AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20080, 28 October 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE EDWARD G. ROBINSON IN “THE AMAZING DR. CLITTERHOUSE," & “SHE LOVED A FIREMAN” Lon," famous ns a play, "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse” was presented as a film to enthralled and amused audiences at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. It is an unusual story, but then Edward G. Robinson, who has the title role, is an unusual actor. His part fits him perfectly. Dr. Chtterhouse is a neurological surgeon, successful and highly respected, who wishes to study first hand criminal reactions during crimes. This becomes a passion with the doctor and he finally becomes his own object, finding he can be as brilliant a criminal as a surgeon. He comes in contact with a gang of genuine criminals, led by none other than Humphrey Bogart, So successful does the doctor become that he takes over the leadership ol the gang and leads them from coup to coup. At last he relinquishes his position when he completes his researches. Then Bogart finds out who he really is and to silence him Robinson has to resort to murder. The associate feature, "She I.oved a Fireman.” is a thrilling and entertaining picture starring Dick Koran. Ann Sheridan and Robert Armstrong. The programme opens with the eleventh chapter of "Buck Rogers.'

KING’S THEATRE

“BACHELOR MOTHER": SCREAM INGLY FUNNY COMEDY

Entering into tire spirit of the gay plot with zest, the leading players of the comedy "Bachelor Mother,” which was shown for the first time to large and highly-amused audiences at the King’s Theatre yesterday, extract the maximum in laughter from a film which has seldom been equalled in humorous possibilities. The uproarious trend of events begins m the first moments as Ginger Rogers linds herself the innocent butt of a thousand horrified accusations and insinuations when she picks up a tiny baby from the steps of a foundling home. Despite her frantic protests, she is immediately assumed to be the mother, and her unfortunate predicament finds her the object of renewed interest from her employers. David Niven, as- the son of her firm’s director, however, has as much cause to regret this as does Ginger Rogers, herself, for it is soon assumed by his father that he is the baby’s other parent, and should at once marry the girl.

REGENT THEATRE

CHARLES LAUGHTON IN “JAMAICA INN”

Charles Laughton is noted for many famous films, perhaps the best remembered being “Ruggles of Red Gap" and “Mutiny on the Bounty." Again he has made an outstanding and thrilling tale that long will be remembered. It is Paramount's "Jamaica Inn," in which he plays the role of Sir Humphrey Pengallan, a man whose love for luxury not being satisfied with his income from the Pengallan estates, turns his warped brain to wrecking, planning the coups for a gang of cutthroats who make their headquarters at Jamaica Inn. Maureen O'Hara. Emlyn Williams, / Leslie Banks - and Robert Newton are also prominent in the cast.

—Tuesday: Nelson Eddy as a Singing Robin Ilood in “Song of the Plains”— Singing the well-known songs. “Home. Sweet Home,” “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." “Dusty Road." and many other stirring tunes. Nelson Eddy makes a welcome return to the screen in the dramatic and rousing story of pioneer America. "Song of the Plains," which is to be shown at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday. Virginia Bruce is the latest actress to play opposite Nelson Eddy, and besides her sincere acting she is sure to enhance her popularity with her pleasing soprano voice. She accompanies Nelson Eddy in one song. Drigo’s “Serenade,” re-entitled “Love’s Serenade” for this film. Edward Arnold. Victor McLaglen and Lionel Barrymore head a talented cast of supporting players. An excellent selection of short features will include the latest European news reels.

CHEERFUL MUSICIANS

BLIND INSTITUTE BAND

Playing at the Opera House next Monday evening, the entertainment party from the New Zealand Institute for the Blind promises to be both novel and outstandingly good. The magnificent results achieved by the institute in the training of the blind are well known, but it is not often that the public have the opportunity to see an actual demonstration of them. Depressed as we sometimes are by our difficulties, it is an inspiration to see how these young men make light of what seems the heaviest of burdens and expect no concession on that account. Some never have seen the light of day, some have been blinded in youth or early manhood by unfortunate accidents or illness, while others have a certain amount of vision, though not enough to read or write or to earn a living without special training, but all are equally happy, independent and doing a useful day’s work at the institute. Most of the band members, prior to taking up band work, had a thorough initial training in pianoforte and part-sing-ing, and others as piano-tuners. The various parts are transcribed into Braille, which can effectively present the ordinary musical notation. These are learnt by heart, and difficult and intricate pieces arc played by the band with little obvious leadership by its quiet, confident conductor, Lieut. 0. W. Bowes, late of the fith Hussars. The party also includes a number of excellent vocalists./and instrumental soloists.

OPERA HOUSE

TROUPE FROM CHINA

Many breath-taking balancing fonts amazed the audience last evening at the performance staged by the North China Troupe in their programme o! variety at the Opera House. There were few items that did not earn prolonged applause, and a deep silence prevailed throughout some ol the acts of daring to qualify the attendance's approval. There were several special features in the first half of the programme, which was devoted to the European cast travelling with the troupe. Probably best of a strong first half was the ventroloquism of Royston, who

showed splendid control, -especially when working with his two dolls in the singing of “Little Sir Echo.’’ The tap dancing of the Continental couple, Latona and Sparks, added further brightness to the programme. After the interval the Chinese portion of the programme was commenced, and the artists went from one success to another in the estimation of the audience’ Balancing feats in several positions on the end of a 20ft. bamboo pole that

was balanced on the head of another performer was considered to be the most difficult act. in the bill, and one, it was announced, that was presented in New Zealand for the (irst time by the troupe. Further proof of the company's talent was given when one of its members balanced in several inverted positions on ton of a table and tower of five chairs that looked perilously insecure to members of the audience.

The troupe occupied the undivided attention of their patrons for well over an hour with gymnastic work, clever sleight of hand, diving through a hoop of knives and llamcs, tumbling, and a wide variety of other acts that are too numerous to mention although well worthy of praise. A matinee performance was given, ;his afternoon. The season will conclude this evening.

GISBORNE REPERTORY SOCIETY

The C.it borne Repertory Society will produce “The Unfair Sex. - ' by Erie Hudson, in the Opera House on Tuesday, November 7. Show night. A wellchosen cast is busily rehearsing this well-known farcical comedy.

PERKY BROTHERS’ CIRCUS

The season of Messrs. Perry Bros.’ circus in Gisborne will be completed this evening. When the circus leaves Gisborne for the south during the week-end it is intended to show at Nuhaka on Monday, and at Wairoa next Tuesday and Wednesday.