ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 255, 25 July 1935, Page 13

ENTERTAINMENTS

"Radio Pirates” at De Luxe Theatre

"Radio Pirates” will be screened iiualiy to-day at the De Luxe Theatre. High praise must immediatly be given to the maunei in which the story is carried along through a close series of exciting, romantic and eoinieal happenings, varied—but not interrupted—by catchy new melodies and clever sketches in this plot of an impecunious trio who set out illegally to catch London by the ears and make a swift fortune with their “pirate” broadcasting station. “West Point nf the Air."

Wallace Beery, who in the past three years has been established at the pinnacle of box-office popularity, is to be seen in the most stirring dramatic role of his caret! in “West Point of the Air,” story ot the United States Army Air Corps, which commences at the De Luxe Theatre to-morrow. Beery’s sensational success iji “The Champ’- was followed by “Dinner at Eight,” "Tugboat Annie,” “Viva Villa!” for which he won the International Award for acting from Italy; and recently “Treasure Island,” Robert Louis Stevenson’s immortal classic. Each picture established him more firmly as one of the world’s favourite character stars. The supporting programme will include the coloured earicon “Bosko’s Parlour Blanks,” a Thelma Todd and Patsy Kelly comedy; also the latest metrotone news. Barrie Brettoner will present a new bracket of numbers at the Wurlitzer organ. “Star of Midnight” at State Theatre In "Star of Alidnight,” which will be shown finally at the State Theatre to-day, Ginger Rogers makes a name for herself. Her dancing is applauded, her singing admired, and now it is discov ered that she can act with a dramatic concentration that is convincing. "Star of Midnight” stars William Powell, a leading man of merit, with a humorous mouth and a sleuth-like smile, who is once again on detection bent. “Under the Pampas Aloon.” A new character, a new locale, and three new song numbers are introduced to the screen in “Under the Pampas Moon,’ which comes to the State Theatre to-mor-row. Advance reports hail Warner Baxter in a role more romantic than his “Cisco Kid” that of an Argentine gaucho, the picturesque cowboy of South America, in whose veins flows a mixture of Spanish and Indian blood, and whose habits are crossed between those of a raiding bandit and a plainsman. Ketti Gallian, the French stage and screen star, who was greatly acclaimed for her _ recent American screen debut in "Marie Galante,” co-stars with Baxter. The background is the Argentine pampas, where the gauchos live a colourful life. Lew Pollock and Paul Webster, whose “Two Cigarettes in the Dark” swept the country last year, prepared the song numbers, for the production, some of whieth are sung by Warner Baxter and Ketti Gallian. Veloz and Yolanda dance their new sensational “Cobra Tango.” “Mr. Dynamite” at the Majestic Theatre "Air. Dynamite,” starring Edmund Lowe, as the criminal-gone-detective in a thrilling murder mystery, will be shown finally to-day at the Alajestic Theatre. • “Dandy Diels.” “Dandy Dick,” which comes to the Alajestic Theatre to-morrow, has an amusing plot. The parish of St. Marvells had little taste for the marvellous, especially when it reminded them of their own weaknesses. And so they decreed that the crooked spire of their parish church must be made upright. But they themselves had no intention of following its example, or of providing the money. This was left to their good-natured but impecunious vicar, the Rev. Richard Jedd, portrayed by Will Hay. Roughly about a thousand pounds was needed. The vicar tried many expedients to raise that elusive sum. A bazaar produced a meagre twenty-two pounds, though it provided the villagers with thrills and amusement, especially when their stunting vicar unexpectedly parachuted from an aeroplane, but, in; stead of landing gracefully, he alighted with his arms embracing _ his crooked spire. This aerial diversion had been, Tony’s original idea. But Tony, who loved the vicar’s daughter, Pamela, did not advance his suit by his share in this exploit. The committee was' still determined to get that spire ironed out, and gave the vicar no peace. Wishing to help his prospective father-in-law, the discomforted Tony came forward with another suggestion; the vicar should offer £250 on condition that three others came forward with the same sum. Tony explained that, as there, was no danger, of generosity from the village, the obliging vicar would prove that he had done his best and would not have to provide the money. Tony’s advice was as beneficial as before. His father and two cronies produced £750. and the vicar found himself without funds and an honour debt of £250. Despairing, he did what he had so often warned his parishioners against doing—he turned to the Turf. His sister owned a racehorse. Dandy Diek was a picturesque animal with a 10 to 1 chance. The vicar looked doubtfully, at his last £25 and resigned it to Wilkins, his manservant, who, of course, would know exactly what to do with .it. “The Dictator” at Plaza Theatre Starring Clive Brook; "The Dictator” will be screened finally to-day at the Plaza Theatre. The story centres about the eighteenth century Denmark. “Fighting Stock." The celebrated old firm of Lynn, Walls and Hare, not forgetting author Ben Travers, again collaborate to comedy point in the farcical mix-up which, under the title of “Fighting Stock,” will be shown at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. This time the roystering fun revolves round the adventures of Sir Donald Rowley (Walls), his nephew Sydney (Lynn), and Sir Donald’s ultra-correct secretary, Duck (Hare), while protecting a maiden in distress from the attention of a blackmailer. As before, no little comedy is born of the characterisations, with Sir Donald an amusing, blustering baronet, Sydney no mean knight errant when beauty is in danger, and Duck the ultimate in self-effacing modesty. The goingson may be well imagined, therefore, when this trio engage with the fearsome blackmailer, the development running the entire range of slick farce, unabashed knockabout, and piquant sex comedy in sinh scenes as Sir Donald’s comforting of the frightened little lady. That the Rowleys are “fighting stock” is elear from the opening scenes, where Sir Donald verbally routs a neighbour who disputes his fishing rights, and where the enterprising Sydney airily flouts the conventions by clicking* successively with the neighbour’s wife and step-daughter.

“Java Head” to be Screened at the New Opera House To be screened at the New Opera House to-morrow is one of the most powerfully written and stirring novels of our generation, “Java Head,” by Joseph Hergesheimer. Now brilliantly translated to the screen by Associated Talking Pictures, of Ealing, England, “Java Head” becomes one of the first screen masterpieces of 1935. Magnificently interpreted by an exceptionally strong cast, headed by John Loder. Elizabeth Allan, Edmund Gwenn, and Anna May Wong, the characters of this enthralling love story step from the pages of fiction to “live” upon the silver screen. The story centres around “Java Head.” the Bristol -home of an old sea captain. Jeremy Ammidon, who had two sons, Gerrit and William. Gerrit, goes uway ill- the a new «ship be-

longing to the Ammidon Company, on a long voyage. When he eventually returns he amazes everybody by presenting a Chinese girl, Taou Yuen, as his wife. The family is at first horrified, but receive her into “Java Head.” “The Scarlet Pimpernel” at Regent Theatre So successful has been “The Scarlet Pimpernel” at the Regent Theatre that it is being extended for a further week. All the desperate thrills of the French Revolution are wrapped up in the romantic and adventurous deeds of that prince of adventurers, “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” As Sir Percy Blakeney and his unsuspected counterpart, the Scarlet Pimpernel, Leslie Howard gives a masterly portrayal of foppishness, gallantry, charm and elusiveness. Indeed, Sir. Howard is the Pimpernel come to life. In this film he has achieved the most outstanding performance of his screen career, and as the Pimpernel he will be remembered. Merle Oberon, whose unusual type of beauty could almost be termed exotic, and who also had the feminine lead in the “Folies Bergere,” makes a winsome Lady Blakeney. “Abdul the Damned.” A coming attraction to the Regent Theatre is “Abdul the Damned.” Double Feature Programme at Paramount Theatre In “The Man With Two Faces.” which screens finally to-day at the Paramount Theatre, Edward G. Robinson has the role of a noted Broadway actor and director, while Alary Astor plays the part of his sister, one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her time. "The second picture is “Church Mouse,” starring Laura La Plante and lan Hunter. Coming Attractions. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the scene of “Chinatown Squad,” the Universal mystery drama which comes to the Paramount Theatre to-morrow. A murder starts the story on its way, and the picture takes you into the mysterious byways of the country’s largest Chinatown, with Orientals and Americans matching wits in a comedy-drama of absorbing interest. The second feature .is “Alias Mary Dow,” slurring Sally Eilers. “The Girl From Missouri” and “Flesh” at Rex "The Girl from Missouri,” featuring Jean Harlow, and the Wallace Beery drama "Flesh” will have their last screenings to-day at the Rex Theatre. To-morrow’s Attractions. One of England’s greatest mystery authors is responsible for the story of Robert Montgomery’s AI.G.AL starriiy; vehicle, “Alystery of Mr. X.,” which will head the double-feature programme beginning to-morrow at the Rex Theatre. He is Philip ' AlaeDonald, author of a long string of best sellers. The second picture, “You Can’t Buy Everything,” has Alay Robson in the stellar role. “Naughty Marietta” at St. James Theatre Few pictures in the last year have aroused so much enthusiasm among the music-loving public as “Naughty Alarietta,” which is to have an extended season at the St. James Theatre. ■ The production lias as its stars Jeanette MacDonald, of ,‘The Love Parade” and “Merry. Widow” fame (and even more charming in her latest role), and Nelson Eddy, the American operatic baritone, who brings to the screen a voice of such rich and melodious qualities that his songs are a sheer delight. “The Night is Young” at King’s Theatre Vienna with all its old Imperial glamOur is set in an enticing new frame of music and theme in the blend of music, drama, comedy and romance. “The Night is Young.” which concludes to-day at the King’s Theatre. Evelyn Laye is noted tor her blonde beauty, rich voice and clear-cut acting powers, and handsome Ramon Novarro for his characteristically positive acting and romantic singing.