MAJESTIC THEATRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20127, 22 December 1939, Page 5

MAJESTIC THEATRE

COMEDY-MYSTERY, “DEATH OF A CHAMPION” AND “THANKS FOR THE MEMORY” As murder mystery follows murder mystery, there is a tendency for the plots to become more and more fantastic. Sometimes, as in “The Thin Man,” the cause of the murder fades away, and the incidental comedy becomes the principal matter in hand. That happens again in “Death ot a Champion,” but the fantastic craziness oi Lynn Overman, Donald O'Connor, Virginia Dale, Joseph Allen, Susan Paley, Robert Page, and the rest are enough to keep the audience interested throughout. Overman, ol course, is an infallible comedian, but Donald O’Connor, a half-grown lad, has had no earlier chance to develop such a man-sized part. As the cocksure little assistant to the “human encyclopedia,” ferreting into the murder mystery with nis unofficial microscope and torch, the boy puts up a full-flavoured, well-rounded performance. For those who like dogs, the film provides a whole dog-show full of prime specimens. The light comedy in Paramount’s attractive film,

“Thanks for the Memory” is so persistent that it tends to hide somewhat the charming domestic appeal of a thoroughly enjoyable story of on author and his ex-mannequin wife, an affectionate pair who ultimately come to the cross roads of disagreement Sentimentality is allowed only a brie! appearance in the story, and this, at the end, where il fits perfectly because of its debonair touch. The direc- # lion, more than the actual narrative, makes this film outstanding; for although it has some genuine gems oi dialogue and first-class acting, it it the manner of the film’s presentation that gives it its chief distinctive qualities. Bob Hope and Shirley Ross, whose success in the song “Thanks for the Memory,” inspired this film with the same title, play their roles so well that one would like to see them again in similar parts. Charles Butterwortlv who is not seen enough on the screen, has a whimsical role as Biney. Roscoe Karns, Patricia Wilder (as the naive Luella), and the actor whose impersonation of an inebriated and uninvited guest is a highlight of a delightful comedy, round oil’ the cast. —“East Side of Heaven”: Human Comedy on Monday—

The special Christmas attraction foi the Majestic Theatre commencing oil Monday is a joyous human comedy classic, “East Side of Heaven.” introducing the little picture stealer, Baby Sandy, and a brilliant cast of comedians headed by Joan Blonde’ll, Mischa Auer. Bing Crosby, Irene Ilcrvey and C. Aubrey Smith. This delightful' comedy, which comes direct from a record season at the Regent Theatre, Auckland, received high praise from Smith’s Weekly, which graded it AA. The plans are open at the Regent box office.