ACADEMY THEATRE

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXII, Issue 8869, 5 February 1943, Page 2

ACADEMY THEATRE

GU RR ENT PROGIIAMMES Hilarious Red Skelton spreads mirth wholesale in “Whistling in the Dark," comical adaptation of the Broadway hit now showing at the Academy Theatre with Skelton playing bis first starring role as a radio •‘crime creator” forced by criminals to invent a practical “perfect murder" for them. His antics and advonI lures in escaping with two girl friends maintain a continuous gale of laughter. The comedian has for a sweetheart .Ann Rutherford, while Virginia Grey plays her love rival. The girls stage a battle over Red which is one of the top spots in the general hilarity. Conrad Veidt, mystery man of “A Woman’s Face,” plays the sinister cultist leader who stirs up a!! the comical commotion. “Rags” Ragland, comedy hit of Broadway, adds to the hilarity. The medical profession, fraught with drama from every angle, is a favourite source of material for novelists, dramatists and screen playwiights, and Republic has turned out one of the most absorbing of these medical stories in “Doctors Don’t Tell." to be shown at the Academy Theatre to-morrow. John Beal. in thi' male lead, never ceases to identify himself with his made-to-order role - that of a conscientious young physician who rises above all temptations and problems that- beset the young medical man. As in real life, there are those whose integrity fails to make the grade, and Edward Norris portrays the doctor who succumbs to the temptation of soft living and sells himself to a gang of hoodlums who ; hereafter make him their vassal. Florence Rico portrays the young nigh! club singer who must choose between the two doctors and her choice, played to the hilt for drama and realism, brings out the til's! rift between the two friends. An unusual quality of well-sustain-ed interest features “Gentleman From Dixie," the Monogram drama of the Southland, which will be the supporting picture and has Jack La Rue and Marian Marsh in the starring roles. A succession of dramatic events builds up !o an unexpected climax, which finally clears away the shadow hovering over its principal characters, and tlie picture hits the mark as thoroughly satisfying- entertainment.