DE LUXE THEATRE

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 147, 19 March 1934, Page 3

DE LUXE THEATRE

Based on Sir Philip Gibbs's famous novel "Fellow Prisoners,’’ "Captured, which is nt tlie De Luxe Thentre. is an unusually stirring story of two close friends who love the same girl. Captain Allison (Leslie Howard) is the outstanding figure of the story. He depict!a man of splendid character who is n'iwith love of his bride. v\«icii) he has to leave when duty called His friend, Lieutenant Dogby (Douglas Irairnanks iun.). is stationed at the same camp During Allison’s absence at (he frott Digbv and Mrs. Allison (Margaret Limlsnv) have fallen in love. Paul Lukas is well cast as a pleasingly human comnuin d-inl The excellent supporting pro gramme includes Mr. Paul T Cullen a> the Wurlitzcr.

STATE THEATRE. “I Was a Spy” continues its long success at the State Theatre. It is a British film, and the director seems to have felt himself on sure ground in traversing a war theme, for the audience is told, or rather made to feel, the thrilling experiences of a spy behind the German lines. For its setting it has the tense atmosphere, of a Belgian ville in wartime. The spectator is not harrowed with ghastly details of trench and No Man’s Land, but is forced to hold his breath at the frightful risks taken by a spy in territory occupied by the highly efficient German army of the early days of the war. arrogant with its early successes . but keenly suspicious of the populace it is among and eager to crush instantly and spectacularly the first spy discovered. Death was the imnalty and the German Komniandant urged before the military •court that Marthe be shot. Part of a great efficient machine, he ignored the sentiment that would have made him plea for her -life. Madeleine Carroll acts magnificently as Marthe, while Herbert Marshall is her lover and Conrad A eidt the town Kommandant. "It’s a Boy.” The man known as England’s greatest comedian, “Leslie Henson.” has made a talking picture of his most brilliant success, and the result, the English picture, -“lt’s a Boy.” will be seen at the State Theatre beginning on Friday. With Henson in this hilarious comedy are Edward E. Horton and Robertsin Hare. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. - That the first long season of that splendid entertainment "Tell Me To-night” justified the management of the Paramount Theatre in bringing it back for a final farewell season of one week only was evidenced by the splendid audience which greeted it on Saturday evening. The reception accorded the favourite British play was as fervent as ever. Indeed, "Tell Me To-night” is a film that grows on people each time they see it, and it was obvious that many on Saturday were seeing it for a second time. Jan Kiepura’s likeable personality, his beautiful tenor voice and the admirable way in which he sings the splendid operatic gems and the catchy theme song make him a real favourite with the public. Good as he is. he is not the only success of the piece. Performances which run Kiepura close in public appeal are given by Edmund Gwenn as the Mayor of Zern Athene Seuler as his flirtatious wife, and Sonnie Hale, tlie clever London singing comedian. "Tell Me To-night” is the record long-run record holder of Austra lia. for it held the screen for 27 weeks at Melbourne. The last four nights are announced. “High Treason.

Friday next will mark the coming of a mighty British epic, "High Treason,” a wonderful story of London in 1940. with Hulbuston Wright. Jameson Thomas and Benita Hume in the star roles.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE. “Arctic and Antarctic,” the story of one of the most amazing feats in the history of polar exploration—a trip under the' ice in the Arctic in a submarine —was told at. the Grand Opera House by the noted Australian polar explorer. Sir Hubert Wilkins. The film in itself, might well be classed as an epic of polar exploration. but it. is enhanced considerably by the running rapid-lire monologue in 'which the explorer himselif explains the various scenes in which he is the chief figure. Sir Hubert’s most thrilling account concerns his most amazing feat, of all with the submarine Nautilus. M itn it he became almost a Jules Verne of real life. His submarine, the Nautilus. he secured from the United States Navy. The ' explorer tells of the efforts' made to dissuade him from his enterprise. Thousands assured him he was committing suicide. But lie went on. Trouble struck him right at the start. The Nautilus was towed to England. But nt last, the feat was accomplished. 'Die Nautilus sailed under the ice. Photos taken through the submarine’s windows reveal scenery the majesty of which the explorer says' he has never been surpassed The picture gives many interesting glimpses of life in the Arctic, and of the esquimeaux : of their wonder w-lien the first aeroplane appeared: ol the trials and successes which come the way of the explorer.

ST. JAMES THEATRE. In “Private Detective 62,” at the St. James Theatre, as Donald Free, a member of the American diplomatic corps, who fails in an assignment, is repudiated by his Government, and turns private detective, William Powell gives a performance equal to any of those which have made him famous in the past. His new work does not bring him much excitement until he gets the job of framing something on a very beautiful young lady, who has been having far too much luckin a gambling den for the comfort of its proprietor. Then the thrills come in earnest. Murder, attempted murder, and a particularly clever double-cross all play their part in a plot that is most ingeniously worked out and full of drama. The action is never at any period of the film slow, and becomes in the climax fast and exciting. Powell is extremely fortunate in the choice of leading lady who plays opposite him iu "Private Detective 6°”' in the part of the fortunate winner at. roulette. This is Margaret Lindsar. She gives a delightful performance, well up to the standard of her work in “Cavalcade.” The humour of the story -comes partly from Powell himself, and partly from Ruth Donnelly, who, in the role of iiis secretary, puts across some exceedingly bright wise-cracks, every one of which reached its mark with unerring aim. The supports are varied and well selected. • “Midnight Club.” Coming to the St. James next Friday is the well-known actor, Clive Brook, who. having had a great many big successes, brings one of his greatest m Midnight Club.” Supporting him is a large cast ot stars. _____