ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 277, 23 November 1943, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES REGENT THEATRE “War Dogs” and "High Explosive" will be finally screened at the Regent Theatre to-day. “Phantom Killer.” One of the most absorbing films in a long period “Phantom Killer" screens at the Regent to-morrow. “Phantom Killer" probes Ute diabolic machinations of the distorted mind of a man who feigns deafness and dumbness to carry out his would-be “perfect crimes.” How a citizen of high repute, and a public benefactor in his city, raises large sums of money by floating private loans through financiers impressed with his importance and business rating, and then kills when his notes fall due, is only one of the play’s unusual elements. The new “wrinkle’’ in crime plots is provided when Mr. Public Benefactor puts his twin brother in his place at public affairs, while he himself at the same moment carries out his killings. Making victims of his financial providers on the days his notes fail due is an idea that has perhaps been a transient tenant in many a mind. The associate film is “Wild Cat of Tuscon." MAJESTIC THEATRE One of the greatest and most thrilling pictures ever to emerge from a British studio, “Unpublished Story,” the Two Cities-Columbia drama costarring Richard Greene and Valerie Hobson at the Majestic to-day, covers those tremendous days of AugustSeptember, 1940, when the Battle of Britain was raging at its height. Directed by Harold French from an original story by A. Havelock-Alan and Allan MacKinnon, the plot ot "Unpublished Story” centres on two newspaper reporters, played by Richard Greene and Valerie Hobson, from whom we learn something of the thoughts, fears and, above all, ths hopes inspired by the times portrayed. Richard Greene discovers a so-called "peace organisation,” which he suspects of being used by the Nazis as a mask for their fifth column activities. His investigation begins with the Battle of Britain at its height, and continues through the subsequent period ot night bombing. 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 bom, 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. DUCHESS THEATRE. The latest change at the Duchess Theatre is “The Gay Falcon” with George Sanders, Wendy Barrie and Gladys Cooper In the leading roles. The picture is excellent entertainment. A varied supporting programme includes gazettes and topical films.