STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 May 1939, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“TRADE WINDS.” The programme at the State Theatre tonight will be headed by an outstanding attraction which has run for weeks at the chief centres in New Zealand —“Trade Winds.” It is a drama far above the average, with quick moving scenes, the settings and the acting being exceptionally good. It is one of the most provocative and exciting motion pictures to reach the screen within recent years and has a capitally chosen cast headed by Fredric March and Joan Bennett. The picture is a fast-moving, romantic melodrama, smartly fashioned to contain all the elements of fine entertainment. Miss Bennett, portraying the role of Kay Kerrigan, flees San Francisco after a murder of which she believes herself guilty. Dyeing her blonde hair black, as a disguise, the girl travels half-way 'around the world in her flight from the law. Her steps in and through the fascinating Orient are dogged by Fredric March, appearing as Sam Wye, a blase detective with a grand sense of humour find an excellent appreciation of the beautiful female. Ralph Bellamy and Ann Sothern, teamed as the second romantic leads, contribute rich comedy performances —he as a stolid, book-trained sleuth, she as a scatter-brained but stunningly garbed secretary. But perhaps one of the most interesting and arresting contributions to the filming of “Trade Winds” is the introduction of Joan Bennett as a vivid and flashing brunette. The film is rich in suspense, drama and humour.' In a word, "Trade Winds” is the answer to the moviegoer who discriminatingly demands entertainment which is gay, exciting and completely satisfying. Among the varied and colourful backgrounds against which the action unfolds are included such countries as Hawaii, Japan, China, Indo-China, the Malay Peninsula Ceylon, India and the little known Laccadive Islands. An excellent “March of Time’’ will also be shown.