CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21707, 14 February 1936, Page 9

CITY THEATRES

MAYFAIR

“THE PASSING OF THE THIRD FLOOR BACK”

“The Passing of the Third Floor Back/’ by Jerome K. Jerome, Is a world-famous play. When first produced in London in 1906, its strange and unusual theme caught the public imagination and subsequent revivals in 1913,1017, and 1928 showed definitely that the appeal of this play has by no means diminished.’ Christchurch theatre-goers, therefore, should welcome the opportunity to see the film version which will be shown at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. Powerful and moving as this story is when presented on' the stage, the medium of the screen is said to bring the audience Into closer contact with the private lives of this unusual crowd of boarding-house characters. One is able to live their lives with them, apSreciate their worries and joys, sense re influence of the stranger and feel the quiet change that is wrought in. the Hotel Belle-Vue. > There can be very few who are not aware of the story of “The Passing of the Third Floor Back/’ It Is’ a story developed from an allegorical angle and descriptive of the best and the worst in a strangely-assorted collection of human beings. The director has emphasised the emotional qualities of the subject, treating the highlights with a tenderness and sympathy that enhance the appeal in striking degree. The characters are given new life and significance by his treatment and the comparative trivialities of restricted lives shown with cruel truth. Apart from the quiet acting of Mr Veldt as the Stranger, Mary Clare (Mrs Sharpe), Prank Cellier (Wright), Anna Lee (Vivian), John Turnbull and Cathleen Nesbitt (Mr and Mrs Tompkin), and Sara Allgood (Mrs de Hooley) are outstanding. Sarah Allgood wiil be remembered by New Zealanders for her magnificent performance some years ago in “Peg o’ My Heart.” As this lovable Irish character she won many friends. Returning to England she achieved great success on the London stage aqd of late years has given many notable performances In character roles. As Mrs de Hooley in “The Passing of the Third Floor Back,” she plays a typical faded “grand dame,” who is to be found in almost every suburban boarding house. She gives a performance that will lonj be remembered by those who appreciate clever character work.

STATE

“THE GAY DECEPTION”

The adventures and escapades of two light-hearted youngsters who look for thrills and find romance constitute the story of Fox Film’s delightful com-edy-romance, “The Gay Deception,” which will commence at the State Theatre to-day. “The Gay Deception” stars the handsome Francis Lederer, with Frances Dee. Directed by William Wyler for Jesse Lasky, the picture throws these two actors together in the sophisticated atmosphere of an ultra-luxurious hotel, where moat of the comedy incidents occur. The two most interesting people in the hotel are Miss Dee, a little country girl, spending the proceeds of a sweepstake prize in a lavish manner, and Francis Lederer, a European prince posing as a bell-boy. In this comedy Lederer is said to have recaptured for the screen that intangible something which created his sensational success when he first made his appearance on the Broadway stage. Mounted in the manner - associated with a Jesse L„’ Ltjteky prohibition/ “The Gay Deception” whirls itsi principals, Lederer and Frances Dee, through an hilarious series of comedy adventure to a pleasing climax. The gay deceivers or the film are Lederer, a prince masquerading as a member of the staff in an ultra-luxuri-ous hotel, and Miss Dee. When they meet she, of course, resents the attention of a servant, but Lederer persists in paying court. Lederer resumes his royal title, and the situations are reversed, and when he is arrested as an impostor through some sort of misunderstanding, the hilarity reaches its peak. Lionel Stonder, who has a prominent part in this film, is a comparative newcomer to the screen, who made his debut in "The Scoundrel,” which was produced at Astoria, Long Island, United States. His unique comedy style and vocal tricks have made him a popular character actor in Hollywood.

CRYSTAL PALACE

DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME

The riotous adventures of a schoolmaster, the pursuit alter a priceless necklace, and the romance of a wealthy widow are all combined into one theme in "Boys Will Be Boys,” which will be one attraction in a doublefeature programme which.is to begin at the Crystal Palace to-day. Will Hay is placed to great advantage as a schoolmaster. With him are Gordon Barker, who is not to be trusted, and Claude Dampier, who plays as a mournful assistant master. The famous "Founders’ Day” at Narkover is a feature of the film. This is a great occasion when a grand luncheon is given to the whole school. The least includes everything. from soup to nuts, and the Narkover school song-is the finishing effort in a feast of tun. This song was written especially lor the film by Leslie Sarony and Leslie Holmes. The school committee -attend in ift best clothes to adorn the top table and to witness the famous “Narkover” Rugby match which takes place during the afternoon. Over and over roll the players, kicking, scrumming, passing, and pushing with the master always at the bottom of the scrum. On the outside line a knowing player beats madly up and down in an agony of suspense. A diamond necklace is hidden in the ball. • “Jack Ahoy!” with Jack Hulbert in the lead, provides many amusing situations, a romance, a dash of thrill, and brilliantly photographed and impressive pictures of Britain’s naval might.

GRAND

“MURDER IN TRINIDAD” AND “HOLD THAT GIRL”

“Murder in Trinidad,” adapted from the beat-selling novel by John Vandercook, will be shown for the first time at the Grand Theatre to-day. The picture introduces a unique background, The world-famous Caroni swamp In Trinidad, treacherous with quicksand, infested with man-eating crocodiles, and inaccessible to civilised man, provides an atmosphere that intensifies an already exciting story. The story concerns a London detective who is called to Port of Spafn by the Authorities to attempt to stop the flood of Brazilian diamonds that is pouring into the world’s market via Trinidad. The detective is portrayed by Nigel Bruce, Douglas Walton plays the role of the young man who aids the detective, and supplies the romantic interest opposite charming Heather other film is “Hold that Girl,” starring James Dunn and Claire Trevor,

■ REGENT '

“THE BISHOP MISBEHAVES”

“The Bishop Misbehaves,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's new production coming to the Regent Theatre to-day. is an adaptation from one of the year s brightest comedy stage hits, written by Frederick Jackson and adapted to the screen by Leon Gordon. On the stage it was the starring vehicle for Walter Connelly, cn the screen for Edmund Gwenn. The story concerns the amusing mishaps of the kindly old bishop who bebomes Involved in a crime. Maureen O’Sullivan and Norman Foster are featured in the romantic leads. The cast also includes Lucille Watson, Dudley Digges, Lillian Bond, and others. The story of an English girl who revenges herself on a detestable old vulture who has embezzled her father’s money has many moments of humour. A bishop—reminiscent almost of G. K. Chesterton’s "Father Brown’’—comes into the story after the girl has carried oft a robbery, Reginald Owen, a distinguished character actor, who won new fame for his work in “Anna Karenina” and "Escapade,” plays the role of the embezzler, Waller.

“A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM”

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Warner Bros.’ film version of Shakespeare’s comedy, which well be coming to the Regent Theatre soon, has attracted much attention abroad. The music is from Mendelssohn’s wellknown score.

TIVOLI

“PRIVATE WORLDS”

Claudette Colbert's characterisation in the leading role ot Paramount’s psychological love drama, “Private Worlds,” which comes to the Tivoli Theatre to-day, symbolises the plight of millions of women who would rather dream about love than face it in reality. A radical departure from the roles she has played in the past, Miss Colbert in “Private Worlds’’ is a capable woman doctor in a hospital for the insane, who concentrates her love on the memory of her sweetheart, killed in the war. In these circumstances the actress is given a difficult role to play, and one that might very easily become a, failure in hands less capable than those of Claudette Colbert. However, the star is possessed of such complete understanding and artistic appreciation that her performance is convincing throughout, to say the least. Boyer, the young French star who is becoming well known in Hollywood, plays opposite Miss Colbert. Closely tiea up with the main plot is a three-cornered romance involving McCrea, Miss Bennett, and Miss Vinson. Miss Colbert’s role offers her the opportunity to combine the best features of her light-hearted portrayals m “The Gilded Lily” and “It Happened One Night” with the more serious characterisations of some of her previous efforts. . „ ■ It will be recalled that Miss Colbert lias on one occasion won the award of honour presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is recognised as one of the most finished actresses on the screen.

MAJESTIC

“MISS PACIFIC FLEET”

“Miss Pacific Fleet,” which will begin at this theatre to-day, is a comedy of the most delightful kind. Chorus girls, stranded on the Pacific Coast, and running a concession ln«n amusement park to try to earn money to pay their fares back to New York, would be likely to have any amount of real fun. Here, they make little money; but they fall into the way ot romance, which might be counted as sufficient. Certainly it is more important to the picture than is money. Joan Blondell and Glenda Farrell are prominent in the cast, supported by Hugh Herbert and Allen Jenkins. A beauty contest allows for much action. There are warring elements, and there is also the necessary villain, who has to champion his own girl In the competition. A kidnapping is planned; but it goes delightfully Qstrsy Writing of this film an American critic said: “Never have Miss Farrell and Miss Blondell, who have been teamed together in many pictures, appeared in a funnier comedy. It gives them the opportunity of their careers to exhibit their talents, and they keep the audiences in an uproar from beginning to end. Miss Blondell, Slimmer and more beautiful than In any picture since ‘Convention City,’ shows a definite advance in her art. She lends to her characterisation a subtle humour that contrasts splendidly with the broader comedy the role often enRaymond Enright directed the picture from the screen play by Lucille Newark and Peter Milne, based on a story by Frederick Hazlitt Brennan.

CIVIC

“SHE SHALL HAVE MUSIC”

“She Shall Have Music,” the British musical romance starring Jack Hylton, continues to attract large audiences at the Civic All-British Theatre * One of the highest praised productions yet released from the British studios, “She Shall Have Music,” exceeds all expectations. Not only Is the picture an hour and a half of real enjoyment, but it is also a milestone in the British film industry. In their nature musical comedies are something of a paradox. The grand style in jazz music and e’ borate tableaux 'demand large numbers. Yet comedy thrives best among small companies, and the most fruitful source of pure humour is personal whimsy. In “She Shall Have Music” the difficulty has been well overcome by the use of a fairly substantial plot, which serves to bring a more Intimate element to the film and to introduce a number of companionable characters. Gay and catchy tunes, Irreproachably played by Jack Hylton’s band, are the background for some of the prettiest and most spectacular scenes to have been produced in British studios. Many types of dancing, ranging from the polkas of old Vienna to modern tap dances, are Included, and talent is shown by unsuspected persons. Woven into the story is a romance between June Clyde and Brian Lawrence, both of whom are new stars. A very amusing performance is given by Claude Dampier. Many other wellknown artists are in the cast, but it would be impossible, where all are excellent in their own sphere, to single out any for special praise. It is to be hoped that “She Shall Have Music” will be the forerunner of many others of Its kind. The supporting programme is of a high order.

PLAZA

“TWO FOR TO-NIGHT”

Bing Crosby, the favourite of screen crooners, and Joan Bennett, of captivating and impudent beauty, are starred in "Two for To-night,” which will be shown at the Plaza Theatre to-day. “Two for To-night” is said to be one of the most unusual pictures-ever made. It begins with a singer being knocked out of a tree by an aeroplane crash when trying to sing a newly-written melody to a stone-deaf music publisher, and it continues through the efforts of three boys and a girl to write a play for a producer who needs something new for his girl friend. Unfortunately, the producer mistakes the events which have happened for the first act of the play and the effort to keep to such a standard is too much. So one boy decides that the only way to finish the play is to live it and after that things become more complicated than ever. Liberally studded with songs* “Two for To-night” will appeal to those who like music as much as those who enjoy crazy comedy, and the supporting cast, which includes Mary Boland and Thelma Todd, will also have its admirers, The crooner undergoes many upsetting but rollicking adventures in his task oL preparing a play for the "producer’s star and sweetheart. Advised that he should go out in search of more material to finish his manuscript, he is involved in a hilarious watersiphon squirting incident in an elaborate night club. The tunes that Revel and Mack Gordon, two well-known Hollywood song composers, wrote for Crosby in his new comedy include "From the Top of Your Head to the Tip of Your Toes,” “I Wish I Were Aladdin,” “Takes Two to Make a Bargain,” “Without a Word of Warning,” and “Two for To-night." “Two for To-night” was produced by Adolph Zukor tor Faramont. Frank Tuttle was the director.

AVON

“BARBARY COAST”

It is not always’necessary for; producers to flog their brains in the search for new matter and new stories for the screen. It has been said that there are very few plots available to the novelist, and the same is true of the screen. "Barbary Coast,” a film of unquestionable merit, which will begin a season at the Avon Theatre today, is another example of the application of new technique and the fruits of experience to familiar material. For its technical excellence alone it would command praise; but though its subject Is old, it is old in the sense of an “old and tried recipe,’ not that of a thing worn-out by use. The scene is in California in the gold-rush days: when San Francisco was no city, but a rambling, crazitybuilt rendezvous for prospectors. There enters Mary Ruttledge (Miriam Hopkins), who has come by sea to meet and to marry a prospector who, she is told as soon as she lands, was not “quick enough on the draw”—an oblique way of saying that the man was dead. Unabashed by the discovery that she is, probably, the only white woman in the whole of San Francisco, Mary Ruttledge decides to remain. She becomes an assistant in the gambling den of Louis Cbamalis (Edward Q. Robinson), whose means of livelihood Is to take from the prospectors their hard-won gold with a dishonest roulette wheel. She manages to keep Chamalis at a distance, and at the same time to keep control over him. Edward G. Robinson is the outstanding player in the film. In every way he differs from the conventional villain of the gold rush play.

LIBERTY

“IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT” AND “MY WOMAN”

Two popular stars, Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable, are featured in “It Happened One Night,” which will . be shown at the Liberty Theatre to-day. Right from the time when she meets Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert is treated to the most amazing and at times hilarious adventures one could wish to meet on a bus travelling to New York. Helen Twelyetrees, Victor Jbry, Wallace Ford, Claire Dodd, and Warren Hymer have the Important roles in Columbia’s "My Woman,*’ which will be the second attraction. Victor Schertzinger, the director, also a musical composer, has written a musical score for the picture, including songs which Miss Twelvetrees sings. In locale, the choice is unique. Most of the action transpires in a big radio broadcasting station; and a trip through the station, with its multitude of audition and operating rooms, is interesting in itself.