REGENT THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24226, 19 February 1940, Page 14

REGENT THEATRE

Enthusiastic receptions are being given the stirring picture, “The Sun Never Sets,” which is being shown at the Regent Theatre. The New Universal Pictures production is , a striking tribute to the men who, inspired by unquestioning patriotism, carry on the traditions of England’s colonial service. Basil Rathbone, one of the many British actors who has won a leading place in American . films, takes the part of Clive Randolph, a British District Commissioner on the Gold Coast. In his area a foreign group is working to undermine world peace and foster sabotage on a large scale, and also to remove British prestige on the Gold Coast. It is this menace which sends Clive Randolph back to his post after a lew brief weeks of what he imagined was to be long leave in England. Interwoven with the more epic theme of this ccmflict is a moving domestic drama which arises from the sacrifices demanded by service. As the younger Randolph', who at first is violently opposed to the ideals which have inspired his family for generations, Douglas Fairbanks, jun., is responsible for a sincere por-, trayal, and his youthful impetuosity brings added vigour to the film in its most impressive moments. For the most part, however, the story is dignified and restrained, with no intrusion of mere spectacular melodrama or blatant jingoism. The supporting pro- ! gramme, which is an interesting one, includes news gazettes, a travelogue in which some of the fascinating dances of Bali are portrayed, a musical novelty, and an amusing cartoon. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE The joys and sorrows of boys and girls whose precarious lives are brightened by a great musical, artist are delightfully blended in .They Shall Have Music,” which is now being shown at the State Theatre. ■ The famous violinist Jascha Heifetz takes the part of himself, and is instrumental in resuscitating a settlement music school when it is in the throes of dispossession. playing of the violin is in itself a sufficient reason for seeing “They Shall Have Music,” but this is supplemented by a charming story and an orchestra of amazingly talented children, the Peter Meremblum California Junior Symphony Orchestra. Walter Brennan is portrayed as the mentor of the settlement music school, where penniless prodigies are trained purely for the love of music and the hone that from t.heir number some of them will rise to repay with fame and good music the labour of the professor’s life. Gene Reynolds gives a good performance as Frankie, a gutter urchin. The supporting programme includes the latest March of Time. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s.

EMPIRE THEATRE “Man About Town,’’ now showing at the Empire Theatre, is a comedy with strong musical leanings. It is rather apart from the usual run of musicals, and the comedy element is definitely on a higher plane. Jack Benny, who made his name on the radio, appears in the title role as a theatrical producer and actor who suffers from the grave drawback of being both staid and respectable. This handicaps him terribly in his pursuit of the glamorous leading lady. Dorothy Lamour, who is as easy to look at. and to listen to as ever. An entanglement with a titled English lady (Binnie Barnes) and a French noblewoman only serves to complicate matters still further. Rochester, cast in the first place in the minor role of a butler, makes no mistake about stealing the show. He is a negro with an irrepressible gift of humour, and is also an accomplished dancer. His snake dance in the harem scene is one to be J long remembered. It is certainly Rochester’s picture, and the audience is not slow to recognise the fact. Another striking innovation is the Petty Girls ballet, who collectively and individually bear a strong resemblance to the cartoon creations of the well-known artist. At times the likeness is almost amazing. Edward Arnold is well cast as Lord Arlington, the English lady's businesslike husband. There is a good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST. JAMES THEATRE As produced by Victor Saville (who also made “The Citadel”), “Good-bye, Mr Chips,” which is at the St. James Theatre, truly reveals what lies behind that often-derided tradition, “ the old school tie,” something at which no one will want to smile again after having been introduced to “ Old Chipping,” as Mr Chips was known to his elders until the girl he met in the Tyrol came back with him to college as his wife, thus inspiring confidence in the once shy and diffident, but now supremely happy, man. These Tyrol sequences are among the finest in the film, and have as great an air of authenticity as those which develop within the mellow walls of a school which came into being the year Columbus discovered America. Some generations of families passed Mr Chips, who finally became almost as great a tradition, as the school itself. No one had a more trying time than Mr Chipping at the commencement of his career. He overcame those difficulties, as well as his shyness and his

sense of frustration; There is a good supporting programme, and the box plan are at the theatre, the D.1.C., and Jacobs’s.

OCTAGON THEATRE “The Man in the lron Mask ’’ will be the first attraction to be screened at the Octagon Theatre when it reopens on Friday. The France of Louis XIV is the background, and the story deals with the lives of King Louis and his twin brother Philippe, who at birth is whisked away to the country in order to avoid succession complexities. At the age of 22 Philippe turns up at the Royal Court. Louis is astonished at his brother’s likeness to him and decides to use him to gain his own ends. The unsuspecting Philippe “ doubles ” for the King, who uses him to win the heart for the King of the Infanta Maria Theresa (Joan Bennett), daughter of the King of Spain. Eventually Louis decides that he cannot tolerate longer the success of Philippe, whom he condemns to the Bastille there to wear for ever a heavy iron mask. Philippe is rescued and Louis, after some swift-moving action, meets his deserts. Louis Hayward gives an outstanding performance, playing the double role of King Louis and Philippe. MAYFAIR THEATRE A topical and absorbingly interesting spy film, “ The Four Just Men,” is the principal of two entertaining pictures on the Mayfair Theatre's current programme. The other film is “ Spirit of Culver.’’ Based on one of Edgar Wallace’s best novels, “The Four Just Men ” is a thrilling spy story that embraces a daring plan to destroy the British Empire. It is only through the efforts of a quartet of friends that the plot is frustrated. Frank Lawton and Anna Lee have prominent roles, and they are well supported. Freddie Bartholomew and Jackie Cooper head a strong cast in " Spirit of Culver,” which tells of the adventures of a penniless boy who is given a cahnce to make a success of his life at Culver Military Academy. Andy Devine, Henry Hull, and Tim Holt are also in the cast. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.