AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20016, 15 August 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

EXTENDED SEASON Of “HONOLULU"

A sparkling blend of humour, •romance, gay tunes and brilliant dancing is presented in the lighthearted picture, “Honolulu,” which is ,to continue its season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Eleanor Powell and Robert Young head the cast, which 'includes Burns and Allen, whose lively and original 'humour adds to the success of the film.

—Friday: First N.Z. Screening of “Union Pacific''—

Cecil de <Mi 11 e, with his flair for detail and vast panoramic effects, has made an outstanding action film in "Union Pacific.” a super offering produced and directed by him for Paramount and which begins at the Regent Theatre on Friday. Besides being a well-sustained narrative, dealing with the (building cUthe great Union Pacific railroad, the film reflects the energetic and imaginative approach c.f America to colossal enterprises. There have (been a number of major offerings •depicting, in part, this particular phase of America’s pioneering development, ibut none has so well suggested Vhe .magnitude of the task which provides this pictureis vitalising and historic subject. Inevitably, such a story as "Union Pacific” has to be a colourful and exciting blend of spectacle and individual effort: cf history and personalities; of turbulence, chicanery and

heroic gestures. The producers, as well as ih.e scenarists, have escaped much threadbare material: for their narrative in this instance is more plausible than -most cl its kind. All the vision, courage arid initiative necessary to •pioneer the railroad, as well as the intrigue of those against it for political or purely personal reasons, have been interwoven with a love story which is much more acceptable than usual. Concurrent with the development of Inis triangular romance are the activities of those who seek to hamper, if not actually halt, the progress of the transcontinental railroad. Melodrama provides some stirring episodes which are also different in their dramatic content from the kind usually seen in such spectacular pioneering films. The in-

cident of the callous shooting by a passenger of a harmless and happy •Indian riding alongside the tram is most effective in its casual realism. The fight that follows this killing is alive with a more virile realism, yet ■never once emerges as "just another screen brawl." From the scenic angle the film is often beautiful with night photography, while the pursuit which follows a train robbery is as exciting in its quieter way as is the tenser scene where the trapped bandit gets, the better of the man who knows he is the culprit. The incidents where Indians wreck a train by overturning a huge wooden reservoir is a spectacular highlight. Joel McCrea does a splendid job as Jeff Butler, the man who is assigned to thwart the attempts of the evilly disposed to binder the railroad’s progress. 'One cannot imagine anyone else better in the role. Barbara Stanwyck as the shrewd, but soft-voiced and wistful. Irish colleen. Molly Monohan, is equally capable and attractive in her part. She makes it much more than a mere ingenue role. As the gay, but dangerous, gambler who loves<Molly. the comparative newcomer. Robert Preston, makes a vigorous impression. As a past master in the art of make-up. Akim Tamirolf shows his skill and clever comedy as the half-breed Fiesta. Lynne Overman is equally well disguised and amusing as a pioneering oldtimer.

MAJESTIC THEATRE IAERIAL THRILLER, “CRIMSON ROMANCE," AND “CRASHING HOLLYWOOD.” A powerful condemnation of war and aerial bombardment is contained in “Crimson Romance," a slorv based upon the exploits of Baron Von Richtboven, the famous “Red Knight of Germany.” The air sequences are among the most thrilling and spectacular ever filmed. A splendid cast is headed by Ben Lyon, Sari Mcritza, and Erich Von Stroheim. The story opens in an American aircraft factory in 1910. Wilson and Von Bergen, his German-born friend, find themselves out of a job because Von Bergen is a German. The latter decides to return to his fatherland, and Wilson follows him, both enlisting in tiie German Air Force. Both fall in love with a pretty nurse, who, however, favours the young American, which is a source of annoyance to Von Bergen, who imagines Wilson to be merely amusing himself as usual. Wilson's one enemy is his superior officer, Captain Wolters, whose hatred for the American is obvious. America enters the war. Wolters immediately has Wfison thrown into prison, but aided by Von Bergen, he makes a spectacular escape. Then an English squadron, led by Wilson, attacks the huge ammunition dump, protected by Wolters' squadron. Wolters, Von Bergen and Wilson meet above the clouds, and Von. Bergen has to choose between his duty to his country and his friendship with the American —the latter proves the stronger, and he saves Wilson’s life through crashing his plane into Wolters. In the spectacular climax the ammunition dump is destroyed. A strong cast of ,popular players is seen in support of Lee Tracy. Starred in "Crashing Hollywood," a new R.K.O. Radio comedy-drama, which is the associate feature. Heading the list are Joan Woodbury, Paul Guilfoyle, Lee Patrick, and Bradley Page, who have featured roles; and Richard Lane, Tom Kennedy, Jack Carson and George Irving in other outstanding characterisations. “Crashing Hollywood” which is an. exciting story about crooks and a bank robbery told against a background of the movie studios, was directed by Lew Landers. Thq programme opens with Chapter 2 of the new serial, “Secret of Treasure Island."

KING’S THEATRE

“STAGECOACH": LAST DAY One of the most colourful and exciting films this year, “Stage Coach, will conclude a very successful season at the King's Theatre to-night. —“Trouble in Sundown" and “Tire Great Man Votes": To-morrow — •In lire dead of night three furtive figures stealthily make their way into the State 'Bank in the little western town of 'Sundown. A scuffle in ,t-he darkness, a muffled moan and tnen stillness again envelopes Ihe sleeping village. 'Next morning the bank misses 90.000 dollars and when the •burglarproof vault is opened the body cf the night-watchman is discovered locked within. Who was guilty of this dread

deed? That is the absorbing mystery which America’s favourite action-star, George O’Brien, must solve in his newest and most interesting film. “Trouble in Sundown.” which acmes id the King's Theatre to-morrow. O'Brien, in addition to performing ail the dangerous feats of horsemanship and athletic stunts which have made him a favourite among outdoor picture “fans," turns detective. The second feature on the programme will be R.K.O. Radio’s "The Great'Man Votes,” starring John Barrymore. The distinguished .actor creates the role of a disreputable night watchman who has seen better days. How his two faithful children connive to rehabilitate him and make him the hero of the hour forms the 'basis of the intriguing story.