ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 35, 4 November 1933, Page 4

ATTRACTIONS IN THE THEATRES

Programmes to Suit Every Taste REVIEWS OF THE LATEST RELEASES Every week the managers of the various Wellington picture theatres make an endeavour to present a selection of programmes that will have a universal appeal, and this week they have more than achieved their object, for the new programmes embrace films of every type, comedy, music, drama.-and romance all being represented. Heading an excellent bill at the Regent is an English comedy gem, that as gay as it is 'original, featuring that irascible and lovable old comedian, Fred Kerr, and the beautiful Betty Stockfeld. A brilliant modern- comedy-drama, telling of a man who wanted romance but not marriage, and,. a girl who wanted both and co-starring, two , famous film personalities, is at the St. James, where there is also the first of a series of contract bridge films. The Majestic is screening a complete change in cinema fare, a human little production that is beautifully acted and will appeal to young and old. It has an excellent cast. The screen’s drollest comedian is at Hie De Luxe in his latest gloom-chaser in which is incorporited a dash of laughter, some romance and a little suspense. A famous European tenor, and an unrivalled cast continue to please patrons of the Paramount in a glorious musical gem, set in wonderful surroundings. Filmland’s most distinguished actor is at .the Grand Opera House in one of the most delightful comedy romances ever produced. “The Dominion’s” reviews of current programmes should prove helpful in the choice of a show.

REGENT THEATRE “The Lord of the Manor” “The Lord of the Manor,”' a Paramount British Productions' release, which made 'its premiere at the Regent Theatre last evening, is-a wholly delightful comedy Of English gentry life. In it is contained sparkling repartee of the very brightest order, and the captivating English background, the wholly charming love interest, and the wholesome bits of comedy, go to make a' picture of first-class entertainment. Much of the action rc- • volves around Stagbovey Manor, which has been in the hands of the Bovey family since .1576. .’A very interesting situation arises, when, following a breakdown in the Government, Sir' Henry Bovey, the, lord of-the manor .himself having to billet three guests.. One of guests-is Jim Bridge, a. handsome colonial, and complications arise when he becomes affianced to Barbara Fleeter, who had. been staying at the manor house. Further complications arise following the arrival of the three rather unwelcome guests, but in the end all is smoothed out through the efforts of General Fleeter, Barbara's father. It , is necessary to emphasise, perhaps, that the charm of the picture lies to a very great extent in the wholly fascinating characterisation of English country life. Frederick Kerr presents a wonderful impersonation of Sir Henry Bovey,' the “peppery” and fidgety type of English gentleman, while, Betty Stockfeld, the Australian girl, Who appeared with such conspicuous success in “Money for Nothing” and "Maid of the Mountains,” plays the part of Barbara Fleeter in a compelling and delightful manner. Frank Bertram is exceedingly well cast as Jim Bridge, the bronzed colonial, and Kate Cutler makes an excellent Lady Bovey. “The Lord of the Manor” must be regared as one of the finest British productions of the year, the interest never flagging from start to finish. The programme also includes a stage novelty entitled “1934 Figure Moulding,” in which Ruth Hay and girls present a remarkable exhibition of physical culture. The exhibition makes! a happy diversion from an excellently-balanced screen programme. Included in the supports is One of the cleverest Mickey Mouse films yet seen.

ST. JAMES THEATRE “Double Harness” Ever fortunate in his choice of leading ladies, the suave and extremely popular William Powell, dtar of numerous successes, has the support of that talented actress, Ann Harding, in “Double Harness.” a brilliantly acted R.K.O. release, that opened at the St. James Theatre yesterday. “Double Harness ’ is an essentially modern type of show; the theme of which has a universal appeal. The story deals with a girl who has somewhat old-fashioned ways, but who has very modern idead in regard to marriage. She deliberately ensnares a hitherto unensnareable bachelor into matrimony, and then has a merry time try in# to keep her “play-boy” husband from being won from her bv a gay widow. The acting of Mr. Powell and Miss Harding deserves the highest praise. Both are stars of the first magnitude, and if their work in this film is to be taken as any criterion, it is to be hoped that the public will see more of so fine a combination. Another member of the cast, who closely rivals Mis's Hard- ' ing, is the beautiful Lilian Bond, who is ideally cast in the role of the gay widow. George Meeker and Reginald Owen also do good work. Heading the ■ excellent supporting, bill is a. film that will be of • the greatest value to all interested in contract bridge, and, even to those who are not bridge enthusiasts. It is the first of a series of. bridge, pictures, in which Ely Culbertson, the master of contract, demonstrates his methods of calling play, etc. Most people have read articles and books on contract bride, but they will admit that a personal lesson from ■ a world-famous player is worth a great deal. This week’ri film is entitled “The Four Spade Hand,” and is thoroughly intriguing. A story is woven into the feature, and the result is that it is interesting and amusing to players! and non-players alike. The programme opens with an especially interesting sound gazette, which is followed by a most amusing cartoon and a “Vagabond Adventure” travelogue which takes the audience through,the villages and jungles of Malay. Altogether the programme is one that should not be missed.

PARAMOUNT THEATRE “Tell Me To-night” “Toll Me To-night,’’ the excellent British Dominion production which is being screened at the Paramount Theatre, continues to attract large audiences. It is one of the few films that can honestly lay claim to world-wide fame, for not only has it been acclaimed, as one of the greatest pictures of all time in England, but it has broken records in Australia and it ran for three months in Los Angeles, the heart of the American film industry. “Tell Me To-night” is one of the most enchanting productions that have ever been screened. The cast is one of the finest ever assembled for any one picture, the photography is superb, and the scenery far and away ahead of any that has been seen outside of an out-and-out scenic gem. The story is pleasing, the romance all that can be desired, and the humour of the type that keeps one in ripples of laughter even after the show hns finished. As for the music, it ranges from the most lilting of modern melodies to the most tuneful exeerpts from grand opera. The story deals with the adventures of a noted tenor who, in an endeavour to escape from the merciless supervision of his super-efficient publicity agent, runs away to a Swiss town, gets a man (who turns out to be an international crook) to impersonate him, falls in love, and lands himself in for all sorts of trouble, which, of course, is finally straightened out. Jan Kiepura, the well-known Continental tenor, is brilliant in the leading role. He is a handsome young man and a good actor, and possesses a most remarkable singing voice. His songs in the show include the popular "Tell Me To-night,” and excerpts from “Rigoletto.’’ “La Traviata,” and “La Bohemc.” The comedy element is in the hands of Edmund Gwenn, Sonnie Hale, and Athene Seyler, whoso work deserves the highest praise. I especially the duet between Sir. Hale and Miss Seyler. Madge Scheider provides most of the romance. The settings are mostly in the picturesque Swiss lakes district. The supporting film shows actual manoeuvres of the Home Fleet. MAJESTIC THEATRE “The Stranger’s Return” So refreshingly subdued is the theme of ‘The Stranger’s Return,” which opened at the Majestic Theatre last evening, that theatregoers Will welcome it as a picture which is far removed from the sophisticated films of modern life. It is a simple tale of simple people, which goes straight to the heart becaues of its simplicity. The story centres around an ancestral farm in America, to which the prodigal grand-daughter returns from New York. She is welcomed by her grandfather, but is resented by his rela-tions-in-law, and around these circumstances the whole story is delicately Woven. A further complication sets in when sho falls in love with a neighbouring farmer who is happily married. Troubles in real life seldom conclude with a completely happy ending, and there is just sufficient pathos in the picture to ; give ft an exceptional degree of realism. 1 Lionel Barrymore rises to even greater i heights in his characterisation of Grandpa Storr, who prefers, against doctor’s ' orders, bacon and eggs for breakfast ' rather than “them cardboard foods,” and < who conceals a sympathetic and under- 1 standing heart beneath a mask of irascibility. Miriam. Hopkins handle*. the difficult part of the unpopular granddaughter with credit, and forms an attractive background for the routine life on the farm. The supports include a Char* ’ lie Chase comedy and scenes from the c American women’s tennis championship, < showing Mies Jacobs beating Mrs. Wills- J Moody. I