ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19805, 8 February 1936, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES. GREAT OUTDOOR FILM. “ STORMY ” AT STATE THEATRE. Characterised by brilliant out-door photography, “Stormy,” which is the current attraction at the State Theatre, offers a refreshing change to theatregoers. The story Is set in Arizona, where the actual filming was carried out and deals with the adventures of a homeless young wanderer, Stormy, a Kreat lover of horses. Stealing a ride on a train, Stormy recognises Red Streak, a famous racehorse, being transported to a western track. Stormy makes a pet of the horse’s oolt, Rex, whose father was a wild horse. Thrown off the train, Stormy is befriended by Dorn, an elderly rancher, another horse lover, and taken to Dorn’s ranch. The train is wrecked some .distance from the ranch and %e colt escapes unharmed. Stormy finds Rex and builds a corral in the woods, planning to train the colt. He steals away daily to feed his pet. Kerry Dorn, the daughter of Dorn’s brother, discovers Stormy’s secret and the two young people become great pals. After training Rex. Stormy turns him loose with a herd -of wild horses. Deem, who has a villainous nature, resents Stormy, and his endeavours to do him harm form the basis of an engrossing story, in which the colt Rex plays a prominent part. The second film, “‘Bad Boy,” is from the story by Vina Delmar and features James Dunn in a role admirably suited to his talents. Dunn is seen as a flippant, bantering, but loveable young scamp who marries the girl he loves in the face of financial adversity and objections on the part of her parents. The female lead is carried by Dorothy Wilson. The usual Interesting featurettes will also be shown. FINE MUSICAL FILM. REGENT THEATRE ATTRACTION. Josephine Hutchinson, the beautiful star of several recent musical films, is seen in the leading role of “The Melody Lingers On,” which commences a season at the Regent Theatre today. A convincingly emotional story, ! placed amid exquisite settings and I with the accompaniment of enchanting songs and music, make the film t one which will be long remembered. I The film traces in the first scenes the development of a romance which is tragically ended with the death of the hero in the war. This part is exceptionally well done and , does not confuse sentiment with sentimentality. There are some well-

executed musical scenes, notably the presentation of the popular Toreador song from Carmen on the stage of La Scala Opera House in Milan by George Houston. The best acting performance is given by Josephine Hutchinson, who has a long and exacting role. John Halliday, Mona Barrie and Helen Westley complete the cast. A superlative supporting programme includes a Mickey Mouse creation in colour, as well as the usual interesting selection of news items and entertaining short features. “ WOMAN WANTED ” DRAMATIC FILM AT ROYAL. Maureen O'Sullivan and Joel Mc-C-rea form an attractive team in the leading roles of “Woman Wanted,” an absorbing drama which commenced a season at the Theatre Royal yesterday. The dramatic escape of a woman from the clutches of the police after she has been convicted of murder forms the opening of the story. The closing scenes of an impressive court trial open the action, and a young woman, Maureen O’Sullivan, standing before the judge receives the grim 'Sentence of death. As the police car is removing her to prison to await the fate which will slowly but inexorably descend upon her, the car is charged by a heavy motor-truck. Seizing the opportunity oi escape, the condemned girl makes a bold bid for freedom in the resulting confusion. Meeting a young man in a high-powered car (Joel McCrea) she enlists his services and he escapes from her demands only when she has been finally cleared of her -charge. Skilful photography introduces a number of highly exciting incidents into a theme which is essentially one of action. Not only are the forces of the police involved, hut the advent of a band of gangsters complicates matters. Maureen O’Sullivan and Joel McCrea have long parts, but their effortless acting and exuberant spirits carry their audiences wholeheartedly with them. Interesting newsreels and variety featurettes complete a good programme.