ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 24154, 17 June 1940, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “GOOD-BYE, MR CHIPS” BRILLIANT PRODUCTION Earlier in the year “Good-bye, Mr Chips” enjoyed a season in Invercargill, but the public has welcomed the return of this magnificent production to the Regent, Theatre as it has done few others in the last few years. This film stands out among the best pictures ever to come out of a studio; it is' a masterpiece of its kind. Admirably adapted from the novel by James Hilton, it is the simple story of the life of a master in an English public school, and it is enacted by a brilliant cast headed by Robert Donat. Donat has some outstanding performances to his credit, his role in “The Citadel” being memorable, but in “Good-bye, Mr Chips,” he has excelled himself. He loses his personality completely as Mr Chipping, and his make-up as the ageing master is astonishingly neat. This, however, is only one facet of the lovable personality he builds up. Sharing with him in (he honours of the production is an entirely new figure, Greer Garson, who appears as his wife. She proves herself to be a very brilliant, cultured, and charming actress. As a book “Good-bye, Mr Chips” was essentially a tender recollection of school days, given unity by the indomitable figure of a wise pedagogue. As a film it has dramatic overtones, which make it a forceful celebration of our heritage of culture and civilization. It has a relentless rhythm and a variety of dramatic appeal, which make it irresistible. Mr Woods has done as expert a piece of cinematic staging as has been seen in a long time. The important point is that “Good-bye, Mr Chips” is a perfect piece of photoplay collaboration in every detail—in short, a film to be remembered. The supports are outstanding. STATE THEATRE

“THE RAINS CAME” “This is my story and these are my characters,” said Louis Bromfield after a preview of “The Rains Came,” which is screening at 2.0 and 8.0 daily at the State Theatre. “As a novelist, I am grateful for the privilege of seeing this book come completely to life. In my opinion ‘The Rains Came’ is a great picture. I should like to express my gratitude to Darryl F. Zanuck and all those at the 20th Century-Fox who helped recreate it with such astounding fidelity.” Myra Loy was persuaded to break with the “perfect wife” tradition, so blithely established with “The Thin Man,” to play the amorous Lady Esketh; Tyrone Power was given his most unusual and romantic part in the role of Major Rama Sal'ti, handsome highcaste Hindu Alumnus of Oxford. George Brent was found the perfect choice for the worldly Tom Ransome, a ghost out of Lady Esketh’s romantic past. Foi- the role of Fern Simon, the fresh, beautiful young girl whose love regenerates Ransome, Zanuck conducted a nation-wide search and made a “discovery” of epoch-making importance in lovely, blonde, 18-year-old Brenda Joyce, who was co-ed at the University of California in Los Angeles before she became a photographer’s model a year ago. Others featured in the great cast are Nigel Bruce, Maria Ouspenskaya, Joseph Schildkaut, Jane Harwell, Marjorie Rambeau, Henry Travers and H. B. Warner. A handful of people cut otf from the world in the fascinating mythical city of Ranchipur, India, their emotions at breaking point, their lives at the climax, and all restraint swept away as the untamed forces of Nature ravage the earth—such is but an indication of the outstanding story. Among the excellent supports newsreel items include , French troops in action in piercing cold; H.M.S. Exeter returns home; new 16-inch French gun tested; H.M.S. Cossack returns to England with British prisoners from German steamer Altmark; Australia’s Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, speaks at “Win-the-War” rally; Sydney Girl Guides raise £lOOO for patriotic purposes. Box plans are at Begg’s or State.

CIVIC THEATRE “STRANGER FROM TEXAS” “CAFE HOSTESS” One of the tragedies of the old West —the bloody feuds of the cattle country—is brought to thrilling life in Columbia’s “The Stranger From Texas,” Charles Starrett’s newest starring vehicle which is the first attraction at the Civic finally tonight at 7.45. Starrett is seen as a young United States marshal assigned to keep law and order in a county during one such feud. The cattlemen, first to conquer the West, were used to having the same broad grazing lands that the buffalo once enjoyed. But soon the range grew a little more crowded and more settlers meant fences, homesteads, sheep and the gradual closing in of civilization. A rough, hard-living, hard-working group of men, the cattle ranchers tried to run settlers and “squatters” off land they considered rightfully theirs. It was not until the pacifying influence of Eastern civilization had a firm grip on western life that the range wars came to an end. But the old West still has a glorious tradition of heroism and daring and many a rancher remembers the days when it was necessary to have a quick “draw” to be protected from enemies and “rustlers.”

“Cafe Hostess,” sensational film dealing with the life of the average night club hostess, is the Civic’s second feature today. Preston Foster and Ann Dvorak are featured in Columbia's film of the notorious gambling dens which prey upon unsuspecting customers The supporting cast includes Wynne Gibson, Peggy Shannon, Bradley Page and Arthur Loft. Popular Civic prices tonight are 1/- and 1/6 and children halftheatreprice. Box plans are at Begg’s. Matheson’s (next Civic) or theatre.

MAJESTIC THEATRE HOPALONG CASSIDY Clarence E. Mulford’s latest outdoor western romance, “Range War,” which features the ever-popular Hopalong Cassidy, will conclude at the Majestic today. The associate feature, “What a Life,” is a Paramount comedy featuring Jackie Cooper and John Howard. “CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS” TRACY, BARTHOLOMEW, ROONEY Tomorrow the Majestic Theatre will present a three-day return season of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s splendid picturization of Rudyard Kipling’s epic sea drama “Captains Courageous.” This picture unquestionably challenges any of the mighty titans of the screen for its faithful reproduction of the author’s story, its splendid production and its phenomenal popularity during its first run. Metro could not have assembled a stronger cast for the character parts had they combed the world, and credit

is due in that the entire roster of starred players came from its own studio. Spencer Tracy is Manuel the Portuguese fisherman, Freddie Bartholomew is Harvey Cheyne, the spoiled son of the millionaire, Lionel Barrymore is Diskd, the captain of the fishing cutter, Mickey Rooney is Dan the captain’s son, Melvyn Douglas is the millionaire, Mr Cheyne, and John Carradine is Long Jack. To those who have not seen “Captains Courageous,” do not miss it and make reservations because those who have seen it are sure to see it again. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s department store, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre.