AMUSEMENTS REGENT THEATRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21528, 15 December 1939, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS REGENT THEATRE

‘ GARDEN OF THE MOON” To-day will see the closing session Of "Garden of The Moon” and the inystery thriller, “The Patient in Room 18.” “Legion of Lost Flyers” Fist-fighting flyers blazing an air trail over the Alaskan wilderness are the central figures in the new Richard Arlen-Andy Devine co-starring action drama, "Legion of Lost Flyers,” comihg to the Regent to-morrow. The most important supporting cast yet lined up for the series includes Anne Nagel, William Lundigan, Ona Munson, Theodor Von Eltz, Guinn “Big Boy” Williams, Jack Carson. Jerry Marlowe, 4<eon Ames, Leon Belasco, and others, beginning in a fast-moving manner. the story opens with a fatal crash for which Arlen is falsely blamed. He follows the real culprit to Alaska, where a troupe of flyers has tfeen banded together to battle with tfre elements and fly a commercial route. There Arlen is branded “coward" and is forced to fight resentment on the part of his flying mates while ttying to clear his name. The second attraction is the sparkling comedy ••-Men are Such Fools," with Wayne Morris, Priscilla Lane, Humphrey Bogart and Hugh Herbert in the main rbles. Plans are at Begg's and the theatre.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

! "VALLEY OF THE GIANTS" •An intensely dramatic film story, enacted by a great cast and based on a well-loved novel, can hardly fall to be exciting motion picture fare. Add to this the exquisite pictorial beauty of California's redwood country, filmed in vivid technicolour—and you have "Valley of the Giants,” based on the Peter B. Kyne novel, which opens at tire Majestic Theatre to-day. The Kyne saga of the redwood forests has been picturised twice before —in the days before the screen learned to talk Milton Sills and Wally Reid were the stars, and they have a worthy successor in young Richard Purcell, who is probably closer to the author’s conception of the hero than either of the former stars. He is to the very life, the big, lusty—and finely altruistic—young lumberman who fights so valiantly to prevent the despoliation of his beloved redwood forests. Comparatively a newcomer to Hollywood's list of ranking star names, Purcell gives a magnificent performance, which is backed up by the fine work of an outstanding supporting cast. Merely listing the names of the performers in the Warner film is impressive enough, for they Include Claire Trevor, Charles Bickford, Alan Hale, Frank McHugh, Donald Crisp, Jack Laßue and John Lltel. But none of them rests on previous laurels; they all prove anew their right to their well-earned reputations. "Valley of the Giants" knits together in one wellintegrated tale typical incidents of the successful fight of native Californians to prevent the ruthless despoliation of their famous redwood forests by rapacious lumber interests. The supporting programme is worthy of special notice on the front page. STATE THEATRE

"SHIPYARD SALLY” Gracie Fields is said to be at her most vivid and amusing best in her new film. "Shipyard Sally,” opening to-day at the State. Opening with the launching of the Queen Mary on the Clyde, moving powerfully on to depressed days, and progressing through comedy and pathos to a triumphant and Inspiring ending, the story provides a perfect setting for the finest film yet made by one of the most popular stars the world has ever known. Gracie appears as Sally, variety singer, who is discouraged by the poor response of Glasgow audiences, and embarrassed by the presence of her rascally but lovable father, the "Major." played by Sydney Howard. "The Major” buys a Clydeside pub with Sally's savings, just before the depression settles over the shipyards. By the time Sally has learned the running of the place, her customers have no money left. She gives them encouragement and beer with equal generosity. When the men learn that a commission has been appointed in London to report on the situation at Clydebank, they realise how important it is that the authorities should know of their desperate plight. A petition is signed, and Gracie is persuaded to go to London to urge that the men be given work. In London, Sally still has "The Major" to keep under control. as well as trying to see the elusive Lord Randall (Morton Selten), chairman of the commission. But there are many incidents to contend with before Sally is able to see him. She must pose as an American blues singer to gain admittance to a party at his house; she must pose as a young man to gain admittance to his club; she must continue her impersonation of the singer so that she might visit his country mansion. Eventually, in spite of the “Major,” her efforts succeed, and the way is paved for an inspiring close to an entirely satisfying film. THEATRE ROYAL

“LUCK OF THE NAVY” A brilliant cast appears in "The Luck of the Navy,” showing at the Theatre Royal to-night. An unknown name heads the list in Geoffrey Toone, but that fact is the more interesting when one finds him to be as handsome and more manly than a good many screen heroes. Judy Kelly’s heroine is another addition to the lengthening list of excellent work by her recent pictures. Olga Lindo is there as a dragon of a housekeeper and a spy to boot. Albert Burdon and Alf Goddard bob up with a grand comedy study from the lower deck, and Marguerite Allen is the beautiful niece of a smooth villain played by another newcomer, Keneth Kent. There is one terriffle star in the picture—The Royal Navy—and the action scenes it provides are enough to put this film in the top entertainment class. To fill the cup to overflowing there is a quickly moving story of spies in the household of a retired Admiral, and a really smashing free-for-all when the spies Are unmasked. The second feature is a rousing tale entitled "Where the West Begins.”