PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 24292, 5 September 1942, Page 8

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT Patrons of the Regent. Theatre saw “ something different ” yesterday when the screen version of J. P. Marqnand’s bestselling novel, ’ H. M. Pulham, .Esq., iwas released with Hcdv Lamar, Robert Young, and Ruth Hussey enacting the principal characters. The M.G.Ji. picture follows the book with fidelity, recounting the life of Pulliam, young Bostonian, who, after Harvard and the World War, plunges into business activity in a New York adyertisiiiir agency and meets (he love of Ins life in°an ambitious “career girl, .then, unable to escape his destiny, he returns to his home town to marry the girl of_ Ins family’s choice, and, 20 years later, finds that when the opportunity comes he cannet recapture the romance of his youth. Regarding this picture, Robert Young, who is iu the title role, is said to have remarked: “ I’m "lad I had to wait 10 years for it.’ This was that fine actor’s reaction to a part which lie fills with great distinction. EMPIRE Beginning yesterday at the Empire, (he Metro-Gold wyn-Mayer production. “Tarzan’s Secret Treasure,’ thrilled big audiences. Picture patrons know Johnny Weissmuller well, and in this adventure, as in the many ethers already screened, Tannin is supreme. - The story lias to do with the invasion of Tarzan’s jungle by members ot a safari who discover gold in tlie area. During the trouble which ensues Tarzan is-shot and left for dead, while Maureen O’Sullivan, his mate, and Johnny Sheffield (Little Tarzan) are kidnapped and fall into the hands of savages. That is only a start, however, for many more thrilling adventures follow before” things are squared up. A battle between the safari and fanatical natives bent on torturing the white boy, thrilling escapes of the boy and his native companion from a rhinoceros, a breathtaking escape from a lion, Weissmuller’s underwater battle with an alligator, and the charge of the elephant army are among the thrills. ST. JAMES Groat in its simplicity and deftly blending vigorous, stirring drama with a magnificent inspirational mood, | The Great Commandment,’ opened last night at the St. James, The moving story is based on one phase of the world’s greatest drama, and depicts how peace was brought about during a revolt against the tyrannical Roman rule. However ancient in its settings, the film lias modern overtones and implications. The vital film moves swiftly with mounting suspense and absorption. For all its profundity the plot is not complicated. The drama revolves around the activities of Joel, splendidly port rayed by John Beal, who is the leader of the you!hfn 1 and fiery zealots, sworn to wipe out Reman rule. But when Joel discovers the “ new leader ” his philosophy changes and he goes back to his people, carrying the message of ‘The Great Commandment.’ Exportlv woven into the film is a tender love story and a bitter struggle which pits brother " against brother. Sincere and straightforward in its approach, it makes for line entertainment. ‘The Great Commandment' was produced by John T. Coyle and the Rev. James K. Friedrich. It also features Maurice Moscovich, Albert Dekker, Marjorie Cooley, Warren MeCullnin, Lloyd Corrigan, Olaf Hytleu, and lan Wolfe. OCTAGON . •A Yank in the R.A.F./yjhe big feature in the programme at the Octagon, which began yesterday, is a picture of the. present war, but a picture that has received special official recognition and assistance in the making. Lord Beaverbrook, for instance, in reply to a cable containing 2,131 words about the film, readily gave tile assurance that Uni Air Ministry Office would be pleased to co-operate with the studio. Actual scenes of lhe evacuation' of Dunkirk and of R.A.F. planes in action were -out to Hollywood for use in thepicture, mid il-rec RA.F. officers were assigned to act as technical advisers. The United States of America and Canadian Governments also gave valuable aid. All (bis, together with Ihe special attention given to making a faithful reproduction of the Dunkirk evacuation and other features of the story, completes an ottering which is without doubt outstanding. In keeping with Lord Beaverbrook’s reaiiest tlai the men of the R.A.F. be shown as the'.' really are, many humorous incidents of life "with the flyers as they seek entertainment are shown. Stars Tyrone Power and Betty Grable, who head the featured cast, indulge in much levity—which is just the way things work out in between more serious duties iu embattled England. STATE The popular team of radio comedians, Flanagan ami Allan, along with four other fun makers nearly as 'droll as themselves, are the featured players iu ‘ Frozen Limits,’ an hilarious comedy which is playing a return season to Dunedin at the State. ‘ Frozen Limits,’ while it has no substantial plot, nevertheless affords plenty of delightful entertainment. As the screamingly

‘‘You should bn on my run,” another chipped in. “ They are late birds in my neighbourhood, and often come home with the milk.”

“What about sleep''” asked the reporter. “ Do you go to bed all day?” “ Well, that depends,” was ihc 'answer. “ Most of us go to bed quite early—sometimes even at 6 o'clock. But if we want to go out at night wo sleep in the day. Ami if it is a really lovely day it seems such a pity to waste it asleep. And so, I’m afraid, there are days when I do not have more than four hours in bed. Others, however, always insist on having eight to 10 hours, for the work is strenuous, though it is healthy after one gets used to it, and we arc never ill. Perhaps it is ' all the fresh air and exercise we have.”

“ Do you ever have any adventures, pleasant or otherwise?” “ Afraid not,” came a chorus cf replies,

“ You see, most people are safely home before wo come out, ami we see the city at ils quietest. Sometimes a house is alight, but more often all is dark and silent and strangely peaceful. liven the dogs become used lo us after a while and let us pass unchallenged.” There is not much glamour in being u milkmaid—no attractive uniform for her to wear, liarlv rising, hard work, and hitter eold to light against even in summer are. her lot. Yet. the girls accept all these things cheerfully, and with a magnificent spirit are doing their part lo help to win the war.