ENTERTAINMENTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 August 1935, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

OPERA HOUSE. Rhapsodised in books and soldier songs, the steep sides of India’s historic Khyber Pass have at last been used as motion picture background. “The Lives of a Bengal Lancer,’’ an elaborate film spectacle, is now at the Opera House with Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone. Richard Cromwell; Sir Guy Standing, C. Aubrey Smith, Monte Blue and' Kathleen Burke in important roles and was acclaimed by last night’s audience as the best picture of the year. To capture the mystic Indian atmosphere a’n expedition was sent into the heart of Bengal, and tens of thousands of feet of film were returned to Hollywood. This reveals the activities of the Bengal Lancers, mixed-native troop officered by British, at peace and in war, as well as the lives and secrets of desert tribes. The film tells the story of three inseparable comrades of the British fighting unit; a stalwart campaigner, a reckless romanticist and a young novice, and shows their courage and loyalty. REGENT THEATRE. “The Camels are Coming’’ and “Dangerous Corner” comprise the special double feature programme at the Regent Theatre, which will be finaly screened to-night. This is an excellent programme which combines comedy with tense drama. TO-MORROW—"BELLA DONNA.” There is no doubt about “Bella Donna," which commences at to-mor-row’s matinee, being one of the most popular stories written. Its success as a novel and stage play was followed by the screen version in which Pola Negri played the title role and again it was filmed as a "silent” with Pauline Frederick as “Bella Donna.” Although this is her first screen role. Mary Ellis gives a splendid performance as “Bella Donna.” This line stage actress had definite ideas as to how the part should be played. She determined to rouse sympathy for the character and not to make her merely a "wicked vamp” as the part had previously been played. She succeeds. As Mahmoud Baroudi, the evil Egyptian who fascinates the white woman, Conrad Veldt is a striking and sinister figure. No better choice can be imagined for this difficult role. Then wo have that great actor Sir Cedric Hardwieke as Dr. Isaacson, the medical man who saves the life of his friend. Nigel Armine, a part finely portrayed by John Stuart.