ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 December 1936, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS

MAJESTIC SPECIAL: RAFAEL SABATINI’S “CAPTAIN BLOOD’ TAIN BLOOD”

Rafael Sabatini’s immortal tale o: piracy on the high seas, “Captain Blood” is placed high among the classic stories of adventure. Its thrilling action, absorbing romance and glorious love story are known to all readers whose hearts respond to the call of adventure and the lure of excitement. Never before have the words “out of one masterpiece another has been created” been so fully charged with significance as with this glorious romance and epic of adventure. The production of the elaborate screen version of Rafael Sabatini’s read and re-read novel cost Warner Bros, one million dollars but the terrific success of the picture wherever shown has already proved the wisdom of the company in producing the story in the pretentious and elaborate manner befitting the saga of thrills, romance, love and adventure. It is a story worthy of being' so filmed, and stands as one of the most gigantic productions even Hollywood has ever attempted. Heading the enormous cast is Errol Flynn whose success is synonymous with the acclamation accorded “Captain Blood” to-day. Flynn, recently an “unknown.” is now the most sought after male star in the world. Opposite him is the beautiful Olivia de Havilland who enchanted local patrons with her portrayal in .“A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” All in all “Captain Blood” stands as a distinct achievement to the motion picture industry.

Patrons are advised that the Majestic Christmas attraction commences on Wednesday next with the world’s greatest living tenor, Beniamino Gigli in a story of rare charm “Forget-Me-Not” In addition to his wonderful voice, Gigli brings to bear a powerful personality and reveals himself as a first-class actor in a story written especially for him. The result is a grand performance in an exceptionally fine picture.

STATE, SCREENING JACK HULBERT IN “JACK OF ALL TRADES"

Jack Hulbert’s adventures are never-ending. In “The Camels Are Coming” he trekked across the desert on a camel. “Jack Ahoy” found him cutting capers under the sea and in his new riot “Jack of All Trades” he gate-crashes into the world of finance! Although he opens the picture jobless and almost penniless, before many sequences have run he is lording it in a magnificent bank, telling bank directors what to do and floating what he calls the “Merrivale Plan.” Through sheer luck the plan becomes an actual fact and if it had not been for the lady in the case Jack would have been appointed Managing Director! As things turn out he comes off with nothing better than a nightwatchman’s job in a shoe factory. Nevertheless, having danced and sung through good and bad luck alike, he ends up a hero carrying his lady down a fire-escape to safety and romance. Those who think that gang tales can’t be funny should see this new film. They will see how fireraisers, working for a group of foreigners, are amusingly frustrated in their attempts to raze Jack’s factory to the ground. The factory has a modern goods chute —an intricate affair with a moving bridge and a slippery slope. Jack and his companions, Robertson Hare and Gina Malo, arrive on the bridge and find the greatest difficulty in getting to the other side as the bridge is constantly moving backwards. At the other end the incendiarists wait with eagerly outstretched arms and it’s a grand race between the moving bridge and the people on it. “Bunny” Hare’s bewildered antics and Jack’s long-legged efforts to escape provide uproarious fun.

REGENT TO-NIGHT AND MONDAY “BORDERTOWN”—“MEET NERO WOLFE.” TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY “MARRIAGE OF CORBAL”

The programme screening at the Regent to-night and Monday is a double feature and full supporting programme, making 3 hours entertainment, the feature attractions being “Border town,” and “Meet Nero Wolfe.” Rex Stout’s jovial detective character, Nero 'Wolfe, makes his cinema debut in the film entitled “Meet Nero Wolfe,” which is a film fictionisation of the novel “Fer de Lance.” The producers displayed astute judgment in their choice of the portly Edward Arnold for the title role, and in. the assignment of our anvil-voiced friend, Lionel Stander, to the role of Archie Goodwin, the indomitable stooge. The film’s exciting action begins when Professor Barstow dies apparently of a heart attack on the golf links in the company of Claude Roberts, young golf pro in love with the Professor’s daughter, a Mr Kimbell and his son Manuel. Wolfe first learns of the case when he investigates the murder of a young gunsmith and finds this crime related to the professor’s and probably committed by the same person. Wolfe who hasn’t left his house in seven years, sends Archie out on foraging expeditions “to bring back whatever evidence he considers unimportant.” With these few clues as pawns, Wolfe plays his game of human chess and succeeds finally in checkmating the murderer. “Bordertown” is a powerful drama of the rise and fall of an indomitable youth, set in a picturesque border community, wild, lawless, colourful; ridden by rogues, gamblers, outcasts and the rendezous of American millionaires and bored society women. Featured in the main roles are Paul Muni and Bette Davis.