AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19987, 12 July 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE

KARLOFF IN “TILE MYSTERY O! MR. WONG," AND "SOCIETY SMUGGLERS."

Two outstanding mystery-thrillers of wideiy-difl'erent themes, comprise the popular mid-week programme at the Majestic Theatre. “The Mystery of Mr. Wong is -an eerie thriller, depicting the exploits of the celestial sleuth, James Lee Wong, otherwise known as Boris Karloff. The story of a fatal jewel, and of the three people who meet violent deaths because of its curse is sombrely played against an eerie, .supernatural background. Brandon Edwards dies on the very night he brings the "Eye of the Daughter of the Moon” to America; and his household smouldering in bitter hatred and grief, shelters two more who are murdered. Then James Lee Wong, a house guest at the time, unearths some startling dues, and unmasks the real killer, who is protected by the curse of the fatal star sapphire. Boris Karloff, deserting hi.s “horror” roles, is again excellent as the Oxford educated Chinese. How "T"-Mcn work overtime to plug leaks in the United States customs lines is depicted for the first time in “Society Smugglers,” Universal drama now playing a.s the associate feature. Preston Foster, Irene Hervey and Regis Toomcy portray Department of Treasury undercover operatives in the film. Fred Keating, Walter Woolf King and others act as their outside-thc-law opponents. Use of latest scientific equipment and methods of detection to combat million-rioliar smuggling rackets are exposed in "Society Smugglers. ' Extensive research into criminal records and government tiles of actual smuggling cases preceded filming of the drama. KING’S THEATRE "12 CROWDED HOURS" AND "INSIDE STORY.” Newspaper deadlines, policy rackets, underworld intrigue and a hectic romance are all combined into GO minutes of fast-paced action in Richard Dix’s latest film, "Twelve Crowded Hours." now showing at the King's Theatre. In this picture Dix is seen in one of the virile characterisations which he has popularised for so many years. In this offering lie plays an enterprising news reporter, in love with a dancing instructress, Lucille Ball. Their rocky romance traces a turbulent course through a labyrinth of intrigue and counter-intrigue among a ruthless gang of policy racketeers. Mysterious killings by a specially devised lethal truck which makes the deaths appear to be accidental are among the unique incidents uncovered by the reporter in his series of harrowing experiences. Michael Whalen and Chick Chandler are seen as two excitement-seeking newspapermen—Whalen, the reporter and Chandler his photographer—in 20th Century-Fox's "Inside Story,” the second, feature. It is a thrilling murder mystery.

—Gracie Fields’ in “Keen Smiling’ Friday—

“Keep Smiling," which begins at the King’s Theatre on Friday is one of those screen tonics that come only once in a long while—an infectiously happy, lifting film with a perfect cast. It will send everybody away happier than they have felt in years. Happiness is the keynote of the story. Gracie Field's vole is one of the finest she has had. The production itself is on a lavish, scale, with action and thrills going hand hi hand with laugh after laugh. Gracie Fields sings seven songs in “Keep Smiling," ranging from -the broad comedy number “Mrs. Binns’ Twins," calculated to he as popular a.s "Walter." to Fred Weathcrley’s two popular classics. "The Holy City" and “May Morning.” Early booking is advised.