AT THE PICTURES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 28 June 1943, Page 4

AT THE PICTURES

Sute: Screening to-uight. Cronin's 'fniational drama “Vigil in the Night.” starring Carole Lombard. Brian Aherne. Anne Shirley. This is a companion picture to the stirring “The Citadel” and by the same author. Dr. A. J. Cronin, eminent Physician and author. Realism rules this romance ot a self-sacrificing nurse of high character, played by Carole Lombard. Her love for Brian Aherne. as a sympathetic surgeon, provides the heart appeal. A counterpoint of the drama is the sister theme introduced In Anne Shirley's role as the girl who took up the nursing ca.eer and blundered in its many crises—a tense role relieved bv Carole Lombard's loving sacrifices for her. Vivid scenes.in hospital life, with even a flavour of the present-day war panics abroad, •re woven into a tremendous ordeal, with a tender poetic conclusion, when Carole Lombard’s love for the surgeon is crowned after a long struggle against adversity and misunderstanding. Regent Theatre: To-night and to-mor-row night. “Marie Antoinette.’' featuring Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power. "Marie Antoinette” is a triumph of the motion picture art. More than that, it is a triumph for Norma Shearer, the beautiful star. Magnificent in its pageantry, with eye-filling beauty of brilliant costume and setting, flawlessly cast with such famed film names as Tyrone Power, John Barrymore. Anita Louise. Joseph Sehildkraut, Gladys George and scores of others, these were secondary to Miss Shearer’s absorbingly human interpretation of a woman sometimes carefree, oftimes desperate, seeking for happiness. The story has gripping power on the screen because it is so simply told. There will be a good supporting programme. Majestic: Screening to-night, “Cairo.” Jeanette MacDonald, the screen's first lady of song, deserts the hoop-skirts and crinoline and goes completely modern in M.G M.’s topical, farcical, adventure musical. “Cairo.” The tuneful, romantic* drama, which has Egypt for a background. Is a satire on Hollywood spy stories. All the cliehes of this type of drama are lampooned. Robert Young is teamed with Jeanette MacDonald for the first time. The picture is alto enlivened in the comedy department by Ethel Waters, famed “blues” - singer, who plays a featured role. The story is simple and expertly told under the deft handling of W. S. Van Dyke 11. But it is in the music department that ‘ Cairo” really pleases. Miss MacDonald sings two intriguing numbers. "The Waltz is Over” and the title song "Cairo.” The latter melody is heard in a production spectacle at a native fiesta in the desert. Ethel Waters sings "Buds Won't Bud" and "A Woman Without a Man”—both definite contenders for hit honours. i