AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20442, 12 June 1936, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “THE LONE WOLF RETURNS" The fascinating fictional rogue, the Lone Wolf, whose roipantic knavery has been so thrillingly depicted in a series of novels by Louis Joseph Vance, returns to his screen adventures in TThe Lone Wolf Returns," which concludes at the Majestic to-day. “Whipsaw” Delightful entertainment is presented in “Whipsaw,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, which commences at the Majestic on Saturday. Principal parts are taken by Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy, two most accomplished and interesting players. Nearly everyone has heard the story of the detective who falls in love with the beautiful jewel thief he is supposed to bring to justice, but the charm of the picture is achieved in the manner in which the story is unfolded. The story tells how Ross Mcßride (Spencer Tracy) is detailed to pose as a fugitive from the law in order to gain the confidence of Vivian Palmer (Myrna Loy), who is suspected of being a member of a gang which is believed to have stolen the Koronoff pearls, valued at 500,000 dollars. Not to be outdone in subtlety, Vivian penetrates Mcßride's disguise from the start, but permits him to serve as a protector against a rival gang which has been trying to filch the jewels. From the piquant situations which result, considerable humour is extracted and an active background developed for the romance which arises between the detective and his suspect. It is typical of the common-sehse method of production that the conclusion is both logical and pleasing. With its subtlety, its humour, its appeal to the intelligence, and its polished actors, “Whipsaw” reaches an entertainment level well above the average. THEATRE ROYAL ANOTHER GRAND PROGRAMME As the fastest, merriest farce in many a moon, with laughs galore, “Lightning Strikes Twice,” which heads the double bill at the Theatre Royal tonight, proves to be a peak Hollywood comedy of the year. The story is an unusual combination of the comic and melodramatic. It deals with the day’s experiences of a wealthy chap, having one last fling with a pal before his fiancee and his aunt arrive on the scene, and whose butler has a horror of cats. To this last point is keyed the laughably exciting “murder mystery” interwoven with the main theme. "Lightning Strikes Twice” develops an exciting twist of plot and sub-plot. A fan dancer and hei’ male accomplice get tangled in the skein of happenings, and are mistaken by the aunt for the fiancee and her father.

The popular Buck Jones is also on hand in “The Fighting Ranger” a stirring tale of the great West. A special matinee programme is advertised for Saturday afternoon.

REGENT THEATRE “THE GHOST GOES WEST" “The Ghost Goes West” which is one of the most enjoyable films seen in Timaru for a long time, will conclude to-day. The story is novel,, and the acting of Robert Donat is outstanding. “Street Singer’s Serenade” Based on the actual rise to fame of both its principals, “Street Singer’s Serenade,” the first of the new Herbert Wilcox “World Standard” productions, which opens its Timaru season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow, shows that British films are meeting the challenge of the American musical production. In the leading role is Arthur Tracy, celebrated United States radio and gramophone artist, who first became known through his performance in a stage show called “Street Singer.” Opposite him is Anna Nagle, a talented young British player, who re-enacts the story of her own rise from chorus to principal. Filmed almost entirely in the Lyceum Theatre, London, the picture is an excellent medium for Tracy, whose voice is given full opportunity in numerous songs, which include “La Donna e Mobile,” the haunting “Whistling Waltz,” “Celebratin’," “Stay Awhile” and “Street Singer's Serenade." The 10 numbers in which he appears provide a feast of music and amply demonstrate his amazing versatility. But the strength of the film lies not in music alone; in addition to come outstanding ballet work, there are several brilliant solo dances. Miss Neagle herself is a dancer of considerable ability, appearing in an exhibition tango, while Tilly Losch, a clever young Australian dancer, is seen in a dreamy waltz and a novel Eastern creation. STATE THEATRE “REMEMBER LAST NIGHT” “Remember Last Night?”, the mysterious, weird and at times humorous tale of the gay Long Island socialities on a wild progressive party which culminated in four atrocious murders concludes at the State to-day. Three murders are committed during the course of the gay revels, but the morning after not one of the thirteen suspects can remember a single thing that transpired the night before. Edward Arnold, the demon detective, asks of each one, “Remember Last Night?” and finally unravels the deep-laid plot. “Charge Chan’s Secret” From the opening scenes on a hulk bound by fog and mist in the Pacific Ocean to the final revelation of a cunning murderer, "Charlie Chan’s Secret,” opening to-morrow at the State Theatre, provides absolbing entertainment. Hastily recalled from Honolulu to San Francisco is trace a missing man, the heir to a vast fortune, Chan attends a spiritualist seance. Excitement runs high when the body of the missing man is thrust through a trapdoor with a knife-wound in it. The house is carefully guarded and further mystery is caused when one of the sus-

peels is shot. Chan has a house full of people, each one of whom may be the guilty person, not excluding the mediums who conducted the seance. Insignificant clues furnish his agile brain With a hypothesis of the crime and this he tests at great personal danger. After following up ar. intricate maze of events Chan decides upon another seance. Stage effects skilfully used create a tense atmosphere, and with dramatic suddenness Chan produces the murderer, later presenting an ingenious explanation of the events. Chan’s inscrutable methods are as puzzling as ever, but are none the less interesting for that. Herbert Mundin again plays his part of comic butler with finesse and Rosina Lawrence and Edward Trevor supply romantic interest. COMMUNITY SING Not only the supporters of the Royal Blue Queen but the public of Timaru are to be congratulated in that the services of Mr McNair have been secured to conduct a community sing at the Theatre Royal on Tuesday evening. Mr McNair’s success as a song ' leader at community sings is well i known to all wireless listeners, his | efforts resulting in a record amount being raised for charitable purposes | last winter. His one visit to Timaru | last year was such a huge success that I those who heard him will look forward I with pleasure to next Tuesday’s con- j cert, and, as tickets are going off [ well, a repetition of that success seems i certain. Some of the be. i local i artists have promised to assist and a . splendid night’s entertainment at a i small cost is assured. The box plan is at Begg’s. SOUTH CANTERBURY DRAMA LEAGUE “THE LATE CHRISTOPHER BEAN” The repertory section of the South Canterbury Drama League will present Emlyn Williams brilliant comedy, “The Late Christopher Bean" on Thursday. June 18. at 8 p.m., at the Theatre Royal. It so happens that the same play was produced last Saturday at Christchurch by the Canterbury Repertory Society. 14^would be interesting to compare the two productions. The play ran for a long time in London. Mr Joseph Thorp, chief dramatic critic of “Punch,” describes it as a delightfully human, witty, fantastic little comedy. Thi,s will be the fourth play presented by the repertory members of the League, and bids fair to keep up the excellent standard attained by the others. It is being produced by Miss Ngairo Marsh, of Christchurch. The box office opens on Monday at Begg’s at 9 a.ni.