REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 August 1940, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

“SPIES OF THE AIR.” Air thrills in films have become so numerous as to be almost commonplace but in “Spies of the Air,” showing at the Regent Theatre tonight, the air shots are remarkable for dealing with a single plane and are still absorbingly interesting. There is a scene of the lone plane high above an eerily beautiful cloudscape. Patrons hear the drone of the engine change to a high pitched whine as the supercharger comes into action, the speed of the plane increases terrifically. At the encl of the test they see it take an almost vertical, heart-stopping dive to the earth hidden below the clouds. The final sequence where the spy meets his death is one that has few equals in agonised suspense. As the plane circles down with the engine futilely spluttering on empty tanks, the horizon canting and whirling dizzily before the pilot’s eyes, while he struggles frantically with the controls, a windmill and some trees are missed by a hairsbreadth; through all this the audience will feel as though they are with the unhappy man in the doomed machine. Barry K. Barnes and Joan Marion are two very attractive names in this intensely thrilling film. Supporting players being Roger Livesey, Basil Rudford and many other famous English names. The featurettes are outstanding, as they include a brilliant two-reel comedy with George Formby, and the Overseas News reviews the work of the British Navy from Norway to Alexandria, with many exclusive shots of actual warfare, an item which inspires and thrills all British hearts. The plans are at Messrs Steele and Bull’s and the theatre.

“THE STAR MAKER.” Plans are now open for Saturday’s glorious attraction, the gay. bright, melodious triumph introducing to filmgoers the latest soprano sensation, 14-year-old Linda Ware. The management announce that records everywhere have tumbled before its all-conquering charm and gaiety.