AMUSEMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21377, 21 June 1939, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS MAJESTIC THEATRE

“THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP’ “Three Smart Girls Grow Up” which is proving a popular attraction at the Majestic gives Deanna Durbin an unbroken record of five grand pictures. Here again is the same blend of beguiling gaiety and heart-warming tenderness which distinguished previous screen offerings. Grown up enough now to be given a coming-out party by their very rich parents at the start of the film, Penny this time undertakes to straighten out the tangled romances of two sisters. When Joan announces her engagement to Richard Watkins (William Lundigan), Penny learns that Kay is heartbroken because she is in love with Richard, too. Told by the butler that Kay would get over her grief once she met a tall, dark and handsome man, Penny decides to take matters hi her own hands and sets out to find someone tall, dark and handsome. A young pianist (Robert Cummings) seems to fit that description, so she brings him home to dinner and tries to pair him off with Kay, only to find that he’s fallen in love with Joan. The course of the plot is rather obvious from the be - ginning, but the wealth of incident, the expertly-rounded characterisations and naturalness of the players make it genuinely enjoyable entertainment. “If I Were King” One of the most picturesque and romantic fellows ever to strut across the pages of history, Francois Villon, forms the central figure in “If I Were King," which will be presented next Saturday at the Majestic Theatre. Ronald Colman, master of romantic parts, will be seen as the great poet, vagabond, lover, statesman and soldier, the people’s hero who held all France in the palm of his hand for one unforgettable week and taught a royal princess how to love. Lloyd, whose "Cavalcade," “Mutiny on the Bounty” and “Wells Fargo” have been among the greatest triumphs of the screen, selected a brilliant cast to support Colman. It includes Basil Rathbone, as the cynical and eccentric Louis XI of France; Frances Dee, as the lovely princess who made a national hero out of a vagabond poet; and Ellen Drew, as Villon’s tavern sweetheart. STATE THEATRE TWO GOOD COMEDIANS “Up the River,” which opens to-day at the State Theatre, is a combination of music and broad comedy. The story centres on a group of happy inmates in a mythical state prison which boasts a radio in every cell, gates that are practically revolving doors, and the best football team in the “Big Pen Conference.” Preston Foster is completely at home in his first light comedy role, and the elongated Arthur Treacher, as Foster’s partner in crime and football, gives his most polished performance. Joe Penner, popular film comedian, dons football attire for his current laugh vehicle, “Mr Doodle Kicks Off.’ He plays the lazy heir of

an industrial baron whose highest ambition is to direct his own orchestra, although his father wants him to become a football star. Forced into a football uniform and turned into a gridiron sensation by the combined efforts of the whole college, Penner finds himself in plenty of hot water because his father's promised endowment to the school has prompted the faculty to exert every effort to make him a star athlete. The ensuing climax is hectic and hilarious. Richard Lane, known as “Droppy,” is seen as a football coach, while pretty June Travis has the feminine lead. Others in the cast are Ben Alexander, Billy Gilbert, Jack Carson and Alan Bruce. “Topper Takes a Trip” This gay comedy is a sequel to last year’s successful “Topper,” and is one of the funniest films to reach the screen this season. The cast includes Constance Bennett, Roland Young, Billie Burke, Alan Mowbray an< Veree Teasdale. Roland Young again plays the role of Cosmo Topper, the bewildered banker, who is' about to lose his prim and conventional wife, played by the ever delightful Billie Burke. Constance Bennett, beautiful and glamorous, portrays again the ghostly Marion Kerby, who is anxioes to assist the unhappy Toppers in regaining marital happiness. The action swings from New York to the pictorial brilliance of the French Riviera, where Topper proceeds to race from one jam to another under the stage management of Marion and her phantom hoaxes. Plans are now open at Begg's. regent theatre “I STAND A-.CUSED” The only indictment that can be brought against “I Stand Accused" which comes to the Regent Theatre today is that it is refreshing entertainment, a delightful hour for screen audiences. This drama takes two bar-

risters, just out of college, and throws them upon the world. The two find that life has not been awaiting thengenius, and that the profession is already over-crowded with capable attorneys. Robert Cummings, one of the young l-.wyers, seizes upon an opportunity to defend a gangster and then, finding how easy it is to earn big money for ignoring scruples, becomes an underworld mouthpiece. Tom Beck, his pal. sticks to honour and poverty while awaiting his big opportunity. Events move swiftly and powerfully to the point where the life-long friends find themselves bitter opponents and working for the downfall of the other; one fighting for the law, and the other the lawless. Helen Mack, beloved by both, and Leona Roberts, as Cummings’ mother, add to the drama and poignancy by being drawn into the middle of the quarrel. “Kicking the Moon Around” brings to the screen an all-star cast headed by Ambrose and his Orchestra, Evelyn Dall. Harry Richman and Florence Desmond. This film is to be presented at the Regent to-day and to-night. Ambrose and his Orchestra universally famed by reason of their long-standing success on the stage and radio, provide something new in the way of screen entertainment in this film, which affords them equal scope to display their considerable histrionic abilities. Evelyn Dall, the lovely little blonde crooner, has a role which will present her to the public as an actress as well as a singer; Harry Richman in his own inimitable manner provides lyrical highlights; and Florence Desmond in a part ideally suited to her imitative talents, in addition to the character she portrays is given scope to mimic Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn and Gracie Fields.

“A TRIP TO HADES” THEATRE ROYAL TO-NIGHT Intensely interesting and completely satisfying, the new production, “A Trip to Hades,” which takes place at the Theatre Royal to-night, is deserving of a packed house. Chang himself is a great artist, the greatest of his type we have seen. At any rate no magician such gorgeous scenery and highly inbefcre has surroundt d himself with teresting music. Chang’s show is comsuch gorgeous scenery and highly interesting music. Chang's show is completely different, for, during each trick, of which there seems to be no end, the scenes are costantly changing, the lighting is most effective, and the many appearances of the ballet in varying types of costumes from the “Can Can” to a mystic "Flower Dance." The music by the “Marimba Band” is exceptionally good, and the same can be said for the singing of Ross Buchanan, the English baritone with the company. Joanna Claire, the American dancer, is a very beautiful young lady, and performs many interesting dances, in addition to working with Chang in many fo the tricks. The introduction of “ghosts” during the production ct uses a great deal of laughter, and in a number of cases, costernation. The finale is exceptionally well presented, being the story of a romance in old China, with all the magic and mystery of the East being brought to bear to give the prince and princess a happy ending. The box for to-night’s performance is at Begg’s.