CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21746, 31 March 1936, Page 8

CITY THEATRES

REGENT

"MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY"

The story of Captain Bligh and the mutineers «n his warship, the Bounty, | one of ♦the; most amazing in British naval history, after touching up and amending at the command of Holly-I -wood producers, has reached the screen jn "Mutiny on the Bounty," which is the i principal film at the Regent Theatre this week. In every country in which the <fllm has been shown it has attracted great attention, and great attendances. The pictorial and technical merit of the,film is so high" that what are popularly termed by the producers themselves "epoch-making films" will have t'o measure up to a new and higher standard in future — the standard of "Mutiny on the Bounty." There are some—perhaps not many—who will entirely repress their admiration for the production because the producers have given fictitious twists to the real history of the mutiny. However, it is certain that their cries will be drowned amid the general applause the film will win from all the theatre-going public who are thrilled by drama, and who do not care a fig for history. Even in Christchurch controversy may be expected—history versus film license —so that this aspect of the film cannot be entirely overlooked. Charles the greatest of the screen's character actors, is remarkably-forceful in his portrait of Bligh, but it must be added hastily that his characterisation is so lurid that it ceases to-, have- any light and shade. Mainly because of. this Laughton ; makes Blights-one of the most famous martinets—a perverted* bullying, blustering disciplinarian. There are some magnificently powerful scenes when Bligh fights the elements in an open boat. The later scenes, both at Tahiti and Pitcaim, are remarkable. Franchot Tone appears as a midshipman, and Herbert Mundin, Eddie Quillan, Dudley Digges, and Francis Lister are others in the cast. There 4s a delightful coloured cartoon to the short supporting programme.

MAJESTIC

"IT'S IN THE AIR"

When two men who have never been in the air before find themselves at previously unheard-of altitudes in a stratosphere balloon, amusing situations might be expected to develop, expand, and burst. They do in "It's in the Air." a hilarious comedy which is having a season at the Majestic Theatre. The basic story of a comedy must be as simple as possible. This is the old. old love story, but it is dressed in a new suit, and the new suit fits well. r , The supporting .programme is an unusually fine one, including a cartoon, some magnificent scenes of winter sports in Austria and America, and a comedy featuring Thelma Todd.

"EXCLUSIVE STORY"

A sensational newspaper drama, "Exclusive Story," featuring Franchot Tone and Madge Evans, will begin a season at the Majestic Theatre on Friday. Written by a first-class American newspaper reporter, Martin Mooney. it. is a story pi his crusade against the racketeer overlords of New York, dealing in particular with the notorious "policy game," which is said to rob citizens of millions of dollars each year. The exciting theme of "Exclusive Story" is told in the lives of a group of people who are In one way or another affected by the machinations of the various gangs. A beautiful girl, daughter of a "racket" victim, appeals to a great metropolitan newspaper for aid. With her help and information, the paper's young attorney and crime reporter bring to a dramatic close the supremacy of. the gang. Franchot Tone playp the part of the attorney and Madge Evans the girl. Both players have distinguished themselves recently in other pictures. Tone in "Mutiny on the Bounty" and Miss Evans in "Transatlantic Tunnel."

MAYFAIR

"THE LITTLEST REBEL"

Shirley Temple, In her fifth picture, "The Littlest Hebei,” which is showing for a third week at the Mayfair Theatre, once more charms her audiences with her bright and natural manner, her lively tap dancing, and her singing. The story of "The Littlest Rebel" comes from the American Civil War. Shirley Temple plays the part of Virgie, daughter of Captain Cary (John Boies), of the Confederate army; her mother (Karen Morley) and father have taught Virgie never to tell a He. But as the trouble between North and South becomes more acute and Captain Cary has to take graver risks for his army, things become very unhappy for the people who live at the Cary home. “KING SOLOMON OF BROADWAY” Edmund Lowe, as the gambling manager of a Broadway night club, is the star of "King Solomon of Broadday," Universal's musical comedy drama of life in New York, which will be shown at the Mayfair Theatre on Friday. Lowe loses money to a group of gamblers, and then gives the dance palace as security when they threaten to kill him. In getting out of the pain : ful situation in which he finds himself, he has to use the singing and dancing cf Pinky Tomlin, the singing of beautiful Dorothy Page, the patronage of Louise Henry, and bis friendship with millionaires, before he sees his way clear financially and romantically. The night dub, brought to the screen in one mammoth set, forms a background for most of the stirring action, which includes a shooting, a hold-up, and several other highlights. The production was directed by Alan Crosland.

-" STATE "-.t

"DIAMOND JIM"

, A story that carries jpnefback to the days when America knew nothing bt the Eighteenth Amendment, when policemen wore helmets and' were not called "officer," and when every second name heard in New York was an Irish one, is featured in "Diamond Jim," which is /having a season at, the State ' Theatre. Edward Arnold, the star. hSs been prominent in several recent films for* the sincerity of his character acting, and "Diamond Jim" gives him a remarkable opportunity. TVie picture is based on a famous American, James Buchanan Brady, whose name was well-known jn the 'eighties, of last centiiry for his free spending, big-heartedne'ss, arid for his passion for diamonds. :The,.life of this famous character is shown from the time when he finds 'opportunity beckoning him from the humdrum security of his job as baggage-man on a rural railway station. His genial disposition, ready wit, and .native ingenuity make his career a progression from one success to another, and he soon finds himself a railroad millionaire..

"FRECKLES"

"Freckles," which will be shown at the State Theatre on Friday; ; brings Tom Brown on to the screen, in the title role, and is a story of a boy's love for a girl, and his epic courage in the face of desperate odds. Written by Gene Stratton-Porter, the story in its transition to the screen retains all the charm and appeal of the book as the beloved characters, of Freckles, Mary, the "swamp. angel, and the mischievous Laurie Lou step out from the book robed in added glamour and attractiveness. Carol Stone, daughter of the noted stage star, Fred Stone, makes her screen debut in "Freckles" in the feminine lead. Only 18 years of age, Miss Stone is ideally cast as Brown's young sweetheart, Virginia Weidler. the eight-year-old child who won much applause for her portrayal in Laddie, is seen as the'adorable chatterrbox, Laurie Lou.

civic

"TOP HAT"

The association of two such stars as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is itself Enough ' guarantee of entertainment. In Top Hat, the current attraction at the Civic Theatre, these screen favourites are seen at their best. Excellent music, lavish staging, a number of spectacular new dances and a brilliant supporting cast should’ ensure for this film a remarkably successful return season. The story of “Top Hat, although light, is thoroughly intriguing. A comedy of errors, in which the principals, through a mistake in identity are placed in embarrassing and amusing situations, it affords much scope for the clever fooling of an able supporting cast of comedy stars—-Edward Everett Horton, Helen Broderick, Erik Rhodes, and Eric BlorC. Essentially a musical comedy, the film is remembered more lor its spectacular singing and dancing than for the credulity or importance of the story, Irving Berlin, already world-famous for his song hits—Alexander’s Ragtime Band was his first fereat success—deserves particular commendation for the music and the lyrics. The score comprises five songs, each of which was written to fit a situation in the story; and the splendour and lavishness of the modern musical production form a praiseworthy, background for the excellence of the music. „• The supporting programme isi of on equally high standard, one ‘ short’ depicting submarine animal life, being especially commendable. CRYSTAL PALACE “TWO HEARTS IN HARMONY” AND “VILLAGE TALE” Two excellent films, one British and one American, are ’now showing at the Crystal Palace Theatre. ’Two Hearts, in Harmony, the mam attraction, is a novel and exceedingly well-acted picture, and is filled with very tuneful songs. It is a comedy with a pleasant romantic interest, and a thoroughly entertaining and unusual plot. The story moves rapidly in a series of well-varied episodes to a very satisfactory ending. “Village Tale,’’ the second film, is in marked contrast to the first. It is a very thoughtful study of the life of an American small town, outstanding most of all for the excellent characterisation. The collection of stupid and petty villagers who gather at the drug store every evening to drink, exchange . gossip, and plan to make the lives of others as miserable as possible, is very well portrayed. The atmosphere of the place is caught admirably, and the story, though grim In parts, has many humorous episodes. The main actors are Randolph Scott and Kay Johnson, and there is a very good supporting cast. During the interval the songs of Miss Rhode Rainton, in male impersonations, form an item which.is much appreciated by the audience. GRAND “THE FIRE RAISERS” A dramatic and spectacular thriller, “The Fire Raisers," is having a season at the Grand Theatre. In this film, the principal roles arcplayed by Leslie Banks, Annt Grey and Carol Goodner, all of whom give excellent performances. Included in the film are a number of amazing scenes' which picture the wholesale destruction of buildings and the exploding and sinking of a liner at sea. “Three on a Honeymoon” Is a comedy -romance in which Sally Eilers and Zasu Pitts head the cast. Charles Starrett, the young man who gave so excellent a performance m Mr Skitch,’’ has the masculine lead opposite Miss Eilers. The comedy situations, of which there are many, are portrayed by that hilarious comedienne, Zasu Pitts.

M ..,,,.,,,. :. AV ON

"SPLENDOUR"

Ndttiing has been spared by Samuel Goldwyn, the producer, or by United Artists, through whom 'Splendour is brought to the screen, to make certain of the success of the film. It is now showing at the Avon Theatre, arid for those who like well-played and well-directed drama there is satisfaction in every foot of the film. The main parts are taken by Miriam Hopkins and Joel McCrea. They were recently seen acting together in "Barbary Coast," and the success they made of that film has been ."carried to greater heights in the present production. Bat "Splendour" is by no means a -triumph for them alone. BiUie--Burke appears to have lost none/oj her unhappy knack of always saying the wrong thing at the wrong June, ana she has a perfect foil for her humour in Arthur Teacher, playing as. her husband. Helen Westley, who played with success in "Roberta," is yet another of the many stars included in the cast,' and also featured are Paul Cavanagh, Kalherine ' Alexander, and Ruth Weston.

The supporting programme Is excellent, and further entertainment is provided by the Avon Orchestra.

"WHEN KNIGHTS WERE BOLD"

The coming of every Jack Buchanan picture to the city is expectantly awaited by picture-goers who enjoy the brightness of a good story;and >new songs. His latest success, "When Knights were Bold," which will begin a season at the Avon Theatre on* Friday, should not prove a disappointment. The story tells how Buchanan, as a young army officer in India, suddenly inherits a title, an estate, and a very straight-laced family of the type usually associated with such an inheritance. As Sir Guy de Vere, he is the direct descendant of the de Veres, gallant knights of history. The fair Rowena (Fay Wray) is the only one of his inherited family that appeals to young Sir Guy. > ' « However, Rowena is a dreamer—always dreaming of the gallant deeds of their ancestors—and Sir Guy's 'advances are turned coldly aside. .Jack Buchanan • courts trouble - and the lovely Rowena in his inimitable modern style, first in dress suit and later in an all-fitting suit of mail that makes, him look like "nothing on earth." In those days knights were bold, but when Buchanan starts he is bolder still, although perhaps a little cruder in his methods. The solution provides the happiest entertainment in many months. Delightfully interwoven with all the fun are a number of song "hits," including "Let's Put Some People to Work" and "I'm Still Dreaming.7' which he sings in his own inimitable manner. He also does a delightful- novelty step-dance. Made to make the whole world laugh, "When Knights Were Bold" is excellent entertainment, which many will want to see at least twice—an excellent recommendation for any film.

PLAZA

"GENTLEMEN OF THE NAVY"

Sir Guy Standing and Richard Cromwell played well together in "Lives of a Bengal Lancer." This, success is repeated in "Gentlemen of the Navy," the current attraction at the Plaza Theatre. Sir Guy, in particular, gives a splendid performance and is chiefly responsible for making the film the good one which it is. There are in the supporting programme at least two films which would be worth, seeing alone. They are "Babies in Hollywood." an amateur attempt at producing films, and "Henry, the Funniest Living American." The latter feature well supports the claim made' in its title.

"MILLIONS IN THE AIR"

“Millions in the Air,” a comedy-ro-mance Intended as a gentle jibe at prevailing amateur radio programmes, will begin a season at the Plaza Theatre on Friday. The film is .the first full-length feature to be devoted to such a theme, and all the comedy and dramatic possibilities of this new radio entertainment medium are brought into the story. The film is concerned mainly with the romance of a young ice-cream salesman and the daughter of the radio programme’s sponsor. Wendy Barrie and John Howard, the two principals, are among the on the radio hour broadcast. The parade of amateur performers to the microphone reveals not only the inner workings of the broadcasts, but serves to indicate the emotional range that is packed into an hour’s variety show. TIVOLI “THE MURDER OF DR. HARRIDAN” The solurlon ot two murders in a hospital—those of a surgeon and a patient bn whom he is about to operate—provides the excitement in “The Murder of Dr. Harrigan,” which is having a season at the Tivoli Theatre. There are five who might reasonably be suspected of the murder of Dr. Harrigan, but the clues prove to be misleading. The picture is true to type, and the murderer is discovered in almost the last scene. There are all sorts of developments to keep the audience guessing. The atmosphere of intense excitement that prevails in the hospital is communicated very effectively to the audience, for the unfolding of the plot Is swift and unfaltering. Happily, though, the story is not without its touches of comedy, adroitly placed to give the grimmer scenes the more value. LIBERTY “STORMY WEATHER”

"Stormy Weather," a Tom WallsRalph Lynn story, is having a season

at . the Liberty Theatre. A Gau-mont-British picture, based on a farce by Ben Travera, it is an interesting film of piquant situations and unusual twisti of comical fancy, "Fugitive Lady," the second attraction, introduces a lovely and talented new screen star. Florence Rice, daughter of Grantland Rice, the wellknown American sports writer. Miss Rice in her initial motion picture has the added advantage of playing opposite Noil Hamilton and Donald Cook. The story is a romantic melodrama.