MAJESTIC THEATRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20111, 4 December 1939, Page 5

MAJESTIC THEATRE

LAST DAY: “ISLAND OF LOST MEN” AND “INVISIBLE ENEMY” Two action-thrillers, which were well received iby large week-end audiences, will be screened finally to-night. “Island of Lost Men” star: such popular players as Anna May Wong, J. Carroll Naish. Lloyd Nolan and Anthony Quinn. The associate feature, "Invisible Enemy” is a thrilling story of espionage. Included in the programme is the latest Po.peye colour cartoon, "Popeye Meets Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp." —To-morrow: Gangster Comedy: “The Lady and the Mob” and “First •Offenders" — In her first screen appearance since winning an Academy award. Fay Bainter's performance in "The Lady and the .Mob’’ is an illustration of acting at its best. The film is possessed of a unique, hilarious idea; it is filled with ingenious and thoroughly amusing situations, with dialogue which is both witty and wise, with a supporting cast of character actors well known for their excellent work. Yet Miss Bainter’s performance is such that it dominates the film. On the other hand, "The Lady” whom Miss Bainter portrays also dominates the action of the film, and that, .perhaps, enhances the actress' brilliant work.

Miss Bainter is seen as an autocratic dowager, an eccentric "social registerite” determined to have her own way. When a racket is brought to her attention the dowager virtually declares "no quarter to crime!” and goes on the warpath. When the district attorney and the mayor both admit their inability to cope with the racketeers the “social registerite” recruits a “mob” ol' her own and, in armoured cars equipped with machine guns and other gang-hunting weapons, embarks upon one of the most exciting and enjoyable crusades ever undertaken for the screen. “First Offenders," the associate feature, turns the screen’s searchlight on the courts’ most difficult problem—how to keep young first, offenders from becoming hardened criminals. Dealing with the courageous efforts of a former district attorney to regenerate youthful criminals, the film unfolds romance, drama, and thrills. In the role of the district attorney Walter Abel is excellent. Entertaining, as well as stirringly informative, he convincingly proves that the real problem confronting the world is the prevention of the first offence against the law.