THE THEATRES REGENT

Southland Times, Issue 24356, 10 February 1941, Page 7

THE THEATRES REGENT

“STRANGE CARGO” NEW TREND IN DRAMA Not since his masterful portrayal in the epic sea drama “Mutiny of the Bounty” has Clark Gable been starred to such advantage as in “Strange Cargo,” which is the current attraction at the Regent Theatre and which was shown before a full house on Saturday night. As Verne Andre, one of a number of convicts who escape from Devil’s Island, Gable has a role which suits him admirably. Strange Cargo” is a picture of a very different nature to the usual prison drama. Strong in characters as in story, and with ample scope for dramatic ability, the picture provides Gable and Joan Crawford, as well as a number of other well-known screen personalities, with roles that test their acting equipment to the utmost. The entire cast, as though inspired by the theme and subject matter of its script, plays over its heads to etch every characterization deeply into the minds of its audience. Gable, as the convict Verne Andre, who believes implicitly in his own strength and endurance carrying him through any crisis, gives a masterly portrayal. Peter Lorre is both despicable and pitiable as the libre, Monsieur Pig, played with restraint and complete self-submergence. Paul Lukas is sanatically wise and self-sufficient as Hessler, the wife murderer. Albert Dekker, as the gorilla-like Moll, has one superb scene in which the splendour of the spirit finally penetrates his dull brain, reached before only by physical manifestations. J. Edward Bromberg as Flaubert, wavering on the edge of insanity; Eduardo Ciannelli as the similarly deluded Telez; and John Arledge as the weakling Dufond, all contribute unforgettably lifelike delineations. There is an excellent supporting programme.

MAJESTIC “THE BISCUIT EATER” One of Hollywood's most remarkable achievements of the human drama type of picture—“ The Biscuit Eater” —will conclude at the Majestic Theatre today. It is just a simple story of two children and a dog, but how that story is told makes for one of the finest pieces of entertainment seen for many a long day. A highlight in the picture is the introduction of the annual Georgia Gun-Dog Trials. The associate feature, “Buck Benny Rides Again,” has the famous Jack Benny, Ellen Drew, Andy Devine, Phil Harris and the negro comedian, Rochester, in the leading roles. It is a musical-comedy western satire with the same background as Eddie Cantor’s famous “Whoopee.” ZANE GREY’S “LIGHT OF WESTERN STARS” When the producer Harry Sherman turns his hand to making a Zane Grey western, moviegoers who like this type of screen fare can expect an unusual twist. And that’s just what they get in “Tire Light of Western Stars,” which will open tomorrow at the Majestic Theatre, with Victor Jory, Jo Ann Sayers, Russell “Lucky” Hayden, Morris Ankrum, Noah Beery, jun., J. Farrell MacDonald and Ruth Rogers heading the cast. This western yarn provides just that different romance needed as the heroine turns out to be a lovely Eastern girl who sets out to reform the leading man, who shows signs of becoming a bad man. As the narrative unfolds, gun fights, thrilling chases—all the ingredients of topnotch western screenfare are woven into the picture. Victor Jory, as the lead, Miss Sayers, as the Eastern girl, Noah Beery, jun., and Russell Hayden provide colourful and credible characterizations. Lesley Selander directed for Paramount, with an eye to fine photography and backgrounds. The associate feature on tomorrow’s programme, “Women Without Names,” has Ellen Drew, Robert Paige, Louise Beavers and John Miljan featured. It is an exciting prison thriller. 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.

CIVIC “A WINDOW IN LONDON” An unusually powerful dramatic story is unfolded in the G.B.D. special attraction, “A Window In London,” which is the Civic's first feature finally tonight at 7.45. The picture opens with a young bridge engineer on his way to work in the train, seeing through a window what is apparently a ghastly murder taking place. As soon as the train stops, the young man grabs a policeman and searches round for the house. They find it but the “murderer” turns out to be an illusionist practising a new stage act with his wife. Followin'* this unusual introduction the young engineer becomes involved in their domestic tangles and the ensuing complications may be calculated to grip and hold the interest of Civic patrons to the end. The young English stage star who made a highly successful screen debut in “The Lady Vanishes,” Michael Redgrave, has the leading role in this gripping attraction. Another young newcomer to the screen, Sally Gray, is equally impressive in the feminine lead. The veteran Paul Lucas and Patricia Roc head the list of featured players. Gay comedy and romantic revelry are the keynotes of “Daytime Wife,” the Civic’s second attraction, with Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell co-starred. The film presents Tyrone Power in the light, carefree roles in which he excells and the selection of dark-eyed and lovely Linda Darnell to play opposite him is a genuine sensation. It marks her second screen appearance, but her performanance in her debut in “Hotel For Women” well justifies the choice. The story tells of the hilariously romantic carryings-on of a husband who goes whistling under the wrong balcony (his secretary’s) and a perfect peach of a wife who rests on her oars (but not for iongl). Featured in the cast are Warren William, Binnie Barnes, Wendy Barrie and Joan Davis. Gregory Ratoff directed “Daytime Wife.” Popular Civic prices tonight are 1/- and 1/6 and children half price. Box plans are at Begg’s or Civic. STATE THEATRE Sandy Powell’s funniest film to date, the G.B.D. production, “All at Sea,” will be the attraction at the State Theatre today 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-

cerns 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 today. Box plans are at Begg’s or State Theatre.