ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20950, 1 November 1939, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT'S PROGRAMMES CIVIC THEATRE “Confessions of a Nazi Spy” is a vivid depiction of the menacing undercover activities fostered in America by the most dangerous of all the enemies of democratic institutions—the Nazi regime in Germany. In making the picture, Warner Bros, have used all the facilities at their command to bring the danger of these activities out into the open, and although the story of the film is fictional, there can be no doubt that the dangers are very real. Edward G. Robinson portrays the G-Man who breaks the spy ring and brings four of the members to trial and conviction. Paul Lukas plays the doctor who heads the spy ring, and Francis Lederer portrays a bungling Nazi informer. REGENT THEATRE An absorbing drama, depicting a man torn between his devotion to duty and his natural affection for his son, is unfolded in “Sergeant Madden,” the film which heads to-night’s new programme. Wallace Beery is convincing as a lumbering, goodnatured Irish policeman, while a performance that augurs well for his future in dramatic films is given by Alan Curtis. As the policeman’s son he is forced to follow in his father’s footsteps much against his will, and his vain, egoistical nature turns him into a soured and ruthless man, who instead of walking his beat in sober and friendly fashion tries to make an impression by indiscriminate shooting and killing. The story works up to a sensational climax. Wallace Beery gives a fine performance alternating between drama and comedy, and has the support of an excellent cast. STATE THEATRE Marooned by the blizzard in a mountain lodge, with only a stuffed moose as chaperon and caviar and crackers for food—that is the romantic predicament that faces Don Ameche and Ann Sothern in “Fifty Roads to Town.” Supporting these two stars, Slim Summerville, Jane Darwell, John Quaien, Douglas Fowley, Allan Lane, Alan Dinenart and Stepin Fetchit add humour and excitement to the film. “Night Waitress” has the glamorous San Francisco waterfront as its background. The new production is filled with tense excitement and thrills enacted in this intriguing locale whose history dates back to the gold rush days. Here the dregs of humanity mingle on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, soldiers of fortune from the seven seas, wharf rats, and all of the shadowy characters of a seaport. ROXY THEATRE “Ex-Champ” is a strong human drama, with Victor McLagien giving a fine performance as an old exchampion fighter. He is forced to make a decision that means the sacrifice of his own honour, dear to him through years of honest effort. When he loses his job as apartment house doorman he undertakes the training of a young fighter, who ultimately reaches the goal of a fight with the champion. McLaglen’s son (played by Donald Briggs) has meanwhile speculated with a client’s money, and laces disgrace and prison unless the funds are replaced. Gunner is faced with the decision of sacrificing his fighter and his own honesty to save the reputation of his own son. “Cowboy From Brooklyn” is a sparkling musical comedy, with popular Dick Powell acting gaily and singling delightfully. CHARLEY’S AUNT A brilliant company of well-known artists will present the old-estab-lished favourite of stage comedy, “Charley’s Aunt,” at the Theatre Royal next Monday night, with “Up in Mabel’s Room” to follow on Tuesday night. Heading the cast will be Don Nicol, a talented young comedian, who has toured New Zealand several times and will best be remembered for his good performances in “White Horse Inn” and “Balalaika.” Appearing with Don Nicol will be Shirley Ann Richards, who, besides being a promising stage actress, is already a popular film player, her most recent success being in “Dad and Dave Come to Town,” while she also took a leading role in “Dovers and Luggers.” Another of the company with experience in film acting is John Fleeting, while Mary Duncan, Leal Douglas, and Alathea Siddons were members of the cast of the widely-discussed play “The Women.” which was presented in Auckland recently. Charlie Albert, Phil Smith, Norman Barrington, Lane Patterson and Maisie Wallace are also prominent artists who will appear in “Charley’s Aunt.” The box plans will open to-morrow morning.