ENTERTAINMENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21207, 2 September 1940, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

TONIGHT’S PROGRAMMES

REGENT THEATRE 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 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. Little by little Jeff learns that he is being victimised, and what he does to assert himself brings the story to an exciting climax. “YOUNG TOM EDISON” “Young Tom Edison,” featuring Mickey Rooney, will be screened shortly. It deals with the youth of the famous inventor and is said to be intensely interesting. 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 Controieur, are members of the supporting cast. Charles Laughton is a disreputable but lovable figure in the title role. “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. THEATRE ROYAL In “The Old Barn Dance” the popular Gene Autry appears as the leader of a group of fcowboy entertainers who rescue a number of 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. There is plenty of exciting entertainment in “Spies Of the Air,” which deals with 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. STATE THEATRE The diverting story of a singing boxer is unfolded in “Kid Nightingale.” Jane Wyman, who revealed her talents for light comedy in “Brother Rat,” appears opposite John Payne, who, in the title role, takes, up boxing to get into grand opera, with exciting, romantic and very funny results. “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. The story works up to 4 thrilling climax. CIVIC THEATRE 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” (Swanee River), “Old Black Joe,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Oh! Susanna!” “De Camptown Races,” “Jeanme with the Light Brown Hair” ancL “Ring, Ring de Banjo,” to mention but a few. “Swanee River” 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. “IRENE” “Irene,” with Anna Neagle and Ray Milland, will be screened on Friday. Some of the scenes are in technicolour. _________