ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23443, 25 February 1938, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE “WEE WILLIE WINKIE” Adventure as only Rudyard Kipling could write it will come from the screen in the 20th Century-Fox P* c “ turization of his “Wee Willie Winkie, which is now showing at the State Theatre, with Shirley Temple and Victor McLaglen in the starring roles. Adventure—rugged as the kilted Highlanders holding Khyber Pass, colourful as India’s hues, strange as the skirling bagpipes on the roof of Asia, romantic as an empire’s last untamed frontier fills every moment of this exciting film, the most spectacular production in which Shirley Temple has ever appeared. When the plaid of Scotland flashes on India’s hills, and war-mad tribesmen strike from Khyber Pass, when the rifles crack and the Pathans raid, when the bagpipes skirl and the regiment charges—audiences will see what is claimed to be one of the greatest pictures ever made. With plenty of human interest, vigorous action, comedy and suspense, the film cannot fail to meet with universal approval. “Wee Willie Winkie” starts off colourfully and excitingly in the railroad station at Bajpore, India, where Shirley and her widowed mother, June Lang, have arrived to take up residence at a frontier army post commanded by her grandfather, stern old C. Aubrey Smith. Before their eyes, Khoda Khap, a fierce native chieftain, is caught in a gun-smuggling attempt and arrested, losing from around his neck in the

scuffle a treasured amulet, which is picked up by Shirley. Unhappy at the post under the gruff discipline of the colonel, Shirley decides to win his affections by becoming a soldier, and Michael Whalen, a young lieutenant who has taken a fancy both to her and her mother, puts her under the care of the burly sergeant, Victor McLaglen. Shirley’s attempts to impress her grandfather only land her in more trouble, but she wins the gratitude of Khoda Khan when she returns his amulet. Because she feels that both Khoda Khan and her grandfather would remain at peace if they could, Shirley takes a desperate step to end the bloodshed, and sets out at night for the Khyber Pass lookout of the tribesmen. When they discover her loss, the Highlanders set out grimly for Khyber Pass determined to rescue her or die in the attempt. Caesar Romero, Constance Collier and young Douglas Scott have prominent roles in the film. The programme is notable for the films of several events at the Empire Games, a particularly fine piece of photography being Boot’s great victory in the half-mile. Hurdling, jumping and .swimming events are also screened.