ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES “BROADWAY MELODY OF 1940” AT THE REGENT THEATRE “Briadway Melody of 1940” is a spectacular and gay production, in a film 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 syn- , copation and speed. The supporting programme includes “Suva, Pride of Fiji,” a coloured travelogue; “XXX Medico,” one of the Passing Parade series; the British Air Mail News and the Cinesound Review. “THE HOUSE OF FEAR” AT THE STATE THEATRE “The House of Fear” is a thrilling mystery drama, with William Gar--1 gar, Irene Hervey, Alan Dinehart, I Walter Woolf King, Dorothy Arnold i and Ei Brendel heading the cast. It 1 is the newest chiller from the studio I that made the Lon Chaney pictures, | “Dracula,” “The Invisible Man,” the three “Frankenstein” thrillers and ethers. In fact, “The House of Fear,” | story of backstage murder and subj sequent machinations of a dead i actor’s “ghost,” was photographed j on the studio’s famed Phantom Stage, site of production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Mr Gargan is cast as a detective who turns producer to re-stage a play that originally proved the setting for a notorious Broadway murder. “Viva Cisco Kid“ brings back that popular figure of fiction and screen, the Cisco Kid, in one of his most colourful and romantic adventures. This time Cesar Romero appears as the romantic hero, and has the support of Jean Rogers, Chris Martin and others. “COME UP SMILING” “Come Up Smiling” is a very funny comedy, with popular Will Mahoney leading the fun-making in his own i 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 fatlier 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, pro- | vide an interesting and entertaining I plot. In “6000 Enemies” Walter Pidgeon plays a district attorney who is framed by his enemies and sent to the State penitentiary. Rita Johnson plays opposite the star, as a woman prisoner in the gaol. A chapter of the serial, “Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe,” is also screened. “JOHNNY APOLLO” AT THE CIVIC THEATRE Not since “Jesse James” has Tyrone Power had a role like that of “Johnny Apollo” in the drama of that title which co-stars him with Dorothy Lamour. “Johnny Apollo” is the alias of a young college man, a banker’s son, who turns mobster when his father he idolised is sent to prison and his wealthy friends turn against him. Dorothy Lamour is alluring as “Lucky” Dubarry, the hard-boiled night club entertainer who understands and loves the boy, no matter what he does. Edward Arnold is seen as the banker father; Lloyd Nolan plays Mickey Dwyer, the gangster whose mob Johnny Apollo joins. Charley Grapewin is cast as a tippling ex-judge turned underworld lawyer, and Lionel Atwill is seen as the banker’s lawyer, to whom Johnny appeals in vain for aid for his father. “Johnny Apollo” is climaxed by a thrilling gaolbreak. The supporting programme includes “Edgar Runs Again,” a Terrytoon cartoon; “Silly Seasons,” a Lew Lehr film; “Timber Toppers,” sport; the Gaumont News Reel and the Fox Australian News. “COME ON, GEORGE” AT THE ROXY THEATRE “Come On, George,” is a screamingly funny comedy, with George Formby at his best. George’s ambition to become a jockey was not nearly satisfied by his job, which allowed him to wear a jockey’s trappings—for the purpose of selling -Jockey Ices” off a tricycle on a racecourse. But fate is full of strange pranks, and so—come to that are pick-pockets, and to both George was obliged for ultimately letting him realise his ambition, with hilarious and exciting results. George sings several tuneful songs, including the intriguing “I'm Making Headway Now.” Can a person turn back the pages of the years and recapture a youth long past? This is the question fac-

ing Clive Brook, in “Return to Yesterday.” A middle-aged, fascinating idol of a million fans tries to find his forgotten youth with the aid of a lovely young actress, only to find that, perhaps, it is not worth recap-

turing. The brilliant star of “The Ware Case” again comes to tin; screen in Robert Morley’s outstanding stage success. ‘ Return to Yesterday.” Dame Whitby and Anna Lee star the strong supporting cast.