ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 24039, 1 February 1940, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

KEGENT THEATRE “GOOD-BYE, MR CHIPS” SEASON HAS BEEN EXTENDED So popular has “Good-bye, Mr Chips” proved that an extension of the season has been arranged. There is no doubt that htis wiH prove to be one of the most popular pictures yet screened at the Regent. The school setting is so excellent that one becomes submerged in its atmosphere just as one becomes one of Mr Chips’ pupils, as one follows his carter and learns the true significance of toleration, dignity, gentleness, and restraint. But Mr Chips is no sentimental weakling, for he could use a cane to advantage, even though he could not sum up enough courage to tell his beloved Kathie the night she persuaded him to dance with her that he loved her. And he could listen without bitterness or retaliation to conversation that hurt him deeply just as he could climb the mist-bound Alps without thought of the danger to himself when he imagined someone was in peril. When Mr Chips passes on the audience lose a friend whom they seem to have loved all their lives. When Kathie dies everyone feels unutterable pity for her and her sadly shocked husband. When he gets his long-deferred ambition all experience the pride and joy he himself feels. All that need be said of Robert Donat’s “Mr Chips” is that no character has ever held an audience so enraptured. No other screen impersonation has created such affection. Although one must get used to it, Mr Donat’s makeup as the octogenarian is astonishingly realistic, as is the portrait of the middle-aged Chips. If Mr Donat has never before been acclaimed as a great character actor he is now. As for Greer Garson, who makes a magnificent debut as Katherine, to say that she makes as great an impression as Robert Donat himself is the highest praise that can be bestowed upon this very brilliant, cultured, and charming actress. Terry Kilburn, who plays a youthful Colley through various generations, brings an irresistible personality to his roles, particularly that of Peter Colley 111. Outstanding is Paul von Henreid, as the German master and close friend of Mr Chips. Every character, in fact, in this impressive picture has been perfectly cast down to the last schoolboy. Every one of the excellent scenes in this moving narrative fits perfectly. STATE THEATRE “LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR” “Lightning Conductor” which shows finally today at the State at 2.0 and 8.0 and stars Gordon Harker, John Lodge and Sally Gray, is an exciting crime chase with thrills and laughter all the way. “Young Mr Lincoln,” the supporting attraction, is the story of the thrilling, romantic, eventful youth of Abraham Lincoln and its great cast includes Henry Fonda, Alice Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan, Eddie Collins, Pauline Moore, Richard Cromwell and Donald Meek. “FOUR FEATHERS” TOMORROW ALEXANDER KORDA SPECIAL Alexander Korda’s newest production, directed by his brother Zoltan should rate easily among the best of their joint repertoire, certainly among the finest efforts of British production. It is “Four Feathers,” screen version of the modern classic of adventure by A. E. W. Mason, and it will be released at the State Theatre at 2.0 and 8.0 tomorrow. It is a tale of military adventure in the desert country of the Nile at the time of Kitchener’s campaign in the Sudan. Not merely a colour spectacle, it is also a stirring story of human heroism and courage against long and terrific odds. The colour is superb and no fault can be found with the camerawork. There is pageant and spectacle and a background of military and tribal splendour. Taking the leading role in the film is the young Englishman John Clements, while Ralph Richardson and C. Aubrey Smith are seen in prominent male roles. June Duprez has the feminine lead. Clements, as the boy who goes out to Egypt to battle with his own cowardice and send back one by one the symbols of cowardice sent him by his companions, gives a performance most notable. It is stated that “Four Feathers” makes his screen future a certainty. Among the special supports is one of the famous “World-Window” series in technicolor, “Jerusalem” which presents sacred sights in the ancient capital of Palestine, the House of Caiphas,” “The Garden of Gethsemane,” “The Tomb of the Mother of Christ,” the “Place Called Golgotha,” “Via Dolorosa,” the “Holy Sepulchre” wherein the body of Christ was laid after his death —and many other sights. Box plans are open now at Begg’s or State Theatre and intending patrons are advised to reserve early for this special. MAJESTIC THEATRE “TELEVISION SPY” FINALLY “Television Spy,” Paramount’s stirring Secret Service mystery drama, featuring William Henry, Judith Barrett, Anthony Quin and William Col-

lier, will conclude at the Majestic Theatre today. The associate feature, Paramount's domestic comedy Night Work” has Charles Ruggles, Mary Boland, Donald O’Connor and Billy Lee featured. “GOING PLACES” BRIGHT COMEDY MUSICAL “Going Places,” Warner Brothers’ bright comedy musical, is the feature picture on tomorrow’s programme at the Majestic. “Going Places” marks one of the brightest spots in the year s cinematograph entertainment. Dick Powell, Anita Louise and Ronald Regan are the stars with the comedians Allen Jenkins, Walter Catlett and Harold Huber in support. Louis Armstrong, world famous band leader and cornetist and Maxine Sullivan, celebrated vaudeville swing singer are also featured in specialty acts. Dick Powell is cast as a salesman for sports goods and is sent to the Maryland Steeplechase to sell his wares. In order to break into the necessary society, he masquerades as a famous gentleman rider from Australia, but the truth is that he is so frightened of a hore that all horses are frightened of him. The trouble starts when two gangsters, Allen Jenkins and Harold Huber confront him with the fact that he is going to ride the famous horse “Jeepers Creepers”—“or else.” Then he falls in love with Anita Louise, whose father is the owner of Jeepers Creepers. Laughs come fast when Powell takes the jumps and bumps to win the steeplechase and the girl of his heart. Several novelty numbers are introduced including Dick Powell and Anita Louise doing the Lambeth Walk while Powell, Louise Armstrong and Maxine Sullivan are heard in three numbers, “Jeepers Creepers,” “Say It With a Kiss” and “Mutiny in the Nursery.” The associate feature, "Gang Bullets,” stars Anna Nagle, and Robert Kent, with J. Farrell MacDonald and Morgan Wallace in support. The story concerns a young District Attorney’s fight against racketeers and the clever ruse by which he eventually busts the rackets and returns law and order to the city. Episode two of “The Lone Ranger Rides Again,” (“Masked Victory”) and the latest Cinesound News will also be screened. Plans are now on view at H. & J. Smith’s Department Store box office, Rice’s Majestic Theatre confectionery shop, or at the theatre. Telephone 738. CIVIC THEATRE 6d and 9d FINALLY GEORGE ARLISS, JONES FAMILY “Doctor Syn,” starring George Arliss, John Loder, Margaret Lockwood and the famous fat boy, Graham Moffatt, is the first attraction on the Civic’s halfprice programme screening finally tonight at 7.45. In this stirring, mysterious adventure from the pen of Russell Thorndike, George Arliss plays the part of “Dr Syn,” parson by day, smuggler by night—with yet a third strange fife hidden in a still stranger past. Mystery, adventure, suspense and romance are all blended into this tremendous drama set in the days of smugglers and highwaymen, the days of gallant wooing and silent treachery. “Dr Syn” is the screen thrill of a lifetime! The second attraction on the Civic’s 6d and 9d programme finally tonight is The Jones Family in “Hot Water,” which is the screen’s favourite family’s funniest farce. Civic prices tonight are all stalls 6d; all circle 9d. REGENT THEATRE, GORE Action, romance and comedy are thoroughly mixed in “The Girl and the Gambler,” which opens at the Regent Theatre, Gore, tonight. The associate feature is “Girl of the Limberlost,” starring Jean Parker. ST. JAMES THEATRE, GORE The attraction at the St. James Theatre, Gore, tonight is “Only A.ngels Have Wings,” starring Jean Arthur and Cary Grant. There is also a good selection of shorts and news.