ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES ROXY THEATRE “Come on, George,” will head the programme today. The star is George Formby, the famous English comedian, and it is a treat to see how hilarious comedy can be built around a simple theme. In the course of his guardianship of a wild racehorse, George meets with many adventures, and there is a laugh in every inch of film, but the inimitable George, being the hero, wins a great race and gains the hand of the girl he loves. Without a doubt, this is one of the best of the Formby productions. “Return To Yesterday” is a story of a great actor who returns to a seaside scene of his apprenticeship. The picture is notable for the effective work of David Tree and the spontaneity of Anna Lee, as two young repertory players with whom the great man becomes involved. Clive Brook, in leading role, gives a fine performance as a world-weary actor yearning for yesterday.

CIVIC THEATRE What is said to be the most daringly realistic gaolbreak shown on a screen provides the breath-taking cilmax of “Johnny Apollo,” starring Tyrone Power and Dorothy Larriour. But then realism is the keynote of this thrilling picture, which tells the story of the banker’s son who turned from college man to mobster when the father he idolised was sent to prison and his wealthy friends turned against him. Tyrone is seen as “Johnny Apollo,” while Dorothy Labour has her best role to date as “Lucky” Dubarry, the sophisticated night club entertainer, who walks out on her gangster boy friend, Mickey Dwyer, when Apollo walks into the picture. Edward Arnold is the banker father. Lloyd Nolan plays Dwyer. REGENT THEATRE

“Broadway Melody of 1940” is a spectacular musical and dancing film of Broadway show business well in the tradition of its popular predecessors. This time Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have surpassed themselves by assembling what is unquestionably the greatest tap-dancing team to be seen and heard on the screen. The principals are Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, and George Murphy, and they combine to give a feast of dance specialties. In addition, the picture is studded with new songs by Cole Porter, of which the best are “Begin and Beguine,” with its long and novel dance sequences. “Between You and Me” and “I Happen to Be in Love.” Many settings have an entrancing beauty, which is only befitting the grace and artistry displayed in the dances, while in others there is glitter and lavish colour to lend a suitable background to syncopation and speed. Good acting and a story far more convincing than is usual in pictures of this type also are deserving of high praise

STATE THEATRE A backstage “phantom” who strikes death in full view of a theatre audience is the central figure of “The House of Fear,” the thrilling mystery drama. William Gargan and Irene Hervey portray the leading roles. Gargan is seen as a detective who flaunts theatrical superstition by restaging a Broadway production that proved a real-life murder setting when first presented. Others in the cast are Alan Dinehart, Walter Woolf King, Dorothy Arnold and El Bren del. Joe May, noted Continental film pioneer, directed. The story concerns a dead actor’s “ghost” which terrorises a theatrical company and its audiences before he is finally captured. Edmund Grainger was the associate producer. The original story is by Thomas F. Fallon and screen-play by Peter Milne. “Viva Cisco Kid,” with Cesar Romero, is also screened. It combines romance, thrills and comedy. THEATRE ROYAL

“Come Up Smiling” is a very funny comedy, with popular Will Mahoney leading the fun-making in his own inimitable style. Evie Hayes makes her first film appearance after a successful stage and radio career. Her lovely voice is heard in a sparkling number entitled “That’s The Way to Handle Your Man,” and to her role of Kitty Katkin, Will’s gymnasium instructress, she brings verve and charm. Giving Will Mahoney staunch comedy support is Syd. Wheeler in his role of Worthington Howard, the irresponsible old ex-Shakespearean actor with kleptomaniacal tendencies. He is also the father of Pat (played by Jean Hatton), who is a young singer in their little company. Barney's and Worthington’s trials and tribulations in the fairground and their pathetic and humorous attempts to raise enough money to give Pat medical attention for a throat affliction that is ruining her voice and career, provide an interesting and entertaining plot. Will’s crazy and wildly funny antics in a boxing ring when, seconded by Syd. Wheeler. he fights Alec Kellaway, known as’ “The Killer,” for a thousand pounds prize money that will solve Pat’s difficulties, supply the swiftmoving and uproariously funny climax to the film. Playing the leading feminine role is Shirley Ann Richards. This is the popular young star’s fifth Cinesound film, and supporting her in the juvenile lead is John Fleeting, who made a promising film debut in “Gone to the’Dogs. ' “6000 Enemies," a thrilling story of gaol, life is also screened.