THE THEATRES

Southland Times, Issue 24232, 16 September 1940, Page 3

THE THEATRES

THE REGENT

THE “THIN MAN” AGAIN

WILLIAM POWELL IN COMEDY-MYSTERY

The “Thin Man” has come again. This time William Powell has a delightful part to play in a murder mystery that contains much quiet comedy. As the “Thin Man,” William Powell has created a screen character that is unique in many ways. As Nick Charles, detective, his portrayal of his part leaves little to be desired. His humour lies as much in’his facial expression as in his speech, and in this he is superb. Myrna Loy has, once again, the part of Mrs Nick Charles, and her quiet acting makes her a splendid foil for the witticisims of her screen husband. The story is one worthy of the principals. An old colonel, played by C. Aubrey Smith, has been receiving threats from a Cuban engineer who was his partner in some of his earlier ventures. The colonel has been threatened with death if he does not pay a large sum of money tc the Cuban, and he calls in Nick Charles to assist and protect him. While Charles is in the house the colonel is murdered. The problem of finding the murderer is a tricky one, as there are several suspects, each of whom has a motive, and several of whom would have had the opportunity. In his investigation of the case Charles is shot at and has a knife thrown at him. Apart from these difficulties, he is greatly hampered by the suspicions of the county police and the district attorney, who seems to think he knows more about the case than he will tell. However, the case is solved at length in an unusual mariner. Throughout the play there are many moments of humour, such as the baby party arranged by an underworld friend of the detective. Asta, the dog which has become so well known to followers of the “Thin Man” series, also provides several humorous interludes. The supporting cast includes many well-known players. A new touch is added by the baby, whose antics are delightful. The “Thin Man” series has always been popular and this one, “Another Thin Man,” fully maintains the high standard set by those of the past. The supporting programme is of the Regent’s usual high order.

STATE

An erring young husband is brought to Tieel by his wide-awake wife in the rollicking comedy, “Daytime Wife,” which will be screened finally today at 2.0 and 8.0 at the State Theatre. Tyrone Power is the central figure of innumerable hilarious scenes, while the title role is filled by Linda Daniell, who attracted attention with her successful screen debut in “Hotel For Women.” Other prominent parts are taken by Joan Davis, Warren William, Binnie Barnes and Wendy Barrie. The supports include a two-reel comedy, and so on. “Boy Slaves,” which opens at the State tomorrow, stars Anne Shirley, Roger Daniel and America’s Little Tough Guy Gang, “Tim,” “Knuckles,” “Miser,” “Peewee” and “Atlas.” The storp opens when 15-year-old Jesse runs away from home. His brother having lost his factory job, there is no money to feed them. He vows to make enough money to send home to his mother. On the road he is accosted by a gang of urchins who steal his few belongings. Remorseful at his tears, Tim Marty, the leader, takes Jesse along to their camp with them and returns his money. Jesse stays with them, learns that they think of themselves as modern Robin Hoods, jobless, stealing only enough to keep them alive. In a nearby town, they organize, make a complete haul of the town, stealing everything they can lay their hands on. Tim goes back after Jesse, who has been lost in the ensuing shuffle, and the two boys are caught by the police. The .boys are rounded up, brought in, and all bitterly accuse Jesse of squealing. At first the judge considers sending the boys up, but a man steps forward and offers to give them jobs and good salaries and thus take them off the State’s hands. He is the owner of a large turpentine farm not far away. All the boys agree, except Tim. He wants a free life, not work. The judge fines him a hundred dollars and puts him in goal. Jesse vows that he will accumulate the money to free Tim. Exciting incidents follow and the story is brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

The State announces that Walt Disney’s technicolour sensation, “Pinocchio,” will begin screening next Friday. Box plans are rapidly filling at Begg’s and the State Theatre.

MAJESTIC

“The Fatal Hour,” the latest of the Mr Wong detective series, will conclude at the Majestic Theatre today. Boris Karloff is again seen as Mr Wong, the celestial sleuth, Grant Withers as Captain Street and Marjorie Reynolds as the girl reporter. “The Fatal Hour” has a particularly well concealed plot and is full of excitement from start to finish. The associate feature, “Blondie on a Budget,” shows the further adventures of the Blondie family. Boasting a daring, timely, provocative story and a great cast headed by four of the screen’s most sensational performers—Akim Tamiroff, Lloyd Nolan, Mary Boland and Patricia MorisonParamount’s new drama, “The Magnificent Fraud,” will open tomorrow at the Majestic Theatre. Briefly, the story tells how, in a mythical South American country, an actor dares to take the place of a dictator who has been assassinated in a bombing. The actor is forced to do so by a reckless, romantic American, the man behind the dictator, because the young American realizes that the country will not be able to obtain a badly needed ten million dollar loan unless the dictator is thought to be alive. Tamiroff plays the dictator-actor, Noland the young American, Mary Boland a former darling of the dictator, while Patricia Morison provides love interest opposite Nolan. The supporting picture on tomorrow's programme at the Majestic Theatre, “Million Dollar Legs,” is a gay and snappy musical comedy with plenty of action and lots of fun. Plans are now on view at H. and _ J. Smith’s department store, Rice’s Majestic sweet shop and at the Majestic Theatre.

CIVIC

An exciting story of espionage within the "grim walls of France’s famous frontier fortification, which proved so useless in the Republic’s fight against Germany, is unfolded in “Double Crime in the Maginot Line,” which will be screened finally tonight at 7.45 at the Civic. It was produced and acted in France, but an English dialogue has been substituted for the French,* and this has been so well done that a few moments are quite sufficient to get the “hang” of the whole idea. The film is not an ordinary thriller, but a play which takes into account several character studies and human relationships as well. The story deals with the sudden and dramatic death of the new commander of the line, who, while on a tour of inspection, meets sudden death

in company with his adjutant. Suspicion falls at first on Captain Bruchot, a veteran of the Great War, who ruined a brilliant career by marrying a German woman. His wife, Anna, is madly loved by her husband, who is, however, prone to fits of insane jealousy. He is arrested for the crime, but when it is proved that he could not have done it, he demands that he be given the opportunity of tracing the criminal himself, for he feels that his honour has been slighted. The soldier turns detective, and in an exciting climax brings the culprit to justice. The second feature is “The Marines Fly High,” a thrilling comedy drama, featuring Richard Dix, Chester Morris and Lucille Ball. Popular Civic prices finally tonight are: All stalls, 1/-, circle 1/6, and children half-price. Plans are at the Civic.