STATE THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 November 1940, Page 2

STATE THEATRE

. “CHARLIE CHAN’S MURDER CRUISE.” Thirty pieces of silver clutched in each victim’s hand! That was Charlie Chan’s only clue in his toughest case to date, “Charlie Chan’s Murder Cruise,” the 20th Century-Fox film which will be shown tonight at the State Theatre, with Sidney Toler again in the title role. Crammed with suspense, thrills ■ and action, the mystery-drama finds I Chan on board a luxury liner with a boat-load of suspects and an aura of terror surrounding them all. A maniacal strangler is on the loose and Chan faces his deadliest adversary whose calling card is thirty pieces of crimson coin! How the famous Oriental detective matches crime with cleverness and outwits the maniac makes the most thrilling adventure Chan ever has ex-1 perienced, and the best picture in the entire Chan series. Toler again gives a remarkable portrayal of the famous detective. Heading the strong supporting cast, and providing the love interest, is vivacious Marjorie Weaver. Paired with handsome Robert Lowery, Marjorie Weaver finds romance amid the turmoil and terror on board the illstarred steamer. Lionel Atwill, the grand character actor, is outstanding in his role. Sen Yung, Chan’s “No. 2 son,” again plays his part to perfection as do Don Beddoe, Leo Carroll, Cora Witherspoon, Kay Linaker and Harlan Briggs.

The associate feature is a human story told with striking simplicity—- “ Manhattan Heartbeat,” in which the leading roles are taken by Robert Sterling, Joan Davis, and Virginia Gilmore. It is one of the finest dramas ever placed on the screen. The supports include the latest newsreels, presenting current topics from all parts of the world.