ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 233, 29 June 1944, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

Maria Montez In A Jewelled Swimming Pool

New Zealanders, Australians and Americans in the South I J acific may be top busy to look nows but it seems that Universal Films knows of an uncharted isle up that way where handsome Polynesians guard a sacred swimming-pool tilled with, gold nuggets; precious jewels and, occasionally, Ala ria Montez. The film, “White bayago” (-St. James), comes from a strictly escapist front, aud reunites Miss Montez, Jon Hall and Sabu (the principals of the popular “Arabian Nights”), in a colour display of jewels, lush nature ano. sun-tanned flesh. The plot is ultimately resolved by the earthquake which most studios seem to f keep ou hand for these emergencies. ’ The ste.ry is not over-important, but the technicolour photography rounds out the scenic beauty. Miss Montez does as much —and more —for her sarongs and portions of the dialogue are a rare treat. Princess Tahia may be no great shakes as tho ruler of her easy-going people, but as a breaker of hearts she's immense. Jon Hall is the barrel-chested, handsome hero who rightly wonders why the guide books don’t include the princess under the heading ot "Sights to See.” Young Sabu is meant to be an amiable little nuisance and never loses sight of his role. The earthquake topples the scenery about with exciting alniudoii ami the colour camera makes the most of this quivering orgy. There's a piece of dialogue to reinember when our hem Invades the princess's palace and Tahia dismisses her faithful attendants. "You may go now,” she tells them, sizing up the situation at. u glance. “This may develop Into a private matter.” -T.L. > ‘

"Thousands Cheer” (Majestic).—A fine musical production in technicolour. The cast Is beaded b.v Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly Mary Astor, John Boles, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, and Red Skelton. “First Conies Courage” (Plaza). —Starring Merle Oberon and Brlau Aberue. "I Thank You” (State). —Arthur Askey and Rlcltard “Stinker” Murdoch in a riotous comedy. Coming Tomorrow: "Uncensored,” starring Erie Portman. “Salute to tho Marines” (Paramount). — Starring Wallace Beerv with Fay Bainter and Reginald Owen. Also screening: “The Affairs of Martha." Tomorrow: “Ju His Steps,” with Erie Linden and Cecilia Parker.

“Tho Moon Is Down” (King’s).—John Steinbeck’s great drama comes to the screen. Witli Sir Cedric Hardwlcke. Henry Travers, Lee J. Cobb and Doris Bowden beading the cast. Coming: “They Got Me Covered,” with Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.

“Sahara" (Tudor).—Humphrey Bogart stars as an American sergeant who 'excels in desert warfare, lie kills innumerable Germans. Associate feature: “Frontier Fury.” Tomorrow: “Tho Black Swan” aud “The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe.” "Hatter’s Castle” 1 Tivoli).—The film adaptation of A. J. Cronin's novel, starring Robert Newton and Deborah Kerr. Frank Morgan and Ann Rutherford star in the associate feature, “Washington Melodrama.”

“Two Tickets To London” (De Luxe).— A wartime drama", starring tho French actress. Mlehele Morgan. “Yim Can’t Beat, the t.tiw,” with Juan Woodbury aud Edward Norris is the associate film. "So Proudly Wo Hall” (Itegent).— The story of American nurses on battle front. Claudetc Colbert. Veronica Lake and Paulette Goddard star.

SUBURBAN THEATRES Ascot (Newtown).,— “Puddlii’ Head” nnd “Sailors on Lrave.” Kincnui (Kilhirnle).— “Nine Men’ aud “Tlie Man Who Lost Himself." Rivoli (Newtown).—“One Night iu Lisbon" and “Lady Eve.” Vogue (Brooklyn).— “The Falcons Brother’ ’and "So’s Your Auut Emma.” Capitol (Miramar).—“Tlie Scarlet Pimpernel” and “Harrigan's Kid.” Taller (Lyall Bay).-- "Private Life of Ilenrv VIH” and ”11. M. Pulliam, Esq.” Prince Tldwiir.l <Woburn>.“Mr. Big” and “Stand B.v All Networks.” King George (Lower Dutt).—“Pilot No. De I.uxo (Lower Hutt).—"Buck in the Saddle” and "Cinderella Swings It." Empire (Inland Bay).—“Tlie Spider Woninn" aud "Mr. Wish Guy." Regal (Knrori).--"Tbc Prime Minister” and ".lust off Broad war."