PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22955, 12 May 1938, Page 8

PICTURE THEATRES

STRAND ‘ Hawaiian Buckaroo ’ and * Start Cheering ’ form the strong doable bill screening finally to-night at the Strand. The singing cowboy, Smith Ballew, has the leading role in the former, and his ranching activities take him to Hawaii, where an unscrupulous land agent has sold him a barren waste of desert., ‘ Start Cheering ’ concerns the life of a famous screen personality and matinee idol, who endeavours to escape from the adulation of crowds by entering college. MYSTERY AND CIRCUS DRAMAS. The thrills of circus life are featured in ‘ The Shadow,’ coming to-morrow to the Strand. Intelligent performances by Charles Quigley and Rita Hayworth, the stars, and the rest of the excellent cast make the film thrilling entertainment.. It is the story of a young girl who takes over the management of her father’s circus upon his death. She is able to surmount many obstacles through the aid of her Press agent. The trouble starts when the star of the show, a trick equestrienne, produces notes allegedly signed by her father with the threat ho will take over the show if the notes are not paid. A series of mysterious events that follow result in .two murders, an attempted assassination, and a thrilling ending. ‘ White Lilac,’ which will also be screened, was made by Fox at their Wembley studios. It was directed by Vlbert Parker, who is responsible for numerous Hollywood successes, and has an outstanding cast. It was adapted from the well-known Viennese play by Ladislaus Fodor. Following upon the great success of ‘ The Riverside Murder,’ Basil Sydney and Judy Gunn are again appearing together. The supporting cast includes such well-known players as Claude Dumpier, Percy Marmoht, Leslie Perrins, Edward Dignon, Constance Travers, and Gwen Gill, who was chosen as the Scottish representative in the' “ Search for Beauty ’’ contest a year or so ago. ‘ White Lilac ’ is an unusual mystery story with big human interest appeal, romance, and comedy. REGENT A real film treat is being provided for. patrons of the Regent, where Sandy Powell’s new picture, ‘ It’s a Grand Old World,’ concludes to-night. Never before has the famous Yorkshire comedian been provided with such a fine vehicle in which to exploit his inimitable talents. The laughter-creating story deals with Sandy’s adventures after he wins £16,000 in a football pool. With this money Sandy indulges in the most humorous exploits imaginable. •MERRY-GO-ROUND OF 1938.’ Broadway’s best comes to the screen at the Regent to-morrow in Universal’s ‘ Merry-Go-Round of 1938.’ Produced by Buddy DeSylva, who is credited with dozens of outstanding screen hits, including the early musical ‘ Sunny Side Up ’ and five Shirley Temple productions, ‘ Merry-Go-Round ’ presents Billy House, Bert Lahr, and Jimmo Save direct from Broadway and the major capitals of the world. Savo and Lahr will introduce specialty numbers in the picture which were hits from their last year’s Broadway offerings. Joy Hodges has the romantic feminine lead in the picture. Miss .Hodges has bee.n heard, over coast-to-coast radio chains with the orchestras of Ted Fiorito, Carol Lofner, Jimmie Grier, and with the Jpe Penner hour. Film stars who support the comedians and singers are Mischa Auer, Alice Brady, and Louise Fazenda, with John King, the young leading man from ‘ The Road Back, playing opposite Miss Hodges. STATE New York’s famous night club sector that has become known as the Montmart of America provides the inspiration for the intimate film musical • 52nd Street,’ which concludes to-night at the State. The interesting angle to this new Walter W anger production is that it reproduces the Manhattan night club strip between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on 52nd street with the top personalities from the cluhs themselves to inject the gay spirit and mad atmosphere of this night life belt into the picture. This galaxy of talent is augmented by an array of picture stars. GRIPPING DRAMA. Capturing to the full all the elements of true drama, ‘ The Hurricane ’ is to commence a season to-morrow at the State. Added to an enthralling story are clever photography and expert direction. Written by Charles Nordhoff and J. N. Hall, on whose novels ‘ Mutiny on the Bounty ’ was based, the story is set in the South Seas. The leading roles are in the hands of two newcomers to the screen, Jon Hall and Dorothy Lamour. Their performances are outstanding, and with capable support from C. Aubrey Smith, Raymond Massey, and Mary Aster, an excellent cast has been drawn together. When Terangi, a young islander of Manukurua, first mate on a trading schooner, falls foul of the law through no fault of his own, and is imprisoned, the curtain rises on an exciting drama. An attempt to break free brings an extension of his term of imprisonment. Ho at last escapes, however, but in doing so, accidentally kills a guard. Enthralling sequences follow in rapid succession when the grim, relentless Administrator gives chase to Terangi in a schooner. It is at this stage that the highlight of the film, the magnificent spectacle of a great hurricane, is unfolded. Exceptional characterisations are given by Thomas Mitchell as the easy-going French doctor, and C. Aubrey Smith as the sympathetic and kindly priest. It is, however, Massey, who is the dominant figure as De Laage, who will not allow his feelings to sway him against his sense of duty. In the masterly hands of the director the hurricane scenes have been moulded into some of the finest “ shots ” of the spectacular variety yet to come from the Hollywood studios. OCTAGON ‘ You Can’t Have Everything ’ is the title of the presentation concluding tonight at the Octagon. Two well-known stars in Don Ameche and Alice Faye have the leading roles, and are given a large measure of support from the Ritz Brothers and Charles Winninger. Ameche is seen as a young man who endeavours to persuade Alice Faye to utilise her serious dramatic talents in musical comedy, but the young lady is not enthusiastic. SECRET SERVICE DRAMA. ‘ His Affair,’ which comes to the Octagon to-mor.row, is heralded as a dramatic triumph. An overseas critic wrote of the film as follows:—“‘His Affair’ storms to a climax that is drama unparalleled, when all the forces of justice are ranged against an innocent man who has done his tremendous ’duty, only to be trapped by the most

fateful happening for generations—so unexpected, undreamed-of, unthinkable as to create a situation of- blood-chill-ing irony, danger, and terror. A thrilling story conception—the deliberate destruction of a man’s whole identity, the purposeful wrecking of his brilliant career, for reasons of highest state, .involving the great names and great places of a nation. Then, the triumph of that man through a love greater than life or honour —such is the central theme of ‘ His Affair.’ Because of ono daring man’s ingenuity and courage the safety and integrity of a nation depend, in the turbulent, violent, colourful days at the turn of the century; because this man achieves success through a supremely courageous love; because the lovers are Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck—all these comprise a convincing argument for the choice of ‘ His Affair ’ as one of the finest films of its type ever screened.” The story of ‘ His Affair,’ which is based very largely on fact, tells how the stability of America was threatened by an unnreoedented series of sensational bank robberies in the Middle West. In a desperate move President William M'Kinley calls upon a young lieutenant, Robert Taylor, who has had a brilliant record .under Admiral Dewey. Sworn to secrecy, Lieutenant Perry is instructed to disgrace himself in the navy, to be discharged, and eventually to find his way to the bank robbers. Information turned up is to be forwarded to the President in a specially marked envelope which will immediately be brought to him unopened. No one, not even Admiral Dewey or the head of the Secret Service, is told of the Elan. The strong supporting cast is eaded by. Victor M'Laglen. ST. JAMES A primitive battle to a finish, fang against claw, and no quarter asked or given, is the sensational highlight of the picture, ‘ Trailing the Killer,’ which .'will have its finale at the St. James to-night. This startling motion picture marks an innovation m screen presentation, depicting as’ it does a vivid drama of the north-west woods, in true narrative form, and presented almost entirely by a cast of animals. Caesar, the principal, makes a 20minute appearance on the stage. ‘NEW ADVENTURES OF TARZAN.’ Replete with exciting adventures in the jungles of Guatemala. ‘ The New Adventures of Tarzan ’ is said fully to maintain the . high standard set by previous Tarzan films. Packed with thrills and excitement from beginning to end. this picture, which will be shown at the St. Janies to-morrow, opens up a new era in the life of this world-famous hero. The search for a statue containing priceless gems is the theme, but additional entertainment is provided by the introduction of a viillamous group of competitors who stop at -nothing to attain their object. Tarzan, as usual, is accompanied by “ Nkima,” the famous champanzee, and once again the pair fight their way with jungle beasts and fierce savages. Tarzan falls victim to the plots of the natives, who drag him before their queen in a weird and terrifying court, where victims of the queen’s wiles are mercilessly cast into a stagnant pool-filled with crocodiles. Many breathtaking adventures with the savages and crooked explorers take place in this cave before Tarzan and his friends escape. Unlike previous releases, this Tarzan film • was actually “shot” op the actual scene of the story, Guatemala, to give this picture an authentic background. The supporting programme will measure, well up to the standard' set by the main attraction. EMPIRE Fascinating, sun-kissed settings on Thursday Island form part of the background to ‘Lovers and Luggers,’ screening finally to-night at the Empire, which introduces an interesting screen discovery in Sydney Wheeler, well known on the stage. Alex. Kellaway provides many laughs to punctuate the r,brills of the production. On the feminine side is Shirley Ann Richards. DRAMA OF THE NAVY. Acclaimed by naval officers as one of the most authentic stories ever written about the historic United States Naval Academy ‘ Navy Blue and Gold ’ will be commenced to-morrow at the Empire. The novel, steeped in colourful traditions of the institution, was written by George Bruce, who also adapted it to the screen. The picture is headed , by a strong cast, including Robert Young, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Florence Rico, Billie Burke, Tom Brown, Samuel S. Hinds, Paul Kelly, and Barnett Parker. The story presents three midshipmen from different stations in life, who are drawn together at the academy. Young is a cynic, with no» intention ,of remaining in the service. Stewart is from a battleship to gain a commission. Brown is a scion of wealth, with a pretty sister, played by Miss Rice. Stewart is involved in a scandal when it is learned that he enrolled under an assumed name, owing to the fact that his father, a navy officer, had been cashiered out of the service. He clears his father’s name in a dramatic scene and is reinstated. Many scenes for ‘ Navy Blue and Gold ’ were filmed on the grounds of the Annapolis School. Sam Wood directed, with technical advice from Commander Harvey S. Haislip, U.S.N., retired, and Gil Kuhn. * Navy Blue and Gold ’ is splendid entertainment for all types of movie patrons. A specially selected supporting programme will include the Laurel and Hardy comedy ‘ A Country Hospital.’ TWO BRIGHT COMEDIES FYFFE AND MAHONEY DELIGHT Two bright comedies of divergent types comprise the new bill at the Grand. Introducing to Dunedin audiences the inimitable Fyffe-Mahoney team . . Said O’Reilly to M‘Nab,’ is the principal. ‘ Big Business ’ depicts the adventures of the Jones Family in the oil market. What O’Reilly said to M'Nab and what M'Nab had to say to O’Reilly provide material for one of the funniest films over produced in Britain. This film is “ piece de resistance,” written especially to suit the outstanding talents of two famous humorists, Will Mahoney and Will Fyffe, in their first full-length film appearance. . Will Mahoney is from America, and his particular brand of American-Irish humour is absolutely individual and amusing. Will Fyffe is a Scot. It would be difficult to place a finger on a more popular or versatile character humorist. *. . . Said O’Reilly to M'Nab ’ was made by Gainsborough. Although the stars are not well known to cinema audiences, there is not a doubt that once seen they will be clamoured for in further pictures by film fans The mixture of the “wee drappie o’ Scotch ” (Will Fyffe) and the “ swig of Irish ” (Will Mahoney) provides a real tonic and the laugh of a lifetime.

The story is amusing,_ clever-in its development, and the dialogue is extremely cleverly written. The theme is similar to that of the old Cohens and Kellys films. The Irishman’s son wanted to marry the Scotsman’s daughter, and that “ sounded the gong for the first round.” A little difference of opinion over the rival merits of Scottish and Irish whisky saw the end of round two; they couldn t agree over golf—round three—and the superiority of the sword dance over the Irish jig brought round four to a speedy climax; but when it came to business the rivals found themselves on common ground. The mar riage was sanctioned, the profits began to mount, the G-men called on O’Reilly and that nearly saw the partnership dissolved. Who it is that has the last word in this delightful laugh-pro-provoker. has to be discovered by seeing the film. Dad Jones turns stock salesman and America’s favourite folks dream of sudden wealth from a wild-cat oilweu boom, in the Twentieth Century-Fox picture, ‘ Big Business,’ fifth in the famous series, which supports. In the face of the family’s “ get-rich-quiOk ’ dream, the children dream of love and romance, and in the end it is they who save the family from losing all when the oil hoax is exposed. The film presents a theme in which Dad Jones, duped by the smoothness of Allan Lane, city stock promoter, has all his friendts invest in the company formed to develop a worthless oil well. In their usual family roles, Shirley Deane, Spring Byington,. Russell Gleason, Kenneth Howell, George Ernest, June Carlson, Florence Roberts, and Billy Mahan succumb to the salesmanship of Lane. Grandma Jones, however, is suspicious, and_she delegates the two Jones boys and Russell Gleason, whose romance with Shirley Deane is threatened by Lane, to find the truth about the well. A climax, involving a thrilling automobile ride which takes the boys to the family, just in time to prevent the loss of its reputation and money, is the rousing conclusion. MAYFAIR The special brand of humour that Claudette Colbert has made her own sparkles throughout Paramount’s I Met Him in Paris' comed.y-roraance, which will be shown this evening at the Mayfair. With two leading men. Mel - yyn Douglas and Robert Young, fighting to win Miss Colbert’s affections, ‘ I Met Him in Paris ’ offers a double guarantee of sparkling situations and bright dialogue. The action, of the film is at a fast pace; the trio_ of stars is whirled from Paris to Switzerland and then back to Paris. In a flurry of some winter sports scenes, both try to sweep Miss Colbert off her feet, but they manage only to confuse her so much that she cannot decide which one of them she loves. She flees back to Paris, resolves to forget them both, but the persistent young swains pursue her back to Paris and force a decision. Three big “ names ” head the large list of popular film who bring Columbia’s ‘ Counsel for Crime, the second feature, to vivid life on tlio screen. Otto Kruger is one of Hollywood’s most distinguished players, and

an important “ box office ” star of long standing; Douglas Montgomery is a.grand trouper, turning in his greatest portrayal as the young prosecutor; Jacqueline Wells is lovely to look at and charming in a light, romantic role. Add to these such veteran performers as Thurston Hall, Nana Bryant, Gene Morgan, and Marc Lawrence, and it makes a grand stellar cast.