ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23945, 11 October 1939, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “THE CITADEL” Again a British film studio has succeeded brilliantly in adapting a successful piece of writing into an excellent screen entertainment —Dr A. J. Cronins novel “The Citadel” which continues to draw the crowded houses to the Regent Theatre. The difficulties which confronted the producers in their task of pruning the various branches of the story into a compact and gripping film play were great but they nave been surmounted in a manner which leaves no room for criticism and, with this essential foundation, they have gone on to produce a work of distinction, flawlessly acted and faultlessly directed. Certainly, the film was made by an American financed studio and by a director who had won his place in Hollyford, King Vidor, but this does

not alter the fact that “The Citadel” is essentially a British product. There was a striking dramatic quality about the novel in which Dr Cronin —drawing to some extent upon his own experiences as a general practitioner — attacked the abuses of medicine by venal doctors, exposing as has seldom been done so bitingly before their slavish conservatism and their exploitation of wealthy hypochondriacs. This dramatic quality has been fully preserved in the film. .It has been brilliantly acted by Robert Donat, who has always been remarkable for his ease of manner. Even his most striking effects seem to be achieved with ease. It would really need a second and a third visit to appreciate the sound skill of his technique. As Andrew Manson he has an aspiring part that calls out the best in him. He fills the young doctor with unspoiled idealism and the gradual corrosion of his character and his bitter awakening are convincingly portrayed. Playing opposite him is Rosalind Russell. As his wife, Christine, she has a thoroughly sympathetic character to play and she invests it yrith an unusual charm. It is, indeed, one of the finest pieces of work she has given. The generosity, the highmindedness and the mutual affection of this couple is fully conveyed to the audience and is the core of the moving story. The minor characters are all splendidly cast. Box plans for the season are at H. and J. Smith’s, Rice’s Regent shop and the theatre.

STATE THEATRE

SANDY POWELL COMEDY “I’VE GOT A HORSE” Every opportunity for comedy is seized in the amusing racing film “I’ve Got a Horse,” in which the rotund Yorkshire comedian Sandy Powell appears and which is "screening at the State Theatre at 2.0 and 8.0 today. The story itself is' funny enough, concerning a racehorse which is given to a small bookmaker by an unscrupulous lawyer in payment for gambling debts, but added scenes of the hero’s marriage and a lawsuit are even more diverting. The horse in question turns.out to be much more valuable than the former owner had thought—hence the lawsuit in an effort to get it back—but at length the new owner is free to enter it for a big race. . “Bank Holiday” the second attraction is a panoramic view of the events of an English holiday week-end and into its theme are woven drama, humour and romance. John Lodge and Margaret Lockwood give sincere and restrained performances in the leading roles while Wilfred Lawson, the Doolittle of “Pygmalion” is responsible for another of his brilliant character studies. Supports include an item showing how “Boomps-a-Daisy,” England’s newest dance craze, should be done. Box plans are at Begg’s or State. Telephone 645.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THIS MAN IS NEWS” MURDER MYSTERY A novel and tremendously exciting murder mystery, with a brilliantlywritten story built around London newspaper life, is now showing at the Majestic Theatre. “This Man is News” resembles in production and dialogue, rather than in story, John Buchan’s “The Thirty-nine Steps.” It is packed with action, thrills, suspense and delightful comedy. Barry K. Barnes, star of “The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel,” and Valerie Hobson, last seen in “The Drum,” are the stars, while Alistair Sim, the lawyer of “Keep Your Seats Please,” and John Warwick, of “Yank at Oxford” fame, are prominently cast. The supporting picture, “Sins of the Children,” is a candid and intimate story which points out the pitfalls of modern living in the path of the rising generation. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s Department Store box office, Rice’s Majestic Theatre confectionery shop or at the theatre (telephone 738).

AUSTRALASIAN RECORD WILL BE CREATED

DANCING DEMONSTRATION IN CIVIC THEATRE TONIGHT The annual demonstration to be staged in the Civic Theatre tonight by the Southland School of Highland and Classic Dancing promises to eclipse any of the performances in previous yehrs. As many as 150 children will take part and judging by the interest that is being shown, a capacity house is assured. As usual Highland and national dancing will predominate and the Highland Fling ensemble will constitute an Aus-

tralasian record as no fewer than 100 children will participate. The programme is well balanced and' varied and will include operatic and character ballets, American tap dancing, solos, trios and ballets arranged by Miss Madge Flaus. Mr John Pringle, baritone, is the singer for the evening and Mr Howard Moody will act as musical director. The box plan is at Begg’s and the public is advised to book.

THE EMPIRE, RIVERTON

“Three Blind Mice,” featuring Joel McCrea and Loretta Young assisted by David Niven, Stuart Erwin, Marjorie Weaver, Pauline Moore, Binnie Barnes and Jane Darwell, will be presented at Riverton tonight. It is gay romance in a holiday mood, and is lavishly produced by Darryl Zanuck, with a magnificent cast. Smart clothes, a chance to be seen at the right place—that is all you need to have a millionaire fall in love with you. See these “Three Blind Mice” do something about it. It is humorous and good entertainment. The cast assembled in this picture is outstanding.