STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

LAUREL AND HARDY.

The State Theatre fairly rocked with laughter last night when Laurel and Hardy were seen in what many keen judges consider their best picture to elate, “A. Chump at Oxford.” The largo audience fully appreciated the picture which was one long laugh. It is certainly a great antidote in these strenuous war times. “A Chump at Oxford” presents sombre-faced Stan and rotund Ollie in a series of gay misadventures in England’s most austere halls of learning, Oxford. The comic team, presented as erstwhile white wings who cross the Atlantic to get an education, romp over the Oxford quadrangles as two undergraduates dressed in Eton jackets and schoolboy hats. As soon as they arrive they are singled out as the victims of some very elaborate hazing. Asked to be directed to the Dean’s quarters, they are sent into the Maze, a complicated labyrinth of shrubbery in which they become hopelessly lost. Staggering under the weight of their huge luggage, the heroes wander aimlessly up and down for the entire day and encounter a most remarkable ghost, in thy form of an upperclassman, when night comes. Especially funny and uproarious are the-scenes wherein Laurel and Hardy are hoaxed into an interview with a bogus dean who assigns them to living quarters in the rooms of , the real dean. Here they carry on in regal style, until they find themselves in a pretty kettle of: fish. “A Chump at Oxford” is a brightly directed comedy, filled with crackling dialogue, top-notch acting and all the ingredients of real, down-to-earth entertainment.

Russia before the- Revolution provides an exciting background for “'flic Rebel Son,” an Omnia production, the second attraction. Based on the famous story of Nicholas Gogol, the picture boasts of a strong cast, headed by Harry Baur, the Continental star, Roger Livesay, Joan Gardner, Patricia Roc. and Anthony Bushell. “The Rebel Son” abounds with action and excitement, and with the colourful backgrounds and fast-moving story registers as an excellent evening’s entertainment.