AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24969, 16 July 1942, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES GRAND THEATRE MYSTERY PROGRAMME Two mystery films comprise the new programme at (lie Grand Theatre this week. The main feature is “ Blonde From Singapore," The story opens with the exploits of a gang of pearl fishers who do a highly profitable business poaching on pearl beds which are owned by a Malayan Sultana. The chief diver, portrayed by Leif Erikson, is unaware that he is breaking the law until tb e captain of the schooner informs him mine TLatter the beds had been worked on toi three months. Enraged by the deception, the diver with a friend immediately quits the boat after relieving the captain othi. ill-gotten gains. They journey toward. Singapore with the laudable intention of joining the R.A.F., but on the way meet acharming siren (Florence Rice) who bj means of a " hard luck " story and a really subtle trick steals the pearls from them. Thev - lollow her to Singapore, where stirring scenes arc enacted in then cfloits to regain the stolen booty. The dialogue of the film is lively and contains some first-class humour. „ , The supporting picture, Confessions of Boston Blackie.” is a tale of the racketeering davs in America. The principal roles are filled by Chester Morris as Boston Blackie. and Harriet Hilliard as a young girl who was robbed by a gang of art thieves of a priceless statue. The story moves quickly, and in an exciting finale (he thieves are brought to justice. MAYFAIR THEATRE " THE SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS ” In magnificent technicolor the film adaptation of Harold Bell Wright s farfamed story. ‘ The Shepherd of the Hills, is being screened at the Mayfair Theatie this week, With a first-class cast including such players as John Wayne, Betty Field, and Harry Carey, the film was produced by the studios which gave the public such pictures as The Trail of the Lonesome Pine.” The associate feature is "A Night at Earl Carroll's,’ a musical film with many spectacular scenes and pageantry. OTHER THEATRES Strand Theatre.—Two popular Westerns Stick to Your Guns,” a Hopalong Cassidy thriller, and the " Law of the Timber,” with Monte Blue and J. Farrell MacDonald. _ , ~ . „ St. Janies Theatre.— Dead End Kids and "Little Tough Guys" in “Tough as Thev Come,” and a mystery thriller, A Night in Now Orleans,” with Preston i osier, Patricia Morison, and Albert Dekker. Octagon Theatre.—“A Date with the Falcon,” starring George Sanders, Wendy Barrie. James Gleason, and Allen Jenkins. Regent Theatre,—A thrilling drama, “ The Girl in the News.” featuring Margaret Lockwood, Barry K. Barnes, and Emiyn Williams. State Theatre.—Alexandre Dumas' intriguing romance, “ The Man in the Iron Mask," starring Louis Hayward and Joan Bennett. . Empire Theatre.—Hilarious comedy “ Hellzapoppin’,” headed by Olsen and Johnson; also "The March of Time " and a further episode of “ Zorro Rides Again.

COMING ATTRACTIONS EMPIRE THEATRE A spectacular horror drama, “ The Wolf,” from the Universal studios, will provide the main attraction in the Empire Theatre’s new offering to-moirow. Claude Rains heads the cast, the featured players including Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Patric Knowles, Bela Lugosi, Maria Ouspenskaya and Evelyn Ankers.- Young Lon Chaney is seen in the title role, a hairraising characterisation said to outdo al l previous horror creations of the screen. Directed by George Waggner, who also served as associate producer, "The Wolf Man ” traces the terrifying tale of a young man who returns to his family’s ancient castle in Wales, after a lengthy absence. Attempting to rescue a girl who is attacked by a werewolf, the young man is bitten severely and, as the le&md dictates, later becomes a werewolf himself. The transformation of man to savage beast is said to provide some of the most astonishing scenes ever filmed.