AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20096, 16 November 1939, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

KING’S THEATRE

“OLD BOXES OF THE RIVER” AND “MR. MOTO TAKES A VACATION.”

Mr. Moto has nothing to do in "Mr. A'loto Takes a Vacation.'’ which finishes at lhe King's Theatre 10-niglu, unless you call solving two murders, challenging the curse of an ancient tomb and battling arch-criminals o! two continents for the fabulous crown jewels of the Queen of Sheba, work! The newest 20th. Century-Fox mystery thriller, starring Peter Lorre, takes the detective to the Arabian desert and gives him one of his most exciting, adventures to date. “Old Bones of the River,” starring Will Hay, Moore Marriott and Graham Moffalt, is a positive riot. 1! is the second feature on ill is programme. —“Tiie Story of Alexander Graham Bell”: To-Morrow.— Out. of the stirring past of a great nation emerges a drama of accomplishment that symbolizes the tradition of America—the story of Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of ihc telephone. His is the dramatic romance of one who dreamed and struggled. loved and achieved. Simple, human and inspiring, the magnificent motion picture coming tomorrow to the King’s Theatre pay? homage to his genius and to a woman’s devotion. Darryl F. Znnuck’s production of “The' Story of Alexander Graham Bell," a Cosmopolitan production for 20th. Century-Fox, with Don Ameche, in the title role, Loretta Young and Henry Fonda sharing stellar honors, tolls with power, with humour and with profound humanity the drama of a grcai man and the love that inspired him. Bell's is a story that belongs to the world—the obscure young scientist, his discouraging struggles, bis invention of the telephone, his desperate battle against public ridicule and powerful opponents, his ultimate Iriumph. the flame of his genius kepi alight by the love and faith of the woman he adored. So intense was the struggle against poverty, disappointment and powerful opponents -- a

struggle which prevented his marriage to the girl he loved, that Bell halted on the threshold of his invention ready to sacrifice it so lie could find happiness with- Mabel Hubbard. To her, in bis darkest hour, he wrote: “Ever since I held you in my arms. I've known! My invention must be given up. This is little enough to do if it means that T may call you sweetheart and wife! The telephone will be bom some day—and I do not care one bit who gets the glory so long ns the world gels the benefit . . .“ But the courageous Mabel spurred on the dreamer who believed men could talk through a wire. It was their romance that gave tiic world the power to span oceans and continents with the human voice. Included in the cast are Charles Coburn. Gene Lockhart. Spring Byington and the three sisters of Loretta Young: Sally Blanc, Polly Ann Young and Oeorgiana Young. The film was previewed at the San Francisco World's Fair, the first time such an honour has been accorded a motion picture. An exceptionally brilliant supporting programme includes the latest “March of Time,” which features "War. Peace and Propaganda"—Europe's 1 DSD war propaganda, what it is and how it works; wins a war; the story behind the visit of the King and Queen to America; and America’s attitude to war. In view of the heavy booking intending patrons are urged to reserve immediately.

REGENT THEATRE

LAST DAY: “THE FIREFLY” "The Firefly," which is showing at the Regent Theatre, is the-combination of music and drama for which the public have 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 ii 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. Here. 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 gives a picturesque character to the screen in the characterisation of Major de Rougemont, staff aide of Napoleon, who also loves "The Firefly."

—Friday: M.G.M.’s “Ice Follies of 11)88”

Back to the type of role in which she rose to stardom comes Joan Crawford in “The Ice Follies of 1939,” which opens to-morrow at the Regent Theatre. A picture designed for the entire family. "The Ice Follies of 1939" has “everything.” There are breathtakingly beautiful technicolour skating scenes for those who like pageantry in the films: a story with a Hollywood background and intimate glimpses into studio life; original songs destined lo take first place on the popular poll lists of the country. "The Ice Follies of 1939” deals with the story of a team of fancy skaters, portrayed by James Stewart and Lew Ayres. When Stewart marries Joan Crawford and adds her to tiic double act. trouble ensues. The loss of a job in a skating rink causes Ihe girl lo seek employment on her own: and because of her unusual voice she lands a film contract and signs it before she notices the "no marriage” clause bulled in the legal terms. The three finally drift apart. Stewart lo seek backing for his dream of staging an ice follies. Ayres to one night stands in skating rinks, and Miss Crawford to film stardom. Not in several years has Joan Crawford appeared to better advantage and her singing voice, featured for the first, time, undoubtedly will be heard in future pictures. James Stewart, as Larry Hall, Miss Crawford's husband, proves his position as one of the screen’s most popular leading men. Simple, natural, sincere, he makes the most of every scene. In line for more honours comes Low Ayres as Eddie. Ayres' ability to mix comedy with pathos has never been men* fully realised.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

FINAL HAY: “WITHIN' THE LAW” and "tom:it.” The modernised version of Bayard Vedior's magnificent stage drama, “Within the Law," will conclude tonight at the Majestic Theatre. The new picture retains all the powerful drama and vivid romance of the play, but is strictly up to the minute. Ruth Hussey is .superb in the role of Mary Turner, created on the stage by Jane Cowl. Tom Neal has the male lead, and a strong cast includes Paul Kelly, William Gnrgan,