Untitled

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 303, 23 December 1933, Page 14

"YES, MR. BROWN."

A spoiled and pampered home-wrecker was the cause of it all. He drove a husband to distraction and a wife home to mother, and so, when Mr. Brown arrived on the scene, a typiste had to masquerade as a wife, and a repentant, woman returning to her husband was forced by circumstance to take the role of the typiste. And the home-wrecker was a pet dog, the unconscious cause of a situation of delightcomedy. " Yes, Mr. Brown," at the Majestic, has just the right touch of brightness, comedy, and melody in its .make-up to provide an ideal conclusion for a holiday outing. It uses the mistaken identity theme to produce some screamingly funny situations in the home of Baumann, of Vienna, who is visited by Brown, the managing director of a toymanufacturing firm in New York. The American is looking for Viennese night life —and he gets it under unanticipated circumstances. The laughter of the audience flows as freely as the champagne of the film, for Air. Brown's party makes a truly hectic night of it, until the situation of the typiste who has become wife and the wife who has become typiste uiuangles itself with the dawn. It is the real Jack Buchanan of the English stage that one sees here, with his delightfully assumed nonchalance, his singing and his dancing, all building up a serio-comic character whom the audience laughs at yet sympathises with. His "Say Yes to Mr. Brown" has a lilt which will bo whistled and sung in Auckland, just as " To-day I Am So Happy"—incidentally by the same composer—was. It- is but one of the tuneful numbers which ho and Elsie Randolph contribute to the show. Vera l'earee, well known to New Zealanders, appears as the maid who assists in the conspiracy, and her burlesque dance with Jack Buchanan at the cabaret is one of 'the screams of the show. In support are several outstanding features, including views and interesting description of the New Forest, hunting-ground of the Conqueror, a fine gazette, and another of those ever-attractive cinemagazine films, " The Shins of Society." " DINNER AT EIGHT." Acclaimed everywhere as the ultimate in screen production, and containing without doubt one of the most judicious assortments of comedy, drama and even stark tragedy ever seen, "Dinner At Eight" made its long-heralded appearance at the St. James" Theatre last night. "Dinner At Eight" does not end up conventionally, indeed the climax is somewhat surprising, leaving the subtlety of one's imagination to complete the story. The film has another characteristic. It gives Marie Dressier a chance to show her true worth against what is probably the screen's greatest background of stars ever assembled for one production, and gives John Barrymore an opportunity to show his stultified comedy technique. Jean Harlow, as most critics seem to agree, is startling, to say the least. Her daring in the matter of dress is made passable only by her superb carriage and inability to give the gutter-bred, easy-living wife the coarseness that one might expect. That is why, perhaps, she is so startling. In mentioning <.'ean Harlow's and Marie Dressler's brilliant work, one is apt to omit the name of Billie Burke. This star of the legitimate stage, seen on the screen only in "A Bill of Divorcement" and "Christopher Strong." both with Katharine Hepburn over-shadowing her, should prove one of 1933"s "finds." Her artistry in portraying the "near-genteel" social climber, who sets out to give a dinner, is one of the gems of the year's film craft. Her mannerism and speech are indescribably perfect, even if her role had to be restricted to give all the stars something worth their mettle. Lionel Barrymore is quite good as the dying old shipowner, fallen on hard times; Wallace Beery is his typical self as an industrial magnate (as in "Grand Hotel," these two are nt each other's financial throats once more); Edmund Lowe gives a faith fill doctor characterisation: while Karen Morley, starting off splendidly as a young girl in love with an old man, loses much of her dash in the later scenes. "Dinner At Eight" is supported at the St. James' by a fine teehnieolour film on the art of cooking, together with the usual newsreels, etc. GAIETY THEATRE, TAKAPUNA. The artistry of Alison Skipworth and Poland Young in light comedy is really brilliantly outlined in "A Lady's Profession," the chief film to be shown at the Gaiety Theatre, Takapuna, this evening. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Described as "the eighth wonder of the world" and a veritable marvel of imagination, "King Kong" will be screened at the Avondale Municipal Theatre tonight. The plot introduces Robert Armstrong, Fay Wray, and Bruce Cabot. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Two excellent pictures each in its own distinct manner are listed for a dual feature programme this evening at the Kingsland Talkies (Theatre Royal). They are the new Janet Gaynor-Henry Garat musical "Adorable" and the hilarious Joe E. Brown comedy "You Said a Mouthful," declared by many to have been Brown's best to date. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. The laughable New Zealander Pat Hanna and his equally irrepressible company are the central figures of "Diggers in Blighty," which is combined with the appealing human drama "Parole Girl" (Mae Clarke, Ralph Bellamy, and Marie Provost) at the New Regent Theatre, Epsom, this evening. TUDOR CINEMA, REMUERA. Some really commendable photography is to be seen in the Karl Freund film, "A Kiss Before the Mirror" (Gloria Stuart and Frank Morgan) at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, this evening. On the same programme is a splendid set of supporting featurettcs. BRITANNIA THEATRE. To-night's film fare at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby, consists of " Discord," or "A Broken Melody," with Owen Nares and Benita Hume, and " The Iron Stair " (Henry Kendall and Dorothy Boyd). Both are British films. GREY LYNN CINEMA. Truly one of the most amusing of all their co-starring pictures, " Prosperity," will present Marie Dressier and Polly Moran at the Grey Lynn Cinema this evening. The picture is a timely and screamingly funny comedy-drama. ONEROA BEACH CARNIVALS. ' Special arrangements have been made for Christmas frivolity at Oneroa Beach this week-end. The Duchess will leave at 9.45 to-morrow -morning for Matiatia, at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day, and at 9.30 a.m. on Boxing Day. On the. beach athletic sports, a pierrot show, swimming, diving, and canoe paddling are among the special facilities for enjoyment provided. THE PANTOMIMES. Two pantomimes are provided for the benefit of the children at the cinema houses' afternoon performances this week, commencing to-day. The Regent will present the season's most spectacular pantomime, "The Babes in the Wood," in which 50 children will take part under the direction of Mine. Valeska. Elaborate stage settings and the usual personnel of children's "pantos." will be seen, while the chief players are Sarah Stacpoole (Princess), Len Wilson, Freda Starke, Patricia Boyle, and Joy Asquith. The National Theatre will also present a pantomime entitled "Mickey's Schooldays," lavishly produced by Miss Lillian O'Leary. The various theatres are also providing special children's matinees, the Roxy and Tivoli offering a Tom Mix "Western" ("The Terror Trail") and the Strand a revival of the beautiful fantasy "Peter Pan." TIVOLI SUNDAY CONCERT. Mr. George Carlos will present his second concert in the Tivoli Theatre tomorrow evening in aid of the funds of the Ponsonby Boys' Brass Band, The following artists will participate in an enjoyable programme: Messrs. Jack De Rose, "Red" McGregor, James McMinn, and Stan Holthouse, and little Joyce Cain, the Ponsonby Boys' Brass Baud, and the Harmony Girls. Mr. Edgar Bendall will act as accompanist.

"THE HAYSEEDS." To hear in a picture the homely colonial drawl and the slang of our own common speech was in itself a delight to the audience who saw "The Hayseeds" at the Regent Theatre last evening. There is so little difference between the people of the Commonwealth and those of the Dominion that "The Hayseeds" might just as well have lived in the King Country as in the Australian backblocks, and fie uproarious adventures of their visit to the city might have happened as easily in Auckland as in Sydney. Indeed, something like them can be seen in Queen Street every day this week. As Dad, the patriarchal old "cocky," Cecil Kellaway captures all the most amusing characteristics of the type without letting his portrayal degenerate into parody, while Katie Towers, as Mum, is the model of a homely old farm wife. Their sawny son, Joe, is played by Tal Ordell, who keeps the audience in continual mirth. The story opens on the Hayseeds' farm, which is suddenly disturbed by the arrival of a party of hikers from the city. These provide plenty of entertainment, with song and dance,""but one of their number, Mary Townleigh, wandering away, becomes lost in the bush. She is found with a sprained ankle by John Manners, who is prospecting, and taken to the farm, where she stays with the Hayseeds until she recovers. In return, the Townleighs invite the family to spend a holiday in the city. Their adventures in the streets of Sydney are amazing, especially when Dad and Joe sample rather too much of the local ale. The supporting programme is excellent. Mickey the Mouse is at the top of his form in "Lightnin' " and there is also a Walt Disney version of the Pied Piper of Hamelin in colour, as beautiful as it is entertaining. Two newsreels, and a pictorial visit to Sydney's famous surfing beaches, are also included. "THE DESERT SONG." Proof of the continued popularity of the operetta, "The Desert Song," was afforded at the National Theatre last evening by the large audience which welcomed a revival of this picture for the Christmas season. Its appeal is as strong as ever, and the lapse of three years has left its reputation undiminished as one of the outstanding productions of the screen. Its songs and melodies, its panoramas of the desert, its magnificent background of garden and palace, and, strangest of all, its mystery and fascination of life in trackless Morocco make for an effect which will live in the memory. The story of the "Red Shadow" is told in a more spectacular way than was possible oil the stage, and there is scope for tropical settings in harmony with the adventurous theme. Add to this the singing of John Boles, in one of his greatest tenor roles, and Carlotta King, as a lyric soprano, and one has talent and variety enough to make for entertainment on a lavish scale. In the unfolding of the love drama, with the Red Shadow playing a double role, and' surprising the heroine alone in the French stronghold, suddenly vanishing and reappearing as the half-witted son of the French general, John Boles rises to the pinnacle of his powers. His voice blends naturally with that of Miss King, and from a musical point of view the result is very satisfying. The chorus-singing and the melodies and dancing numbers arc equally good, and the performances of other individual members of the cast are of a high standard. For those who love the sight of Arabian horses in action there are scenes to bring delight, particularly in the mountain retreat of the Red Shadow and his band. The supporting programme also includes a remarkable display of horsemanship in a serial of Buck Jones and his horse "Silver." " THIS DAY AND AGE." A powerful drama of the present day and its amazing outlook on vice and organised crime is told in "This Day and Age," the ambitious Cecil B. de Mille picture which opened a season at the Strand Theatre last evening. The boys in an American high school are stirred to anger and action by the killing of an old tailor by gangsters. The solution of the mystery surrounding the murder and the bringing of the criminal to book make a compelling story. The lads decide to take the flagging law into their own hands, and try and condemn the gangster leader whom they have captured by their own methods, which most certainly do not allow for the oily tongues of elever lawvera and the eager, grasping hands of politician-judges. Eventually their aim is not carried out to a point where the sentence would be carried out, and the law of the land is ultimately vindicated, but the lesson is learnt. The film serves a most definite purpose in this respect. Several gripping performances arc given, and for the reason that the most compelling of them all is by the gangster it would hardly be fair to give praise. "THE ARCADIANS." The new visiting comic opera company will this evening present at His Majesty's Theatre a gala opening production of the exquisite musical comedy, "The Arcadians," in which they attracted record audiences throughout Australia, its composers wrote some beautiful music for "The Arcadians." while the story is original from beginning to end. One of the outstanding features of "The Arcadians is its refreshing comedy characterisations, including the famous whimsical jockey, Peter Doody, which was originally played here by Tom Walls, and which in the present production will be portrayed by the brilliant young comedian Don Nicol. Those who enjoyed Miss Romola Hansen in "New Moon" and "The Belle of New York" will see her again in the role of Sombra. Herbert Browne's fine tenor voice should be heard at its best in the music allocated to the part of Jack Meadows. The part of Simplicitas might have been specially' created for the clever comedian, Phil Smith, who will be remembered for his humorous characterisation^ of Tonio in the original production of "The Maid of the Mountains." Marie La Varre, a talented London comedienne, lias been engaged for the part of Mrs. Smith. The costumes, frocks and the picturesque stage settings are features of the production. The company includes a full operatic orchestra and chorus and a specially selected ballet. CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO. A picture which definitely treats of human problems beyond the scope of the conventional screen is to bo presented to to-night's audiences at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres. This is "Strange Interlude." in which Clark Gable and Norma Shearer are the respective stars. EMPRESS AND WEST END. Adapted from the World-famous Victor Herbert musical operetta, "Mile. Modiste," the film "Kiss Me Again" should not fail to interest spectators at the Empress and West End Theatres this evening. "Virtue," starring Carole Lombard and Pat O'Brien, is also offering. PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE. A stirring romance of war and love in the Dolomite Alps is told by Luis Trenker, author, director and male star of "The Doomed Battalion," which is to screen at the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, this evening together with "Destination Unknown." The latter is a tale of the sea, featuring Betty Compson and Ralph Bellamy. HOSPITAL CHRISTMAS PARTY. Children at the Public Hospital were entertained at a Christmas party on Thursday evening by Mine. Annetta Stock and party, assisted by Mr. A. Hamblin. A happy time was spent by the young people, the party providing Christmas carols, songs, instrumental items, dancing, etc. Christmas gifts were presented to the children. Carols were also rendered in other wards. STATE THEATRE, SYMONDS ST. This evening the colourful musical romance "The Desert Song" will be used as the vehicle with which to open the renovated and redecorated Lyric Theatre, Upper Symonds Street, now known as the State Theatre. John Boles and Carlotta King are the chief singing and romantic stars in the film. MUNICIPAL BAND. A programme of classical and popular music will be given by the Municipal Band at Albert Park to-morrow evening. Christmas carols and other Christmas music will be included. A programme -jvill also be given at the Zoological Park tomorrow afternoon.

"FALLING FOR YOU." There is a really funny picture to be seen at the Plaza. A sense of humour seems to be more important than a bank account these days; it is the thing we pride ourselves on. It is something we are " touchy " about, and no one has even been known to admit that they lack it. And it is many-sided, too. But there is a laugh for everyone in " Falling For You," the Plaza's Christmas fare. For the sentimentalist, for the realist, for the young, and for the old. Jack Hulbert is at liis best, and the audience laughed both at and with him last evening, when the picture was shown for the first time. He repeats with equal cleverness his successes in " Sunshine Susie," " Jack's the Boy," " The Ghost Train," and " Love on Wheels." The setting o£ the play is good. It is mostly among 6now. and snow photographs well. Indeed, the photography is particularly good, and 6ome very interesting and .attractive shots are seen. Remembering the " White Hell of Pitz Palu," one is inclined to associate snow with tragedy, and here is a light-hearted change to find comedians rolling around in it, and manipulating, with absurd antics, their skis. The plot centres around two journalists on the search for " stories." Jack is one. and Cicely Courtneidge the other. In Cicely Courtneidge we have one of the best comediennes of the screen. At times she is so .good that she almost sweeps the honours away from the irrepressible Jack, but it is a ball game that these two play, and they pat it back and forth at the expense of a helpless audience. The scene opens on the snowy slopes of a mountain, and here opportunity is given to Jack Hulbert to show his skill on skates. Besides being amusing he is very graceful. At the hotel the heroine enters. The part is taken by Tamara Desni, a newcomer to the screen. She plays the role of a lovely foreign lady pursued by an unwelcome fiance. Besides being attractive, she does some clever dancing on skates on the ice. Other important roles are taken by Garry Marsh and Alfred Drayton. The vest of the programme is also up to standard. There are interesting items in the_ Gaumont Graphic feature, and the making of motor tyres is a film of special interest. A "short" that brought forth rounds of applause is a speech by Sir John Simon on Great Britain's disarmament problem. STRAND THEATRE, ONEHUNGA. | A powerful plot placed in the days of the Napoleonic invasion of Northern Italy over a century ago gives the beautiful star of the silent screen her first talkingpicture opportunity in "The Rebel," another of Luis Trenker's fine productions. "The Rebel" shows at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. AMBASSADOR THEATRE. The talented European star Lili Damita has the chief part in the entertaining film "Goldie Gets Along," which is to be screened this evening at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. DANCING. Peter Pan, Lauri Paddi and his band; holiday programmes advertised. Dixieland, visiting tennis team as management's guests. Orange Hall, Newton, Rio Grande oldtime dance. Labour Hall, Karangaliapc Road, Frank Stacey's Orchestra. My-T-Fine Dance Hall, Snappy Six Orchestra. Masonic Hall. Newton, Grey Lynn Labour party's dance. Click Clack Cabaret, Bob Adams' Orchestra. Druid's Old-time Cabaret, Morrow's Orchestra. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Manukau Cycle Club's dance. Stratton Studio, Dan Callinan's Parisian Orchestra. C-Side Club, Kohimarama, Malcolm Byrne's Orchestra. St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn, exservicemen's dance. Ambassador Hall, Dominion Road, Christinas dance. Manchester Unity Hall, Tuesday, Yugoslav Benevolent Society's dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Connon'6 Orchestra. Beach Haven, Peggy Dolores and Parker's Dance Band. Masonic Hall, Wednesday, Savona Dance Club.