AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20983, 11 March 1938, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT'S DOUBLE BILL THRILLS AND COMEDY An entertaining and well balanced double-feature programme will conclude at the Regent Theatre to-night. It is headed by the Paramount thriller “Bulldog Drummond Comes Back,” one of the popular series of films about the well-known detective character who first made his appearance in novels. An exceptionally strong cast takes part in the production and includes the noted character actor John Barrymore, John Howard, Reginald Denny, Louise Campbell and E. E. Clive. John Trent, makes his appearance in Paramount’s "She’s No Lady,” a gay comedy. Trent appears opposite Ann Dvorak in the picture which concerns the efforts of a band of thieves to steal jewels, without anybody knowing who anybody else is or what they are trying to do. George Formby in “Keep Fit” It is difficult to imagine a picture more replete with comic situations than George Formby had in “Keep Your Seats, Please,” yet that distinction may fairly be accorded to his latest offering, "Keep Fit,” which is to be shown to-morrow. So packed is the story with mirth-evoking action that at times the laughter makes the ensuing dialogue almost inaudible. George has the role of a young assistant in the barber's shop of a department store. He also has a sheepish fondness for the shop's pretty young manicurist. In the hope of finding favour in her eyes and justifying a supposed reputation for athletic prowess, George enters the Keep Fit Competition conducted by a local newspaper. Then his troubles and the fun begin; “TALE OF TWO CITIES" DICKEN’S IMMORTAL STORY Truly magnificent in its spectacular sweep, yet absorbing In its delightful intimacy, “A Tale of Two Cities,” starring Ronald Colman, will conclude its return season at the Majestic to-night. The story of "A Tale of Two Cities” is intimately known to millions of readers. It tells of the joys and sorrows, the adventures and the trials of a little group of people, English and French, who are caught in the maelstrom of the French Revolution of 1798. “Smilin’ Through” Few motion pictures are able to stand the test of being reissued following their initial release, but Norma Shearer’s triumphant film version of the famous stage classic, “Smilin’ Through.” in which she is supported by Fredric March and Leslie Howard, is one of those rare productions which have lingered in the hearts of moviegoers the world over. It is in the poignant story of "Smilin’ Through” that Miss Shearer first turned her back on her screen past, for in this production she has a role far removed from those which took her along the bypaths leading away from convention. The role is a forerunner of her brilliant portrayal of the poetess. Elizabeth Barrett, in “The Barretts of Wimpole Street.” Miss Shearer’s role is frankly tinged with sentimental romance. The story abounds in pathos. Ever since Jane Cowl first presented it on the New York stage, it has served as the model by which sentimentality in drama is measured. “As sweet and poignant as ’Smilin’ Through’” has come to be a phase by which critics point their comparisons. “ ANGEL’S HOLIDAY ” JANE WITHERS COMEDY Encounters with criminals of an unexpectedly mild type and the kidnapping of a film actress as a publicity measure are some of the incidents that make "Angel’s Holiday,” which will commence a season at the State Theatre to-day, entertainment of an amusing kind. The leading role of Angel, with whose adventures the picture is chiefly concerned, is taken by the aggressive young actress Jane Withers, who gives one of her best performances. While on holiday from school, Angel decides to give assistance to her uncle, who conducts the local newspaper. She uncovers much interesting news, but unfortunately neither her uncle nor the police, who know her nature, will believe it. Good performances in supporting roles are given by Robert Kent and Joan Davis. As "Angel,” Jane Withers infuses the character with a freshness and charm that Immediately wins the applause of film audiences. THEATRE ROYAL AN IMPORTANT PROGRAMME With a strong American cast, Gaumont-British have adapted Edgar Wallace’s “Northing Tramp” for the screen, called it "Strangers on Honeymoon." and given the star roles to Constance Cummings and Hugh Sinclair. It opens at the Theatre Royal to-day. A bright story of a surprise marriage and a tramp who turns out to be an English peer is laid in a small American town, on Canadian border and roadhouse locations, and is peppered with swift dialogue. The acting, like the action, is above reproach, the stars especially turning in exceptionally sound performances. Masterly direction and an entirely sympathetic cast has brought a first-rate comedythriller to the screen. As a new kind of screen detective, forced to work under cover because cruel killers hold his fiancee as hostage, Paul Kelly is perfectly cast in “The Frame-Up.” Pretty Jacqueline Wells returns to pictures to portray Kelly’s secretarysweetheart, Robert Emmett O’Connor is an ominous “heavy,” and George McKay wins more than his usual share of laughs as Kelly’s right-hand man.