ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TO-NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES REGENT THEATRE An absorbing drama, depicting a man torn between his devotion to duty and his natural affection for his son, is unfolded in “Sergeant Madden.” Wallace Beery is convincing as a lumbering, good-natured Irish policeman, while a performance that augurs well for his future in dramatic films is given by Alan Curtis. As the policeman’s son he is forced to follow in his father’s footsteps much against his will, and his vain, egoistical nature turns him into a soured and ruthless man, who instead of walking his beat in sober and friendly fashion tries to make an impression by indiscriminate shooting and killing. The story works up to a sensational climax. “ICE FOLLIES OF 1939” “The Ice Follies of 1939,” a spectacular show starring Joan Crawford and many skating champions, will be screened on Saturday. STATE THEATRE Marooned by the blizzard in a mountain lodge, with only a stuffed moose as chaperon and caviar and crackers for food—that is the romantic predicament that faces Don Ameche and Ann Sothern in “Fifty Roads to Town.” Supporting these two stars, Slim Summerville, Jane Darwell, John Qualen, Douglas Fowley, Allan Lane, Alan Dinehart and Stepin Fetchit add humour and excitement to the film. “Night Waitress” is filled with tense excitement and thrills on the San Francisco waterfront. Here the dregs of humanity mingle on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, soldiers of fortune from the seven seas, wharf rats, and all of the shadowy characters of a seaport. “ASK A POLICEMAN” “Ask a Policeman” and “Torchy Gets Her Man,” two entertaining films, will be screened to-morrow. ROXY THEATRE In “Ex-Champ” Victor McLagen is forced to make a decision that means the sacrifice of his own honour, deal to him through years of honest effort. When he loses ms job as apartment house doorman he undertakes the training of a young fignter, who ultimately reaches the goal of a fight with the champion. McLaglen's son (played by uonald Briggs; hasmeanwhile speculated with a client’s money, and laces disgrace and prison unless the funds are replaced. Gunner is faced with the decision of sacrificing his fighter and his own honesty to save the reputation of his own son. “Cowboy From Brooklyn” is a sparkling musical comedy, with popular Dick Poweil acting gaily and singling delightfully. “THERE GOES MY HEART” “There Goes My Heart,” featuring Frederic March and Virginia Bruce, and “The V/are Case” will be screened to-morrow. CIVIC THEATRE “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” is a vivid depiction of the menacing undercover activities fostered in America by the most dangerous of all the enemies of democratic institutions—the Nazi regime in Germany. In making the picture, Warner Bros, have used all the facilities at their command to bring the danger of these activities out into the open. Edward G. Robinson portrays the G-Man who breaks the spy ring and brings four of the members to trial and conviction. Paul Lukas plays the doctor who heads the spy ring, and Francis Lederer portrays a bungling Nazi informer. “BACHELOR MOTHER” “Bachelor Mother,” to be screened to-morrow, is as intrigu.vig as its title. Ginger Rogers and David Niven have the leading roles. CHARLEY’S AUNT A comedy company staging “Charlie’s Aunt” and “Up in Mabel’s Room,” has been drawing big business in Auckland, and will open in Hamilton on Monday night. Don Nicol, the clever comedian who was last here in “Balalakia,” heads the company, and is sure of a warm welcome. Shirley Ann Richards, who has played in several Cinesound films, and Phil Smith, comedian of many musical comedies, are also in the cast. Others in the company are John Fleeting, who was juvenile lead with George Wallace in the film “Done to the Dogs”; Charles Albert, comedian of many stage shows; Leal Douglas, Mary Duncan and Alathea Siddons, formerly of “The Women” company; Maisie Wallace, clever comedienne; John Barrington, an English comedian; and Lane Patterson, another clever English player. The box plan opened this morning, and seats should be reserved at once.