AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24221, 13 February 1940, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

THE CURRENT PROGRAMMES GRAND THEATRE Will Hay has an undimmed reputation as one of England’s best comedians, and he has rarely been seen to such good effect as in “Ask a Policeman,” which is at the Grand Theatre. As a sergeant of police in a sleepy English village, Hay, more hindered than helped by constables Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott, tracks down a gang of smugglers and, in spite of the fact that he has not made an arrest for 10 years, proceeds to give chase to the fugitives with considerable dash and enterprise. Tom Walls, another popular English actor, occupies the principal role in “ Crackerjack the second film. Box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s. “WINTER CARNIVAL” One of the most swift-moving romances to reach the screen in many months will be unreeled at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday next, when Walter Wagner’s “ Winter Carnival,” co-starring Ann Sheridan and Richard Carlson, is presented to local audiences. Filmgoers will secure a first hand view of the scintillating spectacle of the famous Dartmouth college winter snow sports, which form the background for this exciting tale; of a divorced duchess on the run. The story of “Winter Carnival” opens with Jill Baxter, played by Miss Sheridan, on the college special bound for the carnival. The temperamental young lady is running away from her recently divorced duke who wants to win her back. Through a series of complications she comes face to face with Professor Weldon, the man she was once going to marry when she was queen of the carnival. They are still both in love—but Jill is still afraid of life in a college atmosphere. The story is unfolded, against the vivid background of the great outdoors in its winter setting and highlights the majestyi of thrilling winter sports on the snowbound hills, the excitement and colour of the gay festival, the student dances, the selection and crowning of the new queen of carnival. REGENT THEATRE The coaches avoided “Jamaica Inn,” hidden in the harsh Cornish moors, not far from the coast. Its name was evil, and no man knew what its dark shutters hid. Yet it was to Jamaica Inn that Mary Yellan went, to join her aunt and uncle. Only too soon was she to learn the full tale of its horror. So she learned of the smugglers and murderers, and the riff-raff of the coast. Into her life came love, even in this out-of-the-way hole, from a man who seemed to be one of the wreckers, but proved his love worthy of her. She, too, came to know Humphrey Pengallan, the squire, sinister brains behind the equally sinister doings of Jamaica Inn. Every one of them is in Paramount’s equally absorbing and thrilling picture, “ Jamaica Inn,” with Charles Laughton as the squire, and a newcomer, beautiful Maureen O’Hara, as Mary Yellan, now being shown at the Regent Theatre. Others in the cast are Leslie Banks, Emlyn Williams, Marie Ney and Robert Newton. under the masterly direction of Alfred Hitchcock. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE In the Continental manner, smart and sophisticated, Columbia’s “ Good Girls Go to Paris,” is one of the most original comedies of the year. The new film, which is now showing at the State Theatre, co-stars Melvyn Douglas and Joan Blonde]] the brilliant principals of the sensational “ There’s Always a Woman.” “ Good Girls Go to Paris ” finds its major entertainment values in the affairs of a young Englishman, professor of Greek at a mid-western university, who finds in the Assop fables the answers to the many perplexities he encounters in American life; and in the escapades of a pert, blonde waitress who has every intention of going to Paris, but whose conscience prevents her from going via the “ gold-digging ” route. Dramatically, “Good Girls Go to Paris” is equal to any recent Hollywood product. The intriguing situations, the clever plot, and a host of brilliant “ gags ” make this film a memorable one. There is a strong sunporting programme, and the box plans arc at the theatre and at Begg’s. “THEY SHALL HAVE MUSIC” With Jascha Heifetz, the world’s most renowned violinist starred, Samuel Goldwyn’s new major production, “They Shall Have Music,” which will have its premiere showing at the State Theatre on Friday, unfolds a gripping story of human interest, highlighted by tense and thrilling action. The 'principal romantic roles are played by Andrea Leeds and Joel McCrea, while the important supporting roles are portrayed by Walter Brennan, Gene and Tommy Kelly. “They Shall Have Music” draws its characters'and plot from the wealth of material found on New York’s East Side. Briefly, the story revolves around Professor Lawson, portrayed by Walter Brennan, and his music school settlement, composed of ragged youngsters who are musical prodigies. Into this school comes Frankie, who inherited a talent for the violin from his dead father and has run away from home to escape the hate of his stepfather. The boy is taken in tow by the professor, and blossoms into

a fine musician. How he tries to repay his debt and how he lures the great Heifetz to the aid of the financially bankrupt school provides the climax to the story. ST. JAMES THEATRE Ruth Hussey, New York stage star, has the leading role in “Within the Law,” the dramatic story of a woman’s revenge, which is now being screened at the St. James Theatre. She takes the part of a young girl who pays the penalty for a crime she did not commit, and when she is released ,from gaol she swears to have revenge on the man who was responsible for her term in prison. She uses the man’s son as the weapon with which to strike, but complications occur when she falls in love with him. This theme makes the basis of a stirring and appealing story. The second film is “Topper,” that delightful story from the pen of Thorne Smith. Cary Grant and Constance Bennett are cast as the couple who, after their deaths, return in spirit to haunt Mr Topper, played by Roland Young They cause many upsets and some hilarious misadventures before everything is straightened out. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., and Jacobs s. “ GOOD BYE. MR CHIPS ” “Good-bye, Mr Chips,” James Hilton’s charming novel q| the life of an English school teacher, which is to return to the St. James Theatre, brings to audiences, following his triumph in “The Citadel,” Robert Donat, together with Greer Garson, beautiful English actress. Third of the pictures filmed, in M-G-M.’s English studios. Goodbye, Mr Chips,” tells the story of a kindly schoolmaster, starting his career in his twentigs, becoming a veritable institution in a big English school and shaping the careers of boys destined to become great men. As “The Citadel” dealt with medical ethics, so the new picture goes deeply into the heart of education. Donat brings deep understanding to the role, which carries him through four periods. His make-up is enhanced by the psychology which makes the chai - acter fairly live at each age. Miss Garson is a compellingly skilful actress as well as beautiful. Terry Kilburn the appealing youngster of “Loyd Jeff and “A Christmas Carol.” has an interesting role, playing four generations of boys who attend the school, grow up, and send 1 their sons back. EMPIRE THEATRE

Definitely one of the finest prison pictures ever to come out of Hollywood. Monogram’s thrilling “Mutiny in the Big House ” is now at the Empire Theatre. Charles Bickford and Barton MacLan© are co-starred in this powerful film, and both give splendid performances. The story was actually suggested by the events leading _ up to and including the infamous prison break at the Canon City (Colorado) State Penitentiary on October 3, 1939. When young Dennis Moore, sent to prison for forging a 10-dollar cheque, is placed in the same cell with MacLane, Bickford, the prison chaplain, tries to help him. However, Moore, under MtcLane’s tutelage, spurns his attempts at friendship. A gaol break is planned, and when a “ stool pigeon tips off the warden, Moore is suspected. A riot ensues, and Mac Lane and h's henchmen barricade themselves in the machine shop. In the thrilling climax, a chaplain, single-handed and unarmed, attempts to quell the mutiny There is a good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. “MAN ABOUT TOWN” Jack Benny, radio comedian, makes another hit in the lavish new Paramount comedy with music. Man About Town.” which opens at the Empire Theatre next Friday. With glamorous Dorothy Lamour and rotund Edward Arnold in co-starring roles, this is said to be the most hilarious of Benny’s offerings. “Man About Town sparkles with hilarious situations, bright dialogue, perfect girls, and song hits. Among the added attractions of the picture is the sensational dancing of “Rochester,” who makes his screen debut in this picture. Just as amazing is the dancing of the world-renowned Merriel Abbot Dancers, who do incredible arcrobatic routines in the harem sequences. The fun-studded story by Morrie Ryskind casts Jack as an American theatrical irmxressano about to present a show in London. Because Jack’s amorous advances mean nothing to his singing star. Dorothy Lamour, Jack contrives to meet a lady of the English nobility..hoping to make

Dorothy jealous. Important supporting roles are played by Binnie. Barnes, Phil . Harris (& Jack’s orchestra leader). Betty Grable (as a chorus girl), “Rochester” (as Jack’s valet), E. E. Clive and Matty Malneck and his orchestra. In addition are “ Tempo of To-morrow,” bringing to the screen Richard ijimber and, his famous “ rhythmic pyramids ” orchestra; “ Death Valley Thrills/’ one of the best Grajltlahd Rice sports thrills; “Ghosts is the Bunk,” a Popeye Cartoon, episode 6 of “ The Lone Ranger Rides Again,” and the latest news.

STRAND THEATRE Gene Autry has become one Of the most popular of the screen’s band of singing cowboys, and the reason is there for all to see in “ Git Along, Little Bogies,” which is being shown at the Strand Theatre. ’ Autry’s is not the only singing voice to be heard in this entertaining production, because the cast also includes the basso,comedian “Smiley” Burnette. A highlypaid American radio and screen combination, the Maple City Four, also add their quota to the musical side of the programme. The story centres round the proposal to dig an oil well in the cattle country, and romantic interest is nrovided by Judith Allen. Hazel Ascot, an attractive little English dancer with an engaging personality. has the leading role in “ Stepping Toes,” the second film. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. \ MAYFAIR THEATRE W. C. Fields and those two popular entertainers Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy head the list of stars in “You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man.” which is being shown at the Mayfair Theatre in conjunction with “Honolulu.” The first film is a riot of laughter dealing with the fortunes of a broken-down circus proprietor whose (daughter fails in love with one of his less popular employees. Throughout the film there is a running fire of swift back-talk between, Fields and Bergen’s inimitable ventriloquial doll. Robert Young and Etoanor Powell have the leading roles in the second attraction. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.