THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

Evening Star, Issue 20688, 10 January 1931, Page 11

THE PICTURES—NEW PROGRAMMES

VARIETY THE KEYNOTE EMPIRE'S EXCELLENT PRSGRAMME Variety is the keynote of the new programme at the Empire '.theatre, and the management of tins enteipiismg house of entertainment certainly makes commendable efforts to seo to it that the tastes of all classes of pictnregoeis are catered for, while the playing ot the Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Do Hose, is always a sheer delight. , The musical side of last night s enteitninment was well up to the usual high standard, the orchestra being heard to considerable advantage in ‘ Fra hmvolo ’ (Auber) and ‘ Awakening ot the Lion 3 (Koutsky). Heading the picture bill is a delicious comedy-drama, •"Safety in lumbers,* which may be guaranteed as a sure gloom-dispoller. The theme itself is one of great possibilities. A young man out West is suddenly informed that within three months he is to come into a fortune of £5,000,000, hut his uncle determines to send him to Mew York to see a little of life before he secures Ins inheritance. Believing that theio is safety in. numbers, the young man s cuardian engages three charming members of the Follies to act as sponsor to him. It is not long, however, before the natural charm and boyishness of the young man make the three girls hia devoted pals, ami their admiration for him increases when he scoies a big hit with several song successes, the rendering of which, by tho way, is a feature of the production. Anothei member of the Follies casts covetous eves on the Californian, but she is effectively dealt with by his sponsors. Complications ensue, howo* 01, vhen, in stead of falling for the night hie ot the city the young man lalls in l°ve with one of his “ guardians. . and & he returns the favour. That might be » logical ending to any picture, but op this occasion the plot at that stage <dven an ingenious twist, the gut deciding that it was not playing tho game by the uncle to marry the young maw whom she had contracted to show » little of New York life. She accepts the offer of a persistent suitor m obtaining a position for her in I ans, but Bill Reynolds, the hero of tlm piece, takes.things into his own lianas, ami by direct action disposes of the ardent suitor and prevents the girl ot his chaice from leaving New Y oik. A biilliant and most amusing sketch of ivhat is apparently a type among New York tasimen is not tho least laughable feature of a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining picture. Charles (Buddy) Rogers is a most likeable hero, anti his work throughout is always convincing. Ho has associated with him a strong supporting cast, which includes Kathryn Crawiorcl, Josephine Dunn, Carol Lombard. Geneva Mitchell, Roscoo Karns, brancis MacDonald. Virginia Bruce, Raoul Paolii Louise Beavers. ' and Richard Tucker. Some delightful song hits are included. „ . Tho supports arc of uniform cxcoß lence, and, as usual, tho Universal Talkie Newsreel contains much that is of interest, the various items being culled from all parts of the world. A comedy sketch is entitled The Helping Hand,’’ a most entertaining portion ol the programme. Views of Rotorua are most interesting, nud a very clqver animated chrtooui includes a diversified Bill of fare. The programme will bo repeated this evening. ‘THE BIG POND.’ Maurice Chevalier will be seen and heard in an entirely new typo of characterisation (for him), when Paramount’s ‘ The Big Pond ’ comes to the Empire Theatre tm Friday nest. In this production Chevalier is cast as a young Frenchman who meets a group of Americans while serving as a guide in Venice. Through their influence ho is taken back to America where he is given a position in a chewing gum factory. The job is a very minor and menial one, but the indomitable Maurice sticks to his arduous tasks, and by dint of ambition and inventive genius climbs the ladder of success until he becomes “ the whole .works ” in tho factory. Of course, there is a heavy romance ■ —with Claudette Colbert furnishing the feminine half of it. She is a Frencliborn actress who has made rapid success on tho Broadway stage. She was featured recently with Walter Huston in ‘The Lady Lies.’ In ‘Tho Big Pond’ Chevalier sings a number of songs in a manner that is delightfully Chevalier-esque. Hobart . Henley directed ‘ The Big Pond.’ Ho was the director of ‘ Tho Lady Lies ’ and ‘ Roadhouse Nights.’ Chevalier’s first appearance in talking pictures was in ■‘lnnocents of Paris’—a film which created box office panics in many theatres. His second opus was ‘ The Love Parade ’ —a musical extravaganza which definitely clinched his claim to fame as one of screcmlom’s foremost personalities.

SPIRIT OF THE OLD WEST ’THE ARIZONA KID' AT THE OCTAGON Warner Baxter lias accomplished the seemingly impossible. He has surpassed the marvellous performance he gave in ‘ln Old Arizona’ with another and even finer impersonation of a gay and insouciant bandit in ‘ The Arizona Kid.’ a great outdoor romance in Movietone, which delighted large audiences when it opened at the Octagon Theatre yesterday. Hero is the genuine spirit of the Old West, that elusive thing which so lew Western produetions manage to transfer to the screen. Perhaps the fact that all its scones, including the interiors, were made right on the actual scene of tlvo story—a little village in south-western Utah—has something to do with the note of unquestioned realism that pervades ‘live Arizona Kid.’ Anyway, it is there, and together with the gorgeous .scenic hackgrounds and tho remarkable work of the cast, makes tho picture one of tho best and most entertaining all-talk-ing films of tho year. As a badly-wanted outlaw, “ The Arizona Kid” is being searched for by many, including tho sheriff of Uoekville. Utah, who does not suspect that Chico Cabriilo, * well-liked resident of the town, is really the Kid himself. Chico’s favourite among the dance-hall girls is tho fiery Lor it a,_ whose naturally jealous nature is inflamed when her lover offers the shelter of Ids homo to Virginia and Nick Hoyt. Tho treacherous Nick learns Chico’s true identity and betrays him. How Chico escapes by the skin of his teeth with tho one girl who remained faithful to him, forms tho stirring climax of this unusually well handled production. Mona Maris, who plays tho leading feminine role, reveals herself as a dramatic actress of tremendous ability. Carol Lombard, Mrs Jimincz, Theodor Von ICltz, Arthur Stone, Hank Mann, and oilier well-known players give noteworthy performances in their roles and Alfred Santcll’s direction and

clever use of the gorgeous scenic backgrounds ot Zion National Park call for special mention, as does Ralph Block’s absorbing and colorful story. For a real treat, ‘ The Arizona Kid ’ should not bo missed. The supporting programme is varied and interesting. ft covers a wide range of subjects and many countries. The Fox Movietone Nows Gazette includes many unusual features. The members of tho Australian cricket eleven that recently regained the ashes from England are shown on the screen, each player being introduced by the captain, W. YL. \Voodfull, who gives particulars of tho performances and capabilities of each. Then several of them speak through the microphone. There is the usual budget of Australian news also. A very amusing Mack Sonnett comedy also figures on the bill, bearing the intriguing title ‘Girl Crazy,’ in which several of the Mack Sennet comedians are given a free rein for tho exercise of their inimitable buffoonery. ‘SONG O’ MY HEART.’ John M'Cormack, acclaimed, the world’s greatest tenor, who stars in ‘ Song o’ My Heart,’ the Fox movietone production to open at the Octagon Theatre next Friday lias more imitators, perhaps, than any singer in history. This distinction would probably be shared by Patti ami Caruso. In the last eight or ten years hundreds of tenors have ben hoard, who. in the estimation of their managers or enthusiastic friends and relatives were “ greater than M'Cormack,” but they gradually but surely slipped from public notice. Tho plain truth of the matter is, there lias never boon a “second” anybody who survived for any length of time. There never was a “second” Patti, never a “second” Caruso, and there is no “ second ” M'Cormack. Somebodv greater may come along some fine day, but he will have to bo original, not merely an imitator. Music lovers tho world over will bo delighted to know that in M'Cormack’s first picture his voice will bo heard in eleven songs. This Fox movietone, tho early scenes of winch were filmed and recorded in Ireland and completed in Hollvwood, has Maureen O’Sullivan and Alice Joyce in important feminine roles. John Garrick, youthful lead of ‘ The ’Sky Hawk.’ and Miss O’Sullivan play tho youthful lovers. J. AT. Kerrigan, Farrell Macdonald, Tommy Clifford, and Effio Ellser are seen in interesting characters, and tho balance of the supportinn- company and even tho extras arc true Celtic types. Tho box plans are now open tit tho tlireatro unci ut Aho Bristol.

‘ ROMANCE OF RIO GRANDE ’ ROXY SHOWS COLOURFUL FILM Since Cortes swept like a thunderbolt over the mountains and valleys of Mexico the country of Montezuma, has become to the civilised world a hind of romance and intrigue, of carc-lreo peons and lordly grandees. It is but natural, therefore, that in tho Remanco of Rio Grande,’ which received its initial screening at tho Roxy Theatre yesterday, Warner Raster and Mona Maris should play out togcthei tho story of lovo and bitter enmity against a background of the statelv haciendas and dust-blown plains of Northern Mexico. Tho characters have been judiciously chosen for tho various parts. Warner Baxter lias tho most prominent role—that of Pablo, a haifcaste Mexican, who is first seen as a railroad . engineer “ below the Rio Grande.” The action of tho stoiy shifts, and ho is next revealed as tho grandson of Don Fernando, the owner of vast territories and a representative of tile old order of things. It is hero that Baxter gives his most convincing portrayal, and upon his action much of tho success of the story depends. Mona Maris, who is hailed as one pi the most promising,younger actresses,is outstandm,' as ivfarvolita, tho girl whoso devotion and lovo for Pablo are unrecognised until an unexpected turn of events bring her almost to death s door. Antonio Moreno, who takes the part of Juan, the nephew of Dua Fernando and tho villiau ot tho piece, and Mary Duncan, as Carlotta, tho fascinating but unscrupulous lover of Juan and would-bo wife or lablo, give renderings of a standard which nuftht bo expected of such veterans of tho moving picture world. Although, as has been said, tho settings of the story play no unimportant part in the production, there is sufficient fast-moving action to maintain tho interest throughout, anil the final scone is as satisfactory as could ho wished. In addition to the principal picture there is a supporting programme, which roaches the usual standard set at tho Roxy riicatic. BRITISH AND GOOD ‘THE SQUEAKER 1 AN OUTSTANOIHG SUCCESS That England has issued a strong challenge to the United States to prove her supremacy in tho motion pieliuc industry has been well borne out during recent ‘months. In tho old silent days the leadership of tho American studios could not be disputed, but with the advent of the talkies Fngland has definitely entered the field and .shown conclusively that her products arc, in many respects, quite superior to tho American. A striking illustration of this fact will" he presented to everyone who visits tho Regent this week to sec the pictnrisation of Edgar Wallace s thriller, ‘ Tho Squeaker.’ Here is a production of finish and artistry, an excellent entertainment that kept the nitciest of last night’s audience at fever pitch throughout its exciting course. With pictures such as this, British programmes will become immensely popnNeariv everyone has read of ihe colourful career of ‘ The Squeaker, one of the most popular ot all, tho Wallace criminal creations. It is one ol that ingenious gentleman’s best woriis, and has often been singled out ‘rum his staggering list of titles for special mention. The central ehavaetci _ is a mysterious underworld figure who powerful accessory “ after tho laeV m all tho big robberies in Loudon. W hen a robbery is committed tho thud is mot hv a masked man at a lonely spot and offered it pittance for the valuables he has stolen. If ho docs not agree a few hours later tho police receive a typewritten sheet on which his name, address, and tho facts of his complicity aro given away. Around this theme Edgar Wallace lias woven an intriguing and exciting romance. There is the sinister figure of Frank Sutton, who covers his dealings with the underworld in a prosperous business; Low Friedman, a wealthy Jew and h;s friend, whoso fortune has boon amassed rather carelessly; Friedman’s niece, who is to marry Sutton against her will; Captain Leslie, a gcntleman_ of refinement and also an old “lag” iiist out of prison, who falls in lovo with tho niece. Numerous other minor characters aro brought in to compli<ate the mystery of the identity ct ‘Tho Squeaker.’ It is not fair to disclose that fact to anyone who has followed tho career of that interesting gentleman in print. Suffice it to say that the denouement is extremely siir-

prising, but at tho same time quite logical.

Special interest attaches to this picture, in view of the fact that it was produced and directed by Edgar Wallace himself. Consequently it is an authoritative version. Mr Wallace demonstrates that his ability is not confined to literary activities. He has unci need ‘The Squeaker’ with considers deskill. Another very interesting feature is tho fact, that the production marks tho reappearance on the screen of Percy Manumit, tho distinguished British star, who made such a success m America in the silent (dins. Mr Marmont was always popular in American pictures, and that popularity will bo revived and greatly enhanced by his work in ‘The Squeaker.’ He has a very attractive style and is supported by an excellent cast of British artists, all ol whom give conspicuous performances. ‘ Tho Squeaker ’ is one of the most entertaining melodramas shown in Dunedin for a very long time. Tho management of the Regent has this week contrived to pack in another big picture of outstanding merit. Tnis is ‘Strictly Unconventional,’ an adaptation of Somerset Maugham's brilli int satire on marriage, ‘ The Circle.’ It is that celebrated playwright’s conception of what would happen if a wile who deserted her husband should meet him thirty years later when his sou is faced with a similar problem in connection with his own wife. Among the players in this production arc the accomplished Lewis Stone, Catherine Dale Owen (wiio was the very attractive heroine of ‘ 1 he Rogue Song’), Paul Cavanagh, Em est Torrence, and other well-known screen personalities. It is a delightful picture, a pointed satire of modern manners and morals in Somerset Maugham’s best vein.

QUALITY COMEDY-DRAMA PRINCESS'S ATTRACTIVE OFFERING Abounding in humour, and a light story of tho adventures of a gay, philandcring Mexican caballcro, ‘ Undoi the Texas Moon ’ by its very variety and excellence, satisfied tho audience at tho Princess Theatre last night whore it received its first Dunedin screening. No pretentious claims’ lor itself arc made by ‘Under the Texas Moon ’; it lias no need, as its quality is its best advertisement.

. ‘ Under the Texas Moon ’ has an atmosphere as yet now to tho sound screen, in the experience of Dunedin audiences. The fact that it is in tcchnicolour throughout is in itself not a novelty, but the combination of movement and sound with tho natural hues of magnificent out-of-doors scenes is satisfying and has tho added charm ot freshness. It is also a picture brimful of the colour of artistry, the acting of Frank Fay and the other members of a particularly strong cast having a powerful romantic appeal quite apart from the beauty of the settings. Tho plot, which deals ( somewhat obscurely with cattle rustling and rustlers and hombres, is jnst strong and connected enough to supply sufficient reason for the abundance of Mexican dancing and singing, and the argent lovemaking of the debonair Don Carlos, while at the same time, bolding interest with its mystery. Its unexpected twist proves as satisfactory as the acting of the principals. The amorous adventures of Don Carlos Jose Rafael Sebastian ile Rivero, to give the lull name used by himself, arc the theme, but the gay clou is not a more langorous lady-killer. Ho proves himself almost as good a man of action as ho is a liar—-hut such a droll and charming a liar as no otic, ccrtliinly no lady—could fail to lovo. Don Carlos has two faithful followers, who carry guns as well as guitars. They aro 'his" bodyguard and his hand when it comes to the serenading of a scnorita. That happens so frequently that Don Carlos nearly lands himself in difficulty, but lie never allows the situation to get entirely out of hand. His motto appears to bo that a maiden left lamenting is better than fragrant flowers on Don Carlos’s grave. One of many delightful incidents, in winch sweet romance is intermingled with humour, occurs when lie accpts a tcnorita’s kisses, but declines her proposal to sacrifice his litc in freeing her of an unwanted betrothed. With Irequent glimpses ot the rough men and ways of the Mcxicoa herder there are .scenes of festival, crowded with Inc and laughter, and pretty woomgs m which the handsome Don Carlos is partnered by u series ot pretty ‘ Under tho Texas Moon ’ captures the spirit of romance as lew other pictures have done. The pastel shades which reveal colour without wearying the eye aro one of its great charms, but it is to Fiank Fay, the inimitable Ih-qadway wit, that tho success of the delightful comedy drama must be credited. Ho is a thoroughly likeable Mexican philandcrcr. His is u most cultivating cluuaetcrisalion, a remarkably lino piece of acting. Scnoritas who momentarily stir the heart of the roving caballcro aro Anaida, llaqucl Torres, Myrna Lov, Mona Maris, and Betty Boyd. Noah Beery, Tally Marshall, and Charles Eelloii appear in heavy parts, while the two guitar-strumming henchmen of tho hero uro played by George Stone and George Coopei. .the theme song, ‘Under tho Texas Moon, is a haunting melody. In sound and photography, the picture approximates perfection. Altogether, it is very pleasant entertainment. The supporting programme has variety to commend it. The standard of quality is consistent with that set bv the Princess Theatre. A witty and laughable sketch is that about tho antigambling movement, while a harpist plays several numbers most acceptably. Tim ‘Bathe News Gazette’ is conimeiulable for its variety, two brilliant acts being fancy skating and (lancing by Ren off and Honova, of Continental fame The programme which the I nnccss is offering this week should appea to nil in search of diversified and quality entertainment.

FINE HORTH-WESTERH DRAMA • TIGER ROSE ' SCREENED AT STRAND Sira ml patrons have nothing to leur in regard to tlioir iiliu laro this "cch, lor the management has chosen a programme of 10l kies Unit everyone should enjov. Advance notices mentioned 11k-. fact Unit Rm Tin Tin ivns coining ima now movietone, mid large audiences at both sessions .yesterday were the result of iho announcement. However, persons expecting to sen a full picture of canine acting will be disappointed, for flinty lias but a small part to play in ‘'Tiger Hose,’ which is the title of the new attraction. What little bo docs do is clever, but the lino dramatic plot and spectacular scenery make up tor wbat is lost through the dog’s acting. There is an exceptional cast. Set in the Canadian Rockies, which afford some bountiful scenic views, the story in its telling calls for scenes of steep mountains, sheer cliffs, ravines, rapids, giant trees, and dense undergrowth-— they are all present in ‘Tiger Rose,' adding colour and, to a certain extent, novelty to this splendid talkie. 'The photography is faultless, as is also the sound, reproduced with remarkable

clarity through the Strand’s apparatus. Tho twittering ot birds, the bark ol dogs, tho (.-latter ol' lighting, and a fierce thunderstorm arc all included in the remarkable variety of sounds introduced. Tho story opens in a tiny post or tho Hudson Bay country, which docs not wish the introduction ol modernistic activities. At tho post live an old Scotsman ('Fully Marshall) and Jus daughter I’osc (Lupo Valcz). Devlin (Monte Blue), a North-west .Mounted, loves Hose, but his a (lections are not returned, lor she turns her attentions to one Bruce Norton (Grant \Vithcrs), whose identity is more or less unknown at the post. Dr Bell (H. B. Warner) oversees one ot the lovers’ meetings, and hears that Bruco wishes to take Bose to Vancouver, where they arc to ho married. Bell gets Bruce to visit him, tho latter being unaware of the other’s attentions. The doctor strips Bruco of his revolver, and threatens to kill tho visitor, telling him that ho wants Hose. A struggle ensues, a table and spirit lamp overturn, tho doctor is accidentally shot, and the shack catches lire through the upset lamp. Bruce is a marked man tor murder. A natural conclusion to jump to, and how that poor fellow has to ilee! Bose jimls him through Binly’s tracing his scent, and under cover of darkness takes him to the post, where she hides him. They have trouble in escaping, but this comes cVentually, ami they shoot off in a canoe, heading lor the rapids. All was sale—no, Devlin appears from under a covering in the bow' of the boat and iilaccs Bruce under arrest. The remainder of the story is well worth seeing. Monto Blue, Lupo Valcz, and (leant Withers are well cast, but perhaps tho finest performance is that of H. B. Warner, whose sympathetic acting is delightful. In tho supporting section the Strand presents some splendid ieaturettos. An overseas news reel is shown, so is a New Zealand Government publicity film,, which shows some very fmo'snaps of Dunedin from tho hills, the harbour, and the beaches. Then come Codec and Orth in a sketch, ‘ Stranded in Baris,’ Kd Lowry, “ 'Flic Happy Jester,” singing some popular hits, and Horace Heidt and his Calilornians entertain with some novelty jazz. Box plan arrangements arc at The Bristol and also at the theatre.

W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM STORY CLEVER FILM AT KING EDWARD A sparkling, intimate story of married Hie, beautifully _ acted by a group of outstanding cinema stars, makes of ‘Charming Sinners’ (now at the King Edward Theatre) a particularly lively and entertaining show. Bnth Chattorton, as tho wise wife, tired of’ her 1 husband’s philandering, decides to punish him, once and for all. She chooses tho dignified method of repaying him in his own coin by pretending to give her affections to an old admirer, William Powell. She fools her husband'in clever fashion, reawakens some of the romance which appeared dead to her for ever, and brings about a re-adjnstmont in her homo, which no amount of scandal or ranting could accomplish. Clive Brook, as tho husband, reveals now talents in a splendid characterisation. Marv Nolan, as tho other ” woman, is delightful.

HEW GOLF LINKS IN TOWN HALL The public demand is always for something new, and in catering for tho legion of miniature golf players the management of tho Civic Miniature Golf Links can safely make claim to having adequately Filled the demand. The links are to he opened officially on Wednesday night by the mayor (Mr 11 S. Black), but enthusiasts who have already done a round or two of tho course have expressed their entire an proval of the new links. The fact that the ground floor of the Town Hall has been leased by the civic authorities is in itself a guarantee of the quality ami prestige of the links. Tho Town Hail is a fine building, and it will bo widely accepted that the authorities would not allow the construction on the promises of other than a high class links. The management has maintained hfaith shown in it by completely transforming what was until recently a builder’s desolation into the most attractive playground. Artistry has been shown in the conversion of the building. Fortunately' the spaciousness ot the premises gave tho constructors considerable scope in laying out tho links, and eighteen excellent holes have beer, laid down. Between the holes there :s no cramping, a feature which will appeal to all players, while the spectators will Find conditions comfortable and congenial in the accommodation provided for them. Miniature golt has become the most popular and universal of sports and pastimes, links haying sprung up in tho last few months from Cape Town to Siam, and even further afield. Tho golfers have become used to more, or less standard designs in many of tho courses, there, of course, being variations, no two hazards being alike. But the Civic has made distinct departures, and experiences of the leading links in Australia and America have provided the constructors with valuable suggestions. The Civic links _ cover altogether new ground. The fairways arc longer than those on which Dunedin enthusiasts have been accustomed to.play, while every hazard presents a new and perplexing problem belore the hole can be traversed. Bv word-wide testing the entertainment value of Tom Thumb golf has been proved and patrons will And many Iresji attractions at tho Civic links, to which entrance is obtained from the mam entrance to the Town Hall from Moray place. The links are above tho street level, and their airiness and freshness make them closely approach an openair course. After Wednesday night the links will ho open daily Jrom 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., special late hours being available for private parlies.