AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20071, 18 October 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE

“IIEI TIKI," MAORI FILM, AND TAKITIMU MAORI ENTERTAINERS ON STAGE -Hoi Tiki." Alexander Markov's saga of Maoriland, which is showing at the Majestic Theatre, is the first world standard talking picture to be made in New Zealand. "Tlei Tiki" was produced at Taupo by a crew of Hollywood technicians and has recaptured in sound and sight the glory of the day before the coining of the European. The story tells of the love of Manui, daughter of the chieftain, for Mara, warrior of an enemy tribe, and of Mara's impersonation of the war god. to whom Manui is to be sacrificed. Mot the least exciting sequences in the film are those showing the lovers’ (light from Manui's people, who pursue them across the lake in fiOft. war canoes, which were specially built for the til,n. The climax of the picture is particularly exciting, being a spectacular pitched battle between the rival tribes, fought with typical Maori fervour. An added attraction each evening on the stage is n delightful blend of action songs, poi dances, and hakas by the talented Takitimu Maori entertainers. A special afterschool matinee will be held at 3 p.m. to-morrow. The session will commence at 2 p.m. and “Hei Tiki" will begin screening at 3 p.m. —Friday: Zanc Grey’s “Heritage of the Desert,” and “Undercover Doctor”— A double bill of wonderful entertainment value will commence on Friday. Zane Grey's story, “Heritage of the Desert,” stars Donald Woods, Evelyn Venable and Russell Hayden. “Undercover Doctor." from Hoover’s Persons in Hiding,” stars Lloyd Nolan and J. Carrol Naish.

KING’S THEATRE

“BOY FRIEND” AND “IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU” It must be trying to have a “crush" when you are busy dodging bullets, but that is the madcap Withers way! It makes for exciting, madcap, entertainment in "Boy Friend,” Jane Withers’ newest 20th Century-Fox comedy, now showing at the King’s Theatre. As the “kid sister” of a two-fisted young police officer whose exploits lead to the smashing of one of New York’s most dangerous gangs, Jane not only discovers her first heart interest but also plunges into a series of dramatic situations that give her King’s Theatre. A • fast-moving murder mystery with a lot of humour in. it, "It Would Happen to You." has an excellent cast headed by Stuart Erwin and Gloria Stuart. —“The Man in the Iron Mask:” Friday.— Love, war, sword-play, a King's wickedness, and all th.o glamour ol the France of Louis XIV, adorn, the United Artists’ picture ‘"The Man in the Iron Mask," which opens On Friday at the King’s Theatre. As every woman knows, there are many bad husbands, and many husbands who, like the curate's egg, are good only in parts; but when the Infanta Maria Thercse (Joan Bennett), went to Paris from the? Court of her father the King of Spain to become betrothed (and eventually married) to the King of France, she was mystified to find that the French King was at one meeting a licentious reprobate, and, at another meeting, a model of Kingship and of manly dignity. To the Infanta it almost seemed that the King must be two Kings. And so, in fact, he was. The King’s twin brother Philippe (stolen since birth, to prevent succession difficulties) had suddenly nTfivcd at the Royal Court, and the King had asked ’ his long-lost brother to “double”-for .him at a public ceremony. Poor Philippe did not know, but the reprobate King knew, that the Paris mob had planned an attack during the ceremony on the King’s life. But when the row started Philippe used his sword so well that he beat off the attackers, captured their admiration, and angered the real King by forgiving them. Then Philippe “doubled” for the benefit of the Infanta, who found him as magnetic as the real King was repellent: but their likeness as twins prevented her detecting the substitution. Of course the real King could not tolerate all this virtue in a twin brother, and the latter was put in prison (the Bastille) with his head permanently enclosed m a heavy iron mask. Allei that, .swords got busy again. Philippe was rescued, and the iron mask was put on." the King himself, who then took Philippe’s place in the Bastille, but escaped. The fighting that :olItnved almost defies description. Louis Hayward makes a magnificent success of the knightly leading role, and Joan Bennett has never before been so beautiful.

regent theatre

LAST TWO DAYS: “VALLEY OF THE GIANTS” The stirring saga of lusty, bighearted men who strove to save the magnificent redwood forests of America from ruthless and insensate destruction is unfolded in “Valley of the Giants,’’ which is still showing to large audiences at the Regent Theatre. Filmed entirely in superb natural Technicolour, this picture brings the more intimate as well as the more apparent beauties of the giant trees to theatre audiences. The felling of a tree is an exhilarating experience, and often a dangerous one, which calls for men with iron nerves, capable of swift decision and action. Living in the clean air of the forest-clad mountains, the lumberjacks learned to love and respect Nature, and none knew better than they that a nation’s wealth is measured by the extent of its timber belts. Sum' a man is Wayne Morris, who gives a masterly portrayal as the young contractor who fights the exploitation methods of city millionaires. Claire Trevor and Alan Hale are also in the cast. —Friday: Myrna Loy and Robert Taylor in M.G.M.'s Comedy, “Lucky Night”— A rollicking comedy which affords Iho type of entertainment ’.that is eagerly sought as a relief from the tension of war time is unfolded in “Lucky Night," which will commence a throe-dav season at the Regent Theatre on Friday. A popular actress who has contributed to the success of many light-hearted films, Myrna Loy. shares the acting honours with Robert. Taylor who. al’ldr appearing hi several dramatic films, shows that he has lost, none of his earlier engaging charm. The two principals are shown as a spoilt, reckless couple, blit their ro.u for unconventionr.lity and the happy nonchalence with which they refuse to be bothered with such trifles as lack of funds brings an infectious gaiety to

the picture which is sustained right throughout the joyous sequence of complications and misunderstandings. Well-known players iti the supporting cast are Joseph Allen, Henry O'Neil! and Douglas Fowley. Included among an excellent selection of short features is the interesting Mctro-Goldwyn-Maycr miniature, "Prophet Without Honour,”