AMUSEMENTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 271, 31 October 1932, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

ARCADIA TALKIES, HASTINGS “THE MENACE” Lovers of the exciting in film entertainment have thrilldom at its best in a screen adaption of an Edgar Wallace best-seller that is now screening at the Arcadia. It is “The Menace,” whieh was transferred to the screen by Columbia Pictures from the well-known story “The Feathered Serpent.” “The Menace” is a tremendously thrilling drama of vengeance. An escaped convict returns to his ancestral home externally an entirely changed nian, but internally still burning with the desire to prove hitnself innocent of the murder of his father and bent upon tracking down the guilty parties, An oil-wall explosion proved a blessing in disguise for Ronald Quale. His mutilated face was entirely remade, and when he returned to his ancestral home, Quale Manor as Robertson Croekett nobody recognised him. As Kobertson Crockett, a wealthy oil man anxious to buy the indebted Quale Manor, bo becomes a Willing victim ef the crooked designs of his step mother, Caroline Quale and her two accompli ces, wKo were the real murderers of his father. Working on the theory that when thieves fall out the just man gets his due, Ronald tosses something good to the thieves to light about and in time they all bring in their own con victions. His plan of action develops a series of exciting adventures typical of Wallace's genius /or the melodram atic. MUNICIPAL THEATRE, HASTINGS. “THE BOOMED BATTALION,” Once in a blue moon a motion picture is produced which admits of no criticism, A blue moon and a full one at that is in order this week, because Universal’s tremendous drama of war on the Italian front; “The Doomed Battalion,” whieh is at the Municipal Theatre, Hastings, is just that kind of a picture. It is tremendously absorbing. The story deals with a beautiful friendship between a mountain guide of the Austrian Tyrol and an Italian gentlemen which is cemented by the perils of many Alpine climbs, Suddenly the World War arrives not only to part them but to place each in opposing mountain companies contesting for a vantage peak. This tense situation develops when military orders force the Italian to attempt annihilation of his friend’s detachment by blowing up the top of the mountain. Suspense runs high right up to the thrilling climax. Tala Birell, a young European actress of exceptional promise; has the feminine lead as the heroic Austrian wife and mother, a role permitting full play of her emotional talents, Victor Varconi plays the Italian officer to perfection, and Luis Trenker is perfect, ly cast as the mountain guide, a foie he formerly played in real life. The comic relief goes to Henry Armctta, as the careless orderly.

COBY TALKIES, HASTINGS. “SPEAK EASILY.” Hilarious antics .. . high-speed action - . . and- a bevy of beautiful chorua prla provide excellent entertainment in “Speak Easily,” Buster Keaton and Jimmy “Schnozzle” Durante’s new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy at the Cosy Talkies, Hastings. The two comedians sent the audience into screams of laughter at their madcap antics during a wild theatrical venture in New York City. Keaton portrays the millionaire college professor who finances the show and Durante is Jimmy, the eccentric piano player who is his companion through the venture. The two comedians are assisted in their antics by Ruth Selwyn, sparkling in the feminine lead as Pansy Peets, small-time chorus girl, and Thelma Todd, who exercises her alluring blonde wiles on Buster and “Schnozzle” with devastating effects. Hcdda Hopper scores in a “mama” role as Mrs Peets, jealous guardian of Pansy, and Lawrence Grant is convincing as Dr. Bolton. The balance of the cast who capably fill their roles includes Sidney Toler as their stage manager, Henry Annetta as Tony, the acrobat, William Pawley and Edward Brophy. A FAMOUS romance “THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET” Margaret Rawlings, the celebrated young English actress, together with the new English company, which was chosen by the representative of Messrs J. C. Williamson, Ltd., London, comes to the Municipal Theatre, Hastings, for one night only on Friday next, November 4, to present Rudolph Besiter’s much-discussed play, “The Barretts of Wimpole Street, ’ ’ Originally banned by the censor, this cleverly written and masterly constructed play eventually won its way to publie favour by the universal appeal of its plot, founded on fact, and the interweaving of the themes of love and hate, of laughter and tears through the story of th- lives of Elizabeth Barrett, Moulton Barrett and Robert Browning. Two years in London and New York failed to exhaust its popularity, and at the height of its success it was acquired for Australia, where it has been played for the last six months to crowded houses. It is now captivating New Zealand and reservations already bespoken for the Hastings production indicate an assured success in this city. With characteristic thoroughness Messrs J. C. Williamson, Ltd. commissioned the London producer, Mr Gabriel Toyne, to have the scenes, properties, lighting effects and costumes faithfully duplicated for the Australian, and New Zealand tour, so that patrons would see an exact replica of the London and New York productions. It is interesting to note that even Elizabeth’s faithful little spaniel has been brought, out to plav bis silent but psychological part in the romance. The box nian nt Fail’s Book Shop will be opened on Wednesday.