THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20510, 14 June 1930, Page 13

THE PICTURES —NEW PROGRAMMES

ATTRACTIVE YAWITY RESENTS SMSES WfTN TWR-FEATtfRS BILL Since tie advent of tho talkies there have been many outstanding ..programmes presented at the Regent. Even in the silent days the Regent built up a great'name as a house'of entertainment,* but since then its reputation has beett; enhanced more than oyer by the-, consistent and; eminently high quality of the audible films shown there. This week’s remarkable bill provides a specific illustration'of the Regent’s commendable policy in securing the very**best ip/screen entertainment;' Two big pictures of unusual merit have been packed into a programme that is moat enjoyable in every respect- ; Strange, mysteries in a ghostly room, voices fr/om the great beyond, .the ex-, posing of mediumisiic tricks, and the dranvatio solution of a baffling murder mystery are the elements that go, to mmfee ‘The Thirteenth. Chair ’ one;of the most interesting films of,the year.: Margawt: Wycherly.’’ who ctoatod -the role of'Rosalie La Grange, revives the part she bad in the stage play, and; in which 'she appeared with such conspicuous success, in -New - Zealand. bliss Wycherly,' as the spirit medium fighting for the safety; of her • child in n mnrderUnvestigatipn,: presents on: the screen the same compelling figure that she did in the original production. Contad Nagel and Leila Hyams play the romantic leads, enacting a charming romance amid the mysterious circumstances, that , surround the murder. , \ Belai Lugosi plans’ the role of the iu- , speetbr -who solves' the mystery with tne aid, of the medium. There are many other well-known screen personalities in the film, which is particularly interesting and intriguing to the final sequence. The technical details of #lO picture are well-nigh per- • feet. Last night’s audience,was keyed up to fever pitch, and sat complete]} absorbed as the story was unfolded. . Had anyone suggested before the films began' to speak that the famous • Duncan Sisters would be seen and heard in Dunedin early in 1930,- he would have been greeted with laughter. Tins because the clever sisters were and still are vaudeville “ top-liners,” and-it is necessary to jingle much gold in luring top-liners out of New York, let: alone out of America. ‘lt’s a Great 'Life,’ like A 1 Jolson’s ‘Singing Fool.’ 1 and the Mars Brothers’ ‘Cocoanuts,’ is designed ' principal! v to exploit its stars. And as these stars are first-class artists in song, dance," and story, ‘lt’s a Great Life.’ more than fulfils expectations. It is an exhilarating cocktail with a mellowing of pathos—-as good an autumn evening’s enjoyment as the most caSe-hard-ened theatregoer could wish for. _ The performance of Rosetta Dnncan is remarkable. As the, elder “Hogan”, sister, she is a show, in herself, her vigorous comedy, clever singing, and .original stylo making an .instant appeal last evening. Undoubtedly she is one of .the finest comediennes that has. appeared in talkies', arid her amusingly forceful methods seem to suit the mechanical medium of production admirably. The younger sister also sings and acts with infectious verve, more especially in the stage sequences. The supporting players give every assistance to the stars,, a particularly fine performance gen" to the credit of Lawrence A Metrotone newsreel, brimful of pictorial records of the latest international events, rounds off a very enj ova hie programme . There is not the slightest doubt that the Regent is going to enioy a. remarl-’hlo run with this entertainin'* hill. The British and Otago Rugby teams will be present at' the gala performance on Monday night. * PIQUANT AND CHARMING * SEVEN DAYS' LEAVE 1 18 TYPICALLY ENGLISH Piquantly English and charmingly simple is “ Seven Hays’ Leave,' wriidi should provide Linpn’o .Xrieatro patrons this weeK witli a type of enertainment far removed, to a nigher plane, from the usual type of screen fare. Adapted from Sir James Barrie’s ‘ Xhe Old .Lady Shows Her Medals,’ ‘Seven Lays’ Leave ’ nas tlie sweet simplicity tiiat Bame amne can impart. Sans heroine, hero, or vitlian, 4 Seven Days’ Leave ’ is an acute and ' deeply sympathetic study oi humanity, of the proud Cockney mothers; their patriotism lofty . aboye.trie squalor of the; East End, and oft ah extraordinarily lovaole old spinster, delicater cherishing ner pride in the soldier hero or her dream'. Of ‘ Seven Hays’ Leave ’ it can truthfully be said that for dramatic power, positive charm, and wonderful acting, it has. had no equal among the picv tures. shown, .this' y'ear, fho amazing Vv , 't-paHi- ,:; atibufi' , -.thertfiibductioh is that- . Americans were responsible for it/ _ Ready, one would be prepared to wager a motor car o a bowler hat that no producer from Hollywood could possibly have caught the atmosphere of the East Ena so faithfully, and set the spirit .of, .pritridtisnj so exquisitely in ' • its framing. • The sincerity with which • the real Lriglish feeling has been presented must be .lauded. If it does .'nothing else, the production shows how .able ate the American producers; but it' has every quality to make it a superb attraction! When ‘ The Black Watch ’ was screened, wo marvelled at ,the integrity of the Scpttis’ settings ■ and the profound ’appreciation qf the part,'that famous regiment played in the. Great War., * Seven Days’ Leave ’ is even More expressive. Handled in every particular • vith consummate artistry,' this picture is one ■of the finest examples of what Hollywood can do. In this charming play there is mucb : delightful humour, and the ; climax is superb. Barrio’s plays are well-known,' and ;those who have not read his works will have a wonderful introduction to him through ‘ Seven Days’ Leave.’ Undoubtedly one of the finest histrionic masterpieces of recent years is Beryl Mercer’s delineation of Mrs Dowey. When this_ veteran English actress appeared in ‘Three Live Ghosts,’ she completely dominated the cast, and although Gary Cooper is the nominal star of ‘ Seven Days’ Leave,’ his work is overshadowed by that of Miss Mercer. She has a peculiarly deep appreciation of a role. Her whole personality is sunk into the part of the old Cockney charwoman who is aggriev.d that the war concerns everybody but herself. Her characterisation is wonderful. She makes Mrs Dowey a living character,' lovable and human as anybody could make it. Her-work throughout is superb, but for _ sheer artistry nothing is comparable with the climax in' which the old lady shows the real 'fitters from her son and. his medals won for gallan’ Her influence had made him a noble member oi £ courageous regiment. Gary

Cooper is excellent as Kenneth Dowey, but his acting is colourless, compared, with Beryl Mercer’s. Ho is a ugged soldier, and his first denunciations of the usurping mother, followed y his devotion to the old lady, are pieces Of acting bj a" really good actor. Daisy Belmore, Nora . Cecil, and Tempel : Piggot, the habitues _ of' the East End slum and the public bars, are an’ irreflistibli trio, rind their comedy is essentially Cockney, style. : Their alcoholic lamentations are very funny. •■ ; ! The supporting programme rs no less enjoyable.. Two news films, one of Australian shots and the other of pictures from America and the Continent, are' full of good things. ‘ Mountain Songs ’ makes a " straight appeal to the lover of the great outdoors. The scenery is marvellous, and the singing by the rangers, is great. ‘ Mountain Songs ’ points a strong moral : Do not let the sanctity, of Nature bo disturbed by vandals.' Hal Roach’s ‘ Our Rascals’ disport themselves with all their youthful abandon in a rollicking comSdy. it is a nost amusing picture for youngsters, although the slang is not in any way a. good, .feature. Anhther of Fleischer’s song cartoons,; ,_“oh, You' Beautiful Doll,’ as as . .illiant and amusing as any of its predecessors. In addition, Joseph Wayne’leads the audience in some more community sing-, ing; for this week he has Scottish selections. The orchestra,, under M. Do Rose, is associated with Mr Wayne in presenting a full programme of musi chi selections! M.- Do Rose is obtaining fine balance, volume, and effect from his orchestra. CLEAR ENGLISH SPEAKING AffillS »«»»■ UllfU IftBUI lUAVIIBP winnrlfl nm 6 Wl * R Nbr ‘ PiiTunC The new and improved sound system in the Strand Theatre, plus a wellselected programme of pictures, such as the one chosen for initial presentation yesterday, should make this theatre a very popular and comfortable little entertainment house. It is safe to assert that during the coming week, at any rate, the Strand will receive its fair share of the patronage. The talking picture that heads the bill is ‘ Her Private Life,’ and brings to the eyes and oars of everyone ‘Billie Dove in a highly dramatic plot. Its atmosphere of refined, aristocratic life is 'a relief, especially after the deluge of jazz Spectacles with their accompanying slang and general twang that have been given to picture fans of late. This is Billie Dove’s second talking picture for First National, and it is pleasing to note that this charming actress possesses a voice that in no way detracts from her screen presence. 'Her Private Life Vis bettor than her first attempt in the realm of sound, probably further proof of the old saying that practice makes perfect.” Walter Pigeon is her-leading man, and his striking and handsome personality is evident all through. He wins new laurels as the gentlemanly, sportingy young American who visits England and wins the heart of an English girl, then loses her for his sister’s honour. Pigeon is ideally suited for the part. As usual. Holmes Herbert gives a masterly talkie performance, while the remaining half dozen or so who comprise the supporting cast are always ready to give of their best. ‘ Her Private Life ’ is based on the stage play by Zoe Atkins, and chiefly concerns the doings of a young English girl, who, having married a British husband, who is in reality an ignorant, good-for-nothing, falls in love with a debonair American. Events follow each other quickly, always gripping the audience, the members of which anxiously await the climax to discover bow it is all going to end. There is a card game, uring which one player is accused or cheating, there is also threatened blackmail, and revenge that sends the girl penniless to the United States. The conclusion is both dramatic and impressive. ‘ Her Private Life ’ has many points that-commend it to the public taste, and not the least of these is the speaking, ft is certainly a treat to listen to the English language, as it is riot generally spoken in the talkies. The picture in no way, tries to reach the spectacular and make itself commanding by appealing to the eye—the scenery is rich, but not out of the ordinary. It is in perfect harmony with the drama it surrounds. The Strand always seems to have the happy knack of offering a sound assortment of short subjects to precede the main item, and those on the new bill are as entertaining as any. The tazette is a silent one, and is quite a eparture from the mow common sound film in that Graham M'Namee, the man who has the reputation of having the most well-known voice in the world, having been a famous radio announcer, is once again hoard in witty descriptions of what is being depicted on the • screen. . There is no child actor who can rank with Snookuins, who" is as knowing as ever in the comedy picture. Ed Lowry and his orchestra "play and sing away .the blues for ten minutes or so, arid Adele Le Narr, a juvenile singer and dancer, is very entertaining in he 1 short vaudeville turn. The gem of tha supports comes last, this being a really clover and amusing musical interlude by the Arkansaw Trio, three brothers who stand in a class by themselves, ' • ATLANTIC 1 A MASTERPIECE GRIM SEA DRAMA AT OCTAGON “Mr - has instructed all liners of the International Mercantile Marino Company to be equipped with lifeboats and rafts sufficient to carry all aboard.” “The Hambourg-Amerika and the Canadian Pacific Companies have decided to provide lifeboats sufficient for all passengers and crow,” ‘ These are significant examples of tho decrees that went forth after tho appalling tragedy of the Titanic, the mammoth sister ship of the Olympic and a liner which was believed to bo nnsinkable. At about the time the Titanic met her,fate it was popularly supposed that the. pinnacle, of safety had been reached in the art of ship construction, and it must bo feared that, although every attention was given to the provision of luxurious accommodation for a vast number of passengers, very little thought had been devoted to precautionary measures. On the Titanic, which struck an iceberg on her maiden voyage and sank with many hundreds of unfortunate people clinging to her careening decks, the number of lifeboats was woefully inadequate, and it is on this aspect of the disaster that the absorbing drama, ‘Atlantic,’ shown for the first time yesterday at the Octagon Theatre, has been built up. The British International Films Company has adapted its masterly production from a highlypolished novel by Ernest Raymond, the author of “Tell England.’ Grim and fascinating, this drama of the sea lays bare the souls of a group of men and women who, after believing for a time in the supposedly invulnerable armour of the liner, are suddenly forced to realise the awful situation. The .Atlantic has only a few hours to live! Wireless communication reveals the fact that assistance from other ships must come too late! Tho lifeboats can carry only a limited number—mostly women

and children! It _ is then that the scenes become poignant to a very touching degree. But nevertheless, being British, the story is not lacking in the interpretation of the courageous humour that is ever associated with tho Briton, however deeply he is immersed in the whirlpool of distress, and it contains also a stirring delineation of tho kind of sacrifices known to have been made by those who were on board the sinking Titanic. British seamanship is supreme. The best use possible is made of the boats available. And while tho women and children, separated from their loved ones, are being swung out into the boats, the ship Y s orchestra plays through a repertoire 6f popular and cheerful numbers. Cheap melodrama has been rigorously' eschewed. The photography is realistic without being grotesquely spectacular. Every voice heard hi the dialogue is purely British. • In short, ‘ Atlantic ’ is a triumph of talking and sound synchronised production. For the purpose of allowing a concentrated study of various types of people tho smoking room of the vessel has been selected for the representation of a large portion cf the drama. Here one meets the crippled, one time cynic, an author notorious for his uncanny ability to make fun'of things that most people consider beautiful. Sitting in his wheel-chair, he deems himself a nuisance on deck, and, being one oi the few to whom tho second officer has confided the perilous position, ho calmly persuades his male friends to bustle their women folk into the boats. The major, a cheery soul, breaks into tho bar and administers spirituous courage to a friend who is valiantly trying to [mil himself together. The young husband forces his bride to accept a place in a boat, and then, broken-hearted, returns to the smoking room to await his fate with tho men. Ho falls unconscious, and tho crippled author insists on his being carried to the seat in a boat that has been offered him. “He is so young; I am old,” ho tells his wife. His wife remains by his chair till the end The parts played by tho crow, from the captain to the stokehold hands, are admirably portrayed. “Wo are all one class now, laughs a big fireman as the engine room staff troops into the smoking room. Above all there is the padre, always serene, and kneeling in prayer in front of his kneeling, praying comrades as the deck is awash with the last surge that carries her down. Tho last scene? Sunrise on a calm soa. That is all. The sheer power of this graphic film, rather overshadows the rest of tho programme, but there is nevertheless a very enjoyable selection qf shorter pictures. The ‘ Screen' Snapshots ’ series is unusually interesting, and the ‘ Krazy Kat’ cartoon is quite as ingenious as any of its predecessors. Fay Marbe is a singer who delights tho audience with a selection of songs representative of various Continental tastes. GORGEOUS MUSICAL COMEDY ‘ SALLY * SCORING AT PRINCESS As a stage presentation ‘ Sally,’ the brilliant _ musical comedy, scored an outstanding success, but it is quite safe to say that as a screen offering ‘ Sally ’ has scored even a greater suc-

cess, On tho stage Josie Melville captivated local audiences in the title role, but in the stage picturised version Marilyn Miller is every bit as charming as the winsome little waitress who rises to the pinnacle heights of success as a dancer. The all-talking version of ‘ Sully ’ opens the third week of its season at the Princess Theatre to-night. It is a picture which leaves nothing but delightful memories, and rarely is it found that , the motion picture director so faithfully adheres to tho stage success in bringing the production to the screen. It is undoubtedly one of the really outstanding pictures of the year, and the story of Sally, the girl with the twinkling toes, who wished to desert the ranks of; -waitresses to become a great dancer is well told. Sally, gets her chance, and incidentally, scores an iristant success. Romance . enters tho life of the Joyous little girl, and' adventures come her way when she agrees to appear at a big house party in tho guise of a famous Russian dancer. Her happiness is threatened as a result, but her magnificent performance gain's for her a contract with the Ziegfeld Follies. Tho honour seems an eriipty one for Sally, when it _ appears) that-' ro.manoo is irretrievably shattered,' but. eventually she finds happiness, and the picture ends just as delightfully as it opens. ,• ■ A big attraction in this production is tiiat natural colours are used throughout, and should any doubts of tho effectiveness of' technicolonr have been entertained those will he dispelled by the photography of ‘Sally.’ The magnificently-staged ballets and other spectacular scenes are presented in many different shades and hues, the effect being most ■ pleasing. < It is a long time, t too, since the dialogue in an all-talking picture lias been reproduced with such clarity, the diction of every one of. tho leading members of tho cast being perfect. Miss Marilyn Miller, who makes, of Sally a charming, lovable personality, is a London musical comedy star in the first flight, and her characterisation in this picture stamps her not only as an actress of outstanding ability, but as a singer and a dancer of great note. Tho lilting airs of the stage play are hoard on tho screen, such favourites as ‘ Sally,’ ‘ Look for tho Silver Lining,’ and ‘ The Little Church Around tho Corner’ being among tho favourite numbers that, are presented. Tho exquisitely-arranged ballots and dance numbers are a feature of tho production, but apart from Miss Miller’s exceptional performance much enjoyment will be derived from tho clever work of Joe E. Brown, who portrays the role of Connie (the Grand Duke). Ho is a delightful comedian ami an eccentric dancer of considerable tnlcnt._ Ho is one of the big “hits” of the show, and another splendid actor in Ford Sterling, also an old favourite, creates much mirth as “Props” Shendortf. Tho other members of the cast are of tho same calibre, including Alexander Gray, T. Roy Barnes, and Pert Kelton. The remainder of the programme is in keeping with tho stellar production, a most amusing talking comedy being ‘Finders Keepers,’ in which a young husband sets out to demonstrate to his wife the truth of the slogan, “Honesty is tho best policy.”

ROXY’S THIRD PROGRAMME NORMA SHEARER IN SOCIETY DRAMA. _ ‘ The Last of Mrs Cheney ’ is the title of the talkie heading the third programme of the Roxy Theatre as a sound ■ theatre which commenced screening yesterday. Norma Shearer is starred. I'he plot deals with an’aristocratic, unsophisticated, and thoroughly charming lady crook, who hoodwinks the elite of British society into accepting her as one of their own number solely that she may make them her victims and prey upon them. She works in connection with ' a gang, the , head of, which is her suave butler, a part very ably played by George Bar rand. Her activities are accidentally discovered by Lord 'Pilling (Basil Rathbome), who has already lost Ins heart to her. Shocked, but still enamoured, Lord Pilling uses, .his knowledge to force his attentions upon her. Later, Mrs Cheney _ proves that pride and honour, "sometimes rank very high, oven in, lady crooks. The tables are turned, and she still comes off, the victor. How she does it all, and'how Lord Pilling, who still loves her very dearly, wins her heart and obliterates the name of Cheney by making her Lady Pilling, is exceptionally romantic, but not beyond the bounds of probability. The story is remarkably well presented, as it is bound to bo when the characters are entrusted to a company of screen artists such as has been selected. Tho plot is very interesting, and though the play is, to all intents and purposes, founded upon matters that are serious, there is room found for a few genuine flashes of humour. The characters have been drawn fairly true to life, one instance of that being Lord Pilling, who has a determined way with women, and is driven to desperation by the frigid aloofness of tho beautiful Mrs Cheney. Excellent supports are also shown. PLEASING PLAZA PICTURES GEORGE BANCROFT IN FEATURE FILM George Bancroft is in tho ‘ 1 white collar ” class in his latest Paramount picture, ‘ Tho Wolf of Wall Street,’ at tho Plaza Theatre. More than that, Bancroft 'wears a white collar and diamonds to boot, marking a 1 contrast to the roles ho has been accustomed to of late. As may bo construed from the title of the film, Bancroft portrays tho role of an investment broker who dabbles in stocks and bonds. So engrossed is he with his work that ho becomes entirely oblivious to his wife’s social activities—who, before her husband became wealthy, was a circus performer. Baclanova essays the role of tho neglected wife. Bancroft has a partner in his business, which part is portrayed by Paul Lukas. - Lukas dislikes Bancroft because In’s partner boasts too much of his ability to make or break tho stock market. For revenge ho strikes up a flirtation with Bancroft’s wife. How Bancroft works vengeance upon the two in a manner more to bo felt by them through their pocket books serves to make a very interesting story. Aside from Lukas and Baclanova, Bancroft

has excellent help from Nancy Carroll' and Arthur Rankin, who hare import-! ant roles in the production. A second attraction is ‘ His Buddy’s Wife,’ a strong drama of heroic youth.; Glenn Hunter and Douglas Gilmore and the old favourite Flora Finch are. the principal players in , this , pleasing, production. An interesting Paramount news reel and a good comedy entitled ‘ Even: Up” are also shown.' .The orchestra renders' as an entr’acte the first of a series of! melodies of old and new songs. . ‘Sea/ Songs ’ is this week’s entr’acte. KIKO EDWARD * A Man’s Past ’ is the title of the chief feature at the King Inward Theatre, which is offering a programme qf good all-round entertainment to-night. Conrad Veidt and ; Barbara. Bedford have been entrusted with . the chief, characterisations, while Dorothy Boyd, is the principal star in ‘ Love’s vvp- : tion/ the second big attraction. . LYRIC THEATRE BILL AT NORTH-EAST VALLEY. At to-night’s session of the Lyric Theatre, North-east Valley, Colleen Moore will bo shown ■ in ‘ Why Be Good?’ which depicts the romance, of Gert Kelly, who enjoyed the- reputation of being the “ hottest ” dancer ait. a popular dance hall. Two comedies, * a cartoon, and several gazettes will complete, the programme. •