FULLER-HAYWARD ENTERPRISE

Evening Star, Issue 21836, 27 September 1934, Page 15

FULLER-HAYWARD ENTERPRISE

SOUTH DUNEDIN THEATRE MODERNISED OPENING AS MAYFAIR ON SATURDAY South Dunedin picture followers will welcome the enterprising efforts of Euller-Haywards Ltd. in modernising the old King Edward Theatre as a house of talking picture fare. When the theatre reopens its doors on Saturday as the Mayfair those present will appreciate the marked transformation which has taken place inside the building in the course of less than four weeks. Audiences will bo able to admire their favourite actors and actresses amidst the most pleasing ami restful surroundings, and at the same lime feel fully satisfied that every .synchronisation of sound is being reproduced with the latest and most efficient sound plant procurable. From the entrance of the theatre to the dress circle and to the fnrtherest corner of the stalls section, a complete renovation is apparent. New linoleums, carpets, and seating accommodation have been installed, and the walls and ceilings have been redecorated in pleasing harmony with the whole scheme of modernisation. Certain structural alterations, with a view to improving the acoustical properties of the building, have been effected, and a marked improvement has taken place in the sections of the theatre surrounding tho screen. Two useless recesses, on each side of the stage, have been eliminated and a simply-designed proscenium arch provides a most effective setting for the silver sheet. Tho new sound reproducing equipment which has been installed is claimed to bo a step forward in this type of plant, and because of its greater simplicity in operation it is said to completely eliminate sound distortion. Mr Spencer Booth has now assumed the managership of the Mayfair Theatre. WITTY, TUNEFUL COMEDY.

Americnn musical farces arc nearly always amusing, anti the opportunity they give, being unfettered as a rule to any particular plot, for spectacular stage settings and novel photographic tricks often turns them into fine entertainment. 1 Cinderella’s Fella,’ to be shown at the Mayfair Theatre on Saturday, is this sort of picture. There is a plot of a kind, but quite unimportant, there are some agreeable crooning songs, much clever acting, and a number of spectacular and diverting scenes, besides excellent jokes at Hollywood’s expense. Marion Davies and Bing Crosby fill their parts admirably. There are two other excellent characters, the simple young millionaire from Harvard who wants to bring art into the films, and who is financing Crosby’s picture, and the producer. The theme songs— 1 Going Hollywood,’ ' We’ll Make Hay While the Sun Shines,’ ‘ Temptation,’ and ‘ Cinderella’s Fella ’ —are tuneful, and arc used effectively The spectacular settings near the <ml of the film, when Williams’.-, picture is being photograph’d, are not only tacular, but also very clever. The humour, if not brilliant; is sufficient, and the acting completely suecosslul — particularly two scenes in which the principal characters appear under the influence of alcohol or its American equivalent.