ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 24104, 18 April 1940, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

1 KEGENT THEATRE “THUNDER AFLOAT” A topical programme is showing finI ally today at the Regent Theatre. The • main feature, “Thunder Afloat,” deals ' with the depredations of U-boats on the Atlantic coast of the United States during the last war and the activities of the fleet of small, fast chasers built to combat the U-boat menace. Wallace Beery, as a tough, independent tug ] skipper, is ideally cast. His beloved tug is sunk by a submarine, and he vows vengeance on the suave U-boat commander. Lending good support to Beery are Chester Morris, Virginia Grey, Douglas Dumbrille, and Addison I Richards. The supporting featurettes [ are particularly good, and include an i entertaining Pete Smith “short.” , “THE WOMEN” ; NORMA SHEARER LEADS CAST Heralded as one of the most unusual films ever to come out of Hollywood, , “The Women,” with an all-star cast of j 135 actresses headed by Norma Shearer, r Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell, , opens at the Regent Theatre tomorrow. The story, based upon Clare Boothe’s I Broadway stage success of the same , name, weaves the everyday experiences J of women into an exciting comedyi drama into which laughs and tears are ' skilfully blended. Ultra-modern sett tings, smart clothes and . a fashion par- . ade add eye-filling beauty as a back- ’ ground to the razor-sharp dialogue. Miss Shearer appears as Mary Haines, her first modern society role since ■ “Riptide.” Joan Crawford is seen as , the siren Crystal Allen, and Rosalind Russell as the inveterate gossip, Sylvia Fowler. Others in a powerful supporting cast include Mary Boland, Paulette Goddard, Phyllis Povah, Joan Fontaine, Virginia Weidler, Lucile Watson, Florence Nash, Muriel Hutchison, Esther Nash, Muriel Hutchison, Esther Dale, Dale, Ann Morris, Ruth Hussey, Dennie Moore, Mary Cecil, Mary Beth Hughes, Virginia Grey, Marjorie Main, Cora Witherspoon and Hedda Hopper. The story centres about Norma Shearer as a woman whose happiness and home are temporarily wrecked by gossip, and her fight to regain the life that had been snatched from her. MAJESTIC THEATRE 1 “A TALE OF TWO CITIES” ; i I Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s screen , adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Tale of Two Cites,” will have its final screening at the Majestic , Theatre today. In order to present the true Dickens atmosphere Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have chosen the strongest possible cast of actors from their fine roster of stars. Also on this programme is a Fitzpatrick Traveltalk in colour - , “Copenhagen,” which shows Denmark’s capital before the Nazi invasion. Another quality feature, “A Friend Indeed,” depicts the seeing eye, the trained dogs that lead the blind. The latest Universal News showing scenes of the Finnish battle front will also be presented. Patrons are reminded that this is the final opportunity they will have of assisting the Presbyterian Orphanages and every ticet sold from Aitchison’s Ltd. helps this very worthy cause. i “WINGS OF THE NAVY” SPECTACULAR AIR ARMADA Warner Brothers’ “Wings of the Navy,” an actioh-packed drama of America’s air force will be the feature on tomorrow’s programme at the Majestic. “Wings of the Navy” shows the might and power in aeroplanes which is now available to the Allies and the prosecution of the war against Nazi i aggression. For the first time every branch of the fighting air arm is brought to the talking screen. Massed flights of fighters, colossal squadrons of bombers, terrific flotillas of can-non-carrying flying boats sweep through the skies like masses of locusts. George Brent is starred as a flying instructor, John Payne is cast as his young brother, who is very “cocky” and without the slightest semblance of fear. They are both in love with Olivia De Havilland, | who plays the most charming and attractive role to date. The pre-interval section of the programme has been carefully chosen, the latest Pathe Pictorial and Cinesound News will be shown, also “Zero Girl,” a beautifully produced review on ice and “Porky in Egypt” are also among the supports. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s Department Store, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre (telephone 738). Entries and photographing for the St. John Ambulance centennial baby contest close at H. and J. Smith’s today. Mothers with eligible babies are reminded that a £5OO cash prize goes to the winning baby and that their chance of winning is as good as anybody else. | As the entries and appointments for | photographing are heavy, intending | entrants are advised to make applications for photographing at the earliest convenience. STATE THEATRE BOBBY BREEN FINALLY How one small boy with a too vivid imagination manages to talk himself, his friends and his country into prosperity and happiness is the unusual story basis of “Escape To’ Paradise,” starring the singing-actor Bobby Breen, which is screening finally today at 2.0 and 8.0 at the State Theatre. Supported by such players as Kent Taylor, Marla Shelton and Joyce Compton, “Escape To Paradise” is laid in the colourful tropical setting of a modern South American seaport town. Supports include a two-reel Edgar Kennedy comedy, “Act Your Age.” COMMENCING TOMORROW “SHERLOCK HOLMES” How Moriarty nearly stole the Crown jewels is the exciting story unfolded in “Sherlock Holmes,” the film that opens a season at the State Theatre tomorrow at 2.0 and 8.0. In this film the two old enemies come together again and this picture will have the phenomenal success that attended the first of the series. “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Moriarty is no fool and before he sets out for the highlight of his criminal career he sows false clues in plenty to divert the master sleuth from his path. There is a dash of murder—there is everything that will lead the master detective astray. But Sherlock Holmes would not be Sherlock Holmes if he could not sift the wheat from the chaff and track down the infamous Moriarty before he achieves his object. But the way that Conan Doyle’s great sleuth develons his case and foils the criminal affords opportunity for thrilling situations. This is a really fine picture and will interest picture fans of all ages. Basil Rathbone plays the part : of Sherlock Holmes and the invaluable Dr Watson is in the capable hands of 1 Nigel Bruce. Ida Lupino is also a 1 strongly-cast character. Supports tomorrow will include the latest “March Of Time,” “Metropolis,” behind the • scenes with the New York police. Box ' plans are at Begg’s or State, telephone ■ 645.