THE THEATRES REGENT

Southland Times, Issue 24353, 6 February 1941, Page 4

THE THEATRES REGENT

I “THE MORTAL STORM" I POIGNANT, DRAMATIC FILM i In a highly dramatic and poignant I film, so gripping that the interest is never for one moment permitted to Hag, the tumultuous life of a nation has been partly told through the tragic lives of a handful of persons. This film is “The Mortal Storm,” which has emerged from the Metro-Goldwyn-i Mayer studios a thrilling document of courage and devotion in the midst of ! the birth and rise of Nazi fanaticism. I It tells the fate of two young persons who sought only to live their own lives peacefully and outside world politics, but to whom freedom of thought was denied. This picture is at present playing to capacity houses at the Regent Theatre, where it will be shown again today and tomorrow. “The Mortal Storm’’ was produced by Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer only after the most careful research, and is authentic in all its details. Opening with happy family scenes in a beautiful European town, it deals with the disruptive influences of political dissension that sets brother against sister and parents, making outlaws of those who would Sullow peacerut occupations and driving the iron of remorse into the souls of others who find themselves betrayed into a morass of persecution that sickens them. Skilfully the beauty and richness of family life, of high ideals and youthful friendships are interwoven to contrast with the sinister effects of unreasoning force. Thrilling incidents, festive scenes, humour, romance, and the gaiety of youth are kept well to the forefront.

STATE THEATRE “Band Wagon,” a gay musical comedy starring Arthur Askey, comedian of “Charlie’s Big-Hearted Aunt,” Jack Hylton, who appears with his famous dance band, Pat Kirkwood, Richard Murdoch and Moore Marriott, v/ill be shown finally today at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. al. the State Theatre. SANDY POWELL TOMORROW Sandy Powell’s funniest film to date, the G.B.D. production, “All at Sea,” will be the attraction at the State Theatre tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. “All at Sea” was produced with the full co-operation of the Admiralty. It is a rare distinction for a British film company to be given permission to take films of the fleet at sea—and the strength of the navy makes an imposing background for the comedy antics of Sandy Powell, who plays the part of an ordinary A.B. seaman, always in

some kind of trouble. The story con- ' corns the efforts of a pair of enemy agents who are trying to steal a new explosive from Sandy Powell—but Sandy is more than a match for them, and although they threaten to blow up the ship, he adroitly captures them, and is congratulated by the captain. Apart from the wonderful scenes of the navy and the hilarious antics of Sandy Powell, one of the first great naval war-time songs, “Oh, Ain’t It Grand to be in the Navy,” sung by Sandy Powell, is featured in “All at Sea,” and another aspect of the entertainment qualities of the film is the ball and cabaret held aboard ship. “All at Sea” was directed by Herbert Smith, and supporting Sandy Powell are Kay Walsh, John Warwick, Gus McNaughton, Leslie Perrins, and George Merritt. Excellent featurettes accompany “All at Sea” at the State tomorrow. Box plans are at Begg's or State Theatre. MAJESTIC “Mein Kampf,” a direct picturization of Hitler and his Nazi purges and rise to power, which has been showing at the Majestic Theatre since Tuesday, will conclude its Invercargill season today. “Mein Kampf” was produced under authoritative auspices and is composed of actual documentary scenes and authentic reconstruction of salient episodes in the march of events which culminated in the rape of Poland and the present war. Everything is either fact or based on fact. The associate pic- j ture, “Here Comes Flash Casey,’’ depicts the daring escapades of a newspaper cameraman and features Eric Linden, and Boots Malloi'y “THE BISCUIT EATER” Once in a while motion picture producers come to light with a delightfully different piece of cinema art. “The Biscuit Eater” is an example, “Florian” is another. “The Biscuit Eater,” which will open its Invercargill season at the Majestic Theatre tomorrow, has no big star names—its title means little—but it is j charmingly acted and superbly photographed, in fact it is wholesome and refreshing. The director, Stuart Heisler, has proved that perfect picture entertainment can be achieved by the use of a human story and a clever animal. The story of “The Biscuit Eater” is simple. It tells of a boy and a dog. An intimate and humanly interesting romance of a youngster who acquires a cast off hunting dog and goes through many adversities until he trains the dog for the field trials. The touching affection and understanding which develops between ihe boy and his pal, “Promise,” is definitely one of the major factors of the picture. “Buck Benny Rides Again,” the otherpicture on tomorrow’s programme, shows the famous Jack Benny with Ellen Drew, Rochester, Andy Devine and Phil Harris and his band in support. It is screamingly funny comedy musical with a western background. Four new song hits, “Say it Over and Over Again,” “My My,” “My Kind of ; Country” and “Drums in the Night” are , heard. Chapter Seven of the Oriental ;

serial. “Fu Man Cliu,” will also be shown, together with the latest issue of | the Cinesound News. Plans arc now on view at H. and J. Smith’s department store, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre. CIVIC A riotous comedy with music—and Carole Lombard and Fernand Gravet—is “Fools For Scandal,” the first attraction on the Civic’s 6d and 9d proprogramme finally tonight. As if gorgeous Miss Lombard, she of the mad antics, were not enough, the picture should really teach the women fans how to say Fernand Gra-vay (it is Gravet in the billing). The handsome French musical comedy star, making his second American film appearance, surprises his most ardent fans with a song routine that is well worth the price of admission alone. I Personally directed by Mervyn Leßoy I the film fairly sparkles with wit, speed and fun throughout—a made-to-order madcap formula for Miss Lombard and Gravet. The two numbers in “Fools For Scandal” are “How Can You Forget?” and “There’s a Boy in Harlem,” the latter being part of the “Le Petit Har- 1 lem” cabaret sequence. Starring Ronald Reagan and Mary Maguire—a melodrama of army life called “Sergeant Murphy,” is the Civic’s second feature. It concerns a cavalry horse that failed to pass inspection for fitness of an army post, yet under the training of his cavalryman master was developed into a great steeplechaser that was good enough to win the famed Grand National jumping race in England. Most of “Sergeant Mui’phy” was made at the Presido of Monterey, California, with the aid of 2000 regular soldiers. The picture was directed by B. Reeves (“Breezy”) Eason, a master of fast action. Civic prices finally tonight arc 6d and 9d.