AMUSEMENTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 205, 13 August 1932, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

COSY TALKIES, HASTINGS “SHANGHAI EXPRESS.” Romance, intrigue, adventure, sorrow, and the breath of scandal are all Binked up in the life of Shanghai Lily, a notorious but beautiful woman whose adventures while on a trip from Peking to Shanghai are graphically depicted in “Shanghai Express,” Paramount’s unusual production at the Cosy Talkies, Hastings, to-day. Shanghai Lily, a woman who is loved by many, but who gives her real love to one alone, is portrayed by that alluring actress, .Marlene Dietrich, who has never been seen to better advantage. Supporting the star, is Clive Brook, who plavs the roße of a British Army doctor, and lover of Shanghai Lily He gives a sterling performance and adds greatly to the success of the film The action takes place, for the mam part, on the Peking-Shanghai express, on which the presence of Shanghai Lily causes a sensation, especially among the Eur opeans on board. Her association with the army doctor causes tongues to wag at top speed, and just as matters an, reaching a climax the express is held up by revolutionary troops and the doctor is held aS hostage for a Chinese spy. To save her lover, Lily agrees to go away with the rebel Beader. And then complications follow. ARCADIA TALKIES, HASTINGS RALPH LYNN IN “MISCHIEF” One of the most entertaining talking pictures that is ever likely to be turned out by British studios is now the cause of much mirth and merriment at the Arcadia Theatre. The British Dominions film, “Mischief,” starring that delightful bemonocled funster Ralph Lynn, is B.D.F.’s latest ultra comedy. As Arthur Gordon, a meekly married man, who is allowed to see just as much of the world as his wife’s apron strings will allow, Ralph has respite from his better, or larger, half by going to a very fast cafe with his friend. Midway between festivities they both espy their wives entertaining two gentlemen friends. What follows is too good to reveal here—but the comical situations which abound from then on will keep you in fits Of laughter. Movie enthusiasts will bo interested to know that this is another Ben Travers story, adapted to the needs of the talking screen. Travers, who is the most politic writer of humorous stories in the world, has screen material which is in constant demand by film producers, but up to now he has devoted most of his works to the British screen. A supporting cast which includes such talent as is supplied by Winifred Shotter, who will be well remembered for her “pyjama” role in “Rookery Nook” and her appearance in “Plunder” and “Chance of a Night Time” as the female lead, while prize comedian Kenneth Bove, he of the frozen face, also has a stellar role.. The supporting programme is of the usual high standard and the picture will be screened to-night, Monday and Tuesday. Patrons are advised to reserve their seats early at the Theatre shop, ’Phone 4336. MUNICIPAL THEATRE, HASTINGS “THE SPECKLED BAND” A most faithful picturisation of Bir Arthur Conan Doyle’s successful book is “The Speckled Band,” the British Dominions Film, showing at the Municipal Theatre to-night. Atmosphere has been, through modernisation, greatly improved and Raymond Massey as the modern conception of Sherlock Holmes, excels himself. The story deals with the villiany of an Anglo-Indian who plots the death of his two stepdaughters so that he may secure the fortunes willed to them by a deceased parent. Sherlock Holmes intervenes and many hair-raising and exciting sequences take place before the final denouement. Lyn Harding, veteran of the English stage, plays the role of the villainous Dr Rylott, while Athole Stewart, who will be Well remembered for his very fine acting in “Canaries Sometimes Sing,” has the part Of Holmes' most intimate friend, Dr Watson. Angela Baddeley a the beauty in distress, is a typical example of fresh English girlhood. Her cultured voice is a pleasure to listen to. A perfect picture with a perfect cast is bow theatregoers will Class this British super-production. FERNHILL TALKIES. RONALD COLMAN IN “CONDEMNED” To-night at the Femhill Talkies will be screened “Condemned,” which stars Ronald Colman, Other featured players are Ann Harding and Louis Wolheim. An excellent supporting programme will also be screened, with a selection of shorts, news-reel, comedy, serial, Mickey Mouse, etc.