"OIL FOR THE LAMPS OF CHINA."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 224, 21 September 1935, Page 13

"OIL FOR THE LAMPS OF CHINA."

majestic. Chase.. Pllt O'Brien Josephine Hutchinson fv'.f Jean Muir Jim* Jo: lalbot Director: Mervyn Leßoy; Cosmopolitan. Should a man be prepared to sacrifice everything for his work and, if so, where does his wife enter into the scheme of things.' This ever-old, ever-new problem of the relative importance of a man's wife and his work forms the basic theme of "Oil tor the Lamps of China," a Wainer Bros, production, which opened a season at the Majestic Theatre yesterday. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Alice Tisdale Hobart and is characterised by its fidelity to the spirit of the book. Briefly, it is the story of a mau who joins up with the Atlantis Uil Company in his youth and is sent to Llnna, where his life's ambition is to make good, not only for his own sake or tor the company's sake, but for the sake of China herself. He aims to bring enlightenment and civilisation to the poverty-stricken, toiling millions there, to provide, both literally and metaphorically, "oil for the lamps of China." His fidelity to the company and his trust in it is the keystone of his'life; it stands by him through the various crises of his * life— when his chief commits suicide, when fire ; breaks, out in his tanks, when tragedy strikes at the heart of his home, when drought, famine and cholera are rampant among the Chinese, when he is compelled to dismiss his best friend from the service, when he nearly loses his life during the Communist riots, and finally when the company itself seems to have forgotten him. The rather unexpected ending rounds off this theme very neatly. Although there are no outstanding stars in this film the cast has been carefully and sympathetically chosen. Pat O'Brien i'.s Stephen Chase shows a fine dramatic sense and carries through a varied and unusual role with great success, While Josephine Hutchinson as Hester, his wife, takes an extremely difficult part with simple dignity and restrained emotion. Other players in the cast include Jean Muir, John Eklredge, Lyle Talbot and Arthur Byron. Interest is added by the fact that the action takes place in varirSTis parts of China, from Manchuria to the very south, and the photographies excellent. The film is long and grips the attention of the audience throughout. The supporting programme includes a "King of the Turf" feature showing the life and training of a racehorse before he reaches the arena, a newsreel and Dave Appolan and his orchestra.

NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD. A varied bill of light musical comedy and emotional human drama is provided on the current joint dual bill which opened last evening at the National and Prince Edward Theatres. A number of popular songs are sung in the gay musical romantic film, "Stolen Harmony," by Ben Bemie aad his popular band. Among these are "Would There be Love?" and "Let's Spill the Beans." The story is of lesser significance in the entertainment, but is in itself quite strong enough to warrant a satisfied audience. Starred | with Ben Bernie and his lads, George Raft plays an ex-convict who turns straight for a chance to join Bernie and his lads on a transcontinental ajnuscment tour. "Stolen Harmony" presents Ben and his lads as a star band who tour! the country in an ultra-luxurious bus, | giving performances and encountering i adventures in each city. .-They are kidnapped by a gang of desperadoes, but one of the band members, an ex-convict himself. rescues the band and wins the love of their dainty leading dancer. The other film showing, "Housewife," is a vivid human drama giving a new and modern "twist" to * the ' ever-fascinating and age- i old triangle problem.; George Brent, Ann Dvorak-and- BettesjDavis are starred. The picture glorifies the woman of the home,, for it is the wife, in this instance, who is the inspiration for her. husband's success and who, after she has made "her man." stands by with an aching heart the while lie makes love to a more "flashy" rival.

STRAND THEATRE. . Pour exceedingly popular players of to-day—"Ginger" Rogers, Fred Agtaire, Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott —appear ir. "Roberta," the musical comedy which is at present being revived at the Strand Theatre. ' In addition to hilarious comedy, spectacular dance turns and gorgeous frocking, the film is notable for, the excellent singing of Miss Dunne, her finest number being the popular "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." There is an entertaining supporting programme which includes newsreels from United States and Great Britain. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Comedy and mystery are the features of the dual entertainment offering this evening at the New Regent Theatre, Epson), where Jack Buchanan in "Brewster s Millions" and Warner Oland in 'Charlie Chan in Egypt" will provide the faro. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Two thrilling modern dramas are to be presented on this evening's bill at' the Strand Theatre. Onehunga. These are "The Casino Murder Case, a detective drama with Paul Lukas and Alison Skipworth starred, and "Time s Square Lady," starling Virginia Bruce'', Helen Twelve trees and Robert Taylor. ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. The ever-popular Jack Buchanan is at his frolicsome best in the English comedy, "Brewster's Millions/' which snows 011 to-night's programme at the Alexandra Cinema, Green Lane, in conjunction with "Under the Pampas Moon." featuring Warner Baxter and Ketti Gallian. NEW DE LUXE, MOUNT ALBERT. Ben Travers' farce methods are seen once more in the Walls-Lynn film, "Fighting Stock." now screening at the New de Luxe Theatre, Mount Albert. A supporting film is "Mr Dynam, e/' with Jimmy Durante and Edmund Lowe. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. Perhaps the most engrossing jungle film to have been released for years, Harij Schenck's "Beyond Bengal will i>e screened to-night at the Victoria Theatre, Devonport, with "The Strange Co.ispiracy" as its principal supporting item. CAPITOL, DOMINION ROAD. Dick Powell and "Ginger" Rogers are teamed in one of those peculiarly enjoyable Hollywood musicals in r "' e ".^ Mll : lion Sweethearts, showing to-night at the Capitol Theatre, Dominion Road With it is "Society Doctor (Chester Morris and Virginia Bruce). KING'S, NORTHCOTE. A famous down-to-earth comedy-romance, Mrs. Fellowes' "Mrs. Wiggs of the Cab■tre Patch," comes to the screen with an "all-star cast. It is to lie shown tp-n'ght; at the King's Theatre, Northcote, togethei with "Ten-Dollar Raise. featuring Edward Everett Horton. STATE, ONEHUNGA. Warner Baxter takes his irresistible serenading to exotic South American surroundings in "Under the Pampas Moon. now at the State Theatre, Onehunga. He is supported by Ketti Gillian. Ate showing is "The Great Hotel Miird , starring Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen. WEST END, PONSONBY. A thrilling aviation picture. "Air Hawks." features with Ralph Bcllani}, the intrepid flyer Wiley Post, whose recent death came as a blow to the w hole air-minded world. Tt is screening to-nmht at the West End Theatre, Ponsonb.v, together with Richard Dix 111 lhe Anzonian." STATE, DEVONPORT. An unusual combination of screen stars is brought together in "Change of Heart, lhe leading players of which are Charles Farrell, Janet Gaynor, James Dunn and "Ginger" Rogers. It is showing at the State Theatre; Devonport, with Mona Barrio in "Ladies Love Danger.

" RECKLESS." ST. JAMES'. Mona Leslie Jean Ilurlow Ned Riley ~ William I'owcll I Bob Harrison Franchot Tone CJranny May Kobsou Smiley Ted Ilealv Josephine Rosalind Russell Director : Victor Fleming; M.G.M. Three persons in "Reckless," which opened its season at the St. James' Theatre last night, are chiefly responsible for keeping an audience straining forward at tension pitch for the full duration of the picture. They are Jean Harlow, 'William Powell and Franchot Tone; and they tell the story of how an actress married the wrong man, how she found out her mistake, and how finally, with the aid of the right man, she struggled back from the gloom of tragedy to happiness and success for herself, her baby and the right man. The theme is old; it was the manner of telling that was so consummately done as to make the screening one to talk about. Jean Harlow is Mona, the girl who married Bom Harrison (Franchot Tone), the rich man's son, who had everything but character; while Ned Riley (William Powell) was the right man. The story centres round those three; but it has that background which makes for the really good picture—colour, lavish screening, novelty turns and songs, gorgeous gowning, perfect technique, particularly the photography, and finally a curious gripping souse of reality. It is evident that no expense has been spared to make for a first-rate production. Mona is the star in a musical comedy and the scenes in it provide the lavish gowns and novelty turns and above all the new musical numbers. The songs were the sort you find yourself humming as you leave the theatre for supper. The Harrisons, into whose family she married, are the Very Best People and their home is a sort of modernised, improved Buckingham Palace. There Mona is treated as an adventuress by Harrison's father. She does not fit, and the climax comes when young Harrison, her husband, more or les disowns her in a drunken stupor. Then in a moment of alcoholic remorse he kills himself. All sorts of things are said about his wife. And when she leaves the Harrison environment to make a living for herself and her baby, she and Xed Riley have to fight down the uninformed condemnation of the Harrison clique.' She does—but that is the story. The scene of her triumph in the theatre is a personal triumph for the audience as well. The themes of tragedy, drama, humour and pathos are blended in a masterly fashion. The supports are perhaps better than usual. To begin with there was Pop-eye the Sailor, there was a pretty coloured musical cartoon about mice. One must have a soft spot for mice after that. In the shorts the far corners of the world were brought close together. Finally there was a feature which will Jie universally popular—,-i "Spanish Scene" given as an entr'acte by the St. James' Salon Quartet.

EMPRESS, NEWTON. Janies Dunn enters into an extremely successful partnership with Mae Clarke and enacts a typically likeable role in "The Daring Young Man," screening at the Empress Theatre to-night. Supporting it*is "Star of Midnight, ' with William Powell and "Ginger" Rogers. ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. A thrilling picture of diving and salvage work heads the strong bill of fare at the Adelphi Theatre, Richmond Avenue, in "The Best Man Wins," starring Jack Holt and' Edmund Lowe. Also showing is George O'Brien in Zane Grey's exciting story, "When a Man's a Man." LONDON, QUEEN STREET. It comes the way of Janies Dunn to solve the mystery of "The Girl in 419," the engrossing drama screening -to-night at the London Cinema, Queen Street. His leading lady is the charming Gloria Stuart. Completing a thrilling bill is Buck Jones in "White Eagle." TUDOR, REMUERA. Out of the ordinary run of race track pictures is Frank Capra T s "Broadway Bill," screening at the Tudor Cinema, Remuera, because of the excellence of its direction. It stars Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy, who find themselves involved in all manner of exciting situations. GAtETY, TAKAPUNA. Margaret Sullavan plays the part of an unworldly maiden in "The Good Fairy," the charming romantic comedy now showing at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna. Opposite her is featured Frank Morgan, a millionaire who finds himself bewitched by her very unworldliness.

AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. The great Garbo gives a typically superb and finished performance with Herbert Marshall in "The Painted Veil," screening to-night at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. The supporting film is "Hell in the Heavens," a thrilling air epic with Warner Baxter.

PRINCESS DOMINION ROAD. "Star of Midnight," the brilliant successor to "The Thin Man," is showing to-night at the Princess Theatre, Dominion Road. William Powell and "Ginger' Rogers have their time divided between solving mysteries and getting married. Richard Dix is also featured in "lhe Arizonian." PRINCE EDWARD SUNDAY CONCERT A varied and enjoyable programme has been arranged for presentation to-morrow evening in the Prince Edward Theatre, Newton, by Miss Jesmond Hiscott in aid of the funds of the Auckland Provincial Unemployed Workers' Association. J lie cast of entertainers will be headed by the "Venetian Quartet" (J. Snuthson, •». McMinn, B. Watson and J. Lonergan) and Dave O'Malley's "Radiant Revellers. Other contributors to the-programme will include Ophir Rees, Harry McCluskey, Henry and Fr«*da Lawson, Joyce and Koy Davies, Jean" Martin, Gordon Oldfield, Lorraine Guinivere, Dick Richards, Archie Boyd, Reg. Sumner, Geoff. .Lark and Linda Burgess. SPOTLIGHT REVUES. \ splendid organisation is behind the Spotlight Revue . Company, which is to present its initial Auckland entertainment m His Majesty's Theatre next Saturday. The programme will incorporate ballet numbers, songs and humorous sketches. Jn addition to a number of New Zealand s most talented and best-known variety artists, the company will include Miss Eileen Trotter, noted Australian radio performer. WEST END SUNDAY CONCERT. Variety is the keynote of the programme for the concert at the West End Theatre, J'onsonby, to-morrow night. Over .>0 artists will participate, including members of the Neville Carlsen Revue Company and of the recently formed Combined Artists' Association. Principals include: Misses Mavis Riley. Miri and Betty Ball, Nellie Marr, Joan Power, Florence Eccles, Gracie Rae, Joyce Cain and Gloria Lelean, Messrs. Neville Carlsen, Jim Edwards, George Carlsen. Ernest and Albert 1 arkinson, Hoani Walters. Scott Bond. Tom Deane, Bruce Pollock, Tony King, 'Uncle Bert" and Colin of IZM, l'red Walters and his "Revellers," the "International Melody Boys" and Parkinson's string band. Proceeds will be devoted to the National Unemployed Workers' Movement. STRAND SUNDAY PROGRAMME. An enjoyable programme has been arranged for presentation to-morrow evening in the Strand Theatre, under the auspices of the- Rationalist Association and Sunday Freedom League. A new series of lantern slide talks will.be given, on "The Wit and Wisdom of the Ages at 7.15 p.m. A talking gazette at 7.30 p.m. will precede a brief address by Mr. O. jS. Gillesp'ie, of Wellington, on "A Rationalistic Survey." At 8.30 p.m. the brilliant German talkie film. "The Last ( ompan.v. starring Conrad Yeidt (in his Inst Berlin production) will be screened. "CHILDREN IN UNIFORM." Miss Barbara Burnliam made a splendid adaptation of the famous German play, "Maedchen in Uniform," and this adapta-; tion will be presented in the Lewis Lady Hall next Wednesday evening by the Excelsior Club under the of UIIII7 dren in Uirfftrm."

REGENT THEATRE. Preparation for a period of six months, during which he delved into more than 100 books and spent several weeks making scrcen tests, preceded the start of George Arliss in the title role of Darryl Zanuck's dramatic spectacle, "Cardinal Richelieu," which is the current attraction at the Regent Theatre. The cast supporting Arliss reads like a Hollywood Blue Book, the 25 principals including Maureen O'Sullivan, Edward ~ Arnold, Cesar Romero, Francis Lister, Douglas Dumbrille, Violet Kemble Cooper, Kathryn Alexander, Lumsden Hare and lialliwell Hobbes, to mention only a few of prominence.

Like the star's previous success, "The House of Rothschild," "Cardinal Richelieu" centres its drama around a great historic controversy, depicting the 6tormy times of King Louis XIII. of France when Church and State were contending for power and the great political prelate, Richelieu was the real power behind .the throne. As young lovers, Maureen O'Sullivan and Cesar Romero, the screen's latest romantic sensation, enact a love drama around which the larger drama of political intrigue swirls and rages. Scenically, "Cardinal Richelieu" is the most pretentious of all Arliss' starring vehicles. It duplicates the " splendour of feudal France, the glittering magnificence of Louis XIII.'s palace, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. The costumes worn by the star were specially made in Rome. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING RINK. A spectacular programme will bo presented at this evening's session at Roushworth's Skating Ring, Khybcr Pass Road, where the principal feature of the evening will be a skates-hockey match between teams representing Auckland and Wellington. A one-mile race on skates between members of the two teams will be held in addition. SECONSARY SCHOOLS' CONCERT. One of the most eagerly awaited of the annual concerts is that provided by the combined secondary schools. The 1935 function is to be held in the Town Hall next Wednesday evening. Some 450 voices will be heard in massed singing. A number of pleasing solo and concerted items will also be given in me course of the programme. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL THEATRE. Romance, music, dancing and a wealth of popular comedy are all to be found in the sprightly screen version of the worldfamous stage play, "Gay Divorce," showing to-night as "The Gay Divorcee" at the Avondale Municipal Theatre. Fred Astaire. and "Ginger" Rogers are costarred in the film. RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURES. A most enjoyable English picture, "The Love Contract," showing Winifred Shotter as an engaged cliauffeu.se in love with Owen Nares amid the beauties of the English countryside, will be screened to-mor-row evening at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. MUNICIPAL BAND. The first public appearance of the Auckland Municipal Band took place at Albert Park under the direction of the late Mr. Christopher Smith on Sunday afternoon, November 16, 1924. It is interesting to know that, by request, the same programme will be repeated to-morrow afternoon in Albert Park.

DANCING. Peter Pan, cabaret band. Pirate Sliippe, Milford, old-time carnival, costume prize*. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, carnival; Bob Adams' orchestra. Orango Hall, Newton, Keg. Oliver's New Savoy Band. Scots Hall, Astoria Old-time Dance} Ted. Croad's Chevalier orchestra. Society of Arts Hall, Queen Carnival Dance; Epi Shalfoon's band. Masonic Hall, Newton, G.L.P. old-time dance; Operatic Quintet Orchestra. Labour Hall, Newton, old-time; Clemm's Melody Boys. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Swimming Club's dance. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Technical Old Boys' Rugby Club dance. Ambassadors' Hall. Dominion Koad, Columbia Social Club's dance. Manchester Unity Hall, St. Patrick's dance. Druids' Hall, Maori Returned Soldiers' Club's dance. Zealandia Hall, Balmoral, old-time dance; Holt's orchestra. Point Chevalier Sailing- Clubhouse, Rugby League Club dance. St. Mary's Hall, Ellerslie, Connon's old-time dance. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Hampton's old-time dance. Foresters' Hall, Devonport, old-time dance. Druid*' Hall, Wednesday, Thames Girls' Club's dance. Parnell R.S.A. Hall, old-time dance; Percy Williams' Gaiety Band. AMUSEMENT GUIDE. CONCERT CHAMBER—British Drama League Festival. PICTURE THEATRES. MAJESTIC—Pa't O'Brien and Josephine Hutchinson in "Oil For the Lamps or China." STRAND—Irene Dunne. Fred Astalrc and Ginger Rogers in "Roberta." LONDON—James Dunn In "The Girl In ■i I!)" and Buck Jones In "White Eagle" ROXY AND TIVOLI—Lew Ayres In "Spring Tonic" and Randolph Scott In "Village Tale." ST. JAMES'—William Powell and Jean Harlow In "Reckless." CIVIC AND PLAZA —Miriam Hopkins, Alan Mowbray and All-star Cast In "Becky Sharp." NATIONAL AND PRINCE EDWARD — George, Raft in "Stolen Harmony" and Rette Davis in "Housewire." RECENT — George Arliss and Maureen O'Sullivan In "Cardinal Richelieu." ADELPHI—"The Best Man Wins." ALEXANDRA—"Brewster's Millions." AMBASSADOR —"The Tainted Veil." AVONDALE—"C.ay Divorcee." BIRKENHEAD —"Little Miss Marker." BLOCKHOUSE BAY—"George White's 1935 Scandals." BRITANNIA —"Sweet Music." CAPITOL—"2O Million Sweethearts." CRYSTAL PALACE —"ATler Office Honrs." DELTA (New Lynn)—"The Iron Duke." DE LUXE—"Fighting Stock." EMPRESS —"Star or Midnight." GAIETY—"Good Fairy." GREY LYNN CINEMA—"The Mighty Barnum." . KINGSLAND —"The Last Gentleman." KING'S (Northcoto) —"Mrs. Wiggs or the Cabbage Patch." LIBERTY (Parnell) —"Scotland Yard Mystery." MAYFAIR —"One .Night or Love." PICTUREDRCME (Milford) —"Music in the Air." PRINCESS—"Star or Midnight." REGENT (Epsom)—"Brewster's Millions." RIALTO —"Arter OfTlce Hours." SOUTHERN CROSS (Ellerslie) —"Mister Cinders." STATE (Devonport)—"Change or Heart." STATE (Onehunga)—"Under the Pampas M oon.". STATE (Symonds Street) —"Gold Diggers or 1035." STAR (Newton) —"Gallant Lady." STRAND (Onehunga)—"The Casino Murder Case." TUDOR—"Broadway Bill." VICTORIA—"Beyond Bengal." WEST END—"Air Hawks."

The Newfoundland dog was particularly valuable to the early fishermen. According to tradition, few boats went out to "The Banks" fishing without a dog, oftentimes the only means of communicating .with the land. On shore the dogs were used for hauling sledges or small carts.