THE THEATRES

Southland Times, Issue 24181, 18 July 1940, Page 4

THE THEATRES

REGENT “THE UNDER-PUP” POPULAR NEW SINGING STAR Chosen by Universal to fill the shoes of the rapidly-maturing Deanna Durbin, the 11-year-old Gloria Jean made her debut in “The Under-Pup,” which is now drawing crowds to the Regent Theatre. Gloria Jean has a voice of exceptional range and clarity, and her acting ability is far beyond that which one would expect from one of her age. She plays Pip-Emma, member of New York’s “great unwashed.” Winning an essay contest which entitles her to attend'a summer camp with many of the daughters of New York’s exclusive families, Pip-Emma leaves home gaily; but the .girls—all except one—do not take her immediately to their hearts. As a result of her character and of the advice she receives from her grandfather, she eventually breaks down the opposition. Pip-Emma and her grandfather are also successful in the prevention of a divorce between the parents of one of the girls at the camp. Others in the cast of “The UnderPup” are Virginia Weidler, Nan Grey, Robert Cummings, Beulah Bondi, Margaret Lindsay, the Katzenjammer Kids, C. Aubrey Smith, Billy Gilbert, Ann Gillis, Raymond Walburn, Paul Cavanagh and Samuel S. Hinds,

■ “GULLIVER’S TRAVELS” j COMING ON SATURDAY ? Max Fleischer’s fascinating picture, . “Gulliver’s Travels,” which brings to ’ the screen the adventures of Jonathan 1 Swift’s immortal character among the 1 pygmies of Lilliput, is coming on Saturday to the Regent Theatre. These adventures have been blended with delightful fantasy and caricature, which illustrate with originality the cleverness, amusing inventiveness, and industry of the Lilliputians when they pinion Gulliver down on the beach and prepare to transport him to the city. There is ..an astonishing realism about all this feverish activity and comic ingenuity. The enthralling resourcefulness of the ! little people as they set about the col- ' ossal tasks necessitated by the giant s ; presence among them is the chief at- ' traction of a consistently enthralling picture. The royal sweethearts are cap1 tivating little persons, and the rival 1 kings, who quarrel over a nuptial song 1 and thus create a state of war when ’ there should have been wedding festivities, are burlesques in miniature. The music and songs of “Gulliver’s Travels ’ round off the charm of an' exceptional production. There will be four sessions on Saturday—lo.3o a.m., 2 p.m., 4.15 and 7.45. Parents are advised to send as many children as they can to the 10.30 and 4.15 sessions. MAJESTIC “Thanks for the Memory,” a Paramount musical comedy with Bob Hope and Shirley Ross starred, will conclude at the Majestic Theatre today. This picture is based on the theme of the popular song by the same name. Another popular number featured is “Two Sleepy People.” “Thanks for the Memory” is very bright and gay comedy entertainment. The associate feature, “Backdoor to Heaven,” is an exciting crime drama, featuring Wallace Ford, Stuart Urwin and Patricia Elies. “Little Accident,” which begins tomorrow at the Majestic, is a laugh riot. ( It is a case of Hugh (“Woo-Woo”) HerI bert verses Baby (“Goo-Goo”) Sandy. Two other famous comedians, Edgar Kennedy and Ernest Truex, add to. the comedy, while Florence Rice and Richard Carlson have the young romantic leads. Hugh Herbert is cast as the children’s page editor of a metropolitan daily newspaper which is sponsoring a huge perfect baby contest. Baby Sandy is abandoned in Herbert’s office and the editor mistakes the baby for Herbert’s grandchild and, attracted by the little chap’s personality, decides that it should enter for the competition. Florence Rice and Richard Carlson have to pose as the child’s parents and are photographed with him. When the pictures are published complications start as “Sandy” wins the popular baby contest. The parents come back demanding the child and Carlson’s parents demand an explanation of their son. From here on the comedy becomes convulsive. “Woman in the Wind,” Warner Bros.’ thrilling air drama, has Kay Francis, William Gargan, Victor Jory, Maxie Rosenbloom, Eddie Foye and Sheila Bromley in the cast. Chapter 3 of the popular mystery serial, “The Green Hornet,” will also be shown, while the latest Cinesound News will introduce the programme. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s department store, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre. STATE Lupe Velez, vivacious screen star who hails from below the Rio Grande, portrays one of her famous firecracker roles in RKO Radio’s “Mexican Spitfire,” which screens finally at 2.0 and 8.0 today at the State Theatre. The popular Latin actress is seen as a madcap Mexican song-and-dance girl newly married to a staid New York advertising man. Leon Errol and Cecil Kellaway are co-starred with Lupe Velez. Among the supports is Walt Disney’s “Tugboat Mickey.” A world of girls on their own, with the Jife of a million parties giving them a new slant on life, will be seen at the State Theatre at 2.0 and 8.0 tomorrow in Elsa Maxwell’s “Hotel for Women.” This Cosmopolitan Production for 20th Century-Fox marks the famous Elsa’s film debut and describes in gay and thrilling terms a side of life never seen—dozens of smart, beautiful young things, office girls in love with their bosses; girls on the make for fame; girls who want a good address—and a liberal education; girls looking for life in a penthouse—and girls longing foilove in a cottage. A fine cast is co-featuring with Elsa. Gregory Ratoff directed “Hotel for Women” from a screen play. Special featurettes will complete the programme. Box plan are at Begg’s or State.