FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 230, 28 September 1935, Page 17

FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

1 "'THE FARMER TAKES A WIFE." CIVIC. Molly Lurk ins Janet Gay nor Dan Harrow Henr.v Fonda Jotlinin Klore Charles Bickford Fortune Friendly . . Slim Sunimervllle K liner Otway Andy Pevine Delia Jane "Withers Director: Victor Fleming; Fox. Delightful romance, a rich vein of humour, subtle dialogue, sccnic beauty and a glimpse of the life of the early days of American colonisation are all exploited and developed in the production "The Farmer Takes a Wife," which openen last evening at the Civic Theatre, featuring Janet Gaynor, .who is given a role simply made for her vivacious and charming personality. With her are artists of the calibre of Charles Bickfqrel. Henry Fonda and Slim Summerville, all of whom play their respective parts in dramatic and comcdy situations with excellent effect. • The story is a simple one of simple country folk. It deals with the lusty days of Abraham Lincoln, when canals were making a vain struggle for existence against the ingenuity of 1 man—the development of the railroad. Janet Gaynor takes the part of a bargee's cook, with Charles Bickford as the bargee, a great hulking bully of the waterway. Henry Fonda is a simple country bumpkin* whose ambition is to make enough money to enable him to buy a farm. When he meets the coy 1 barge cook, who nevertheless has an uncanny influence over her rough ; employer, the pair fall hopelessly in love, but their sentiments seem irreconcilable ' owing to the wide divergence between life on a farm and life on a canal. In the end there is a terrific fight for the hand of the charming and winsome cook, bare fists being the means of contest. It is altogether a most enjoyable picture, out of the beaten track and with a high standard of artistry. The supnorts are also well selected and intensely interesting. There are two budgets of Fox Movietone News and a Mack Sennett number, "Man-eating Sharks," gives enthralling submarine views of fearsome monsters. A Terry Toon comedy supplies a little nonsense, while the singing and playing of Denis Palmistra at the organ, added tc the music of the new Civic orchestra : make highly enjoyable interludes in the i i programme. STRAND THEATRE. So popular has the' rouseabout Jack J Buchanan proved in his single film appearance per year that his most recent effort, "Brewster's Millions" — having cost his studio, if reports are correct some £150,000 to produce and market— lias been shown everywhere throughoui the Empire to almost record-breaking business. Revivals are the order in every centre.; Its current return season to the city at the Strand Theatre is an example in point. The picture, a modern adapta tion of one of the most hilarious stage plays ever produced, gives the inimitable Jack a role that seems to be made foi his especial style of clowning ane romanticising. Lili Damita has an important leading role , in 'the film, whicl; includes a surprising number of spec tacular dance and "musical sequences. Its pure comedy elements, however, such as the bull fight farce in the Corsican towi: of Ajaccio, provide the most enjoyable • sections of this thoroughly entertaininf film. On the Strand's programme is t most thrilling melodrama entitled "Warr London."' of which the principals are the talented Edmund Gween, the hand some John Loder and the vivacious ; j Leonora Corbett. ROXY AND TIVOLI. i What happens when a timid little clei'K is mistaken for a desperate criminal it j depicted in "A Passport to Fame," the fast-moving,-exciting comedy-drama whiej: is now screening at the Roxy and livol Theatres. Edward G, Robinson is cas< ! in the starring role*-of? Arthur Jones, tnc ■ j harassed . formed by • his restemblancev; to 'Killer Mannion. ' .Also affected by this resenv i blanee is Jeah Arthur, who supplies the romantic interest in • "A Passport tc Fame." As the inconspicuous' little clerk Robinson was afraid to "pop the question," but he gets the necessary courage ' from the notoriety that clutters up his life when the desperado escapes froir ' prison. On the same programme at bqtj theatres is "Unknown Woman, a thrill : ing roriiantic drama, featuring lovelj . blonde Marian Marsh and Richard Cram 5 well, one of the screen s most popitlai • young leading men. "Unknown Woman ! is a fast-moving action story in whicli mystery and intrigue are combined witl" the secret operations of 1' ederal etetec- ! i fives seeking to solve a bond robbery Cromwell is cast as a lawyer and aclveiv ture-seeker in search of the thieves ane tlieir booty. Miss Marsh is cast as s mysterious woman who allies herselt witl the youthful lawyer and who is eyentn ally unmasked in a strong romantic de nouement. Douglas Dumbrille is seen as the leader of a banel of bond thieves, while Henry Armetta enacts the role of the ' head of an association of fish pedlars to it which Cromwell is attorney. Nana Bryan \ and George McKay are also in the casl } of "Unknown Woman." STATE, SYMONDS STREET. The Pulitzer Prize winning novel, "The Age of Innocence," is brought to tn< screcn of the State Iheatre, Symonds Street, in conjunction with i hair-raising thriller, "While the 1 ft'en Slept," starring Guy Kibbee and Almi MacMahon. "The Age of Innocence features John Boles and Irene Dunne On Monday next the sparkling "I't . version of "The Merry Widow will be screened at the State. Maurice Chevaliei fills splendidly the role of the gay ane gallant Prince Danilo and Jeanette Mac ; Donald plays opposite him, with all hei charm anel grace, Sonia. Some ot the j dancing sequences in the picture an splendidly staged, particularly the scene: at Maxim's and the Embassy in 1 aris. On the stage to-night will be a spec tacular musical turn provided by tlii specialty dancers Avis anel Ricareliz, te the air of "The Merry Wielow. KING'S, NORTHCOTE. A spectacular film version of the popu lar stage play, "Roberta," with "Ginger Rogers, Freel Astaire, Irene Diinrie, Ran elolph Scott and Helen Westley as prin cipals, will be presenteel this evening a the King's Theatre, Northcotc. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Marian Marsh portrays the title role o Gene Stratton-Porter's romantic drama "A Girl of the Limberlost," . with excel lent judgment in the film version which i: to be shown to-night at the Britannii Theatre, Ponsonby. Oil .the same bu is "The Casino Murder," With Paul Lukai and Alison Skipworth as principal players VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. The initial Auckland release of the English film based on R. D. Blackniore i famous novel "Lorna Doone" is now bein; given at the Victoria Theatre, Dsvonport Also showing is "Time's Square Lady, with Virginia Bruce and Robert Taylor. STAR, NEWTON. First rate cinema fare is afforelec patrons of the Star Cinema, Jsewton. thi: evening. The el ( ial bill will, consist o "Tarzan and His Mate," with Jolinnj Weissm uller, former world champioi and Maureen O'Sullivan in i tlie wonderfully success tu "Tarzan, the Ape-Man" of a year or twe back; and "Ti'ans-A tlantic Merry-Go I'iouncC a mevry.: melange with >ane; Carroll. Jack lientiy and Sydney Howard (lie famous Yorkshire comedian of innum enable English film successes. All ma. the programme should be one suited t all tastes. It will be screened to-irght Monday and Tueselay. CAPITOL, DOMINION ROAD. William Powell, the "best dressed ma) in Hollywood," is the ideal star tor 11; a. Fashion Gaieties of 1934, which Js -slio 'ing currently at the. Capitol theatre Dominion Road, in conjunction with 1 h Woman in Red" (Barbara Stanwyck) Jadoo the Magician, a talented local con juror and illusionist, will appeal »Uge act.

"PEOPLE WILL TALK." MAJESTIC. Ileni-y Wilton Charlie Uugglcs li L,, wr , on -Mary r.olaml lfm 'r i T'Pila Hymns Ji!ll Trask Dean T\v"!h S "\', eI T. l ' ill '' Knthplma kYpvpus Willis Mcßriele Stanley Aiulrpws Director: Alfred Santell; Paramount. W lien mother and father have to begin 'taging sham battles to effect a reconfiliation between their daughter and son-n-JaM, trouble is sure to follow, so one s not surprised at the turn events take n -People Will Talk" when Charlie uiggles .and Mary Boland try to begin luarrelhng after 23 years of married lappiness. The story of this film, which icgan a season at the Majestic Theatre esjerday, is an intricate one with many udicrons situations which allow ftill icope for the superb comic acting of tliesc -n 0 partners in conspiracy. Mary and jharlie -decide that the only wav to permade their daughter to go back to her lusband is to show her how ridiculous tnd ineffectual quarrelling is, but unforunately their scheme works a little toe veil. Charlie is seen driving by night in t new car with another woman — and 'people will talk." It is not long, then, tefore Mary discovers that everyone but lerself knows of the scandal her husband s causing, and it is then the daughter's ;urh to natch a plot with her husband ;o reconcile her father and mother to :ach other. The pair who impersonated the meek lusband and domineering wife in "Ruggles >f Red Gap" have greater opportunities 11 this film than ever before to demonstrate the success of their dual performince. The film has not a dull moment md with its hosts of witticisms and lilarious situations provides some of the nost enjoyable light fare that has been screened for some time. The partnershif :>E Ruggles and Mary Boland is sufficient :o attract anyone who has laughed with :hese two stars before, but Leila Hyams md Dean Jagger, as the daughter anc son-in-law, also give notable performances The supporting programme includes c 3rantla'nd Rice Sportlight, a Universa Newspaper Newsreel and a Pop-eye, the Sailor cartoon, "The Hyp-nut-tist." PLAZA THEATRE. Coming as an epochal event in the listory of film entertainment, the much leralded full-colour feature, "Becky Sharp," is now entering an extendee season at the Plaza Theatre. The pictun elicits cheers and expressions of admiring ,yonder. Gorgeously beautiful and lifeike, the picture is all that has beeii claimed for it, and more. "Becky Sharp,' noreover, is far beyond being a men pageant of gorgeous colour. It is a geir jf screen entertainment, sparkling, wit! rumour, replete with romance and riei ivith drama. Perfectly enacted, expertlj iireeted by the gifted Rouben Mamoulian md lavishly produced, it is a masterfu :lramatisation of William Makepeace Thac fceray's immortal fiction classic, "Vanitj fniri" Miriam Hopkins, starring in the title role, rises to heights in her cliarac terisation of the lovely, vivacious and sue iessful coquette. She has invested her role ivith life and understanding, to make the jeautifnl, wayward Becky a character te inger long in the memory. Alan Mow )tay, as Captain Rawdon Crawley, Frances Dee. as Amelia Sedley, and Sir Cedne Elai'eUvicke, as the Marquis of Steyne, are spleneliel in their roles. Other outstanding nerformances are given by Nigel Bruce, G P. Huntley, jun., Billie Burke, Alisoi Skipworth,* Colin Tapley and Willian Faversham. "Becky Sharp, as mosi lovers of literature know, is the story oi i wilful and clever beauty, who uses hei loveliness to advance her social positior md make a sweeping conquest of the learts of men. True to Thackeray s story the picture eleals with the elite of the London society of 'the early nineteenth century. : STRAND, ONEHUNGA. V-Probably- -the seaflWsHftost -hilariou: picture, "Rugglesof Red'_ Gap, Y Charles Laiightonf-Charles Ruggles, Mar: Boland, Zasu Pitts! and many others it featured roles, will be shown to-nigh together with "Crime Without Passion, a "problem" picture, at the Strane Theatre, Onehunga. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. Katharine Hepburn has received mucl praise for her handling of the role o Babbie in the film version of J. M Barrie's romance, "The Little Minister, which is showing to-night at the Mayhu Cinema, Sandringham. "Hclldorado n on the same programme. ADELPHI, GREY LYNN. A most successful parody, not withou its own original thrills, on "Sappers Bulldog Drummond tales is the Jack ane Claude Hulbert Him "Bullelog J acii, which is to be shown to-night at tin Adelphi Theatre, Grey Lynn, togetlie: with "Mr. Dynamite." STATE, DEVONPORT. William Powell repeats his role of "Tin Thin Man"—that of a suave ane witt.; attorney-sleuth—in "Star e>f Midnight, in which he will be seen with the svelte "Ginger" Rogers, at the State Theatre Devonport, this evening. The late Wit Rogers' most recent comedy, Doubtinj Thomas," will be shown on the same pio gramme. NEW REGENT, EPSOM. Constance Collier arises as a reputee successor to the mantle of the belovee Marie Dressier in the thrilling pictun "Shadow of Doubt," which is to b. shown to-night, at the New Regen Theatre, Epsom, in support of the Walls Lvnn farce "Fighting Stock. EMPRESS, NEWTON. A coloured musical "short" entitle! "Gipsy Nights" will be shown in suppor of the dual bill arranged for this evening! audience at the Empress The ati'c, Newton The principal pictures will be Arte, Office Hours" (Clark Gable and Con stance Bennett) unci Gene htratton Porter's "Laddie," with John Beal ane Gloria Stuart as stars. ALEXANDRA, GREEN LANE. A brightly dialogued modern cotiieely romance is ''After Office Hours," the, fil„ heading to-night's tare at the -^ an <' Cinema, Green Lane. Clark Gable am Constance Bennett are starred Diam. in the form of "The Great Hotel Murder (Victor McLaglen and Edmund Lowe) l. also on the programme. new de luxe, mount albert. Horace Walpole's brilliant saga of tlv gipsy Herries family, " c°mes b life'on the screen with Robeit Mont gomery and Helen Hayes starred. ■ film version screens this evening at New ele Luxe Theatre. Mount Albert^; conjunction with l n Unfcn" ton's comedy "len-dollar KaibC. RIALTO SUNDAY PICTURE. One of the most successful of all Britisl pictures was the gay niusica comccb romance "Sunshine Susie, t - German actress Renate Mullei. It mIU revived to-morrow evening at the Kiai.e Theatre, Newmarket. PRINCESS, DOMINION ROAD. Jackie Searl lias a most amusing rob as the cultured, aristocratic Hamiltoi Parker, commonly known as blubber, j in Jane Withers' starring film Ginger, which is now showing at the 1 Dominion Road. Showing ak>» - romantic drama "Alias Mavy I «». kii turing Sally Filers and Ray Milland. LIBERTY, PARNELL. Goggle-eyed Eddie Cantor makes a grea showing in what is probably his bes extravaganza, "Roman Scanelals, now;■ oi the screen of the Liberty Cinema, Pat nel'l. Eelelie is transported into ancien Rome and his experiences there aftoiei . feast of conieelv. STATE, ONEHUNGA. Horrors pile on horrors in wolf of London, m which Hem, Hu. uiel Warner Oland are now tl u illn., mdienccs at the State Theatre, Onehunga Spencer Tracy and Wendy Barrie will o< jaen in the gay comedy-romance Its ; Small World."