THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20612, 11 October 1930, Page 13

THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

CHARMING MUSICAL COMEDY i ‘ HOMEY '■ A DELIGHTFUL PRODUCTION Paramount has assembled a : particu- ■ larly brilliant cast for its latest musical comedy production. Honey. Add that a" “ snappy and original story, in which bright comedy .and attractive ■■refinance are cleverly intenriingled, a tuneful musical score, which includes several of the latest, . hits, , Ind there are all tho ingredients v that .go to .. make one or we outstanding successes of tho musical ’ comedy year. It was quite a sensation when it was produced on the stage, ; and it* transcription to the talkies has ■ been achieved with very happy results. , The Regent management had the plea- : sura of presenting ‘Honey to a Dun din audience for the hrst time yesterday, and it was haded with delight by % everyone who witnessed it at both sessions. There have been many outstanding productions at that popular house of ; , entertainment recently, but Honey ' must take its place at tbo head of the bright particular stars who con- ! tribute materially towards making Honey * the success it undoubtedly is are Nancy Carroll, Lillian Roth, Harry Green, Stanley Smith, Sheets Galla- . sher, Zasu Pitts, Mitzi Green, and ■. Jobyna Howland. Miss Carroll is one of the most popular of the younger actresses, and her spontaneous performance : ia this production will enhance her reputation considerably. She is cast as Olivia Dangerfield, the daughter of a ’ proud, but ’ impoverished, ■ V irgmian family, who is forced ,to lease tne family mansion to a wealthv widow, Mrs Falkner (admirably played by Jobyna Howland). Mrs Falkner refuses to retain the coloured servants and demands a new staff. Unfortunately only one arrives, and Olivia amd her ? i ] brother (SkeUta Gallagher), fearing that the lease will be cancelled, accept the position of • cook and butler.- The new occupants arrive—Mrs Falkner, her daughter Cora, and Burton Crane, whom Mrs Falkner hopes will marry Cora,: and complications begin at : once. Cora and the butler fall in iove at first sight, and the “ hope ” develops a tendency to disappear in the direction .or the Kitchen at frequent intervals. Mrs . ; Falknerfs kbpt informed of the pro-. i oeedings by the small daughter of the - ■ maid, : who bounces in at, intervals, -shouting that she has a secret, but refuses to part with the information until; a reward is produced. The story has many amusing turns before everyone' L? happy, and . holds the interest of eveifyone, until the final, scene. ; - ‘Honey’ is not one of these spectacular and colourful productions that i are designed to dazzle the eye. It is .a : very simple little story, very charmingly produced. There are no ballets,, no lavish sets, and no brilliant - sequences. But it,, is exceedingly ; pleasant entertainment. ' The musical score,is very melodious, aind in it there .-•re several of the latest hits, including ‘ln My Little Hope Chest,’ ‘I Don’t Need Atmosphere.’ and ‘ Let’s Be Domestic.’ Nancy. Carroll is a delightful heroine, and with Stanley Smith sings most appealingly. Skeets Gallagher and Lillian Roth are a brilliant comedy team, and are admirably supported by , Zasu Pitts and Harry Green, eleven - V-Jewish’ ? comedian; ; ';;Little- Mitzi. Green, = that exceedingly precocious child, gives j a rather remarkable performance. An attractive array of short subjects completes this highly entertaining bill. Pride of place must naturally go to a screamingly funny Mickey the. Mouse cartoon, which is being shown this week. There are also sceftiic and educational Jfffetures of unusual quality, a briliantly produced, Chinese fantasy, and the ever-interesting Metrotone gazette. The-whole programme is to be warmly , recommended. ;

DWEISLER'MOMK COMEDY COMING “ I now declare you to Ijc mau and wife .. .” The minister was Just about to say these words, and then the stock market crashed! And this situation is but one of the many , filled with laughs which audiences will find in the now Marie Dres-sler-Polly I Moran talkie comedy for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayor, ‘ Caught Short/ coming on Friday nest to the Regent Theatre. ,V. •How things are, straightened out to the; satisfaction of everybody, especially the audience, is told in such a - masterful, humorous way that sore . sides will be the “ order of the, day.” Musical touches, of the picture include -a travesty called ‘ I’m Spanish . Now,” sung by Miss Dressier in a party ■ sequence; and ‘Somebody, which Chas. Morton sings. ‘ .Caught Short ■ gives Miss Dressier and Miss Moran greater # opportunities ■' for their uproarious comic antics than they have ever before enjoyed, and Miss Dressier outdoes even her brilliant . characterisation in ‘ Anna Christie.’ ELINOR GIYH AT HER BEST DRAMATIC ENTERTAINMENT AT OCTAGON ’A film-with the distinction of combining a strong l plot with crystal-clear dialogue and ' astonishingly accurate characterisations by every member of ' the cast was found to be most wholesome entertainment by patrons who sampled the Octagon Theatre’s new fare yesterday. The title of the picture is ‘Such Men Are Dangerous,’ and it is 'from'the facile pen of Elinor Glyh._ The story is modern, and has for its central theme an incident which . actually happened in England a few years back, and it is made the more engrossing through the medium of the talking screen and a brilliant cast. The legitimate stage could not hope to present a rival to this screen version o: a famous book. In the film there is a new setting for ‘ Beauty and the Beast or, in other words, love versus wealth. Plain Eleanor is a charmingly sweet English girl, flustered into marriage witn the wealthy Ludwig Kranz. He loads her with expensive gifts, but she is repulsed by his cold heart and ugly face, and runs away on her wedding night. Planning a deep revenge, Kranz disappears from an aeroplane flying over the English Channel, and is ,' given up for dead by his friends. He, however, is not dead, and undergoes a facial operation, and as the handsome Pierre Villard arranges to meet his wife, win her love, and then desert her as she had* deserted him. Such a plot depends entirely on the acting ability . of the principals for, success, and it. • «peak ß volumes for the brilliant acting of Warner Baxter and Catherine Dal# Owen that the whole.picture moves so well. Each is. very natural in every scene. The leading lady baa recently ' been recruited from the stage, and this frail Monde is excellent in her role. Warner Baxter is just as repulsive as Ludwig Kranz as he is suave and flfetinjating as Pierre Jjllard, His is

a masterful portrayal. The supporting roles are equally Well filled. Claude Allistor, “ Speofy ” of the ‘ Three Live Ghosts/ has the role of Freddie Wyndham, heir to a title, debonair, slightly henpecked, and somewhat fatuous. In this part ho enhances his reputation a„ an actor. Hedda Hopper and Albert Conti are admirable.

An outstanding feature of this picture is'the original and most interesting settings and backgrounds. The audience follows the full ceremony' of a choral wedding in an ‘ English cathedral in tho presence of London society. There are _ also some very remarkable aerial views over London, showing the Tower Bridge, the Thames, and other metropolitan scenes, as a pas senger in the aeroplane opens tho door. In every respect this picture is particularly satisfying, representing Elinor Glyn at her best. Something new in tho way of supports is presented this week in ‘ People Born in January,’ the first of a horoscopes series. The Indian astrologer, Zanzimar, is introduced in this picture, and he reads the character and makes known the disposition of persons born in the first month of the year. The comedy offering departs from the usua> run of humorous items, and is quite a gay affair, being something m the nature of a rural musical show. There are songs and dances and plenty of fun,' and the audience is kept continually amused. Another instalment of ' * Screen Snapshots ’ shows the audience popular actors and actresses at Hollywood enjoying themselves while off duty. Two Fox Movietone New. reels, ‘ one an Australian edition, are packed with events of world-wide interest.

THE HEIGHT OF BRILLIANCE AT THE PRINCESS- 1 THE SHOW OF SHOWS' • From time to time ' motion picture producers take it into their heads to call in their artists from the fields oi drama and comedy, and, after gathering them together in one great, joybus crowd, they put them through the paces of a glorified revue. When it is deemed that the company has reached a standard as nearly perfect as is possible, the cameramen are commissioned in real earnest, and the resultant, production is usually not only, something; colourful, spectacular, and really entertaining, but it. is also a film which serves, admirably the purpose of giving picture patrons a more Intimate, introduction to their favourites. ■ In producing ‘ Tho Show or Shows/ "a revue which is certain to make the Princess Theatre extremely popular for tlie duration of the current programme, the . Warner Brothers would seem' to, have surpassed any previous efforts in this direction. Lavish stage settings and gorgeous costuming in technicolour are now' recognised as being essential if success hi • such entertainment is to' be' attained, and it goes without saying that in ‘ The Show of Shows ’ no expense has been spared in order that the desired effect might bo captured. Brit the picture is much more than a brilliant extravaganza which at best could do little more than suit tho taste of the unthinking, for, in spite of an absence of ploV and classical solidity (save in one particular turn) it reveals a veritable treasure store of histrionic ability. With such an array.. of firstclass talent available it is difficult to imagine that anything short of a triumph could have. been achieved. 1 Evidence of expert stage direction’ is seen’ in-the dancing and massed formation numbers; The singing is tuneful and clearly produced. The dialogue is refreshingly clean. Arid, above all, the actor on whose’shoulders rests the responsibility of guiding the. audience from item to item delivers his explanatory matter with a distinct touch of originality and ingenuity. The curtain rises on one scintillating scene after another —each a show in itself. The prologue, featuring Herbert Bosworth, H. B. Warner, and William Courtenay,. introduces the picture on rather a novel note, and “ the show is on.” . Monty Blue, at the head of a regiment of girls, leads a swinging military number, and in the ensuing quartet Jack Buchanan, with, his clever fooling, provokes roars or irrepressible laughter. . In a pirate ship scene, noteworthy for appropriate sartorial adornment.: Noah Beery and his gang Vof tough-looking buccaneers capitulates to Tod Lewis and his cheefy jazz band. Tho dance number which follows is outstandingly spectacular, a young lady being tossed about from partner to partner as though she were a fopthalj. Georges Carpentier, the well-known French boxer, lays aside the gloves and, assisted by Patsy Ruth Miller and Alice White, sings a popular air, finishing up by leading a large gymnastic class in rhythmic exercising. “ Sister Teams is a delightful turn, showing eight pairs of sisters in songs and dances representative of various countries, and Myrna Loy, with Nick Lucas in attendance, are the principals in a fascinating Chinese scena in which their voices are hoard to good, effect. The older members of the audience chuckle with glee when recollections’ of the entertainment provided in a past decade arc called up by ‘ A Bicycle Built For Two/ • introduced to tho tune of ‘ There’ll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town To-night.’ Irene Bordim . and that inimitable comedienne, Winnie Lightner, each have methods of their own for creating amusement, and John Barrymore gives a stirring interpretation of tho famous soliloquy from ‘ King Henry YI. ? Barrymore’s dramatic power‘is heightened by elaborate setting and costuming. The final phorus, 4 Lady Luck/ in winch 500 people take part, is a hrilljanfc ending to a brilliant production which lasts for two hours or. more. One of tho supporting films, A Question of To-day/ is obviously intended to servers a salutary lecture on social 'conduct. A grey-haired police superintendent administers to society a tongue lashing which most people will believe to be thoroughly deserved. Among his sequence of heavy statements are many that bear a certain simple significance. Here is a sample: “ A modest woman has less to fear from tho roughneck than from the young gentry about town.”

SENTIMENT AND COMEDY •FLIRTING WIDOW ARRIVES AT STRAND The Strand Theatre’s latest programme, screened for the, first time yesterday, is headed by ‘The Flirting Widow.’ The. picture is of exceptional interest, there, is a happy mingling of sentiment and comedy that should make the new picture acceptable to everyone. Dorothy Mackaill can scarcely be accorded too much praise for the manner in which she plays a rather difficult part, and Basil Rathbone, who is the central male figure in what may bo termed a romance, is natural .and forceful where necessary. The story concerns the eldest daughter of an aristocratic family, who, in order to permit her younger sister to enter wedlock, pretends to have be-

come engaged to a Colonel Smith, who has just departed for Arabia. When she tolls of her - engagement, she is forced by her relations to writo_ a love letter to tho colonel, her pet title for whom is “ Wobbles.” Sho writes the letter j intending to destroy it, and actually imagines that ■ sho has done so. But her aunt and sister have been before hei, and have consigned the letter to the post. It reaches a Colonel Smith in Arabia, who is ranch puzzled over its contents. Ho becomes interested m the writer, whoever she may be, and in due course returns to Engand pays a visit to the Farady family, under pretence of having been with Colonel Smith in his last moments. He is well received by everyone with the exception of Celia, who scents danger ’in the visit. Still, in some strange way, she is drawn towards this colonel, who has been the fast soldier friend of the supposedly dead “Wobbles.” Finally, Celia decides to leave for London, and persuades her aunt to accompany hcr._ The- aunt, who is of uncertain age, is so liberally treated to brandy by Celia in order to bring her up to the required mark, that in the end sho develops a determination to go to bed in place of catching the midnight train, and nothing funnier than the few _ minutes’ scene that follows could be imagined. The final scenes in this all-talking filtn are amusing and satisfying. The good selection of talking and singing short subjects includes ‘ Foolish Follies,’’ a ridiculously funny Aesop Fable cartoon.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA EMPIRE’S EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT After so .many musical comedy extravaganzas, back-stage films, and mystery thrillers, it is refreshing to have something a little different. ‘ Tho Czar of Broadway,’ which had its premiere at the Empire Theatre yesterday afternoon and last night, provides drama of the kind that holds the audience enthralled from first scene to final, fade-out. Rarely has such tense drama been seen as that depicted in the film, in which is. unfolded the story of how Mort Bradley ruled gangsters, newspapers, night clubs, and business circles. He was an inveterate but cool gambler for amazingly high stakes — the sky was his limit. John Wray portrays tho part so vividly and so accurately that it seems to have been made for him. ‘ The Czar of Broadway ’ opens in tho busy office of Bradley, New York financier and gang . leader. No scheme is too small to escape his attention, none too large. He gambles thousands on the throw of the dice without the flicker of an eyelid. Always cool,« laughing, and always betting his • money—somehow. His only weak spot is his friendship for young Grant, who camp, from a farm in lowa, so ho said. Just about that time a New York paper published a front page attack on “The Czar of Broadway,” indicting him for being a leader in bribery, vice, and crime. But not a shadow of suspicion fell on Grant. , . Grant was a reporter, and he made one false step when ho fell in love with Bradley’s fiancee and confessed his avocation to her. Tho second error was nearly fatal —Grant lost a metal badge. Bradley obtained it, and passed the word to his gunman to do his job. To make the suspense more terrible, a rival gang, viciously, jealous, plans to kill; Bradley and his gunmen., Tho film ends in what would merely have been a melodramatic finale but for, tho consummate acting of tho principals. The acting of John Wray is the outstanding feature of an outstanding picture. His is a notable performance. Suave always, ho was genial at times, and as cold as steel when the. scenes demanded it. Although a Now York underworld story, ‘The Czar of Broadway’ has no backgrounds other than those of the smart and fashionable set. Betty Oompson’s is a charming char-' actorisation. Claude Allister, better known for his, work in foppish roles, played the part of,a gentleman gunman in a most convincing manner. Wilbur Mack, King Baggqt, and Edmund Breeso are included in the cast. ‘ The Czar of Broadway ’ is exceptional entertainment, and on© that should bo seen and heard by all who appreciate a first-class drama. ’ ; The shorts are of a high standard, and ‘ Flying High,’ one of the popular Collegian series, is most laughable and entertaining. Tho British Screen News presents all the latest events in 'Britain—-a most interesting gazette, tho other items on the programme also being good fare. Apart from the excellent pictorial entertainment, there is the remarkably fine orchestra that is an essential factor in the success of every bill. M. do, Rose is undoubtedly a brilliant orchestral conductor, and tho artistic combination he has: under him performs with particularly happy results. In maintaining this orchestra the Empire management showed wisdom, for it has been an exceedingly popular move. Tho public does appreciate very keenly tho various selections . played every evening, as the enthusiastic applause indicates. Last night everyone was particularly delighted with the musical programme. M. de Rose had his instrumentalists in perfect accord, and under his precise and spirited baton they gave a spontaneous and refreshing performance of several familiar and melodious works. The popular ‘ Fifty Million Frenchmen ’ (Porter), ‘ Dream Mother’ (Lewis), and ‘Let Me Have My Dreams ’ (Akst) wore in lighter vein, and their interpretations greatly appealed to tho audience. Three dances from Sir Edward Gorman’s ‘Henry VIII.’ suite, selection from Verdi’s ‘ Rigoletto,’ Gay’s ‘Playing with Fire,’ the .cleverly syncopated ‘ Body and Soul,’ and tho selection ‘ If I Were King ’ were also played with conspicuous success. The programme will bo repeated to-night and during tho week.

M LAGLEN MASTERPIECE ROXY RELEASES ‘THE BLACK WATCH' . Romance, adventure, intrigue, and love crowd every breathless moment o- ‘ The Black Watch,’ John Ford’s alltalking production with Victor M‘Lag l.en, Fox star, which was released at tho Roxy Theatre yesterday for the first time. ■ ■ ■ ■ , . Admitted by critics and public alike to bo ono of tho greatest achievements of the speaking screen, this Fox Movietone romance finds genial Victor making even more of a hit than he did as the unforgettable Captain Flagg, in ‘ What Price Glory?’ In ‘ Tho Black Watch ’ M'Laglcn is cast as a government secret service, agent and a fine plot, centering about a love duel with an exotic adventuress of ageless Asia, lifts ono from mystery to suspense, suspense to thrills, and thrills to ecstasy. Myrna Loy, play ing opposite tho star, is beautiful and seductive, v finton ami cruel, proud and ambitious; a woman who played, at love, won and lost, and to the end, staked an empire on a kiss. It is the richest role sho has ever had, and she has made a lasting name for herself.,

A notably fine supporting cast, with such players as David Rollius, Mitchel. Lewis, Walter Long, Roy D Arcy, Daviu Torrence, David Percy, and a score of others equally well known 101 their ability, one of the best synchronisations that the screen has yet offered, mass scenes utilising hundreds of picket players, pipe hands,_ daring horsemen, and every ingredient—‘The Black Watch ’ comet as one of the finest contributions to the screen to date, either silent or sound. An outstanding programme of supporting featurettes rounds off this entertaining bill.

KING EDWARD CHANGE HUMOROUS LA PLANTE TALKIE That ever popular blonde film star, Laura La Plante, came to the _King Edward Theatre this afternoon in an entertaining comedy-drama entitled ‘ Hold your Man.’' In this film (Miss La Plante’s first all-talkie) the star is called upon for a sequence in which-she imitates the actions of a husband com mg homo from work after the first fiusn of romance has faded from matrimony This passage gives ;Miss La Plante an excellent opportunity to demonstrate her talent for mimicry. “In this sequence," Miss La Plante says, “T say only a few words, but I think that these materially increase the effect of the action.' These words are explanatory of the action, and allow the scene to progress without a break. _ln such passages, in my opinion, the judicious use of sound is a great improvement;" In the story Miss La Plante gqes to Paris to, study her art, and is fascinated by her romantic foreign model, who impersonates both an apache and a nobleman—and turns out to bo neither Her deserted husband comes to Paris with another girl, whom ho intends to marry as soon as the divorce is granted. All the principals are penned up in outplace bv a heavy rainstorm, and events of a highly ludicrous and unexpected nature pile up thick and fast. RAILROAD MYSTERY AT LYRIC ‘ The Wrecker,’ a fine mystery; film of the great English railroad, will be screened at the Lyric Theatre, North east Valley, this evening. ‘The Wrecker ’ is presented in sound and talking, and provides entertainment of a high order. Being a British film the cast includes only. British players, and the story has been handled in. a masterly manner, so that the mystery of the plot is covered until the last reel is, being screened, A lengthy list of sound featurettes will also bo shown.