AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25111, 30 December 1942, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES GRAND THEATRE Joe E. Brown appears in one of his most delightful roles in " Shut My Big Mouth," a riotous comedy which commences at the Grand Theatre to-day. Adele Mara, a talented young newcomer to the screen, plays opposite Brown, while others in the cast are Victor Jory. Joan Woodbury, and Fritz Feld. " West of Tombstone," a tale of adventure in the West, will also be shown. Charles Starrett and Russell Hayden are starred, and the story is said to be crammed with exciting episodes, including a fight to the finish between Billy the Kid and a gang of desperate outlaws. MAYFAIR THEATRE Those who remember that hilarious film comedy, " Scatterbrain,"' will welcome Judy Canova"s reappearance in Republic's equally enjoyable " Sis Hopkins," which will commence at the I Mayfair Theatre to-day. Judy Canova, as Sis Hopkins, is brought by a wealthy uncle to his luxurious city home, where J shs surprises all with a splendidly- ' rendered operatic aria which contrasts with her brilliant rustic humour. I Charles Butterworth, Jerry Colona, and Elvira Allman enliven the film with characteristic comedy. " Hot Spot," which will also be shown, is an exciting murder mystery, in which Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Carol Landis play the chief roles. OTHER THEATRES Regent Theatre.—" The Great Lie," a well-acted drama, starring Bette Davis, George Brent, and Mary Astor. State Theatre.—The monarch of mirth. Charlie Chaplin,, in " The Gold Rush." Empire Theatre.—The thrilling sea saga, "Reap the Wild Wind," starring Ray Milland, John Wayne, and Paulette Goddard. Strand Theatre.—The adventure film, "Riot Squad," starring Richard Cromwell, and "The Panther's Claw." St. James Theatre.—Bob Stack in a gripping adventure film, " JVlen of Texas." Octagon Theatre. —" To the Shores of Tripoli," a stirring drama in technicolor, starring John Payne and Maureen O'Sullivan. COMING ATTRACTIONS STATE THEATRE In "The Gold Rush," which is showing to capacity houses at the State Theatre, and which will continue for another week, Charlie Chaplin is again the lovable little tramp, but this time his droll figure wanders through the snow-capped mountains of the wilderness of the Klondike during the hectic gold rush days. He is first seen as the lone prospector, buffeted by a cruel fate. Subsequently, romance enters his life, but the girl is omy an adventuress, and brings more pathos into his life—but subsequently Chaplin wins the girl and becomes a multimillionaire. EMPIRE THEATRE "Reap the Wild Wind," which will continue for an extended season at the Empire Theatre, celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of Cecil B. de Mills as a producer of films, and is one of his greatest and most spectacular productions. It depicts events which took place about 1840, when America's north-south trade all went by sea, round Florida, through the dangerous reefs and keys in the hurricane belt, and through the hands of wrecking gangs. In such a story there is room for action, and de Mille has made the most of the opportunity to present events in the most spectacular manner. He has also added a triangular romance featuring Paulette Goddard, Ray Milland, and John Payne. STRAND THEATRE "Yokel Boy," a sparkling comedy based on the play of the same name which delighted New York audiences for many months, will open at the Strand Theatre at a late session on Thursday night. The hilarity of the proceedings springs from the comic situation which arises when a notorious gangster goes to Hollywood to star in a picture about his own life and then attempts to put the entire film city under his rule. Albert Dekker and Joan Davis have the main roles, and Alan Mowbray, Lynne Carver, and Roscoe Karns are prominently featured. "You're Telling Me," another gay comedy, starring Hugh Herbert and Anne Gwynne, will also be screened. ST. JAMES THEATRE Enthusiasts of western pictures have a treat in store for them in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Apache Trail," which will open at the St. James Theatre on Friday. Indian raids, gun duels, a family feud, and a triangular love affair all find a place in this thrilling action film. A handsome newcomer, William Lundigan, and Donna Reed head the cast, supported' by Lloyd Nolan as a villainous bad man who later becomes the hero, and Ann Ayars, the last-named giving a fine performance as the feminine " menace." There is harmony and rhythm a-plenty in the associate feature, " Strictly in the Groove," in which 12 musical selections are presented by Ozzie Nelson and his orchestra. Leon Errol heads the cast. OCTAGON THEATRE A thrilling demonstration of target practice at sea by huge American warships is one of the exciting incidents depicted in the technicolor production, "To the Shores of Tripoli," which will be shown for an extended season at the Octagon Theatre. The story deals with the training of the United States Marine Corps at the San Diego base, the entire facilities of which were placed at the disposal of 20th CenturyFox during the filming of the production, and with Lieutenant-colonel Zanuck's long experience in making war films, picture patrons are assured of the authenticity of scenes in this film. Three well-known stars —John Payne, Maureen O'Hara, and Randolph Scott —play the leading parts in this outstanding film. REGENT THEATRE Inspired by the life of Edna Gladney, a woman who has placed more than 2000 babies in happy homes, the film " Blossoms in the Dust," which comes to the Regent Theatre on Friday, stars Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. Besides departing from the usual Hollywood formula for drama, the film, photographed in technicolor, uses the colour process as a means of furthering the plot rather than catching the eye. Only delicate pastel tones are introduced, but they serve to accentuate the brilliant colouring of Miss Garson. who is even more heartwarmingly human and feminine than in "Good-bye, Mr Chips," the film which made her one of the screen's greatest actresses.