THE THEATRES

Southland Times, Issue 24228, 11 September 1940, Page 3

THE THEATRES

REGENT

“THE PROUD VALLEY” PAUL ROBESON British Empire Films present an outstanding picture in “The Proud Valley” which is to have its first screenings at the Regent Theatre today. Of this picture The Sydney Morning Herald says: Paul Robeson, returning to the screen as a Welsh miner in “Proud Valley,” surpasses any of his previous Screen appearances. This film is a gripping document of life in the coal country, and the miner’s constant struggle for happiness against twin enemies, nature and economics, is revealed with deeply moving realism. It is much more than a vehicle for Robeson’s incomparable bass voice; at no time, in fact, does it appear that the threads of the film are snipped off merely for the insertion of a song or two. Music is such an important thing in the lives of Welsh miners that the singing is always appropriate, never in interruption; in this respect “Proud Valley” differs from many of the films in which great singers are featured. The death of the village choirmaster (Edward Chapman) in an underground explosion, the heroic battle of his wife and children against poverty, the closing of the pits by the owners, and a 200mile walk to the owners in London by four of the men, are some of the features of “Proud Valley” which reveal the severe calls for courage that are made on a mining community. One underground scene, in which two runaway trucks hurtle down towards the point where two men are desperately working to prop up the bursting roof of the tunnel, has great dramatic tension. The entombment of four men by a fall of earth and the sacrifice which leads to the rescue of three of them add to the epic quality of the story. Robeson is splendid as the shy, softspoken David Golliath, and. Rachel Thomas’s portrayal of the choirmaster’s wife is warm and human. Simon Lack and Janet Johnson are the romantic team. Penetrating understanding of the real thing was necessary to make this mining film, and Jack Jones, actor-pro- ! ducer, has it in full measure. Interest will be taken in the screening of “Britain Shoulders Arms,” . a featurette made with the direct assistance of Lord Gort. It. describes the awakening of the lion in Britain as European events became threatening—the new spirit which was imbued into the War Ministry by the addition, of men like Hore-Belisha and MajorGeneral John Hay Beith, famous as lan Hay the author—which swept up the hush-hush attitude traditional to War Office movements along with yesterday’s waste paper. Also on the programme is another of the series of Famous Paintings, a Pathe Pictorial and a tribute to the submarine heroes. Box plans are at H. and J. Smith’s, Rice’s Regent shop and the theatre.

STATE

An unusual and absorbing idea in mystery films is used for the 20th Century-Fox drama, “The Man Who Wouldn’t Talk,” which is the first attraction on the State’s programme today at 2.0 and 8.0. From the beginning of the film, when a murder is committed, the audience and the police know at once who committed the crime; the mystery is the identity of the killer, and his motive. Confessing to the slaying, the murderer refused to speak another word, even in his own defence. The result is a highly exciting story, well played by Lloyd Nolan in the title role, supported by Jean Rogers, Onslow Stevens, Joan Valerie and Eric Blore. The second feature, “Young As You Feel,” stars the ever-popular Jones Family, Jed Prouty, Spring Byington, Kenneth Howell, George Ernest, June Carlsen and Joan Valerie. Supports include a full-length subject of the massacre of fleeing refugees by Nazi invaders and “The Epic of Dunkirk.” Box plans are at Begg’s or State. Enchanting in its fantasy, and almost unbelievable in the quality of its production, the screen version of the immortal old American fairy story “Pinocchio” is coming to the State Theatre on Monday next, September 16, for a short season of five week days. A film for young and old, it is the second of Walt Disney’s full-length cartoon features in full colour. Disney, who, it will be remembered, was the pioneer in this field of entertainment with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” goes one better with this production, since he had the experience with the technique for such a venture, and the sure knowledge that such films would find a ready market when released. Technically, the show is superb. In its story, the film presents a little wooden puppet who is given life by the Blue Fairy. He is sent off to school, but on the way the bad men get at him, and he has some amazing and highly-enter-taining adventures before he gets back to normal life once more. “Pinocchio” is a production all should see. Box plans are already rapidly filling at Begg’s or the State Theatre for each day of the season and intending patrons are advised to reserve early for this special.

MAJESTIC ’

“Let’s Be Famous,” the sparkling screen comedy now showing at the Majestic Theatre is just what the world needs today—a good laugh. A grand cast of comedians plays the principal parts of this laugh-filled comedy. Popular -Sonnie Hale, whose many successes are well known to the picture public, is the star with Jimmy O’Dea, Betty Driver and Patrick Barr in support. The music for this bright musical comedy was written by Noel Gay, famed composer of the Lambeth Walk. “Let’s Be Famous” is all real fun with catchy, tuneful songs and heans of Sonnie Hale comedy. One of the most successful plays ever seen in London has been brought to the screen in admirable form. “Black Limelight,” which stars Raymond Massey, Joan Marion and Walter Hudd, is the associate feature on today’s programme at the Majestic Theatre. A most ingenious murder mystery is unfolded before you with an equally unusual solution to prove the innocence of a husband wanted for murder. This is quite definitely a film to be seen. It is a drama which may well take place in any home. Plans are now on view at Majestic Theatre.

CIVIC

Seething with tense mystery and powerful emotional conflict, Universal’s production, “The Man Who Cried Wolf,” is the first attraction on the Civic’s 6d and 9d programme tonight at 7.45. It features Lewis Stone, Barbara Read and Tom Brown. “The Man Who Cried Wolf” is a bombshell of drama that no audience will ever forget. It presents problems everyone will want to solve.

Jerome and Scholl, Warner Brothers ace song-writing team, composed six numbers for “Melody For Two.” the new musical extravaganza featuring James Melton and Patricia Ellis, which is the second feature on the Civic’s 6d programme tonight The theme song, “Melody For Two” and “September in the Rain,” both ballads, were com-

posed for Melton to sing in the picture which Louis King directs. The team of M. K. Jerome and Jack Scholl wrote four numbers for Winifred Shaw and Patricia Ellis to introduce. Miss Shaw sings “Jose O’Neill, the Cuban Heel,” a swing rhumba; “Dangerous Rhythm,” a rhythm novelty, and “An Excuse for Dancing,” a swing song. Miss Ellis, in addition to “An Excuse for Dancing,” sings “A Flat in Manhattan,” a rhythm ballad. The Warner music department, under the direction of Leo Forbstein, composed atmosphere and special music for several dance numbers. Civic prices tonight are: All stalls, 6d, all circle 9d.

THE EMPIRE, RIVERTON

“The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt,” featuring Warren William and Ida Lupino, will be presented at Riverton tonight. The Lone Wolf, that debonair rogue whose light-fingered knavery made him the bane of police officials throughout the world, returns to the screen in this picture, with a foreign cigarette, his calling card, a beautiful blonde, his accomplice, and a rifled safe, his love letter.