ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19888, 18 May 1936, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

| CURRENT PROGRAMMES. I i i ROXY THEATRE. I i | With Jane Withers and Jackie iSearle, “Ginger” is splendid enterI tainment. There is a big clash, filled with romance, excitement, drama and comedy, when these youngsters get together. When Jane, little, independent, iself-reliant product of Ninth Avenue, is taken into the Park Avenue home of the pampered Jackie Searle trouble and lots of fun follow-

“Guard That Girl” is an exciting melodrama. Who hurled the knife at the million-dollar heiress? Who plunged the mansion into murderous darkness? These questions are answered in the film. The plot has to do with a threatened heiress, a bevy of suspicious-looking relatives, and two young men who risk their lives. STATE THEATRE. “Grime and Punishment,” based on Fyodor Dostoievsky’s book of the same title, Is exciting film fare. Those familiar with the novel will regard Edward Arnold as a perfect choice in the principal part, although Peter Lorre gives a striking performance as the murderer, Raskolnikov. The plot deals with the story of a brilliant young man, a student of the criminal mind, who, out of pure desperation, attempts to commit the-perfect crime. Possessed of a rather extraordinary mentality, he believes he can outwit the police. The tale of his fight against the law makes stirring drama. ■ Marian Marsh and Tala Birrel provide the feminine interest in the film.

“Champagne for Breakfast” concerns a young lawyer (Hardie Albright) who gives up his offices to pursue romance and adventure. He finds both immediately In the person of lovely Joan Marsh, who learns that criminal interests are trying to secure her property for a race-track site.

CIVIC THEATRE. As Its name implies, "Show Them No Mercy" is full of action and the interest is sustained until the last dramatic scene. Rochelle Hudson anil Edward Norris give splendid performances in the leading roles. The story tells how the young pair and their infant fall into the hands of an unscrupulous band of criminals, who reason that their only means of keeping their activities secret is to kill the prisoners. Through a series of tense scenes the film reveals how the police gradually force the band into submission. In a thrilling climax Cesar Romero and Bruce Cabot, as the ringleaders of the gang, agree to shoot Miss Hudson and Norris. The foiling of the criminals provides plenty of excitement. The acting of the whole cast is particularly good, and to those who enjoy action “Show' Them No Mercy” can be recommended.

REGENT THEATRE. “Rose of the Rancho” is a lighthearted musical flhn set principally about a picturesque ranch in California. Gladys Swarthout, the grand opera star, reveals a glorious voice and an attractive appearance. Her songs inolude operatic excerpts and popular numbers, and all are sung delightfully. John Boles is her leading man, and he, too, contributes to the musical score. The early scenes depict Monterey at the time when the j Spanish landowners were striving to Jiold their ranches and property against the attacks of invading American land-grabbers. Endeavouring to combat this menace is a band of faithful vigilantes led by a mysterious person known as Don Carlos. A price is laid on Don Carlos’ head, and a Federal agent from Washington (John Boles) Is summoned to Monterey to investigate the situation. Herbert Williams as an insurance agent and Willie Howard as the insured man are responsible for many funny episodes. THEATRE ROYAL.

The picture programmes will be resumed at the Theatre Royal to-day, wffien “ Payment Deferred ” will be screened. This film combines sensation, drama, romance and comedy, and with its interesting dialogue and diverting situations holds the close Interest of the audience throughout as It works up to a sensational climax. Charles Laughton, undoubtedly the greatest actor of the screen, has a role In which he excels—that of a sinister killer—and gives one of his finest performances as lie runs the whole gamut of the emotions. It is a striking characterisation—fear by day and terror by night. The strong supporting cast includes Maureen O’Sullivan, Dorothy Peterson and Veree Teasdale. each of whom plays in a manner to give naturalness to every scene.