THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20149, 13 April 1929, Page 11

THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

THRILLS AND ROMANCE VARIETY AT THE REGENT AVhen William Boyd was seen iij ‘Skyscraper ’ about three months ago, Tin delay was made in hailing him as one of the few stars of the present day whose refreshing individual style and ability would win him further honours. At the Regent this week Boyd is starred in ‘The Cop.’ His acting is a feature of the picture. In ‘Skyscraper ’ he ran the gamut of comedy and tragedy, and. although the wide range is again used in ‘The Cop,’ his acting is different. Boyd is an actor who will make many big pictures and yet give something new every time. Ho is a handsome fellow, too, and stories of the working classes suit him to a nicety. Yet h© could take his part with equal success in a social comedy-drama. ‘The Cop’ is capital entertainment, providing laughs a-plenty and thrills to satisfy the most blase. A bridgekeeper, Smith, tires of the monotony of his job, and after experiencing an ungracious return for a humanitarian act of assistance to a wounded man h© joins the police force. To the man wdth the scarred face Smith had been a friend when a bridge keeper, but when vScnrface and his gang murder a fellowpoliceman Smith becomes a bad enemy. His pursuit of the gang is quite thrilling. Tho gang scenes in ‘ The Cop ’ and the hold-up of the armoured bank car are thoroughly convincing, so much so that old residents of Chicago would he thrilled if they saw the picture. ‘The Cop’ is unusual in that the romance in the story is very slight, and reaches nowhere in the end. Allan Hale as Mather, the detective, gives one of his best portrayals, while Robert Armstrong’s Scarface is a clever delineation of a most likeable and at the same time most detestable crook. Jacqueline Logan lias only a small part as Mary Monks, one of the criminal hand. She is the only woman in the story. The direction of ‘ The Cop ’ has been splendid. Tim M'Coy is undoubtedly one of the leading ‘Western players on the silver sheet at the present day. Good Westerns are always in demand, but in ‘ Beyond the Sierras ’ the locale is shifted to Southern California in tho days when deeds were dark and men were really bad. In the artistic Spanish setting M’Coy plays the part of a cavalier of the Zorro type—a phantom per son who dashes from nowhere on to the scene of trouble. He is a fastmoving and shooting hero, and the heroine (Sylvia Beecher) is given every cause for heartfelt relief in the übiquitous character of the hero. She is a Spanish senorita who lias to fight her way through stormy scenes in the hacienda of Del Valle. .Roy D’Aroy, as the brutal Owens, is the last word in had men, and Polly Moran’s comedy is fine relief. The story is exaggerated, but who will worry about that when thrills and romance are neatly blended. I The vaudeville act this week is presented _hy a pair who have for years maintained their popularity. George Storey and Dulcie Milner. They present a bright act of song and comedy. The music played by the Regent Orchestra is very appropriate. For 1 Beyond the Sierras ’ ‘ Carmen ’ music is choicely interpreted, and the entr’acte * Light Cavalry ’ is excellently given by Mr Ravell’s capable team.

ENTERTAINING FARE SYD CHAPLIN AT STRAND Mixed grill is the fare at the Strand Theatre this week and satisfying, thoroughly entertaining comedy is the principal dish. Little in the way of entree is needed when Syd Chaplin’s name appears on the bill, and those who rocked with < laughter till their sides ached at his amazingly funny peregrinations in. 1 Charley’s Aunt ’ looked for something a little out of the ordinary in ‘ The Fortune Hunter.’ They were not disappointed, for his latest offering, which had its Dunedin premiere last night, is one of the best comedies seen this wa.y for some time, and it has the distinction of being a little more novel than usual. Syd Chaplin is; depicted in the earlier stages of the picture as what the Americans would term a ‘‘ hard-boiled guy,” ami when an old friend appears on the scene and tells him that he has married a wealthy woman from & 6 6ii h*, too,

becomes possessed of the desire to do just ns well for himself. With financial assistance from his friend (who is to share fifty-fifty in any profits there may be), Syd, cast as Nat Duncan, sets forth for Raclville. a sleepy Ititlo town in the Middle West. His debonair stylo soon attracts the attention of the ladies, but unfortunately for the plans that have been laid Nat falls in love with the granddaughter of the drug storekeeper when be could have the banker's daughter almost for the, asking. Nat seeks a position in tho drug store, incidentally saves tho old man from financial ruin, and puts the business on a sound footing once again. With everything arranged for plain sailing, his friend appears on the. scene, down at heel and broke. Ructions ensue when he endeavours to keep Nat to the bargain, and then- arc some, delightfully humorous situations. Eventually Nat is accepted by the right girl, and the final fade-out, in keeping with tho picture, is on a happy note. Syd Chaplin is a most versatile comedian, and by facial contortions alone ho would make even the proverbial cat laugh. He fully lives up to the reputation he won for hijnself in ‘Charley’s Aunt’ in this, Ids latest effort. Helen Costello and Clara Horton arc cast in lending roles, the former being a daughter of one of the screen’s earliest and one-time favourite stars, Maurice Costello. Rin-Tin-Tin, wonder dog of the motion pictures, might well be called the hero of ‘ Rinty of the Desert,’ and if the plot of tho film is not a very strong or original one, at least some amazing feats arc performed by the dog, and there are some stirring situations, the picture being entitled to be classed as fair entertainment. Audrey .Kerris is the principal player apart from the canine hero, and it should he added that this is a picture that most children enjoy. A most amusing and clever cartoon by Paul Terry and some very interesting supports are included in the programme, the enjoyment of which is not lessened by the playing of the Strand Orchestra. The programme will be repeated to-night and during tho week.

THE “TALKIES”

SECOND PROGRAMME OPENS The special children’s matinee for the second programme of “ talkies” at the Octagon Theatre, which was hold this morning, was well attended, and again in the afternoon there was another good house. Patrons were treated to an entertainment which was thoroughly enjoyable, and proved better than the programme which has just concluded its run. The opening subject is a Fox movietone newsreel containing all the happenings of the day presented in sight and sound. Notable hits are those depicting an important American turf event—one hears the starter’s precautionary remarks to the jockeys waiting for the barrier, the click of the barrier release, and the roar of the giant crowd' as the horses bound away to a perfect start. Thrilling in the extreme are the sounds of the thudding hoofs and the tremendous cheering as the horses finish. The voice of Mrs Coolidge is also heard as she christens a newly .com-pleted-airship, In addition there are a number of other “ talkie ” topical news scenes. The second item is by Beatrice Lillie, the celebrated American vaudeville comedienne, who contributes comedy vocal numbers, in addition to laughable pantomiming. Ben Bernie’s Band, a Continental jazz band, has scored a hit wherever the film has been shown in the repertoire of jazz, vocal items, and some original compositions. The place of honour on the supporting programme is held by the hilarious Fox all-talking comedy ‘ The Bath Between.’ This subject, with a clever cast supplying witty and sparkling dialogue, is one calculated to convulse any audience with ■'laughter. Efforts of young America to emulate the example of America’s flying ambassador, Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh, are graphically shown in ‘The Air Circus,’ the principal attraction. This is by no means an ordinary picture, and fine direction, excellent photography, and sterling ability on the part of a cast of young players makes of this sky epic a delightful screen entertainment. The Roxy Theatre Orchestra accompanies this film. Although the players are relatiyely new to screen audiences, all indicate that they have ability and will clothe themselves with cinema fame. Sue Carol charms with her piquant beauty, but also captivates with her portrayal of the young aviatrix who teaches David Rollins and Arthur Lake how to fly. That youngsters like these'could handle planes in the air like veterans seems incredible, but that cameras don’t lie - and advance information on the making of the picture declares that this

trio was taught to fly beioro cameras started turning. Young Rollins shows to better advantage with each role in which he appears. There is a relreshing note in his personality, and his smile is bound to make flapper hearts beat many measures faster. Louise Dresser, who plays the mother role, gives her usual flawless performance. Charles Delaney does some fine work as the brother of Sue Carol. He owns an aviation school, which he operates with bis sister, and Rollins and Lake come to him to learn flying. Rollins's, brother loses his life saving Delaney I from an enemy plane overseas, and Delaney takes special interest in Rollins. However, Rollins is a coward in Hie air. whereas- his pal, Lake, is just the reverse. .Eventually Rollins is called upon to go into the air to save his pal. who has gone aloft with a broken landing gear.' Fortunately he makes a good landing, overcomes his air fear, lives up to the hopes of his instructor, and wins the girl. A specially selected musical programme is rendered by the Octagon Orchestra, directed by M. Dc Rose, commencing at 7 o'clock and playing until the opening of the pictorial programme. Items are/also submitted during the changing of spools. I IN THE DAYS OF ’9B SETTING OF EMPIRE'S CHIEF FILM It has often been said that it is by no means the easiest task in the world to produce a motion picture of the first order, and it is an easy matter for anyone to i magi no tho difficulties met with by the producers in their work. However, thoso who were responsible for the making of ‘ The Michigan .Kid ’ proved beyond doubt at the Empire Theatre last night, when the picture was given its second screening in Dunedin (tho first being in the afternoon) that no obstacles arc too high for competent directors, camera men, actors, and actresses, and all the rest who helped to make a success of the picture. In the beginning the story-writer made a. happy choice of one of Rex Beach’s plots, and his talc was put into the hands of a director who had capable people working under him. and who put the story into screen form. Many there are who have, already road the original story, but it should not be out of place hero to repeat the theme in a nutshell. A famous owner of a gambling house, Michigan Kid, has the opportunity to Help a man who lias played and lost with the cards and who does not wish his wile to he to know of his underhand doings. AVhen the girl from the States goes to Alaska, where the chief scenes in the picture are laid, to marry tho one who has not profited by gambling she is met by the Michigan Kid, who discovers that she is a childhood sweetheart. After many experiences, _ participated in by the three principals, the Michigan Kid extracts from the girl her promise to become his close partner for life, while the second man is shown up in his true colours, which are not of tho cleanest.

The action in ‘ The Michigan Kill ’ takes place in ’9B, at the time of the Alaskan gold rush. , There are many scenes in the picture which immediately grip the attention of those who see it. For instance, the shots taken of Chilkoot Pass, which leads to the gold mines, are exceptionally good, while the hush lire in that region and the frantic race in a canoe on the part of the three chief players to wrest themselves from the clutches of the inferno are indeed pieces of skilful work from all points of view. Conrad Nagel is as fresh as ever in the role of the Michigan Kid, and llene Adoree’s portrayal of the straightforward girl, it is safe to say, could not bo bettered. Lovers of outdoor pictures should upon no account miss seeing ‘ The Michigan Kid.’

Then there is a second star picture on the programme. It goes under the name of ‘ The Wheel of Chance,’ and the man who was responsible for the success of -‘ Way Down East,’ shown here some yaers ago, is cast in the main role. This is Richard Barthelmess, who took the dual roles of Nicky and Schmulka, twin brothers. , It is as well to give an outline of the story. While still young the brothers were separated in a foreign land, one being left by his parents, who thought him dead. The family goes to America, where the other brother, Nicky, rises as a lawyer. In the meantime Schmulka, in the slums of America by this time, does manual labour for the benefit of the girl he imagines loves him, only to find many more are doing the same thing, In a fit of rage lie throws her against a wall, ami a protruding nail penetrates her back, thus causing her death. A murder trial follows, and in this Nicky is" a prominent figure. Neither of the bro-

tilers knows the other even alter Schmulka is found not guilty by the jury, but in the end the brothers are reunited. The many people who take part in the film show a complete understanding of what is required of them, and the other essentials of a good “ movie ” are not lacking. The gazettes shown were all of an interesting nature, especially the local one, which reflects credit on the producer, Mr J. Welsh. ft was evident last night that Hr Charles Aves, musical director, had spent much time and forethought in selecting the music to accompany the pictures. The wide range of selections played by the Empire Symphonic Orchestra fitted the films exceptionally well. Snppe’s ‘Pique Dame’ overture was played as an entr’acte.

A GOOD BRITISH WAR FILM ‘ THE SOMME • AT GRAND AND PLAZA Produced by the New Era Company, in close co-operation with the War Office, ‘ 'Die Somme,’ one of the greatest British war films, opened to large andie.uces at both'sessions at the Grand and Plaza Theatres yesterday. Great care was taken to reconstruct the tacts of the campaign, and many novel photographic effects were introduced. Reference to German documents supplied details for the reconstruction of scenes in German trenches, dug-outs, and behind the German lines. Actual tanks, which saw service on the Somme, are utilised for the scenes showing the first entry of the tanks into the fighting zone, and many thrills are supplied by those unwieldy-looking machines. Peal shell and machine gun fire were used for many of the big scenes in the film—the first time this has been permitted for film-making. An attack on German observation balloons (the real things were secured for the production) by onr aircraft is one of the thrills. Acres upon acres of mud, terrible mud. are seen in the latter part of the film—a striking contrast to the chalky dust and dry gravel of earlier scenes. T.C. incidents include the winning of tiie honour by Colonel Campbell, of the Coldstream Guards, when bo rallied bis men—on the verge of collapse—with a call on a hunting horn. Corporal Veale personally re-enacts his adventures for the film, and he is shown rescuing a wounded officer on No-man’s Land, under heavy shell fire, thus winning the V.C. What is probably one of the strangest and most fascinating stories ever conceived is ‘-The Monkey Talks,’ originally a play of the Parisian footboards. The idea of a talking monkey may not be new, but carried out as the plot of this story is, with the deadly logic of fate itself, it created a sensation when produced as ;t play not only in Paris, but in London and New York as well. It was filmed for Fox Films by Rnonl Walsh, with Jacques Lenicr, the creator of the original role of the talking monkey, playing the same part in the screen version. Olive Borden plays the part of the dainty circus performer, assisted by a cast of screen favourites. It is the second attraction on this progra mine. COMEDY BILL

EVERYBODY'S LATEST Harry D'Arrast’s first production for IVox l r ilms, ‘ Dry Martini.’ came to Everybody’s Theatre yesterday, and it is quite an entertaining comedy. Perhaps it is partly because the locale is Paris, and that is the director’s home town. Perhaps it is because Albert Gran, who won hosts of admirers by his clever work in ‘Seventh Heaven’ and ‘ iVour Sons.’ was at his acting best, and that Mary Astor is in the feminine lead. But credit to its success to those assets alone would be unjust to the sterling company selected to bring this story to the screen. It tells of a wealthy, middle-aged American, who exiles himself in Paris lor eight .years, has his affairs the femmes, is the best patron of the cocktail bar at the Rjtz, and lives carefree from all domestic entanglements until his twenty-year-old daughter arrives for a visit. The girl, played by Mary Aster, wants to see Paris and have great adventures, and does, only in a way she did not expect. The father get? involved in one mess after another, and in the end, as per usual, the clouds disappear and the sun shines through, with the daughter going back to America happily married to the man she reforms, and the father going hack to Ins women and his “Dry Martini.” In the cast notable portrayals are given by Matt Moore, always dependable; Sally Ellers, who crashed to fame with her leading role in ‘ The Good-bye Kiss ’'< Jocelyn Lee. one of the most beautiful “ vamps ” of the screen, and at her best as “ Georgette,” the favoured one j

of Gran ; Albert Conti, and others. ‘The Traffic Cop,’ starring “Lefty” Flynn, is also showing. Lefty is a traffic cop who falls in love with a society girl, hut the match is looked upon with disfavour by her mother. However. by saving a party from a runaway car he receives favour and marries the girl. KING EDWARD PROGRAMME Bin-tin-tin never disappoints his audience. He is always there with the zest, the intelligence, and the vigour which sends the crowd into roars of approval. Tn ‘ Binty of the Desert,’ now at the King Edward Theatre, he is shown as an outcast dog, who gets himself adopted bv old man Marlowe and Ills granddaughter Mary, keepers of a “dime” museum. On his own, Rinty adopts a family of pups, and all goes ■well until an enemy of Marlowe lures him away from home. Pat Casey, of the police, Mary’s bean, goes in search of the lost showman, with Pinty. The two are captured. A ferocious dog attacks Casey. Pinty is blamed, and sentenced to be shot. These are but a few of the thrilling adventures which make up ‘ Rinty of the. Desert.’ Thomas Meighan and Evelyn Brent appear in the lends in ‘The Mating Call,’ which has second place on this programme.