ENTERTAINMENTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 206, 31 July 1937, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. “ELEPHANT BOY.” A new and remarkable hoy star is introduced in “Elephant Boy,” which Alexander Korda is' screening to-night at the Regent Theatre. He is Sabu, a 13-year-old Indian - lad who was discovered in India by Robert Flaherty, co-director of the film, working in the AlaharajaJi’s elephant stablos. Tliis naive, unaffected child is one of tho most delightful personalities ever brought to tho screen. AVomcn will love him—liis smile alone will take care of that. “Elephant Boy” is rare and restful entertainment, right off the beaten track. The story, based on “Toomai of the Elephants,” one of Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book” yarns tells of a little Indian boy, son of a mahout, who dreams of the day when he, too, will become a great elephant driver like his famous grandfather, the ronownod “Toomai of tho Elephants.” Little Toomai’s father is killed, and the boy mourns witli Kala Nag. his favourite elephant, a giant tusker. Kala Nag attacks his new driver and runs riot. Fearing disaster Petersen Sahib, the white hunter, decides to shoot tho huge beast; but little Toomai boldly approaches his elephant friend and soothes him. Owing to a misunderstanding Toomai runs away with Kala Nag into the jungle that night. Peterson leads a party in search of them. Toomai is found utterly exhausted but ho bears news of an enormous herd of elephants in the vicinity. A stockade is built, beaters are hastily assembled and there follows an exciting round-up in which more elephants arc caught than have ever been known before. And tho happy boy returns to camp proudly riding Kala Nag, not as Little Toomai, but as Toomai of the Elephants. Tho elephant drive provides a thrilling climax to a magnificent picture. Seldom has such realism been captured by a camera. It is the rare sort of film which provides excellent entertainment for the entire family. Tho film was nearly three years in "tho making, two of which wore spent on locale in India. Tho transfer of the Kipling story could not have been in more sympathetic hands than those of Robert Flaherty and Zoitan Korda, the directors, who deserve the warmest congratulations for one of tlie truly memorable pictures of tho year.

STATE THEATRE. “HEAD OVER HEELS.” “She’s slender and graceful as a willow —and dances like a leaf in the wind. She’s Britain’s greatest dancing star and she earned tlie title after years of hard work and sacrifice —after a childhood ot rigorous discipline and study.” She says one of England’s greatest authorities, and every word is true. Jessie Alattliows is a star of the first rank and her rise to fnmo lias been thoroughly earned. Sh© was born in London on March 11, 1907. and made her stago debut in 1923. Her elder sister was a strong influence in her life—it was she who first discovered little Jessie’s talents and helped her to de yc'.op them, finally ' getting her an audition with Andre Chariot. Her first professional appearance was in “The Alusic Box Revue” at tho Palace Theatre, and then Chariot engaged her to understudy Gertrude Lawrence in his revue. Then Aliss Lawrence became ill and Jessie’s big moment had arrived. Froin then onward, her success was assured and she became a name, a name with personality, in electric lights. Then she went to America. Back in London again, she scored a great success in 1926, and then C. B. Cochran, London’s greatest showman, starred her in “One Dam Thing After Another,” “Wake Up and Dream” and “This Year of Grace.” Then came “Evergreen,” which became one of her greatest film successes at a later period. First film appearance was in ‘‘There Gees the Brido” and from then onwards, the screen lias not let her go for one moment. Other films include “The Man from Toronto.’” “Wnllzcs from Vienna,” “First , a Girl” and “It’s Love Again.” Now comes her . latest and greatest filmusical, “Hoad Over Heels,” in which she will delight film fans even more with her radiant and refreshing personality. “Head Over Heels,” which screens tonight at the State Theatre, introduces four new faces to the screen, and between Jessie and these people occur some of the most amusing scenes in the film. There are her two loading men, Robert Flemyng from Dublin,and Louis Borrell. who is Dutch, both of whom are good-looking and sure of instant success. Then there is Romney Blent, a little better known; liis last appearance was with Georgo Arliss in “East AJects AA'est,” and Edward Cooper who is very woll-known rn the English music halls. Jessie sings no less than six song hits in the film and wears many gorgeous gown. The production was directed by Sonnio Hale, and our advice to lovels of good pictures is, do not miss it. It is a picture of which GaumontBritish may well be proud and ono that will take its place among the greatest musicals of the screen.