ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21041, 17 February 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES “WINGS OF THE NAVY” ~AT THE CIVIC THEATRE As its title so aptly indicates, “Wings of the Navy” is a story laid against a background of naval aviation. It is a powerful tale that effectively transfers to the screen the spirit and traditions of the aerial division of America’s guardians of sea and coastline, and in the course of telling the story the film production unfolds scenes which give the onlooker a vivid conception of aerial strength. In obtaining such scenes, the studio was given the co-operation of the United States Navy, with the result that there are breath-taking shots of aerial formations and manoeuvres which even the newsreel camermen have never been able to photograph. Aside from the mass flying scenes, there are a number of sensational shots of hair-raising stunts by individual pilots, and, as part of the plot, three crash scenes. The screen play is built around two naval fliers, played by George Brent and John Payne, who are sons of a pioneer naval flying officer who died in the line of duty. “GOOD-BYE, MR CHIPS” AT THE REGENT THEATRE “Good-bye, Mr Chips,” reveals delightfully what lies behind that often derided tradition “the old school tie,” something at which no one will want to smile again after having been introduced to “Old Chipping” as Mr Chips was known to his elders until the girl he met in the Tyrol came back with him to college as his wife, thus inspiring confidence in the once shy and diffident, but now supremely happy man. These Tyrol sequences are among the finest in the film, and have as great an air of authenticity as those which develop within the mellow walls of a school which came into being the year Columbus discovered America: which had Sir Francis Drake as a pupil and to which families for generations sent their sons. Some of these generations passed Mr Chips, who finally became almost as great a tradition as the school itself. The school setting is so excellent that one becomes submerged in its atmosphere just as one becomes one of Mr Chips’s pupils as one 3earns the true significance of toleration, dignity, gentleness and restraint.

Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” and the British Air Mail News (showing the latest war happenings) are included in the supporting programme.

“THE KID FROM KOKOMO’

AT THE STATE THEATRE “The Kid From Kokomo” is something new in the way of prize-fight comedies. Pat O’Brien, Wayne Morris and Joan Blondell head the cast. Vieing with Miss Blondell for feminine comedy honours are May Robson and Jane Wyman. Heading a hilarious a collection of “Mugg” comedians as has ever supported a group of stars are Stanley Fields, Maxie Rosenbloom, Sidney Toler, Ed Brophy, Ward Bond, and Paul Hurst. Sleek menace is represented by Morgan Conway. Much of the comedy is based on the nature of some of the camp followers of the sport. What can a poor girl do when she cannot keep a beau, just because her matrimony-minded mother keeps scaring them away? That is pretty Jean Rogers’ problem in “Stop, Look and Love.” William Frawley, Robert Kellard, Eddie Collins, Minna Gombell and Cora Sue Collins head the cast.

“MY SON IS A CRIMINAL” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL Melodramatic and exciting, “My Son is a Criminal,” thrills audiences with its brilliant narrative and splendid acting. Alan Baxter, Jacqueline Wells, Gordon Oliver and Willard Robertson are the principals in this tense and plausible narrative of a retired police officer and his gangster son. Ostensibly a story of law enforcement and lawbreakers, the film slowly and deftly fakes in a larger and more intrinsic theme, that of a father unwittingly tracking down the clues which convict his son of murder. Fast farce comedy, starring Constance Bennett, is provided in “Service De Luxe.” Of note also is the initial screen appearance of Vincent Price, who established himself firmly in Broadway theatrical circles by his excellent performance as Prince Albert opposite Helen Hayes during the twoyear run of “Victoria Regina,” in New York. Charles Ruggles, Mischa Auer, Helen Broderick and Joy Hodges are in the chief supporting roles.

“ HUCKLEBERRY FINN”

AT THE ROXY THEATRE Dreamy days on the Mississippi, thrilling adventure, comedy and pathos, written as only Mark Twain could write of them, mark “The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn,” with Mickey Rooney in the title role. The picture has caught the full flavour of Mark Twain’s whimsical humour and deep understanding of human-kind. The adventures of the river boy who aids a runaway slave in an attempt to reach a free state; their travels up the river on a raft; their adventures with the rascally “King” and “Duke.” a pair of criminals, are all faithfully portrayed.

Wayne Morris and Claire Trevor head the cast of “Valley of the Giants,” the technicolour picture based on the famous Peter B. Kyne novel of the same name. It is a story of the successful fight waged to prevent the utter despoliation of California's famous redwood forests by ruthless lumber interests (represented by Charles Bickford) around the turn of the century. .