ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21349, 25 November 1932, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE For strangeness of subject in the sense of bringing something entirely new to the talking screen, the Universal production " Igloo," which commenced a season at the Majestic Theatre before large audiences yesterday, must be given a prominent place on the list of important pictures. Dealing with the life of the Nuwuk tribe of Eskimos, of Northern Alaska, the film serves to describe graphically the hazards of existence in the Arctic. A little known race is brought before the notice of the world by means of an admirably produced picture. Both the story and the direction of " Igloo" are the work of Ewing Scott, who has achieved conspicuous success. But an aspect which must immediately command the attention of all audiences is the frequently remarkable photography by Roy Klaffki. There is the striking filming of the dash of the tribe to safety through crumbling pack ice, close views of whales hunted by the tribesmen in their puny kayaks, and the pursuit of a girl by a polar bear which is speared to death by the principal hunter. The elements of the theme are simple, and it is to the credit of Mr. Scott- that he has created an absorbing story from them. The tribe is found bv Chee-ak, a hunter from another tribe, in the grip of winter and with rapidly diminishing food supplies. Chee-ak brings food, but it is immediately consumed, the Eskimos thinking only of the needs of the moment. A severe blizzard arises, and the tribe, compelled to remain in the ice-huts of the soon is on the verge of starvation. (Jhee-ak leads the tribe in a desperate dash for the open sea and possible whale and walrus meat. The stark nature of the life is emphasised by the tribal law of imprisoning aged tribesmen in living tombs. Although Chee-ak's venture is threatened by tragedy time and again, and the tribe begins to lose faith in his leadership, the desperate search for food is eventually justified. There is also the romance of Chee-ak with Kyatuk, daughter of the chieftain of the tribe. " Igloo" is excellently handled, and is thoroughly entertaining. Besides the main production, {here is also a lively story of American city life, " Penalty of Fame," in which Lew Ayres takes the part of Larry Wayne, a prominent newspaper writer, and Maureen O'Sullivan appears as his secretary. Wayne's occupation, preparing gossip about important people, not forgetting those associated more or less openly with criminal activities, inevitably makes him a well-known figure with many enemies. He is engaged in a search for a kidnapped heiress, and his inquiries result in the detection of a notorious "gangster" as the author of the crime. Wayne acts as an intermediary in negotiations for a ransom between the criminal and the girl's parents, but his trust is betrayed. Eventually, he has to resort to trickery to havo tho girl returned safely, and the criminal consequently seeks revenge. Wayne is perfectly aware that he is doomed. Knowing that he is followed by men instructed to kill him, he goes to his duty of broadcasting a nightly news item from a wireless station. He dramatically discloses tho truth of the principal criminal's part in the kidnapping, and is instantly shot. A Graham McNamee talking newsreel completes an interesting programme.

PLAZA THEATRE " The Ghost Train," in which Jack Hulbert, Cicely Courtneidge, Angela Baddeley and Donald Calthrop are the leading players, will head the new programme at the Plaza Theatre to-day. The film has been enthusiastically received by English critics, one of whom says: " ' The Ghost Train ' contains a remarkable collection of high-tension thrills, which Waltor Forde, the ingenious director, stages with most laudable cunning. # Jack Hulbert makes a notable appearance in the role of a ' silly ass ' who is nothing of the kind, and receives magnificent support from Cicely Courtneidge, Angela Baddeley, and Donald Calthrop, that resourceful actor who fills every part ho plays as if he had been tailored for it." Another comments: "The photography, the work of a new camera artist, Leslie Rowson, is of diamond-like clarity, beautifully moulded, perfectly matched, and a revelation of pictorial ingenuity and resource in the art of creating an uncanny atmosphere. Supporting it, and not less eerie, are the weird sound effects, produced under the supervision of George Gunn. In these two purely technical aspects, and in the genera] art direction of Walter W. Murton, ' The Ghost Train ' may fairly claim to set a standard at least as' high as that reached in any foreign studio. Jack Hulbert gives a brilliant performance in the role of the disingenuous detective. Cicely Courtneidge ranks next, with her inimitably funny portrayal of an extremely mellow spinster lady. Donald Calthrop impresses himself, as usual, on the critic's memory, wilh his impersonation of a country railway porter who has illegal fish to fry. Angela Baddeley lets her emotions go with more than generous emphasis in the role of a girl whose gift of ' second sight' gives warning of the train's approach. ' The Ghost Train' should certainly make everyone's flesh creep, and that, after all, is its object."

NATIONAL THEATRE " Sally in Our Alley" will begin a return season in Auckland at the National Theatre to-day. It is notable for the performance of Gracie Fields, one of the most vivacious personalities on the talking screen. Patrons will be delighted with her portrayal of an entertainer-waitress in a coffee shop in 1 the London slums. Dealing with the joys and sorrows of the London East End, the film records delightful glimpses of the English countryside and the beauty of the Thames, while excellent studies of typical London typag are given by supporting players. But H ip Gracie Fields who dominates the production. Tho supporting programme is uniformly good.

STRAND THEATRE " Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm," a delightful romance, heads the current programme at the Strand Theatre. Marion Nixon forsakes the sophisticated type of role for which she is famous and achieves a triumph as a young girl whose love for a doctor is frowned upon by her maiden aunt with whom she is living. Although the lovers' path is far from smooth, a satisfactory denouement is reached. Louise Closser Hale gives a distinctive portrayal as the aunt.

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE " Washington Masquerade," with Lionel Barrymore and Karen Morley, and Clive Brook's " Husband's Holiday " are the films at the Prince Edward Theatre.

EPSOM REGENT THEATRE " Delicious," with Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, heads the programme at the Epsom Regent Theatre. There is music by George Grrshwin.

TUDOR THEATRE

" The Easiest Way," in which Constance Bennett, Robert Montgomery and Clark Gable appear, is the main film at the Tudor Theatre.

LYRIC THEATRE

" Captivation " (Betty Stockfield) and " Honeymoon Lane," with Eddie Dowling, comprise the Lyric Theatre films.

BRITANNIA THEATRE

" Sooky" (Jackie Cooper and Robert Coogan) and " The Broken Wing " wo the Britannia Theatre films.

CIVIC THEATRE A bright sophisticated play of a typically modern English comedy from the clever pen of Fredrick Lonsdale, and portrayed Jiy an all-British cast of London stars, is contained in "Women Who ITay," which was shown for the first time to large audiences at the Civic Theatre yesterday. settings for every scene which lend the correct atmosphere for scintillating dialogue, and evening frocks adding to the smart impression sustained throughout the film, are the essentials of this appealing comedy. The theme is light, but gives plenty of scope for the well-known playwright who 'produced such successes as "The Devil to Pay" and "Strangers May Kiss" to introduce a standard of cleverly-worded humour which leads one entertainingly past a series of complicated situations arising out of a domestic misunderstanding. Beiiita Hume, us Margaret Sones. is the cause of much uneasiness to her loving husband Richard, George Barraud, because of her irresistible desire to play with fire. As the modern husband and pleasureloving wife, they give examples of the heights to which English artists have risen. Ernest Steele, played by Barry Jones, is the cause of Margaret Sones' desire to burn her fingers in the flame oi pleasure, and his air of urbane and candid sophistry is a delight to see and listen to. Richard Sones resorts to the aid ot Mona, an actress-friend of his. and Mary Newcomb's whimsical manner finds suitable outlet in the role. Mona is persuaded to appear as a common woman at a smart dinner party given by Margaret Sones, in order to divert her from the path to ruin which she seems bent on following. The effect on the guests is productive of some lively repartee, following which they make a hurried and anonyed exit, with the exception of the charming Fay, acted by Joan Barry, who admires Richard for the pluck he has shown. Husband and wife are estranged by the former's action, but Mona's candid advice to Margaret and Ernest Steele's experienced opinions to Richard culminate in an eventful reconciliation between the married couple. The Civic Orchestra, under the leadership of Mr. H. Baxter, added to the enjoyment of the supporting programme with two numbers, "Tales of Hoffman" and "Hungarian Mazurka." In an interesting Fox Movietone News there is a good pictorial record of the start of tho Gordon Bennett balloon race, won by America. The Paramount British News includes an interview of Mollison, after his record-breaking Atlantic flight, and also some unusual glimpses of the j world's fastest train in action. Screen I souvenirs takes one back to the first days i of the motion picture, when "drammers" were all the rage. The programme is com- j pleted with a Magic Carpet of Movietone j series, entitled the "Iceberg Patrol," and | there are scenes from the frigid Arctic > circle where the Atlantic icebergs origin- I ate.

CRYSTAL PALACE AND RIALTO A notable cast interprets " Letty Lynton," which will be presented at the Crystal Palace and Rialto Theatres this evening. It includes Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, May Eobson, Lewis Stone and Nils Asther. The film is a vital drama of modern life.

LONDON THEATRE Sydney Howard, famous comedian of the J/onrlon stage, is responsible for some clever comedy in " Almost a Divorce," which will be screened for the first time at the London Theatre to-day.

ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY A one-act play in celebration of St. Andrew's Day, which falls on Wednesday, will be presented by the Auckland St. Andrew's Society in the Town Hall concert chamber to-morrow evening.