ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23953, 20 October 1939, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

KAY FRANCIS IN “MY BILL* An appealing story is told in “My Bill,” in which Kay Francis appears finally today at the Regent Theatre. She has the role of a widow with four children who has to in some way or other recoup the family fortunes. Three of the children are the sort one objects to on sight, but the youngest, Bill (Dickie Moore), is in a different class altogether. When their mother becomes innocently involved in a scandal the other three children desert her and go to stay with a rich aunt, but Bill sticks by her and is finally responsible for reuniting the' family The supporting programme is a varied one, with several outstanding items included.

“THE LAMBETH WALK” POPULAR MUSICAL COMEDY “The Lambeth Walk,” that fascinating, tantalizing tune that has swept the world, has got everybody doing “as they dam well pleasey,” now takes on a new lease of life and has fresh worlds to conquer in the film version of the Victoria success “Me and My Gal,’ with Lupino Lane, star of the original stage hit, in his famous role as the little Cockney who inherits a title and sets blue-blooded aristocracy agog with his lack of poise and his wealth of “Oi’s” Supporting “Nipper” Lane in his whimsical comicalities are Sally Gray, who scores an immense personal hit as the Cockney sweetheart of the Cockney hero, and that dean of the English stage, Sir Seymour Hicks, who plays an unconventional and lovable old man. Other members of the cast include Norah Howard, Enid StampTaylor, Wallace Lupino and many more. The all-conquering dance, of course, is one of the highlights of the production, and that, allied to the splendid performance by every member of the cast, and the haunting music by Noel Gay, make “The Lambeth Walk” a treat in store for everyone. From the opening shot, set in the famous London suburb, to the hilarious reunion of the two Cockney lovers, “The Lambeth Walk” ripples on its way with one chuckle following closely on the heels of another. The star gives the performance of his life, • and has a hilarious time re-creating “Bill,” the hero, a little Cockney with all the lovable traits of his class, traits which even social snobbery cannot smother. The box plans are at H. and. J. Smith s, and Rice s Regent shop.

STATE THEATRE

“STAGECOACH” THRILLS AND ADVENTURE With a cast studded with brilliant stars, and a story of breathless speed and excitement “Stagecoach” rides mto the State Theatre at 2.0 and 8.0 today As well as the talents of nine featured players and a novel and arresting theme “Stagecoach” has the advantages of the masterful direction of John Ford and the usual authenticity that distinguishes a Walter Wanger production. The story takes nine men and . women on a coach trip from Toronto to Lordsburg in the period of the 1880 s. These passengers include Claire Trevor as a lady of lax morals but large heart, John Wayne as a youthful renegade, Louise Platt as a young matron from Virginia, Donald Meek as a timid whisky salesman, Berton Churchill as a pompous and dishonest banker, George Bancroft as a rough - government official of the home, Andy Devine as the squeaky-voiced driver of the coach, and John Carradine as ; a gentleman gambler. The adventures they encounter on their way, and the relationships that spring up between them, furnish the motion picture with most of its action. Special supports complete the programme. Box plans are at Begg’s or State, telephone 645.

CIVIC THEATRE

RIOTOUS WILL HAY COMEDY “MR MOTO TAKES A VACATION” Commencing at the Civic at 7.45 tonight and screening at a big ’ fun matinee tomorrow and Labour Day at 2 pjn. the Civic will show the biggest riot of fun that ever had an audience rolling in the aisles. The famous English comedian, Will Hay, who was recently seen in “Oh, Mr Porter and “Convict 99,” with his inseparable colleagues, Graham Moffatt, the funny fat boy and Moore Marriott will raise shrieks of laughter in the new G.B.D. farce comedy, “Old Bones Of The River,” which is based on the popular “Bones” stories by the late Edgar Wallace. “Old Bones of the River is the most costly production in which Will Hay stars, for the cast runs into hundreds of people, including men, women and children of the African race, ihe scenic ' background is regarded as the most exclusive ever connected with farce comedy, . On the same programme is Mr Moto Take a Vacation,” starring Peter Lorre, who is supported by Joseph Schildkraut and Virginia Field. Even on holiday Mr Moto meets with adventures. Action, thrills and excitement prevail to the final fade-out. Popular prices for this programme are 1/- and 1/6 and children 6d. Box plans are at Begg’s or Civic, telephone 1744.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“EX-CHAMP”

VICTOR McLAGLEN THRILLER

Victor McLaglen will be seen in the role of a former champion boxer who won his greatest battle outside the ring m Universal’s “Ex-Champ, which will open at the Majestic Theatre today. The story tells how McLaglen is willing to sacrifice everything he values mending his honour, to save the reputation of his worthless son. The associate feature Mystery House” has Ann Sheridan and Dick Purcell starred in a well-concealed murder mystery which keeps any audience guessing as to the identity jf the murderer until the last few feet of the picture. The latest Cinesound News completes the programme. Plans are on view at H. and J Smith s Departmental Store, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre (telephone 738).

THE EMPIRE, RIVERTON

“Rosalie,” featuring Nelson Eddy and Eleanor Powell, supported by Frank Morgan, Edna May Oliver, Reginald Owen and Billy Gilbert will be presented at Riverton tonight and Saturday This picture is the most spectacular ever to come from Hollywood. Eyefilling with enormous sets and beautiful ballet numbers, tunes beautifully sung by Nelson Eddy and quickened to top speed by the magic tap-dancing feet of Eleanor Powell, “Rosalie” is a musical of extraordinary entertainment power. It is so big it was filmed on a 60 acre set.