AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 369, 25 February 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre. “Gentle Julia.” As a mischievous little vixen who turns her hand to patching up romance, the new Fox picture, “Gentle Julia,” which shows at the Plaza Theatre to-night and to-morrow, returns versatile, lovable, irresistible Jane Withers to the screen in her mpst important film role. Marsha Hunt, Tom Brown .Jackie Searl and a roster of new “kid” stars support Jane in this comedy-romance of drowsy, happy pre-war America, adapted from Booth Tarkington’s beloved novel. The action of “Gentle Julia" is set in a sleepy Indiana town, where Marsha Hunt, who plays the title role, is besieged on all sides by eligible young men. and is simply unable to turn any of them down.

In the time she can spare from her personal feud with Jackie Searl, Jane Withers makes sporadic attempts to aid the cause of Tom Brown in pursuit of her aunt, Marsha Hunt. The aspect of the romance changes, however, when George Meeker , a suave city lad. begins to pay court te Miss Hunt. At this point, Jane decides in earnest to take a hand in her aunt's affairs, and devises a series of mad and ingenious schemes to discredit Meeker. Some of her plans miscarry, with ludicrous and embarrassing results. But in the end Jane proves herself right about Meeker, and one of the wildest funniest chases In recent pictures finds Tom Brown and Miss Hunt at the altar.

The select supporting cast of “Gentle Julia” includes Francis Ford in a genial role. Harry Holman as the harried grandfather to little Jane, and Hattie McDaniel.

King’s Theatre.

“Conflict.”

Two giants struggle in a battle of fists, while thousands of lumberjacks madPy cheer their champion on to victory. A lovely girl waits, hoping to see her man leave thq arena victorious. Will the winner be the man she loves, or the treacherous fighter the hates? That is the tremendous climax of “Conflict," Universal’s drama, Which shows at the King’s Theatre to-day and to-morrow, starring John Wayne and featuring Jean Rogers. Eleven-year-old Tommy Bupp has a prominent part. Ward Bond portrays the menace and the cast includes such well known players as Bryant Washburn and Margaret Mann. “Conflict”’ is a vigorous, thrilling narrative taken from Jack London's famous story, “The Abysmal Brute.” The tale brings back the days when the country throbbed over the doings of ring champions. The hero, portrayed by John Wayne, is seen as a very human fellow who falls in love with a beautiful girl. He Is a giant tower of strength to everyone efse, but an adoring sweetheart to her.

If you want your fill of drama and thrills, of excitement and romance, then see “Conflict" at the King’s Theatre to-night and to-morrow.