ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20923, 30 September 1939, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TO=NIGHT’S PROGRAMMES ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE’ AT THE CIVIC THEATRE “Rose of Washington Square,” which combines romance with melody and comedy, brings back a host of songs which charmed theatre audiences on another day. Most of the numbers are rendered by Alice Faye, who has the support of Tyrone Power in a strong dramatic portrayal. The story centres about the actions of a man who sets out upon a life of crime, and finally breaks from prison, only to give himself up again in preparation for a new life through the influence of a number sung by his wife from the stage. Another important part in the film is taken by A 1 Jolson, who comes as an actual representative of the time, and proves that his voice and personality are as appealing as ever. Even though some of the songs have lost their original pathetic force there is a freshness about them which must always make them attractive, especially in such a setting as that provided. Laughter, romance, music and drama are equal elements in this entertainment. “GARDEN OF THE MOON” AT THE STATE THEATRE “Garden of the Moon,” featuring Pat O’Brien and Margaret Lindsay, is a very amusing comedy, with witty lines and diverting situations, and the audience is entertained from beginning to end. There is a charming romance and some very tuneful nelodies. Pat O’Brien and Margaret Lindsay give fine performances in the romantic leads and there a strong supporting cast. In excellent contrast is the second film, “Pardon Our Nerve,” in which there are plenty of thrills as well as an unusual romance and some humour to lighten the tension. Michael Whalen fills the leading role with distinction, and there are many other clever people in the cast. “Pardon Our Nerve” will alternately thrill and amuse, and the whole programme, with interesting supports, is very entertaining. “SILVER ON THE SAGE” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL William Boyd, as the fearless “Hopalong Cassidy,” gets the toughest assignment of his career when a rustling-king and his twin brother work together to beat out the boys from “Bar 20” in “Silver on the Sage.” The mysterious theft of a herd guarded by “Bar 20” and the imprisonment of his pal (Russell Hayden) on a trumped-up murder charge sends Boyd into action against the outlaws who use gambling tricks, spies, terror and murder to carry out their plans. “Sudden Money” in the form of a sweepstakes fortune, hits a typical modern family in “Sudden Money.” Charlie Ruggles, a harassed clerk whose youtniUl ambition was to have an orchestra, plays the sweepstakes millionaire, while Marjorie Rambeau is seen as the wife who gives up her good cooking foK bad painting when her husband strikes it rich. “THE LAMBETH WALK” AT THE RECENT THEATRE “The Lambeth Walk,” that infectious tune and dance, has reached the screen. The story is of a young Cockney bookmaker, who suddenly finds himself the heir to an earldom. His efforts to adjust himself to his new surroundings and the reaction of his newly-found relatives provide some funny situations. Lupino Lane, as Bill Snibsen, the hero, is very amusing. His encounters with his aunt, the duchess, provide many of the comedy highlights. Sally Gray, as his Lambeth girl friend, and Seymour Hicks, as Sir John, one of his new relations, do their share towards making the show a big success. The supporting programme includes “While America Sleeps,” one of the “Crime Doesn’t Pay” series; the Cinesound Review and the British Air Mail News. “THE CROWD ROARS” AT THE ROXY THEATRE “The Crowd Roars” is packed with thrills, romance, and suspence. Clever players support the star: Frank Morgan as his father, ex-vaudeville trouper; Edward Arnold as the gambler behind the scenes of the tight game; Maureen O’Sullivan as his daughter and Jane Wyman as her school chum and rival for Taylor’s affections; William Gargan as the ex-light-heavyweight champ killed in the ring by Taylor, his former pupil; Lionel Stander as the star’s trainer; Nat Pendleton as Arnold’s gambling rival; Isabel Jewell as Gargan’s wife; Gene Reynolds as Tommy McCoy as a boy. “Personal Secretary” contains far more than the usual amount of surprising twists and in addition, a grand love story. There is an ingenious plot. A poisoned man’s widow is on trial and obviously guilty of murder. It is here that two rival newspaper columnists, Joy Hodges and William Gargan take the case into their own hands with exciting results.

HAMILTON PLAYBOX ‘THE LATE CHRISTOPHER BEAN’ The Hamilton Playbox, which staged "Home and Beauty” very successfully a few weeks ago, has another very entertaining play in rehearsal. It is “The Late Christopher Bean,” and it will be staged at the Civic Theatre next month on behalf of patriotic funds. “The Late Christopher Bean” was a great success when staged professionally, its romantic story being full of human appeal and delightful humour. The Hamilton Playbox has chosen an excellent cast and the performance should be a great success. “TILL THE DAY I DIE” PRODUCTION IN HAMILTON A year or so ago Clifford Odets’ play, “Till the Day I Die,” was not allowed to be staged in Sydney because it was considered that its indictment of the Nazi regime in Germany might give offence. To-day the world has learned a lot more of Herr Hitler and realises that Mr Odets has not written too strongly. “Till the Day I Die” is in rehearsal by the People’s Theatre at Frankton, ; a band of earnest, enthusiastic people under the direction of Mr S. Cook, who will stage the play at the Winter Show Hall, Hamilton, for three nights_early next month. A picture of comfort! The day’s work done, a cheery wood-fire (for a chilly night), curtains snugly drawn, a really “easy” chair, dressing-gown and slippers, a good book, and your j favourite briar—and there you are! Of course, your tobacco should be 0.K., something that will soothe and solace, something full of flavour and fragrance, something that wont burn your tongue or “bite” your throat—"toasted” for choice because it combines all these points (and some others), and you can smoke away for hours and enjoy every whiff! Harm you? Absurd! —its toasted, and toasting works out the nicotine. These are the purest tobaccos manufactured, and the five brands—Cut Plug No. 10 (Bulkhead), Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), Cavendish. Riverhead Gold and Desert Gold, are on sale throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand. Once smoker of toasted always a smoker of toasted! Its fascination is irresistible! It appeals to the outback settler, “far from the madding crowd,” just as it appeals to the city man or the “lounge-lizard a universal favourite.