AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19999, 26 July 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “THE GAUNT STRANGER” AND “SKULL AND CROWN” The stories of two popular authors form the excellent double bill now at the Majestic Theatre. The first one is “The Gaunt Stranger,” the third of Edgar Wallace's “The Ringer” series. This will be welcome news to all readers of the greatest of all mystery writers' stories. This picture will also welcome back to the screen Sonnic Hale, as an actor for. as most people know, Sonnie Ih.k* has been turning his attention to directing films. In this Edgar Wallace mystery thriller lie turns to acting a type of part lie has never essayed —the character part of Sam Hackett, the comical Cockney crook lamous in both “The Ringer” and “The Terror." As a play "the Gaunt Stranger” had a particularly long tun in two West End theatres of London, simultaneously. Walter Ford, who directed “The Gaunt Stranger” selected the stage cast in its entirety for the screen version. Wilfred Lawson is seen as the famous criminal lawyer, Maurice Meistcr, Alexander Knox as Dr. Lomond, Louise Henry as Cora Ann, Patrick Barr as Inspector Wembury, John Longden as Inspector Bliss, Patricia Ree as Marie Henley and Peter Croft as Johnny Henley, One can describe tliis picture in no better way than using the words of the critic of one of London's famous dailies —“You wili be breathless with laughter when you are not gasping for breath at Edgar Wallace’s most convincing comedy mystery thriller, ‘The Gaunt Stranger.’ ” The associate feature, “Skull and Crown, 1 ” is adapted from James Oliver Curwood’s thrilling story of the Border Patrol and introduces the canine star Rin Tin Tin junior, with Jack Mulhall, Regis Toonev and Molly O'Day. KING’S THEATRE “THE DUKE OF WEST POINT” AND “EVERYBODY’S BABY.’’ The adventures of a pampered young American, son of an Embassy official in London, when he goes to tiie American military academy .at West Point after ;1 period at Cambridge University, are depicted in “The Duke of West Point,” at the King's Theatre. Somewhat along the lines of “A Yank at Oxford,” the screen play tells how flic young man is made the butt oi numerous jokes ,by his comrades, until lie shows his worth in a gripping climax. Louis Hayward is excellent in the leading male role. 1 Joan Fontaine. Olivia do Havilland's sister, is just as impressive in the feminine lead, and convincing acting is also displayed bv Toni Brown and Richard Carlson. The associate feature on the programme is the riotous comedy, “Everybody's Baby,” starring the popular Jones Family. —“The Saint Strikes Back:” Exciting mystery thriller, Friday— One of the truly amazing characters in the annals of detective fiction is brought to the screen in R.K.O.’ Radio’s “The Saint Strikes Back,” featuring George Sanders and Wendy Barrie in the top roles. This thrilling mystery drama will be the attraction at the King’s Theatre next Friday. Based on the widely-read best sellers by Leslie Charjeris, whose famous character of “The Saint” has interested millions, the offering is

the second of a series oi films depicting the exploits of the debonair killer who wars on crime barons. Sanders is cast in the title role of "The Saint." When he becomes interested in a beautiful girl whose father has been victimised by a mysterious underworld kingpin. “The Saint” decides to avenge the, wrong. Toward this end lie volunteers to aid the police in tracking down the criminal providing lie has carle blanche io use his own methods. His mission takes him through a series of dangerous

experiences. He fights murder with murder, turns housebreaker to obtain incriminating evidence, violates all man-made Jaws Jo achieve his objective. His unusual moves eventually provoke the police as well as antagonise his enemies, and when even the girl lie is trying to befriend becomes distrustful of h;s motives, “The Saint" finds his 1 a sic most difficult. Ultimately the modern Robin Hood ensnares all the members of the organising ring, kills the leader, permits a friendly police inspector to assume the credit and clears the name of the girl’s dead father, bringing the story to a most suspenseful finish. Appearing .in support of Sanders and Miss Barrie are Jonathan. Hale, as the police inspector, Neil Hamilton, as a shady attorney, and Barry Fitrgerald as a comedy thug. REGENT THEATRE jack BUCHANAN IN “Till! GANG’S ALL HERE” “The Gang's ML Here," which had its fir,st Australian and New Zealand screening at the Regent Theatre yesterday, is excellent popular entertainment' of the detective comedymelcdrama type. Jack Buchanan and Otto Kruger arc starred -in this film, which tells of the adventures of an insurance defective and his wile, the futile attempt of the former to retire, and the eventually successful recovery of stolen Crown jewels. Under brisk direction, the lively plot moves at a swift pace from the delightful opening through experiences of murder and sudden, death to an ingenious and highly-exciting climax. The light-hearted atmosphere, amusing dialogue, marital bickerings, and luxurious settings contribute towards the success of this admirably produced story. As the insurance detective. John Forrest, Jack Buchanan is jin his element and is as successful in his comedy scenes as he is with hi.s impersonation of an American "trigger” man. His portrayal dominates the action, although it is followed very closely by that of Googic Withers as iiis long-suffering wife. Edward Everett Horton has a typical role as the Forrests’ butler, Svd. Walker is a convincing Cockney. Otto Kruger giv cs another polished portrayal of the ambitious crook. Mike Chadwick, and Jack la Rue and David Burns are effective as his henchmen. ’ Walter Rilla plays the unfortunate prin.ee, Leslie Perrins is the subject of one of the early murders, and Ronald Silkier contributes seme joyous minutes as a policeman’s nark. Spider Ferris; Supporting roles are all admirably played, the crowd work is good, and the technical quality of a high standard. —Friday: ‘‘The Citadel”— Perfectly transferred from it he printed page to the screen, Dr. A. J. Cronin's "The Citadel” begins its Gisborne season at the Regent Theatre on Friday. Produced by Metro-

Goldwyn-Alayer in their English studios at Denham, where they made “A Yank at Oxford.” the film version of'his dramatic novel features Robert Donat and Rosalind ißussoll as Dr. Andrew Mans on. and his wife Christine. Annul from several necessary changes to suit the needs of a screen p’av. ithe picture follows the story ot the’ book faithful,ly. rendering; in dramatic fashion all the tense incidents that made "The Citta-del" a bestseller. In the hands of Miss Russell and Mr. Donat, ithe Mattsons become a singularly radiant couple. The generosity, the 'high ideals and *thc reciprocal affection which grace this marriage communicate themselves to the oudience, and form the nucleus oi a powerful and moving story. A splendid supporting east has been assembled round the principals. Even characters seen for but a fleeting moment have a pungency that is quite Dickensian. Attention focusses natur-

ally on Rafoil Richardson as’ Mattsons friend Philip Denny. This actor comes into the story with a. reverberating impact that puzzles the audience, so that they are not quite sure what to think about him. Gradually, however, the strange character loses its .metallic, inscrutable qualify and takes on rich line and form, becoming imperceptibly a towering personality. The usual high-class selection, oi short films has been assembled for the associate programme.