ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21206, 31 August 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES "SWANEE RIVER” AT THE CIVIC THEATRE The colourful, romantic days of minstrels and river boats, when a stormy love wrote the songs that are America’s own, are brought stirringly to the screen in “Swanee River.” The film is one of the most appealing seen in Hamilton recently. The very heart of America is embodied in the familiar melodies of Stephen Collins Foster, expressed in such songs as “The Old Folks at Home” Riv6r), “Old Black Joe,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Oh! Susanna!” “De Camptown Races,” “Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair” and “Ring, Ring de Banjo,” to mention but a few. “Swanee River,” which tells the life-story of Stephen Foster, American song writer, is screened in vivid technicolour against a fascinating background, while the music of the famous composer adds the finishing touch to a splendid film. Don Ameche, Andrea Leeds and A 1 Jolson have the leading roles. 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. 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 success. A striking film of the beginnings Gf icebergs and a merry Terrytoon cartoon are features of the supporting programme.

“MR SMITH AT WASHINGTON” AT THE REGENT THEATRE “Mr Smith Goes to Washington” tells a delightful story, with many dramatic highlights and an unusual romance. James Stewart plays the title role, 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 cornes 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, and what he does to assert himself brings the story to an exciting climax. The supporting programme includes “Big Fish,” a sporting film, the British Air Mail News and the Cinesound Review. “KID NIGHTINGALE” AT THE STATE THEATRE The diverting story of a singing boxer is unfolded in “Kid Nightin-

gale.” Jane Wyman, who revealed her talents for light comedy in j “Brother Rat,” appears opposite i John Payne, who, in the title role, | takes up boxing to get into grand i opera, with exciting, romantic and | very funny results. Walter Catlett j and Ed. Brophy help in the funmakj ing. “I Am a Criminal” is a sensational gangster story. 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 crystallise Brad’s idea to jump bail, leave town and make a new start. “THE OLD BARNJDANCE” AT THE THEATRE ROYAL In “The Old Barn Dance” the popular Gene Outry appears as the leader of a group of cowboy entertainers who rescue a number of i farmers from the attacks of an unscrupulous tractor company. The picture is full of action and singing, and is one of the best of a long list of Autry successes. Specialty acts adding to the entertainment of this musical western include Walter Shrum and His Colorado Hillbillies, the Stafford Sisters, aqd the Maple City Four. There is plenty of exciting entertainment in “Spies Of the Air,” which deals wjth the leakage of secrets from a lonely aerodrome where another super-fast plane is being nursed to completion for the ; Air Force. Barry K. Barnes, Roger Livesey, Joan Marion and Basil Radford head the strong cast. “By George,” with George Formby, provides plenty of laughter, and a chapter of the serial, “Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe,” gives some thrills. “THE BEACHCOMBER” AT THE ROXY THEATRE “The Beachcomber,” in which Charles Laughton gives a very fine ' performance in the title role, is an adaptation of Somerset Maugham’s

“Vessel of Wrath.” Prim Martha Jones, the missionary who deplores the insolent sloth of the beachcomber, “Ginger Ted,” is made a forelorn figure by Elsa Lanchester, Charles Laughton’s wife. Tyrone Guthrie, in the role of Dr. Jones, and Robert Newton, as the Controleur, are members of the supporting cast. Charles Laughton is a disreputable but lovable figure in the title role, and the manner in which he turns the tables on those who seek to belittle him : makes splendid entertainment. Some of the island scenes are very beau- . tiful. “Little Accident” is a very funny comedy of bachelor fathers and spinster mothers. It is a merry mix-up that keeps the audience chuckling, with Baby Sandy the centre of all the trouble. Florence Rice, Richard Carlson, Hugh Herbert, Joy Hodges and Edgar Kennedy keep the ball of fun rolling.