FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 235, 3 October 1936, Page 14

FILM PROGRAMMES REVIEWED.

"KELLY THE SECOND." MAJESTIC. ' Molly Kelly Patsy Kelly Cecil Callahan Guinn Williams Gloria Pert Kelton Dr. J. Willoughby Klum . Charlie ChaSe Ike Arnold Edward Brophy "Spike" Harold Huber "Butch" Flynn .... Maxie Rosenbloom Director : Gus Meins. M.G.M. Also, "THE SKY PARADE," starring Win. Garjran, Katherine de Mille, Kent ' Taylor and Grant Withers. There is only one description which will fit the picture which opened its season at the Majestic Theatre last night, "Kelly the Second"—pure humour. It is a picture which everyone should see, because it has that effervescent quality of laughter and high spirits which carries the audience from the end of one laugh to the beginning of another. The picture, too, is wholesome, and is one to which the whole family might be taken. The picture centres round the vital Patsy Kelly. It is she who is the centre of all that happens, and it is she largely who gives the humour. She is Irish, and, to use a colloquialism, it "sticks out a mile." With her is the inimitable Charley Chase, who pursues a flustered way from humorous situation to situations still more humorous. The story concerns the hilarious and sometimes thrilling adventures of Molly Kelly whose role Patsy takes, and "Doc" Klum (Charley Chase) in their effort to make a boxing champion of Cecil Callahan (Guinn "Big Boy" W:'lliams), a fighting lorry driver and the friend of Patsy. There is, too, a flavour of romance and racketeering which adds drama enough to give piquancy to the major element of comedy. It presents a new idea in screen comedy, coupling a thrill to many of the laughs. While Patsy Kelly has given life to innumerable "shorts" this is a full-length picture. It may be said with certainty that it will not be her last. The programme pres.ents an added at- _ traction in "The Sky Parade.There is in the world to-day a great interest in aviation, an interest sustained by the fact that it is still the newest thrill and the greatest romance of commonplace life. Therefore the stunting, and the thrill of struggle in the air, transferred from the war to commercial flying, which characterises "The Sky Parade," make it a picture of outstanding attraction. It is concerned with the exploits of a group of ex-war aces, first as a stunting circus, and then in transport flying, with the development of the robot control to give a scientific angle to the production. It has a good cast with Jimmie Allen, William Gargan, Kent Taylor, Grant Withers and Katharine de Mille in the major roles.

ST..JAMES* THEATRE. The star of the unforgettable "Seventh Heaven" of the silent film days, Janet Gaynor, and a serious contender for honours as the screen sensation of the past film year, Robert Taylor, join forces to bring to film audiences a stirring modern romance : entitled "Small. Town («irl, ■which has opened its second week at the St. James' Theatre. Miss Gaynor was never more lovely in her successful career than she is in her new production. For the first time she is allowed to "dress up —and in. this she repeals a. new Janet Gaynor. With the sensation of the 1936 screen season, the dashing' Robert. Taylor, as her co-star,.a fine screen team is formed. Taylor has impressed filmgoers in a number of recent romantic films, three of the most notable being "Murder in the Fleet, "Magnificent Obsession" and "The Broadway Melody -of .1936.". .Taken from. Ben Ames Williams' famotis novel, brought _tp the screen by John Lee Mahin and Editn Fitzgerald* the-plot of ."Sma.ll Town Girl . concerns' a country girl who marries a handsome young doctor while he is intoxicated. Her ' efforts 'to ;-win 'his after she' has fallen in love with him, bring tears and laughs alike from the audience. The Hunt Stromberg production, directed "by William Wellman, has a strong supporting cast, including Binirie Baizes, Lewis Stone, Andy terson, Frank Craven':Snd James Stewart, all of whom do well by their respective roles. I "'. l •'*

TUDOR, REMUERA. " Harold Lloyd, well remembered for his successes in "Speedy," "Safety First" and "The Cat's Paw," combines' with Veree Teasdale to make an hilarious film of "The Milky Way," first ..feature, oil-the. programme of the Tudor Theatre, Remuera. STATE, SYMONDS STREET,. Drama of the pleasant, entertaining type forms the theme of "The Unguarded.Hour," main feature on' the programme., of the State Theatre, Symonds Street.;. The stars of the production are Loretta Young and Franchot Tone and the story concerns the work of a promising young barrister, who has gained a reputation for convicting men on circumstantial evir dence. Tie part of the barrister is'taken by Franchot Tone, and Ldr etta Young is seen as his "wife. Included* in the cast is the veteran actor Lewis Stone. LONDON CINEMA. Jack Hulbert, star of innumerable firstclass comedies, scores another success in "The Ghost Train," now at the London Theatre. The-picture combines comedy and drama; in entertaining fashion, and. is a "thriller" of the best type. Also showing is "Long-lost ■ Father." < STAR, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Music and dancing of the highest order form the basis for the story of the main attraction on; the bill of the Star Theatre, Karangahape Road, "Shipmates For Ever," featuring Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, The story is of the .usual light type thiit picture-goers have become accustomed to seeing Dick Powell in, and, as usual, he is a greatt success. Some popular song numbers are introduced. The second attraction is the thriller "Special Agent," in -which the leading < roles are filled by George Brent, Bette Davis and Ricardo Cortez. ' PRINCE EDWARD, NEWTON. Two fine comedies are featured on the current programme of the Prince Edwardi Theatre, Newton, in "The Bride Comes Home," with Claudette Colbert and Fred; Mac Murray, and "Her Master's Voice,", -with Edward Everett Horton and Peggy Gonklin. f The first is a comedy of the modern type, relying .:on- .smart dialogue and humorous situations'for its appeal, and the second is a typical Edward Everett Horton story with a rather surprising , plot.

KINGSLAND TALKIES. Ronald Colman is at his best in "The Man Who Broke the Bank at -Monte Carlo," and with the assistance of Joan Bennett makes a splendid picture of it. The second film is a virile tale of the out-of-doors, "O'Malley of the Mounted, featuring George O'Brien. AMBASSADOR, POINT CHEVALIER: Stirring adventures with a travelling circus and the struggle of a. lion tamer to regain the affections of his son are seen in "O'Shaughnessy's Boy," which heads the programme of the Ambassador Theatre, Point Chevalier. Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper are the stars. Laurel and Hardy head the cast of the co-feature, "Bonnie Scotland." STRAND, ONSHUNGA. "The Charm School," now showing at the Strand Theatre, Onehunga, is the story of a man who inherited a girl's school and set out to modernise it. Jack Oakie, Ned Sparks, Joe; Penner and S ranees Langford are the main play,ers. t i is-."Sweet Surrender," with Jack Dempsey and Frank Parker. STRAND, SUNDAY. firstrclass programme will be the" Strand Theatre toTiroCTammv mn j ? a two-hour picture a short address will be Awful » v g Plc^ ure wUI - te "The by Mr. R.; i MaBon C be an "th« e p dai i^ 8 Theatre Movement." ' The Pe °P le s <

"FORGOTTEN FACES." KEG EXT. Harry Ash ton • Herbert Mar shall Cleo Ashton Gertrude Michael Serge-ant Donovan James Burke Clinton Faraday .... Robert Cummings ' Sally Mcßride Jiine Rhodes Mike Davidson Robert Gleckler Director : E. A. Dupont. Paramount. One of these days Herbert Marshall of the sad eyes will be cast in a picture in which he can be happy from first to last. It would be interesting to see. In his latest picture, "Forgotten Faces," which was given its initial presentation at the Regent Theatre last evening, he is again associated with Gertrude Michael (who co-starred with him in "Till We Meet Again," which has just finished a season here). To the extent that both are excellent actors and that they have in this a story of strong dramatic interest which makes a full demand on their ability, it is to be recommended completely. It would have been given added popular appeal, however, had its intense theme been lightened. As it is, it is a story of tragedy, with the spark of human devotion giving an adequate antidote to the more sordid aspects.

In brief, it is the story of a gaminghouse- keeper in America whose private life is centred round his beautiful wife, played by Gertrude Michael, and his little daughter, Sally. He discovers that his wife is unfaithful to him. In his frenzy o£ disillusion he kills the other man aiul then, after finding a home for his daughter, gives himself up to the police. He is sentenced to life imprisonment. The picture then jumps ahead 17 yeare, and Marshall is rediscovered as a butler in the home where, so many years ago, his daughter' had found sanctuary. In the meantime, the wife had lost caste and her life was now concentrated in the search for her daughter — not from maternal instinct, but in the hope of extracting blackmail. The climax comes in the meeting with her former husband, his murder and her leap to death from a fourth storey window. It is difficult to conceive that any mother could be so entirely inhuman and Miss Michael has shown realisation of this in the manner in which she presents the character. It is a most unpleasant role and she gives to it that same quality that characterises a good presentation of Shylock—a repugnant character that yet must be viewed with pity, because of the circumstances. Marshall has one of the strongest roles of his career—but it is a role that cannot altogether escape the taint of smugness, with his hasty judgment of the wire whom he had previously loved and the self-magnification as a vehicle of justice. In all its aspects "Forgotten Faces ■ is a picture worth seeing. _ There .is a good selection of short features and another fine programme of music by the Regent orchestra.

AMALGAMATED THEATRES. Current programmes at picture h° usf!s directed bv Amalgamated Theatres' Ltd., are as follow:—Civic: Another week ot "Show Boat," with Paul Robeson, Irene Dunne and Allen Jones. _ Plaza: An allstar cast is "Hearts Divided. Strand: "The Story of Louis Pasteur. National: Jimmy Cagney in "G-men" and 'Broadway Gondolier," with Dick Powell and Joan Blondell. Roxy and Tivoli: The Big Noise" and "Public Menace. Crystal Palace and Rialto: "Come Out of the Pantry" and "And So They W-fcre Married." State (Onehunga): Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and" "The Murder of Dr. ■Harrigan." Regent and Alexandra: Special Investigator" and "Professional Soldier Princess: "Ceiling Zero J.nd Pot State fDevonnort): "Little Miss Nobody and "Let's Sing Again " King s: lae .Prisoner . of. Shark Island" and The Country Beyond." Empress: The Ex Mrs. Bradford" and Colleen. Regal. "Private Number" and The Country Doctor.'"' Adelphi: "Colleen" and Song of the Saddle." De .Luxe: "Times Square Playboy SBA "Two mayfAir, sandrin66am. The main attraction at the Mayfair Cinema, Sandringliam, is an exciting story of the American gold coast at the period when excitement was highest. J.t is entitled "Splendour" and the principals are Miriam Hopkins, Joel McCrea and Paul Cavanagh. Also showing is Music is Magic," with Bebe Daniels, Alice Faye "and* Ray ••Walker.

HISTORICAL LECTURE. ''Stirring Incidents in Early Australian and New Zealand History" will be the subject of an address to be given on Tuesday evening at the Auckland Working Men's' Club and Mechanics Institute by Mr. J. J. Sullivan. VICTORIA, DEVONPORT. What is perhaps the greatest film of 1936, H. G. Wells' epic production "Things to Come," is now showing at the ."Victoria • Theatre, Devonport. Featuring a splendid cast of players, headed by Raymond Massey and Marguerita bcott, the picture is one that should not be missed. Also showing is "Three Live Ghosts, with Claude Allister, Richard Arlen and Charles McNaughton. ASTOR, DOMINION ROAD. Eddie Cantor's latest picture up to the present time, "Strike Me Pink _is first feature on the bill of the As tor Theatre, Dominion Road. The '/pop-eyed comedian is supported by Ethel Merman, who sings another batch of the songs she has made bo popular. The programme includes "Pursuit," with Chester Morris and Sally Eilers. BRITANNIA, PONSONBY. Jane Withers, inimitable star of '.'Ginger" and "Paddy . O'Day, scorers another, success in "This Is the liife, now screening at the Britannia Theatre. Ponsonby. She is supported by ■ Sally Blane. ' The supporting feature is Navy Wife," with Claire Trevor and Ralph Bellamy. GREY LYNN CINEMA. There is some fine dramatic entertainment contained in "The Dark Angel, with Merle Oberon, Fr'edric March aijd Herbert Marshall, currently screening at the Grey Lynn Cinema. The Margaret Sullavan-Randolph Scott attraction So Red the Rose" is also featured on the programme.

GAIETY, TAKAPUNA. Kent Taylor and Elissa Landi are the stars of the big picture at the Gaiety Theatre, Taka'p'uria, "Without Regret." It is the story of a famous London surgeon, his charming wife and a scoundrel who tries to blackmail the wife. The story of a farmer who becomes a film star is revealed in the second attraction, "Farmer in the Dell," with Fred Stone, and Jean Parker. AVONDALE MUNICIPAL.

The quarrels of two tempestuous people form the theme of "I Live My Life, \ now showing at t-he Avondale Municipal Theatre. Joan Crawford and Brian Aherne are the" two principals, the latter being ! cast as a scientist working in Greece and the former as a wealthy heiress. The second attraction is "The Big Broadcast of 1936." NATIONAL, SUNDAY. "The Elusive Blonde" is the title of the main attraction on the picture programme to be. shown at the National Theatre tomorrow evening. The night's entertainment is being given by the New Zealand Labour party and will be in the form of a welcome to the newly-elected member for Manukau, Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P. j V YERSE-SPEAKING RECITAL. Believed for the first time in Auckland —even in New Zealand —a verse-speaking recital, afta* the mariner of the new vogue now sweeping England, will be given 'in-. the Lewis Eady . Hall by tne Deepdene Lyric .Speech Choir "on Wednesday evening. The choir will be assisted by Miss Ida Lockwood (violinist), Mme. Aileen'Johns (vocalist) > and -Mr- Dennis Johns (elocutionist). Mr. Johns will I conductr4h«-<hoir. > &'*■

EMBASSY THEATRE. A light and frothy plot will often provide the most enjoyable film, entertainment. So it is with "Personal Maid's Secret," which the principal feature on this week's bill at the Embassy Theatre. Ostensibly a drama, the film tries to retain its dramatic punch throughout, but finds itself before long converted into outright comedy. Pleasantly credible and taking place within the lives and emotional scopes of the roughly average people, the story, while never powerful, is yet quite strong enough to carry the film along the road to success at the box-office. Although not actually the star, Ruth Donnelly is one of the most impressive players. Cast ! as Lizzie, a servant who has been in serI vice with the best families, she is engaged at a salary her employer cannot really afford for a job which is beneath her dignity. But Lizzie likes the family, and, by her knowledge of what the "best families" do, pushes them up in the social and financial world in a .way that always keeps them just a jump ahead of their income. The end of the film, although obviously not the end of their rising; shows them with a Long Island country estate, complete with swimming-pool. Margaret Lindsay and Warren Hull are the real stars, and Anita Louise, Frank Albertson, Ronnie Cosbey and Arthur Treacher provide excellent support. COMMUNITY SINGING. Those who were turned away from the Community Singing in the Town Hall last Wednesday are advised to be early this Wednesday as the programme is to be bigger than ever. Special items will be given by the Rev. Everil Orr and by Mr. Epi Shalfoon, who will endeavour to show how a saxophone really shqjgjd be played. RIALTO, SUNDAY. Jack Buchanan in "Good-Night, Vienna" heads the picture programme to be presented to-morrow evening in the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket. The story is an entertaining one and introduces some good musical numbers. CAPITOL, BALMORAL. The three Marx brothers, Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones are the stars of "A Night at the Opera," first attraction on the Dill of the Capitol Theatre, Balmoral. A story of American family life that is truly entertaining is the second ieature, "Ah, Wilderness." The main parts are filled by Lionel Barrymore, Erie Linden and Wallace Beery.

CHAMBER MUSIC. The Auckland Chamber Music Societyintends to repeat its third concert programme in the Lewis Eady Hall to-morrow afternoon. Numbers to be played include items from Dvorak, Hermann Sandby and a piano-quartet from Brahms, the players being Helen Gray, Lois Walls, Lalla Hemus and Kathleen O'Leary. MUNICIPAL .BAND. The Auckland Municipal Band, under conductorshij> of Mr. T. J. O'Connor, will start its summer season to-morrow. A recital will be given in the Domain at 2.30 p.m., and at 8 p.m. an entirely different programme will be presented in Albert Park. Popular selections and instrumental solos will be rendered at both recitals., ■ • . . DANCING. Peter Pan, Johnnie Madden, crooner, and "Jack and Jill" in eong and dance. Pirate Shippe, Milford, old-time carnival; "A Night in the Cooler." Carlton Cabaret, special night; Art. Larkin'e band. St. Sepulchre's Hall, Ventura Dance Club; Len Meredith's orchestra. Municipal Half, Newmarket, old-time carnival; Bob Adams' orchestra. 1 Orange Hall, Newton, Embassy Dance Club; Ted Croad's Chevalier band. Arts Hall, Welsh Society's dance; Jack Palmer's Astoria band. Labour Hall, carnival' night; Clemm's orchestra. Crystal Palace Ballroom, Waitemata. Swimming Club's dance; Epi and Tony Shalfoon's band. ~, , Ambassadors' Hall, Columbia Social Club's . old-iiihe dance;!. Volkifer'e -Internationals. St. Columba Hall, Grey Lynn R.S.A. .old-time dance and cards. Foresters' Hall, Onehunga, old-time and modern dancing; Ted Rivett'e orchestra. Zealandia Hall, Balmoral, old-time dance; Zealandia band. St. Mary's Hall, Ellerelie, old-time dancing; Connon's orchestra. . . > O'Neill Street Hall, Ponsonby Boy;-,' Band dance. Purl Hall, Ponsonby, old-time dance; Windsor band. Gaiety Hall, Surrey Crescent, Tui oldtime dance. Symondsville, Wednesday, Eden Football Club's dance; Epi Shalfoon's band. Tamaki Yacht Clubhouse, Eastern Suburbs Soccer dance.

AMUSEMENT GUIDE. H.M. THEATRE—"New Moon" (Return Season). PICTURE THEATRES, REGENT—Herbert Marshall and Gertrude Michael In "Forgotten Faces." EMBASSY —Ruth Donnelly ana Warren Hull In "Personal Maid's Secret." ST. JAMES'-r-Robert Taylor ana Janet Gaynor In "Small Town Girl." LONDON—Jack Hull>ert In "The Ghost Tralri" and John Barrymore In "LongLost Faither." MAJESTIC —Patsy Kelly ana Ciwlle Chase in "KeHy the Second" and Jlmmie Allen and William .. Carg-en In "Sky Parade." AMBASSADOR —"O'Shaughnessy's Boy." ABTOR —"Strike Me Pink." AVONDALE —"I Live My Life.'.' BIRKENHEAD —"Here's to Romance." BRITANNIA —"This Is the Life." CAPITOL—"A Night at the Opera." DELTA—"Flirtation Walk." GAlETY—"Without Regret." GREY LYNN—"The Dark Angel." KINGSLAND—"O'MaIIey or the Mounted." MAYFAlß—"Splendour." PICTUREDROME —"Exclusive Story." PRINCE EDWARD—"The Bride Comes Home" and "Her Master's Voice." SOUTHERN CROSS—"Love Me For Ever." STAR (Newton) —Dick Powell in "Shipmates For Ever" and Bette Davis in "Special Agent." STATE (Symonds Street) —"The Unguarded Hour." STRAND (Onehunga)—"Charm School." TUDOR —"The Milky Way." VICTORIA—"Three Live Ghosts."