AMUSEMENTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 124, 11 May 1935, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

STATE THEATRE “BROADWAY BILL.” r Warner Baxter shows on the State screen to-day in the Frank Capra him. “Broadway Bill,” a worthy auocessor to the director’s “It Happened One Night.” Fashioned in the mood and spirit of the famous Gable-Colbert success, “Broadway Bill” presents Bax. ter as a life-loving nomad, happier as a “deyil may care” than as the pampered son-in-law of a small town millionaire. Teamed with Baxter is Myrna Lov, who brings to her part all the charm and whimsy reminiscent of her role in “The Thin Man”. The film was directed by Frank Capra, who was responsible for “Lady For A Day” and “It Happened One Night.” Others in the cast are Walter Connolly, Helen Vinson, Lynne Overman and Raymond Walburn.

There may be nothing new under the sun but there is something new in Hollywood. It is the “charm” story. We have had romances with and without music; wo have had thrillers; we have had mystery stories; we have had comedies. Now we have stories whoso entertainment is supplied by charm. It is impossible to describe the picture in any other way. The plots of “charm’’ stories are romantic, but the story docs not rely on romance for its success. “It Happened One Night” was tiie first of the series and “Broadway Bill,” the latest Frank Capra production starring Warner Baxter and Myrr.a Loy, and being presented by Columbia Pictures at the State Theatre, is another in the series. “ ARCADIA THEATRE “CHARLIE CHAN IN PARIS.” Hailed as the most engrossing and ingenious to date of the famous “Charlie Chan” films, the latest of the serie*, “Charlie Chan in Paris,” once more starring Warner Oland, screens ati the Arcadia Theatre to-day. Arriving in Paris, Charlie Chan is plunged into the dangerous shadows of the most baffling mystery he has ever encountered. The French authorities are frustrated. No one but Charlie its able to find the trial. In the course of his investigation, a beautiful Apache dancer is knifed to death and another lovely girl, an heiress, is charged with still another murder. But in Jho end Charlie proves her innocence. Fox Film has surrounded Oland with a ca*t of unusual range and talent in this latest of his “Chan” stories. Mary Brian plays the banker’s daughter charged with murder. Thomas Beck >s seen opposite her. Other players assigned to important roles are Minor Watson, John Miljan, Dorothv Appleby. Keye Luke and Henry Koiker.

Philip MacDonald, who wrote the story as the seventh in the “Chan” series of mystery romances, seemingly has evolved a completely new twist for the adventures of the famous Chinese detective.

REGENT THEATRE.

“NELL GWYN”

“Nell Gwyn,” which is to have a special presentation at the Regent Theatre to-day must rank as one of the most ambitious pictures ever produced by a British company, a more-than-worthy example ot the super pictures now being made in England on a scale which pessimists never considered possible. From every standpoint “Nell Gwyn” can claim parity with Hollywood’s best, as its reception in London and New York have conclusively proved. Particularly the critics have been impressed with Anna Neagle’a performance in the name part; an Anna Neagle so different from her, previous portrayals that her amazing versatility throws into prominence the fact that many famous stars can only play one type of role. Miss Neagle’n previous work has been marked by restraint, but she makes Nell Gwyn • character full of outspoken effrontery and devilment.

Charles 11.. a “merry monarch” who kept his head and his throne for twen-ty-five years and died in bed, is played by fair Cedric Hardwicke, who has never undertaken a film role more suited to his talents.

Special attogetions among the short subjects are “Long Live the King”, this being a review of the reign of the present King, and interesting scene* in the life of the Dionne quintuplets.

In “Nell Gwyn” Anna Neagle is called upon to throw off the restraint which has marked her previous film performances, since she is portraying a character who was noted for her lack of restraint. It is safe to say that although she haa previously been hailed as one of the most beautiful of all screen stars, she has never appeared to such tremendous personal advantage u in the flaming red-gold hair, lucioua make-up and beautiful costumes whicli she wears in her part as Nell. COSY THEATRE “MRS WIGGS OF THE CABBAG® PATCH”. Pauline Lord, celebrated American stage star, makes her screen debut in “Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch,” Paramount’s adaptation ot the Alite Hegan Rice play, which screens at the Cosy Theatre to-day. The film, which has preserved all the homely, lovable philosophy of the novel and play, also has W. O. Fields, Zasu Pitts, Evelyn Venable and Kent Taylor in the principal roles. The parts of the famous “Wiggs’ brood” are played by capable Hollywood child-players, and the story tells the struggles and heartaches that come to this poor, struggling family, whose father “thinks too hard to be bothered with work.”

Particularly worthy of mention among the featurettes are “Poor Cinderella”, a colour stereoscopic creation, a Grantland Rice “Sportlight”, and a “Pop-Eye” cartoon. Mrs Wiggs has minions of friends who have loved her for yctes. She’s just the same as she always was—the valiant, spirited leader of Cabbage Patch society. They’re all here—Asia, Europcna, Australia, the little giria with their braids ironed shiny—brave Billy and gentle Jim. And, of course, Cuby, the horse Mrs Wiggs snatched back to life with the soup she’d fixed for supper! Not to mention flattery Miss Hazy and her mail order soul* mate, Mr Stubbing. The six finalists in the amateur trials that have been conducted at the Cosy Theatre during the past few weeks will appear at this afternoon’s matinee and the three winners will repeat, their performances at the evening session.