AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20782, 17 July 1937, Page 21 (Supplement)

AMUSEMENTS

“FIRE OVER ENGLAND" SPECTACULAR FILM AT REGENT Based on the widely-read novel by A. E. Mason, the Alexander KordaUnited Artists production “Fire Over England,” which opens at the Regent to-day is described as a vivid page in England's history, presented with due dignity and alive with the spirit of great deeds nobly done. In the words of one critic, the film fills one with the sense of the almost unconscious greatness of the people of England in time of trial. The trial in this case is the momentous period when th little island challenged the might of Spain and by destroying the Great Armada made possible Britain’s claims ‘ o be mistress of the seas. Even more important, perhaps, that victory assured that English ways of thinking and living would not be lost to the world. Against settings that recapture the pageantry and colour of Elizabethan days, the story unfolds. It is vigorous, romantic,I swashbuckling entertainment, dominated by Flora Robson's magnificent portrayal of Queen Elizabeth; possibly the greatest and undoubtedly the truest yet presented on the screen. Miss , Robson's acting has the quality of dignity, power and human understanding symbolic of “Good Queen Bess,” and also that bitterness and jealousy of a woman realising that she is growing old which marked the other side of Elizabeth’s character. She dominates the picture, but there is a wealth of fine acting from the supporting cast, among whom Laurence Olivier, Leslie Banks, Raymond Massey, Vivien Leigh and Morton Selten stand out. In every respect, “Fire Over England” would seem to merit its description as a triumph for British filmcraft, and the award for merit which it gained from the League of Nations by the unanimout vote of 52 member nations. “THAT GIRL FROM PARIS” LILY PONS AT STATE A musical melange ranging from modern swing tunes to an operatic aria sung by the world-famed diva, Lily Pons, is brilliantly and unobtrusively presented in the melodic comedy, "That Girl from Paris,” in which Miss Pons is starred with Ger.e Raymond and Jack Oakle at the State. The distinguished little French soprano is supported by one of the most versatile groups of comedians ever assembled for a photoplay, including Herman Bing, Mischa Auer, Frank Jenks and Lucille Ball. Miss Pons plays the role of a French opera star, who jilts her manager at the altar and pursues a handsome American saxophonist to America by stowing away in his cabin. Her troubles as a fugitive from the immigration authorities are manifold, and they increase when two of the members of the orchestra, Raymond and Oakie, fall in love with her. Interspersed in the kaleidoscopic picture, with a French grape festival, an ocean liner, an American road-house and the Metropolitan Opera House as backdrops, is a pot pourri of melody climaxing in the rendition by Miss Pons of tlie beautiful aria from “The Barber of Seville.” The climax is hilarious in the extreme. Interspersed through the high-speed story are Miss Pons’ magnificent renditions of Strauss’ “Blue Danube,” “Una Voce Poco Fa“‘ from “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini, Panofka’s “Tarantella” and three modern numbers by Arthur Schwartz and Edward Heyman, “Call to Arms,” “My Nephew from Nice” and “Seal It With a Kiss”—all of which promise everywhere. THEATRE ROYAL POPULAR PROGRAMME Another popular programme was presented at he Royal last night when well varied entertainment was provided by a bright comedy and a thrilling mystery story. The mystery of how a man committed murder while buried under-water in a sealed casket is unfolded in “Find The Witness.” Featured in the cast are Charles Quigley and Rosalind Keith. The story tells how an enterprising newspaper reporter, played by Quigley, and a young girl secretary, played by Miss Keith, become involved in a cunning murder plot. His change from a reporter to an amateur detective and how he risks his life to prove how the real murderer committed the crime furnish the powerful climax. Laughter abounds in “Don’t Get Personal” the second attraction, with the clever comedians Sally Eilers and James Dunn starred. There is plenty of action and rapid-fire comedy in the film. MAJESTIC THEATRE “SAN FRANCISCO” A new and truly romantic team is brought to the screen in Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s “Sun Francisco,” playing at the Majestic Theatre to-day in Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald. For th. first time the rugged, two-fisted, jaw-socking Gable of old and the lovely Miss MacDonald with the voice that thrills, are brought together, with Spencer Tracy sharing stellar honours. San Francisco” has drama, love interest, comedy and spectacle. Gable has the rough and tough type of role in which hi.s screen public likes him best. Miss MacDonald has the ideal part to give her opportunity to sing, and when she sings there is a reason for her singing for her songs arc a part of the plot. The story, directed by W. S. Van Dyke and produced by Bernard I yman and John Emerson, is the story of the Barbary Coast of thirty years ago, opening on New Year’s Eve, 1906, and continuing through one of the most disastrous dramas of the century, the San Francisco earthquake and fire. Gable is the boss of one of the most popular resorts on the Barbary Coast. Miss MacDonald is the small town girl who wanders into his dance hall, filled with ambition to become a great singer. Beginning her career on the Coast, e succeeds in rising to operatic heights, but returns to the Coast to sing in tights for the man she loves. Gable has never been seen to greater

advantage than in his present role in which he gives a performance that stands out for its power and sharply etched character delineation. Miss MacDonald singing songs which range from simple ballads to glorious operatic arias, surpasses ever her superb work in “Rose Marie” and “Naughty Marietta. Scoring in the supporting cast are Jack Hole, Jessie Ralph, Ted Healy, Shirley Ross, Margaret Irving, Harold Huber, and twenty-four former film stars who may be discovered m minor roles. The wonderful novelty “Audioscopics” Is also on the programme together with a funny “Popeye” cartoon. GLADYS MONCRIEFF TWO POPULAR OPERAS Miss Gladys Moncrieff, the idol of Australian and New Zealand playgoers, who will make her reappearance Here on Thursday night next in “The Merry Widow,” and on Friday evening next in “The Maid of the Mountains” began her triumphant career playing small parts in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and one of her first outstanding successes was achieved in New Zealand when she delighted playgoers with her glorious voice and her splendid artistry in “Katinka,” which afterwards enjoyed record seasons in Sydney and Melbourne. During the past two years Miss Moncrieff has been singing from the broadcasting stations in Australia and New Zealand, but she could not withstand the offer of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., to appear under their management in the Commonwealth and this Dominion in a series of those operas in which she had achieved her most outstanding successes. The glorious melodies of Franz Lehar’s delightful operetta “The Merry Widow,” together with its intensely interesting story, its excellent comedy scenes and its picturesque settings and gorgeous dresses and costumes combine to make it one of the best musical plays the stage has ever known. “The Maid of the Mountains,” too, is packed with good musical numbers and its author has created some wonderful material for the comedians, while it also unfolds a delicious love romance. Playgoers will be glad to welcome Mr Cecil Kellaway, who is unquestionably one of the cleverest comedians who has ever visited New Zealand, and he is splendidly assisted in the comedy scenes by Don. Nicol, the hero of “White Horse Inn.” Mr Eric Bush, the juvenile lead of the organisation, is a young New Zealander who has climbed quickly to the top rank of his profession. He has a good stage presence, he is a brilliant dancer, and he has a baritone voice of good quality. Miss Isobcl Cue, who plays Frou Frou in “The Merry Widow,” is a pretty and talented young Australian soubrette, and in Arthur Clarke (tenor) and Carmen Mascagny (soprano) the company has two fine singers. The box plans will be opened at Begg’s Music Warehouse on Tuesday morning next at nine o’clock.