ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 105, 27 January 1933, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATR®. The drama that sometimes goes on back of the quiet facades of commonplace suburban homes provides the basis for the action of “The Night of June -3,” I J aramount’s new film which will open at the Regent ■ Theatre to-day. It deals with four families whose lives and fates have become rather intricately Wangled, and it tells a story that is as exciting in its nearness to everyday existence as in its melodrama. In one house live John and Elna Curry (dive Brook and Adrianne Allen).. An automobile accident of recent date has deprived Elna of a promising career as a pianist and has left her ill and neurotic. Particularly, ' she has become obsessed with the fact that John is in Jove with Trudie Morrow (Lila Lee), who lives next door. The Morrows are the most affluent of the four families, and Mrs. Morrow (Helen Ware) is doing her best to break up a love affair between her son Herbert (Gene Raymond) and Ginger Blake (Frances Dee) who lives in an adjoining house with her spinster sister (Helen Jerome Eddy). The fourth family, the Strawns, is composed of Mazie (Mary Boland), whose chief indoor sport is to keep her ears glued to the separating wall of the two-family house in which the Strawns and the Currys live; Junior (Billy Butts), who will do anything to get a greatly desired sweater ; Grandpap (Charles Grapewin), who will do anything to get a drink, and Philo (Charlie Ruggles), who tries to pour oil on the troubled waters. The undercurrents of trouble that are seething among the four families finally burst on the night of June 13. John is arrested on a murder charge. But due to events transpiring in the three other houses, each of the commuters has reason not to tell the truth about hi s movements in the night. MAJESTIC THEATRE. Not since S. S. Van Dine created his ingenious detective character of fiction, Philo Vance, has there been so popular a crime solver in the printed pages as Thatcher Colt, the literary creation of Anthony Abbot. And now, like all good things of contemporary literature this amazing sleuth, Thatcher Colt, is brought to the motion picture screen by the debonair Adolphe Menjou, in a Columbia picture, "The Night Club. Lady,” which is shown at the Majestic Theatre to-day. The role of the suave Thatcher Colt is declared to have been made to order for the talent of Menjou. Thatcher Colt is a unique character among all the Sherlock Holmes. Philo Vances, Arsene Lupins. Craig Kennedys, and all the rest of the master minds of crime who have become literary landmarks in the field of detective fiction. Where most of these brilliant figures have ridiculed the efforts of the stupid police detectives, Thatcher Colt is himself not only a policeman, but a police commissioner, a man of splendid social background, wealthy, polished, handsome, and shrewd. He solves the most baffling crimes by the exercise of what he calls “common sense,” but which is really the height of ingenuity, bolstered by application of the latest developments of modern science. How Menjou playing the role of Thatcher Colt in “The Night Club Lady” solves a chain of murders makes one of the most absorbing pictures of the kind ever to reach the screen. Irving Cummings, who made “Attorney for the Defence,” “In Old Arizona,” and other popular pictures, directed. Lola Carewe, the night club lady, is played by Mayo Methot, a glamorous blonde newcomer from the Broadway stage. Skeets Gallagher, Ruthelma Stevens, Blanche Friderici, Albert Conti, Greta Granstedt, Nat Pendleton, Niles Welch, and Gerald Fielding play supporting roles. DE LUXE THEATRE. Having attracted large attendances since its premiere on Friday last, “Tess of the Storm Country” will enter the second week of ilk extended season at the De Luxe Theatre to-day. It features Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell in the leading roles. The Fox film version of the Grace Miller White story lias a wealth of exciting action and suspense along with its hectic love affair. The plot revolves around the efforts of a sailor girl and her sea captain father to start a new life ashore, only to encounter many unexpected obstacles. In the role of a sea captain’s daughter who comes to live ashore for the first time in her life, arid who finds both her bravery and Iler tempestuous disposition severely tried by the various obstacles she meets, Miss Gaynor gives one. of the best performances of her career. Farrell, as the millionaire's son who is disowned by his irascible father because of his interest in the heroine, likewise comes through with a flawless portrayal. A fine programme of featurettes and musical selections played on the Wurlitzer organ by Miss Iris Mason complete the programme. ST. JAMES THEATRE. Adapted from the character of one of the most famous newspaper cartoon strips in the world. “Little Orphan Annie” will come to life nt the St. James Theatre today, Mitzi Green, that amazing child whose impersonations are so brilliant, has the title role, while May Robson, who made such a remarkable success in “Mother's Millions,” heads the east. Buster I’heljjs, a youngster who will surprise everyone, and Matt Moore are among the other players. The story makes simple, wholesome, clean entertainment for young and old. It concerns the adventures of two orphans, one of whom is adopted by a wealthy old woman who had no idea what a time she was letting herself in for when she took her protege into her magnificent home.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The story of “The Ringer” is probably one of the most popular books that Edgar Wallace ever wrote. It first appeared under the title of “The Gaunt Stranger,” and had an enormous sale. Wallace then turned it into a play under the title of “The Ringer,” which ran for 51 weeks at Wyndham’s Theatre, London. It will begin a Wellington season to-day at the Paramount All-British Theatre in the form of a special talking production from the famous Gainsborough studios. It brings with it an enviable reputation as one of the strongest dramatic productions turned out from a British studio. The inimitable comedian, George Harker, will be seen as Samuel Hackett, the role he created and made famous in the London stage production. Dr. Lomond will be acted by Patrick Curwenj a distinguished English player who has played the role for over two years on the legitimate stage. Carol Goodner as “Cora Ann," Franklyn Dyall, who will be seen as Meister, his original role in the stage play, and a full London cast, which includes John Longden, are also in the film. “The Ringer” will be preceded by a strong all-British first part of short subjects.