AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24022, 22 January 1940, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

THE CURRENT PROGRAMMES EMPIRE THEATRE Satisfactory entertainment for the whole family, “The Hardys Ride High,” is now being shown at the Empire Theatre. Judge Hardy is advised that he has inherited 2,000,000 dollars, and, with mother, Marion, Andy and Aunt Milly, flies to Detroit to prove his identity. While in Detroit they live in the Leeds mansion, part of the inheritance, and react to the prospect of luxury according to their temperaments. The judge promises himself a life of retirement in which he will have time to read books that are not law books; Marion prepares to take her place in society and starts buying dresses to suit her new station; and Andy buys a tuxedo and an opera hat, and goes out looking for chorus girls. In the end, it is discovered that the judge’s claim is not binding, and they go back home to Carvel not much the worse for their experience .and fairly philosophical about the whole thing. The judge (Lewis Stone) is as imperturbable and as kindly and understanding as ever; mother is as gentle and as lovable; Andy is as bumptious: and Marion as intent on “taking Andy down a peg;” The leading spirit of this, as of most of the series, is Mickey Rconey, and the laughter that greets his slightest antic is .sufficient to show how he has endeared himself to film, audiences. He is at his best when he as the gauche schoolboy intent on football and impatient of the finer points of etiquette. There is an unusually good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE Gracie Fields plays Sally, a variety singer who is discouraged by the poor response of Glasgow audiences and embarrassed by the presence of her rascally but lovable father, the “Major, played by Sydney Howard, in “Shipyard Sally,” which is being shown at the State Theatre. The “ Major ” buys a Clydebank pub with Sally’s savings just before the depression settles oyer the shipyards. By the time Sally has learnt the running of the place her customers have no money left, but she gives them encouragement and beer with equal generosity. When the men learned that a commission has been appointed in London to report on the situation at Clydebank, they realise how important it is that the authorities should know of their desperate plight. A petition is signed and Sally is persuaded to go to London to urge that the men be given work. In London. Sally still has the “Major” to keep under control as well as trying to see the elusive Lord Randall (Morton Selten), chairman of the commission, and there are many incidents to contend with before she concludes her business. In spite of the “Major” her efforts succeed,' and the way is paved for an inspiring close to an entirely satisfying film.' Box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s. REGENT THEATRE “Song of the Plains,” now showing at the Regent Theatre, is an unusual .film With a ireally splendid cast. It is unusual in that it is a Western drama of land-grabbers and settlers without any gun-play in it. The story is about a group of settlers on the Western plains who are menaced by the machinations of an unscrupulous Wall street magnate. The railroad is being built across the plains, and an advance guard of men has the task of buying up all the surrounding land, regardless of opposition. They carry out their orders ruthlessly until they , meet the opposition of a young Westerner who, has been trained as a lawyer." in theEast ; By means, of-the use of a kid’bapped newspaper. complete with proprietor and staff, he turns the balance in the nick of time. The cast includes such favourites as Nelson Eddy, Virginia Bruce. Edward Arnold, Victor McLaglen, Lionel Barrymore and Charles Butterworth. Nelson Eddy, as the young lawyer with the gift of song, plays the leading role in a way which shows, that singing is not his only accomplishment. On his side in the fight are Lionel Barrymore, as his father, and Charles Butterworth. Edward Arnold gives one of his usual convincing characterisations as the suave Wall street villain, whose chief henchman is Victor McLaglen The supporting programme, which includes the latest newsreels from Europe and America, is excellent. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST. JAMES THEATRE Freddie Bartholomew and Jackie Cooper wear the smart uniforms of military school cadets for co-starring roles in their latest film, “Spirit of Culver,” which heads the programme showing at the St. James Theatre. In addition to many dramatic and comic scenes, the picture is highlighted by colourful parades and gaiety of school life. Popular stars in the cast include . Andy Devine, Henry Hull and Tim Holt. Based on an original screen play by Whitney Bolton and Nathaniel West, the- story deals with surprising events in the life of a poor boy who is given a chance to prove himself at the Culver Military Academy. Cooper, as the boy who is reformed by his mates, and Bartholomew, as his English room-mate, are seen in dramatic roles which match their finest achievements of the past. The second feature is “The Family Next Door,’ a domestic comedy with Hugh Herbert Joy Hodges, Eddie Quillan and Jaunita Quigley. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.I.C. and Jacobs s.

GRAND THEATRE Preston Foster has the leading role in “ Chasing Danger,” which heads the programme being shown at the Grand Theatre. He „ occupies the part of a daring newsreel cameraman, literally chasing danger. His exploits lead him into a large number of strange and exciting adventures which make ideal entertainment for the screen, an Arab revolt in Morrocco being the central feature of the story. Wally Vernon and Lynn Bari have supporting roles. An episode in the life of America’s famous Abraham Lincoln is depicted in “Young Mr Lincoln,” the second attraction. Henry Fonda, is responsible for one of the best performances of his career in this gripping film, which has to do with Lincoln’s important part as a promising young lawyer in the famous Moonlight Murder trial. An outstanding supporting cast includes Alice Brady, Arleen Whelan, Marjorie Weaver and Richard Cromwell. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STRAND THEATRE “ Mutiny on the Blackhawk,” the main feature on the Strand Theatre’s programme, is one of those shows that are not easy to classify. Action starts on a South Sea Island, carries on through a mutiny on a slave-ship, and ends with a series of battles in Western style somewhere in California. Richard Arlen, a “ good guy” though as tough as they make ’em, stows away on a suspected slave-ship, and makes friends with the islanders chained in the hold. With their help he stages a mutiny, seizes the ship,' and arrives at Fort Bailey, in California, short of food and water. Before ',he supply train arrives the Mexican army attacks. Arlen assumes the leadership, and by skilful tactics and a strategic retreat, is able to hold the enemy off till relief arrives —just in the nick of time. He gets the girl, Andy Devine gets the widow, and the villains get what they deserve. This picture has something of everything. The second film is “Back Door to Heaven,” an appealing drama with Patricia Ellis and Stuart Erwin in the leads. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. MAYFAIR THEATRE The gay melodies of Johann Strauss heard against the elaborate settings of the Vienna in which they were written make “ The Great Waltz,” which is now being shown at the Mayfair Theatre, a very attractive entertainment. The film introduces to screen audiences a new Continental singer, Militza Korjus, whose charm is only equalled by her remarkable voice. The orchestral background to the story and the vocal items is provided by a symphony orchestra of high quality. The second feature is “ King of Chinatown,” featuring Anna May Wong in an exciting melodrama. The box plans are at the theatre and the D I.C.