AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20050, 23 September 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “WOLF’S CLOTHING” AND “THE SINGING OUTLAW.” “Wolf’s Clothing” the featured picture at the Majestic Theatre, is a story of espionage in the British secret service and is reminiscent of the '39 Steps” type. Claude Hulbert is co-starred with Gordon Marker, Hulbert being the secret service agent and Marker his faithful valet and assistant. Others prominently cast are beautiful Lilli Palmer, Gordon Graves and Peter Gawthorne. Breathtaking thrills, in Paris arc mingled with moments of hilarious comedy provided by the two comedians, Hulbert .and Marker, who have been brought together for the first time. In the picture Hulbert is sent on an important, mission of great danger which already has been allcmpted by four secret service men who have failed and paid with (heir lives. The use of unethical and usual tactics is responsible for the success of our two heroes, in their apparently impossible task. One of the highlights of the show is a desperate escape by them through the famous sewers of Paris and Ihoir prevention of an assassination through holding up a political procession when they appear through a man-hole in the street immediately in front of the parade. The associate feature is an exciting musical Western introducing the new Singing Cowboy. Bob Baker, in “The Singing Outlaw ’ Action and adventure are blended with several cowboy songs. The programme opens with chapter six of "Buck Rogers.”

KING’S THEATRE “THE LITTLE PRINCESS”: MAGNIFICENT PRODUCTION Just as she is in real life, Shirley Temple, the only star ever to appear before the Technicolour cameras without any make-up whatsoever, is seen in “The Little Princess,” on the screen at the King's Theatre. When, at the request of thousands of filmgoers from every country in the world, Darryl F. Zamick decided to present Shirley Temple in the title role ol' Frances Hodgson Burnett's popular story, he was faced with a very difficult problem in the matter of choosing actors for the supporting roles, but who the little girl to play the .title role should be he was never in doubt. The handsome young actor. Richard Green, however, successfully takes the part of Geoff rey Hamilton, with lovely I Anita Louise as his sweetheart, Rose. Cesar Romero appears for the second time in a picture with Shirley. The programme is reported to be a most suitable one for this period of stress, finding favour with both children and adults alike. REGENT THEATRE

MICKEY ROONEY IN "ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN.” One of the world classics in the literature of boy stories, Mark Twain's “Huckleberry Finn,” made its first appearance in the film version at the Regent Theatre last night and charmed a crowded house by its fidelity to the author's- inspired delineation of boy character and the consequent thrill and comedy of the hero's adventures on the Old Mississippi. lit .the title role Mi’ckcy Rooney fulfills everybody's conception of the immortal raggamuffin. and iie is challenged for pride of place in the judgment of the house by Rex Ingram, Walter Connolly and William Frawley in superb character studies, respectively as negro slave and crooks. “Huckleberry Finn" here bursts on a new generation with aIL the magnetism he exercised on the youth of 50 years ago. and brings cherished memories hack to the oldsters. Combined with a bright and interesting supporting programme, the picture makes the Regent offering of the week one that should keep the house crowded. Following the letter and (he spirit of Mark Twain's story, tin 1 production and cast capture unerringly that inimitable racontwist for ’(averting tragedy with a laugh and conjuring up a real sob by the simplest statement of fact. Packed with human interest in the master's best style, and sprinkled with the quaint characters of the day and generation to give thrill and picturesqueness to the action, the story reveals Mickey Rooney living a role that will leave him associated for many years in the minds of his admirers as the original “I-luck,” so close does the part approximate to what appears to be his own natural high-spirited character. The negro slave who plays an important part in "Buck's” adventures is portrayed by one of the most talented negro actors of America. Equally at home singing and acting, he makes the "Jim” of this picture one of its most poignant features. The easy morality of certain followers of the stage profession in the early days of the Old West is delightfully illustrated m the character work of Walter Connolly and William Frawley. to provide the natural comedy and drama incidental to the life of tire place and period. Outstanding events in overseas affairs occuyy a large place in the news reel section, including recent Sino-Japanese happenings and demonstrations by the French and Polish navies. Comedy ol' various kinds is provided by a "gang’ film, a coloured cartoon and a Pete Smite speciality on “The Poetry of Nature.”