AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24606, 14 May 1941, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS

THE CURRENT PROGRAMMES STATE THEATRE The famous character invented by Leslie Charteris once again provides the hero for a film story, this time in " The Saint in Palm Springs," which is enjoying a popular season at the State Theatre. Associated with George Sanders in this episode in the " modern Robin Hood " life are Wendy Barrie, Paul Guilfoyle, Linda Hayes and Robert Hale. This latest adventure of the " Saint." otherwise Simon Templar, deals with the endeavours of a gang of criminals to obtain possession of a number of extremely valuable stamps. The Saint is first of all arrested by the police, but released to deliver the stamps safely to their owner, a beautiful girl. Box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. "PLAY GIRL" A serious problem presented with del't overlay of light comedy is a dramatic pattern perfectly suited to the skilful talents and scintillating personality of Kay Francis. Such a picture is " Play Girl." which comes to the State Theatre on Friday. . It is a highly entertaining drama accented with the star's glowing performance of a hard and glittering lady of adventure who is finally redeemed by an unsuspected soft spot. The story is concerned with the reckless exploits of a fascinating woman of the world who lives lavishly and luxuriously by the simple method of bewitching men with her charm then cold-bloodedly dissecting their bankrolls. But the day comes when two successive failures convince her that she is getting too old for her man-hunting game. So she reefs her sails and rtarts grooming a beautiful but penniless young ladv of 19 in order to take her place, and from that point the plot of the film rapidly develops. EMPIRE THEATRE How the navy Is guarding Britain's shores and keeping overseas trade secure, together with a soul-stirring romance, is vividly portrayed in the stirring British picture, Convoy," which is proving popular at the Empire Theatre. Clive Brook is at his best as captain of the flagship. John Clements as the reckless and dashing lieutenant, and Judy Campbell as the girl in the case. This film was made possible by the co-operation of the British Navy and the Royal Air Force, which makes it undeniably a first-class picture. In it are tales of mysterious German raiders, pocket battleships, and submarines which endeavour to blockade Britain by attacking her convoys and sinking her mercantile marine and so starve her into submission. But Hitler, with all his schemes and barbaric tricks, counted without the sterling doggedness of the British seaman, and, as is shown in this him. all his plots were frustrated and came to nothing. Director Tennyson, script writers, and three cameramen journeyed on three actual convoys to get the real atmosphere for this thrilling timely production. Against a vivid, exciting action background is played out the personal drama of a commander's own life. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST. JAMES THEATRE " The Texas Rangers Ride Again," which is now showing at the St. James Theatre, gives film-goers some idea of the peril and hardships undergone by the " Rangers," whose job it is to keep order in the lawless States of the West. John Howard and Ellen Drew provide the romantic interest, and Akim Tamiroff, May Robson, and Anthony Quinn also have leading roles. Dorothy Lamour and Milland are starred in "Jungle Princess, which is the associate feature. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C.. and Jacobs's.

"AND? HARDY MEETS DEBUTANTE" Mickey Rooney gives another entertaining performance as a moon-struck adolescent in "Andy Hardy Meets Debutante, which is the next attraction at the St James Theatre. On this occasion Andy falls violently in love with a dazzling debutante whose picture he has seen in a society paper, and boasts to his girl friend, Sally Benedict, about his romance Taunts from his sweetheart about the onesidedness of the romance, for Andy has never met the girl of his dreams, compel him to declare that he is an intimate friend of the debutante, but when he goes to New York with his father he finds himself in the embarrassing position of having to make good his boast. Judy Garland finally comes to his aid and introduces him to the girl One of the most imposing courtroom sets for a motion picture was built for RKO Radio's "The Spellbinder." which will be the second feature, in which Lee Tracy is starred. Occupying an entire sound stage and covering approximately 15,000 square feet of floor space, the set is the exact size of the largest Superior Court in Los Angeles. Barbara Read. Patric Knowles, Allan Lane, and Linda Hayes are in the supporting cast, i •

STRAND THEATRE Dennis Morgan, who has played a variety of roles as an officer of the law, is seen this time as a Canadian " Mountie " in " River's End," which is the main attraction on the programme now showing at the Strand Theatre. Most of. the action takes place in the uncivilised wastes of Northern Canada, where a thrilling manhunt is enacted. Elizabeth Earl has the leading feminine role. All lovers of sport should enjoy " Over the Goal." which is the associate feature. William Hopper and June Travis head the cast. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. " THE DEVIL'S PIPELINE " Furnishing comedy high-spots in an action-filled drama, Andy Devine comes to the Strand Theatre on Friday, co-star-ring with Richard Arlen in Universal'* " The Devil's Pipeline." Said to be afforded ample opportunities for his versatile comic talents, Andy appears in the role of an oil expert, who, with his pal, Arlen, is ordered to his company's East Indian headquarters to uncover suspected intrigue. Noted for his ability to inject impromptu gags and bits of " business " into his roles, Devine was reportedly in rare form during production of " The Devil's Pipeline." In one sequence the comedian refers to a stubborn streak in his family. During filming of the scene Andv took everyone by surprise by finishing his script lines and immediately launching into a humorous story about his stubborn uncle. The story proved so effective that Director Christy Cabanne ordered it into the script. Supporting Arlen and Devine in their new film are John Eldredge, Jeanne Kelly, James Kelly. Francis McDonald arid Mala OCTAGON THEATRE Adventure with an early Californian masked bandit whose sword mark—a jagged " Z "—struck terror into every heart in old California's most exciting days, whose daring won him the loveliest senorita in the land, is provided in " The Mark of Zorro" at the Octagon Theatre, where it is enjoying a popular season. Experienced and popular players all, Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell and Basil Rathbone add to their laurels with their finished performances. For Tyrone Power this film marks 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. " MARYLAND " Walter Brennan worked two years and a-half without a day off and. feeling the need of a vacation, he refused to enter into any immediate picture commitments after finishing his featured role in Darryl F. Zanuck's technicolor production of ' Maryland," 20th Century-Fox film, which comes to the Octagon Theatre on Friday. Brennan and Mrs Brennan planned a long vacation, including an extensive boat trip, that will afford an opportunity for a complete rest. The actor has averaged six pictures for each of the last few years, playing extensive roles in all of them. Since December. 1937. he has not had a single day off. The only time he spent away from the camera was the few weeks between pictures that were taken up with wardrobe fittings and makeup tests. Featured with Brennan in " Maryland " are Fay Bainter. Brenda Joyce and John Payne. Henry King directed the picture from an original screen play by Ethel Hill and Jack Andrews

GRAND THEATRE A grim plot of revenge provides a thrilling story for Fay Wray, Charles Lang and Paul Guilfoyle, who are featured in " Wildcat Bus," new RKO Radio action picture, which opens at the Grand Theatre to-day. The plot turns on the efforts of a ruthless woman to avenge her husband, a former bookkeeper for a big bus company who was sent to gaol for embezzlement. Organising a wildcat transportation company, the woman seeks to ruin the bus line by staging a series of accidents and costly damage suits, and the results of her scheme afford the picture its many exciting moments. The regeneration of a penniless playboy, and his romance with the daughter of the bus line owner, are subordinate themes woven into the story, with the playboy's job as a driver for the wildcatters involving him dangerously in the affair. Besides the three principals, the cast includes Don Costello, Leona Roberts, Paul McGrath, Joseph Sawyer and Oscar O'Shea. Frank Woodruff directed the production by Cliff Reid. Don Lusty authored the story. John McGuire and Margaret Tallichet make their debut as a new romantic team in RKO Radio's unique dramatic offering, " Stranger on the Third Floor," which is the second film. McGuire, recently returned from a successful three years on the Broadway stage, has since appeared in " Women Without Names " and " Street of Memories." Miss Tallichet likewise departed the Hollywood scene two years ago but for marriage. She will be remembered in previous films such as "A Desperate Adventure," " Girls' School," and "A Star is Born." Peter Lorre heads the cast in this thrilling drama. REGENT THEATRE " Thrilling, sensational, and dynamic " best describes "A Date with Destiny," the attraction at the Regent Theatre. Interwoven with intrigue and romance, ajjd spiced with the mysterious, this exceptional film has all the ingredients of firstclass entertainment. ■As Dr Sebastian, the psychiatrist, Basil Rathbone gives one of his outstanding performances, and Ellen Drew, the beautiful and talented new star, and John Howard, up and coming leading man, provide the romantic interest. The rest of the cast bear names of distinction in the picture world, which fact indicates a careful choosing of artists suitable for this picture. Ralph Morgan, Lawrence Watkins, Barbara Allen, and Martin Kosleck all give fine performances. The box plans are at the D.I.C. and the theatre. " NEW MOON," The first Jeanette MacDonald-Nelson Eddy film for more than a year, the spectacular musical romance " New Moon," which commences its season at the Regent Theatre on Friday, will be found to equal the best of their previous five successes together, and all the more welcome for the long interval of waiting. Their latest presentation finds the two favourites in exactly the types of roles for which they were intended. Back again in costumes and manners of the 1780's, they transport their audience to another world—a world of imagination, song, thrills, and intrigue, which includes in its unfolding shipwrecks, riots, and life on a magical tropical island. Never has the team -appeared at better advantage. Miss MacDonald's beauty as the lovely Marienne de Beaumanoir is rivalled 'only by her voice as she sings such popular favourites as "Lover Come Back to Me," " Marianne," " Paree," " Rondolet," " One Kiss." and " Wanting You." As the dashing Due de Villiers Nelson Eddy is superb. His songs include the stirring " Stout Hearted Men " and the haunting, lovely " Softly as in a Morning Sunrise." MAYFAIR THEATRE An exceptionally fine programme is being presented at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. The main attraction is " T6m Brown's Schooldays," an excellent screening of the most famous school story ever written in the English language. Sir Cedric Hardwicke plays the part of Arnold of Rugby, and Freddy Bartholomew is seen as Tom Brown. The theme of the picture is about an, enthusiastic young scholar' who has new and revolutionary ideas about education and the way to deal with public schoolboys. He is appointed the headmaster of the Rugby School, and an engrossing and interesting story follows. The second feature is America's No 1 singing cowboy, Gene Autry, and his inseparable companion. Smiley Burnette, in " Rovin' Tumbleweeds." Mary Carlisle has the leading feminine part. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.