PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22326, 30 April 1936, Page 15

PICTURE THEATRES

AMUSING MUSICAL FILM WITH LOVE STORY AT GRAND After attending the screenings of the new programme at the Grand Theatre yesterday patrons certainly had every reason to ajjree with the dictum that ‘Music Is Magic.’ They found the music that is introduced into the picture of that name very much to their liking—original, tuneful, and catchy. However, there is more than music to appeal to the audience. There is a diverting story enacted by a very competent cast, a number of spectacular dances, and several artistic scenes. ‘Music Is- Magic ’ provides a racy and tuneful opportunity for Alice Pa ye to display her talents. It also gives Ray Walker a chance to show what he can do in an important role, and Mitchell and Durant a little time to act in the comedy line. The story is a blend of back stage and Hollywood studio. Alice Faye, aided by several of her friends, is out to win fame and fortune in Hollywood. She at last manages to secure a role in a musical film in .which Be.be Daniels is starred, and in which also Mitchell and Durant are cast as “ nit-wits.” When Bebe Daniels becomes temperamental, Ray Walker succeeds in obtaining lor Alice the starring role in the picture, and, incidentally, manages to have himself appointed as dance director. The story, however, is more complicated than would appear, as future patrons will discover to their amusement. Alice Faye sings several new numbers, including ‘ Music Is Magic,’ ‘ La Cumba,’ and ‘ Honey Chile,’ and gives an allround fine performance, while Ray Walker is up to the mark as master of ceremonies, who tries to project Miss Faye into stardom in Hollywood. Bebe Daniels’s characterisation is clear-cut. ami the rough-'and-tumble antics of Mitchell and Durant are responsible for a good deal of laughter. Coupled on the programme with the musical film is a particularly tender story of the problems that beset two young lovers. In ‘ Bad Boy,’ a pool room frequenter, whose methods of winning are not always to be admired, and the innocent girl with whom he is in love have many strange experiences. The gambler’s reputation is not of the brightest, and when the girl in question introduces him to her parents he is recognised as the man who has been consistently winning money from her stepfather.‘but to gain the respect of the parents the young man departs from his former shadv life, and attempts to find respectable employment. From then on matters seem to go from bad to worse, and when an unenviable situation has arisen there is a sudden general straightening of the position, and the story is brought to a satisfactory finish. It is a simple, but nevertheless human story, and grips the attention throughout. James Dunn gives a capital performance as the pool room “ shark,” and is ably supported by Dorothy Wilson, who mays convincingly as his' sweetheart. 1^ h ® l r ,° f s tj un parents are capably handled by Beulah Bondi and John Wray. Louise Fazenda, always a welcome comedienne, _ adds a touch of humour to an otherwise dramatic film as James Dunn s sympathetic landlady. Other pares are entrusted to Luis Alberm and Victor Killian. ________ REGENT With a strikingly original story, genuinely good acting, and a background that is both picturesque and beautiful, ‘ Moscow Nights,’.which concludes at the Regent to-night, could not have been anything but a success. Harry Baur, a distinguished European performer, has the leading i'°Y the beautiful Penelope Dudley Ward plays opposite him. EMPIRE George Raft is seen in a new role at the Empire, where ‘ Every Night At Eight’ concludes this evening. r ea " tured with him are Alice Faye, Patsy, Kelly, and Frances Langford. Ihe film is a bright collection of music, laughter, song, dancing, smart dialogue, and above all convincing acting. The humour of Patsy Kelly is in itself something worth hearing. ST. JAMES With an excellent cast, ‘ Here Comes the Band,’ which concludes at the St. James this evening, is a production with an appeal to all. The film tells of the struggle a young composer had to prevent his opponents from stealing his work. Also on the programme is Charles Laughton, in one of his early successes, ‘ Payment Deferred.’ STATE Outstanding musical entertainment is provided in ‘ Peg of Old Drury,’ which concludes at the State this evening. Anna Neagle, as Peg Woffington, has vivacity, wit, ■ and personality. Playing opposite Miss Neagle is Sir Cedric Hardwicke as David Garrick, whose work as Shylock, Abel Druggor, and Richard HI. is inspired. STRAND An outstanding double-feature programme will conclude a Dunedin season at the Strand to-day. ‘ Chasing Yesterdays ’ is a humorous production featuring Anne Shirley and O. P. Heggie, and provides ample entertainment in both comedy and pure drama. The popular Tim M‘Coy is the featured player in ‘ The Westerner,’ a thrilling story of the fight made by a young rancher to protect his property from thieves. OCTAGON An excellent musical programme will conclude at the Octagon this evening. Bing Crosby is starred in the main attraction, ‘Two for To-r’glit,’ which tells of the amusing adventures of a singer who is forced to turn playwright. Henry Hall, well known to radio fans ns leader of the 8.8. C. Dance Band, js featured in the supporting film, ‘ Music Hath Charm.’ MAYFAIR Two popular stars, with a host of accomplished players assisting in the fun. make ‘ No More Ladies/ the present attraction at the Mayfair, one of the film successes of the year. In the lead Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery score another success, and Francliot Tone, Charlie Buggies. Edna May Oliver, and Reginald Denny add to their laurels. The story has wit. and it has thought. Founded on a successful Broadway play, it deals with the problem of the modern wife who suspects that her husband has been straying. Nowhere does the story drag, and the grand party with which it ends delighted the audience. In fact, it is safe, to prophecy that it will delight every audience. Joan Crawford lias become one- of the screen’s fashion plates, and once again she wears clothes which will delight the wives and intrigue their husbands.