STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 August 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

“THE SAINTS DOUBLE TROUBLE.’

The “Saint” novels by Leslie Charteris are among the most popular and widely-read thrillers of the day and the films based upon these books have achieved similar appreciation. The latest film, “The Saint’s Double Trouble,” will be shown tonight at the State Theatre and it is probably the most interesting and exciting of the series yet to come to the screen. In the title role as Simon Templar—the "Saint” —is George Sanders, suave, polished, and devil-may-care. The story, with its rapid action, thrilling incidents, and clever mystery, is too involved to deal with in. detail. Suffice to say that diamond smuggling and several murders give the Saint opportunities to prove his own innocence and bring the right man to justice. His efforts to convince the police that it is not he but another man —a jewel thief from Egypt bearing an extraordinary facial resemblance to himself —who is responsible for the crimes, are at times most amusing. The acting reaches a high standard and cleverly constructed scenes follow quickly on each other. Helene Whitney, playing the role of a daughter of a professor who is murdered by the “Saint’s” double, provides the romantic interest. Outstanding among the supports are “Fishing in the Fiords,” "Kennel Kings,” “Kennedy the Great,” and some of the latest newsreels. The programme is one which the management recommend with confidence. “AN ANZAC WRITES HOME.” Fox Movietone News which has recently produced several features of topical interest, has released a newsreel entitled “An Anzac Writes Home,” which will be shown tonight at the State Theatre. This reel which has been conceived and produced by Movietone Editor Harry Grattan Guinness, is a pictorial record of the experiences of a typical Digger from the moment of embarkation from his home port to his latest exploits on leave in London. These pictures which arc exclusive to Movietone, were flown from New York on the inaugural flight of the American Clipper service and are of particular topical interest. Many scenes are shown of Australian and New Zealanders in Palestine and England. Camp life, diverse training activities and soldiers on their first leave in London are depicted. One scene shows the informal visit of the Queen to a camp. Her Majesty is seen mingling informally with the men and poses with them for their photographer. A specially written commentary accompanies the film.