ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22611, 16 May 1945, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT'S PROGRAMMES THE ROYAL " Who Done It ? ” is the puzzling if ungrammatical question which exercises the minds of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in their latest comedy for Universal. From the moment when, yearning to become radio writers, they attend a broadcast of a mystery show, one hilarious episode follows another. The promoter of the show slumps over at the outset—murdered, and the two comedians bring all their detective ability to the mystery with such excessive zeal that they themselves come within the shadow of the noose before the crime is finally unravelled. Some entertaining “ shorts ” are also screened. ROXY THEATRE Mary Lee has her first starring assignment in Republic Pictures' "Shantytown.” a gripping story of life on the "wrong side of the tracks." T 6 the ramshackle boarding-house where Mary’s mother and step-father come a rugitive from the law (Johr. Archer) and his beautiful wife (Marjorie Lord). Tragedy steps in and the film reaches a dramatic climax. Something of the heartbreak, suffering and gallantry which were evoked in London’s darkest days have been incorporated into "The Bells Go Down." Humorous relief is provided in typical Cockney style bv Tommy Trinder. REGENT THEATRE The personal stories of three beautiful young women caught in the web of war are ingeniously threaded into “ Ladies Courageous," revealing an intimate picture of the emotional conflicts with which each of the girls finds herself beset. The film deals in gripping manner with the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron, a civilian unit of the U.S. Army, which was organised in 1942 with 25 of the nation’s foremost young women flyers in the original group. The screen roles are played by Loretta Young, Geraldine Fitzgerald and Diana Barrymore. Robust, farcical comedy in the best Aldwych traditions is provided in "Women Aren’t Angels,” the week-end offering. CIVIC THEATRE Something quite a r ‘ . . the way of comedies is provided in Warner Bros.’ “ The Male Animal.” Though all its emphasis is on fun, the play is built around the very serious theme of safeguarding the right of free speech. As a stage play it kept New York laughing weeks of a Broadway run and in ris translation to the screen it has lost nothing of its hilarity. Henry Fonda is cast as a serious-minded young college professor who clashes violently with the views of the university trustee (Eugene Pallette). Olivia de Havilland is a charming heroine. STATE THEATRE Many of the brightest stars in the Hollywood heavens are seen in 20th CenturyFox’s "Tales of Manhattan,” which is the mid-week attraction at the State. The imposing cast is headed by Charles Boyer. Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, Henry Fonda, Chas. Laughton, Edward G. Robinson, Paul Robeson, George Sanders, Thomas Mitchell, Cesar Romero, Rochester, Ethel Waters, Roland Young, the Hall Johnson Choir and 47 other featured olayeis. The associate film is the musical special, "Ever Since Venus.” with Ann Savage. Hugh Herbert, Glenda Farrell and Billy Gilbert filling important roles.