THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20316, 26 October 1929, Page 13

THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT REGENT'S LATEST OFFERIK6B So many pictures nowadays are woven around much that counts lor nothing that it is refreshing to find a comedy drama with a moral in it, and ‘ The Idle Rich,’ which was presented for the first time at the Regent Theatre yesterday afternoon and last night, is a film that tenches a definite lesson. . The Regent management has set itself to maintain a consistently high standard in balking picture entertainment, and this week’s programme is well up to previous standards. _ Classoonsciousness and class distinctions are inseparable with the social life of any country ,and in America, the land where “ money talks,” class-conscious-ness is just as existent as in countries which are , supposedly less democratic than the land of liberty. This is the theme . around which Metro-Gold wynMayer have produced ‘ The Idle Rich,’ and while delightfully humorous situations abound, there is just that human appeal about the film that prevents it from developing into sheer comedy or straight-out farce. “ The middle class is the most self-conscious lot m the world,” said William Van Luyan, millionaire, when he was taken into , the home of his wife, who had formerly been his typist. With absolute unostentatiousness, he was prepared _to take things as they were, out his wifej a product of the “ great middle class, could not see things in the same light, • and fearful that uncharitable people would say she had married Van Luyan for his money, : Helen Thayer, determined to bring, him to live with her people. Outwardly, the scheme should have proved the greatest of successes, hut Henry. Thayer the millionaire’s brother-in-law, determined on a cara- . paign of “ learn something about the great middle class,” and before long, van Luyan found that though he wished to help his relations-in-law with some of the means at his_ disposal, he was up against a _ thin _ wall of hypocrisy against which his _ wealth seemed likely to be of little avail. Then the young man of wealth determined , to try out a little theory of his own with a view to ascertaining just what perspective his own middle class relatives had where money was concerned. Had a bombshell been dropped in their flat, the Thayers could not have been thrown into greater consternation than was the case when Van Luyan announced blandly that he was giving all his money away, so convinced had he been by Henry’s arguments about the “ great middle class ” and their .lack of opportunities. The fun then waxes fast and furious, and at times it almost descends to bathos, though there is just that amount of human appeal about the picture to save it from that. Conrad Nagel, as the millionaire, gives a splendid portrayal, and Leila Hyams plays Joan Thayer. Hers is a difficult part, and though at times she may have been just a little ineffective in the emotional scenes, hers, too, was a good characterisation. One or two of the players displayed a pronounced American accent, not altogether displeasing, however, and if the American idiom had one guessing at times, the enjoyment of the picture was affected: but little. _ An old favourite in Bessie Love admirably fills the role of the flapper, Helen Thayer, greedy. for life, and the supporting cast is a strong one. The action of the picture is wholly laid in the office of the millionaire and in the middle-class home of the. typist who becomes his wife. It is probably a _ true-to-life picture •of American middle class. life, gently satirical, but. altogether most excellent entertainment. . Pathe has entered the field _of talk-ing-picture entertainment in most auspicious fashion, and the latest offering by Pathe Flms is * The Shady Lady,’ an exciting melodramatic picture of gun-running in Cuba. Thrills and laughs galore are obtained in this picture, which is the story of a New York girl unjustly under suspicion for a serious crime. She endeavours to hide her identity in Havana, but in the leader of a gun-running gang, she meets a spectre from the past, and is forced to agree to his plan to endeavour to get one of his dangerous rivals out of the way. The girl, however, falls in' love with the handsome young American, and reveals the plan of the rascally gun-runner. From that point onwards, the stage is set tor a draran- : tic climax, the picture being full of the most thrilling situations. Phyllis Haver is cast in the principal ■role, and she has. the support of Robert Armstrong and Louis Wolheim. This is a part-dialogue talkie, and the synchronised music, too, adds greatly to the enjoyment of the entertainment. " The Pathe * Audio Review ’ completes a fine picture programme, several most interesting subjects being screened. . The musical side of the programme is not neglected, the overture being 4 Stars and Stripes ’ (Sousa), and the entr’acte 4 Fluttering Birds ’ (Gen. ning), a piccolo duet. The programme will ba- repeated to-night and during the week.

PICTURES OF SUBSTANCE STRAND’S OUTSTANDING PROGRAMME The Strand Theatre has built up a great reputation for screening pictures which are big in . every sense of the ? word. For the most part they combine brilliance with power, and invariably they contain a message to which one would be well.advised to hearken. Perhaps all these characteristics have never previously been so well defined as in ‘The Three Passions,’ the great sounddrama which conmmenced its Dunedin season yesterday. Adapted from Cosmo Hamilton's absorbing novel, and prepared for the screen by the St. George Productions, Ltd., a new British company directed • by Rex Ingram, ‘The Three raasions ’ is the very embodiment of all that ; • should make a universal appeal. To say ' that this presentation of a lemarkaole story is a success .is mere triteness. ' It is more. It is a triumph for the British ", film industry. There are so many fea- . tures which raise it high above the commonplace.—The cast, for une thing, the striking photography, and the absence of any scenes that do not b-speak • realism to the most minute detail. The scenes taken in the big engineering ' works at Newcastle would be thoroughly absorbing even if there were no story to keep the mind eugagid. One also • rambles pleasantly through vent rablo ■ Oxford University, wiicre real underv graduates co-operate in the . various scenes, and in the social part of the / picture the settings are most lu. ’.nous ; in atmosphere. In point of fact the ballroom and restaurant scenes wore photographed at Nice. Moralists declare that the . modern, ’ apirif 'of frivolity among * young folk began after the Great .War, but,

although there is a smattering of this attitude towards life in ‘The Three Passions,’ the basic message is one ol saneness, fearlessness, and solidity. The story, which takes its title from the three passions—God, love, and gold—gives a graphic character-study ol a struggle between youth and age for a place of supremacy, and the manner in which the denouement is handled makes a lasting impression. Lord Bellamont is a type of man quite well known ‘ in England to-day. By his . own efforts he nas amassed a fortune, and perhaps for that very reason can be excused to some extent for making money his god. His cynical demeanour towards his son’s spiritual ideals, however, u by no means edifying, and serves only to drive Philip still closer into the arms of the church. The effect of romance on this highly temperamental young man is intensely interesting. The beautiful • Alice Terry plays to perfection the part of Lady Burlington—this despite the fact that the role, that of a rofher {lightly young lady, has been foreign to her. Her work is characterised by innumerable dimming little mannerisms, and always she is thoroughly English. _ Shayle Gardner, who formerly lived <in Auckland, gives a masterly portrayal of Lord Bellamont, and he takes full advantage of the moments which give him an apportunity to reveal dramatic fewer. Ivan Petrdvitch, an actor with a big reputation. makes a profound impif ision as Philip Wrexham, the son. Claire Fames. Leslie Faber, Gerald Feildirg. and Andrews Engleman are ether members of a brilliant cast. Some of tho lesser lights are 44 characters ” in verv truth. Their acting in a seamen's mission is delightful comedy’ wosk Conspicuous’ among a_ fine collection of news titbits is a series of thrilling views taken of Mount Vesuvius, while it was in one of its periodcnl tantrums. It is evident that the cameras™ en have risked life and limb to catch the belching mountain at its worst, and some of the scenes are remarkable for their proximity to the storm centre. New York’s idea of a holiday by the seashore, an exciting motor race, md a dose study of the miniature 44 Palace of Titania ” are among the other attractions. John Barclay, the possessor of a good baritone voice, gives some spirited impersonations of famous diameters in grand opera, and sweet music and singing from Hawaii are heard through the medium of a talented troupe. A scenic film depicting several aspects of sheep farming in the Black Forest is most enjoyable, and tho shearing operations will provoke a hearty laugh from those who are familiar with the"~ New Zealand shearers’ lightning methods.

EMIL JAMMINGS SCORES OCTAGON SCREENS * THE BETRAYAL» .Reports from, America have it that Emil Jannings cannot appear in talking pictures because he can only speak broken English. That may,he, Imt he has not Yet left the silent screen, on which he is still without doubt the king of all stars; and when his latest masterpiece, 4 Tho Betrayal,’ was shown at the Octagon Theatre yesterday it brought back the dramatic powers that the talkies have not yet portrayed. Provious pictures starring Jannings have treated unusual, themes in most entrancing ways, lifting them above the heads of the average film. And so it is with 4 The Betrayal.’ Amid the 'splendours of a Swiss village the story is carefully unfolded without making it obvious what the ending is to be. Vroni, a beautiful young blonde, is loved by Andre, who finds it necessary to journey to Venice, leaving the girl to wait one month for his return. But he is detained, and when at length he does go back to the village to claim his own he arrives just as Vroni, following the wishes of her father, is leaving the church, after being joined in wedlock, with Poldi, the burgomaster. Gone are Andre's dreams of the future,, and he is left to follow his own destiny alone. Occasionally he is drawn back to the girl, and he visits her at her home. On the eve ot her birthday he goes to her for the last time, and it is then that tragedy enters the story, which does not end in the custoimyy style, but from that point follows new lines. Emil Jannings is the burgomaster, and in the beginning makes a departure from his usual dramatic acting in that he appears as a light-hearted husband enjoying all there is to enjoy in life. In the midst of birthday festivities he is suddenly changed from a jovial host to a sorrowful widower, and it is them that his dramatic capabilities are brought into piny with telling effect Excellently suited to the part, Esther Ralston is cast as his wile, a woman who honoured her husband but nursed a love for another, Gary Hooper also gives a forceful portrayal as Andre. As a rule children in a picture are merely incidental, but this is not the case with ’The Betrayal.’ Two children have leading .parts, and are necessary to the theme. The background throughout is entirely in keeping with the action. Known to Dunedin as the composer of our famous Bxhibiton march, J. S. Zameenic was responsible for the music score, which was made to perfectly fit every movement on the screen.

Pure English is spoken in the British short subject, 4 Acci-dontal Treatment,’ which humorously depicts the agonies one endures with toothache. Seated in the dental chair, patients are caused considerable pain by a mock dentist. A second comedy shows further adventures of Buster Brown' and his pals, and, of course, the almost human dog Tige; while Johnny Arthur secures many laughs in 4 Blondes, Beware.’ The remaining support on tho bill is another issue of the 4 Paramount Sound News.’

The voice of the “ Octagon Storyteller ” is again heard. As ho puts it, the management persuaded him to tell a few more “ chestnuts ” for the usual hundred a week, or in plain figures 8s 4d. His offerings this time are bright and amusing, and, coming from the loud speakers, strike a new and original note in the matter of entertainment. ‘ WEARY RIVER' POWERFUL DRAMA AT EMPIRE By sheer ability Richard Barthelmess has forced his way to the very front rank of theatrical stars. His dramatic performances are in direct contrast to his youth, and exemplify his thorough knowledge of stagecraft and his equally thorough appreciation of many diversified characterisations. One of the most potent factors in Barthelmess’s success is his remarkable power of being able to sink his whole individuality into that of the character he presents. This could net better be illustrated than in ‘ Weary River,’ the local premiere of which was given at the Empire Theatre yesterday. A drama of conviction and power, it impressed last night’s audience deeply. Barthelmess has seldom given such a striking delineation as in this picture, in which, incidentally, he makes his talkie debut. The production reveals'the fact that, apart from his histrionic skill, he is a fine musician. His speaking voice, like .his

whole dramatic expression, is quiet, well modulated, and extremely effective.

4 Weary River ’ is the story of an arrogant gangster who ignores tho law and suffers the inevitable consequences. “Framed” by a rival, lie goes to prison, .and is regenerated through the influence of tho understanding warden. In, the dull confines, of tho prison, he finds expression in music, as a composer and conductor,of tho prison orchestra. Music, changes his whole life, and he finds; himself a national favourite as the writer of ‘ Weary River,’ a ballad that has taken the country by storm. Jpon his release he is secured by a vaudeville firm, and starred as the “ Master of Melody.” But tho sneer of “ ex-convict” shatters his brief happiness, and he drifts back to the old gang life. . That is the theme of an exceedingly’ powerful drama. Barthelmess’s delineation is flawless, and presents a very interesting human study. He is ’admirably supported by Betty Compson, that sterling actress, who can always be relied upon for a sound performance. In the cast are many other notable screen personalities. The whole production is one to_ be remembered as quite above the ordinary. Tile-supporting programme is excellent Albert Spalding, the celebrated violinist, plays Drdla’s 4 Souvenir ’ and several gipsy airs arranged by Sarasate with consummate artistry. The Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra, under the eminent conductor Herman Heller, provides a powerful interpretation of the Massenet overture, 4 Phedre,’ the clarity of tho reproduction being exceptional. The Fox Movietine News, replete with current events in sight and sound, is, as ever, very interesting. Of outstanding interest is the Empire Gazette, the highly entertaining production that never fails to command instant attention. The pictures of the arrival el Captain Bolt’s plane at the city’s airport are vividly reproduced, while aerial views of the city hold particular interest. Mr Jack Welsh, the producer of this gazette, is to be congratulated upon the success that has attended his efforts. Then, of course, there is Mr Harvey, who again affords great pleasure to all his listeners. This week he plays a selection from the < melodious 4 Merry Widow ’ and the dainty 4 Loin de Bal.’ An exceedingly bright rendering of the doleful 4 Misery Farm,’ one of the latest fox-trots, was in happy contrast. The whole bill, which will be presented during the forthcoming week, is to bo warmly recommended, ‘THE FAR CALL’ ~ EVERYBODY’S IHTERESTIHG FEATURE 4 The Far Cal!,’ Allan Dwan’s gripping picture of tho fur poachers in the North Pacific, 'portrays pne of the most interesting groups of islands in the world, the Phibilofs. Those islands, discovered by Gerassin Pribilof in 1786.' at that time were the 44 he adq ii inters ’ for the millions ol fur seal that swarmed from Bering Sea to the latitude ol California. Although small in size (the total area of the group is only 180 square miles, and the largest island, St. Paul, is but fourteen miles long), the rocky shelving beaches were literally covered with seals at one time. A “ census ” made in 1875 shows that some two and a-half million ot the animals were on the various rookeries at the peak of the season, which runs from May to November. The islands formerly belonged to Russia, but were transferred to the .United States at the time of the Alaska purchase. The population, mostly Aleut natives, numbers about 100, oi whom the majority live on St. Paul, where the action of the picture takes place. Due to the activities of poachers and the growth of the pelagic or deepsea sealing, the herds nave been decimated in 1900 there were scarcely half a million of the animals left, and the number is steadily decreasing, despite the efforts of the United States and the Canadian Governments to check the slaughter by converting the islands into a sanctuary Although the group and the surrounding waters are constantly patrolled by revenue cutters, occasional poaching raids have proved enormously successful from a financial standpoint. Such a raid forms the theme ol ‘The Far Call,’ which thus brings this little-known bit of American territory to the attention of the theatre-going public. Charles Morton, Leila Hyams, Ulrich Haupt, and Stanley J. Sandford have the principal roles in the production, based on. Edison Marshall’s novel of the same name Arthur Stone. Ivan Linow, Warren Humer, Charles Middleton, Pat Hartigan, and Dan Wolheim head the supporting cast, and furnish much of tho lawless atmosphere that makes the film an unusually realistic one. On the same programme at Everybody’s Theatre is ‘ Widecomhe Pair,’ a film introducing Devon as a picturesque setting for an English comedy-drama. SENSATIONAL MOTOR RAGING ROMANCE FEATURE AT GRAND AKD PLAZA THEATRES Probably one of the most interesting and entertaining British films shown here for some months is 4 Smashing Through,’ a film dealing with motor speed kings, which is the attraction at the Grand and Plaza Theatres. The producers have dedicated the picture to the British film industry and its fight for supremacy, and they have succeeded in an outstanding screen tribute to an industry which is becoming acknowledged throughout the world. There are so many interesting factors concerning this film that complete details cannot be given here, but one of the most important is that live Gray (a very popular British player) has her first big starring role. Tho story tells of Richard Bristol, who has entered his cars for a big road race. If he wins he will secure a big contract, which otherwise will go to his rival. Sergius. James Masters, in his employ, ims designed a new supercharger, but is feeling bitter because his father was once Richard’s father’s partner, and he is now_ only an employee. Richard is in lov with Masters’s sister Kitty, but she refuses him because of the family feud. In Richard’s employ also is Miss Duprez, a spy for Sergius. She poisons Masters’s mind, by hinting she has suffered at Richard’s hands, and also lies to Kitty, who leaves. Eventually she persua,des Masters to sell his invention to Sergius. While there he learns of a trick in the race which might kill Richard, and also learns of Miss Duprez’s duplicity. He manages to take tne crash intended for Richard, and . allows him to ■ win. All ends happily. John Stuart is very good as Richard Bristol, and Hayford Hobbs has an outstanding role as James Mas tors.

Excitement is the keynote of ‘ Come Across,’ a drama of society and the underworld which is also showing. It is a vivid tale of the adventures of a society girl, who, desiring to see how the other hair lives, finds herself embroiled with a gang of crooks. The cast is a wellchosen one. Lina Basquette has the stellar role, and playing with her are Reed Howes, Gustavo Von Seyffertitz, Flora Finch,. Craufurd-Kent, and Clarissa Sclwynue.

KING HOWARD

Am attractive double-feature programme will bo presented at the King Edward Theatre to-night, when tfie principa l film will be ‘ The Far Call,’ an unusual type of production from the Fox film studios. Directed by Allan Dwan the film is interpreted by a large cast of lead 1 tig players. Charles Morton, Leila Hyams. Ulrich Hanft, Stanley J Sandford, Warren ilymer, and many other artists of note appear in the leading parts, and are said to give excellent renderings in a story of considerable interest. The story deals with the exploits of a band of fur poachers and their attempts to raid the great seal rookeries. An appealing romance has been woven into the main plot, which abounds in thrills and adventure. In the otbei attraction Adolphe Menjou and Evelyn Brent are co-starred in a thrilling mystery story. entitled ‘A Night of Mystery.’