PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21991, 29 March 1935, Page 14

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE The Rudd family has taken a step up in the social scale in ‘ Grandad Rudd,’ the latest film based on Steel Rudd’s famous series dealing with life in the Australian backblocks. In this fine picture, which opened' to-day at tho Empire Theatre, Grandad has prospered, but ho still rules the family. His is the guiding hand, dominating, but always lovable; and Iris big family still has its grouch, yet works faithfully for the old man. There are many amusing situations in the farming activities of tho family. Indeed, it may lie said that ‘ Grandad Rudd ’ is one of the finest comedies yet seen on the screen. A rustic cricket match between tho Rudds and neighbouring rivals, the Ilegaus, provides. more fun and excitement of an hilarious character than is recorded in tho humours of the real cricket field. For sheer enjoyment and the passing of a happy hour or so, and as a generator of wholesome mirth and laughter, this latest Steele Rudd screen production is unsurpassable. The original players are seen again, with Bert Bailey as the lovable Grandad Rudd. New members of tho east are Elaine Hamill, an attractive New Zealand girl, who is seen as tho grand-daughter, and Tom Daly, her earnest and faithful lover, who also hails from New Zealand. Captain Frank Hurley was responsible for the superb photography. The supporting programme is also very attractive. OCTAGON The many admirers of tho great Irish tenor John Mac Cormack will this week have another opportunity of hearing him in his only screen vehicle, ‘ Song o’ My Heart,’ which commenced a revival season at tho Octagon to-day. ‘ Song o’ My Heart ’ has every element that goes to make a picture a success—sentiment, tender pathos, charming love interest, and a sympathy for the principal characters which grips the audience. In addition to all these there is wholesome comedy and a wit such as only persons of Irish extraction can display. It is a splendid vehicle for Mac Cormack, and the renowned tenor is heard in eleven songs. It is hardly necessary to say that Mac Cormack’s singing of the Irish melodies is enchanting. Some of the numbers which were most appreciated were ‘ You’ll Remember Me,’ ‘ Just for a Day,’ ‘ I Feel You Near Ale,’ ‘ Kitty, My Love,’ ‘ Rose of Tralee,’ ‘ Little Boy Blue,’ ‘ Ireland, Alother Ireland,’ and ‘ I Hear You Calling Ale.’ Together with the music and songs thcre_ is an appealing and moving story, which could be appreciated for itself without the excellent accompaniment. Amusing witticisms are supplied by J. M. Kerrigan and J. Farrell MacDonald as the two old villagers, and John Garrick is cast in the chief supporting role. Excellent supports go with 1 Song o’ Aly Heart.’ ST. JAMES Contrast is the keynote of ‘ Hideout,’ which opened at the St. Janies to-day—contrast between tho hectic life of an American “ racketeer ’’ and that of a typical American family on a farm. Robert Montgomery is the “ racketeer,” and the contrast between the “ Lucky ” of the city, and tho Jack of the country provides ninety minutes wholesome entertainment. The opening sequences show “ Lucky ” Wilson as the “ racketeer,” confident and contented. He has everything ho wants, money without too much efiort, pleasure, women. Then he makes a mistake, is wounded, and makes his escape from tho city. He is found unconscious by a fanning family, and ho decides to stay with them until he recovers —especially when he sees the daughter, Pauline, played by the beautiful Maureen O’Sullivan. Eventually he realises that his feelings for Pauline are different from those lie had experienced before, and he decides to return to the city, settle accounts, and come hack to the country. Montgomery is probably one of the most popular stars. His portrayal of “ Lucky ” Wilson is really delightful, and is largely Responsible for the undoubted success of ‘ Hide-out.’ Maureen O’Sullivan is perfect as the heroine, and makes a splendid foil for the jaunty, wise-cracking Montgomery. Together they form a wonderful combination. Edward Arnold, tbe detective, gives an enjoyable performance, and his scenes with Alontgomery will long be remembered. The twelve-year-old Mickey Rooney is good as Willie, Pauline’s rustic brother, and Elizabeth Patterson plays the mother well. The settings and the photography are all that could be desired. A splendid programme of “ shorts ” is also shown. REGENT How much should a good woman sacrifice for her husband’s woman friend? Should a sweetheart place her own happiness on the altar of her lover’s home? Should a woman give up her husband to legitimatise a lover? These are but three of the questions asked and answered in the exceedingly unusual film drama ‘ Dr Alonica,’ in which Warner Bros, star the always charming Kay Francis. ‘ Dr Alonica ’ opened at tho Regent to-day. The tremendous story is made even more notable by a cast that includes, besides Aliss Francis, Warren William, Jean Muir, and Verree Teasdale, all stars in their own right, as well as Philip Heed, Emma Dunn, Herbert Bunston, Ann Shoemaker, Virginia Hammond, Hale Hamilton, and Virginia Pine. ‘ Dr Monica ’ is based on a famous Polish play, and tells the story of a woman physician whoso husband’s love has been stolen by a friend. When the wife learns that the girl is about to have a baby by her husband she not only attends to the girl during her illness, but arranges for a divorce so that the infant may be given its father’s name. How the girl mother repaid her debt of gratitude is the thrilling climax of a story replete with thrills, including a steeplechase in which a girl is hurled from her horse and an airplane crash at sea. Only as notable a, cast as the one provided by Warner Bros, could have properly presented so powerful a love drama, and wherever the picture has appeared it has been acclaimed by both public and critics as the outstanding presentation of the year. STRAND A mystery thriller in which there are three murders and other more surprising features is provided in the Warner Bros.’ picture ‘ The Case of the Howling Dog,’ which opened at the Strand today with a picture entitled ‘ High Finance. ’ When Arthur Cartwright hears a dog howling outside his window for two successive nights he is driven to a lawyer, Perry Mason, in a mood which persuades that individual to call in a psychiatrist. Cartwright asks certain queer questions about the making of wills, and leaves IO.OOOdoI in cash with his attorney. Things happen in the. next-door house to Cartwright’s that night, when Airs Foley, who has been deserted by her husband* wanders

in on him unexpectedly. Foley and the dog he unleashed at his wife are shot by an unseen hand as they spring at her. Mason outwits the police in clearing up the mystery, which includes a, dramatic court scene in which the bodies of the Cartwrights are unearthed just outside the window. Warren Williams takes Mason’s part superbly as the master attorney-detective, and as Bessie Foley, Alary Astor is suited to a more modest part, MAYFAIR ‘ Voltaire,’ a brilliant historical drama, in which George Arliss plays the leading role, concludes to-night at the Mayfair. Arliss is noted for his splendid characterisations in parts of this type, and in this film he excels himself, for he brings the great French thinker vividly to life. STATE In ‘ Anne of Green Gables,’ now in its second week at the State, a worthy successor to 1 Little Women ’ comes to tbe screen. This simple, wholly delightful tale of childhood and early youth is certain to delight millions, for all of the charm of L, M. Montgomery s beloved novel has been captured m the picture. Anne Shirley, Gilbert Blythe, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, and the other central figures of the Montgomery novel are depicted with convincing reality. The film introduces as the principal player the appealing 16-year-old Anne Shirley, who has adopted the name of the character she portrays. Her talent is strikingly evident m her portrayal of the orphan heroine whom Mark Twain once described ns ‘ the dearest and most moving and delightful child of fiction since the immortal Alice.” Tom Brown is happily cast as Gilbert Blythe, the boy whose schoolday infatuation for Anne grows into adult love. O. P. Heggie, as Matthew, and Helen Westley, as Marilla, lonely middle-aged folk who adopted Anne, again prove what splendid troupers they arc. Their characterisations are outstanding features of the film. Other fine performances are contributed by Sara Haden, Gertrude Messinger, Charley Grapewin, and Alurfay Kinncll. GRAND Two laughter experts, Sonnie Hale and Robertson Hare, head cast and make ‘ Ai’o You a Mason. - '’ at the Grand, a perfect riot of fun. For those who know the story additional zest is given to the piquant situations by the screen adaptation, while for those who have no knowledge of tho plot the production is refreshingly novel, io tell tho story of ‘ Are You a Alason? would to some extent spoil the enjoyment or a piece that depends for some or its success on a series of unexpected happeniiigs. It is sufficient to say that a complex system of entanglements centres round the desire of a young wife that her husband should become aoueniber of a Masonic lodge. This whim is sponsored bv motber-m-law, whose iron hand has ruled father-in-law since a disastrous indiscretion in his earlier days. When the mother-in-law and father-in-law, whose position as worshipful master is eternally dwelt upon by the Masonsmitten woman, arrive on the scene the predicament of the young husband who has neglected his wife’s wish is decidedly unenviable. _ There follows some clever side-stepping of a thoroughly enjoyable kind, and the story rushes from one difficulty to another in a most unorthodox maimer. ' Passing Shadows,’ featuring Edmund Glenn, is the supporting picture. » Well, Pat, how are yc these days?” “Bad, mighty bad, sure; ’tis starvation staring mo iu face!” “ B«gorra! It can’t bo vcr|? f pleasant loi either of yez!” ,