ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21205, 30 August 1940, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES

THEATRE ROYAL “The Old Barn Dance,” a musical western film starring Gene Autry, is splendid entertainment. Excellent music, played by the Colorado Hillbillies, and sung by Autry and his pal “Frog” (Smiley Burnette), combined with an interesting story, makes “The Old Barn Dance” well worth while. The story deals with Autry and his band of cowboy entertainers breaking up the plans of an unscrupulous tractor company to sell tractors to farmers, then foreclose on them when they fail to meet the first payment, thereby gaining the farmers’ land. In “Spies of the Air” Barry K. Barnes is a test pilot who is in love with his designer’s wife (played by Joan Marion). Their love affair gives a mechanic an opportunity for blackmail, a problem that is settled in a startling manner. “By George,” featuring George Formby, will also be screened. CIVIC THEATRE “Swanee River,” which tells the life-story of Stephen Foster, American song writer, is screened in vivid technicolour against a new and fascinating background, while the music of the famous composer adds the finishing touch to a splendid film. The producers have given their best to exploit the possibilities of the picture, and by selecting Don Ameche and Andrea Leeds with A 1 Jolson for the leading roles they made an admirable choice. The well-known Hall Johnson choir is heard at its best in the negro songs and the picture is filmed against an authentic background of the south. The outstanding characteristic of the film is the fine reproduction of the technicolour and the music, but apart from that the performances of the leading players are meritorious. Don Ameche has the unusual task of portraying a study of a man rather than telling his life’s story, and he interprets a striking character with conspicuous success. The beauty of Andrea Leeds is shown to advantage in colour, and her sympathetic supporting role is well carried out'. ROXY THEATRE “The Beachcomber,” featuring Charles Laughton, and “Little Accident,” with Baby Sandy, will be screened today. “The Beachcomber” shows in thrilling fashion how a down-and-out rehabilitates himself and wins respect and affection. Charles Laughton gives a fine performance in the title role, showing the lovableness of the character beneath the ragget exterior. Elsa Lanchester (Mrs Laughton) provides much amusement as a zealous teacher who gets many shocks before she realises the worth of the beachcomber. Some of the island settings of the film are very beautiful. “Little Accident” is a very amusing comedy, with much romance. Baby Sandy again wins all hearts, and entertaining studies are also given by Hugh Herbert and others. Dialogue and situations hold the interest of the audience as the story works up to its logical climax. STATE THEATRE “Kid Nightingale” is a sparkling production, filled with laughter and melody, and is just the type of film to appeal to audiences in these troublous times. John Payne and Jane Wyman have the romantic leads, and are supported by a very strong cast. “I Am a Criminal” is an exciting gangster story with a new twist The excitement centres around John Carroll, as Brad McArthur, big-time gambler, who accidentally kills a man; and the new twist is that Brad hires a press agent to build him up as a public benefactor, to enable him to escape the D.A.’s indictment. The press agent has Brad adopt a little lad, 10-year-old Bobby, who soon wins his way to Brad’s heart. It is through Bobby that Brad learns that Linda, his girl, has been doublecrossing him, and that she. and Clint, the publicity man, are “having him on.” So he throws Clint out of the house, and the resultant head-lines crystalise Brad’s idea to jump bail, leave town and make a new start. REGENT THEATRE “Mr Smith Goes to Washington,” featuring James Stewart, Jean Arthur and Claude Rains, will be screened today. James Stewart plays the title role in “Mr Smith Goes to Washington,'.’ and the youthful charm, earnestness and idealism with which he invests the part contributes greatly to the picture’s appeal. Young Jeff Smith is head of the State’s Boy Rangers, and when a vacancy in the United States Senate has to be filled his name comes to the attention of the ruling political forces who want the appointee to be a harmless and inexperienced tool. Jeff goes to Washington unconscious of the fact that he is helping to betray the ideals he holds so dear. Jean Arthur, his secretary, is prone to scoff at him. but she falls in love with the human, honest youth. Little by little Jeff learns that he is being victimised.