ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 24011, 29 December 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “THE HARDYS RIDE HIGH” SIXTH OF POPULAR SERIES Successful primarily because of their human qualities, none of the five Hardy pictures which have gone before, had more of human nature in it than Thu Hardys Ride High,” the sixth of the series which opens with three sessions (2 p.m., 7.45 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.) at the Regent Theatre today. Here, the Hardy family acquires riches. Every normal family has dreamed of wealth and what they would do with it. Not many have actually acquired it. The Hardys leave their little town of Carvel for a mansion in Detroit. Their charge account is unlimited and only the Hardy conscience is their guide. Lewis Stone as always the philosophical Judge Hardy, keeps his feet on the ground when "the Hardys ride highest. So, too, does Fay Holden as Emily Hardy, the wife and mother. When the fortune eventually dissolves, her sole loot is an old-fashioned iron frying pan which she has always wanted. Mickey Rooney, swept by the sudden turn of events, becomes a young man-about-town for one night only, and his acting in this sequence alone qualifies him for the stardom which he recently rated. Sara Haden, as the maiden Aunt Milly, blooms with new glamour as she encounters a middle-aged business man whose object, apparently, is matrimony. The story, briefly, takes the Hardys to Detroit to claim a fortune left by an ancestor. They move into the estate and are greeted by a butler, impeccable in the person of Halliwell Hobbes. Cecilia Parker as Marian Hardy, immediately buys lavish gowns and charges them. Mickey is enamoured of a cabaret girl, portrayed by the lovely Virginia Grey. But when she permits him to call on her at er chromium apartment Mickey, terrified, turns and runs out. Judge Hardy delves into his private papers to learn that he is not the legal heir. He may, if he chooses, destroy the evidence and keep the fortune. But he does not hesitate. The wealth is renounced and the Hardy family returns to Carvel Mickey to resume where he left off Benedict, played by Ann Ru( J erf ? r ’ The sensational novelty of the cinema world arrives with “Audioscopiks, the second of the series, which is c i l j> une “ to be far funnier and more bewildering than the previous unit. Also included in the list of outstanding shorts ([ is Robert Benchley’s latest success A Day of Rest,” another of those favourite Crime Doesn’t Pay series, entitled “Think First,” and more outstanding newsreels, the whole building up another of those great entertainments always provided by the Regent management.

CIVIC THEATRE “SCARLET PIMPERNEL” “MOONLIGHT SONATA” Music as has never been heard in the cinema before is provided by Ignace Jan Paderewski, the worldfamous pianist who at the age of 75 makes his debut in Moonlight Sonata, which will be shown at the Civic Theatre tonight at 7.45 and 10.30 p.m. Charm is the keynote of Moonlight Sonata” with Paderewski as the chiet charmer. There have been more exciting films, but none more beautiful or so completely satisfying. The picture opens with the pianist giving a recital in a crowded concert hall. Attention is drawn to a happy young couple and their baby daughter. Later in his club, Paderewski tells the story of their romance, how it was nearly broken and how his, music brought them together again. Or more than ordinary interest is the appearance of Marie Tempest, beloved figure of the English stage, as the imperious but kindly Baroness. Other fine portrayals are given by Charles Farrell, best remembered as Janet Gaynor’s leading man in Seventh Heaven.” ~ , Based on Baroness Orczy s bestselling novel, “The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel” is the Civics second attraction tonight with Barry K. Barnes in the title role. Barnes is seen as Sir Percy Blakeney, an intrepid young Englishman, whose main occupation is snatching French aristocrats from under the guillotine. Box plans for tonight at 7.45 and 10.30 are at Begg’s or Civic, telephone 1744.

MAJESTIC THEATRE “MAN OF CONQUEST” TODAY’S ATTRACTION Republic’s “Man of Conquest,” which stars Richard Dix, Gail Patrick and Joan Fontaine, will open at the Majestic Theatre today. Three, sessions will be screened, 2 p.m. 7.45 p.m. and a special late session at 10.30 p.m. It depicts the life story of Sam Houston, the colourful American pioneer, soldier of fortune, statesman and adventurer beyond daring. He rode with death a thousand times in the service of his country—yet he lived to fulfil a glonous destiny. Most. critics have been lavish in their praises of “Man of Conquest” and Smith’s Weekly hand it A.A. and place it on the * must see list. Included in the shorts is Max Fleicher’s 3000 ft three dimensional technicolour cartoon, “Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp,” which features the animated favourite Popeye The Sailor. Chapter 1 of the new Western Serial, “The Oregon Trail,” which stars Johnny Mack Brown, will be shown at the matinee today at 2 p.m. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith s Department Store box office, Rices Majestic Theatre confectionery shop or at the theatre, telephone 738.

STATE THEATRE 2.0, 8.0, 10.30 “THE MAN IN THE IRON MASK” Another of Alexandre Dumas’s famous stories is brought to the screen in “The Man in the Iron Mask, which will be screened at 2.0, 8.0 and at a special late session at 10.30 today. The film deals with one of the most engrossing mysteries of history—for there was such a man—and none but the celebrated Dumas could offer so exciting and satisfying an explanation as that which is given in this fine drama. Louis Hayward is the principal of the film, and to him is entrusted a remarkable dual role as the extravagant, heartless Louis XIV, who is on the point of ruining his country through his expensive tastes, and the king’s twin-brother, Philippe, who has been brought up secretly in the country and has a finer conception of right and a sincere desire to do his best for his country in its sad plight. Neither of these parts is easy, and the difference between the two characters he has to portray makes his performance of very great merit. The other principal is Joan Bennett, still with her hair dark, who appears as Maria Theresa of Spain, who has been betrothed to Louis in an effort to unite the two countries and preserve peace in Europe. From these circumstances there develops a powerful story as Louis attempts to put his brother

away for ever so that his throne may not be menaced, and stirring adventure and heroism have never been better displayed as in this brilliant setting. Another company well known in fiction and on the screen, the three musketeers, also has a main part in the film, Warren William, Alan Hale and Miles Mander appearing as the dashing trio. No effort was spared to make the film a success from the artistic as well as the dramatic side and the settings and costumes reflect convincingly the splendid luxury of the time. Under the capable direction of James Whale and with the outstanding technique of modern photography, the fine production could not fail to live up to its promise. The supporting programme is an especially excellent one and includes the latest March of Time, “Japan—Master of the Orient,” which geographically portrays the real inside story of the Far East. Box plans for today’s three sessions are at Begg’s or State Theatre, telephone 645.

CELEBRITY COMPANY TWO COMEDY PRODUCTIONS Considerable interest will no doubt be taken in the Invercargill season of the Celebrity Comedy Company which brings with it one of the strongest companies of comedy artists that have yet visted New Zealand. In these unsettled times the trend is for good clean wholesome comedy, and judging from reports from Auckland and the North Island this bright company has left behind a lot of laughter. “Charley’s Aunt” which will be presented at the Civic Theatre next Wednesday is a farce that has withstood the test of time and is still as funny and as popular as ever. This comedy will be presented on Wednesday and Thursday. The second play in the repertoire of the company, “Up in Mabel’s Room” will be presented on Friday night only. Both these shows are proven successes and just packed with laughter. Well-known favourites with the Celebrity Comedy Company include such popular arists as Don Nicol, who before coming to New Zealand had just finished a Sydney and Melbourne season with Marie Burke in a revival ot “Wildflower.” Don Nicol was last here with “The White Horse Inn” and “Balalaika.” It would be impossible to think of anything funnier than Don as the aunt. A newcomer to New Zealand but well known on account of her films is Shirley Ann Richards who will be remembered as having played the leading lady in “Dad and Dave Come to Town.” Opposite the ever-popular Bert Bailey she was also opposite Lloyd Hughes, the American film star, in “Lovers and Luggers” and many other big Australian films. Phil Smith is another old favourite with New Zealand audiences having appeared as principal comedian with the Royal Comic Opera Company, “The Arcadians” and with Gladys Moncrieff in “Maid of the Mountains.” Charlie Albert of “White Horse Inn” and Gilbert and Sullivan fame, also of the famous Pollard Opera Company, is the producer and also plays the part of Brassett, the butler. Mary Duncan, Leal Douglas and Alathea Siddons are three versatile artists who have all appeared in different parts of the world with big shows. Their last appearance in New Zealand was with Irene Purcell in the famous “Women” Company. Norman Barrington is making his first tour of New Zealand and hails from London where he appeared with Dame Sybil Thorndike, Matheson Lang and Sir Seymour Hicks. Masie Wallace is a Gilbert and Sullivan artist and was lasi here with the Hollywood Hotel Company. Lane Patterson is another experienced performer and has done both screen and stage work in London. “Charley’s Aunt” is one of the funniest stage productions ever produced and in presenting it with such a flawless cast the Celebrity Comedy Company assure Invercargill audiences of three, night* of continuous laughter. Booking is heavy at Charles Begg and Company’s. Intending patrons are advised to reserve now.

THE EMPIRE, RIVERTON

“Three Smart Girls Grow Up,” featuring Deanna Durbin, will be presented at Riverton tonight and Saturday. Here is Deanna Durbin in her greatest picture, weaving a spell of enchantment you will always remember. It is not her singing alonthat makes her pictures screen events of the season. Without singing a song she would probably be voted the most popular actress of the screen. This picture differs from her others. She is seen as Penny Craig who attempts to unsnarl the tangled love affairs of her two older sisters, with results both amusing and amazing. Charles Winninger, Nan Grey, Helen Parrish and Robert Cummings are included in the cast.