ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 276, 22 November 1943, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES OPERA HOUSE Hailed as one of the greatest films of all time. “First of the Few," starring Leslie Howard and David Niven, is screening at the Opera House. It is an ambitiously planned pictorial biography of the late J. R. Mitchell, designer of the “Spitfire," the man whose amazing foresight and great aeronautical skill gained for Britain the Schneider Trophy, and contributed so much to the R.A.F. Victory in the Battle for Britain in 1940. Unable to get special release for Laurence Olivier from the Army to play the role of Mitchell, Howard is enacting the part himself, and he gives his most polished performance. After two years’ absence from the screen because of war duties, David Niven makes his return to pictures as “Crisp," test pilot and R.A.F. officer, and gives Leslie Howard full support in this great film as co-star. Playing the part of “Mrs. Mitchell," is Rosamund John, who is London born, and 27 years old. Roland Culver is another film gem In the picture and his talent has advanced his claims to stardom. Miss Leslie Howard, the 17-year-old daughter of the producer, makes her acting debut as a nurse in the film. In making this picture Leslie Howard has made one that fits the mood of the moment. REGENT THEATRE The feature film being screened at the Regent Theatre is “War Dogs," which is a gripping story of the spy war in the United States, The film has for its background a former Marine of the last war who was shellshocked, trying to re-enllst and his adventures in preventing sabotage in a big American defence factory. This motion picture deals with the training and use of canine guards in the American Army, and introduces the wonder dog “Ace,” who has been trained to a high standard of perfection. The associate feature is “High Explosive,” a film of drama and swift action.

MAJESTIC THEATRE Featuring Hedy Lamarr as “Tondalayo” and waiter Pidgeon, the dramatic film “White Cargo” is screening at the Majestic. It is a story dealing with the moist, steaming tropics, where a group of white men oversee a rubber plantation. Pidgeon is Witzel, sullen and hard-bitten overseer. Bramwell Fletcher plays his assistant who deteriorates in the heat and brutality of the jungles. Richard Carlson plays a young executive sent to replace Fletcher, and Tondelayo’s charms captivate him, in spite of Pidgeon’s warnings. Finally the young assistant overseer marries Tondelayo, precipitating a dramatic, primitive situation. Frank Morgan plays the bibulous but kindly old doctor in the jungle station, and Henry O’Neill a clergyman in the settlement. Hedy Lamarr was never moer exotic than as the dark-skinned Tondelayo, and Pidgeon handles his role With rugged strength. Carlson as the romantic young assistant is appealing, and wins great sympathy when his “bride” attempts to poison him. Richard Thorpe directed the picture with subtlety and skill. DUCHESS THEATRE.

Screening at the Duchess Theatre is “Spring Parade," starring Deanna Durbin and Robert Cummings. The supporting programme is varied and topical.