CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21747, 1 April 1936, Page 8

CITY THEATRES

TIVOLI

"THE MURDER OF DR. HARRIGAN"

The solution vt two murders in a co&pital—those of a surgeon and a patient en whom he is about to oper-ate—-provides the excitement in "The Murder of Dr. Harrigan," which is having a .season at the Tivoli Theatre. There are live wno might reasonably be suspect;d of the murder of Dr. Harr.gan, but 'he clues prove to be misThe picture is true to type, v.)d th" murderer is discovered in almost the last scene. There are all son.'-; of developments to keep the audience gue.s-~.ins.

"(,1 Mil) THAT GIRL"

1";o:-.--u<AVi were used by the Crusader.-; ''j iterm the walls of Jerusalem; Rcbu Hood brought the bow-and-arrow down through the years v/ith him: the American Indian lived by hi:-, quivcr-i'ull of arrows: and t»;;ori-'r.- ;-j!i the world over still employ them fcr hunting or for contests. Ji'ii the ci.ecrc-Lt use to which arrows lidve ever be:\'~i put. is in "the new C:lvmbiH mystery-thriller, "Guard That Girl." which will be shown on Friday at the Tivoli The?.tre. In this case, the-y are u-t_d a.-; lethal weapons by a iriodtn. n-urderer in a modern setting. Robert /Mien has the unpleasant job f.j trying to decide from where and in which direction the next, and potentially dt.-i.lh-deal'nu. arrow will fly. He mini protect Florence Rice, at whom t.-Kj darts are directed. Miss Rice. Jn accordance with her own wishes, is impersonating an heiress *.vhose iife has been threatened. Allen iind Ward Bond, partners in the detective age: cy for which Miss Rice has been wo:king, are her bodyguards. Ah-j iieu m the plot are Wyrley Birch. Barbara Kent. Arthur Hohl. E.izabeth Risdon. Nana Bryant, Thurston Hall. Bert Roach, and a clever p-Aiw Jot; named Lobo. Lambert Hiilyer both wrote and directed the picture

MAJESTIC

"IT'S IN THE AIR"

Wnen 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 simDle as possible. This is the old. old love story, but it is dressed in a new suit, and the new tuit fits well.

"FXCIASIVE 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 of 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" i% told in the lives of a group of people who are irvone way-or another affected by the machinations of the various gangs. A .beautiful - girldaughter of a "racket" victim, appeals * lo 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 playF 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." Although New York is the general locale Jf the new story, several sequences are laid in Havana, and one concerns the spectacular burning of a ship at sea. A strong featured cast includes Stuart Erv'in, Joseph Calleia, Robert Barrat, J. Farrell Mac Donald, Louise Henry, Maigaret Irving, Wade Boteler, Charles Trowbridge, William Henry, Raymond Hatton, and J. Carol Naish.

REGENT

"MI'TINY ON THE BOUNTY"

The story of Captain Bligh and the mutineers on his warship, the Bounty, cne of the most amazing in British naval history, after touching up and amending at the command of Hollywood producers, has reached the screen in "Mutiny on the Bounty," which is the principal film at the Regent Theatre this week. In every country in which the film has been shown it las 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 to measure up to a new and higher standard in future—th« standard of "Mutiny on the Bounty." There are some—perhaps iiot 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 lhat their cries will be drowned amid the general applause the film will win irom all the theatre-going public who •re thrilled by drama, and who do not care a tig for history. There are some magnificently powerful scenes when Bligh fights the elements in an open boat. The later scenes, both at Tahiti and Pitcairn, are lemarkable. Franchot Tone appears as * midshipman, and Herbert Mundin. Eddie Quillan, Dudley Digges, and Francis Lister are others in the cast. There is a delightful eoioured carloon in the short supporting programme.

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 ;:o<kl 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"

"Mtflions in the Air," a comedy-ro-mance intended as a gentle jibe at prevailing amateur radio programmes, wili 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 aakmym and the daughter of the radio

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 main attraction, is a novel and exceedingly well-acted picture, and is filled with very tuneful songs..lt 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

During the interval the songs of Miss Khoda Rain ton, in male impersonations, form an item which is much appreciated by the audience.

"SHIP CAFE"

The amusing experiences of a ship's stoker who becomes successively an attendant at a waterfront night club, a singing star, and finally a professional dancing partner for a r,ich countess fesm the story of "Ship Cafe." a musical ccmedy-rcmance which will begin, a season at. the Crystal Palace on Friday. Presenting Carl Brisson in an entirely new role, the merry proceedings begin at once when as a singing, pugnacious coal stoker, he gets into a fight on a ship and is placed in gaol. Upon his release he accepts an offer '.f a job as doorman in a wharf cafe When Eddie Davis, the club's entertainer, is unable to go on. Brisscn jumps into the breach and becc:nes ih r - rale's singing sensation. A .series of rollicking events bring Brisson to a realisation of his position. Feeling he has been duped, he renounces his benefactor, but is too ashamed to return to his waterfront friends. In a riotous finale, he is welcomed back into his sea going clays once again.

The second feature, "Song of the Eagle,'' is a story cf two decades of temp est uc us American life. Much care has been taken to ensure that the costuming of the film is authentic and this feature showing the changes not only in fashions but in houses, motorcars, and even in silver and chinaware, is ! of particular interest in itself. Charles Bickford, Richard Arlen, Mary Brian. Jean Hersholt, Louise Dresser. Andy Dc vine, and George E. Stone are in. the lergi- cast.

AVON

"SPLENDOUR"

Nothing 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 j now showing at the Avon Theatre, and for those who like well-played j and well-directed drama there is sat-1 isfaction in every foot of the film. The | main parts are taken by Miriam Hop- j kins and Joel McCrea. They were, recentlv seen acting together in ; "Barbary Coast." and the success they ; made of that film has been carried to greater heights in the present production. But 'Splendour" is by no means a triumph for them alone. Billie Burke 1

appears to have lost none of her unhappy knack of always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, and 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, Katherihe 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 Fri.day, 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, gal'ant 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." 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 pee at least twicer—an excellent recommendation for any film.

programme's sponsor. Wendy Barrie and John Howard, the two principals, are among the contestants on the radio hour broadcast. The parade of amateur performers to the microphone re-' veals not only the inner workings of the broadcasts, but serves to indicate the emotional range that is packed into an hour's variety show*

STATE

"DIAMOND JIM"

A story that carries one back.to the days when America knew nothing of 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, has been prominent in several recent films for the sincerity of his character acting, and "Diamond Jim" gives him a remarkable opportunity. The picture is based on a famous American, James Buchanan Brady, whose name was well-known m the 'eighties of last century for his free spending, big-heartedness, and for his passion for diamonds.

"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 chatter-box, Laurie Lou.

"Freckles," a lonely orphan boy. finds work and shelter in a logging camp in the Indiana limberlost. Here he falls in love with a young leacher of the community school and becomes last friends with the adorable little imp, Laurie Leu. The story of his conquest of the evil forces which plot his downfall is an excellent one. and the comedy provided byLaurie Lou lightens the tense drama of the film.

Characterisations which are worthy of praise are given by Lumsden Hare, James Buf-h, Addison Richards, and Dick Alexander.

MAYFAIR

"KING SOLOMON OF BROAD-

WAY"

Shirley Temple, In her fifth picture, "The Littlest Rebel," 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. 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 dancepalace as security when they threaten to kill him. In getting out of the painful situation in which he finds himsell, he has to use the singing and dancing cf Pinky Tomlin, the singing of beautiful Dorothy Page, the patronage of Louise Henry, and his friendship with

millionaires, before he sees his way clear financially and romantically. The night club, 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. Miss Page and Tomlin prove that they can not only act but sing with their three numbers, "That's What You Think," "Moanin' in the Moonlight." and "Flowers in My Lapel," the first of which was especially written for the production by Tomlin. The film was made directly from the fast-moving entertaining story, which, .with the addition of expensive "sets" and excellent photography is good entertainment. Unlike many films dealing with the night life of the big cities "King Solomon of Broadway" does not lose itself in large musical efforts.

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 Tracers, it is an interesting film of piquant situations and unusual twist: 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 Neil Hamilton and Donald Cook. The story is a romantic melodrama.

GRAND

"T'TE FIRE RAISERS"

A dramatic and spectacular thriller, "The Fire Raisers," is having a season at the Grand Theatre. In this film, the principal roles are played by Leslie Banks, Annt Grey, and Carol Goodner, all of whom 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 in "Mr Skitch," has the masculine lead oppo-

CIVIC

"TOP HAT"

The association of two such stars as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is itself enough guarantee of excellent entertainment. In "Top Hat,' which will be shown finally on Friday afternoon 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 stats—Edward Everett Horton, Helen Broderick, Erik Rhodes and Eric Blore. Essentially a musical comedy, the film is remembered more for its spectacular singing and dancing than for the credulity or importance of the story. Irving Berlin already world-famous for his song h)ts—"Alexander's Ragtime Band" was his first great 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.

"BAD BOY"

Marked by the same human qualities, the s.-me sprightly humour, and the same appeal which brought such widespread popularity to "Bad Girl." the Fox picture "Bad Boy," featuring James Dunn in an entirely new story bv Vina Delmar. is expected to prove equally as popular when it begins a season <k the Civic Theatre on Friday evening. While not a sequel to "Bad Girl. "Bay Boy/ too. tells of the struggle of a boy and girl to find happiness. It is a decidedly human story of a girl who believed in a boy. who didn't believe in himself. The boy is played bv James Dunn, a lovable young man who faces life with a smile. Dorothy Wilson is in the role of the girl loved by Dunn. In "Bad Boy," Dunn ekes out a precarious living as a pool "shark." He falls in love with Miss Wilson, whose parents object to Dunn because of his bad reputation. They continue to see each other secretly and Dunn gives up his pool room job to find respectable employment. Both heartsick over Dunn's many disappointments, they decide to get married secretly. In the supporting cast are Louise Fazenda, Beulah Bondi, John Wray, Victor Kilian, Luis Alberni and Allen Vincent.

"Thanks a Million." a spectacular new musical comedy film, featuring the "wildcat" adventures of an itinerant troupe will be the other attraction. Dick Pov/ell and Ann Dvorak are the two stars, and the plot revo'.vcs round the journeys of a road company under the masterful misdirection of Fred Allen.

site Miss Eilers. The comedy situations, of which there are many, are portrayed by that hilarious comedienne, Zasu Pitts.