ENTERTAINMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 96, 24 April 1944, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TO-DAY’S PROGRAMMES OPERA HOUSE. How an arrogant Nazi ace discloses moral weakness under great strain, and the manner in which he abandons the code ot chivalry in his dealings with his ex-fiancee, creates thrilling, suspense-laden entertainment in 1i.K.0. Radio's timely new production, “Squadron Leader X,” screening today at the Opera House. Eric Portman, rapidly rising young star of numerous successes, and Ann Dvorak, remembered vividly for "Scarface,” are teamed in the fascinating story. Portman, as the flyer, finds himself in Britain with the identity of an R.A.F. pilot, when a Nazi scheme fails to achieve its purpose. Resident in London before the war, he frantically searches for old members of the proNazi movement in Britain. His exfiancee, now staunchly pro-British and happily married to a doctor, is forced to co-operate with him in aiding his return to the Reich. Portman’s performance is histrionically perfect, and Ann Dvorak infused great sympathy into her role as the girl The strong supporting cast includes . such well-known players as Walter Fitzgerald, Martin Miller, Beatrice . Varley, Henry Oscar and Barry .Jones. REGENT THEATRE. Gene Autry, whose fans have elevated him to the status of a national 1 hero, lives up to all expectations in his • current Republic film, “Stardust on i th e screening at the Regent I Theatre. Aided and abetted by Smiley ; Burnette, his genial comedy sidekick i and the engagin’ Miss Louise Currie, his leading lady, he turns in one of his ( most entertaining performances to | date, one which should serve to cement s the legions of his admirers and win him many more. This latest Autry musical western presents Gene as chief buyer for a national packing concern who scents trouble when he ' learns that his ranch-owning friends f are investing all their spare money in J a hydraulic mining venture instead of s in cattle. In traditional style Gene < saves the day for the family and sees to it that the ranchers get a just re- ’ turn for their investment. Burnette, rotund comic appearing in all the Autry films, is at his best in "Stardust on the Sage.” Edith Fellows, former child star has an appealing adolescent role. The associate feature is “She’s for Me.” MAJESTIC THEATRE. There are thrills, laughter and tears in th e magnificent picture, “The Foreman Went to France,” screening today. Brilliantly directed, magnificently played, “The Foreman Went to France” is touched with the beauty of courage, the grandeur of self-sacrifice and the splendour of answering devotion. It tells a stirring story of

memorable effort in which comedy plays no inconsiderable part, but with realism remaining the key note. Clifford Evans turns in the best performs ance ot a brilliant career as the foreman who went to France and after most incredible adventures reclaimed invaluable machinery a jump ahead oj the Gestapo and Quislings. An honestj straight forward story-telling ofl panic, French evacuee-ridden roads.! bomb and maehjne-gun attacks, and oreathlesly exciting shooting set-to. Constance Cummings plays the American secretary who would not quit and Tommy Trinder scores the aS t^'e ,iever - say - t *‘ e Cockney DUCHESS THEATRE. Screening to-night at the Duchess] Theatre, “The Talk of the Town” features Cary Grant, Jean Arthur and Ronald Colman, three dazzling stars ini a story full of romance, drama and comedy.