ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 24164, 28 June 1940, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “LADY OF THE TROPICS” In “Lady of the Tropics,” in which Hedy Lamarr and Robert Taylor appear at the Regent Theatre, the exotic actress plays a lovely Eurasian whose half-caste blood denies her any racial recognition. Taylor appears as a young American who marries her and with her tackles the problems of their life and love. As the love between Taylor and Miss Lamarr progresses, it takes them to the colourful harbour of Saigon, the “Paris of the East,” along its teeming river docks, into the interesting quarters of the natives, their cafes and shops. Settings faithful to the country also include the more fashionable cafes, hotels and government buildings where mixed society meets, from whence the interest the two leading characters hold- for each other ripens within the mystifying ruins of the great enigmatic temple of Angkor Wat, shrine of a forgotten race only recently torn out of the jungle by French explorers. Joseph Schildkraut, as Delaroch, throws all obstacles in the girl’s path because he also loves her, and even her marriage to Taylor by Father Antoine, played by Ernest Cossart, fails to thwart Delaroch in his attempts to keep her bound to IndoChina.

“THE STAR MAKER” THE HAPPINESS SHOW Popular songs, old and new, and some delightful music provided by Walter Damrosch and the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra of 100 players make the pleasant basis on which is built one of the most pleasing of cinema entertainments—“ The Star Maker” —which is coming to the Regent Theatre tomorrow. Based on the career of the famed snowman, Gus Edwards, the picture casts Bing Crosby as a penniless song writer who is convinced that he has a real future in the show business. It takes Crosby through all ‘■he highlights of Edwards’s career, shows him succeeding with kiddie shows, rebuffed by the Gerry Society for having children perform after 10 o’clock, and finally trying to win success on the radio. A good supporting cast includes Louise Campbell, Ned Sparks, Laura Hope Crews, Walter Damrosch, dean of symphonic conductors, and Linda Ware, the sensational 14-year-old singing discovery. The picture is replete with song, with Bing Crosby singing such Gus Edwards’s favourites as “In My Merry Oldsmobile,” “School Days,’ “Jimmy Valentine” and many others. He'also sings four new hits by Johnny Burke and James V. Monaco, including “An Apple for th< Teacher” and “A Man and His Dreams.” Linda Ware sings many songs, old and new. The result of this collection of talent is a picture that gives pleasure all round.

CIVIC THEATRE “THOSE HIGH GREY WALLS” “MOTHER BY PROXY” Columbia’s novel and unusual prison drama, “Those High Grey Walls,” is the first attraction commencing at 7.45 at the Civic Theatre tonight. Walter Connolly is featured in the tense tale of a beloved country doctor who is sentenced to gaol for a humanitarian act. Onslow Stevens, a young prison surgeon, and Iris Meredith, the country doctor’s daughter, are also featured. “Mother By Proxy,” the Civic’s second feature, is the story of a sideshow girl who tried to side-step love. Knowing only the beast in men . . . she vowed never to give her heart to a man to break. And then love came to her. Civic prices tonight are 1/- and 1/6. Plans are at Begg’s, Mathieson’s (next Civic) or Civic.

STATE THEATRE

MERLE OBERON TODAY “OVER THE MOON” Comedy, romance, technicolour—those are the principal ingredients of “Over The Moon,” Alexander Korda s latest production, which opens at 2.0 and 8.0 today, Friday, at the State Theatre. The film carries Merle Oberon, one of the loveliest of Britain’s stars, across a kaleidoscope of action in Venice, St. Moritz and Monte Carlo. The story is light, yet interesting enough to hold attention, but the film depends for its appeal not on its story value—which is only a peg on which to hang its more imposing features—but on its brilliant dialogue, its romantic situations, its splendid acting by a wellchosen cast of players, its colour photography. Robert Sherwood, author of “The Road to Rome,” “The Guardsman” and many other famous stories and plays, wrote “Over the Moon.” Special featurettes will introduce the feature picture. Box plans are at Begg’s or State. MAJESTIC THEATRE SANDY POWELL TODAY The English screen, radio and stage comedian Sandy Powell is starred today at the Majestic in British Empire Films’ rollicking comedy farce “Home From Home.” Sandy Powell has gladdened the hearts of many millions of British and American screen, radio and stage audiences with his happy slogans “Can you hear me, mother?” and “It’s turned out nice again, hasn’t it?” The associate feature “Private Detective” is one of the gayest, snappiest, murder mysteries the Majestic has had the pleasure of presenting for many a moon. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BABY CONTEST The district competition of the St. John baby contest now in progress at the Majestic Theatre is getting more interesting every day with a Dunedin baby slightly ahead of one of the locals, with several others close at hand. Invercargill people should support local entries and help them win the handsome prize. Plans are now on View at H. and J. Smith’s, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and the theatre.