ST. JAMES THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25214, 1 May 1943, Page 2

ST. JAMES THEATRE

TWO ENJOYABLE COMEDIES " The Cat and the Canary,” which opened a season at the St, James Theatre yesterday, is a combination of oldfashioned melodrama, clever comedy, and romance. The setting is an old colonial mansion in the Louisiana swamps, and the excitement begins when, after the death of the eccentric old owner, a curious assortment of potential heirs gather to hear the will read. The testator's former employee (Paulette Goddard) inherts the mansion, and is immediately menaced by a fearsome killer called “ The Cat.” A host of mysterious occurrences follow, and a thrilling and equally hilarious time ensues before a radio comedian, played by Bob Hope, tracks down the demented killer. Others in the cast are Gale Sondergaard, Elizabeth Paterson, and George Zucco. The supporting film is “ The Lady Eve,” a modern comedy, with Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda in the leading roles. The story opens with Fonda, the handsome son of a millionaire, on his way home from an expedition up the Amazon. There are, dozens of husband-hunting young ladies on board, but perhaps the most enterprising is Miss Stanwyck, daughter of a card-sharper (Charles Coburn). B:x plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, and the D.I.C.