ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23932, 26 September 1939, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE “SUBMARINE PATROL” FINALLY The thrilling feature, “Submarine Patrol” screens finally today at 2.0 and 8.0 at the State Theatre. Cast as the skipper of a World War munitions freighter, George Bancroft is accidentally shanghaied aboard one of the frail, splintery craft assigned to cleaxthe Atlantic sea lanes of enemy U-boats. The sub-chaser takes him on a daring secret mission to destroy an enemy submarine base, heavily patrolled and guarded by huge land fortresses. The battle between the invading splinter ship and the U-boats is one of the most thrilling naval engagements ever screened, according to Hollywood preview reports. In the picture the “Splinter Fleet” is manned by a crew of civilian odds and ends. One of them, played by Richard Greene earns the love of a girl (Nancy Kelly) who will not be left behind. “Submarine Patrol” includes in its cast Preston Foster, Slim Summerville,' John Carradine, Joan Valerie and Henry Armetta in the stellar cast. TOMORROW: 20 AND 8.0 “FIVE OF A KIND” The Dionne quintuplets—perhaps the world’s most famous children—are seen in “Five of a Kind,” the State Theatre’s new feature for tomorrow, and although they have appeared on the screen before, at that stage their performances were not so varied, their personalities not so engaging, as now. In contrast with such sophisticated little folk as Shirley Temple and Jane Withers they seem entirely unconscious of the camera. Their quaint reactions and grimaces form a fascinating contrast. A typical little instance occurs when Jean Hersholt, playing the part of their doctor and guardian, confronts them with five shaggy puppies. The children look terrified and beat a retreat. Gradually they gain confidence, and before long they have the puppies in their arms. There are views of the quintuplets playing on toy pianos, dressing and bathing their dolls, dancing a minuet, and looking delightfully ludicrous in Tyrolean clothes. In fact, their private lives are fairly thoroughly explored. In part, the story eulogises the fine work that Dr Dafoe, has done in bringing up the quintuplets on normal and hygienic lines. It also reflects on the cheap publicity that has centred round the celebrated family. The news that sextuplets have been born, with the natural adverse effect on the quintuplets’ publicity value, opens the film, but this is only half the story. The main line of the narrative is the struggle between two radio reporters—Cesare Romero and Claire Trevor —to discredit each others’ activities and to gain “scoops.” Inez Courtenay’s queer little personality enhances the resultant fun. No one could be more benevolent and avuncular than Jean Hersholt as the country doctor, and Slim Summerville, John Whelan and Henry Wilcoxon are also to the fore. Box plans are at Begg’s or State Theatre, telephone 645. REGENT THEATRE “STOLEN LIFE” “TANNHAUSER” Elisabeth Bergner has the greatest part—or parts, for she appears in a dual role—or her career in ‘ Stolen I Life,” which is to be seen finally today | at the Regent Theatre, which' her hus- ! band, Dr Paul Czinner, has produced and directed. Margaret Kennedy, who adapted the story from the prizewinning novel by K. J. Benes, contrasts Miss Bergner’s work in this with “Escape Me Never.” According to Miss Kennedy, “Stolen Life” affords the star fresh scope; and those who have already seen the picture are particularly loud in their praise of her performance, which is stated to be the finest thing she has ever done. The dual role offers her opportunities for drama and comedy, and although played by the same actress the two characterizations are of an entirely different nature. Michael Redgrave, the splendid English actor, has the leading male role and also adds to his laurels. Chief item on the supporting programme is the Philharmonic Society’s' presentation of “Tannhauser” by an orchestra of 122 players supported by a choir of 50 voices. This magnificent “short” is favoured nightly with that vanity with picture audiences—hearty applause. “CAFE SOCIETY” Madeleine Carroll, whom almost any artist you ask on the spur of the moment will name as the world’s most beautiful woman, has her first big comedy role in “Cafe Society,” Paramount’s lampoon on the blue-bloods of Fifty-second street, which is to have its first local showing tomorrow at the Regent Theatre. Last seen in “Prisoner of Zenda” and “Blockade,” Miss Carroll, the famed British beauty, now plays a spoiled and super-sophisticated daughter of the rich who gets the first beating of her life at the hands of a hard-boiled newspaper reporter, played by Fred Mac Murray. Shirley Ross, fresh from her success in “Paris Honeymoon,” completes the starring trio as a cigarette-girl and Miss Carroll’s chief, rival. CIVIC THEATRE TWO ACTION SPECIALS “THE SEA SPOILERS” Alaska, seal poaching, the adventures of the United States Coast Guard. These are the principal elements that comprise something “different” in screen stories, for (Universal’s “The Sea Spoilers,” which is the first of the two features on the Civic’s 6d programme which screens finally tonight. Besides these refreshing elements of story theme and . backgrounds, “The Sea Spoilers” offers John Wayne in his first starring role under the Universal banner. The breaking up of a relentless ling of seal poachers, on the world famous seal rookeries of

Pribiloff Islands, is the central theme of the story. While John Wayne, as commander of a Coast Guard cutter, is chasing the poachers, his sweetheart, played by Nan Grey, of “Three Smart Girl” fame, is kidnapped and. held' hostage by the gang. John Wayne faces tests of courage and wins promotion through his thrilling exploits. The final struggle to capture the stronghold of the poachers is set to the exciting tempo of a pitched battle. Besides Miss Grey as his leading lacly, there is a supporting cast which includes Fuzzy Knight, William Bakewell and Russell Hicks. • “Midnight Court,” a melodrama whose characters are introduced to the audience at one of those new type of police tribunals, vzill be the second attraction with the popular Ann Dvorak in the starring role. It is typical of those timely, out-of-the-headlines pictures which Warfier Bros, turn out so well. John Litel, an excellent actor who recently left Broadway for Hollywood, has the featured male role. Ann plays the part of a court stenographer who is horrified when one of the vagabonds in the line-up turns out to be the brilliant lawyer who was once her husband. Litel’s regeneration with Ann’s aid, his exposure and the breaking up of a gang of motor-car thieves that has been terrorizing the city, is the theme. Frank McDonald directed “Midnight Court.” The support includes Carlyle Moore, jun., Gordon Elliott, Gordon Hart, William Davidson. MAJESTIC THEATRE “FLIRTING WITH FATE” “BIG CITY” TODAY Hollywood’s large-mouthed comedian, Joe E. Brown, is the starred player in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Flirting With Fate,” which opens a three-days’ season at the Majestic today. “Flirting With Fate” is a story of hilarious adventures of Joe Brown and his troupe of vaudeville entertainers, when they find themselves stranded in the capital of a South American republic. Brown, believing his life insurance will save the destitute troupe, attempts to commit suicide. He learns just about when he is to be executed that his troupe can be booked for a year’s tour of the biggest South American theatres His efforts to escape death are more lively, diverting and screamingly funny than his former attempts to bid the world goodbye. Spencer Tracy and Luise Rainer are the stars of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Big City,” which will also be presented today at the Majestic. Both these artists have won academy award recognition for individual acting, and in “Big City” their roles give plenty of opportunities for their talents. “Big City” is a cunning story of a single slice of life in a great metropolis, and the adventures of a taxi driver and his wife in their struggle to survive. Plans are on view at Rice’s Majestic sweet shop, H. and J. Smith’s Departmental Store and at the Majestic Theatre (telephone 738). ST. JAMES THEATRE, GORE “Confessions of a Nazi Spy,” Warner Brothers’ drama of espionage, is the attraction at the St. James Theatre, Gore, tonight. The picture is based on facts and is the story of Dr Kassell, who becomes the leader of a great espionage agency in the United States. Dr Kassell is played by Paul Lukas, and others in the cast are Edward G. Robinson, Francis Lederer and George Sanders. REGENT THEATRE, GORE Based on what is said to be the most original story idea ever conceived for a Shirley Temple picture, “Just Around the Corner” opens at the Regent Theatre, Gore, tonight. Besides Shirley Temple, other stars in the cast are Charles Farrell, Joan Davis, Bill Robinson and Bert Lahr. There is also a good selection of shorts and news.