ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23989, 2 December 1939, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “VALLEY OF THE GIANTS” PETER B. KYNE-IN COLOUR Peter B. Kyne’s noted romance, “The Valley of the Giants,” dealing with life in the great redwood forests of California during the early years of the present century, provides a wealth or valuable material which has already been exploited by the Hollywood producers some years ago, but in the latest film story based on the novel, which is now at the Regent Theatre, Warner Brothers have brought to their aid the latest technical achievement in photography, and have produced a colour film which depicts most impressively the extraordinary grandeur and beauty of the monarchs of the forest which inspired Kyne to write his book. The story provides a wealth of exciting action, leavened with some good comedy, and an appealing romance. The rough and primitive life of the dwellers in the San Hendrin country in 1902 has been depicted with a close attention to period and detail, and the

story of human greed and passion has been given sufficient strength and conviction to fit in with the background of mighty centuries old trees against which it is staged. Wayne Morris plays the part of young Cardigan, the principal mill owner in San Hendrin township, .who is faced with the battle of his life when land-grabbers from another state take advantage of the settlers meagre knowledge of the law to oust them from their small holdings and secure control of one of the country’s most valuable stands of timber. Charles Bickford is the ruthless interloper who is determined to stick at nothing to achieve his ambition to secure possession of the vast timber resources of the Country, and Claire Trevor is a professional gambling girl who eventually realizes that there are other ethics than those to which she has been accustomed for many years. When Cardigan is faced with the loss of his beloved redwood forests, which are threatened with complete despoliation by the newcomers, who have.no thought for the preservation of the young trees for future generations, he summons round him aH his supporters and sets out to fight the enemy with his own weapons—force. His principal assistant is a gigantic woodsboss, who, originally hired by the would-be despoilers, is disgusted by their methods and changes his camp shortly after the opening of hostilities and does some pretty single-handed fighting. Alan Hale, John Litel, Donald Crisp and Frank McHugh also have leading roles. The supporting programme is varied and interesting, and includes interesting newsreels, an amusing cartoon, a farcical comedy and a musical revue. Box plans are at H. & J. Smith’s, Rice’s Regent Shop and the Theatre. CIVIC THEATRE “UNDER TWO FLAGS” “Under Two Flags,” which screens at the Civic at 2 p.m. and 7.45- p.m. today, is the film version of the famous story by “Ouida.” Ronald Colman and Claudette Colbert are in the leading roles and the strong supporting cast is headed by Rosalind Russell and Victor McLaglen. The story tells of “Cigarette,” adopted daughter of the famous foreign legion, who falls in love with an obscure corporal and risks death to save him from the vengeance of the Arabs. Her happiness is threatened when an Englishwoman appears in the garrison town and resumes an interrupted romance with the corporal, who is really the son of a noble English house in voluntary exile. The climax is full of action, and the battle scenes in the desert are among the best ever filmed. A new kind of Western picture is the Civic’s second attraction at ‘2 p.m. and 7.45 p.m. today, Buck Jones in “Stone of Silver Creek.” It tells an exciting story of events in a frontier town, with a sharply drawn picture of the struggle between good and evil. Never before has an outdoor drama combined so many features which furnish real entertainment to a theatre audience, including as it does a story of exceptional power, acting of the highest quality, lilting songs and the breath-taking scenery of the great West. Noel Francis, Marion Shilling and Peggy Campbell are Jones’s three leading ladies in this thrilling picture. Box plans are at Begg’s or Civic. Telephone 1744. MAJESTIC THEATRE HOPALONG CASSIDY TODAY Clarence E. Mulford’s latest western drama “The Frontiersman” featuring William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy with Windy Hayes and Lucky Jenkins in support will be presented at the Majestic Theatre today. The story concerns the adventures of these three trail blazers of the west who bring law and order to the far flung frontiers of a growing Empire. The associate feature "Tom Sawyer, Detective,” depicts the new adventures of Mark Twain’s lovable mischief makers, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. The whole world knows and loves these kids and the entire family will enjoy this picture for the warm tenderness and lusty humour that only Mark Twain could inspire. The character parts are played by Donald O’Connor as Huckleberry Finn and Billy Cook as Tom Sawyer with Raymond Hatton, Porter Hall and Janet Waldo in support. At the matinee only a Popeye the Sailor and Betty Boop Cartoon will be screened in addition to the two features. Latest Cinesound News will introduce the programme. The main item of local 'interest is the opening of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition by his Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Lord Galway. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s Departmental Store box office, Rice’s Majestic shop or Majestic Theatre. Telephone 738. <