ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 21 June 1937, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS STATE: “THE TEXAS RANGERS,” A THRILLING EPIC, WITH FRED MACMURRAY AND JACK OAKIE “The Texas Rangers” opened at the State on Saturday to large audiences. The picture features an all stjar cast headed by Fred Mac Murray arid Jack Oakie, and including., among its headliners Jean Parker. Lloyd Nolari, Edward Ellis, Bennie Bartlett and a score of others. Filmed on location in Texas and New Mexico by a company of several thousand persons, with the assistance of officials of both States, “The Texas Rangers” combines a fast-mov-ing. action and thrill-filled story arid a panoramic view of the unfolding of the history of the Lone Star State. Banded together under an oath to “drive out hostile Indians, stop feuls, destroy- cattle and horse thieves, gangs of stage and train robbers, kill or capture murderers, and make Texas a reasonably safe place in which to live,” the Rangers contributed much to the colour of the State’s early days. Both Mac Murray and Oakie join the fearless band in the course of the motion picture. Encounters of Ranger companies with bands of marauding Indians and with stage coach robbers are a part of the plot development. Miss Parker, remembered for her sincere interpretations of important roles in “Sequoia” and “Little Women,” is cast as the daughter of the head of a Ranger unit. Rounds of applause greeted the presentation of an atmospheric prologue by Begg’s Piano Accordian Band. With an appropriate setting, the- band plays several popular Western numbers and provides a bright interlude for the picture. “Champagne Waltz” a beautiful musicale, selected especially as Paramount’s 25th anniversary picture will be the week-end attraction. < : ‘~n

MAJESTIC: SHOWING ELEANOR POWELL IN “BORN TO DANCE.” COMMENCING 2.30 WEDNESDAY WALLACE BEERY IN “OLD HUTCH.”

“Born to Dance” is the right $ title for gorgeousness and glitter, and the right setting ■ for that ' unbelievable young woman, Eleanor Powell. Eleanor is engaging, in spite of the faet that most of her personality is in her feet.f Dancers and would-be dancers will be spellbound. As comedy it is almost peftect. The highlight among the gags, a witty piece of mockery, commences with the entrance of the policeman into the park. The episode of the furniture salesman is another gem. And Georges and Jalna dance like a dream. : A tightly-knit story is content to take the old theme of sailors ashore and give it new angles. Young James Stewart, a heart charmer, non-committally but definitely steals the picture. By the way, James not only step-dances but sings—in a casual,' untrained baritone, that is somehow as fetching as the rest of his work. 1937 is about to be the year of Stewart stardom. Bringing the laughter up to generous standard appears the homely team of Una Merkel and Sid Silvers—they are well balanced by the cavortings of Buddy Ebsen. Together the case makes a likaeble group, with a camaraderie which seems to go deeper than the picture. Their songs for remembrance are “Easy to Love” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Wallace Beery plays one of his most human'boles in “The Adventures of Old Hutch” the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production which commences a season on Wednesday.

The story will be remembered from its original appearance in “The Saturday Evening Post.” The author 'was Garret Smith. The narrative is ; an acount of the highly amusing ■' adventures of the laziest man in triwn, following his discovery of £25,00(3 in thousand dollar bills. Beery inj the title role is at his best while an able supporting cast includes Eric Lirtden, Cecilia Parker and Elizabeth Patterson. A thrilling tale of the advancement of commercial aviation comes to > the screen in the production “China Clipper” wich commences next Saturday.

REGENT FINALLY TO-NIGHT: “TWO IN A CROWD” AND “LEGION OF TERROR.”

The final screening of the week-end double feature programme “Two in a Crowd,” featuring Joan Bennett, Joel McCrea, Andy Clyde and Alison Skipworth and “The Legion of Terror” starring Bruce Cabot 1 and Marguerite Churchill, takes place at the Regent tonight. Commencing to-morrow (Tuesday) is another of the Regent’s popular guest night programmes. George O’Brien has the leading role in “Hard Rock Harrigan” an exciting and thrilling drama of the lives of men who are engag: d in tunnelling. “Heat Wave” Is a gay and bright musical comedy and has a first-class cast that is headed by Cyril Maude and he has Anna Lee and V' • Pearce associated with him. There is an excellent supporting programme in addition to the two features.