AMUSEMENTS.

Taranaki Central Press, 19 April 1937, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS.

Plaza Theatre. JOAN CRAWFORD IN “THE GORGEOUS HUSSY.’’ The producers who gave theatregoers “San Francisco” score another on.standing triumph with “The Gorgeous Hussy,” which will how at th» Plaza Theatre to-night. Joan Crawford, playing the part of Peggy O'Neale, a beautiful woman with a power in American politics at the time of President Andr-Av Jackson, is seen in a new atmosphere. She does array with her old flambuoyance and becomes -a personality with a deeper appeal, with a backing of sincere, intelligent and sure emotional acting. The result is a fine, sympathetic portrayal .of one of the most remarkable women in American history. The picture is ful 1 of good acting. Lionel Barrymore, in the part of the rough-hew’n ’ old President, is impressive, while Melvyn. Douglas’s performance/ as the President’s bitter enemy, but the man whom Peggy loves, is excellent. Other good portraits are .provided by Franchot Tone, Robert Taylor and Sidney Toler. The film aims to capture the spirit of the chief character. This it succeeds it: doing very .admirably, wWh a story that is well balanced between a political intrigue and romance. There is a vital period atmosphere, much powerful drama, and many emotional moments.

King’s Theatre. >

“ALIBI -FOR MURDER,”. MYSTERY THRILLER. I£ you are an amateur detective—and who isn't?—you will find an intriguing mystery picture in “Alibi for Murder," which, will not only give you plenty of enjoyment., but will offer you a problem in crime solution that vi’ill tax your talentg of deduction to a maximum, It is a Columbia production whif.h shows at the King's Theatre to-night, William □ argan wi.h Marguerite Churchill, and, is one, of the most entertaining, at the local house . in recent months. “Alibi for Murder" is the story of a radio news commentator, played by Clargan who, .aided by his stooge, “Brainy”, Barker, played by Gene Morgan, attempts to get a famous inventor on the air for an interview and. rung into a man-sized murder, mystery. Garga turns his attention from interviews to solving the .crime, and. incidentally, becom. 3 involved in. a very pleasing romance with the murdered man’s secretary, played by Miss Churchill. Every avenue of investigation, runs' into, a stone wall un til it appears that. the murderer has been handled expertly by Director D. Ross Lederman to. make the most of that valuable dramatic element—suspense. Gargan and Miss Churchill are excellent in the leads' and Geue Morgan qualifies ae one of the screens’ best funny men. JIMMY DUNN IN “MYSTERIOUS CROSSING.” “Mysterious Crossing" is. a Universal film set , in. New Orleans, which features Jimmy Dunn as a news reporter who solves the disappearance of the town’s leading banker and prevents a ; three-million-dollar fraud. Jan Rogers portrays the banker’s daughter. Andy Devine is seen and heard as a hillbilly singer with a mountain goat voice. “‘Mysterious Crossing" showing at the King’s Theatre to-night. The story sets forth Jimmy's adven. tur-es; from the time he-sees two men loap from the railway ferry which crosses the Mississippi, until he captures the guilty criminal. The action is fast and furious, as loaded with excitement as a thunderstorm with electricity, The humour zips along at just as rapid a pace. Rotnance skips along the trail at Jimmy’s heels, waiting to catch him unaware. The film presents Jimmy following clues, Andy Devine following Jimmy, and thugs following them both. For the event of the year, the miracle of all miracles, wait until you hear Andy Devine sing! It’s just too, too divine! There’s a great deal of fun and a great deal of mystery in this 1 picture. Be sure to see it.