AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20786, 3 August 1929, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. “Th« Terror,” which was the featured Item on the new programme at the Empire Theatre last evening, should prove to be a great attraction during the ensuing week. No product of the sound studious that has yet been exhibited in Dunedin has demonstrated so surprisingly the merits of the " talkie ” film in the presentation of thrilling and eerie mystery plays. The power of suggestion has always been an important factor in the

success of such pictures, but lihen to is added the piercing shriek of a ‘victim or the terrifying ghostly noises that distract the characters, the effect is likely to be top much for the composure c£ the audience. This was the case with last night’s crowded house at the Empire Theatre. “ The Terror ” was an obvious success because scores of those present, and not only feminine patrons either, couW not resist involuntary audible expressions of their interest-in the remark-; able story that was unfolded before them! It is all very well' to see the heroine’s mouth open for a soundless scream of terror as a sinister hand descends upon her shoulder in the half-darkened bedroom, but there is a compelling reality about the scene when * blood-curdling shriek issues from her open mouth); and although hte battle between hero and villain may seem to be very much in earnest when the swaying figures struggle in silence, it is much easier to cuter . into the spirit of the combat when the sounds of falling bodies crashing furniture are reproduced in conjunction with the fight. - This is what makes 1 " The Terror ” a picture that thrills every _ watcher, a pictura during the’ screening of which it is impossible to feel bored, and a picture that can be expected to break down the last remaining barriers of prejudice against the “ talkie ” film; Also “ The Terror ” is a production that has the “ I told you so ” section of the audience completely baffled. There is so much eerieness and ghostly mystery, so many sinister phantom forms and strange happenings that there is no time for anyone, to waste on’idle conjecture as to which of the inhabitants of the Monkshall Inn is the villain and which the hero. The sound shorts that will be offered during the coming week are all of extraordinarily high quality. Last night the audience was delighted with the violin solos by no less a master of the bow than Mischa Elman. Lovers of music in this fardistant corner of the globe are denied frequent opportunities of enjoying the best of singers and musicians, their acquaintance with whom is too often confined to gramophone recordings, so that if the Yitaphone studios can prevail upon more ol the accepted masters of the century to contribute such items as Elman does on this occasion, such countries as New Zealand are going to find the "talkies”' of inestimable value. It might be . suggested that the: reproduction in a sound film pan be no better than that achieved

on a gramophone record/ but it is doubtful whether any of those who . heard Elman’s playing of Dvorak's “ Humoreske” and Gossec’s “Gavotte” last evening would agree jwith such a view. The beauty 'and body of the tone that issued from the screen jvere startling, and it .was —ith genuine regret that most of the audience watched the: fade-out of this thoroughly enjoyable feature. In lighter vein were, the varied-numbers presented by The Four Aristocrats,” a jazz combination whose harmonising was extremely delightful, and whose dexterity with their stringed instruments was amazing. Miss Isa Kremer, whose reputation as an interpreter of folk songs and ballads of nfany countries is not unknow & in New Zealand, contributes .three excellent items. Chittarata ” (Itahan), “La Glu” (French), and “No ® lr , (English). She hag a fine voice, and. with-her eloquent acting makes clear the .story contained in even the foreign ? u, noers. Another of the supporting items is, *- Wanted—a Man," in which the star is the celebrated little English comedienne, Daphne Pollard, whose extremely diverting antics proved very much to the taste ot last night’s audience. Another, of the Music Masters ” series that has attracted such widespread attention at the. Empire Theatre is also on the programme for the current week. -The subject of this latest offering ,is Charles Gounod, and as the producer has considered “Faust” to be representative of the composer’s genius an episode from that work makes up the picture, which is screened. to an accom- . pamment provided by Mr Leslie Harvey at the organ, the numbers including “ The Soldiers’ Chorus,” “ The Flower Song,” The Jewel Song,” and the glorious finale of the piece. Such an array of. quality might be considered entertainment enough for’one night, but the audience’s good fortune is bettered by the addition of another of Mr Harvey’s incomparable interhides. Again last'night he captivated the , house with several numbers, the principal being, “Pomp and Circumstance ” and “High Up On a Hill-top.” In „ ,“ rst item - organ expressed all the martial vigour and tuneful body . of the piece to inspiring effect, and in ‘the latter, the tinkling airiness and liltinn variations were equally pleasing. Mos<£ kowsky’s Serenade was an encore number that was thoroughly enjoyed,, and the talented organist had to render another popular jazz air before he was allowed to withdraw. The work of the orchestra was as usual, excellent, M. de Rose’s selection of music for both overture and entr’acte, being in his customary good taste. The story of “The Terror ” is another of those which should not be told, if the enjoyment of future audiences is not to be

marred, but reference to the excellent cast to whom the story has been entrusted should convince intending patrons of the merit of the production. The charming little May M'Avoy has the leading female part, and she is supported by the talented comedy player, Edward Everett Horton Others in the cast are Louise Fazenda, who is always amusing, and Alec Francis, who is never dull. “The Terror” should certainly be seen.

“LOVE NEVER DIES.” Acclaimed everywhere as one of the greatest film epics ever produced, “ Love Never Dies,” based on the stage play by Jane Cowl apd Jane Murfin, will be commenced at the Empire Theatre nest Fri day. Colleen Moore, .who take the leading feminine role, is already known as the screen’s foremost comedienne, and her role in , this production is said to establish her in a good position as a dramatic actress. The tenderness, pathos, and realism of her characterisation of the little French girl are said to make “Love Never Dies ” one of the most-discussed pictures of the year. Carey Wilson has not only included the many stirring episodes that made the stage play so well known, but elaborated on parts for filming that could only be vaguely suggested in the spoken drama. George Fitzniaurice’s direction of this colourful love story is said to bo the host of his long career. The supporting cast includes Gary ■ Cooper, hero of Beau Snbreur,” u The Legion of the Condemned,” and other big productions; Burr MTntosh, George Cooper, Cleve .Moore, and many other well-known names in the film world. REGENT THEATRE. Since the introduction of “talkie” pictures to Dunedin, theatregoers have seen many pictures which possessed a great claim to public favour, but it is doubtful whether .any production previously screened in this city could even claim comparison with “ Close Harmony.” which enraptured a packed house at the Regent Theatre last v evening, “ Close Harmony” is pure entertainment, but in addition, it must rank among the foremost “talkie" productions to be seen in Dun«din. A laughing, thrilling, and throbbing story of the glamorous life “back stage,” it swept last night’s audience off its feet with a gay but irresistible ruthleesness. When one goes to see a drama of the theatre, one expects to see sonue-

thing of the life behind the stage, but the average theatregoer has also a hankering to see the show itself, if only to obtain a little bit extra for hia money. The producers of "Close Harmony” have evidently placed themselves in the position of the person who buys a ticket and expects value for his money, for this production contains a wealth of entertainment of every type which could not fail to please the most exacting critic. It ig in itself a variety show of the very best type, for is not the audience seeing the choicest of the programmes offered in the best American theatres? It is this surely—in fact that everything offered is the best _ possible of its class—that makes the picture so complete from the artistic point of view, and renders it so delightful to the casual observer. The supporting programme is one which, for general excellence, could rarely be surpassed. The first feature is a Pathe sound news, containing the usual wide selection of interesting news items, rather a unique turn being provided by a parade of American naval cadets. A new form of entertainment is offered in a sound cartoon. This deals with the romantic adventures‘of Felix the cat, and the accompaniment, musical and otherwise, cannot bue provoke the heartiest laughter. "Knights in Venice" is an artistic gem. It introduces operatic singers of considerable ability, in settings of a type which could not possibly be expected on the stage of any New Zealand theatre. The picture is a delightful operetta, two old friends appearing in the persons of Morio and Lazarin, who will lie remembered for their excellent singing in “ Dear Teacher,” was screened at this theatre a few weeks ago. Smith and Dale have also been heard before, but their duet singing last night was a very welcome surprise. Anna and Emily Prinze are the two female vocalists, and they prove themselves no mean addition to a talented company. The whole band, after singing duets..in succession, unite for the finale in a sestet, th'e harnfony of which left a very deep impression upon last night’s audience. The supporting big picture is. one that must strike very forcibly upon every spectator who knows the meaning of home life. It is “ Craig’s Wife,” and in it Warner Baxter and Irene Rich are entrusted with roles which they fill with great credit. Walter Craig (Warner Baxter) is a married man who owns a beautiful home and has a ebarm- , Ing wife to preside in it. Unfortunately, however, Craig's wife (Irene Rich) is one of those women who are so obsessed with the possession of a fine home, and a Wealthy husband, that she forgets that her husband is something more than a mere money-producing' machine, and spends her time fussing about her bouse without taking any notice of Craig, except to tell him that he must not smoke in the drawing room or leave his coat lying over the back of a chair. The love affairs of her younger sister call Harriet Craig away from her beloved home for a night, and Craig takes the opportunity of spending the evening playing bridge with a friend. Shortly after Craig returns to his home, the friend and his wife quarrel, and the outcome is a double tragedy. Suspicion falls on .Craig who was known to be the last person to leave the bouse, and on the arrival of the detectives, Mrs Craig strives to keep her name out of the disgraceful scandal, only to succeed in complicating Craig’s position. Craig is made to realise her selfishness, and when, after being kept in gaol till the suspicion is lifted, he returns home, he tells his wife that he is going to leave her undisturbed in the house of which she has made a god. It is a powerful story, not attempting too much, but all the more forceful because of its truthfulness. “ Close Harmony ” provides a welcome contrast. It its the story of a young man (Charles Rogers), whose one ambition is to make good on the stage as a jazz band conductor. When he is being harassed for by an irate landlady, a girl appears in a taxi and settles'his hill for him, telling him that she was once in a similar fix herself. He confides his ambition in her, and to his surprise finds that she is a vaudeville star who has become famous. With her help he obtains a trial in a big theatre and is given an opportunity to make good. The scenes in the theatre are on a scale which marks “Close Harmony ” as outstanding in its kind. Charles Rogers, in addition to conducting a band- which plays very enjoyable music, himself plays various instruments and sings several numbers during the course of the picture. Nancy Carroll, in the part of the vaudeville star* is a winsome and charming young lady, and that her singing and dancing were enjoyed was amply demonstrated by the rousing applause which they evoked. These two actors make a brilliant entertaining combination and their performance will not soon be forgotten by the audience which they delighted last evening. The cpmedy side of the picture is in the capable hands of Harry Green, the Jewish comedian, whose characterisation of the theatre manager was the essence of ridiculous sublimity. Jack Oakieand, Skeets Gallagher are, two harmony artists who sing beautifully, when they are not engaged in the business of mirthmaking. The clarity of the speech throughout is excellent, and the quality of the English spoken is delightful pure and free from accent.

STRAND THEATRE. Once again the Strand Theatre has assembled a group of films of the very highest standard for the entertainment of its patrons for the nest week. In all, there are four pictures—a news reel, a variety film, a comedy and a feature picture. The first of these is full of topical interest, presenting the world’s news in tabloid form; and the second, which incoporates a study of the wine industry of France and a faithful depiction of carnival time on the Riviera, is also a colourful and picturesque novelty. It has, in addition, a, distinct educational value. The comedy, which is entitled “ Wise Wives Who Knew,” is a ludicrous history of a husband who came home late, and the wonderful inventions ho produced to explain to his wife his ai’rival in fancy costume in the early hours of the morning. There is also a vamp who surely must be the most seductive vamp ever seen on the screen, atyl the weirdest detective who ever failed to detect anything. The feature of the programme, however, is “The Rescue,” which is a screen version of the well-known novel by Joseph Conrad. Ronald Column—the famous “ Beau Geste ” of the screen—has, the leading- role, and he carries through a difficult part with the wonderful artistry that admirers of this star have come to expect of him. As each new picture featuring Column has been released, it has been said that his part has suited him better than any other role that could be devised - for him, so it would be useless to say the same of his interpretation of “ King Tom ” Lingard of “The Rescue.” it is amazing, however, how the mau fits into the character, and it seems impossible that the figure soon in the uniform of the Foreign Legion, tramping over the sands of Africa, can bo ,this bronzed sailorman, clad in ducks and with the tang of the open seas in his very appearance. But it is Column, as ever at his best, in the role of owner and master of the brig Lightning in the Java Sea, where he is carrying on a gun-running trade with the natives of one of the islands. The story of the picture is exactly that of the book, all the details being presented as written by the author. Briefly, the tale concerns “ King Tom ” and his brig. To save his life, the rajah of an island has incurred the enmity of his tribalists by protecting Tom and his men from them. He has been turned away from his throne, and has escaped to the brig. Tom pledges himself to regain the kingdom for him. Already be has obtained one cargo of guns and powder, which he has stored in an old hulk, and lie is on bis way for another shipment when he is called upon to succour the yacht of Martin Travers, which has gone ashore. Tow adopts a rather high-handed attitude towards Travers, and the other takes offence. Travers is captured by natives, but is released on

Tom’s undertaking that he and his chief officer will be given up if any white man harms a native. Before Tom can get a warning to his own men, they kill two of a party of fishermen who attack the brig. In the meantime, Tom and Travers’s wife have fallen in love. When Tom hears that the natives have been killed, he takes Travers and Howard, the mate, back to the chief. The brig is attacked by pirates, and the rajah tries to send to Tom for help, but Jaffir, the messenger, finds him gone. It is impossible for a black man to get past the pirates, but it is barely possible that a white woman may do it. Mrs Travers makes the attempt, but when she reaches Tom, she is so overcome by her exertione that she is unable to give him the message. Later, both give way to their passion, and the whole world is forgotten until morning. The rajah and his sister go to the hulk where the powder is stored in the care of Tom’s mate, Jorgensen, and the pirates board it also. To save the situation, the latter blows the whole hull; to pieces, and all are killed except Jaffir. Grateful for the death of the pirates, the chief allows Travers and Howard to go,free. Released from his obligation to the rajah, Tom has a bigger problem to face, and his solution brings the picture to an excellent climax.

GRAND AND PLAZA THEATRES. Portraying a care-free but rather unkempt cowboy. Hoot Gibson affords, many laughs by his inimitable performance in “Smilin’ Guns,” a Universal Western production which heads the new programme at the Grand and Plaza Theatres. Blanche Mehaffey, heads an excellent supporting 1 cast. Gibson has struck a new angle in,this picture; There is plenty of thrill and action, while all through there is a delightful vein of comedy. While Gibson has injected a certain amount of comedy into previous pictures, the dominant note of all his offerings has been his daring riding feats. In “ Smilin' Guns,” however, he gives his audience, along with the usual amount of good riding and thrills, some very good comedy, Gibson takes the part of Jack Purvin, a reckless cowboy. While riding to town from the ranch v where he lives, he frustrates, with the help of his dog, the robbery of an express train. The bandit is wounded, but escapes. Purvin subsequently learns of a plot to rob Mrs Van Smythe and kidnap her daughter Helen. Jack surprises the thieves, but they overpower and bind him. Released by his dog, which bites through the cords, Purvin leads the cowboys to the headquarters of the thieves and rescues Helen after a stiff fight. It is not until Purvin decides to become a polished gentleman that the best humour is seen. The second feature picture is “Troublesome Wives?’ with Mabel Poulton, Ei’ie B. Williams, Reginald Fox, Roy Russell, and Lilian Oldland in the principal roles. “ Troublesome Wives ” tells the story of two young brides who, piqued at their husbands apparent absorption in their work, become involved in a series of adventures which demand from them a large measure of courage and resourcefulness, With Eric B. lYilliams as an airman and Mabel Poulton as his negt lected bride, “ Troublesome Wives ” provides excellent entertainment. In the role of Captain Tony Paget, Eric Williams is almost too keenly engrossed in his work That is 1 why his wife becomes. troublesome. On the day of their, wedding he rushes off to attend • to liis aeroplane Being a spirited lady, Betty Paget determines to teach her husband a lesson, and the exciting developments* of this entertaining story are the result. Several other excellent pictures are also included in the new programmme. ■

EVERYBODY’S, THEATRE. Everybody’s Theatre management is catering just as well as ever for those who enjoy a varied entertainment of a good class. Betty Balfour is one of the most famous of screen artists, and, in “ Champagne,” the new principal film at Everybody’s Theatre, sustains the reputation she has earned on many previous occasions. She is charming and .vivacious, as she always is, and .puts.a. great deal of life into her part.- Her costumes are .wonderful. Jean Brodin makes an. efficient male lead, and plays the hero , very capably. He has a_ likeable screen personality. The others filling the • cast play their parts, with a good understanding of the piece. Betty takes the principal character with great ability, ' that of the daughter of a champagne king, and she is in love, with the usual parental objection. Her lover sails away in a steamer, and Betty follows in an aeroplane, the property of her father. She overhauls the steamer after it has travelled many miles; and her plane drops into the sea — whether purposely or by. accident patrons must judge for themselves. Betty is picked up, and receives the unwelcome attention of a very doubtful man. Natur ally, “the boy” does not look too kindly on/ what is happening; he gets jealous then nasty. The denouement is interesting. Betty lands in France, and, is met by her father, who tells her she is penniless. Betty is-then compelled to adopt the role of a cabaret girl, and in such an atmosphere she meets, for the second time, the cosmopolitan gentleman of the sea. Being an up-to-date girl, she goes to dinner with him, and encounters “her boy,” who naturally does not relish the appearance of things, and is not prepared to listen to glib explanations. That is one of the most natural touches in the story. The “ boy ” waits upon Betty's father and, to his surprise, after what he has been told, finds him living in lu--mv Then ho learns that the old man has been playing a game, with the idea of creating reason, and is on the point of achieving success. Of course, Betty considers this an outrage when slit learns of ’ it. and' is inclined to take a very high and mighty attitude But birds cannot fly without wings, and Betty's .wings having been clipped—in a financial direction—she has to succumb to circumstances and play the penitent. Then there comes the strangest development of ail. The “ cosmopolitan ” has been in league with the “champagne king” all the time with the good object of bringing Betty to her senses, which- is achieved. The other picture is “ Flames.” a story of the North-west, which is conspicuous for dramatic effect and is built on interesting lines.. There is also screened the third episode of * The Collegians.'’

KING EDWARD THEATRE. South Dunedin residents will welcome the new programme at the King Edward Theatre as one of the best they have seen, “The Woman of Moscow ” is a rather celebrated picture, and Pola Negri, supported by Norman Kerry, is quite capable of sustaining the interest of the spectators. 1 here are some very dramatic scenes in “ The Woman of Moscow,” and as much love-making as anyone roiikt desire Pola impersonates Princess fedora and visits the castle of a Russian general. She is betrothed to his son Vladimir. who is mysteriously called away from a ball at Fedora’s house. Much that is Nihilistic follows, hut the lovers emerge unscathed from all intriguing, and •are last seen very happy. But before that stage is reached, many remarkable things happeud. Fedora' incidentally meets a stranger at a ball, and it is a case of love at first sight. Then complications arise; the stranger has killed a man and cannot return to his country, Russia. Then Vladimir has imputations cast upon his char acter by Loris (the stranger) as to his relationship with the latter’s sister, and his base desertion. The end is rather sad. Fedora takes poison and dies in the arms of Loris. “ The Woman from Moscow ” is well supported. OCTAGON THEATRE. The management of the Octagon Theatre desires to announce to patrons that the theatre will be closed to-day for the installation of the “superior talkies." A gigantic Western Electric equipment^

which will be the latest and meet up to date of its kind brought to New Zealand, is now being installed. Further announcements will be made of-the grand gala opening date, and of the titles of the programme. MOSGIEL PICTURES. " Drums of Love,” a gripping drama, will be shown at the Hoegiel Pictures this evening. The story deals with the eternal triangle .'and the way in which that problem was solved. Mary Philbin, Don Alvarado, and Lionel Barrymore are cast in the leading roles in what promises to be an exceedingly attractive entertainment. BEGG’S MUSICAL RECITAL. The gramophone recital which has been advertised for August 5, will -be held in the View Street Hall and not in Messrs Cbas. Begg- and Co. s piano salon as previously announced. There will be no charge for admission. *