ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 November 1936, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS

STATE: HERBERT MARSHALL AND ANN HARDING ON SATURDAY IN “THE LADY CONSENTS”

After the season of “It Had to Happen” and “The Invisible Ray” Saturday will see the initial screening of “The Lady Consents” which brings Ann Harding and Herbert Marshall together on the screen in a delightful comedy drama of married life. Miss Harding unveils the peccadillos of romantic husbands who are constantly indulging in affairs of the heart although they are really in love with their own wives. Her method curing this “moonlight madness’ is unique and sure, and forms the basis for a fast-moving plot that is spiced with hilarious comedy and softened with romance. . The role offers full scope for the star’s flair for sophisticated comedy and emotional drama. Herbert Marshall, as the philandering doctor, provides the masculine appeal. The action of the picture takes place against a background of metropolitan and suburban New York high life. Stephen Roberts, who recently directed William Powell and Ginger Rogers in “Star of Midnight,” staged “The Lady Consents.”

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

With her triumph of Florence Nightingale in “The White Angel” still fresh Kay Francis is now seen in another role which utilises her undoubted talents to the best advantage in “I Found Stella Parish.” Miss Francis is supported by an exceptionally talented cast, which includes lan Hunter, Paul Lukas, Sybil Jason, Jessie Ralph and Barton Mac Lane. “I Found Stella Parish” is one of the most powerful dramatic productions in which the brilliant star has yet appeared. The story by John Monk Saunders concerns the hidden life of a brilliant but mysterious actress whc has climbed to the pinnacle of success and whose marvellous artistry is the sensation of all London. Her strange and sudden disappearance just after the premiere showing of a new and successful play startles the world and leads to a search for her by a brilliant young journalist. lan Hunter gives an exceptionally fine performance, while Paul Lukas turns in a finished role as the theatrical producer. One of the most remarkable portrayals is by Sybil Jason. This six-year-old star has an understanding of character that is astonishing.

Every once in a while, something electrifying happens on the screen, a new picture, a new personality emerges to make audiences tingle. This time it is a picture flushed with enchanting music, cleaved with a gay, amusing story, directed with the ut-, most finesse, acted with an excellent cast —and possessed of the screen’s loveliest voice—Grace Moore’s, singing Kreisler’s enchanting melodies in “The King Steps Out,” which steps into season on Saturday. Handsome, talented Franchot Tone plays opposite the diva in the role of Emperor Francis of Austria, a young monarch in search of a bride; he plays the part in fine fashion. Patrons are advised to make early reservations for this outstanding attraction.

REGENT: TO-NIGHT AND FRIDAY, ZANE GREY’S “DRIFT FENCE,” ALSO “F MAN” COMEDY

To-night and Friday’s attractions at the Regent 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. Patrons are advised to watch for Saturday’s big programme,