating to become a “G Man.” But ultimately—and in spite of himself—he does assist in the capture of Public Enemy No. 1 and wins the girl he loves. Jack Haley, in the title role, and William Frawley, as the real “G Man,” bring to the screen again the’ comedy talent which has won them fame. There is an excellent news reel service in addition to the two features. COUNTRY CIRCUIT Catchy songs from the Warner Bros. “Gold Diggers of 1933," now showing at the Country Theatres in-