ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 14 March 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT ATTRACTIONS MAJESTIC: “OUR FIGHTING NAVY” THRILLS AND ROMANCE IN TIMELY ENTERTAINMENT With the world in its present state of turmoil the release of “Our Fighting Navy” at the Majestic Theatre is as timely as the moment, for this actionpacked story which thrillingly depicts the triumph of right over the cause of might, also powerfully demonstrates the strength and preparedness of the Empire’s safeguard—“ Our Fighting Navy.” The film was produced with the co-operation of the British Admiralty. When Herbert Wilcox decided to make the picture he realised that he would have to find a dramatic human story to set against the background of the Navy. He chose “Bartimus”—himself a naval officer and the best known among the present-day writers of sea stories —to prepare the story. Simultaneously with the completion of the story civil war broke out in Spain and the navy had to go to the rescue of British subjects and refugees endangered in the general disorder. Bluejackets found themselves playing the role of mother, nurse maid and universal protector to these unfortunates—and this was almost exactly the story which “Bartimus” had written. The film depicts the invaluable work which the British Navy does in peace time—safeguarding trade routes, going to the aid of those in need, upholding the prestige of the nation —a story which has never before been told on the screen. The plot is set in a

mythical South American Republic where revolt breaks out, compelling the President to take refuge in the British Consulate. The British Consul refuses to hand over the President to the rebels, who station a battleship in the harbour and are threatening to blow the Consulate to pieces. A British cruiser dashes to the scene and goes into action to protect the Consulate, which it does in a thrilling denouement. The big cast of “Our Fighting Navy” is headed by H. B. Warner, Richard Cromwell, Robert Douglas, Hazel Terry and Noah Beery. STATE: NOW SHOWING, BRILLIANT SATIRICAL COMEDY—“BREAK THE NEWS’’ —WITH JACK BUCHANAN AND MAURICE CHEVALIER. “Break the News” is satirical comedy. Sparkling story of two humble actors’ publicity scheme whereby one is “murdered” and the other sentenced, but which nearly misfires through the “dead man” being held as Ruritanian lebel when he should have re-appear-ird. Delightful leading characterisation and wittily subtle direction combine to secure hugely entertaining canvas of publicity skit, comedy crime, Ruritanian satire, and death cell dolours, presented with piquancy and polish before alternating backgrounds of London theatre rehearsals and flirtatious Cannes romance. Fanciful detail of “murder” convincingly put over, hand-in-hand with diverting comedy byplay to assure motive for “crime,” and

streaked with many shrewd touches genially guying leading ladies and their eye for publicity, and Ruritanian rebels who are never sure who is friend or foe. Beautiful production qualities, ir.eluding realistic settings. first-rate camera-work and faithful recording. Delightful light entertainment anywhere. The association of Rene Clair's direction with two such front-rank comedians as Jack Buchanan and Maurice Chevalier is attended here with the happiest entertainment results. Inevitably, there will be a wide and appreciative public for this sparking comedy, which blends delightful characterisation with witty and subtle direction, and whose gaily satirical development keeps the onlooker in a titter throughout. By no means least, the picture has been beautifully produced. With Jack Buchanan suavely urbane as the debonair “dead man." and Maurice Chevalier whimsically amusing as the eventually arguished Francois. Marta Labarr is the pert and pretty lady of Cannes, and among the very cifieient supporting cast ire Garry Marsh, Felix Aylmer, C. Denier Warfen, Gibb McLaughlin and Athole Stewart. One of the finest pictures of recent years comes to the State on Friday when the brilliant production “4 Men end a Prayer” will be screened. It introduces Richard Greene, as the greatest of screen discoveries and destined to become one of filmdom’s top male stars. Supported by a specially selected cast of David Niven Loretta Young. George Sanders and C. Aubrey Smith, the story is of four gallant men, pledged io rove the world searching for the man who wrongfully caused their father's death. It is a startling film teeming with exchemeut and' one already acclaimed a.j an outstanding hit that all patrons will thrill to. Box plans are now on view at Begg’s. and the necessity of booking is stressed. REGENT NOW SHOWING, POPULAR GUEST NIGHT PROGRAMME—“ROAD GANG” AND "PERSONAL MAID’S SECRET.” There’s a wealth of dynamic drama and fast action with thrill upon thrill in "Road Gang” which with “Easy to Take” forms the Regent’s guest night programme this week. The story of "Road Gang” concerns itself with the revelations in the prisons of to-day .and as presented in this Warner Bros, film makes engrossing entertainment. The picture has an unusually large and talented cast which is headed by Donald Woods. Kay Linaker, Carlyle Moore, jr.. Henry O'Neill and Joseph King. Others include Addison Richards. I Joseph Crehan. Charles Middleton, Olin Howland and Eddie Shubert. besides scores of others in the roles of guards, police and convicts. The associate feature “Personal Maid’s Secret” is a rolj licking comedy interserpsed with drai mancc. The plot carries a most unusual | twist, and is based on a “Saturday ! Evening Post” story by Lillian Day. There is a talented cast, including Margaret Lindsay, Warren Hull, Miss Louise, Ruth Donnelly, Arthur Treacher, Frank Albertson, Henry O’Neill, and Ronnie Cosby. With such a strong bracket of entertainment as is indicated in the above the guest night season this week should prove popular with • nil audiences. GOOD-BYE, SUMMER ! The inclemency of the weather—the unexpected alternating from hot to cold days—has launched a wave of colds i is sweeping the country. Suck j germ-killing Pulmonas--lct flic* antij se Ptic vapours protect your nose, throat, bronchial passages. Keep free from coughs, ’Hu. etc. Carry Pulinonas. I/-. 11/6. 2/6. All Chemists and Stores.