ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20887, 19 August 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

CURRENT PROGRAMMES “THEY MADE HER A SPY” AT TIIE STATE THEATRE A grim story of the danger from foreign agents is told in “They Made Her a Sqy.” The main role is taken by Sally tilers as a girl who courageously seeks single-handed to avenge her brother’s death by seeking out the leaders of an espionage ring which she believes has been responsible. It is only after passing through a series of thrilling and dangerous adventures that she lias the satisfaction of seeing a successful outcome. Those charmintg Gambinis go into the prizefight game in “Winner Take All,” and the result is one of the (inest pieces of entertainment to come out of Hollywood this season. Tony Martin and Gloria Stuart head the cast as the romantic team of this knockout film, which treats boxing from a new and refreshing angle. A Walt Disney coloured cartoon, “Donald's Lucky Day,” is also screened. “1000 DOLLARS A MINUTE” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL “1000 Dollars a Minute” is from the entertaining “Saturday Evening Post” story by Everett Freeman. Roger Pryor and Leila Hyams head the cast. The story deals with an impulsive young newspaper reporter who is thrown by fate Into a strange series of circumstances, resulting in his disposing of a thousand dollars a minute for twelve consecutive hours. With given rules and instructions the young man launches forth on one of the maddest, most humorous adventures ever beset by a modern picture character. In the story, Pryor meets with a clever combination of funsters including such well known players as Edgar Kennedy, Sterling Holloway, Herman Bipg, Franklin Pangborn, Edward Brophy, Arthur Hoyt, Russell Hicks, Claude King, Spencer Charters and William Austin. “Gangster's Boy,” starring Jackie Cooper, is the story of two friends, who planned, worked and dreamed together about going to West Point. Jackie Cooper is Larry Kelly, honour man and star athlete of the Andrew Jackson High School, who knows little about his idol, his father, except that he is a wealthy man. Tommy Wonder is Bill Davis, whom Larry has pulled through classes and examinations until they both receive West Point appointments. “BLOCKADE” AT THE 'ROXY THEATRE “Blockade,” featuring Madelene Carroll and 'Henry Fonda, though it employs the war only as a background and favours neither side in the conflict, furnishes a highly interesting and remarkably accurate picture of Spain's civil strife. Aeroplane raids, ■tierce battles in rural areas, the flight of refugees—aii are shown in a manner that brings to the audience an understanding of a condition that has disrupted the life of an entire nation. Without being propaganda in any sense, the picture demonstrates the complete futility of war as a means of solving the problems of the world. With Cary Grant as her co-star, Katharine Hepburn offers a sparkling performance in “Holiday.” The story of the society “Black sheep” who tries to conceal her affection for her sister’s Fiance, and of the promising young business man who wants to take a “Holiday” in order to learn the real meaning of life but is certain that it doesn't lie in money-grubbing, is very entertaining. “WIFE, HUSBAND AND FRIEND” AT THE CIVIC THEATRE All the elements of laughter have been welded in “Wife, Husband, and Friend,” in which Warner Baxter and Loretta Young have the main parts, The film tells of the efforts of a husband to try and dissuade his wife from embarking on a career as a singer. He is, however, imprudent enough to add that she has a very poor voice, and after this can do nothing to stem a determination which he bus inadvertently helped to strengthen. From this point the story moves with a jgay abandon, another woman Minnie Barnes corning to add further complication when she moves to jealousy the already-aroused wife, and I lie husband helping to increase Hie friendly animosity by achieving success in I lie very field of art where his wife is unsuccessfully trying to make her name. The two main players show tiiat their flair for comedy is perfectly suited by tiie exuberance of modern comedy. ulher bright performances are given by Cesar Romero, Eugene Pailelte, and .T. Edward Bromberg. “THE GREAT WALTZ” AT THE REGENT THEATRE The lilting music, tempestuous love, and festive gaiety which made Vienna Die most carefree city in Europe has been vividly brought to the screen in the musical romance “The Great Waltz.” Living all his life amid the m-aigic spectacle loved by the lighthearted citizens of Vienna. Johann Strauss captured its spirit forever in Ihe unforgettable melody of his waltzes. The life of the famous composer is tiie theme of “The (treat Waltz,” which becomes a gr.-at tribute to bis genius, as the most popular of the delightful melodics are sung by Miliza Korjus, continental opera star, accompanied by symphony orBesides presenting ono of the most lavish spectacles the screen lias ever offered, “The Great Waltz” reveals the tender love for beautiful Piidjtli Yogelhiifr that inspired Strauss to compose his most successful tunes. The supporting programme includes “Glimpses of Australia,” a coloured travelogue; “Weather Wizards.” a Pete Smith specialty; the cinesound Review and the British Ah* Mail News.

“HOME AND BEAUTY” THE HAMILTON PLAYBOX The intriguing situation of a man who returned from the war to find his wife married to someone else forms the basis of "Home and Beauty,” the play by Somerset -Maugham, which will be stage-d by the Hamilton Playbox at the Civic Theatre next Thursday night. It is a very entertaining romantic comedy, with witty dialogue and diverting situations, and the tense interest of the audience is held throughout. The Playbox has had many successes in past seasons, but it is doubtful' if anything quite so entertaining as “Home and Beauty” has been staged previously. The box plan will open next Minday morning.