AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19900, 30 March 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

KING’S THEATRE “A MAN TO REMEMBER’' "A Mail to Remember," which con eludes at the King's Theatre to-nigh is one of the most humane picture ever to cross the screen. It. shoul not be missed. Edward Ellis, wh portrays the kindly country dodo: Or. Abbott, is .one of the lined charac tors the screen has given to the work “Prison Without liars”: To-morrow A young and beautiful French sta is introduced to New Zealand aud cnees in the new London film, “Priso Without Bars,” which commence screening at the King's Theatre o Friday. The newcomer is Corinn Luchaire, 17-year-old discovery r the producer, Alexander Korda. A Suzanne, innocent inmate of a girl reformatory, Miss Luchaire has man dramatic opportunities. Embittere by the harsh 'regulations, Su/.ann makes many attempts to escape, bi each time she iis captured and broug! back. Her last, escapade coincide with the arrival of Yvonne, the nei superintendent, played charmingly b Edna Best. Despite opposition froi her staff, Yvonne introduces sweepin reforms. She wins the love an gratitude of Suzanne, for whom she trying to get a pardon. Happy to the first time, ithe girl is given mor congenial work assisting the institi: lion's doctor, George Marechal (Barr K. Barnes). She speedily falls in lov with him, unaware, as is everyboa else, that he is engaged to marr Yvonne. Despite himself, Marech: reciprocates. The Strain of mectis Yvonne in sccrot, and 'her conscien Lious attitude toward 'her work, prove too much for him. He breaks th engagement and leaves for an appoint ment in India, arranging with Suzann to follow him as soon as her parrio is through. Unaware of what ha taken place, Yvonne carries on wit: her work. She hints to Suzanne that subject to certain formalities, he pardon has been granted. Suzanne i blackmailed by one of: the girls inti I committing a .serious -breach of th< '•egulations. An inquiry is held whicl reveals the association betweei Suzanne and the doctor. Heartbroken Yvonne is torn with emotion, but ii an intensely moving climax become aware 'that. Suzanne is not to blami for all that has happened. Brilliantly acted by the entire cast, "Prisor Without Bars” is one of the mos moving dramas of the year. REGENT THEATRE Last day: “marie Antoinette* As powerful and gripping a him as ever reached the screen, “(Marie Antoinette,” which concludes a most successful season at the Regen' Theatre to-night, is a stirring story ol a hapless woman who tried to fine happiness in the dark days of France Norma Shearer gives a splendic performance as Marie Antoinette Married to the slow-witted, weal-king-to-be, Marie Antoinette, disappointed and unhappy, seeks escape in frivolity and mad escapades. Slu has many admirers ready to help hei forget herself in the whirl of gaiety but it is not until she meets the handsome and bold Count Alex do Ferser of Sweden (Tyrone Power) that love really comes to her. When she insults the famous du Barry, the king threatens to expel her from France but it is not her lot to find escape so easily. The film is not given the happy story-book ending; it is history and as such the producers have treated it. —Friday: Olympc ISradna and Kay Milland in “Say It In French” — Witty dialogue and amusing situations make the Paramount film wnich comes to the Regent Theatre to-mor-row, “Say It In French” a most delightful comedy. The story moves ai a fast pace and the bright performances of the main players never allow the interest of the audience to flag The story commences when Ricnard Carrington, portrayed by Ray Milland returns from a golf tournament in Paris with a charming French bride Julie lOlympe Braclna). On his arrival his father announces that nr shipping business is on the verge oi ruin and the only way in which ii can be saved is for tine son to become engaged to a carefree heiress and thus win the support of the girl'.' wealthy grandfather. Julie takes a position as housemaid in her mother-in-law’s household while her distressed husband attempts to make love tc the heiress. Carrington goes with the girl to Hollywood to secure her grandfather’s support anci, while he i; away, he sends a telegram which i: misinterpreted as meaning that he has eloped with the heiress. Julie imagines that he has deserted her and immediately makes plans to return tc Europe. Her husband returns to discover that Julie has gone, but by commandeering a midget motor cat lie reaches the wharf after an exciting journey through the streets. Ray Milland and Miss Bradna make an engaging couple, and Irene I-lervey is very entertaining as the attractive heiress. Others in the cast are Janet Beecher, Erik Rhodes and Mary Carlisle. A feature of the excellent supporting programme is the musical film “Tannhouser,” played by the National Symphony Orchestra, of New York. A Pop-eye cartoon, “Bulldozing the Bull," a sports film and a musical are among the other associate features.