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"A/L.
Mother minded Harry in PM.
Took Doris to Westgate to see Charlie Chaplin."
The film was probably Monsieur Verdoux, a black comedy in which Chaplin abandoned his little tramp persona to play: "A suave but cynical man supports his family by marrying and murdering rich women for their money, but the job has some occupational hazards."
The film was not well received by the press and did better in Europe than America, but it was nominated for an Oscar for Best Writing in 1947.
"Thaw started. Rain during night.
Sick of being on my own again.
Went to Westgate at night - '13 Rue Madeleine' "
13 Rue Madeleine was a film starring James Cagney. My Mam always said Jimmy Cagney reminded her of her father.
"When spy chief Bob Sharkey finds out one of his agents-in-training is actually a Nazi double agent, his strategic decision not to arrest him results in tragedy."
"Saw Bob Hope in 'Monsieur Beaucaire' at Gateshead Odeon."
I vaguely recall seeing this film some years ago. It got a pretty good reception, apparently.
Plot: "A bumbling barber in the court of King Louis XV becomes engaged in political intrigue when he masquerades as a dashing nobleman engaged to the princess of Spain."
"Paid.
Gateshead Odeon to see 'The Bride Wore Boots' and 'The Overlanders'."
The Cash Account pages at the back of the diary show that his pay on January 2nd, including overtime, was £6.5.8.
Going to the pictures was always a weekly treat. The Bride Wore Boots is a romantic comedy starring Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Cummings. I don't recall ever having seen it or The Overlanders subsequently.
Apparently, The Overlanders came about because the Australian government were concerned that Australia's contribution to the war effort was not being sufficiently recognised. They contacted Britain's Ministry of Information, who in turn spoke with Michael Balcon at Ealing Studios, who was enthusiastic about the idea of making a film in Australia.
Given that Dad had recently returned from fighting the Japanese and his older brother was living in Australia, I can see why the plot would appeal:
"In 1942 the Japanese army is thrusting southwards and Australia fears invasion. Bill Parsons becomes concerned, and leaves his homestead in northern Australia along with his wife and two daughters, Mary and Helen. They join up with a cattle drive heading south led by Dan McAlpine. Others on the drive include the shonky Corky; British former sailor, Sinbad; Aboriginal stockmen, Nipper and Jackie."
I have no idea what "shonky" means.
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