AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24604, 12 May 1941, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

THE CURRENT PROGRAMMES GRAND THEATRE An amusing musical film, " Too Many Girls," heads the current double-feature programme at the Grand Theatre. Featuring Lucille Ball and Richard Carlson at the head of a competent cast, the film tells of the attempts of a millionaire to guard his daughter from, a college romance while at a Mexican institute where the girl students outnumber the men. Four football players act as her bodyguard, but the result is not altogether as the girl's father desired. There is much comedy in the story, and several catchy songs are presented. The associate feature is a fast-moving western drama, in which a new star is introduced. He is Tim Holt, son of the popular Jack Holt. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg's. REGENT THEATRE Basil Rathbone gives another polishpd but sinister portrayal in "A Date With Destiny." which is being shown at the Regent Theatre. It is the appealing tale of a brilliant young doctor whose mind becomes warped because of the cruelty he receives from his first wife. His outlook bepomes completely hardened against humanity and in reality he becomes a demon. He enters practice as a psychiatrist and quickly achieves a notable clientele among wealthy women. He hypnotises some with his charm, marries, and then murders them for their money. But a newspaper man, who has started a campaign against sham psychiatrists, becomes suspicious of Rathbone and a thrilling and tense climax is reached as the murderer is brought to justice. Ellen Drew, John Howard and Martin Kosleck lend able support. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE The endeavours of a gang of unscrupulous criminals to obtain possession of a number of incredibly valuable postage stamps form the basis of the latest " Saint" story, " The Saint in Palm Springs." which is now being shown at the State Th :atre. George Sanders appears in the title role, and associated with him are Wendy Barrie, Paul Guilfoyle, Linda Hayes, and Robert Hale. Simon Templar, otherwise " The Saint," is first of all arrested by Inspector Fernack's detectives, but when he learns that the uncle of a penniless girl is in danger of being robbed of an extremely valuable collection ol postage stamps which are intended for her he is entrusted with the task of seeing that the stamps are delivered safely. The unexpected murder of the uncle speeds up the pace of the story, for " The Saint realises that the stamps he is bearing to Palm Springs to give to the girl are being sought by a gang which will go to any ends to obtain them Exciting adventures befalt him in Palm Springs, but his mgenuitv and resourcefulness eventually gain him the upper hand. The box plans a're at the theatre and at Begg's. EMPIRE THEATRE Some idea of the dramatic story of the Battle of the Atlantic is graphically presented in "Convoy," the stirring British film which is at present attracting large ottendances to the Empire Theatre. This picture tells in a thrilling manner of the voyage of a convoy across the North taea in which it has to run all the dangers of submarine attack and aerial bombardment, and it depicts the gallant battle of an armed cruiser with a German pocket battleship until the heavier units of the fleet can reach the spot. It is not a strong story but one is not needed for such a true-to-fact voyage and the picture shows clearly the bravery and efficiency of the men of the Royal Navy and the mercantile marine Clive Brook heads a strong cast and gives a masterly performance. He is well supported by John Clements. Charles Farrell, Judy Campbell and Penelope Dudley Ward. There is a good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C STRAND THEATRE

The double-feature programme which is being screened at the Strand Theatre is well balanced, and provides excellent entertainment. " River's End, the main attraction Is a thrilling story of the Royal Canadian North-West Mounted Police. Starred in this film are Dennis Morgan, who heads the cast as a sergeant of the " Mounties," Victor Jory, and Elizabeth Darl. Its story is based on one of Curwood's grand tales of the frozen wastes of the north of Canada and of the fine body of men whose duty it is to keep the' peace among the scattered French. English, and Indian settlers in that desolate space. The second film, " Over the Goal," is a story of those great football test matches which are staged from time to time in America. Heading the cast are June Travis and William Hopper, who lend the romantic interest to the story. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST JAMES THEATRE " The Texas Rangers Ride Again," which is the main feature on the programme now showing at the St. James Theatre, provides a refreshing change from the usual type of western film. The picture relates 'in thrilling style the adventures of the Texas Rangers, who are the onl.V people feared and hated by the badmen of the west. This time they are faced with the task of rounding up rustlers who carry out their work on the 1000 square miles Dangerfield Ranch in Texas, but have their headquarters in the business section of a large city. John Howard and Ellen Drew provide the romance, and May Robson and Akim Tamiroff are responsible for a large portion of the many humorous interludes. The associate feature is " Jungle Princess," which stars Dorothy Lamour and Ray Milland. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.I.C, and Jacobs's. OCTAGON THEATRE In almost every great star's career there is one outstanding role that seems made to order for his talents and his personality. For Tyrone Power this part has come in the Twentieth Century-Fox film, " The Mark of Zorro," showing with great success at tho Octagon Theatre. The title role is undoubtedly the most famous and colourful the screen has ever known. Zorro, the masked bandit of old California's most exciting days, whose sword mark—a jagged Z—struck terror to every heart but one, was the role which gave the late Douglas Fairbanks his greatest fame. Now, in " The Mark of Zorro," it marks for Tyrone Power a triumph greater than those he scored in the memorable " Jesse James," " In Old Chicago," and "Alexander's Ragtime Band." The brilliant featured cast, headed by Linda Darnell, Includes Basil Rathbone, Eugene Pallette, J. Edward Bromberg, Gale Sondergaard, and Montagu Love. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. MAYFAIR THEATRE A programme which combines comedy, thrills, romance and drama is being shown at the Mayfair Theatre. Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard, who were acclaimed as a co-starring team In " The Cat and the Canary," are together again in " The Ghost Breakers." another fast-moving mystery thriller, with Bop Hope providing a never-ending chain of wisecracks. " Dust Be My Destiny" is an appealing story, starring Priscilla Lane and John Garfield, two popular young stars. The story tells of a young married couple hunted from State'to State on a murder charge. The box plans are at the theatre and the