AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20095, 15 November 1939, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “WITHIN THE LAW" & REVIVAL OF“TOPPER" Those who like a story with plenty of "kick" in it will appreciate the programme at the Majestic Theatre, where two full-length lilms and a serial make up an excellent entertainment. The first feature is “Within the Law," a story that grips and holds throughout. Most stories which centre lound the activities of criminals and gangsters are welcomed, but “Within the Law" is doubly so because it travels different paths from those usually seen in tills type of picture and the theme is varied to give it additional spice. The principals are Ruth Hussey as Mary Turner, Tom Neal as Richard Gilder, Paul Kelly as Joe Garson, and William Gargan 'as Cassidy. Mary is innocently gaoled and because of the wrong done her .she becomes vindictive and determines to revenge herself upon Gilder, who is responsible for wrecking her life. She takes up law. becomes the queen of a criminal gang, and because of her knowledge of law the gang attain to wealth. She ruins Gilder through itlie agency of her head gangster, I Garson. Peculiarly enough Mary falls in love with Gilder and a new life dawns for the pair, both of whom realise that crime does not pay. The second feature is that delightfully original and screamingly funny Thorne Smith comedy. “Topper." which is being revived in the interests of good cheer. It is a comedy one can enjoy seeing over and over again and still laugh unrestrainedly at the antics of Cary Grant. Constance Bennett, Roland Young and Billie Burke. The programme, which commences at 1.45 and 7.90' p.m.. opens with the final chapter of "Treasure Island."

KING’S THEATRE “OLD BONES OE THE RIVER" AND “AIR, AIOTO TAKES A VACATION" Mr. Moto has nothing to do in "Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation." which opens to-day at the King's Theatre, unless you call solving two murders, challenging the curse of an ancient tomb and battling arch-criminals of two continents for the fabulous crown jewels of tire Queen of Sheba, work! The newest 20 lii. Century-Fox mystery thriller, starring Peter Loire, takes the famous Saturday Evening Post detective to the Arabian desert and gives him one of his most exciting adventures to date. “Old Bones of (he River," starring Will I lay, Moore Marriott and Graham Moffatt, is a positive riot. It will be the second feature on this programme.

citing adventures to date. Will Hay. Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott — that's the inimitable comedy trio who first moved you to mirth in “Windbag the Sailor." unanimously acclaimed comedy triumph, followed up by “Oh, Mr. Porter!" an excruciating saga of the railway, and “Convict 99," an uproarious mirthquake behind prison bars. Now they are back again at the top of their form, treating you to fresh antics in their latest laughterpiece for Gainsborough. "Old Bones of lire River." This film is based on the Edgar Wallace stories which have for their locale "darkest Africa" —where a 'handful of Englishmen rule a million natives—teaching the' 5 black man to play white man.

—"The Story of Alexander Graham Bell": Friday—

The great love that inspired a dreamer to span continents with the human voice is the motivating influence of America's most thrilling story —that of Bell and the invention of the telephone in Darryl F. Zanuck’s production of "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell," coming to the King's Theatre on Friday. The deafness of the lovely Mabel Hubbard inspired the dreamer and eager scientist to his miraculous achievement —the human voice spanning continents through a copper wire! Don Ameche portrays Bell in the film, with Loretta Young as Mabel and Henry Fonda as Tom Watson, Bell's assistant. This is claimed by overseas critics to be one of the finest films Hollywood has yet produced. Advance bookings are reported to be heavy.

REGENT THEATRE

•THE FIRELY”—A SUPERB MUSICAL Now. a word or two for one of the greatest musical productions ever to grace the stage or screen, “The Firefly," a picture that long will be remembered by those privileged to witness it. and which, by public demand, is having a revival season at tile Regent Theatre. “The Firefly" is the combination of music and drama for which the public lias been waiting. The story makes no sacrifice for music. Yet, in the interesting fashion of life itself, the melody rings in at opportune moments —and it is lovely melody, enhanced by a stirring beauty of background. Here is Jeanette MacDonald more romantic and far more talented in her seventeenth starring musical picture than she ever was before. Hero. too. is Allan Jones, brilliant young tenor, who lias accomplished in "The Firefly” what Nelson Eddy did in "Naughty Marietta," also with Jeanette MacDonald. Warren William, a star in his own right, gives a picturesque character to the screen in the characterisation of Major dc Rougcment. staff aide of Napoleon, who also loves "Tile Firefly. The music is by Rudolf Friml. America's best known composer of operettas. Gorgeous scenes in the High Sierras, regal Spain reproduced on 30 magnificent sets, and a massive re-enactment of the battle of Viltorin. in which Napoleon was defeated by Wellington, ■provide a visual feast for the eyes. There are seven outstanding musical numbers. Miss MacDonald sings "Love Is Like a Firefly." "He Who Loves and Runs Away" and "When a Maid Comes Knocking at Your Heart" with superb artistry. She dances with grace and plays iter role with the true ability that ltas made tier a tending star of screen drama Jones sings "A Woman's Kiss" and "The Donkey Serenade," and they sing in duel “Gianninn Mia" and "Sympathy, and others. —Friday; M.G.IH.’s “Ice Follies of 103!)" Spectacular in the extreme, the Metro-Gokhvyn-Mayer musical romance. "Ice Follies of 1 !).'>!)." will open a season at the Regent Theatre on Friday. A moving human story is unfolded against the dazzling background of a revue on ice, with the