AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20058, 3 October 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE LEW AYRES IN “CALLING DR. KILDARE” Lionel Barrymore, as the cantankerous but human old doctor, guides Lew Ayres through another tempestuous adventure in “Calling Dr. Kildare,” second of the new medical detective series, which heads the programme at tlie Regent Theatre. Ayres, as young Dr. Jimmy Kildare, gets into trouble with the police when, infatuated by pretty Lana Turner, lie hides and cares for a wounded murder suspect. So there is nothing to do but find the real murderer to clear the boy. He sets out to do it, solves the riddle, then finds he has lost the girl he did it 'for. The wily old Dr. Gillespie gets him out of his troubles in a deft dramatic twist. Ayres, who rapidly rose to romantic prominence through the first “Kildare” picture, plays his character with ease and conviction. His scenes with Lana Turner, playing the girl who deceives him are poignant. One of the most interesting films produced for a long time is "The Giant of Norway,” which is also showing. It tells the story of Fritjof Nansen, Norway's humanitarian who abandoned his life's dream to heed the call of duty.

—Friday: Mili/.a Ivor,jus in “The Great Waltz”—

Vividly recapturing the romantic spirit of olcl Vienna, the spectacular musical film, “The Great Waltz” will open a season at the Regent Theatre on Friday with a special gala screening. Nearly a century ago Vienna was the meeca of pleasure-sekers from all parts of the Continent, and the gay waltzes which have become traditionally associated with its name reflect the carefree, joyous lives of its inhabitants. Among these was dashing young Johann Strauss, who, when he last his position at a bank ‘for paying more attention to musical notes than bank notes, rapidly became famous as the composer of the immortal melodies “The Blue Danube,” “Tales from the Vienna Woods,” “I’m m Love with Vienna,” “At the Monastery” and countless others. The story of “The Great Waltz" is the story of tempestuous days, when Vienna was in revolt against autocratic rulers, and against this stormy background is unfolded the equally stirring love story of the brilliant and gifted young musician. Fernand Gravet plays with sincerity and poise as the charming composer, while the eminent actress Luise Rainer gives realism and conviction to the part of Poldi Vogelhuber. his sweetheart. The brilliant opera star Miliza Korjus, who as Carla Donner temporarily enstranges the two lovers, is beard singing, accompanied by full orchestras. many of the popular Strauss waltzes which inspired the picture

KING’S THEATRE

“THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE”: LAST DAY

One of the most beautiful musical shows screened at the King’s Theatre for many a day, “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle,” starring Fred. Astaire and Ginger Rogers, will conclude to-night. It is an entertainment that should not be missed. —“Old iron” and “Jones Family in Hollywood”: To-morrow—

The ever-versatile Tom Walls, famous the world over for hi’s comedy roles, now proves conclusively that he is one of the most accomplished actors cn the British screen by his sterling performance in ‘‘Old Iron," the G-B-D Tom Walls -production to be screened at the King’s Theatre to-morrow. The) London critics have hailed his-work in' this film as one of the finest bits of character acting since* talkies began. As Sir Henry Woodstock, chief of a great shipping line, and a stern ’out scrupulously just father, Tom Walls gives a gem of character study. Not that some of the famous Tom Walls comedy touches arc missing, however. There are ’brilliant flashes of kindly wit, which both amuse and at the same time add to the veracity of the character he is portraying—an old man if iron with a sentimental side barely hidden below. The story Qf the film—it tells of plot and counter-plot to ruin the shipping firm with the family affairs running a close parallel —is just as holding and interesting as cne would expect from the pen of such a master of play-writing as Ben Travers. The second feature on the programme will be "The Jones Family in Hollywood.” There is trouble and fun aplenty when the movies’ first family fake in Mov’ieland i'.i 20th Century-Fox’s "The Jones Family in Hollywood." Pa, Ma, Granny and all the kids (excepting Bonnie and Herbert) make merry tn this gayest of the popular films.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“PENROD’S DOUBLE TROUBLE” & “TOUCHY GETS HER MAN” October is to be the Majestic Theatre’s “cheer-up” month. Special programmes have been booked with the idea of providing bright aud cheerful entertainment for those who have been depressed by the present conditions. Special attention has been given to the mid-week programmes and some outstanding attractions have been selected. The new programme to-day consists of two bright features and the serial, "Treasure Island.” “Penrod’s Double Trouble," starring the Mauch twins—Billy and Bobbyin the most adventurous film of their budding careers, heads the new bill. "Penrod’s Double Trouble” is the third picture of the scries being produced by Warner Bros., with Booth Tarkington's immortal character of boyhood as its central character, and it is, like its predecessors, full of touches of homely humour and nostalgic charm, but spirited action is its keypote. Retaining the characteristic Tarkington flavour and yet adding a quality of melodramatic suspense and excitement, Ernest Booth and Crane Wilbur, authors of the story and screen play, respectively, turned out a model pattern of film entertainment for young and old. Glenda Farrell and Barton Mac Lane, Ihe popular girl reporter and her detective lieutenant boy friend, who have made such a “hit” in the Torchy Bfnno series of adventure comedies, come bade with a new one in the associate picture, lorchy Clots Her Man.” The blonde and wisocrack'ing Torchy always seems to get her man when she and Lieut. Steve Mcßride start* out after the crooks. They have a lot of fun doing it, and always manage to get a lot of laughs at the same time .