CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21909, 9 October 1936, Page 7

CITY THEATRES

NEW CARUSO AT STATE

BOY STAR OF “LET’S SING AGAIN”

BOBBY BREEN HAS UNUSUAL GIFT

Although just eight years old, Bobby Breen, the young singer who makes his screen debut in “Let’s Sing Again” at the State Theatre to-day, is the possessor of a lyric tenor voice, a most unusual gift, according to Dr. Mario Marafioti, renowned voice teacher of Grace Moore and other singing stars. "Bobby’s voice now has begun to change prematurely,” says Dr. Marafioti, “Which explains why he does not sing soprano like others of his age. That he owns this lyric tenor voice is extraordinary. "Enrico Caruso sang lyric tenor at the age of eight, when he first appeared professionally in churches and public resorts. Later, the exigencies of his career compelled him to enter the field of dramatic tenors, but he still retained his peculiar voice at the height of his fame, in addition to covering the range of a basso, baritone and dramatic tenor.” Dr. Marafioti believes that Bobby has other musical attributes, besides the unusual quality of his voice, which will enable him to achieve great success in the movie and musical worlds.

Henry Armetta, George Houston, and Vivienne Osborne have prominent roles in the film.

MAYFAIR

“DRACULA’S DAUGHTER”

One of the strangest dramas of tne season is “Dracula’s Daughter,” the spine-tingling Universal film which comes to the Mayfair Theatre to-day. The original “Dracula” created a literal sensation several years ago, as a novel, a stage play, and on the screen. The present picture is a sequel to that weirdly fascinating story of vampires. Count Dracula’s daughter, tainted with the curse of the strange creatures of the night, is the centre of adventures which will frizz the human hair and put a permanent wave in the backbone. Even as her father before her. “Dracula’s Daughter” pursues her victims. Her hypnotic power holds them enthralled. When she falls in love, the struggle between the supernatural and the earthly is the strangest clash ever presented in modern drama. The role of Dracula’s daughter is portrayed by Gloria Holden. Otto Kruger has the male lead and other featured parts are played by Marguerite Churchill. Irving Pichel. and Edward Van Sloan. The weird picture was directed by Lambert Hillyer. who has established a reputation in Hollywood for his unusual films of • the occult world.

CRYSTAL PALACE

“THE INVISIBLE RAY”

Until now. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde” has been the classic example of a scientist turned into a murderous fiend by the use of a mysterious drug. "The Invisible Ray,” commencing to-day at the Crystal Palace, begins where “Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde” left off. In this Universal thriller, Karloff plays the part oi Dr. Janes Rukh, a scientist who discovers a ray which he calls Radium X, many times more powerful than radium. He accidentally becomes poisined by this ray. Whereas Ur. Jekyll was merely the ordinary killer, Mr Hyde, when under the influence of his maddening drug, Rukh becomes a human bomb, a torch of death It he does not use an antidote on time every 12 hours he begins to glow like a coal of fire and his touch becomes deadly to those he loves or hates, equally. In time the drug affects his brain and he becomes actually the murderer of those he hates. Frank Lawton, Frances Drake, Walter Kingsiord, Beulah Bondi, ana Violet Kemble Cooper are the supporting artists.

CIVIC

“THE PRISONER OF SHARK

ISLAND”

“The Prisoner of Shark Island.” which has been transferred from the State Theatre, tells a story of the the stormy era following the American civil war. After Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, his murderer fled to Maryland, where he prevailed upon a physician to set his broken leg. That physician was Dr. Samuel Mudd, and “The Prisoner of Shark Island” telis what the American Government did to him for assisting Lincoln’s murderer. The film is stark drama throughout, out it is well done and makes good entertainment of its type. The part of Dr. Mudd is played by Warner Baxter, who gives a performance of his usual high standard. Playing the leading role opposite him is Gloria Stuart. “The Prisoner of Shark Island” tells the unusual story in an impressive way; and its entertainment value loses nothing by its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of the island prison.

OTHER THEATRES

AVON —“Desire,” a picture that has been much looked forward to, is the new main feature at the Avon Theatre to-day. Marlene Dietrich is seen opposite Gary Cooper in a role that shows a new facet of her personality.

TIVOLI —The Tivoli Theatre com l mences its new programme to-day 7. The principal feature is “I Married a Doctor,” an outstanding drama that is based on the frank novel that thrilled a million readers.

PLAZA—Beniamino Gigli, considered by many as the greatest tenor the world has since Caruso, is the star of “Forget Me Not,” which has been transferred to the Plaza. Gigli proves himself a capable actor, and is well supported by Joan Gardner. MAJESTIC—“Where’s Sally,” starring the popular comedian Gene Gerrard, with Claude Hulbert, Reg. Purdell, and Rene Gadd, will begin its season to-day at the Majestic Theatre. It is a gay comedy of modern life. THEATRE ROYAL—“Sky Parade,” a film with action, thrills, and adventure, will commence at the Theatre Royal to-morrow. “College Rhythm,” with songs and comedy, is, the associate feature. From now on the theatre will continue to show films.

REGENT—The present attraction at the Regent is “The Unguarded Hour," which will commence a second week to-day, with Franchot Tone and Loretta Young in the main roles. Though it is mainly a comedy, there are plenty of thrills.

GRAND —A good double-feature programme at the Grano is headed by Jessie Matthews in the musical comedy success “There Goes the Bride.” The associate feature is “Sleepers East,” an unusual drama with Mona Barrie and Wynne Gibson starred. LIBERTY—“The Bowery,” starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper, is the mam picture in a double feature