PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22252, 1 February 1936, Page 13

PICTURE THEATRES

THE NEW PROGRAMMES POTENT ATTRACTIONS STATE'S SUPERB BILL ' Rural America of the early ’forties 1$ the picturesque setting ot tne Farmer Takes a Wife,’ the new attraction at the State. The film deals with the Erie Canal, and paints a most ■ realistic picture of life on the famous waterway. AH' through the summer one worked, taking loads up and down the canal, and in the winter, when the canal was frozen, one went into one of the towns, spent a lot of time in the local'hotel, and awaited the coming of spring and the joyous news that the barges were afloat again. Janet Gaynor loved the life. She had been born and bred on the canal, and could not understand anyone not loving the canal, its people, and the very frequent fights. Henry Fonda (a newcomer to the screen) takes to the canals to earn enough to buy his own farm. The life of the canal throws him into contact with Janet Gaynor, cook for canal boater Charles Bickford. and although he recognises their intrinsic differences, Fonda cannot help falling in love with her, and she returns his love. But to her annoyance ho refused to trade his chances of a farm for the life she loved. Even when someone gave iiim a half-share in "the >• boat, even when Janet flew into one ofr her sudden and pretty rages with Bickford and became Fonda’s cook, he . still bought . that farm. Their love story merges into the story of the canal as the film proceeds. There are -gusty, humorous episodes of the skipper with the cargo_ of pigs, the preacher who turns dentist, spells of community singing in which the principals render racy American ballads, brawls, fist fights, and liquor bouts. During all this period Fonda is trying to woo Miss Gaynor away from the canal, trying to show her how the despised steam trains have doomed the canals. But it is not until after the harrowing climax in which Fonda gives Bickford, the bully of the waterways, a taste of iiis own medicine that she will listen .to his pleadings. ' Fonda, who originated the role lie plays in the New York stage production, brings a shy wistfulness, a courage and sensitivity to his portrayal which have been missing from the screen for too long. He is an admirable acting companion for the superlatively fine Miss Gaynor. Slim Somerville is the kindly, loveable amateur dentist. He does things with a pair of forceps which curdle the blood, and_ he plays one of the best roles of his career. Others in the cast are Jane -Withers, Margaret Hamilton, and Andy Devine. An excellent supporting programme includes two newsreels, a Terry Toon cartoon, and a short dealing with sharks. NEWSPAPER STORY 1 THE PAY OFF’ AT ST. JAMES There is an invariable appeal in pictures dealing with newspaper lite, but it is not often that a motion picture producer succeeds in incorporating in one film such genuine elements ot drama, romance, and comedy as nas Robert Florey in ‘ The Pay Off. This film, which heads the programme at the St. James Theatre this week, is excellent entertainment. A fastxnoving story of newspaper work m New fork, the picture gives an illuminating insight, into the big-mcney sports business of the United States, which has become for many shrewd and unscrupulous persona as profitable a •“racket” as boot-legging was. The story concerns Joe M Coy (James Dunn), a happy-go lucky sports writer on a big newspaper, who nas earned an enviable reputation as an (enemy of anything not V on the square.” Maxine (Claire Dodd), his wife, is a beautiful but entirely selfish woman, who would rather see ( him making money by “ playing ball ’’ fob the sports racketeers. While her husband is covering big sports fixtures in another part of the country, she becomes infatuated with Marty Bleuler, night club proprietor and racketeer, one of the chief , losers through M'Coy’s clean sports campaign. M'Coy " returns to find that his wife is not only on friendly terms with Bleuler, but that she is deeply indebted to him for gambling losses at his night club - Still deeply in love with his beautiful wife, he agrees to write dishonestly in Bleuler’s interests. But his heart is not in his work, and finally he is dis- . missed. He takes to drink, and is almost down and out when Jimmy Moore (Frankie Darro), a jockey whom M'Coy helped in his prosperous times, comes to him with a story of Bleuler’s attempt to “fix” a classic race.. All the necessary proofs are obtained, and steps are taken to foil Bleuler’s , scheme. The edition of the newspaper is already printed and ready for distribution on the racecourse at the - finish of the great race. Moore, al- ' though hit in the shoulder with an air- ’ rifle slug, sticks to hia mount long 'i&i enough to win the race, and there is ■ an effective fade-out with the arrest of Bleuler and the reinstatement of M'Coy '■;.T in his old job, where not the least ■ pleased of'his old associates is Connie Travers (Patricia Ellis), who, secretly ,-f; in love with him, has encouraged him ■V ‘ in his fight against the sports racket- _ eers. The cast is a good one, and James Dunn as the sports columnist is • in »■ particularly happy _ role. Miss Clair Dodd and Miss Patricia Ellis are i> also prominently east. ■ The supporting programme is a very good one, and includes a particularly ••' instructive film on golf, a ‘ Believe It Or Not ’ novelty, an amusing radio - novelty, ‘Eggs Mark . the Spot,’ a musical revue, and a gazette. The programme will be shown to-night and during the week. more exciting exploits " G-MEH " FILM AT REGENT Fast and exciting action is the keynote of ‘ The Legion of Valour,’ the United Artists picture which opened a season at the Regent yesterday. Of the a ’ ec ®nt cycle of “G-men” dims with which Hollywood has been entertaining the multitude, ‘ The Legion of Valour ’ is undoubtedly the most exciting, and it has been more intelligently directed. The scientific methods adopted by the United States Department of Justice to combat the increasing cleverness and ruthlessncss of the gangsters and mobsmen •’ are illustrated in graphic fashion in the current Regent produc-

tion. One is shown something of the training of the Federal agents, their intense target practice and tuition in the finer arts of scientific detection, as well as glimpses of their more exciting adventures. Representing the law are Richard Arlen, Harvey Stephens, and Eric Linden, as the G-men, 1 who risk their lives many times in encounters with gangsters. Opposed to them is a villainous baud, with Bruce Cabot excelling as tfieir leader. In the early part of the story Cabot is a chauffeur vvho plans a kidnapping, but is caught and imprisoned. Breaking free, ; he organises a reign of terror. “ Get ’em alive or dead, but get ’em.” is the order issued to the Federal agents. The methods of detection used by them are the equal for ingenuity of those employed by Scotland Yard, and not a little of the film’s absorbing interest lies in this direction. Having secured their clues, the suspense increases as they draw their net closer around the criminals. The latter several times fcvade pursuit in sensational fashion, but finally they are brought to bay. Js’o quarter is asked or given in the final burst of thrilling action which brings the film to its climax. Perhaps the most gripping episode is when he compels a plastic surgeon to alter his features, to prevent capture or betrayal, “ bumps off ” the surgeon, and then, to his horror, with the bandages removed, finds the dead man’s hand reaching from the grave. Prominent memlxsrs of the supporting cast in ‘ The Legion of Valour ’ are Virginia Bruce, Harvey Stephens, and Eric Linden Alice Brady, remembered for hei amusing portrayal in ’ Lady Tubbs,’ contributes a good measure of comic relief. There is an outstanding programme of supports, among them a most interesting newsreel. There are also a .thrilling film, ‘ Pardon My Grip,’ dealing, in a refreshing and unorthodox manner with wrestling in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States, and a delightful symphony entitled ‘ Cookie Carnival.’ Not the least attractive part of the programme is the performance of the Regent Orchestra under the direction of M. De Rose. ■ TWO ENTERTAINING films STRAND'S DOUBLE PROGRAMME A wealth of entertainment is provided in the well-varied and extensive programme presented for the first time at the Strand Theatre last night. Two full-length and high-quality films were screened. The first attraction, entitled ‘ She Gets Her Man/ is a riot of laughter from beginning to end. The inimitable comedienne, Zasu Pitts, who has given a particularly large number of successful performances in recent years, is well suited in the leading role. She has a part which, although giving her ample scope to reveal her flair for lighter parts, also necessitates, a powerful interpretation. The story is a clever combination of drama and humour, and the interest is not allowed to flag for one moment. Miss Pitts has the support of a large and talented cast headed by Hugh O’Connell and Helen Twelvetreea. Both players give very fine portrayals, and tne acting throughout is of a uniformly high, standard. Judging from the reception accorded ‘ Men of the Hour,’ even the most sophisticated of screen audiences welcome fast-moving pictures filled with exciting events and dangerous exploits, There is plenty of dare-devilry in. ‘ Men of the Hour.’ Fires, ship disasters, aeroplane crashes, police raids, gangster killings—such are the scenes filmed by the daring newsreel cameramen, represented in the picture by Richard Cromwell and Wallace Ford. Not once does this action-filled drama permit its spectators to relax. From the opening _ scene, in which Cromwell and Ford risk their lives to get the best shots of a burning building until the breathtaking climax when Cromwell is pursued through citystreets by a death-car filled with bandits, the film maintains a lightningfast pace. Billie Seward provides a romantic interest. OCTAGON'S DOUBLE BILL HISTORY AND MYSTERY Two pictures of an exceptionally high standard commenced a season at the Octagon Theatre yesterday. The popular George Arliss was seen in one, ‘The Iron Duke/ while in the other, ‘ Thunder in the Night/ Edmund Lowe was the featured player. The latter is a cleverly written, directed, and' photographed picture which keeps its audiences at a high pitch of suspense with its whirlwind sequence of events in one of the fastest mystery pictures brought to the screen. The picture covers only six hours in the life of a gay Budapest detective, played by Edmund Lowe. Captain Torok has. a pronounced partiality for the ladies and a keen mind on the trail of a criminal. The story’s action begins with a hotel murder, which Torok is called to solve. He is ..on the way to guard the celebration at the home of his friend, Count Alvinczy, newlyelected President of the Cabinet, but stops to investigate the murder. Soon his two assignments arc yone, because clues in the murder point directly at the wife of the count. Lowe hastens to the castle, not to arrest the countess, but to cover her up. His superior officer, the prefect of police, who is Alvinczy’s political enemy, discovers the same clues and anticipates Torok. The story then becomes a two-sided battle between Torok and the prefect. The latter wishes to precipitate a scandal which will ruin the count, but Torok hopes to protect him. A terse dramatic climax at the scene of the murder uncovers a startling set of facts. Torok, with remarkable ingenuity and intelligence, reconstructs the murder and ferrets out the criminal, bringing the picture to a satisfactory and thrilling climax. Shorn of the rough mannerisms which were once part of his every characterisation, Edmund Lowe is a pleasing and ingratiating performer in the star role. Miss Morley and Cavanagh are completely satisfactory as the count and countess, and Gene Lockhart, Una O’Connor, and John Qualen are especially deserving of mention for their performances in minor characterisations.

1 Tho Iron Duke ’ is a polished study of a genial old gentleman who was also a great soldier and no mean politician. George Arliss moves on a stage that has been skilfully arranged to bring out all the depth and variations of his perfect characterisation. The background is almost illuminated by his presence as he moves and plays his part with practised ease. The line “ There was a sound of revelry hy night ” has conjured in everyone’s mind the splendour of that famous occasion on the eve of Waterloo; but the technique of the film has brought a scene of amazing magnificence, familiar because it fulfils what has been mentally pictured. And then Waterloo itself. The conflict between the duke and the French court is probably the

best part of tho story, for the power of Louis XVIII. is vested in his niece, with whom Arliss has skilfully to cope. Gladys Cooper, as “ Madame,” the niece, has one of the few parts not wholly subordinated to that of George Arliss, and she plays it with the efficiency of tho true artist. Ellaline Terris is also very fine as the Duchess of .Wellington. BELOVED ACTOR WILL ROGERS FEATURED AT GRAND ‘ Steamboat Round the Bend/ the current attraction at the Grand, might very well stand as an epitaph to Will Rogers. His humour is outstandingly funny in a film full of laughs, and if the picture succeeds in providing entertainment of an enjoyable type, it is certainly due to the infectious good nature and good humour of Will Rogers. The itinerant evangelists, with their river baptisms, and their capturing of crowd emotions to such an extent that dipsomaniacs become prohibitionists, and strong men leave off everyday dress to array themselves like the prophets, are among the most humorous features of ‘Steamboat Round the Bend/ and those who know the influence of religious “ revival meetings ” on American history will appreciate the merits of the scenes. George O’Brien plays the title role in ‘ Hard-rock Harrigan,’ the supporting feature. He' derives his peculiar name from his occupation, which is making tunnels in rocky country. All tho action takes place at or near a big tunnel construction works. The scenes of the steam shovels and the men. at work, as well as being interesting, lend a very real atmosphere to the play. As a result, the audience is able to share in the emotions of these men in their hard and dangerous work, and their intense liking for fighting seems nearly natural. Harrigan is an Irishman. DEDICATED TO GALLANT HORSES ‘ BROADWAY BILL • AT LAURIER Followers of the sport of kings will find much to satisfy them in the. Laurier’s current picture, which embodies something new in the way of horse racing stories, and the atmosphere of suspense and excitement is seldom absent after the story is well on its way. The title of the production is taken from the name of a racehorse owned by Dan Brooks, which he is confident will win him high honours on the track. However, he is comfortably established in his father-in-law’s box manufacturing business, and his slightest suggestion that he should leave the security of the business and' make his money at racing is met with the strongest disapproval by the other members of the family, with, the exception of his young unmarried sister-in-law, Alice. Eventually, after a violent scene, Dan leaves the bosom of his family and takes his horse, Broadway Bill, ’with him, but agrees to return if his venture is a failure. How he eventually meets with success is told in an exacting and satisfying manner. Myrna Lqy and Warner Baxter head an exceptional cast. TWO BRIGHT PICTURES AVIATION DRAMA AND COMEDY The thrill of zooming aeroplanes always has an unusual appeal for young and old alike, and any picture based on life at an aerodrome has more than the average amount of success. Quite the best to date of this type of picture is ‘ West Point of the Air/ which opened at the Mayfair to-day. Briefly, the story deals with father and son, both aviators, the father of the old school and the son full of conceit. The 'eternal triangle enters into a gripping story, and the action Works up gradually to a fine and exciting climax. Wallace Beery in his role as “ Big Mike,” the father, gives a dramatic .portrayal that surpasses even his performance in ‘ The Champ.’ As the son, “ Little Mike,” Robert Young gives a notable performance in line with his recent successes, such as in ‘ The House of Rothschild.’ Maureen O’Sullivan as the heroine and Rosalind Russell as the “other woman ” also give striking portrayals. Patricia Ellis is starred in ‘ She Loves a .Uniform/ the supporting film. She plays'the role of a young heiress who endeavours to reform the language and 1 table maimers of a gang of ruffians, and their efforts to rid themselves of her form the basis of the picture. The supporting cast includes Cesar Romero, William Frawley, Andy Devine, and George Barbier. ABOUNDS WITH ACTION EMPIRE’S THRILLING GANGSTER DRAMA The flood of the gangster tj’po of picture in tho past few months has evidently not affected their power to attract the public, or their worth from an entertainment viewpoint, if the production that began its Dunedin season at the Emigre yesterday can be taken as a criterion. Action a-plenty abounds in this film, ‘ She Couldn’t Take It/ in which George Raft is cast as a gangster turned romantic hero. This highly entertaining comedy-drama is well up to tho standard set for its type by ‘ It Happened One Night.’ Subtle Hollywood dialogue, combined with delightful situations and an appealing and unusual love story, combine to make an entertainment that is outstanding in every respect. Joan Bennett, generally regarded as one of the most beautiful women on the screen, is appropriately demure in tho role of Carol Van Dyke, a harumscarum Now York debutante. She is tho daughter of a, rather notorious society figure, Millionaire Van Dyke* who, driven almost to craziness by the mad pranks of his spoilt family, decides to go to prison for a rest on a tax fraud charge. In the “ pen.” ho becomes friendly with the former gangster Spot Ricardi, who is played by George Raft. Tho millionaire becomes seriously ill, and when it is apparent that ho is going to die makes Spot the sole trustee of his estate and guardian pf his family. This is where the fun begins. Spot decides to tackle their eccentricities by cutting down their fantastic allowances, and, of course, they rebel. The daughter, played by Joan Bennett, hits on the idea of being kidnapped by collusion with Spot’s former gang, and when one of them awakens her to her peril—the fact that they mean to collect tho ransom and will then be bound to do away with her—ho is murdered in cold blood. Meanwhile Spot is coming to tho rescue at 50 miles per hour or thereabouts, judging by the speed at which ho takes tho corners, followed by a host of traffic cops on “ hikes ”

and in cars whom he is only too pleased to entice along for the coming fight. It all ends, as it should do, with the heroine in tho romantic hero’s arms, but before that comes there is as much comedy as adventure in this fast-mov-ing film. Tho situation has obvious opportunities for comedy and repartee, and Raft and Miss Bennett make a really attractive team. Billie Burke gives her always welcome impersonation of the, hare-brained society hostess. A special attraction, apart from a generous selection of short films, is the stage appearance of a bevy of mannequins. Six : of them display to advantage several costly French and American models. The assisting artists are Misses Moll;© Fowler and Esme Wright. Tho management of tho Empire is to bo congratulated on the excellence of the stage setting, which is a decided factor in the success of this novel' feature. A’slap-stick comedv, the central figures bf which are the inimitable Three Stooges, is perhaps the best short of the assoejate bill. A comprehensive budget of liappenings is contained in a newsreel, of which Graham M'Namee is the commentator. A very interesting development! is the coloured cartoon which takes! the unusual form of a satire on thp “ merchants of death ” and is appropriately named . ‘ Neighbours.’ Twi silly hens arc the characters. By preseitting one of them with a gun the imminent salesman very soon is able! to sell them a whole arsenal of ,t|ie most weird weapons that even a Inovie cartoon could imagine, and nciturally the foolish birds are soon waging war to tho death. Last night’s ludienco showed its appreciation of the whole programme in no uncertain ifay.