AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20097, 17 November 1939, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE M.G.M.’s ''ICE FOLLIES OF 1039” An elaborate Technicolour presentation of a revue staged by the original members or the International Ice Follies is the outstanding feature of the Metro-Golchvyn-Mavcr tilm "lee Follies of 193!)." which will commence a season at the Regent to-day. Joan Crawford makes a welcome return to the screen, in the type of role which made her famous. She makes a most attractive singer and skater, while her interpretation of the moving story’s more dramatic moments is without flaw. As tier husband, from whom she is separated when Hollywood claims her for its own. James Stewart gives another of the sincere awl natural performances for which lie is renowned. Two further players who

are well known to all theatre-goers. Lew Ayres and Lewis Stone, also figure prominently in the entertaining story. Although never lacking in appeal, the picture follows conventional lines until the dazzling climax, when, gorgeously arrayed, the skaters rf the Ice Follies glide and turn in a brilliant sequence of ice ballets and choruses. After almost insurmountable technical difficulties had been overcome, the producers of the film have been able to present some of the most beautiful effects ever achieved on the screen. One number is executed on wet ice. which appears like a highly-polished mirror.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

VICTOR McLAGLEN IN “EXCHAMI’,” AND “REVENGE RIDER"

In a story that lugs at the heartstrings. Victor McLaglcn triumphs in his new picture, Universal’s "ExCharnp,” now at the Majestic Theatre. The Academy Award winning star, aided by a well-selected cast, wrings the utmost from his characterisation of an old ex-champion lighter. He is forced to make a decision that means the sacrifice of his own honour, dear to him through years of honest effort. When he loses his job as apartment house doorman he undertakes the training of a young fighter, who ultimately reaches the goal of a fight with the champion. McLaglen's son, played by Donald Briggs, has meanwhile speculated with a client’s money, and faces disgrace and prison unless the funds are replaced. Gunner is faced with the decision of sacrificing his fighter and his own honesty to save the reputation of his own son. In a supporting role is Tom Brown as the young lighter, in love with Gunner's daughter. Nan Grey. William Frawley is seen as a faithful hanger-on, with Samuel S. Hinds as a kindly boxing commissioner who has faith in Gunner’s honesty. The associate feature, "Revenge Rider," is a thrilling outdoor action picture starring Tim McCoy. Tire programme opens with the second chapter of "The Oregon Trail." An added attraction for Saturday, Monday and Tuesday will be Ihe official picture of the 1939 Melbourne Cup.

KING’S THEATRE

“TIIE STORY OF ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL”: BRILLIANT PRODUCTION.

Don Amechc brings another immortal character to the motion picture gallery of the great in the title role of Darryl F. Znnuck’s production of “The Story of Alexander Graham Boll,” which opens at the King’s Theatre to-day. Ideally cast as the young genius who invented the telephone, inspired by the unfailing devotion of a beautiful young girl, the popular actor offers his greatest portrayal in this stirring romantic drama which symbolizes the tradition of America. Sharing stellar honors with him in this Cosmopolitan production for 20th Century-Fox are Loretta Young, as the deaf Mabel Hubbard, whose affliction was the inspiration for his great accomplishment; and Henry Fonda as Thomas Watson, the untiring and devoted assistant who shared the early years of hope and struggle of Alexander Graham Bell. Poverty, starvation, disappointment and ridicule were faced by the young dreamer. So intense was his struggle that he halted on the threshold of his great invention, ready to sacrifice it so that he might find happiness with the girl whose love kept the flame of his genius alight through the years. It was she who made him go on! Ironically enough, after all the drama and suffering of these years, the moment of discovery had a humorous angle. For Alexander Graham Bell accidentally found the secret of the telephone when he burned a hole in his pants with laboratory acid! There is a ‘‘March of Time” on the supporting programme.