ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 132, 4 May 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

METEOR THEATRE. “TALKING FEET.” . Picture patrons of Palmerston North may look forward to a special treat today and the following week when the sparkling musical extravaganza “Talking Feet” will have its Wellington provincial premiere at the popular Meteor Theatre. This beautiful story of a little girl and her friends raising money to save their local hospital from closing down will introduce a number of now and old favourites,. including IlazeL Ascot, known the world over as the “Little Sunbeam.” In, this picture this nine-year-old - wonder star, who is also England's champion dancer, lakes tho loading role and will warm the hearts of all who see her. The story, which is a light one, will make a (marked contrast to many of the more serious films shown recently. With humour, Cockney 'comedy and laughs galore and the following celebrities: Mark liambourg, the world-famous pianist, well known by his New . Zealand recitals, together with 14 of his specially selected pupils, play 14 pianos simultaneously and introduce a number of popular themes. In addition, William Hucghan, the , Scottish baritone, who lias appeared in Palmerston North on more than one occu- 1 sion, sings, a number of popular melodies. : Associated with him is the band of (bo ’ 2nd Battalion Scaforlh Highlanders and Dagenham Girl Pipers, who portray “Thu Gathering of the Clans,” which j will live long in the memory of these ! fortunate enough to see this film. The ; final scene, portraying the decks of a battleship with big guns bring, is both I stirring * and thrilling, being amply | supported by little Hazel, and the band of the I’oyal Marines. This famous band led the procession of “Sailor Heroes” of 11.M.5. Ajax and H.M.S. Exeter in London recently. Reserves are better than regrets and reservations should be made now, at Millar and Giorgi, ’phone 5182. STATE THEATRE. “THE SAINT’S DOUBLE TROUBLE.” Cleverly blending spine-tingling melodramatic action, mystery, high speed romance . and amusing incidents, “The | Saint’s Double Trouble,” which shows ac (ho State 'I beat re to-day, proves to be one of the most thrilling films in the popular series based on the Leslie Charlcris novels. George Sanders again plays The Saint, audacious killer, who conducts a. one-man war on criminals whom tho law cannot touch. Supplying the romantic m terest is blonde Helene Wnitncy, newcomer to fiims, who recently made her screen debut in “Tho Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and who proves ourself an ideal ioil for the adventurous, danger-loving Itobin Hood. Jonathan Hale again plays Inspector ft mack, the dogged detective 7 lie screen play by Ben Holmes deals with The Saint’s conflict with a ruthless international jewel smuggler whoso amazing physical resemblance to Templar aids him to pose as his adversary while conducting Mis nefarious activities When Tlic Saint is unjustly blamed for a murder, tile police take to his trail, and the elusive lone wolf sets out to track down the real criminal, llis dangerous mission brings him face to face with his double who, lie iearns, is a notorious jewel thief. Turning the tables on his foe, Tho Saint poses as the 1 smuggler, invades his waterfront headquarters to obtain evidence. His subsequent capture by the crooked band, his sensational escape, his rescue of his sweetheart and the exciting denoument to this thrilling melodrama make it a fir.o piece of action entertainment. MAYFAIR THEATRE. . “MAN FROM MUSIC MOUNTAIN.” Carol Hughes, beautiful heroine’ of the Gene Autry picture, “Man From Music Mountain,” which screens to-day at the Mayfair Theatre, is one of Hollywood’s best sharpshooters, ~ Miss Hughes was rifle champion of her high school in Chicago a few years ago, and has continued the sport since entering pictures.She lias a range in tho background of her nome. In “The Mon From Music Mountain” Coral plays tho role of Helen, a young manicurist who opens a beauty parlour in ac old “ghost” mining town that has been revived through fake mining stock. There are many complications before she and Gene Autry finally get together, but all ends well in a thrilling climax. Homely incidents, rather than an organised development of plot, make the Columbia picture, “Blondio Brings Up Baby.” which is now showing at the Mayfair Theatre, a gay and charming lihn. The leading characters of Blondio and Dagwood have been admirably sustained. At first glance Penny Singleton presents Blondio as an empty-headed, over-decor-ated, blundering girl. But by degrees the personality establishes a quaint attractiveness. Arthur Lake’s portrait, develops along similar lines. The pair represent the -parents of a tiny boy called “Baby Dumpling.” They hardly look more than, children themselves, and their attitude toward, the threp-year-old is full -of gaueherie and wonderment. The detai.s -of the- characterisation will strike an answering call in the mind of anyone who has had to do with children. “THE PHANTOM CREEPS.”

Also screening is the seventh thrillpacked episode of ‘The Bliantom; Creeps, 12-chapter Universal serial spectacle with Bela Lugosi. Robert Kent, Dorothy Arnold and Regis Toomev in the chief roles.