REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

0 ‘■MY KITTLE CHICKADEE.” Offering a double-barrel barrage of hilarious comedy, and whimsical romance, Mae West and W. C. Fields’s new starring picture. Universal’s “My Little Chickadee,” will be shown tonight at the Regent Theatre. The production is unquestionably one of the most riotous entertainments to come out of Hollywood for some lime. In a cleverly concocted story set against the picturesque background of the 1880 frontier, Mae and Fields cover themselves with new glory in roles tailored to their colourful talents. Mae portrays a wise-cracking Chicago cabaret singer who causes a tornado of excitement upon her arrival in the wild and woolly wide open spaces. Fields is cast as a travelling medicine man and card sharper who is fascinated by Mae and who struggles valiantly throughout the film to win her affections. Also contributing importantly to the entertainment is an outstanding cast of supporting players. Joseph Calleia is excellent as the crooked boss of the Western town where most of the action takes place. Dick Foran ably enacts the crusading newspaper editor and Donald Meek does a priceless characterisation of a shifty gambler who looks like a deacon. Other parts are carried off by Anne Nagel. Magaret Hamilton. Fuzzy Knight, Ruth Donnelly, and George Moran. In the film Mae West sings “Willie of the Valley,” written especially for her. She is accompanied by the well-known musical trio, Gene Austin and Candy and Coco. Splendid featurettes include the latest overseas news giving sensational views of the Germans in Norway and the ruthless bombing of Namsos. Also screening is a beautiful scenic of famous English homes and a further number of the popular “Going Places” tours conducted by Lowell Thomas. The plans are at the, shop of Messrs Steel and Bull, Queen Street, and the Theatre.