ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 24112, 29 April 1940, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “BRIDAL SUITE” SPARKLING COMEDY One of the brightest comedies of recent years, “Bridal Suite,” which was shown at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, combines the bright humour of the vivacious Annabella, the French star, with the inconsequential type of byplay of Robert Young to form a sparkling comedy. The play is ( a Hollywood story that lacks little in sparkle and cheerful impudence, leaving the audience in a state of uncertainty about what to expect. Annabella’s performance is as good as was to be expected after her success in “Wings of the Morning.” She is vivacious and has a charm all of her own that carries the film on with a swing from start to finish. She and Robert Young make an admirable comedy team, Young s playboy style making an admirable foil for her quick wit. Young is cast as a rich play-boy who is almost entangled in the matrimonial net on more than one occasion, but who escapes by going to a bachelor party and turning up a day or so late for the wedding. Then he meets Annabella and the film really begins. “Bridal Suite” is a comedy well worth seeing. Another reason for the film’s success is its splendid supporting cast. Billy Burke, as the flighty society mother, gives another fine portrayal. Although Miss Burke has been seen in a large number of character roles, the theatre audience never tires of her and this in itself is sufficient indication of the popularity that she has achieved. Walter Connolly is another actor who can always be depended upon to give a sound. performance and he does not disappoint in “Bridal Suite.” Arthur Treacher, butler of gloomy mien in many notable films, affords plenty of amusement and he has been cast in the type of role that allows him all the latitude necessary to make his performance an outstanding one. The supporting programme is of the Regent’s usual high standard. It includes the latest air mail news, a Fitzpatrick travelogue, a particularly interesting feature, “Failure at 50,” and an “Our Gang” comedy. “WHEN TOMORROW COMES” IRENE DUNNE, CHARLES BOYER Theatregoers will thrill to the noble strains of the “Chaconne,” by Bach, the spirited music of Liszt’s “La Campinella,” the melodic beauty of Schubert’s “Serenade,” or the haunting nostalgia of the lovely “To Elise”—and with the additional thrill of Charles Boyer at the piano and Irene Dunne singing. Against a background of such music moves the fascinating and delightful ’ story of the Regent Theatre’s new feature beginning on Tuesday—“ When Tomorrow Comes” —the tender yet fervent drama of a concert pianist whose skilled fingers won for him a worldwide reputation, and a girl . whose beauty, charm, and glorious voice in- ■ trigued and captivated the pianist. Charles Boyer and Irene Dunne, in the starring roles, provide many thrilling and romantic moments as well as exquisite music during the performance of the entertaining screen play. STATE THEATRE “THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE” ASTAIRE AND ROGERS Marking their eighth co-starring appearance in a musical film, Fred As- | taire and Ginger Rogers again prove themselves America’s number one dancing favourites in their latest picture, “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle,” which screens at the State Theatre at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. today. Since this tuneful cavalcade of songs and dances is based on the colourful lives of the couple who enjoyed the reputation as the world’s foremost dance team during the nostalgic period just prior to the world war it is fitting that its interpretation on the screen should be by the team of today which enjoys a similar reputation. The fascinating story is a tale of the persistence, perseverance and ultimate reward of two people who had faith in themselves and in each other. Too, it is a story of a boy and a girl who made the world dance-conscious, who set the tempo for today’s modern dances. Such matchless melodies of yesteryear as “By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” “Waiting for the Robert E. Lee,” “Oh You Beautiful Doll” and “The Castle Walk” in addition to a score of other old-time lilting songs, provide the musical background for the film’s action. Astaire and Miss Rogers in the roles of their terpsichorean predecessors, exhibit their dancing talents in such famous numbers as the Castle Walk, the Texas Tommy, the Tango and the Maxixe — and many other noted dances popularized by Vernon and Irene Castle during their heyday. The team of Astaire and Rogers first leaped to cinema fame in “Flying Down to Rio,” which immediately moved the duo up to stellar rating. Since then they have co-starred in successively “The Gay Divorcee,” “Roberta,” “Top Hat,” “Follow the Fleet,” “Swing Time,” “Shall We Dance?” and “Carefree.” “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle” was produced by R.K.O. Radio Pictures, as were all of the others in the Astaire-Rogers sequence. Special featurettes include “The March Of Time,” “Metropolis,” depicting scenes in New York where the tourists cannot go. Walt Disney’s “Autograph Hound” is a delightfully funny coloured cartoon. The Fox Australian Newsreel includes special pictures of the funeral of the late Prime Minister, Mr Savage. Box plans are at Begg’s or the State, telephone 645. MAJESTIC THEATRE “SOUTH OF THE BORDER” “South of the Border,” the delightful outdoor musical picture, which is based on the song of the same name, will conclude at the Majestic today. The season of this picture has proved so popular that hundreds were turned away on both Friday and Saturday. Intending patrons for today’s sessions would be well advised to reserve at the earliest available opportunity to avoid further disappointment. It is regrettable that the season of the picture cannot be extended. “South of the Border” stars the world’s most popular singing cowboy, Gene Autry, who besides his singing of the song, “South of the Border,” sings no fewer than six other catchy tunes. The associate feature, “Sabotage,” a spy mystery drama, featuring Arleen Whelan and Gordon Oliver, will also conclude today. “DAMAGED GOODS” Some may contend that “Damaged Goods,” which opens at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow, Is somewhat daring, but it is based on actual fact and : the truth sometimes hurts. The sub- 1 ject of venereal disease, the “red scourge,” which is yearly claiming five ! times as many lives as motor-car ; accidents, has too long been hidden in i the phantom family cupboard of i

“things unmentionable.” Scientists and statistics have proved that ignorance and innocence are the greatest allies of this dreadful disease which is makin. such serious inroads into _ the health and happiness of all nations. Governments, medical authorities, the churches and other such bodies have long fought the evil with varied success. Now the screen throws its power into this fight for humanity. The picture '.as already been presented throughout England, America and Canada. Medical authorities and churches of all denominations have welcomed the assistance of the film with a firm conviction that its enlightenment of the young, the ignorant and the innocent must help to prevent the spread of venereal disease. “Damaged Goods” will be preceded by a selection of short features, and plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s Department Store, box office, Rice’s Majestic Theatre confectionery shop or at the theatre (telephone 738). CIVIC THEATRE “THE THREE MUSKETEERS” “SUSANNAH OF THE MOUNTIES” The first of the two special features on the Civic’s programme screening finally tonight at 7.45 is 20th Cen-tury-Fox’s musical comedy version of Alexandre Dumas’s “The Three Musketeers” starring Don Ameche as a singing, fighting, loving D’Artagnan, and the Ritz Brothers as phoney musketeers more at home with a carving knife than a sword. Swprdplay alternates with horseplay, royal romance and secret intrigue vie for interest with the antics of balmy buffoons, and through it all rousing songs by Samuel Pokrass and Walter Bullock ring out. The melodies, incidentally, include the already popular numbers “Song of the Musketeers,” “My Lady” and “Voila.” The Ritzes are riotous as three wacky lackeys who inherit the real Musketeers’ doublets. The manner in which they are introduced into the story is one of the funniest scenes ever seen in a motion picture. The Queen and King, Buckingham, Milady de Winter, Lady Constance De Rochefort and Cardinal Richelieu, all famous characters of the story, are ably portrayed by such Hollywood favourites as Binnie Barnes, Gloria Stuart, Pauline Moore, John Carradine, Lionel Atwill, Miles Mander, Douglas Dumbrille and John King. Thrilling adventure, stirring conflict and breathless emotion crowd each other for plenty of excitement in Shirley Temple’s “Susannah of the Mounties.” The famous story of the old North-west is the Civic’s second special feature tonight, with Randolph Scott and Margaret Lockwood, star of “The Lady Vanishes,” featured in the romantic roles. Hailed as an entirely original and unusual theme for a Shirley Temple vehicle, the picture includes another innovation in the person of Shirley’s first “leading man,” Martin Good Rider. Martin is a 13-year-old Blackfeet brave, born on a Montana reservation. He teaches Shirley a real Indian dance and the “treaty” between the pair is a highlight of the film. In addition will be screened a Fox Australasian Newsreel with pictures of the funeral of the late Prime Minister. Civic prices finally tonight are all stalls 1/-, all circle 1/6 and children half-price. Box plans are at the Civic, telephone 1744.