ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 266, 7 August 1934, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

STATE THEATRE The survival of the fittest atnoug wild animals of the jungles "of Malay forms the theme round which is constructed “Devil Tiger.” which is now being screened at the State Theatre. The film is one to inspire awe from the remarkable shots of beasts fighting out their own destinies as they have done since the dawn of life itself. The story of an expedition by two hunters, Kune Rieumoud and Harry Woods, to destroy a tiger that has killed a rubber planter. His daughter, Marion Burns, accompanies the party “on safari” into the fastnesses of unexplored jungle. Perhaps wisely, for “Devil Tiger” is a film to test the nerves, the programme is concluded with a delightful comedy-romance “Ever Since Eve.” Torn Walls will be seen t 0 the greatest advantage in “Just Smith,” the story of a gentleman crook who, although certain of liis ability as a craftsman, is not so sure of his heart. That hardened organ is laid siege to by a charming girl, and Smith lias to resort to sevdre measures to kill her infatuation. Just Smith is coming to the State Theatre shortly. PLAZA THEATRE. The Fox Film, “Bright Side Up,” at the Plaza Theatre serves to introduce not onlv the new theatre, but a new star as well, and one who is certain to be as popular witii picture-goers as the Plaza will be She is Pat Paterson, recruited from the English stage, screen and radio, with a charming voice, a vivid personality, and delightful appearance. . She plays the part of a disappointed winner ot a beauty contest who has failed to break into the limelight of Hollywood. She is in despair when she meets three rollicking rogues who immediately set to work to see that she is given her chance. With assumed names they bring off an hilarious bluff at Hollywood's expense, and the girl soon finds herself well on the way, to fame. It is all excellent comedy with the rogues played bv Spencer Tracy, Herbert Mundin, and Sid Silvers, much to the trout, there is momentary pathos, however, when the heroine falls in love with a star actor whose part is splendidly acted by John Boles. This fine singer has good, opportunities to display his melodious voice, and makes the most of them. Unlike many pictures with good song hits, however, “Bright Side Up” does not depend on them for its appeal. It has a well-knitted plot, and the singing, coming as it does at logical moments, in no way nolas up we action. REGENT theatre. "On Secret Service,” the British International Pictures spy drama at the Regent Theatre, is a thrilling story which vividly recalls the war years. It tells of a beautiful Italian spy who meets in her own country an Austrian officer whom she knows to be there on secret service. It is her duty to denounce him, but the young couple fall in love, and there is a desperate conflict between love and duty. Time and again she threatens and pleads with her lover to leave Italy, and just as often her love for him prevents the exposure which would cost his life. Finally, as he is about to leave by plane carrying plans for the fulfilment of his mission, the beautiful Italian appears, clinging to the side of the machine, and crying out in her despair. He must choose between taking oft, thus , killing the girl he loves, or failing both to serve his country and re-establish his honour as an Austrian officer. “Happy.” Euthusiastically acclaimed as the laughter successor to his “Sleepless Nights” and “You Made Me Love You, Stanley Lupino’s new musical comedy. “Happy,” the cast of which includes some four or five other comedians, comes on Friday to the Regent Theatre. In this picture Stanley will be seen as an impecunious musician, starving in a Parisian garret, with Laddie Cliff as his partner in adversity. Stanley has invented a device whereby car stealing will be abolished, the only snag being that the machine will not work! Falling in love with a charming blonde (played by Dorothy Hyson). he tries desperately to interest an American millionaire insurance broker in his gadget, not. knowing he is the girl’s fathep. Complications, many and varied, arise, but in the end everything turns out in such a manner as to render veerybody “happy,” the audience included. Some of the most hilarious sequences ever imagined occur at a big chateau party to which the millionaire is taken by Stanley’s landlord (Will Fyffe). The inventor is there to conduct the band, but the insurance.man is under the impression that he is host, an impression that the hapless musician has to bolster up, even though it involves him in a number of farcical adventures, including a feminine masquerade I Every now and then the star has his supporting cast break into song and dance; these items being introduced to form a logical part of the story. .There are several brilliant new numbers, included in which will probably become rages, particularly the theme song. “Happy.’’ Other members of the cast who provide excellent support are Renee Gadd, Gus McNaughton, Harry Tate, Bertha Belmore. Jimmy Godden, and Hal Gordon. PARAMOUNT THEATRE. Warwick Deeping’s famous story. “Sorrell and Son',” excellently done in talking picture form by British and Dominion Films, continues to impress and win the admiration of those who appreciate worth-while pictures at the Paramount Theatre. The story of. the. war-broken officer who faces adversity in the true spirit and toils as a hotel porter to provide a future for his son. is a noble theme, and, convincingly acted as it is. it leaves a lasting impression on all who see it. H. B. Warners, “Sorrell” is a piece of work that is unforgettable. The last three nights of the successful extended season are announced. Good snort subjects precede “Sorrell,” and Mr. Paul T. Cullen is at the organ. “The Night Club Queen.” The big sensation of the London film season has been the tremendous success of the first appearance in pictures of that sterling British actor and London favourite, Lewis Casson (husband of Sybil Thorndyke). Mr. Casson does remarkable work in "The Night Club Queen.” a play of unusual power, in which Mary Clare does brilliant work as his leading lady. The picture will begin next Friday. MAJESTIC THEATRE.

“Men in White,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release, which is now showing at the Majestic Theatre, is the story of a brilliant young doctor strangely torn between the conflicting passions of woman and work. George Ferguson is an interne in a large hospital, and with prospects of continuing his studies hi Vienna, his future seems assured for him beyond all possible doubt. But his not too understanding fiancee, Laura Hudson, finds that it is none too pleasant having her social engagements spoiled by the insistent call of work. A bright interlude is provided by Miss Kathleen O’Brien’s tnp specialists. “The Black Cat.”

Universal’s thriller, “The Black Cat," with Karloff and Bela Lugosi, will commence next? Friday at the Majestic. Theatre. Karloff and Lugoei meet with a lustful desire to wreak vengence upon each other. An Innocent young couple on their honeymoon become involved in their sinister machinations. The etory is full of fantastic situations. Jacqueline Wells and David Manners, the rising young star, supply an unusual couple who will make the audience laugh and cry with them. Stay Jiway .from _all black _gam until yon see Karloff and Jmeosi in 'Tno Black Cat." “The Poor Tlfeh” IS listed as the second big feature film on the name programme. Edna May Oliver nnd Edward Everett Horton commence their first starring roles together as a comedy team in “The Poor Rich,” which is an up-to-the-minute laughable show based on present fiiiaucial conditions. DE LUXE THEATRE. Centred round an event of importance In the history of the nation’s imperial expansion, and the part played in it by one of the most colourful of England’s statesmen in modern times, the great Warner Brothers’ picture “Disraeli” Ims returned again to Wellington, and Is screening at the De Luxe Theatre. It undoubtedly provides the greatest of