PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22919, 29 March 1938, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT Gary Cooper plays the role of a heroic seafaring man in Paramount’s ‘ Souls at Sea,’ which is the feature at the Regent. George Raft is starred with him. Their personal love stories, with Frances Dee and Olympe Bradna respectively, are set.against one of the most notable sea tragedies of history. The story of ‘ Souls at Sea ’ is that of the slave trade and sailing ships in 1840. It is. based on the wreck of the famous packet William Brown, and the subsequent trial of its captain for manslaughter on the high. seas. This trial fired impassioned controversy in both America and Europe when it was held in Philadelphia in 1842. The director, Henry Hathaway, who produced ‘ The Lives of a Bengal Lancer,’ went directly to the newspaper files of the old Philadelphia ‘ Public Ledger ’ for first-hand testimony of the survivors of the William Brown, and built from them the stark realism which colours this impelling sea drama. How stark necessity and his ardent fervour as an abolitionist during the years of the great slave traffic in 1840 drives a sailor to take the role of ruthless destroyer of human lives, constitutes the basic theme of ‘ Souls at Sea.’ Gary Cooper is the seaman who takes command during an appalling tragedy at sea, and makes the choice of those human beings who are to be sacrificed. An elaborate set representing the saloon of a sailing ship and mounted on a steel rocker that can be swayed at any angle to simulate the motion of a vessel ploughing through deep water swells, was constructed on a Hollywood sound stage for making 1 Souls at Sea.’ There is an appropriate supporting programme.

‘THE PRISONER OF ZENDA.’ Ronald Coltnan and Madeleine Carroll, with Douglas Fairbanks, jun., in the role of the fighting daredevil, Rupert of Hentzau, are starred in ‘ The Prisoner of Zenda,’ the film masterpiece which will be screened on Friday at the Regent. In it a great love story is dramatically interwoven with desperate adventure and intrigue. Ronald Colman as (Rudolf (Rassendyll, an English gentleman and retired army officer, first becomes aware of his startling resemblance to King Rudolf (also played by Colman) when he enters the monarch’s domain on a fishing trip and meets the King himself, later being invited to spend the night at a nearby hunting lodge. The morning of the young king’s coronation finds him in a drunken stupor, and Colman, persuaded to impersonate him for the day, is in a dilemma when he hears that the real king has been kidnapped. To play the dual role of king and impersonator, (Ronald Colman used mirrors. and the result has been described as the most distinct separation of two personalities ever achieved. A strong supporting east includes Mary Astor, C. Aubrey Smith, Raymond Massey, and David Niven.

STATE All the thrills of those adventurous days when men dared all for love are presented again in * Under the lied Robe,’ an exciting, swashbuckling romance, starring Conrad Veidt and Annabella, which is at the State. A colourful and epic photoplay, the Twentieth Century-Fox release is based on the unforgettable story by Stanley J. Weyman, a best-seller for many years, and on the stage play by Edward Rose. In its screen presentation it stands out as the greatest adventure of an adventurous era. Combining the intrigue of ‘ Richelieu,’ the romance of ‘ The Scarlet Pimpernel,’ and the adventure of ‘ The Three Musketeers,’ the picture tells a tale of intrigue that threatens a throne, with Conrad Veidt, acclaimed as one of the greatest actors Europe ever produced, as the dashing, audacious adventurer, and Gil de Berault, whose sword strikes terror into the hearts of men and whose smile brings love to the hearts of women. As the radiant and charming Lady Marguerite, rapturously in love and unaware that her ardour can destroy a throne, Annabella more than fulfils the promise of her earlier screen appearance. The exciting new star of ‘ Wings of the Morning ’ is even more exciting and thrilling in ‘ Under the Red: Robe.’ The role of Richelieu, the hated, the revered, the courted, the feared, who conspired with the hearts and lives of lovers to become tlie power behind an empire, is played by Raymond Massey, noted actor of the British and American stage. ASTAIRE AND ROGERS. What happens when two of the world’s foremost dancing celebrities find that everybody believes they are married, forms the hilarious theme of ‘ Shall W eDance,’ the newest Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers musical film which comes to the State on Friday. Presenting the wing-footed Astaire as a famous ballet dancer and the nimble Miss Rogers as an equally renowned revue artiste, the plot deals with a series of circumstances which bring about marriage rumours. These rumours are fostered by some of the characters, including Astaire himself, who is deeply enamoured of the lady, and denied by others, but the complications make for a delightfully entertaining picture. Sparkling with tunes written by George and Ira Gershwin, _ and with brilliant dance numbers in novel settings, dances featuring not only the two stars themselves, but also Harriet Hoetor, America’s premiere ballerina. A unique roller-skating dance, a solo danced against the rhythmic background of the machinery of a giant ocean liner’s engine room, and a spectacular dance by Astaire with 20 “ Ginger Rogers ” are among the eight notable terpsichorean features of the film. OCTAGON The age-old differences between East and West form the basis of ‘ Shanghai,’ which heads the Octagon bill. It is the story of an exiled Russian aristocrat whose mother was a Manchu princess, and the scenes are laid in Shanghai—the meeting place of East and West. The distinguished cast is headed by Loretta Young and Charles Boyer, and also includes Alison Skipworth, Warner Oland, and several other well-known players. Miss Young comes to Shanghai as a New York debutante and meets a young banker (Charles Boyer), who has recently risen to a responsible position from driving rickshaws in the Chinese quarter, where he supported his proud but impoverished father. Success follows in the young man’s footsteps, and a romance develops between him and the American girl. His dramatic revelation of his parentage alienates him from Shanghai society, but he is followed into the wilds by Miss Young. The climax is an unusual one, and Erovides the only solution there ran e to the problem. An outstanding supporting programme includes a Wait 1 Disney Silly Symphony, a Betty Boop cartoon, and, three novelty items, fea-

turing Shorty, the more than human orang-outang, a cavalcade of American music, and the m'anner in which screen tests are made. ‘MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION.' From hate to love is not » far step in some circumstances. These are present in ‘ Magnificent Obsession,’ Universal version of the best-selling novel by Lloyd C. ' Douglas, in which Irene Dunne is starred with. Robert Taylor, Charles Butterworth, Ralph Morgan, Betty Furness, and Sarah Haden. This remarkable film, which is due to screen in Dunedin on Friday at the Octagon, is magnificent entertainment, which can be confidently recommended. ‘Magnificent Obsessionis noted for the strength and simplicity of its dramatic presentation, and'the team-work of the actors, none of whom outshadows the other. Robert Taylor,, who. occupies the highest position in Hollywood at the present time, made his name through ‘ Magnificent Obsession.’ Previous to this he had made screen appearances, but not in such congenial parts. Irene Dunne is an artist of incomparable versatility and charm, who has found a place in the hearts of theatre-goers everywhere. Charles Butterworth is the comedian-in-chief, and he enables the action to be balanced by his comic relief. ST. JAMES ‘ Smilin’ Through,’ which is screening at the St. James, is undoubtedly one of the great classics of the screen. Norma Shearer is again seen in the leading role, and other prominent parts are taken by Fredrie March and Leslie Howard. Since ‘ Smilin’ Through ’ was presented ou the New York stage by Jane Cowl it has stirred the hearts of countless theatregoers. England of 1868 contrasted with the modern times of excitement which attended the Great War forms the background of this wistful tale. The story is that of a man who cannot forget the memory of a tragedy on his wedding day. Fifty years later the son of the man who caused his bitterness returns and falls in love with his niece. Out of the bitterness in which he has lived all those years, he seeks to keep the young lovers apart, and it is only when the spirit of his departed one returns that he finds it in his heart to relent. Leslie Howard gives an inspired portrayal, and others in the cast are (3. P. Heggie, Ralph Forbes, and Beryl Mercer. Included in an excellent array of short subjects which comprise a fine supporting programme is another of * the popular ‘ March of Time ’ series, showing life and customs in present-day Poland. ‘BULLDOG DRUMMOND COMES BACK.’ Bulldog Drummond, after a period of comparative screen inactivity, will return to entertain audiences at the St. James next Friday in 1 Bulldog Drummond Comes Back,’ which will be shown in conjunction with a riotous comedy, 4 She Asked For It.’ William Gargan and Orien Hayward, an attractive and promising newcomer, take the leading roles in the latter production. They owe everyone money, and they bet heavily as to which will receive the most bills on the first of the month. The plot takes many amusing turns before an hilarious climax is reached. John Howard takes his turn in the Bulldog Drummond saga, and he receives fine support from John Barrymore, Reginald Denny, Louise Campbell, and E. E. Clive. The theme of the film is the struggle of Drummond and his friends to find Drummond’s fiancee, Miss Campbell, who has been kidnapped by a ruthless woman criminal. GRAND Featuring a host of - famous radio artists, ‘ Calling All Stars,’ which will have its final screening to-night at the Grand, provides a marvellous variety entertainment from such celebrities as Flotsam and Jetsam, Larry Adler, Turner Layton, Carroll Gibbons and his Savoy Orpheans, and Ambrose and his orchestra. .The film is a triumph, of 1

completeness, and never before, even in the most pretentious productions, has such a cast been assembled. * Midnight Taxi ’ supports. MUSICAL AND BROWN COMEDIES. The screen adaptation _ of the highly successful London Palladium stage pioduction, ‘ O-Kay for Sound,’ will _be presented to-morrow for the first time at the Grand. Resourceful treatment and vitality of script assist the picture to attain continued variety and movement, and the comedy lies chiefly in the adventures of Flanagan, Allen, Nervo, Knox, and Naughton and Gold —“ The Crazy Gang ” —in a film studio, where they cause havoc, but ultimately, make a film which renders a bankrupt producer solvent again. Lavish presentations of massed singing, and brilliant solo dancing numbers are interwoven with nonsense, and there is au amusing burlesque of a broadcast commentary._ Prominent in the outstanding cast is the famous singer, Peter Dawson, who is heard in several numbers. ‘ Fit For a King,’ an R.K.O. Radio production, is the other attraction. The inimitable screen comedian, Joe E. Brown, is. cast as an incompetent newspaper reporter whose editor in despair assigns him to follow a foreign nobleman on whose life an attempt is to be made by a gang of assassins. The editor hopes that. the criminals will mistake Joe for their quarry. The trail leads the reporter across the Atlantic to France, where the nobleman has gone to seek the hand of a beautiful princess. 1 When an attempt is made on the life of the princess, it is Joe who discovers it, and it is he who eventually wins her love. Helen Madk is seen in the role of the princess, while Paul Kelly heads the supporting cast. EMPIRE America’s leading humorous team, Laurel and Hardy, are the stars in the crazy comedy, ‘ Way Out West,’ which is at the Empire. These two top rank film stars have a universal appeal, and their appearance in full-length pictures instead of •“ shorts ” has been a welcome feature of their more recent productions. They are still the same Laurel and Hardy, lean and the other generously proportioned, but they have put a new zest into this production which bodes well for their continued success as mirthmakers on the screen. Draped in the ludicrous clothes now familiar to all film-goers, the two travel to the “.wide open spaces ” in West America in search of a girl. Upon their arrival in the Western township they give an impromptu burlesque ballet dance that “ brings the house down.” A real Western atmosphere is created by the playing of a cowboy band, which gives sterling support in the presentation of some of those Western melodies which have proved so popular recently. Stan Laurel is at his best when he sings bass, then baritone, and so on with the tenor and soprano parts of an old Southern song. The two go out West to deliver the deeds of a gold mine to a young girl, and they are swindled by a saloon proprietor. Thev then set about recovering the deeds in their own inimitable style, and blunder through after _ a series of hilarious scenes. There is a good supporting programme. STRAND ‘ The Westland Case,’ the screen version by New Universal of Jonathan Latimer’s Crime Club novel, is the feature of the Strand programme, Preston Foster is admirably cast as Detective Crane, who is called upon to save an innocent man from the consequences of a false charge of murdering his beautiful wife. Crane masks his brilliance under a pretended weakness for blondes and smart parties, and solves the “ perfect crime ” by a stroke of shrewd deduction, but only after many surprises and thrilling incidents 1 . Although, mystery predominates, there runs through each scene a delicate thread of comedy, with Crane taking the lead in the delivery of humorous dialogue. The leading lady is Carol Hughes, and others in the cast are Barbara Pepper, Frank Jenks, Astrid Alwyn, George Meeker, and Russell Hicks. The second attraction is entitled ‘ That I May Live,’ and stars Rochelle Hudson and Robert Kent. The story traces the life of an ex-con-vict who is compelled to follow a life of crime against his will. A murder is committed, for which the former convict is held responsible, but eventually he proves his innocence, and in a thrilling climax the perpetrators of the crime are revealed. MAYFAIR A mystery film that is really different, ‘The Thirteenth Chair,’ heads the programme which will conclude tonight at the Mayfair. Though most of the action takes place in one room in which are gathered a number of people, one of whom must necessarily be a murderer, the atmosphere throughout the production is unbelievably tense and excellently maintained. Heading a. notable cast are Dame May Whitty*

of ■ ‘ Night Must Fall ’ fame, Elissa Landi, Madge Evans, and Lewis Stone. In the second film, ‘ Head Over Heels,’ Jessie Matthews sings sis new songs. ‘ FIRE OVER ENGLAND.’ One of the most stirring moments in British history was recently .re-onacted amidst the glorious scenery of a private park near Denham. The scene was that of Queen Elizabeth addressing her.troops at Tilbury while the great Spanish Armada was sailing up the Channel to invade England, and was filmed for Erich Pommer’s spectacular production of ‘ Fire Over England,’ which comes to the Mayfair to-morrow. Flora Robson, playing the role of Queen Elizabeth, made a most inspiring figure as she addressed an army of mounted and foot men. Laurence Olivier, as Michael Ingolby, the hero, stood by the Queen’s feet. ‘ Fire Over England,’ which is released by United Artists, was _ recently awarded the League of Nations gold medal for 1937. Also featured in the . mammoth cast in this outstanding production are Vivien Leigh, Leslie Banks, Raymond Massey, Morton Selten, and Tamara Desni. In ‘ Off to the Races,’ the second film, the _ Jones family is beset with, new complications —Uncle Slim Summerville and his horse. The fourth film in the popular series featuring the adventures of a typical American family retains the players who have made the Jones family one of the country’s favoured households—Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane, Spring Byington, Kenneth Howell, George Ernest, June Carlson, Florence Roberts, and Billy Mahan—and adds, as a new heart interest opposite Shirley Deane, personable young Russell Gleason. GREEN ISLAND Hollywood’s screen version of P. G. Wodehouse’s ‘ Piccadilly _ Jim ’ comes to-morrow to the Municipal, Green Island. The whole world laughed at the word' picture which _ Wodehouse drew in his peculiarly inimitable style, but the laugh is more hilarious with the visual and audible performance. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer _has_ brought ‘ Piccadilly Jim ’ into being in the person of Robert Montgomery, who -gives one of the most delightful performances of his career. It is significant that Robert Z. Leonard, the director of ‘The Great Ziegfeld,’ also _ directed this picture. His deft touch is unmistakable. A stellar supporting cast includes Frank Morgan, also of ‘.The Great Ziegfeld’ cast, Madge Evans, Eric Blore, Billie Burke, the widow of the famous producer, in her first picture under her new M-G-M contract, Robert Benchley, ■ and others. The story concerns a brilliant young caricaturist who falls in love with a girl about’ whose family he knows nothing whatever. When she disappears he launches a quest for her, neglects his work, and loses his position. His father, a former actor, played by ■ Morgan, also is in love with a woman of a lofty clan. The boy proceeds to caricature a family he has met, the cartoons meet with universal approval, and his fortune is made. The catastrophe comes when he discovers that he has lampooned the family of the girl he loves. The comedy and romance which develops from this point provides bright entertainment.