AMUSEMENTS

Wairarapa Daily Times, 5 September 1936, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS

STATE THEATRE.

‘‘PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER.” True friendship that proves itself under a hail of fire and in the face of gay adventure is the theme of the dashing, colourful and exciting 20th Century picture, “Professional Soldier,” which screens at the State Theatre to-night. The picture presents Victor McLaglen and Freddie Bartholomew in their first co-starring role. McLaglen has the part of a soldier of fortune who undertakes to kidnap the king of a little European state. McLaglen and his assistant, played by Michael Whalen, carry out their part of their bargain, even though they lose their taste for it when they discover that the monarch is a stripling. They also carry away Gloria Stuart, who breaks in on them in the middle of the crime. In a mountain hiding-place, the king and the soldier strike up a fast friendship. McLaglen trains the ‘lad in games, in which he soon becomes more proficient than his instructor, and tells him horrific tales of bloodshed. Everything goes well, even the blossoming romance between Whalen and Miss Stuart, until a royalist plot carries the king back to his palace and McLaglen to a cell to await death. But the royalists themselves plot to do away with the king. In the thrilling, nerve-scraping climax, McLaglen stages a gaol-brealc and a one-man war that outstrips even his colourful lies, bringing the story to its happy close. Among the supporting players are Constance Collier and C. Henry Gordon. Reserves at F. J. Adcock’s, ’phone 1275.

THE REGENT. ‘‘THOROUGHBRED. ’ ’ The first of Cinesound’s “World Standard Productions” is “Thoroughbred,” an epic of the Australian turf, culminating in a sensational climax revolving around the world-famous Melbourne Cup. “Thoroughbred” will be shown at the Regent Theatre this evening, at 7.45. The specially selected “Thoroughbred” cast of international players is headed by the glamorous Hollywood star, Helen Twelvetrees, with John Longden, Frank Leighton, Nellie Barnes, Nellie Ferguson and Harold Meade. Miss Twelvetrees’ name will naturally be a decided asset, and this same charming little Helen, who so endeared herself to all with whom she worked on the production of “Thoroughbred,” is certain to captivate the hearts of audiences everywhere. Other production highlights of “Thoroughbred” are the photography, which has always been of the highest standard in all Cinesound productions, and the Cinesound (All-Australian) recording. Reserves at W. G. Perry’s, ’phone 2496.

COSY THEATRE. TWO BIG ATTRACTIONS. There is real adventure and romance in the thirlling screen adaptation of Captain Marryatt’s great novel, “Midshipman Easy,” which will be shown at the Cosy Theatre to-night, at 7.45. Taking the role of Jack Easy, young Ilughie Green, the new variety and radio star, gives a brilliant performance, and the characters gathered around him are no less interesting. A typical example is the giant negro servant, Mesty, who is played by W. R. Adams. Adams is a famous wrestler, being known in those circles as “The Black Eagle.” A second attraction is provided in a most sensational adventure film, the latest production of Mr and Mrs Martin Johnson, entitled “Baboona.” “Baboona,” it is said, outdistances anything the Johnsons have' yet brought back from unexplored and savage lands, not only for authenticity and graphic detail, but for sheer suspense and excitement. This time the intrepid pair of explorers have made safari in Africa by air. Sub-titling their feature “an aerial epic over Africa,” they have created it from the labours of two years —during which time they travelled some 60,000 miles by air above jungle and plain, above unknown waters and mysterious mountains. Reserves at W. G. Perry’s, ’phone 2496.