AMUSEMENTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20109, 1 December 1939, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

KING’S THEATRE

REGENT THEATRE MICKEY ROONEY & THE HARDY FAMILY IN “THE HARDYS RIDE HIGH” The latest adventures of Judge Hardy and his family in “The Hardys Ride High." which will commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-day, follows the path of other Hardy films in its chief essentials, and shows how the family reacts to a sudden acquisition of wealth. The reaction is most prominent in Andy Hardy, and the things he has to say about himself and his future on this occasion are among the funniest Mickey Rooney has offered. His appreciation of his family’s possibilities in society are reviewed with uproarious directness, while so great is the gift of Mickey Rooney for sincere acting that his latest love affair borders rather on drama than comedy. In his forthrighl comments on his family’s new wealth, however, he is the carefree boy of the former Hardy films, and his every appearance is the signal for renewed laughter. Lewis Stone is again portrayed as Judge Hardy, symbol of parental sympathy and understanding. Sara Haden has a splendid opportunity to depict a sadly disillusioning aspect of her spinsterhood as Aunt Milly. The family is not to have the promised wealth, as they bitterly discover when the judge produces evidence to prove that ho is not the legal heir to the money. The Hardys are brought back to grim reality. They return to their home, poor as ever, but proud of their heritage of honour and none the worse for their interlude in the realms of luxury. Without exception, every member of the cast gives an excellent performance. Ann Rutherford, Cecilia Parker and Fay Holden take their accustomed parts. The fine supporting programme includes one of “Crime Doesn’t Pay’ series and a Robert Benchley comedy, as well as the latest war news.

—Saturday: “Family’’ Matinee —

On Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock a programme including “A Christmas Carol’ ’and “The Hardys Ride High” will be presented. This programme has been arranged so that no child will miss “A Christmas Carol.” The box plan is now on view at the theatre. MAJESTIC THEATRE ANNA MAY WONG IN “ISLAND OF LOST MEN,” AND “INVISIBLE ENEMY” Extraordinary entertainment value is to be found in the four-unit programme commencing to-day at the Majestic Theatre. In “Island of Lost Men,” Anna May Wong .plays the part of a Chinese girl who sets out to vindicate her father, a Chinese general, who has vanished mysteriously with 300,000 dollars in public funds. Posing as an entertainer in a seaport cafe north of Singapore, where she is known as “China Lily,” she makes the acquaintance of a gunrunner and bandit known as “King of the River” (played by J. Carrol Naish). .Recognising a medallion he wears as having belonged to her father, she joins him and accompanies him to his jungle stronghold up the river, where she meets all manner of strange adventures. Also in the cast is Eric Blore, Who is cast as a gentleman’s gentleman to a jungle overlord of crime, Broderick Crawford, and Anthony Quinn, aide to the Chinese general, with Richard Loo as the missing general. How a former officer of the English Intelligence Department who has' been dishonourably discharged, vindicates himself with his Government, is the theme of the dramatic Republic picture, “Invisible Enemy,” the associate feature. Alan Marshal plays the role of Clavering, the intelligence officer. Nicola Kamarov ' (C. Henry Gordon) is an unscrupulous financier who is attempting to sell valuable oil lands, for military purposes, to a foreign Government. Clavering’s trouble with his Government had been over an affair with Sandra, played .by Tala Birell, an exotic, money-mad adventuress. She is now the wife of Kamarov. Covering uses her as a means of stopping Kamarov in his nefarious scheme. Added attractions are “Popeye Meets Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp, ’ a two-reel cartoon in Teohnicolour, and “The Oregon Trail.”

—Popeye’s Children’s Christmas Party

at Saturday Matinee —

The Majestic’s annual children’s Christmas treat will take place at the matinee on Saturday at 1.45 p.m. On the stage 50 clever juvenile performers, trained by Maureen Kcany, will be seen in “Popeye’s Christmas Shaw,” a joyous blend of dancing, song and novelty items. A special picture programme has been selected, including a two-reel cartoon in colour, “Popeye Meets Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp.” The long feature will be “Invisible Enemy.” Additional treats are provided in “Let’s Sing With Popeye,” “The Oregon Trail,” and a comedy cartoon. Reservations may be made in the circle only and the plans are now open at the Regent box office.

“IN NAME ONLY”: BRILLIANT DRAMATIC TRIUMPH Three outstanding players, Cary Grant. Carole Lombard and Kay Francis, head the cast in "In Name Only,” a straightforward and convincing drama, which opens a season at the King's Theatre to-day. The plight of a wealthy and likeable young man who discovers his attrac-

live but entirely selfish wife lias married him solely for his money and social position, is the theme of the film. The wife, portrayed by Kay Franck with full appreciation of the dramatic demands of her part, ingratiates herself with her husband’s parents so that they will believe their son to be an unfeeling, heartless young man if he transfers his directions. Al. this point Cary Grant, as the husband, meets and falls in Hive with a young widow who works as a fashion artist to support herself and little daughter. Although fully appreciating the position the wife refuses lo leave him. even going to the extent of admitting the real reasons for her marriage. As a contrast between the viewpoint of two women on the subject of marriage tho film is of absorbing interest as well as providing dramatic entertainment of the highest order. As the •’other, woman” Carole Lombard shares the acting honours with Cary Grant and Ka.v Francis, her restrained and sincere performance equalling her most successful roles in the past. The high standard set by the three leading players is maintained by a strong supporting cast, which includes Charles Coburn, Helen Vinson and Katherine Alexander. A really outstanding supporting programme includes the latest “March of Time," featuring “Japan. Master o,f tile Orient." Walt Disney’s coloured svmphony. “The Ugly Duckling”, "Soldiers of the Sea.” the 1939 Melbourne Cup," "Fox Aussie News," and the “Rathe Overseas News." Bookings are heavy.