AMUSEMENTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21820, 25 November 1940, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

STATE THEATRE CHARLEY'S BIG-HEARTED AUNT" “Charley’s Big-Hearted Aunt," showing to-day at the State is an up-to-date version of the famous Bran-don-Thomas stage farce, which since 1892 has kept audiences rolling in their seats with laughter, and is ->n inspired choice for Arthur Askey’s starring vehicle. The comedy team is an excellent one and comprises Richard (“Stinker”) Murdoch and Graham Moffatt, who, together with Askey, play the roles of three undergraduates who are in danger of being sent down, and, in order to pacify the dean, conjure up an imaginary aunt who is purported to give away thousands of pounds in the cause of Egyptology, the dean’s favourite pastime. The dean decides to get in touch with the “aunt," and Arthur is inveigled into an impersonation with hilariously embarrassing results. Following in his famous grandfather's footsteps, is 20-year-old Derek Penley, grandson of W. S. Penley, whose name has gone down to posterity as the creator of "Charley’s Aunt," in the original stage production cf the new classic farce. Derek Penley appears as “Charley" in the film. Arthur Askey began his theatre work at the age of 13 by singing to wounded soldiers in hospital. From early musical comedy work in the provinces he has worked through London stage productions to reach 8.8. C. fame as “Big-hearted Arthur.” REGENT THEATRE “WAGONS WESTWARD” Everything comes in twos in the Republic picture. “Wagons Westward,” which is showing at the Regent Theatre to-day. There are two sisters, two brothers, and two weddings in the outdoor drama about the wild hectic days after the Civil War in lower New Mexico. Ona Munson and Anita Louise play the roles of the two sisters. Julie and Phyllis O’Conover, dancehall girls in a frontier saloon, who think they are in love with the same man. Chester Morris plays a dual characterisation, the first of his career. He portrays twin brothers, who are identical in appearance but completely opposite in character. The story of “Wagons Westward” revolves around a government law officer, Chester Morris, who captures and imprisons his own twin brother, a notorious killer, and poses as him in an effort to destroy his gang of outlaws. The ringleaders among the terrorists are portrayed by Buck Jones, Guinn Williams and Douglas Fowley. The comedy touches are injected by George “Gabby” Hayes, in the role of a toothless old man, the uncle of the twin brothers. MAJESTIC THEATRE “FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS” The Majestic Theatre has long been noted for its excellent films, comedy, drama, romance and adventure, and the latest success will be numbered among the best of its class. "French Without Tears" is a comedy in the English style and contains all the refinements, the witty dialogue and the humorous situations that could be expected. The first impression of the film is that it should offer great scope for comedy, and as the story progresses that impression becomes a certainty. The situations and the dialogue are handled in a typical English manner and the whole film is a tribute to restrained direction. The story begins and ends in a French school for budding diplomats. Everything progresses smoothly—or comparatively smoothly—till one of the boarders, all of whom are men, announces that his sister is coming unexpectedly to visit him and stay for a while. Ray Milland's acting is really good and he is ably supported by Ronald Culver. David Tree and Jim Gerald. Ellen Drew is the blonde and does her part ample justice. Janine Darcey has the part of the little French maid who is in love with one of the men who falls for the blonde newcomer. The rest of the programme is made up of the latest newsreel, a “Popeye the Sailor” cartoon, a Grantland Rice sports feature showing the popularity of bowling in America and English and Australian news reels. THEATRE ROYAL DOUBLE PROGRAMME “Beyond To-morrow," which is showing at the Theatre Royal, Is a film that is different, unusual, filled with tense situations and entertainment. This picture is one that will linger long in the memory of those who are privileged to see it. Charles Winninger has never done a better piece of acting. Richard Carlson, in the role of a young Texan who is the heart interest of Jean Parker and Helen Vinson, gives the best performance of his promising young career. Jean Parker equals her famous work in “Sequoia.” Miss Vinson, in the role of “the other woman,” is faultless. And C. Aubrey Smith and Harry Carey, as two partners of Winninger, and Maria Ouspenskaya, give characterisations of great distinction. Warner Bros, have got away from the stereotyped sort of setting usually associated with pictures of crooked gambling.