PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22682, 23 June 1937, Page 2

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE This is the last week that Dunedin picturegoers will have a chance to see the picture which many people regard as the most outstanding ot its type produced his year, ‘ Theodora Goes Wild,’ a brilliant comedy at the Empire Theatre. In the leading rolo is the charming lady who headed the female cast of ‘ Showboat,’ Irene Dunne, and opposite her Melvyn Douglas, well known as the hero of 4 The Lono Wolf ’ series of novels when they were produced on the screen. The film is screen entertainment which combines delightlully frothy nonsense with quite a plausible story. The dialogue is brilliant. Miss Dunne’s ‘ Theodora ’ is a lass from a'little country town who wins national fame as the writer of a “hot” novel, a fact which sho manages to keep well hidden from all her acquaintances by writing under a nora de plume. Douglas, a happy-go-lucky illustrator, discovers her identity and follows her homo from New York. Circumstances cause Theodora, to “go wild” in no uncertain fashion. Tier identity becomes known, and from then on tho fun waxes fast and furious. Thomas Mitchell, as the editor of tho local newspaper, delighted with iho “ scoops ” Miss Dunne’s exploits bring him, and the two maiden ladies of ‘ Mr Deeds Goes to Town,’ Margaret M*Wade and Rosalind Keith, are members of the supporting cast who play excellent parts. Altogether, the picture is one for the 44 must see ” list. STARS OF ‘NAUGHTY MARIETTA.’ In all the splendour of its wellremembered songs and with, the added attraction of scenic beauty which only the screen could give, 4 Roso Marie ’ comes on Friday to the Empire. There is an exquisite air of freshness and simplicity about the screen version of tho operetta, which shows that the singing picture has reached a pleasing phase of its development. Tho tale of Mario do Flor and Sergeant Bruce, of the Royal Canadian North-west Mounted Police, is told with a clarity _ and conviction which was rather lacking in the stage presentation. The fusion of grand opera with the lighter romantic music of the operetta is well done, and presents a balanced whole which is most pleasing. In the title role Jeanette MacDonald excels even her performance In 4 Naughty Marietta.’ Her singing is superb, especially 4 The Indian Love Call,’ sung in a typical Canadian setting of surpassing beauty. The full range and power of her voice are brought out in tho final scene of 4 Tosca,’ in which some splendid acting is seen, as the highly-strung prima donna strives to carry on with her part while the' voice of her lover rings in her ears. Nelson Eddy gives a fine performance as Sergeant Bruce, and his splepdid voice does full justice to the melodious 4 Rose Marie ’ and to the rollicking ‘ Song of the Mounties.’ RECENT ‘Beloved Enemy,’ the current attraction at the Regent, will go down in motion picture history as one of tho , “ great ” ones, and rightly so. Merle Oberon plays an extremely fine part, while Brian Aherne is outstandingly good. The story opens in Dublin in the dark days of 1921. The British forces are being considerably worried and suffering severe losses through tho activities of tho young rebel leader, Dennis Riordan (Brian Aherne), but all the efforts of the Secret Service are in vain and he remains at large. Riordan meets Lady Helen (Miss Oberon), the daughter of Lord Attlee, a Whitehall emissary who advocates drastic military measures as a means of settling the trouble. Although they are on opposing sides, Riordan and Lady Helen fall in love and yet remain true to their particular causes, to pass through days of defeat and victory, hope and despair, until tho splendid climax is finally reached. Ra Mould, the New Zealand boy, gives an excellent portrayal of a little Irish boy whose father died for the cause. Tho supporting programme includes the latest Mickey Mouse colour cartoon. OLIVER CURWOOD FILMISATION. Filmed throughout in technicolour, 4 God’s Country and the Woman,’ coming on Friday to the Regent, has a strong appeal’to all those who admire fast-moving drama set in primitive surroundings. With a high adventure content, pleasant and possible romantic theme, and authentic scenery, it must rank with the finest talkies of its type. James Oliver Curwood’s intriguing story of the lumber camps would have produced a splendid film in any case, but competent direction and the new technicolour process, with competent acting, too, make the film something well worth seeing. George Brent, who acts the part of one of tho partners, has a sense of light, subtle humour and a gentle “ Clark Gable ” way of handling women, which makes his work interesting and intriguing. As Jo Barton, -the woman owner, Beverley Roberts does so well that one wonders why this Beverley Roberts has not been heard more of. The cast is nicely balanced from top to bottom. STATE One of ‘ the really powerful motionpicture dramas of‘recent years, 4 Winterset,’ is at present enjoying a popular season at the State. Tho story concerns the murder of a Government paymaster by a gang of bandits and their escape in a stolen automobile. The owner of the ear fails to report Ids loss to the police owing to the presence in the car of prohibited political propaganda which would take him to prison if tho police discovered it. The police find tho car, and eventually the owner is executed for the murder of the paymaster. His young sou sots out to clear his father’s name at all costs, and his thrilling adventures while thus engaged form the major part of tho film. Romance and humour are tastefully in-

trod need at intervals to relievo the tenseness of the dramatic sequences. Tho cast is headed by Maurice Moscovitch and includes 'well-known players, such as John Carradinc, Burgess Meredith. and Edward Ellis. JESSIE MATTHEWS MUSICAL. Dancing and musical numbers of more than usual merit characterise ‘ It's Love Again,’ the latest British musical film, starring Jessie Matthews, which is to commence on Friday at the .State. Miss Matthews outshines all the other members of the cast, which includes such favourites as Spnnie Halo and Robert Young, and her numbers include several catchy tunes which should prove successful hits. Her dancing is spirited and graceful, and tho costuming and effects unusual and attractive. The plot, as is the case iu all musicals, is fantastic, but nevertheless it provides plenty of opportunities for humour and romance. Miss Matthews is east as a girl with an ambition to get on the stage, and sho succeeds in drawing public attention to herself by most diverting means. Robert Young lakes the part of a young journalist who tries to set Miss Matthews on the road to fame. The supporting programme will include some excellent newsreels. GRAND A startling exposure of abuses in tho paroling of "dangerous gangsters from U.S. prisons, is told in an exciting story, 4 Don’t Turn ’Em Loose,’ tho chief film of a double-feature hill which began to-day at the Grand. For .years gangster films have enjoyed a reputation. for entertainment value similar to that once held by pictures of tho Wild West, hut 4 Don’t Turn ’Em Loose ’ is a novel and interesting variation of a familiar theme. Excellently acted and based on actual happenings in parts of the United States, 4 Don’t Turn ’Em Loose ’ holds interest from beginning to end, and startling events moyo to an unexpected and thrilling climax. Briefly, the story concerns a notorious gangster who secured his release time and again from a just prison sentence by pleading to a hoard not disinterested in its motives a false determination to reform. Onco out of prison the old round of bank robberies and murders (if necessary) takes the place of promises to reform. In the end retribution comes to the gangster from his own father, who has been called from tho rectorship of a big school to assist in clearing the prison system of its abuses. A welcome reappearance is made in the film by Lewis Stone, as the father so sadly disillusioned in his son. Other excellent acting performances arc given by Bruce Cabot (as the gangster), Louise Latimer, and Betty Grablo. There is a wealth of excitement, and tho film is as good entertainment as it is a revelation of probationary methods and their possible abuses in America. The second attraction, 4 Wedding Present,’ is an unusual and amusing story of newspaper life in Chicago, dealing with tho adventures and far from smooth romance of two reporters. Their assignments range from interviewing an archduke and persuading him to abandon a proposed marriage with an heiress to discovering a helpless and drifting ferry on Lake Michigan in a fearful blizzard. Joan Bennett and Cary Grant are starred. ST. JAMES The screen version of Edgar Rice Burroughs’s thrilling story of adventure iu tho African jungle, 4 Tarzan Escapes,’ which is at present drawing large audiences to the St. James, is regarded by all who have seen it as tho most stirring of tho Tarzan series yet produced. Again seen as the primitive young Hercules whose orders are obeyed by' the wild beasts of the jungle, Johnny Weissmuller commands admiration by his remarkable athletic feats and his fine understanding of the difficult part which has been assigned to him. Maureen O’Sullivan again plays the role of Tarzan’s mate, the beautiful girl from civilisation whoso love for the young king of tho jungle keeps her with him in the wild surroundings. The story is crammed with adventure, and tells of tho caputro of Tarzan by a hunter who wishes to take him to Australia, and Tarzan’s subsequent escape and return in time to savo his mate from death at the hands of the natives. STRAND A thrilling mystery, 4 The Secret of Stamboul,’ adapted from a novel by Denis Wheatley, the well-known writer of thrillers, and ‘.The Luckiest Girl In the World,’ a light and humorous story, are tho current features at the Strand, Tho principal part in 4 Tho Secret of Stamboul ’ is taken by tho brilliant actor-dramatist Frank Vesper ‘ Killer at Large,’ which opens on Friday at the Strand, is spine-chilling entertainment that manages to ho logically constructed and convincing at the same time. Which means that it is way above tho average melodrama in excitement, thrills and suspense. Seen in the cast to advantage are Mary Brian as a store detective; Russel Hardie, as an ambitious jewellery salesman, and Betty Compson, as a woman of mystery. These three are involved in the murder ot the owner of the department store in which Miss Brian and young Hardie are employed. Miss Brian’s suspicions turn to a Mr Zero, wax expert in charge of a wax museum in one of the store windows. Sho and Hardie trail Mr Zero to his wax works and discover that he has murdered Miss Compson, his aide and accomplice, and how plans to wreck his mad vengeance on them. The resulting events arc filled with shudders and chills as tho madman pursues his prey. These scenes are packed with suspenscful thrills and are recommended to those who like their entertainment vigorous and exciting. Mary Brian is featured in ‘ Lady From Nowhere,’ winch will support with the Louis versus Sharkey fight film. t OCTAGON A programme of two highly entertaining films is at present being offered at the Octagon. In 4 Mind Your Own Business ’ Charlie Ruggles appears for the first time in years without his team mate. Mary Boland. Playing opposite him is Alice Brady. Tho. second feature, ‘ Tho Great O’Malley,’ presents Pat O’Brien in tho role of a New York policeman. Sybil Jason, a youthful star, also plays a leading part in tho comedy-drama. MAYFAIR One of the most colourful periods in history lias been brought to tho screen by Douglas Fairbanks, jun., in his latest production, ‘ The Amateur Gentleman,’ which commenced at the Mayfair today. The story is laid in England during the time of tho Prince Regent. Fairbanks plays the role of Barnabas Party, the educated son of an innkeeper, who enters Loudon society iu an effort to clear his father of a false charge of theft, for which lie has boon sentenced to death. Accompanied by a faithful servant from the inn, Barnabas installs himself in fashionable rooms and, following a chance meeting with the Prince Regent, he becomes a loading member of the “ smart set.”

Some people crave publicity while others shrink from it. ‘ The Girl on the Front Pago ’ gets more than her share when a blackmailing butler spreads scandal about her in the Universal picture which will be the associate feature. Gloria Stuart, as the girl on the front page, is a society debutante who inherits a newspaper from her father. Her managing editor is portrayed by Kclmnnd Lowe, who proves himself a comedian of exceptional skill.