AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21325, 20 April 1939, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

PRISON WITHOUT BARS

MOVING STORY AT STATE “Prison Without Bars" one of the most moving dramas of the year, with special honours going to the star, Corinne Luchaire, will be screened finally at the State to-night. Edna Best, Barry K. Barnes, Martita Hunt, Mary Morris and Lorraine Clewes are included in the supporting cast.

“There Goes My Heart’

Fredric March and Virginia Bruce romp through the merriest adventures of the year in “There Goes My Heart.” Hal Roach’s gay comedy romance which begins to-morrow. The storycasts Virginia as a madcap heiress who tries to run out on her fortune and March as a reporter who tries to run out on his boss. Virginia gives up her yacht for a job in a bargain basement and finds a new world full of walk-up apartments, kind-hearted salesgirls and eccentric motormen. Then into her life roams the roving reporter. Patsy Kelly heads the supporting cast as the electric vibrator demonstrator who befriends the poor little rich girl, and versatile Alan Mowbray has one of his maddest roles as Patsy's subway sweetheart, who works all night and studies chiropractic by day. Nancy Carroll returns to the screen in an important featured role, while others who are prominently cast are Eugene Pallette. Etienne Girardot, Claude Gillingwater and Arthur Lake. KIPLING'S FAMOUS STORY “ELEPHANT BOY" AT REGENT Rudyard Kipling’s famous story, “Toomai of the Elephants” comes to the screen as the thrilling picture of Indian jungle life “Elephant Boy,” which is showing at the Regent Theatre. The picture, which was screened at the Regent on its previous Timaru season, is undoubtedly one of the greatest films which have ever reached New Zealand. It is rare entertainment right off the beaten track. The story tells of a young Indian boy, son of a Mahout, who dreams of the day he will become a great hunter like his grandfather, "Toomai of the Elephants.” “I Am the Law” and “A Bride for Henry” Edward G. Robinson, who has been described as “the perfect gangster” for the excellence of his dramatic characterisations in the mobster pictures he has made, appears to-morrow as a fighting prosecutor wiping out gangsters with their own weapons in “I Am the Law.” This is not a "gangster" picture in the ordinary sense. Endorsed by J. Edgar Hoover, chief of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it illustrates in most convincing and dramatic fashion that hoodlums l.:.ve no pluck. As the cable news from America proves day after day, a prosecutor who is prepared to go after them, using their own relentless tactics, can smash any mob of ruffians who pretent to be tough. Robinson is cast as a mild-mannered law professor who employs his sabbatical leave to wipe out the rackets as a fighting prosecutor. Otto Kruger is the undercover chief of the underworld who, to divert suspicion from himself, is active in encouraging and advising Robinson's anti-crime campaign. Barbara O’Neil is reported to provide a sensational performance as Robinson’s wife, and Wendy Barrie and John Beal, as an ex-reporter turned gungirl, and as the crusading professor's aide, are others in the exceptional cast. ‘ I Am the Law” has a novel and thrill packed enmax. according to advance reports, in which Robinson shows several hundred criminals a news;eel of an electrocution; he also shows a suspects “Candid" news movies of racketeering conferences. These, as prlma facie evidence of collusion between supposed honest citizens and known criminals, are effective in leading towards confessions The climax is, in itself, brought about by a motion picture. Robinson obtains an actual movie of a murder being committed —a picture obtained under dramatic but perfectly feasible circumstances. On the same programme is a farce of the rather daring type, featuring Anne Nagel and Warren Hull. “AMBUSH” AT MAJESTIC GLADYS SWARTHOUT STARRED A role a week was the record Gladys Swarthout, Paramount star currently in "Ambush.” at the Majestic Theatre, set in her first year with the Metropolitan Opera Company. Opera goers were intrigued by the youth and beauty of this American-born soprano, and their demands, resulted in her making fifty-six appearances in her first season, more than any of her fellow-artists. Through radio and

concert tour appearances. Miss Swarthout built up a national prestige that forced motion pictures to bid for her talents. Under contract to Paramount, she starred in such successes as “Rose of the Rancho.” “Give Us This Night.” and "Champaigne Waltz.” Miss Swarthout's role in “Ambush" calls for a straight dramatic performance in the part of a girl trapped by bandits who fights her way to freedom and love. Lloyd Nolan is cast opposite her in the romantic lead of this new Paramount film.

“The Count of Monte Cristo" “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a story whose romantic fantasy, imaginative adventure and dramatic characterisations have enthralled millions for generations. Robert Donat, sensational young star of England and all Europe, makes his American debut in this picture, which is to start a season at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday. The fortunate star that watches over the destiny of Donat twinkled overtime when it brought him the starring part in the feature, in which Elissa Landi enacts the feminine lead. Perhaps there is no tangible reason, or set of reasons, for the unprecedented popularity of this great Dumas work. But it does have priceless lines, imaginative romance, strong characters, beauty of setting.

sustained suspense of plot, elements of surprise, and fabulous proportions, justice triumphs in the climax after undoubtedly being kicked about for several breathless sequences, and it ends happily. The story leaves nothing to be desired. Donat as “The Count of Monte Cristo,” has an auspicious vehicle on which production value and time have been spent lavishly. Donat' embraces his opportunity in full mea- > sure, and his name, as well as the picture. takes rank along with those productions labelled "exceptional." Convicted without trial and condemned without mercy the Count of Monte Cristo spent 20 years in a dungeon. He had 20 years to plot and plan. 20 years of nerve-racking patience and then freedom with riches and power to w'reck the lives of the three who wrecked his. CONCESSION BILL ROYALS PROGRAMME The popular Warren William again returns to the screen as Perry Mason, the brilliant attorney-detective created by Author Erie Stanley Gardner —this time in “The Case of the Velvet Claws.” a baffling, thrilling murder drama at the Royal. Packed with suspense from first scene to fade-out. and not lacking humour, the picture is the best plot yet created by Gardner who wrote three other stories starring William, “The Case of the Lucky Legs.” “The Case of the Curious Bride,” and “The Case of the Howling Dog.” The second feature at the Royal, “Man of the Moment.” is a comedy in which there is scarcely a moment free from hilarity as ten men seek one girl. The cast includes such favourites as Douglas Fairbanks, junior. Claude Hulbert and Laura La Plante. ANZAC NIGHT R.S.A. ENTERTAINMENT In aid of a worthy object the improvement of the graves in the Timaru cemetery of South Canterbury Returned Soldiers, an entertainment will be held by the Returned Soldiers' Association in the Theatre Royal on Anzac night. Tuesday next. Items by local returned soldiers who are wellknown and popular entertainers will comprise the first half of the programme. The second half will consist of a special picture attraction entitled “Men of Yesterday.” This is an English picture and includes in the cast such w’ell-known artists as Stuart Rome. Ella Shields. George Robey and Will Fyffe. The picture contains many authentic war scenes and is highly interesting and entertaining. It has been recommended to all returned men by Headquarters of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. The entertainment, which should be a most enjoyable one is open to the public, and no charge is being made for admission. A reservation charge of 1 - a seat is. however, being made and the public are advised to book early. The box plan is now open at Beggs. No seats will be booked after Monday. WORLD FAMOUS BOYS YOUNG AUSTRALIANS COMING A happy crowd of Young Australians, under the title of the Young Australian Boys' Revue and Stage Band, musically gifted and talented as comedians. dancers and impersonators, will appear at the Theatre Royal on Thursday. Friday and Saturday. April 27. 28 and 29. with a matinee on Saturday. These lads have toured the w rid and have also performed in some of Australia's principal theatres. They played a record season in Auckland recently, when huge audiences acclaimed their performance as one of the most brilliant and novel productions ever seen there. Their performance is original in its presentation, and entertaining from start to finish. They use several tons of scenery, costumes. lights and properties, and their stage settings are most attractive. They have a brilliant stage band which features three piano accordions and three xylophones, while a complete orchestra accompanies the revue, which moves with speed and polish from start to finish. The box plan is now open at Beggs and the admission prices are popular.