THE THEATRES

Southland Times, Issue 24439, 20 May 1941, Page 8

THE THEATRES

REGENT INTRIGUING COMEDY Columbia’s enviable reputation for turning out topnotch domestic comedies with a touch of piquancy is further enhanced by the production of "He Stayed For Breakfast,” now showing at the Regent Theatre. Containing scintillating dialogue and snappy action from start to finish, this film seems to have solved the problem of what really makes the public laugh in these days of stress and worry. Starring Melvyn Douglas and Loretta Young, “He Stayed For Breakfast,” emerges as one of the season’s brightest cures for the blues, and all types of patrons will laugh heartily when they see it. Having revealed their definite flair for vivacious comedy in the recent success, “The Doctor Takes A Wife,” Alexander Hall, the director, who was also responsible for the production, was determined that .Loretta Young should play the feminine lead in “He Stayed For Breakfast.” His faith in her was not misplaced for, aided and abetted by the comical, yet sauve and sophisticated Melvyn Douglas, she turns in a superb performance in a film which proves a real riot from start to finish. Further fun is added by the antics of the rotund Eugene Pallette, Alan Marshal and Una O’Connor, who complete the domestic circle around which the fun develops. The supporting programme is a varied and interesting one. Box plans are at H. and J. Smith’s, Rice s Regent shop and the theatre.

MAJESTIC

There have been many exciting films of the air, such as “Ceiling Zero,” “Wings” and “Dawn Patrol.” But when Warner Bros.’ new film, “Flight Angels” opens today at the Majestic Theatre, movie-goers will see a thrilling picture whose theme deals with the careers of flight angels (airline/ hostesses). The film’s all-star cast includes such popular players as Dermis Morgan, Virginia Bruce, Wayne Morris, Ralph Bellamy, Jane Wyman and John Litel. Virginia Bruce plays the role of a charming and efficient hostess. She persuades Dennis Morgan, who plays the part of an ace pilot to take a job as teacher in the ail - lines training school when he is grounded because his eyesight is failing. Everything goes along smoothly until Morgan learns that the army is going to test a stratosphere plane that he and Wayne Morris, in the role' of his co-pilot, have designed. Dennis makes the test flight in an exciting aviation scene which forms the climax of this supercharged air thriller. The associate feature on today’s programme, Warner Bros.’ “Granny Get Your Gun” is a western comedy satire starrring May Robson as a 'two-gun western sheriff with Harry Davenport as her equally enthusiastic gunning deputy. May returns to Navada where she had grub-staked a fortune from gold 50 years before. She becomes implicated in a murder of which she is innocent and the manner .in which she proves her innocence through introducing old western two-gun methods provides some of the best comedy seen in years. Margot Stevenson, Hardie Albright and Ann Todd are in the supporting cast. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre.

STATE

“THE GREAT DICTATOR”

“The Great Dictator” screens today at the State Theatre only at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. It will be screened again tomorrow at both State and Civic Theatres. After seeing “The Great Dictator” Aldous Huxley wrote: “These few lines are to say what I could only mumble last night—that the picture is a most extraordinary achievement. And not only is it an artistic triumph: it is also the embodiment of a great act of courage and high idealism.” With brilliant satire the inimitable Charlie Chaplin pours scorn on fanaticism and ruthless tyranny. What better model to follow than Hitler? Perhaps it was one of the whims of Providence that gave Chaplin the truncated moustache years ago which Hitler adopted later. Whatever the reason; most people are ready to agree that Chaplin made the moustache famous ' and Adolf made it infamous. Chaplin’s portrayal of “The Great Dictator” is played in the spirit of satire, comedy and denunciation. In it he dons the robes and gestures of Hitler, but uses them with the buffoonery and genius for which he is famous.' He rants and preens himself with all the false bravado of the world’s worst enemy. But not only is Chaplin the great dictator in this film, but also a little Jewish barber. And it seems to a large extent that the underlying message of the film expresses sympathy for the underdog. The cast includes Paulette Goddard and Jack Oakie. Box plans are at Begg’s or the State Theatre. “The Great Dictator” will be screened again tomorrow at both State and Civic Theatres.