ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 162, 8 June 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

METEOR THEATRE. “ESPIONAGE AGENT.” “Espionage Agent,” the now Warner Bros, picture starring Joel AleCrca and Brenda Marshall, which is now showing at the Alcteor Theatre, is '& powerful and sensational drama of the unknown guardians of America’s peace during history’s most dangerous days. With almost magical 1 prescience, the new '.picture, winch was finished just before the outbreak of iiio war in Europe, foresaw the very situation -which exists to-day, and it vividly depicts'the- danger to the nation which can be present even while the United States remains neutral in a warring world. It recalls the terribly destructive campaign of sabotage waged in America even before the United States went into the World War of 1914-18. and it warns the. nation that steps should bo taken to make the Government capable of coping with tlio forces which may be, and probably are, engaged to-day. in planning again the same sort, of industrial destruction throughout .the*" nation. Alaking use of an exciting and romantic fictional plot against -a' background of authentic fact, the picture explains in vivid fashion how real the danger is. In the picture, the machinations of a ring of German spies are defeated, but it is not through the efforts of governmental forces hut only by the clover and courageous oxlra-legal activities of a young American diplomat: and the girl who, he learns after he has married her, has been a fool of that spy ring.

REGENT THEATRE. “GOOD-BYE, AIR CHIPS.” “Good-bye, Air Chips,” James Hilton’s charming novel of flic life of an English school teacher, brings to . audiences, following Ins triumph in. “The Citadel," Robert Donat, together with Greer Garson, beautiful English actress. Third of the pictures filmed in AI-G-Al’s English Studios, “Good-bye, Mr Chips” lolls the story of a kindly schoolmaster, starting his career in his twenties, becoming a veritable institution in a big English school and shaping the careers of boys destined to become great men. As “The Citadel” dealt with medical ethics, so the new picture goes deeply into the heart of education. Donat brings deep understanding to the role, which carries him through four periods, llis makeup is enhanced by the psychology which makes the characters fairly live at each age. Aliss Garson is a compellinglv skilful actress as well as beautiful. Terry Kilburn, the appealing youngster of “Lord Jeff” and “A Christmas Carol.” has an interesting role, playing four generations of bo.vs who attend the school, grow up. and send their sons back. Dramatic highlights include the rescue of the heroine in the Tyrolean. Alps and a spectacular air raid during the World War, with football and cricket, games at famous English schools adding thrilling and exciting moments. Skilful human interest touches are supplied in ’the deft direction of Sam Wood. /