STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 April 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

"SUEZ” FINALLY TONIGHT. The spectacular dramatic picture, “Suez," Will be finally shown tonight. COMEDY SPECIALS. The programme at the State Theatre tomorrow night will be headed by two comedy specials —“The Affairs of Annabel” featuring Jackie Oakie and Lucille Ball, and “Mr Doodle Kicks Oft"’ starring. Joe Penner and June Travis. Flavoured with high-speed humour and side-splitting situations, “The Affairs of Annabel” revolves around the. unexpected results of a series of imaginative exploits contrived by Oakie in his role of a rash press agent to publicise the studio’s foremost star, played by Miss Ball. Unfortunately these stunts have, a habit of backfiring. To attract attention to a prison picture, Oakie has Lucille gaoled under an • alias, promising reams of publicity upon her release a few days later. But real prison terms loom for the pair if the scheme is learned; and Lucille has to serve out her time for fear of exposure. Although enraged, Lucille again falls for Oakie’s persuasive tongue and goes to work as a housemaid, as a publicity build-up for her new picture, “A Maid and a Man.” However, two kidnappers fleeing the G-men involve the principals in a fast and furious mix-up. Perfectly suited to the , mirth-making talents of its two stars, “The Affairs of Annabel” provides a wealth of entertainment and as well affords interesting behind-the-scenes action on producing pictures and their subsequent ballyhoo. Supporting players headed by Ruth Donnelly, Bradley Page, Fritz Feld, Thurston Hall and Elizabeth Risdon add to the mirth and excitement of the film.

"Mr Doodle Kicks Off” presents Joe Penner, popular radio and screen comedian, in the role of a daffy gridiron hero, in a comedy which pokes fun at collegiate football and campus life. The story, soon to be seen on the local screen, is said to be replete with songs, romance and comedy. It concerns a shy collegian whose only ambition is to lead his own orchestra. Joe Penner, of course, is cast as the lad whose fight to keep out of football togs meets with failure, especially when pretty June Travis, as the college president’s co-ed daughter, enters into the scheme. As the football assistant-coach, Richard Lane finds it practically impossible to make a football star out of such soft timber.