ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23345, 1 November 1937, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE “SALLY OF THE REGIMENT” When a full audience assembled at the Civic Theatre on Saturday night it expected something out of the ordinary and in this it was not disappointed. Apart from the uproarious comedy of Wallace Ford as Jimmy Tracey, an American who joins the British Army on another man’s papers, in “Sally of the Regiment, there were some excellent songs and every ounce of drama that could be packed into the film by the eminent director, Raoul Walsh. The clash of British troops with hordes of Chinese bandits, the blowing up of a bridge and the siege of the British legation were most realistic. There was a time when Hollywood was considered to be the only producer oi spectacular films, but that day is definitely past, and one realizes this particularly while watching the new Gaumont-British film, “Sally of the Regiment.” Tomorrow another big double feature will be shown. First there will be “Boys will be Boys,” with Will Hays. It needs no introduction. Second there will be “Thunder in the Night.” A modem detective does not necessarily find his greatest perils in the purusuit of ciminals. Danger can lurk in the light of a lovely woman’s eyes, and that is where Edmund Lowe discovers it as the fascinating gentleman sleuth of the Fox mystery drama, “Thunder in the Night.”

REGENT THEATRE

“MOONLIGHT SONATA” PADEREWSKI ON THE SCREEN Coming to the Regent Theatre without any advance publicity, “Moonlight Sonata,” in itself a tribute to a great artist, must take its place with the really worthwhile creations of the motion picture industry. It is a film that establishes itself on its own merit. It marks the first appearance on the screen of Ignace Jan Paderewski and the study of a great artist at the piano is unforgettable. It brings also before the screen public that polished actress of the English stage, Dame Marie Tempest, whose aristocratic charm and faultless diction give a rare quality to her performance. For the first 15 minutes the audience is treated to a recital by the great Paderewski, which includes the A Flat Major Polonaise of Chopin and Lizst’s second Hungarian Rhapsody, both of which have been reproduced on the screen with astonishing purity and effect. He begins Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and here the actual story starts. The aeroplane in which M. Paderewski, in company with other passengers, is travelling to Paris makes a forced landing in Sweden and the party is taken to the home of the kindly but imperious Baroness Lindenberg. Here the passengers are received as her guests. A romantic triangle which involves the baroness’s grand-daughter Ingrid, Eric Molander, steward on the picturesque estate, and Mario, the debonair adventurer who is one of the party from the aeroplane, is the theme of the story. Mario completely fascinates Ingrid, who imagines she has a true affection for him and refuses to believe him to be a rogue. The baroness exposes Mario in the final scenes and Ingrid and Molander are reunited to the strains of the “Moonlight Sonata,” Paderewski’s playing of which was also responsible for the romance of the girl’s parents. The supporting programme, which includes an outstanding Walt Disney cartoon, is also of a high standard.

STATE THEATRE

“SEA DEVILS” Victor McLaglen and Preston Foster head the cast of “Sea Devils,” which concludes a season at the State Theatre today, with Ida Lupino and Donald Woods heading a big supporting cast. Seaman Foster, an adventurer, no sooner joins the crew of McLaglen’s ship than trouble starts between the two. Boasting of his prowess with the weaker sex, Foster begins courting McLaglen’s daughter, Ida Lupino. Foster is about the last man in the service McLaglen would choose for a son-in-law, but it happens that his daughter has a mind of her own, so McLaglen starts a bitter feud with the sailor. PAUL ROBESON TOMORROW “SONG OF FREEDOM” Paul Robeson’s glorious bass voice is heard to the fullest advantage in “Song of Freedom,” which is to be screened at the State Theatre tomorrow. Robeson takes the part of John Zinga, a London dock worker. He and his wife are very happy, although John always feels that his true home is in Africa. He sings magnificently as he works, and is overheard by Donnizetti, a famous impresario, who trains him for. the concert stage. Fame comes to him, and he learns that he must be a direct descendant of the old King Zinga, John and his wife set out for the lonely island off the coast of Africa. In additio island off the coast of Africa. In addition there will be “Strangers on Honeymoon,” starring Constance Cummings, Noah Beery and Hugh Sinclair, in a bright story of a surprise marriage and a tramp who turns out to be an English peer. The action moves fast and furiously, speeding up to a finely-twisted climax.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THE ROAD BACK” GERMANY AFTER THE WAR “The Road Back,” Universal screen drama, the current picture at the Majestic Theatre, tells the tale of lovehungry German soldiers and what they find when they return home. Taken from Erich Maria Remarque’s notable novel, “The Road Back” tears the veil of secrecy from facts never revealed to the world before, picturing for the first time the economic and moral conditions which followed the wake of war in Germany. Five years in preparation and nearly a year ip the making, this sequel to “All Quiet on the Western Front” is a daring step in picture making. The author, Erich Maria Remarque, was expelled from Germany by Herr Hitler’s Nazi regime for writing it. The action takes place after the Armistice. Intending patrons are reminded that the season of “The Road Back” ends tomorrow and are advised to reserve their seats at either H. and J. Smith’s or Rice’s Majestic Theatre shop, telephone 738.