THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20292, 28 September 1929, Page 13

THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

A SOUTH SEA ROMANCE > THE PAGAN ’ AT THE REGENT A short time ago .John Russell • brought the world to his .feet in ad- , miration for his book ‘The Pagan,’ a ■; thrilling and romantic story of the mystic South Seas. Last evening, at the Regent Theatre,-Ramon Novarro, the famous star of ‘ Ben Hur,’ made the novel a living thing of beauty, t colour, thrill, -' romance, and tense drama—a screen recreation that enthralled all who saw it. Set amid the-gorghous,scenery of the ■ South Seas, it .weaves a delicate love , romance between the island boy and girl. This romance is interspersed with thrills and sensations that could only - be secured in the'tropic land where the picture was made. For instance, there is Ramon Nqvarro’s escape from the sharks, a most, breath-taking piece of business, and;- his strange adventures in the trackless jungle. Other thrills, created in a: spirit of glamour and adventure, held last night’s audience spellbound. ■ W. S. Van- Dyke, who directed the story, used-the same deft artistry that marked his ‘ White Shadows of the South Seas,’ and he had a notable cast to work with. Novarro is outstanding in the role of a young islander, hatf- , native, who is pitted against the conflicting elements in bis. own blood until an island belle wins his loye, when the • romantic Polynesian strain predominates. Though intensely dramatic in parts, the role is (essentially romantic, . suiting his type to. perfection, and Novarro again reveals-, his consummate art. Renee Adofee, in - the role of Madge, a white adventuress, plays with a fiery intensity. Dorothy Janis, a new film actress, who plays the native girl, Novarro’s sweetheart, has a difficult and at the same time appealing role. Donald Crisp makes a dominant figure of the white trader,’ nemesis and enemy of the haunting- story. The film has been beautifully pro- ; duced, and such historic spots as the famous old church at Tahiti, the plantation on the island drive, and various locales described in Russell’s vivid hook form a remarkable background. It is not a talkie production, though the beauty and charm of the story is considerably enhanced by the enchant- •- ing music of ‘ The Pagan Love Song ’ (Freed-Brown) cleverly synchronised with the unfolding of this highly romantic tale. Novarro increases the

exceptional merit of _ his performance by displaying a pleasing singing voice admirably adapted ! i his romantic escapades. Tito, his half-caste sweetheart, also possesses a delightfully sweet voice. The two voices blend most effectively in their singing of the entrancing song theme of the picture. All told, ‘ The Pagan ’ is a gripping screen version of Russell’s famous novel of pagan love and dramatic conflict in the dreamy, dazzling South Seas, photographed on the actual tropic locations described in the book. The seven supporting features make delightfully satisfying entertainment, equal to the high standard set by other programmes-’at this theatre. Perhaps the best offering is the one by Louise Squire and Bert Gordon in comedy, song, and patter. In this turn the droll antics and clever witticisms , of the latter amused the audience immenselyUkelele Ike (Cliff Edwards), a- black-faced performer, captivated the audience with his singing of two of the latest jazz numbers—‘What a Night for Spooning ’ and ‘ Oh, Baby! Don’t _We Get Along?’ Two *singing comedians, Gus Van and-Joe Schenck, were heard in ‘ Cohen is Living the Life of Reilly’ and ‘1 Must Have An Italian Girl.’ The voices of the Keller Sisters and Lynch were cleverly blended in three jazz numbers, while the patter dancing of one of the sisters was. a feature of the act. The many wonders of Wairakei, New Zealand’s geyserland, were strikingly presented in a scenic film released by the Government. As usual the Rathe Audio Review was full of interesting items presented in sound, while a budget of world news completed tho bill, which is sure to find favour with all patrons during the week. SEVEN OF THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT AT THE EMPIRE When a picture programme is constructed of fine material, tho question arises where a review of that programme should begin; -The Empire Theatre’s new bill this week presents that question, for seven items are presented, and it is difficult to say which of the seven is the most entertaining. However, it i., well, perhaps, to start with the smallest and build up from there.

Having been associated with J. C. Williamson’s Celebrity Vaudeville, Baby June could be depended upon to be something out of the ordinary. She is a tiny tot of four years, who can act and sing and dance with the best. Her appearance on the stage last evening was the signal for loud applause. Baby June's little act commenced with a rendering of “There’s a Rainbow Round My Shoulder,’ and this was followed by a dance. Then the little star told the amb nice that she would endeavour to impersonate a dude, a parson, and a coster in that nursery rhyme, ‘ Sing a Song of Sixpence.’ Her speaking voice, her facial expressions, and her appearance fitted each character as she portrayed it. ‘ All By Yourself in ■ the Moonlight ’ was another popular melody that found favour, while the last item on her programme was ‘Shine On,, Harvest Moon.’

The feature picture of the programme is ‘Tho Carnation Kid,’ a clever, interesting story of a dangerous man from Chicago and his “understudy.” The latter is mistaken for the “Carnation Kid ” with the result that he is .held jn fear by all who see him, no one daring to dictate to him or quarrel with him. But he is a harmless individual who is granded as the “ Carnation Kid ” unknowingly by the man himself Th situations that arise waver between comedy and the melodramatic. ' The Carnation Kid ’ is. Douglas M'Lean’s first talkie, and in it he is sure to win fresh admirers as well as retainffiis reputation as an actor .on the silent ■ Frances' Lee, a pretty little miss of tender years; encourages him to do his best, and eventually wins him as a life partner. The dialogue is certainly well thought out. and, as spoken by the players, enables everyone to clearly follow the theme of the picture. Gramophone records hare already introduced the voices of tho Happiness Boys to Dunedin, and it remained for the - talking Screen to introduce _ the singers, .themselves. The , Happiness Bovs, or Billv Jones and Freest Hare, are bright pair, and their offerings per the medium of the screen are doubtless whet - the cetera! public appreciates. They commerce aupronriafelv enough by"singing .‘.How Do You Do. Everybody ?’ and then follow up with » selection of classical numbers.

At least, the music is classical, but the word' arc their,own. They manage quite successfully to fit new words to ‘The Lost Chord,’ ‘Celeste Aida,’ ‘ Soldiers’ Chorus,’ ‘ Miserere,’ and ‘ Pilgrims’ Chorus.’ Another Paramount sound_ novelty goes very well This time it is sot to the tune of ‘ Old Black Joe,’ and a cat, in cartoon form, is responsible for the fun in the picture ‘ Under the Sea’ u not- a submarine story, as one would suppose on hearing the name, although the scenes i n the offering are snapped on board an under-water craft. It is really a selection of sea songs by the crew of the submarine. _ There is a splendid quartet and a soloist, the captain of the naval Vessel. Both the solo and concerted items are entertain-

ing. ‘Hollywood Bound,’ the comedy, is all about a young man who has won a certain competition entitling him to appear in pictures made at Hollywood. He does not forget to _ remind everyone that ho is the winner, and, of course, speaks of bis own importance. But he is rudely and unmercifully brought tV earth with a thud. Mr Leslie Harvey has not a gi eat deal of work to do this week, but what falls to his lot is done in his usual crisp manner. Besides accompanying a gazette and the stage presentation, he plays three solo numbers on the Christie organ. The first is that evergreen and stirring selection from the pen of Suppe, ‘ Light Cavalry,’ and as played by Mr Efarvoy it is likely to remain fresh. ‘Roses of Yesterday’ is his second niece, and this is played to fit the words thrown on the screen by means of slides. A most fascinating item. For his third item Mr Harvey -resurrects ‘ Look For. the Silver Lining,’ and gives new charm to this old and popular melody,. HELLO, OLD HEW YORK! OCTAGON'S GREAT SPORTING FILM Although big feature productions are generally recognised nowadays as the strongest attractions which picture theatres have to offer their patrons, it cannot be said of the Octagon management that it has evei neglected to screen the best that is procurable in the way of supporting films. One of the most striking aspects of the new Octagon programme, which commenced yesterday, is that, great though ‘ Speakeasy ’ undoubtedly is, it cannot be allowed to absorb all the attention of a reviewer who wishes to do justice to a really line programme. The Octagon has so many good things to present this week that it is difficult to know where to begin, Perhaps the old-fashioned way is the best —one must just begin at the beginning. Before doing so, however, it is necessary to. rfefer with the greatest appreciation to the absolute purity and clearness of the talking, sound, and singing effects. It is certain that not one of last night’s large audience was called upon to exert any undue effort to follow all that was going on. ‘ Speakeasy,’ the powerful drama ol New York, with the noble and fascinating art of boxing as its main theme, is an education to those who are interested in the life of the vast American metropolis, and it is quite impossible not to take the characters to heart. Commencing with Berger’s waltz, ‘ Amen reuse,' the orchestral music never once wavered from the high standard set. Picture No. 1 is a very intriguing Pox Movietone film, which treats a variety of subjects in a polished manner best calculated to promote enjoyment. Its outstanding attraction, however, is a beautiful rendering ot the German hymn, ‘ Still Night, Holy Night-,’ given by a choir robed in ac cordanco with the Biblical period. Easily the finest news picture that has been seen in Dunedin is a British production showing how London honours Armistice Day. The sound effects in this are perfect, and the whole picture commands intense interest. The faultless marching of the Guards, the mag nificent music of the bands, the significant, yet restrained, calls on the bugles and trumpets, the singing ol an assembled choir, the sharp orders from company officers, and the sight ol His Majesty the King laying a wreath at the Cenotaph—all these are items which combine to make the most impressive ceremony London has to offer. The lighter side of life conies with the Royal Hawaiian Serenades., a talented native troupe which, while idling gracefully on a moonlit seashore, sings and plays through a delightful repertoire of island songs. An ingeniously conceived comedy, ‘ in Hoi land.’ shows Clark and M'Culloch at their brightest and best. Their amusing adventures in Switzerland are also enthralling. Now one comes to that absorbing vehicle for a glimpse into New York- ‘ Speakeasy.’ in very truth could this big Fox all-dialogue production be called ‘ The Voice of the City ’ (if it bo permissible to borrow an apt O. Henry title).' In these days of Prohibition, however, the title ‘ Speakeasy ' is perhaps quite apt enough, for it smacks of the sly-grog atmosphere with which, to a subdued extent, the picture is imbued. Still, the most important motif is the healthy romance that springs up between a girl reporter and a young boxer, who, in order to repay Ins parents the money they spent on his education, turns professional and annexes the world’s middle-weight title, only to lose it again. Newspaper work and the glamour of Madison Square Gardens, the Mecca of fighting men, are strong threads in the fabric of the play. How the girl saves the ex-champion from the habitues of a “speakeasy” has riven the joint authors a wondrous field for portraying the adventures of two very likeable young people. A thrilling night at the famous Madison Square Gardens is the climax. As Martin, the middle-weight boxer. Paul Page carries off a difficult role with just that air of unassuming naturalness invariably found in a real champion, and Lola Lane’s interpretation of the reporter is nicely done. Warren Hymer is a noted actor, who, in this instance, plays the part of a crooked boxing manager with convincing realism. Henry B. Waltham is appropriately cast as Fuzzy, a straight old fellow in the “ speakeasy,” whose taste in music runs to grand opera rather than to the jazz trivialities he is called upon to play.'at the behest ol Hostess Min (Helen Ware)All in all, the programme should draw big audiences during its Dunedin season.' BREAKING MARRIAGE LAWS •'THIS MARRIAGE BONO ’ AT STRAND Although not well known to Dunedin audiences, Sally Filers is certain to find popularity through her leading role in ‘This Marriage Bond,’ the feature at the Strand Theatre. She is seen as Conrie, a beautiful young society girl who is enjoying her thirteenth engagement. At a party Thorlard Ware, whose obvious disapproval of her attracts her interest. The upshot of this is that Cpnnie and the doctor get married, suitor No. 13 having -shared the fate of his" predecessors.

Before their marriage the two make an agreement that, in the event of their being unhappy, they should part. On the last night of the six months Connie, finding life lonely, goes to a charity bazaar at a friend’s place. The doctor follows her there, and sees her dancing before an audience of men. Enraged that his wife should make such a display of herself, ho rushes homo and packs up, tolling her that as .the six months are up he is leaving her for ever. No. 13 is subsequently rescued, and Connie is once more married. When this couple settle down it is to find that they are living next door to Dr Ware, who has married Connie’s cousin. As time goes on it becomes more and more plain that the young people are u'nsnited, and the climax comes with more divorces and remarriages, and everyone is satisfied. Playing with Miss Eilers are Thelma Todd, Rosemary TUeby, and Norman Kerry. The film is appropriately sound synchronised.

‘ Wanted, a Man,’ an amusing sketch by Daphne Pollard (English comedienne), heads the list of supports, ‘The Motor Boat Demon,’ a Van Bibber comedy, contributes its full share to the evening’s entertainment, and there is also an interesting film depicting the stages of growth and the habits of two typos of dogs —the foxhound and the setter. A Fox news reel is another line feature, THRILLS AT EVERYBODY’S TWO GOOD PRODUCTIONS Patrons, of Everybody’s Theatre should find ample enjoyment in the latest programme secured by the management. The bill is headed by ‘ Wolves of the Underworld,’ which, as tho title would suggest, is an exciting and enthralling story of crooks. The theme revolves around a young criminologist’s endeavours to capture a desperate gang of forgers. Imogene Robertson is one of the stars of an exceptionally meritorious cast, and the picture was made by the producers of “The Spy,’ which enthralled local theatregoers some time ago. ‘ Tho Cavalier' harks back to that picturesque period when Spanish pioneers settled in tho New Vvorld. Richard Talmadge, Barbara Bedford, and David Torrence are the stars in the picture, which is an exciting mixture of action, romance, and beautiful scenic effects. ft concerns tho exploits of a mysterious cavalier—El Cabarolla ho is called—sworn foe of the ferocious and avaricious Ramon To rreno and his overseer Pierre Gaston, and champion of the peons whom they have enslaved; Torreno’s sou is to marry Lucia d’Arquistra. Sho is befriended by Taki, a sheep herder, who repels an attempt to kidnap the bride for ransom. Taki reveals himself to Lucia as El Caballero, who loves her and whom she can implicitly trust Mr.ny exciting events befall Taki, and when the day of Lucia’s wedding comes he is not there. However, to arrive at tho last hour is more than enough time for tho cavalier. Richard Talmadge plays the role of Taki and El Caballero. Barbara Bedford’s beauty and charm are well suited to the role of the unhappy Lucia. David Torrence is convincing as tho cruel Don Torreno, while Stuart Holmes is well suited to the part of the swaggering sergeant. VARIETY BILL AT THE GRAND AND PLAZA The principal picture at the Grand and Plaza Theatres this week is ‘Synthetic Sin,’ in which Colleen Moore and Antonio Moreno are featured. It is a love story in which Donald Anthony, a playwright, returns to Magnolia Gap, Virginia, and meets Betty Fairfax, with whoso . impersonations and dancing _he is very much charmed. A classical dance 'in particular impresses him. Donald’s next play is a failure, owing to Betty, who is not sufficiently intimate with tho class of character she is called upon to portray. Betty thereupon sets about becoming better acquainted with the world in a rather startling manner. Donald is badly upset over the associations Betty has formed, and there ensues a good deal of plotting and counter-plotting. Tho next, prominent event is a fight, which results in the death of a gangster. Donald, being discovered a little later with a revolver in his hand, is, with Betty, taken by tho police. On being identified Donald is, however, released, and the picture finishes happily. ‘ The Gallant Hussar,’ a romance of modern Vienna, is the chief supporting attraction. Tho stars are Ivor Novollo and Evelyn Holt. An amusing comedy is also screened. KING EDWARD The dynamic personality of Clara Bow has won the admiration of many picture-goers, but her performance in ‘ Ladies of the Mob,’ one of the attractions at the King Edward Theatre, stamps her as a really great star. She invests the role with all the pep and vivacity of previous productions, and her efforts in comedy are highly amusing. The story of the picture is an unusual one. A murderer pays the penalty for his sins, and the mother of his little daughter swears revenge on society. As the girl Yvonne grows up she falls in love with “ Red,” a young bank robber. She helps him to escape after committing a crime, but the police get a description of her, and the two are forced to flee. Their adventures are many, but finally they reach the happiness the girl so much desires. ‘ The Cavalier ’ is a stirring story of the outdoors, starring Richard Talmadge, while (he eleventh episode of ‘ Tho_ Collegians ’ is an additional attraction.