AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20335, 6 February 1936, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

STATE THEATRE “LILIES OF THE FEILD" Patrons of the State Theatre last night were well pleased with the new programme, headed by “Lilies of the Field.” The star of the production, Winifred Shotter, of the Aldwych Theatre cast, gives by far her best performance. With its witty dialogue, clever acting, humorous situations, and beautiful scenery, it is excellent entertainment for young and old. “Thanks A Million” At the conclusion of the ordinary programme last night there was a private screening of “Thanks A Million,” which features Dick Powell and Ann Dvorak. The picture, replete with catchy new tunes by Gus Kahn and Arthur Johnston, follows the cockeyed adventures of a tanktown show troupe headed by Fred Allen, and opens at the State on Saturday. His company loves him so they think he’s responsible when it rains. Powell is the handsome young warbler of the troupe, who positively refuses to croon. It’s his romance with Ann Dvorak and the complications that ensue when Margaret Irving enters the scene that furnish the major story. That is backgrounded by hilarious business between Fred Allen and Patsy Kelly. In the climax, after they become entangle® with politicians in a fantastic adventure, Powell realises his heart-felt ambition as a radio singer, and the object of his affections in Miss Dvorak. “Thanks A Million,” the theme song, heads the tunes Powell sings. Other catchy hits include “I’m Sittin’ High on a Hill Top” and “Sugar Plum.” The Yacht Club Boys do a number of their original selections. And to top the musical offering, Ramona sings with the Whiteman aggregation. REGENT THEATRE “SPECIAL AGENT" Bette Davis and George Brent are again paired as screen lovers in the new Cosmopolitan production, “Special Agent,” which is showing at the Regent. The picture reveals the inner workings of the U.S. Treasury Department. It carries a fascinating angle. The story is crammed with tense dramatic situations in which secret service operatives face death in order to get evidence. Thrilling adventure and daring exploits follow every step of the secret operatives. Brent, in the role of a newspaper reporter on a New York daily, also allied with the Government as an undercover man, is trying to get evidence, and at the same time prevent the murder of Miss Davis, his sweetheart, who unwittingly has taken a job as the personal secretary to the head of a band. The polished but ruthless leader is played by Ricardo Cortez. Others in the cast include Jack la Rue, Henry O'Neill, Robert Strange, Joseph Crehan, J. Carroll Naish and Robert Barrat. “The Last Outpost” Spirited action, depth of plot, and excellent production make “The Last Outpost,” which is to open on Saturday, a fine film. It is similar in scope and treatment to “Lives of a Bengal Lancer,” but goes further, in that it has a strong romantic leaning. Whether it is improved by that or not is a matter for personal taste, but it should appeal to practically every theatregoer. Apart from the many thrills attendant upon the hard and close fighting in the backwash of the Great War, there are fine “shots” of jungle scenery and mountain treks.

MAJESTIC THEATRE “WALTZES FROM VIENNA” “Waltzes From Vienna,” the gay musical romance which is showing at the Majestic, is the film version of a play which proved a sensational success at the London Alhambra Theatre, where it was presented a short time ago. Now the Gaumont-British company have brought this wonderful stage presentation to the screen so that many thousands more may delight in the lilting music of Strauss and the gaiety and lightness of the Viennese settings. The story, though slight, is intriguing. It shows how that favourite of all waltzes, “The Blue Danube,” came to be written in a romantic, pretty story which is enacted by Jessie Matthews, Esmond Knight, Edmund Gwenn and Fay Compton. As a production, “Waltzes From Vienna” has aroused considerable interest, as Alfred Hitchcock can always be relied upon to present something novel in the way of filmic art. He was in his element with such a subject as this, working with Hubert Bath, who acted as his musical director. Hitchcock planned that the lovely lilting music should be used as a background to the story and thus avoid holding up the action.

GAIETIES COMPANY “LIFE BEGINS AT EIGHT” The talented troupe of variety artists comprising Mr Stanley McKay’s Gaieties Company, concluded their Timaru season last night when they presented another of their bright entertainments, “Life Begins at Eight,” to a large house in the Theatre Royal. The whole show went with the snap which is a necessity in the success of such entertainment, and there were no lapses. One of the greatest needs on the stage must essentially be a thorough enjoyment taken by the players in the particular act they are producing. One of the most noticeable things, in the show was that from the most talented comedian to the most Inconspicuous player, they all seemed to enjoy thoroughly being on the stage. Perhaps the one who produced the most laughs was the Jewish comedian, Ike Delavale. His stock of jokes seems to be never exhausted and to these he adds his own peculiar little characteristic. With the help of Miss Winnie Edgerton and Miss Maggie Buckley and other humorists like George Correlli and Joe Rox, he produced some most amusing sketches during the evening. Of these, “The Nudist Colony” and “The Irish Christening” are of that variety of humour which is very refreshing. The singing of Russell Callow and Winnie Edgerton, in many colourful scenas was much appreciated. Perhaps the best of these was “Goodnight Lovely Little Lady,” which Russell Callow acted and sang with the help of the ballet. A word must be said for the dancing of the ballet. All through they showed that finish and uniformity which only comes from hard practice. Once again the performance of Pat Reno and his performing dogs proved one of the most popular acts of the evening. The dogs all show an intelligence which is amazing for animals. The three Alexanders again did their famous clown act and presented remarkable acrobatic turns which won much applause. Colin and Patricia, the famous adagio dancers, were again most popular with the audience, while the musical trio, comprising Winnie Edgerton, May Brooke and Elvy Ferguson, was a highlight of the programme.