PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22261, 12 February 1936, Page 16

PICTURE THEATRES

GRAND ‘ She,’ the story by Rider Haggard, takes its place in the foremost rank of thrilling tales. The film, which commenced at the Grand to-day, is one of the, most spectacular productions ever screened, and should thoroughly satisfy readers of the novel. There is a story in the Vincey family, which has been handed down from an ancestor, John Vincey, who lived 500 years before. It tells of a strange, magnificent kingdom of Kor in the mountains beyond Siberia and of the flame of eternal life which burns there. Accompanied by a scientist and by a trapper and his beautiful daughter Tanya (Helen Mack), Leo Vincey sets out to find this kingdom. After daring many dangers, in which all of the party perish with the exception of the two ‘Englishmen and the girl, an avalanche opens the way to the city of the hills where dwells “ She who must be obeyed.” Here, in magnificent caverns hung with jewels and precious metals, live a strange people who worship the Fire God, to whom they offer human sacrifices. After narrowly escaping death, the travellers are taken before She, who, when she sees Leo Vincey (Randolph Scott), claims that ho is a reincarnation of her lover of centuries ago, John Vincey. The majestic architecture of the cavern land; the ceremonial dances of its subjects, and /the scenery make it a film well worth seeing. “ She ”is played by the New York stage star, Helen Gahagan, supported by Gustavo Von Seyffertitz and Nigel Bruce. ST. JAMES Light romance with more than a dash of clever, scintillating comedy is to be found in ‘ The Goose and the Gander,’ which is at present being shown at the St. Janies. The film has everything to commend it. There is an excellent story in the first place, and the opportunity lias been taken to put it in the hands of a cast of exceptional brilliance, so that the combination is one of those very much to bo desired in a motion picture. The plot of ‘ The Goose and the Gander ’ is a most ingenious one. It all has to do with a first Mrs Summers, a second Mrs Summers, her lover,_ her jealous husband, and a hand of jewel thieves. The manner in which the various characters have been brought together calls for commendation, and the way in which the plot is eventually worked out to a satisfactory climax is also admirable. Kay Francis and George Brent are the featured players. EMPIRE The activities of a baud of incendiarists and the efforts of those responsible for bringing them to book form the basis of ‘ Grand Exit,’ one of the most thrilling pictures seen in Dunedin in recent times, which heads this week’s programme at the Empire. Edmund Lowe, who is the leading actor, is an alert and ingenious fire insurance investigator who solves a scries of mysterious fires and captures the criminal who has' been responsible for them. Miss Ann So them, who plays opposite Lowe, is cast as an attractive but mysterious voung woman who has a strange habit of knowing where the next blaze wii! occur and of being present at it. The film concerns itself not only with the leading lady’s implication in the fires, but with the romantic complications that arise when both Lowe and his chief assistant, played by Onslow Stevens, fall in love with Miss Sothern. There is also an outstanding programme of supports. RECENT * Shipmates Forever,’ which is having a season at the Regent, is a picture of many parts, and all its elements are dovetailed into a direct line of incident. Most of the action takes place in an American naval academy. The whole atmosphere is deliberately “ navy.” But there are, too, many scenes which belong rightly to musical comedy and which yet are not out of place. Dick Powell has the role of a young man, descendant of a long line of admirals, who will not join the navy and who cares nothing for those who have gone before him. He is instead a night club entertainer. Ruby Keeler has an important role. In the earlier part of the story, when Powell is a singer, she acts well. Powell’s singing and her dancing give to tlie picture the tang which makes it so unusual. There is an excellent supporting programme. STATE Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn are in their happiest vein in * Stormy Weather,’ which is at present at the State. Their fellow conspirator, Robertson Hare, is also at his best, but hardly at liis happiest. Ho reveals himself in the novel role of a sleuth-hound, whose courage, however, deserts him at the critical moment. To be bound and gagged in a Chinese opium den, to be taken in a police raid, to have his name taken as “ Look Here,” and to creep home in Chinese garments, only to be chased out by his indignant wife—such are the experiences of the blameless little man. Yvonne Arnaud plays the part of the wife of Sir Duncan Craggs (Tom Walls). She is blackmailed by her former husband. Polotski, who was supposed to have been killed in the Russian revolution, but Tom Walls, ablv hampered by Ralph Lynn, deals with the matter in his characteristic manner. STRAND ‘ Behold Thy Wife,’ which is at present at the Strand, tells of a pampered son of wealthy parents who flees from New York when his family disapproves of the girl he loves. Seeking oblivion m the west, lie is wounded bv an Indian. but is nursed back to life by a beautiful Indian girl. Ho imagines it would be a grand revenge on his family to take the Indian maiden hack as his wife, but his plans miscarry when everyone falls for beautiful Tomta. Sylvia Sidney and Gene Raymond have the leading roles. 1 The Awakening of Jim Burke’ is the main attraction, and provides good entertainment. The picture gives Jack Holt, veteran of the screen, amnio scone to display his talent. In this production he fills a typical role as a man. of action. and is well supported by a host of good players. OCTAGON For entertainment value the doublefeature programme which is at present current at, the Octagon is hard to heat. Jhc two films are ‘ My Song for You,’ tno musical production starring Jan Kicpura and Marta Eggnrth, which uas well received in Dunedin some months ago, and ‘ Where is My Man*” starring Tom Walls and Cicely Courtneidge together for the first time. Tin's js a new production and lias not previ-