"CALL OF THE PRAIRIE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 181, 1 August 1936, Page 13

"CALL OF THE PRAIRIE."

MAJESTIC.. Hopalong Cassidy William Boyd Johnny Nelson Jimmy Ellison Linda McHenry Muriel Evans Shanghai George Hayes Sandy McQueen .. . Chester Conklin Tom Hank Mann Director: Howard Bretlierton. Author: Clarence E. Mulford. Paramount. Also : " CORONADO," starring Johnny Downs, Betty Burgess, Jack Haley, Alice White and Leon Errol. The cowboys of the Bar-20 ranch, whose exploits as recounted by Clarence E. Mulford till upwards of a dozen books, ride again in "Call of the Prairie," the fourth of Mulford s novels that lias been adapted to the screen, and one of the best of them. That the series iias not yet begun to pall, and is not likely , to for a long time to come was obvious from the appreciative comments of the audience who saw the first screening of "Call of the Prairie" at the Majestic Theatre last evening. Rather badly neglected since the coining of talkies, the Western picture has been enthusiastically welcomed back by audiences who were getting a bttle tired of massed jazz bands and sophisticated dialogue.

Much ol the success of this, as of the other pictures of the series, is due to the choice of William Boyd for the role of Hopalong Cassidy and Jimmy Ellison for the role of his young friend Johnny Aelson; the one quiet, calm, deadly in combat and grimly humorous in tight places; the other young, enthusiastic and foolishly reckless; both of them clean, virile, lino physical specimens and expert In "Call of the Prairie," Johnny Jv elson's youthful over-confidence leads him into the company of a gang of, desperadoes who, Avhile he is sleeping off the effects of the whisky with which they have plied him, rob the Bar-"20 ranch and leave evidence fixing the crime on him. Seeking refuge in the hills, Johnny finds a fair ally in the daughter of one of the gang's worst members, a pseudo prospector, and so gets even more entangled, until his quick-shooting friend Hopalong takes up the trail and the problem is solved bj- the crack of six-shooters and a big increase in the local death rate.

In sharp contrast to "Call of the Prairie"—and so making a programme calculated to suit all tastes —is a light musical comedy entitled "Coronado," with Johnny Downs and Betty Burgess in the leading roles. Interspersed with catchy songs and some good tap dancing there is a really bright story of the spoiled son of a millionaire who poses as a . destitute song writer in order to captivate one of the entertainers at a Florida hotel. His prospective sister-in-law's difficulties with her sailor husband, owing to the fact that her father doubts whether they arc lawfully married, also give rise to some hilarious scenes.

EMBASSY THEATRE. It might be said that "Whom the Gods Love," now showing at the Embassy Theatre, is a picture for the "highbrows," but that observation bears little weight following the success of such 'films as "Blossom Time," in which Kit-hard Taulwr sang his way through a Schubert's life story, and "One Night of Love," which gave Grace Moore conquest of the cinema at her second attempt. There is splendid music in "Whom the Gods Love," but it is not vocal. It is orchestral, presented by the world famous London Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, with none other than Sir Thomas Beechain, probably the greatest of them all, conducting. The orchestra plays Mozart gems—the story, be it added, is based on Mozart's career— including such well-known compositions as "The Magic Flute" and selections from the opera "The Marriage of Figaro." The film was produced actually in Vienna and the Dolomite Alps under the personal supervision of the famous former London actormanager, Basil Dean, an opera enthusiast. He presented his lovely young wife of two years, Victoria Hopper, with the leading feminine role. Mozart is brilliantly and sympathetically played by young Stephen Haggard, a London stage actor, who has made a great name for himself recently. John Lodcr and the German actress, Liane 'Haid, have important parts. GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. Another of those clever modern comedies that certain of the American studios are so adept at turning out, "Hands Across the Table," which heads the programme at the Gaiety Cinema, Takapuna, boasts of a particularly talented cast, headed by Carole Lombard, Fred Mac Murray and Ralph Bellamy. The plot is a clever one. LIBERTY, PARNELL. Irene Dunne, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers head the cast of "Roberta," now at the Liberty Cinema, Parnell, and many critics regard this as the best film that the Rogers-Astaire combination has produced. The plot is light and airy and manages to weave in some popular song numbers, including "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes-" AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER. Adventure and romance in "China Seas" and mystery-drama in "Grand Exit" are promised at the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. The stars of the first are, of course, Clark Gable, Wallace Beery and Jean Harlow, and the picture is packed with excitement. The second is a typical Edmund Lowe story. KINGSLAND TALKIES. Charming rural romance is provided in the first feature on the bill of the Kingsland Talkies, where "Farmer in the Dell," with Jean Parker and Fred Stone, is showing. It is the story of a farmer who becomes a film star. The second attraction is "The Legion of Valour," an adventure film, in which leads are taken by Richard Arlen and Bruce Cabot.

GREY LYNN CINEMA. Sparks fly in "I Live My Life," the Joan Crawford-Brian Aherne attraction at the Grey Lynn Cinema, for the story concerns the amusing romance of two vary self-willed people. "At the Bottom of the World," the story of Admiral Byrd's great Antarctic expedition, is the second attraction. STRAND, ONEHUNGA. Freddie Bartholomew, that child star who captured the hearts of thousands of people by his performance in the film version of Dickens' "David CopperfieTd," is again seen in "Little Lord Fauntleroy," now showing at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga. On the same programme is the handsome Carl Brissoii in "Ship Cafe. LONDON THEATRE. There are few stars of the screen to equal Jimmy Durante in humour, and when he is combined with Lupe Velez in "Strictly Dynamite," now showing at the London Theatre, the result is something really entertaining. The second attraction is "Girls Will Be Boys," with Dolly Haas, Cyril Maude and Irene Vanbrugh. RIALTO,,; SUNDAY. Arthur, Riscoe, who delighted Auckland picture-goers a few weeks ago in "Public Nuisance No. 1," is a star of the Sunday night attraction at the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, where a great picture programme has been arranged. Partnered by Diana Napier, he is seen in "For Love of You," a merry musical comedy in which the opera star Franco _ Foresta made his film debut. STRAND, SUNDAY. In celebration of the International Anti-war Day, which falls to-morrow, Mr. J. Edwards will speak on "War: The Universal Enemy of Humanity," at the Strand Theatre to-morrow evening. The address will be followed by a picture programme headed by the sparkling comedydrama "The Man from New York." Anti-war meetings will be held in 37 countries over the week-end and the Auckland Movement Against War and Fascism, to which 19 local societies are affiliated, will hold three meetings in Queen Street to-morrow evening—at the Strand, the Town Hall Concert Chamber and the London Cinema. Good speakers have been arranged for all three meeting houses.

" DESIRE." REGENT. Madeline de Beaupre . Marlene Dietrich Tom Bradley Gary Cooper Carlos Margoli John Halliday Mr. Gibson William Frawley Aristide Duval Ernest Cossart Dr. Edouard Pauquet . . Alan Mowbray Police Official Akiin Tamiroff Director : Frank Borzage. Paramount. Add your impression of the exotic beauty of Marlene Dietrich to the name of the film, "Desire" —and you will get an entirely wrong idea of the picture of that name which opened a season at the Regent Theatre last night. It is rich, sparkling and entirely entertaining romantic comedy. Certainly Marlene is lovely—and she doesn't mind you noticing it—but the personality of Gary Cooper, with whom she is associated, removes the story from any hint of "purple passion," which is just as well.

The censorship restriction is probably levelled because ot a very neat little crime executed by Marlene in the opening scenes, where she contrives to rob a Parisian hrin of jewellers of pearls to the value of a few million francs. It was a very neat little crime and if there are weaknesses in it . . . well, one look at Marlene in action will explain how she got away with it. It wasn't the best of character introductions, but the audience knew more than Gary Cooper when he, as a motor engineer on a two weeks' vacation in Spain, first saw her. She splashed mud on him and then blinded him in a cloud of dust as she speeded past. And then she had to call on his aid in a breakdown and he looked at her—and that is how it all happened. Frankly, there is not a great deal to the story. It is just one of those plots where hero and heroine fall in love and light a few complications, supplied on this occasion by Marlene's' associates in crime, "His Highness" and "Aunt Olga." They are determined that Marlene shall stick to the life of crime; Gary Cooper, that she shall become the wife of a Detroit motor engineer. The manner in which she makes her choice and the way Cooper reacts to it have excellent entertainment value and there is a particularly fine scene where Cooper with a delightful Montgomery nonchalance faces the assembled villainry over the breakfast table and tells them just lion- big America is—6ft 3in, if memory is correct. It is a story brimming over with brightness and there is no doubt that it will prove popular with Auckland audiences. Marlene's abandonment of the entirely sophisticated role, in favour' of the lighter one, will be welcomed.

Again the Resent has a»good supporting programme. Of interest was the presentation by Clement May, the great English character actor, of Charles Dickens studies, and another item in which two American song-writers present some of their favourite compositions. Then, too, there is a delighful coloured cartoon in which a lone chicken teaches a duck family to "crow." And 011 the stage little Rowena Jackson, a proficient acrobatic dancer, gives a unique performance accompanied by Trevor Eady's Regent orchestra. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. All the cruelty of Captain Bligh, the fortitude of his crew, the bravery of his officers and the final climax of the mutiny when the crew were Hearing the end of their tether, are wonderfully brought out in "Mutiny on the Bounty," now showing at the Astor Theatre, Dominion Road. The stars are Charles Laughton, Clark Gable and Franchot Tone. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Glorious arias from the operas and the madcap fun of the Marx brothers form an entertaining combination in "A Night at the Opera," which heads the programme at the Britannia Theatre, Ponsonby. The stars are the Marx brothers, Kitty Carlisle and Alan Jones. Kitty Carlisle and Alan Jones both possess wonderful voices. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT?. Keeping well up to the usual Wallace Beery standard, "O'Shaughnessy's Boy," which is now screening at the Victoria Iheatre, Devonport, tells an exciting story of life with a travelling circus. Jackie Cooper, as the "Boy," gives an excellent performance. Also 011 the programme is "Gentlemen of the Navy." with Sir Guy Standing, Tom Brown and Richard Cromwell. STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Just as thousands of readers have imagined him in the pages of Jeffery Farnol's romance, "The Amateur Gentleman" steps on to the screen of the Star Theatre, Karangahape Road, in the picture of that name, and supported by Elissa Landi gives a really outstanding performance. The name part is. played by Douglas Fairbanks, jun. The story centres round the efforts of the educated eon of an innkeeper to clear his father's name. He enters London society and manages to achieve his aim after a series of highly exciting incidents'. STATE, SYMONDS STREET. Down-to-earth drama is provided by Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy in the current attraction at the State Theatre, Symonds Street, "Riff Raff," a human story of the turmoil and strife in the lives of fisher folk on the Pacific Coast of America- Tracy, as usual, is a "tough guy," and endeavours to impress everybody with his strength and mastery of men, but his fall is great. Jean Harlow, his wife, has the tremendous task of re-establishing him in the eyes of his companions. A special stage performance by Trevor and Dawn, adagio danctrs, who have just completed a successful Australian season, is included in the programme.

PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. Patrons of the Prnice Edward Theatre, Newton, are to be well entertained over the next few days by a good double-feature programme featuring "The Big Broadcast of 1936" and "Whipsaw." The first attraction, as the name implies, is a broadcasting story, bu£ it differs from those that have come before it in that it has a decidedly original story. To mention only a few of the famous artists in the picture, there are Jack Oakie, Bing Crosby, Ethel Merman, Richard Tauber, Bill Robinson, Charlie Ruggles and Amos 'n' Andy. "Whipsaw," which features Spencer Tracy and Myrna Loy, is an exciting story of the "G" man type and introduces some splendid acting by both of the principals. COMMUNITY SINGING. Next Wednesday the usual community singing at the Town Hall, under the leadership of Mr. Vernon Drew, will act as a farewell to the Rev. A. Everill Orr, who is leaving on a visit to Australia. Mr. Orr will sing several solos. CAPITOL, BALMORAL. Hilarious , comedy is offered at the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral, where "The Perfect Gentleman," in which Frank Morgan and Cicely Courtneidge are the leading players, is screening. Lovers of good music are catered for by the outstanding film "Metropolitan," a film that gives Lawrence Tibbett every opportunity to use his glorious voice. MAYFAIR, SANDRINGHAM. One of the best flail-round casts of Western stars ever assembled in one picture is to be seen in the current attraction at the Mayfair Theatre, Sandringham. It is "Powder Smoke Range," with Hoot Gibson and Harry Carey. Also on the bill is "I Dream Too Much," with Lily Pons and Henry Fonda, a first-class musical attraction. ROUSHWORTH'S SKATING. Another big special programme has been arranged for the entertainment of the patrons of Roushworth's Skating Rink, Khyber Pass, to-night. The star attraction will be a partners' wheelbarrow Derby, and cash prizes are offered for the people who can pick out a disguised skater. On August 15 the big event of the year will be staged, the representative hockey match between Auckland and i Wellington. '

"THE UNGUARDED HOUR." ST. JAMES'. Lady Helen Dearden . . Loretta Young Sir Alan Dearden .... Franehot Tone General Lawrence Lewis Stone Bunny Roland Young Lady Hathaway Jessie Ralph Metford Dudley Uigges Henderson Robert Greig Lord Hathaway E. E. Clive Diana Rogers Aileen Priugle Director: Sain Wood. Play by Ladislaus Fodor. M.G.M.

A woman taking the witness stand at the eleventh hour to give the only testimony which can save a man accused of murder, and an even more dramatic turn of events in the arrest of her husband, who is the prosecuting counsel in the case, for a similar crime, again on circumstantial evidence. This is tiie ciimax to "The Unguarded Hour," a mystery drama, which commenced its season at St. James Theatre yesterday. The Metro-Goldvvyn-Mayer production is one of continued suspense, with a variety of sensational complications in which a wife fights desperately to uphold her husband's reputation with another mail's life at stake. Then when she makes her sensational denouement she finds her husband in an equally desperate situation- Only the talented acting of Franehot Tone and the beautiful Loretta Young, supported by a fine cast prevents the drama of English society and High Court proceedings from being robbed of its realism, and there are no obvious Americanisms to mar the atmosphere in which the mystery is cast.

Bright dialogue is a well-balanced foil to the almost unbelievable turn which the drama takes, and interest never wanes. The plot is a battling one, and still leaves the audience something to ponder over when the curtain has fallen. As a leading English barrister, who is in the running for the position of Attorney-General, Franchot Tone gives a fine characterisation. A complication of his youth is brought to the knowledge of his wife, Loretta Young, by a blackmailer. She preserves her secret for the sake of her husband's reputation, until she finds that she must sacrifice him to save the accused, whose innocence she alone can prove. But, in the meantime, her husband has become involved through similar circumstantial evidence, in the murder of a former inamorata. The final scenes reveal how he has taken a hazardous chance by implicating himself to solve that murder and set the seal on a brilliant career. Franchot Tone's performance add to the reputation which he has gained for his roles in "Bengal Lancers" and "The Mutiny on the Bounty," while Loretta Young gives a finished interpretation of the despairing society woman who has to bare her husband's past in a courtroom. The dapper Roland Young, as usual, supplies the necessary humour to the situations which arise, while Lewis Stone gives another fine performance as the head of Scotland Yard.

The supporting programme is a strong 011 c. In-addition to newsreels there is a film depicting an interesting insight into the technique of the game of polo from a Santa Barbara training school, and a Laurel and Hardy comedy in which these two favourites conclude by giving an impersonation of each other.

AMALGAMATED THEATRES. Entertaining programmes are showing at all the city and suburban picture houses under the control of Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd. Current attractions are as follow: —Civic: The inimitable Jane Withers, supported by Jane Darwcll and Ralph Morgan, in "Little Miss Nobody." Plaza: An entertaining romance, "Private Number." with Loretta Young and Robert Taylor. Strand: A great doublefeature bill. " Irene Dunne in "Sweet Adeline" and Joe E. Brown in "Son of a Sailor." Roxy and Tivoli: The singing cowboy. Dick Foran, in "Song of the Saddle." and "Nobody's Fool," starring Edward Everett Horton and Glenda Farrell. Crystal Palace and Rialto: Warner Baxter and Gloria Stuart in "The Prisoner of Shark Island" and Claire Trevor in "Song and Dance Man." Regent and Alexandra: "Charlie Chan at the Circus" and "Miss Pacific Fleet." Princess: "Dangerous" and "O'Malley of the Mounted." State. Devonport: Errol Flynn and Olivia De Havilland in "Captain Blood." State, Onehunga: "Gentle Julia" and "Silly Billies." Regal: "I Found Stella Parish" and "East of Java." King's. Northcote: "A Message to Garcia" and "Page Miss Glory." Empress: "Captain January" and "Yellow Dust." Adelphi: "Jack of All Trades" and "Yellow Dust." Dc Luxe: "King of the Damned" and "The Music Goes 'Round."

TUDOR, REMUERA. Jack Buchanan, the star of "When Knights Were Bold," currently screening at the Tudor Theatre, Reniuera, has been aptly termed the "king of musical comedy" and he certainly deserves the title. In "When Knights Were Bold" he is supported by the beautiful Fay Wray and is at his very best. The story is a highly amusing one. DANCING. Peter Pan, Lauri Paddi's cabaret band. Pirate Shippe, Milford, old-time mask and domino carnival. Carlton Cabaret, special night; Art. Larkin's band. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Technical 0.8. Rugby Club dance; Len Meredith's band. Municipal Hall, Newmarket, old-time carnival; Bob Adams' orchestra. Rialto Ballroom, modern dancing; Edgar Bendall's orchestra. Scots Hall, Astoria old-time dance; Jack Palmer's band. Masonic Hall, Newton, G.L.B. old-time dance; Operatic Quintette orchestra. Orange Hall, Embassy Dance Club; Ted Croad's Chevalier orchestra. Crystal Palace ballroom, Kowhai Old Pupils' Association dance; Epi Shalfoon's band.

Labour Hall, Newton, old-time dance; Clemm's Melody Boys.

Otahuhu Public Hall, August 8, Ritz Dance Club's opening carnival.

Peter Van, August 6, Ponsonby Cruising Club's prize night dance.

Ambassador's Hall, Dominion Road, Columbia Social Club's dance.

Manchester Unity Hall, Tuesday, Loyal Ponsonby Lodge's silver jubilee dance.

St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn R.S.A., old-time dance.

Druids' Hall, Wednesday, Realm old-time dance.

Zealandia Hall, Balmoral, old-time dance; Zealandia Band.

Ponsonby League Football Club Rooms, old-time dance; "The Vagabonds."

St. Mary's Hall, Ellerslie, old-time dance; Connon's orchestra.

Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Tui Oldtime Dance.

Parnell R.S.A. Hall, modern and oldtime dancing; Clough's band. Town Hall, August 6, Community Sunshine charity ball. AMUSEMENTS GUIDE. HIS MAJESTY'S (Fuller's) — The HartO'Brian Revue. PICTURE THEATRES. LONDON—Jimmy Durante in "Strictly Dynamite" and Cyril Maude in "Girls Will Be Boys." ST. JAMES' —Franchot Tone and LoreMa Young in "The Unguarde:! Hour." MAJESTIC—WiIIiam Boyd and Jimmy Ellison In "Call ol" the Prairie" and Johnny Downs and Betty Burgess In "Coronado." REGENT—Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich in "Desire." EMBASSY—"Whom the Gods Love." AMBASSADOR —"China Seas." ASTOR —"Mutiny on the Bounty." AVONDALE—"Arter Office Hours." BIRKENHEAD —"The LaiSt OutpoS't." BRITANNIA—"A Night at the Opera." CAPITOL —"A Perfect Gentleman." GAIETY —"Hanua Across the Table." GREY LYNN—"I Live My Life." KINGSLAND —"Leg-ion or Valour." LIBERTY —"Roberta." MAYFAIR—"Powder Smolce Range." PICTUREDROME—"Bonnie Scotland." PRINCE EDWARD—"The Big Broadcast or 1936" and "Whipsaw." SOUTHERN CROSS—"Thanks a Million." STAR (Newton) —Douglas Fairbanks, Jun., and Elissa Landi in "The Amateur Gentleman." STATE (Symonds Street) —"RilT Raff." STRAND (Onehunga)—"Little Lord Faunt- ■ leroy." TUDOR —-"When Knights Were Bold." VICTORIA —"O'Shaughnessy's Boy."