PICTURE THEATRES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24911, 9 May 1942, Page 8

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT THEATRE ANDY HARDY SAGA A new episode in the life of Andy Hardy, whose history has formed the subject of a se.ies of popular films, is told in “ Life Begins for Andy Hardy,” which heads the new programme at the Regent Theatre. Tiring of the old home town, Andy gets to New York to prove for himself, once and for all, if the stories he has heard about the bright lights of Broadway are right or wrong. His pocket full of dollars is finished before the iiolidav, and, urged on by the necessity for eating. Andy lands a job as an office boy to a firm of stockbrokers, bringing into the somewhat arid atmosphere of the conventional firm’s premises an enthusiasm which ruffles the calm surface of business like the wind on a placid lake. Mickey Rooney is again in the role of Andy Hardy, and he makes the most of a good story. Judy Garland is also in her accustomed role, and the rest, of the Hardy Family have their place in the picture. Judy Garland does not allow the hero to reap all the laurels, her own fine acting being a feature of the entertainment. The supports include an excellent newsreel, an Our Gang comedy, and a Pete Smith specialty in technicolor. The last is highly diverting, and should appeal strongly to everyone. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ■ EMPIRE THEATRE THE MUSIC OF STRAUSS When the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios decided to make a picture dealing with the life of Johannn Strauss, whose waltzes have achieved a greater degree of immortality than any other dance music, they determined to do the thing properly. To this end the best of players and—most important of all, perhaps—a most excellent orchestra, were engaged. The result is a film which has already stood the test of repeated seasons everywhere. •’ The Great Waltz ” commenced a return season yesterday at the Empire Theatre. Magic melodies of Vienna, heard as the romantic dramatic story of a musician unfolds, bring Luise Rainer, Fernand Gravel, and Miliza Korjus, Viennese opera star, to the screen. Strauss, at the time, was the voice of the gayest city of the world, and, so it would seem, the life of the city revolved about his genius. Probably the most outstanding passage of the film is the brilliant conception of his “ Tales From the Vienna Woods,” the presentation of which, both musically and pictorially, is superb. Each role is played to perfection, and no one could desire a more delightful musical experience. The supports include the first stirring episode of a new serial. “ Zorro Rides Again,” the story being a sequel to Johnstone McCulley’s popular romance, " The Mark of Zorro.” The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST. JAMES THEATRE EXHILARATING COMEDY Two pictures which, although widely different in type afford first-class entertainment, comprise the double bill which opened a season yesterday at the St. James Theatre. “ Cash and Carry,” the principal feature, is one of those wildly hilarious comedies which have been built around the adventures of “ Maisie,” the popular character created by the vivacious Anne Sothern. From the opening' scene until the final fade-out, the action moves at a merry pace, and the trials that beset Maisie when she becomes the wife of a light promoter are many and varied. How she surmounts'her troubles makes a bright and entertaining story replete with laughable comedy and bright, sparkling dialogue. George Murphy, as the husband. Is seen in one of the forceful roles he plays so well, and Robert Sterling, as a prize-fighter, is cast in a part that suits him to perfection. The supporting picture is “The Shop Around the Corner,” which has as its theme the vicissitudes of the employees of a big emporium, each one of whom has his or her own domestic problems to face. James Stewart and Margaret Suilavan are the leading players. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, and the D.I.C STATE THEATRE THE IMMORTAL “ TOM SAWYER ”

The management of the State Theatre 1 has been fortunate in securing for a school holiday attraction such an appropriate film as “ The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." the immortal story by the brilliant Mark Twain. This film of a famous book will not only provide ideal entertainment for the young, but will appeal to all adults to whom it will recall the adventures of their own childhood. Brilliantly acted and photographed entirely in technicolor, the film offers everything one could wish for in entertainment. , , Few people have not read Mark Twain s story of the irrepressible Tom and his amusing escapades and adventures. Tom was a typical American boy, full of fun and devilment, but creating something of a problem to those entrusted with his upbringing. Everywhere in the film the glowing humour of Mark Twain is revealed. and none of the episodes of the book is marred in its transfer to the medium of the screen. Tom’s adventures in whitewashing a fence, as a pirate, in a haunted house, in pursuit of Injun Joe, and when he is lost in a cave are all faithfully reproduced, and his clashes with his Aunt Polly all make excellent entertainment. Buck Finn and Tom's other cronies are faithfully represented, and his romance with Becky Thatcher is delightfully handled. The dialogue is at ail times amusing, and every episode will awaken In somebody's memory happenings of bygone years. “ The Adventures of Tom Sawyer ” is certainly one of those pictures that should not be missed by young or old. ' . , The acting is -outstanding, and the film introduces two clever Juveniles in Tommy Kelly and Ann Gillis, who give excellent performances. May Robson and Victor Jory are admirably cast. The supporting programme is in keeping with the featured film, and is attractively varied. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. STRAND THEATRE ACTION AND COMEDY The programme which commenced yesterday at the Strand Theatre is packed with romance, action, comedy, and thrills The main attraction is “ The Miracle Kid," a drama of the lives of the people who fight in the ring. The young, upstanding boxer, who succeeds in winning fight after fight, is played by Tom Neal, a new leading man. Carol Hughes plays the part of his girl friend, who tries to warn him that he is not able to defy the racketeers of the ring. Vicki Lester, well known on the screen, plays an outstanding supporting part. Never before have sucli realistic boxing scenes been filmed as the “ Miracle Kid ” vanquishes opponent after opponent. The brilliant production “ Spring Meeting," is the additional feature on this all-star programme. This delightful story of an Irish romance is full of charm and comedy, and it has an air of vivacity and sincerity. Nova Pilbeam is cast as the young woman who deliberately sets out to find herself a husband but with disastrous results to the hearts of many men. The supporting players are Basil Sydney and Henry Edwards. Also on this programme is another episode bf the thrilling adventure seria,, - Sea Raiders," starring the juvenile actors, the Dead End Kids, and the Little Tough Guys. The box plans for the season are at the theatre and the D.I.C. OCTAGON THEATRE CARY GRANT AND JOAN FONTAINE As well as being among the most popular figures of the screen, Cary Grant is also one of the ablest actors of the day. Miss Joan Fontaine is another of the cleverest and most forceful personalities on the screen. It is scarcely surprising, therefore, that when they are cast together in an unusually powerful story of mvsterv and romance, with the expert direction of Alfred Hitchcock, the result is absorbing entertainment. Those are the ingredients of " Suspicion,” the feature which began its Dunedin season at the Octagon Theatre yesterday, and there can bo no hesitation in classing " Suspicion " among the best, of the films which have been seen in Dunedin for some time past. The Wle has been written around the lives of two young people in the England of just before the war. It is the story of a man who is a charming scoundrel and a woman who -is so much in love with him that she is prepared to make any sacrifice for his sake. Johnnie Aysgarth nas always taken all that life had to offer without being worried by scruples, but Lina McLaidlaw’s sheltered upbringing is poor preparation for the stormincss of her life as the wife of such an irresponsible and incorrigible scamp. The story unfolds Johnnie's borrowings and deceptions to the extent of creating suspicion in flic mind of his wife that lie has murdered his best friend and even that lie plans her death, all for the money that is so necessary to him. It is a dramatic and absorbing series of developments and offers scope to brilliant character studies. The climax, with its promise of-happiness, is worthy of everyth ng else in the film, and the direction and photography are on a high plane. Grant and Miss" Fontaine invest their roles with power and conviction, and handle the suspense and tension required of them as only front-rank players could. To sup-

port them there are Sir Cecil Hardwicke, as Lina's disapproving father, Nigel Bruce, the light-hearted friend of Johnnie Aysgarth, both in brilliant performances, and Dame May Whitty, Isabel Jeans. Heather Angel and Auriol Lee in other good roles. To support " Suspicion ” there Is a first half including newsreels, a Leon Errol comedy and a " Donald Duck ” adventure. The box plans are the theatre and Begg’s. GRAND THEATRE The gay musical comedy “ Playmates ” is now showing at the Grand Theatre starring Kay Kayser and his world-famous band. The supporting feature on this programme is another comedy, “ Repent at Leisure," starring Kent Taylor and Wendy Barrie MAYFAIR THEATRE A programme loaded with laughs and tingling with thrills commences at the Mayfair Theatre 10-day, William Powell and Mvrna Loy arc in the leading roles, ahd they make this their funniest picture to date.' “ Love Crazy ” brings these two comedians together once again in a scries of side-splitting adventures. Also on this programme is Wallace Beery In “ Bad Man," with Lionel Barrymore. Laraine Day and Ronald Regan. The- box plans are at the D.I.C. and the theatre. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE Another of Hal Roach’s comedies. “ Merrilv We Live,” commenced a short season at His Majesty’s Theatre yesterday. The cast consists of Constance Bennett. Brian Aherne and Billie Burke in the leading roles. Patsy Kelly and Alan Mowbray are also in outstanding parts. The supporting feature on this all-comedy programme is the merry musical " Everybody Sing," starring Judy Garland, Allan Jones. Reginald Owen and Fanny Brice, This musical presents a large number of the latest song hits. The box plans for the season are at the theatre. Jacobs's and the D.I.C.