STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 July 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

GRACIE FIELDS IN “KEEP SMILING.” The State Theatre was crowded on Saturday night when Grade Fields in “Keep Smiling,” again delighted the audience with her outstanding picture. The programme will be finally shown tonight as no extension of season is possible owing to the demand elsewhere for the picture. “THE GREAT MAN VOTES.'' The name of John Barrymore has always been associated with films thar are noteworthy for outstanding acting, and in “The Great Man Votes,” the new attraction at the State Theatre tomorrow night, the star lives up to his reputation. As the father of two children and a former prominent classical scholar who has slipped back in life tp occupy the position of a poorly-paid nightwatchman. Barrymore gives a wonderful characterisation. Prompted by the apparent widespread greatness of a local politician, and realising the talents their own father has, the children try to bring him once more before the admiring gaze of the public. An opportune election in which Barrymore is keenly followed by a political party for his vote, provides the opportunity, and overnight the hitherto scorned nightwatchman, noted previously only for his drinking habits, finds himself a public figure with a whole city acknowledging him as a rightful and intelligent voter, whose selection should be followed at the polls. A feature of the film is the enjoyable performances given by the child stars Peter Holden and Virginia Weidler.

The other feature is “Pardon Our Nerve.” Lynn Bari, who heads the cast of “Pardon Our Nerve,” is said to give the finest performance of her career in the picture and reams of critical praise have greeted her delightful make-believing wherever this chucklefull film has left audiences laughing, and, like Oliver Twist, asking for more. A grand cast of fun-makers was rounded up for '“Pardon Our Nerve" with Guinn (“Big Boy”) Williams and Edward Brophy supplying more laughs than ever, while Michael Whalen takes a fling at romance.