PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22276, 29 February 1936, Page 3

PICTURE THEATRES

THE NEW PROGRAMMES BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY SL JAMES POTENT ATTRACTION A thrilling mystery drama, ‘ Shadow of Doubt,’ commenced its Dunedin season at the St. James yesterday afternoon. This exciting film presents a series of sensational situations with at least two murders and what appears to be a fatal accident, and even patrons well versed in detecting the criminal in such films will find these murders difficult to unravel. Ricardo Cortez plays the part of the most obvious suspect, with a suavity and good humour that effectually disarms the suspicions of the police. Opposite him is Virginia Bruce, who plays her part with sufficient astuteness to keep the audience guessing as to her motives and even her sincerity. Without her skilful acting this part would have been too transparent. • The honours of the film go, however, to Constance Collier, actually the star, for her excellent portrayal of the old aunt who had not left her house for 20 years. Her emergence from her home after such a time, her reactions to the New York of night clubs and speakeasies, and her skilful unravelling of the mystery give her ample opportunity to display her outstanding ability as an actress. " . . . Sira, acted by Ricardo Cortez, is in love with the film star, Trenna Plaice (Virginia Bruce). Trenna will have none of him. In a fit of pique she promises to marry a debauched roue called Heyworth, the idol of a number of society girls. . Heyworth and Sim quarrel and fight at a night club, and later that night Heyworth is killed—shot with a nine-millimetre pistol. That same night Trenna has gone to Heyworth’s apartments to tell him the - marriage is off. But when she finds there the debutante daughter of a wellknown millionaire, she lets herself out unobserved. When the police hear of her visit,.and couple it with the fact that she is known to be a skilled shot and the owner of a nine-millimetre gun similar to that which killed Heyworth', suspicion points to her or her lover. Although the police are unable to gain sufficient evidence to make an arrest, .things look black, when Aunt Mellissa undertakes to unravel them. An excellent supporting programme contributes to the success of the main, feature. A comedy by the famous writer. I. Cobb, 1 You Bring the Ducks,’ and a coloured cartoon form the bulk of the supports. REGENT'S COMMANDING FARE ... V BYRD’S SECOND EXPEDITION FEATURED If the enthusiastic reception accorded the Regent’s new programme last night is any indication of its merit, it must he one of the best entertainments offered at this theatre for many months. The main picture was ‘ Hands Across the Table,’ and several of those present remarked on its novel presentation* and delicious situations. Also on the programme is ‘ At the Bottom of the World,’ the pictorial record of Rearadmiral R. E. Byrd’s second expedition to Antarctica. ‘ Hands ' Across the Table ’ is the kind of picture which, because little publicity'has been given it during production, has not yet attracted much attention among film fans. Judging by the reaction of last night’s audience, however, the situation is quite likely to be reversed now that the film is being screened, and in addition to becoming a widely talked about attraction, the film is potentially promising of exploding into a box office surprise, on the lines of l lt Happened One Night.’ Adapted from a story by Vina Delmar, it is a semi-sophisticated comedy-drama marked by some of the wittiest dialogue heard in a long time, clever acting, and a sustained atmosphere of daring that is so brilliantly handled that it never comes near overstepping the limits of good taste. The title of the film is explained by the fact that the heroine is a manicurist. She wants to marry money, and could realise her ambition—if she could see it—in the person of Allan Macklyn (Ralph Bellamy), a kindly crippled and very wealthy customer. But she prefers to chase the handsome Theodore Drew (Fred. AtacMurray), only to learn, after he has parked himself in her apartment, that he has lost all his money in a stock market crash. He is soon in love with her and she with him, though she pretends to he still on the look-out for a wealthy marriage. Their rather intimate but entirely innocent association in the same apartment over a number of days before they decide that money doesn’t matter SO'much after all is productive of some brilliantly amusing situations. Carole Lombard definitely establishes herself as a sprightly comedienne, and the acting of" the others is in keeping with the verve of the story-telling. For the educative value of its photography alone ‘At the Bottom of the World ’ is unequalled, but clever workmanship in the piecing together of the various incidents recorded by the camera during the expedition lias invested the film with additional appeal. With the most spectacular natural background in the world, all the thrills, drama, and suspense that the expedition experienced are transferred to the screen. At intervals bright flashes of comedy appear, and the whole combines to make an excellent entertainment. In showing ‘ Hands Across the Table ’ and ‘ At the Bottom of the World,’ as the polar film is called, on the one programme the management of the Regent has made an unusual combination, but one that will be generally agreed on as being of rare appeal. The Regent Orchestra contributes several enjoyable musical selections during the entertainment. This ensemble, under the experienced leadership of ' r „ De Rose, has been moulded into a very competent body.

STRAND'S SPEEDWAY THRILLER ALL LAUGHTER IK OTHER FILM Motor track racing, ■with its attendant thrills and spectacular smashes engineered by drivers willing to accept fees to prevent expectant winners from finishing, makes an exciting story in the Strand Theatre's new headliner, ‘Straightaway,’ which began a season yesterday. Absorbing entertainment is assured, and that is the primary object of 'the cinema, so the Strand should be a favourite theatre during the run of this film. It also presents the noted actor of many fine cowboy roles, Tim M’Coy, in an entirely now part, that of a motor mechanic and skilful driver. Forsaking chaps, sixshooters, and sombrero, M‘Coy is a handsome figure in conventional clothes, and may be in demand for future mau-about-town roles. Playing opposite him is the demure Sue Carrol, lovely as ever, who will be remembered for romantic comedy roles a few years ago. She has a good chance to display her dramatic talent in the present picture, succeeding admirably. William Bakewell also figures prominently throughout. The roar of racing cars is the film’s overture, and its fadeout. At the outset one meets Tim Dawson, crack driver, repeatedly defeating his employer’s son, causing jealousy and his ultimate dismissal from the Turnberg camp. He seeks an appointment with the Reeves concern, Turnberg’s only rival, and succeeds by proving the cars have been cheated out of races by its driver, Regan, a bribed agent of Turnberg. Tim’s young brother, Billy, has been his but he determines to make him a champion driver, and schools him for it in Reeves’s latest product, which he later drives to victory in a series of State championships. He confesses his love for Reeves's daughter, who prefers Tim, and he decides to drink away his setback in company with Regan. The plot is foiled, and another to disable the car also fails. So it is planned to force Billy to the rails during the race, making it appear accidental, but Tim’s experience averts the accident, in whicli Rogan is fatally injured. Before dying he accuses Tim of causing the smash. A bribed detective threatens to lay a manslaughter charge unless Tim makes Billy lose the next race, and the rest provides a gripping climax. Not merely a peg on which to hang several tuneful songs by good singers, the supporting attraction, ‘ The Girl Friend,’ is a happy musical comedy. There are some very amusing situations, notably a performance of a play in a barn, featuring three Broadwayites who become involved in rural theatricals by impersonating a famous impressario and his assistants. The unexpected and humorous twists given to the story by the actors, who do not know their lines and whose costumes will not stay fastened, make the play (turned from a tragedy to a comedy and quite different from its rustic author’s plan) a box office success in a big theatre. Ann S’othern, Jack Haley, and Roger Pryor are featured. ' THE LITTLE COLONEL' FEATURED AT OGTAGOH If the large audience present at last night’s presentation of Shirley Temple in ‘The Little Colonel’ can be taken as any indication of the juvenile star’s popularity, that popularity will never wane. Although it was screened for a return season, there was a large audience at the Octagon to see the child genius of the screen. From the large store of available fiction Fox Films chose a perfect story in ‘ The Little Colonel.’ Drama and comedy, pathos and humour, vie for supremacy in this tale of a wrecked Kentucky family, during the reconstruction era after the Civil War, reunited by the determination of a lilliputian dimpled colonel. For the first time in her brilliant screen career, Shirley Temple will be presented to the world precisely as she is. A part of the film is shown in technicolour. A supporting cast was selected in keeping with the importance of the principals. Among them are names that have glittered on the marquees of Broadway’s theatres. They include Evelyn Venable, John Lodge, Sidney Blackmer, William Burress, and others. Bill Robinson, the celebrated coloured dancer, makes his film debut in ‘ The Little Colonel ’ in a part which, from all reports, gives him the finest chance of his lifetime to display his famed stair dance as it should ideally be performed. As for Shirley Temple, she acts, sings, and dances. Her featured song for ‘ The Little Colonel ’ is ‘ Love’s Young Dream,’ a melody based on one of the world’s oldest-known folk tunes, which was especially popular during the late ’seventies, in which the picture takes place. Edward Everett Horton is featured in the supporting film, 1 Ten Dollar Raise.’ For 14 years Horton had sweated over a ledger in a shipping office, and it was not until Karen Morley came into the office as a stenographer that he fell in love. Horton was ashamed to ask the girl to marry him on the salary Ive was receiving, and it took him four years before he could walk into the manager’s office and ask for a rise, which is refused. With a little persuasion, Horton withdraws his savings and invests in some real estate. When be goes to inspect his property he finds the land all right, but water-covered. As he is wading through it he slips and falls. His friend, Ray Walker, assists him out, and as the mud cakes on Horton’s clothes Walker sees that it possesses valuable mineral properties. A FINE DRAMA ‘ I COVER THE WATERFRONT ’ AT LAURIER Such a story as might be told on the waterfront in any big seaport where smuggling and its companion crimes are rife, provides the plot of ‘ I Cover the Waterfornt,’ which is now screening at the Laurier, Port Chalmers. The film tells the story of the smuggling of Chinese into America, and tlie efforts made by a newspaper reporter to uncover the* methods and secure a story. His efforts to secure the conviction of the father of the girl he loves are as exciting as they are unusual, and there is not a slow moment in the whole picture. Ben Lyon has the role of Joe Miller, a newspaper reporter who is investigating smuggling; Claudette Colbert that of Jn’ie Kirk, to whom he makes love in order to get his story; but the late Ernest Torrence, as her father, Eli Kirk, fisherman, smuggler, and murderer many times over, gives such a display of powerful acting that the picture—the last before his death —may justly be called

TWO FINE FILMS OUTSTANDING ATTRACTIONS AT MAYFAIR Two excellent films, each of which had u good season when shown in Dunedin before, comprise the new programme at the Mayfair. The memorable battle between the M'Faddens and the M“ravishes in their classic feud is the background of the amiable and always interesting film, ‘ M'Faddcn’s Flats," which introduces Walter Kelly, famous American stage actor, to the screen. Supported by Andy Clyde, Jane Darwell, Richard Cromwell, and Betty Furness, Kelly acts the role of the battling Irishman who rises from bricklaying to wealth without once relenting in his feud with bis Scottish enemy. There are moments of high comedy in Clyde’s economical use of electric light in his barber’s shop, in the bricklaying contest between Kelly and Barbier with books for bricks, ami in Kelly’s big party for bis poorer class neighbours. Richard Cromwell and Betty Furness handle the romantic assignments in a skilful and completely satisfactory fashion. ‘lt's a Boy,’ the second feature, is, it is said, a picture very full of fun. Leslie Henson has long been established as a comedian who thoroughly knows the art of extracting laughter. In this delightful picture he has an admirable foil in Edward Everett Horton, whose portrayal of a bridegroom haunted by a spectre of the past is admirably painted. Albert Burden, Alfred Drayton, and Wendy Barrie are also notable in a picture giving really good entertainment. BRILLIANT NEW STAR TUTTA ROLF AT GRAND A tuneful romantic entertainment is brought to the screen in ‘ Dressed to Thrill,’ the film now showing at the Grand. It serves to introduce to pic-ture-goers a new personality in the talented European actress, Tutta Rolf. She has all the attributes of a finished actress, and her personality and charm play a big part in the success of the film. Ingenious angles and brilliant dialogue are included in a story that is sure to catch the imagination of Dunedin audiences. The theme is built up around the reaction of a man, Clive Brook, who loves one woman recklessly, another devotedly, and finally learns that both woijien are one. Romance and sentiment are not overdone, but have a wide scope. A feature of the film is the lavish dressing of Tutta Rolf. Versimilitude is added by centring of the plot in gay Paris. The different parts are all played with distinction, and from a dramatic point of view the film leaves nothing to be desired. ‘ Strangers All,’ the supporting film, features May Robson as the mother of four turbulent children, and the manner by which these children are subdued forms the basis of the plot. Shots of the late King’s funeral are also included in an excellent newsreel. AIDED BY BRILLIANT CAST 1 FOOTLKHT PARADE' AT GREEN ISLAND Featuring, a brilliant cast, ‘Footlight Parade,’ which is screening at the Green Island Cinema this evening, provides outstanding entertainment. The film tells the story of a famous musical comedy director who finds himself out of work when talking pictures come in. His wife deserts him; but when he is rich again comes back to blackmail him. Aided by bis secretary, whom he eventually marries, he manages to overcome all his difficulties, and eventually readies success. An outstanding cast adds much to the success of the production. James Cagney is cast as the hero with Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Frank M'Hugh, and Claire Dodd in the supporting roles. REMARKABLE TALENT SHIRLEY TEMPLE HOLDS SWAY Shirley Temple is here in ‘ Curly Top,’ the Fox picture that is now boring an extended season at the State. Only those who have not seen Shirley Temple act may be heard criticising her, and to theni it should be said: “ Do not criticise her until you have seen her; after that you will not- wish to.” For Shirley Temple is charming, clever, and most pleasant to see and hear. Her success has now been proved in ‘ Bright Eyes,’ ‘ The Little Colonel,’ ‘ Our Little Girl,’ and ‘ Curly Top.’ This last is perhaps tlie most charming and happy of her, pictures. She is given dozens of opportunities to please her public and show that she can act many different moods and many different ages—in tlie picture she acts in a concert in costume; as herself, next as a girl of 16, next as a bride of 21, and then as an old, white-haired lady who suddenly becomes the five-year-old again, doing a tap dance with the long black skirts held fantastically above her knees. It must be said that this musical romance is a wholly delightful film: Shirley Temple’s acting is so good, or the little star is so charming, the audience would be glad to have her leading all the way through. But she is supported by John Boles and Rochelle Hudson, who, although they do their parts well, do not roh her of any of her glory.