PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22571, 12 February 1937, Page 13

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT ‘Forgotten Faces,’ which began a season at the Regent to-day, is the dramatic story of a man who dedicated his life to his daughter’s happiness. The owner of a fashionable gambling house, he married a second-rate actress and persuaded her to give up the stage. However, after several years, her longing to return made her discontented and reckless. A flirtation with another man ended abruptly when her husband, coming home unexpectedly, found them together and shot the man. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but not before he had managed to smuggle away his infant daughter and arrange for her adoption by a rich and childless couple who adored her from the first moment they saw. her. Twenty years passed, and the unfaithful wife, back to the in cheap burlesque, became desperate for money. Her only source of supply seemed to be through her daughter and her rich adopted parents; bub first she had to find out where she was. Her efforts resulted in a thrilling battle of wits and nerve against her husband, released on parole from prison, and ended tragically. The leading roles in the film are taken by Herbert Marshall, as the quiet, determined husband, and Gertrude Michael as his actress wife. Both give able performances, and the photography and incidental music is excellent. The programme of short features is unusually good. An added attraction at the Regent to-night and on Saturday night will be the appearance of Miss Margaret O’Connor and Mr W. E. Priestly, of Wellington and Auckland, in a stage presentation featuring the slow fox trot and ballroom rumba, two numbers which these exponents of ballroom dancing have made a specialty of since, their recent return from Europe. EMPIRE The excitement and confusion of the mad w r ar days is re-enacted in ‘ Suzy,’ now showing at the Empire. Though the war itself is not unduly emphasised, it forms an integral part of the plot. The story revolves about the experiences of an American chorus girl stranded in London and Paris. Some of the most striking scenes in the picture are those of aerial battle, which are very well done indeed, with remarkably few mistakes in technique. Close-up “ shots ” of well-remembered war aeroplanes in flight are very fine. I,n the title role Jean Harlow is at her most convincing as the gii;l who becomes involved in. a net of German spies; As her husband, who is badly wounded by the spiet, and whom she believes dead, Franchot Tone gives his usual' good peffofniatice.' He appears later as a test pilot of the Royal Air Force, attached to an aircraft construction plant. As Captain Moore, he is detailed to fly the latest in pursuit aeroplanes to an old friend of his, the French ace, Captain Charville, (Cary Grant). But on his arrival he finds that his wife has _ “ married ” !tho. S'feiich aoe. 1 After this revelation the plot becomes ever more complex with the appearance of a beautiful ■woman spy,' the development of a scheme to kill Charville, and a fierch and realistic battle in the air between the new British aeroplane and a squadron of German, Fokkers. There is an outstanding supporting programme. ST. JAMES George Robey, the Empire’s greatest comedy host, leads the laughs in the merry musical _ romance, ‘ Southern Rose,’ which commenced a season at the St. James to-day. What happens when a young naval officer goes on shore leave in . a romantic town like Barcelona? A soft, southern moon, a tropical night—made for romance—■ exotic fragrance of a million blooms, and into the scene steps Reggie, with a few pals, determined to enjoy to the full, their few precious hours of “ freedom.” Calling first at the night club “ Trocadero,” Reggie sees and immediately falls in love with the charming cabaret artiste Mary Roland, but another Don Ramon, also has eyes on pretty Mary. However, “ the navy,” in true nautical style, meet out swift justice to the dastardly Spaniard, and there begins a grand series of infectious gaiety, engaging comedy and diverting by-play under the title of ‘ Southern Roses.’ the merriest, sprightliest musical comedy seen in many, many months. Added to this is the ripe humour of Old Higgins, who, in tho person of George Robey, is a comedy host in himself, with his bland asides and fruity innuendo. Others who score in a sterling cast are Gina Male, who has never been seen to better advantage than in this attractive role of Mary, a role which affords full opportunities for her talents in song, dance, aiid sprightly romance. Chilli Bouchier as the tempestuous Estralla, is still another characterisation. Neil Hamilton is appealing as the debonair Reggie, and the remainder of the unusually strong cast includes an old Australian favourite, Vera'Pearce, in •the part of Carrie, the Cannonball Queen, Athene Seyler, Sara Allgood. Hal Gordon, Gus M'Naughton, and Richard Dolman, STRAND With a pack of hounds in full cry and Lionel Barrymore as principal hunter, production of ‘ The Voice of Bugle Ann ’ at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios was marked with an authentic representation of a traditional Missouri fox hunt. Tho new’ picture, a vivid romance of the Missouri farmlands, had its premiere at the Strand this afternoon. Barrymore plays the central figure, and the romance is in the hands of Eric Linden and Maureen O’Sullivan. Others in tho cast are Henry Wadsworth, Dudley Dlgges, James Macklin, and Billy Newell. Dramatic highlights in the picture include the fox hunt, the birth of the puppy amid tho thunderstorm, and its rescue, the coming of the stranger from the North who built barbed-wii’e fences, the loss of “ Bugle Ann,” the desperate efforts of the heroine to prevent trouble as the infuriated farmers gather, the murder, the trial, with Barrymore’s dramatic tribute to the dog, and the denouement in which the case of Bugle Ann is settled in the hills to which the old fox hunter returns. ‘ Three Cheers for Love,’ which supports, is one of those easy American films with no more pretensions than to make the audience happy. It is a tale of a poverty-stricken girls’ school which is brought back to ■ fortune by a brokendown stage company and a girl pupil with a talent for making musical shows. The school produces one, and everybody is happy and prosperous again. Incidentally, the girl, Eleanore Whitney, proves that she is not only a capable young romantic lead, but is also an extremely clever dancer, and her numbers with Robert Cummings, who has a very pleasing singing voice, provide the highlights of the filin. Supporting them are William Crawley and Billy Lee.

OCTAGON Almost a surfeit of the best in entertainment is offered at the Octagon this week. ‘ Koenigsmark ’ is tho attraction. As a “ silent ’it was a success, but now’, with the addition of sound, which allows the players to use their personalities to even better advantage, it is a triumph. Spacious ballrooms and garden parties cloaking the diplomatic intrigue that was rending Europe at the time; foreign spies and lovely women flitting about before settings that might have been inspired by Cecil B. de Mille—all these serve to accentuate the thread that runs through the film—a wistful love between a grand duchess and a French tutor. Brought from America to play the leading part in ‘Koenigsmark,’ Elissa Landi gives a magnificent portrayal, Incidentally, it is interesting to note that she starred in both the French and English versions. The story concerns Princess Aurore (Elissa Landi), who, entering a marriage of convenience with Grand Duke Rudolpho of Lautenbourg, is quickly widowed when her husband is murdered at the instigation of his brother, Grand Duke Frederick, who is intent on ruling the Duchy. The male lead has been entrusted to Pierre Eresnay. For a stirring story of romance and adventure, skilfully presented and forcibly acted, theatre-goers could not do better than see ‘ Arizona Raiders,’ which supports. The setting is in tho plain country of Arizona, and .there are striking scenes of wild horses during a. stampede. Tho Olympic swimmer Larry Crabbe, who has steadily risen to pi'ominence as a screen, actor, has the leading role with Raymond Hatton in support and Marsha Hunt as the feminine lead. GRAND Brilliant comedy, swift action, and delightful romance are to be found in ‘ The Plying Doctor,’ which has opened a season ,at the Grand. It is an Australian production and one of the best that has yet come from a Commonwealth studio. Charles Farrell, who has starred in many Hollywood successes, wont to Sydney to head the talented cast selected to appear in ‘ The Flying Doctor.’ Ho is suited to perfection in the role of a typical outhack wanderer, with his dog, who refuses to ignore the call of freedom alter marrying a squatter’s pretty daughter, portrayed with simplicity and charm by Mary Maguire. In Sydney he follows all manner of occupations, including that of a wrestler, after which he wins an apparently worthless gold claim in a poker game, only to find himself a wealthy miner overnight. After •a • spectacular drinking saloon brawl he is woilnded and blinded, although he is temporarily saved from death by the flying doctor of Cloncurry, whom lie befriended in Sydney. The dramatic highlight is the doctor’s return from a visit to the city with his new bride, the patient’s former wife. A fund of mirth is contained in scenes featuring the inimitable Joe Valli as a Scottish tramp and staunch friend of the blinded rover, who bequeaths his fortune for the extension of the medical .flying corps. One delightful scene tinged with tense drama, is the operation of a “ bicycle ” radio generator to, broadcast a sumnimons to the doctor. . Lovely scenes of Australian countryside add to tho beautv of the film. Playing opposite Charles Farrell is the lovely Mary Maguire. ' STATE "Shirley Temple’s best picture,” was the unanimous verdict of the crowds that packed the State last week to see ‘ Poor Little Rich Girl,’ the most recent vehicle for tho talents of the screen’s most famous juvenile star. The picture contains an abundance of comedy, music, and romance—everything to charm the entertainmentseeker—but Shirley Temple- dominates all. Never has she been seen to better advantage. As actress, singer, and dancer sue rivals the best of the adult stars:—and her personality will win over those to whom singers, dancers, and actresses mean little. The story is a splendid combination of comedy, drama, and pathos. Shirley plays the role of a daughter of a wealthy man whose business affairs do not give him time to be a real father to the child. She is lonely and unhappy in her isolation, and finally runs away, being adopted by two young people who bring her the happiness of childhood which formerly she had been denied. State patrons will be delighted to hear that in this picture Shirley sings several songs in her own inimitable style. Her numbers are ‘ When I’m With You,’ ‘ But Definitely,’ ‘ Oh, My Goodness,’ ‘Military Man,’ and, best of all, perhaps, ‘ You Gotta Eat Your Spinach.’ It can be expected that several of these numbers will have an instant popular appeal. The production was directed by Darryl F. Zanuck, who personally selected the members of the brilliant cast which so ably supports the little star. It says a great deal for Shirley’s artistry that she takes the honours when there are teamed with her such well-known players as Michael Whalen, Alice Faye, and Jack Haley. MAYFAIR Paul Muni gives the most brilliant characterisation of his outstanding screen career as Louis Pasteur in ‘ The Story of Louis Pasteur,’ -which concludes at the Mayfair this evening. It is the story of the fight of a scientist for the prevention of disease by sterilisation of instruments and general cleanliness. ‘ Moonlight Murder, starring Chester Morris and Madge Evans, is in support. LOY-HARLOW-GABLE FILM. Featuring such well-known iplayers as Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, and Clark Gable, ‘ Wife v. Secretary,’ which will be seen at the Mayfair to-morrow, is a delightful comedy drama in which first-class acting is allied to a logical story. Once again Myrna Loy is the effervescent young wife in love with her husband, once again she delights the audience with polished dialogue, and once again she shows how well she is suited to portraying a millionaire’s wife. The millionaire in this instance is the boyish Clark Gable, cast as a highly-snccessful magazine publisher. Although ho is deeply in love with his wife he is dependent on his young secretary, hut until malicious tongues start asking why he finds it necessary to employ anyone so beautiful he does not realise that she may upset his marriage. As the third party in this remarkable triangle Miss Harlow has a part unlike those in which she has been cast in the past, and shows that she is quite as well adapted to playing the efficient secretary as the more sophisticated parts to which she is accustomed. The lesser roles are admiringly played by such accomplished players as May Robson, who gives a fine portrayal as an understanding mother; James Stewart, as Jean Harlow’s "poor but honest” lover; Hobart Cavanaugh, George Barbier, and Gilbert Emery. Tho film is notable for its quick changes of scene, and women patrons will be delighted with the frocking. Much of the success of the production is due to the capable direction of the director, Clarence Brown. The other film will be ‘ Thirteen Hours by Air.’

GREEN ISLAND ‘ Grandad Rudd,’ starring Bert Bailey, marks another great step forward in the progess of Austalian motion picture production, the young industry that is fast becoming a real and valuable asset. Once again tho production honours to to Cinesound, Australia’s premier film production organisation, and with other outstanding successes as ‘ On Our Selection,’ ‘ The Silence of Dean Maitland,’ and ‘ The Squatter’s Daughter,’ ‘ Grandad Rudd ’ forms a quartet of popular entertainments which any of the world’s greatest studios would be proud to have made. It has always been Cinesound’s intention to translate another Steele Rudd comedy to the screen, and with their old famed and associate Bert Bailey again available, ‘ Grandad Rudd ’ was selected, with that grand old man of the Australian stage and screen in the title role. All Australia rocked with laughter at the screamingly funny adventures of the famous Rudd family. Prosperity has now come to the Rudds, and they’ll share their great fortune in laughs with you at the Municipal to-morrow.