AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20906, 21 December 1929, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS.

OCTAGON THEATRE,

Films of much merit follow each other in quick succession at the Octagon Theatre, and the new programme presented yesterday is one of the best. At the head of it is “The Leatherneck,” a capital dialogue production. It is a thrilling melodrama on , similar lines to “ Beau Geste.” The star is William Boyd, who - became fatuous by his acting in “ The Volga Boatman.” and this is his first talking feature. The story is told in flashbacks, the main action being the courtrinartialling of the hero for desertion and for the death of his comrade,. William Boyd proves to have a very good, speaking voice, and the other officers enunciate clcarjy and distinctly. The story. concerns the adventures of three American' marines in Siberia and in Manchuria a few. months after the Armistice, and such are their adventures that one. Is brought back insane, another dead, and the other in a state of utter exhaustion. _ The cause of their adventures, is a girl. She is and iu the course of one of. the sporadic reher father and brother are shot, and she is kidnapped by the villain. The three men search in many parts for her without avail, until months later they stumble on a clue. One goes after her, but fails to return; tlie second follows, and the third sets out, only to'find the villain- dead, one friend dying, and the other tortured'into insanity, but no trace of the girl. However, the girl comes to light later on, just in time to’save her husband from being shot for the murder of his friend, while her appearance also brings_the insane one back to sanity. The story is told in a - most interesting way. Diane Ellis is the heroine, Fred Kohler the villain, and Mitchell Lewis, Joe Girand, Jules Cowles, Wade Botcher; and' Philo M'Cullough are, also- in the cast. The second ' feature -is “Blockade,” a drama of the war-swept Atlantic in days that are now fortunately'past. Anna Q. Nilsson is seen in the stellar role, atid had the story been written specially to fit engaging .winsoraeness and artistry in its quiter /and more intimate scenes and her amazing energy in its dynamic incidents of strife and battle, it could not have proved a happier choice, Portrayr ing a dashing young woman of mystery and riches, owner and commander of a speedy yacht, who injects herself and her chip's crew..into the rum-running and “hijackjng” game off the Florida coast, Mias' Nilsson gives a sparkling performance that is excellently matched by the supporting cast. Wallace MacDonald capably handles a sympathetic role' in the male -lead and the other- outstanding players are-Walter M'Grail and James Bradbury,-sen. “Blockade,” which presents many breath-taking scenes made,at sea, with battljng crews on ships side by side and machine cups and one-pounders firing upon them from Government vessels, brings new laurels to ; pirector George B. Seitz.-who • has already won fame in the making of sea pictures, notably “ Blood Ship.” Ife' direction is careful, artistic and powerful in its development of ■ the story’s most gripping incidents. Lovers of realism and absorb-ing-action upomthe screen should by no means miss seeing this splendid picture, which Was made from an original story by Louis S a reeky and John Twist, the continuity being the .work of Harvey Thew. The latest Fox Movietone News completes a very-strong and entertaining programme. ’

EMPIRE THEATRE,

A delightful romance, in an Old World setting, in which crinolined and volumin-ousjy-petticoated • women> and jnen whose tpiia. claim to popularity > lies in their duelling prowess, are seen in,the stately homes of the Mississippi cotton planters, is this, week being presented as the piece . t resistance of the hew' programme at the Enjpire Theatre. Under Hie title of . River, of Romance.” the story depicts m appealing fashion the romance of two young people, whose ideas of what constitutes a gentleman are in direct opposition to the generally-accepted opinions of their class, with the result that the man is branded as a coward and the girl rereivea scant sympathy, from her people Charles (Buddy) Rogers, who has steadily won his way to the front rank of romantic actors,; is seen in the principal role, which gives him innumerable. opportunities to display his abilities in all branches of acting, and he is equally as effective m the energetic scenes as he -is in the quieter passages. Playing opposite to him, n»rfn ® nan Kives a delightfully-balaaced performance. . daintiness and charmber an ideal heroine in the romantic setting of early nineteenth century America. Perhaps the most outstanding performance in the production, P rcmded by Wallace Beery, whose deletion of the self-styled, notori,Gf,Deral Orlando Jackson is unSv T\rjL the highlights of the story. This, well-known • actor is in his element as a hard-living, bully-ragging! a ™{’ mK Ba l o0 I n deeper, whose accomplishnf Sf ta, ?j y - do J not include, the niceeannofff or , deportment, and whose Wh i 7 * b prefaced distortion of the truth is astounding. June Collyer as the faithless and fickle ward of General 'T#>ff Rumford .(Henry B. WalUiill) gtleß * of thi°1 Vmc J ng por i ra T a1 ’ whilst tie part of the impetuous duellist. Major FetterhTGrail 7 ? epicted Walter Tom Rumford *k ar 7 f cenes oi the story Tom Kumford. the'Only son of General Rumford, is seen on his return to h? 8 Mississippi home after having completed falls ed ’ lCat 0n at . PHladefphk P hJ falls in love with Elvira Jeffers the -generals eldest ward* pettish and selfish. Eh wfth tbo 61ster ‘ fal ls ■ in \ love houre y ? u , n « 60n cf the child * ll ber merely as a cnild, and entertains no thought of romance itf her direction.- "t rnartvfM^l6^^^ brntho^T,. 3 ' 3JOr Fettcrson and hjs apP j 3 r on the Bc ene! having just beep released from prison for killing •hwVat&ff-' .pfes sins -FwLo 0t wi ra V a ? d to claim mlnV th T W H n learns of herengage- ? e i lt j 0 * To “‘ he becomes insanely jealous and determines to kill Tom in a duel and thus get rid of. him. Toro, however’ and^havfng 11 iT- tb ■% 6outhe ™ code! aad , having no liking for bloodshed in irLf,Jnf r t m ‘i aUf: j e J off the challenge, and excerft Ih'L bra k de u 38 a co,v ard by all except Lucy, who has no sympathy for others ll6l C °- d V- s Understood by the hl« Rt'icm T 18 drn ’en away because of ms stigma,, of cowardice, . and goes to Tantf™ Where h - e m. ects General. Orlando Jackson, a gaming house keeper. Into hull swaggers Captain Blackie. ™°- st i eared had man of the Lower Mississippi, and even th. ferocious Generr- qu - ls ■ “is bullying ™. a ,? ne , r v I- 0 ™ , IS . Provoked into a scuffle -Rh the no onous .and, using Beve J a l ,crtides- of furniture which ' lie handy, gives the noted-‘'bad man”'his then assumes the name of Colonel Blake, and General Jackson adds the word notorious ” being at great pains to tell all who show dgns of becoming, offensive that Colonel Blike was the man uho .beat the notorious ’ Captain Blackie in single combat. Tom’s fame as a killer spreads .far. and wide, but in the meantime Elvira marries Petterson, Lucy being the only one who still believes in lorn. _ A year from the day when Tom teas banished Lucy frives her cominp-out pa - -j r -S? .remembers that Tom promised faithfully that he would have the first dance with her, and goes out into the garden hoping that he will appear again. Tom and General Jackson arrive on the scene on, .the heels of Joe I-who has gambled away General Rumford s money, and the .two young people meet again. Masked, and appearing as tne notorious Captain Blake Tom stands before, his father, and strikes terror into the hearts of Major Petterson and * llß i but Lucy calls him bv name, aftd the others discover hie real identity A_ tense situation develops instantly, but, with the assistance of the masterful General Jackson, lom finally subdues his opponent, and wins his way once again into the heart-6 ot his -parents, Ihere is an .exceptionally , strong supporting programme, consisting of a Fox Movietone >ews,_ containing • very interesting material, and a splendid reproduction of the picturesque ceremony of the troopinc of the colours. There are also a clever novelty cartoon number entitled “ I’ve Got Rings on My Fingers,” and a number of bright vocal selections bv “The Rollickers.” The Empire Local Gazette is this week devoted to views of the visit to Dunedin of their Excellencies Sir Charles and_ Lady Fergusson, whilst the Otago and New Zealand diving champions Roy Calder and Mick Walker, are seen in a clever exhibition of diving. Two delightful organ selections. “ In a Monastery Garden” and “The Toymaker’s Dream. ’are given by Mr Leslie V. Harvey at, the Christie organ, the unstinted appro-! baticn of last night s audience proving I without shadow of doubt that the popu- 1

larity of this talented' organist has by no means waned during his sojourn iu Dunedin.

“ WELCOME DANGER.”

- Danger," ' Harold Lloyd’s first nil-talking p'cture, will be presented . UDedm audiences at an early date. "Welcome Danger” has not yet been officially released iu New Zealand, but to Jiand from America say that “ ne corac Danger ■’ i s by far the greatest Lloyd comedy yet made. -Further announcements will be made soon. ■

STRAND THEATRE

AUhough “The Singing Fool” Was shown in Dunedin within the- past two months, its return will undoubtedly meet with the same remarkable success which attended its initial screening here. There are scenes and passages in "The Singing Fool, now showing at the Strand Theatre twice daily., which alone provide tainment ot a very high standard. For rational entertainment, the ■ production has not been surpassed by many talking and sound films. Although it is written and spoken m pure American idom, it is easy to listen to and enjoy, compelling in its appeal, amusing, and sincere. “The binging Tool demands attention and compels admiration. Its human theme and its accomplished players' sot it apart as a production of excellence. “The binging Tool is a true sound production, and in the story of.the film it is refreshaway from the crime theme, the picture has a thought behind it. The story deals with one ot the greatest emo ; tional factors in human life, and the producer has handled his material with skill an ,. tact. .Re.has work which seta the imagination working and which keeps it .working to the final scene. A 1 Jolson is the star actor, and, of course, he carries the greater part of the burden of. the entertainment on his own shoulders. His voice. makes a very definite appeal in the several songs which he introduces. His singing of “Sonny Boy,” according to the mood of. the story, l is delightful, and he makes the very £>est of such numbers as “There's a Rainbow Round, My Shoulder“ It All Depends on W “True Blue,” and “ I’m Sitting on the lop of the World.” But his singing is not his only contribution to the enjoyment of the entertainment. He proves himpelf an actor of the highest qualifications. His role is no sinecure, but he handles it perfectly. His supports play up to him well. Among them is Betty Bronson, a ehaming little actress, well-known to moving picture audiences. Josephine Dunn, in the leading female role, also acquits herself with cl junction, in a part that gives her ample opportunity for the display, of her outstanding ability. Next to-Al Jolson himself, however, is little David Lee, who plays the part- of “ Sonny Boy,” and who is after ail the character round .whom the story centres.. Such childlike simplicity and naturalness as-he displays prodelightful change from the studied artificialnty of the films, which make them so maehme-like. Those who , visit the Strand Iheatre to-day and next week \ vl ; } that David Lee is .one of the nnJ'Knta of an. altogether delightful film. ihe usual supporting programme is also one of outstanding merit, and adds greatly to the enjoyment of the evening. The supports consist of talking and,singing short films, and they, are an entertainment in themselves. Pride of place must be given to a Tahnhauser overture, played by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra of 107 music pfo- ?, y AP 1S famous organisation is delightful. Equally pleasing and entertain--18 fne music provided by Mischa JMman, the celebrated concert violinist; A short film, featuring : the Howard Brothers, comes last, and nothing could i , ,tier than their finished acting-in a sketch entitled “ Between the Acta of the Opera.

REGENT THEATRE

Of late, the management of the Regent theatre. has presented to its patrons -many pictures of outstanding meritpictures which for the most-part; have been noteworthy, for some particular feature—the acting of. one of its principals, us setting, or. perhaps a combination of both, but rarely, indeed; has it given us a, story of such deep human pathos, so truly and .convincingly told, as .“The Rainbow Man, .which had -its initial screening yesterday. : I n “The Rainbow . 996 at first is intrigued' with the '?°i j ■ P. lece ;°f characterisation .by •iT 16 Dowling in the ’name part, and with this is content, - until the joyous minstrel show bursts into the picture, and causes one to forget momentarily the pathos of the story. As a background ls _ haunting theme song, . oleeny Valley, which • weaves a soothing and_ dainty thread of melody .through J“ e action,- and yet, so skilfully dr all these features dovetail into one another, that none of them ever becomes obtrusive, and the plot of the play is never lost sight of. The picture opens with the pathetic death of' a vaudeville acrobat, and his dying charge to his friend, “The Rainbow Man,” to care for his little boy. Around .the man’s struggle against adversity to see that the little chap gets hia chance ie. woven the picture. There arq a few moments of sadness, and then, amidst a riot of melouy, the audience finds itself in a theatre, listening to Doc Hardy’s jolly company - of minstrels, which; in his own words, “ grows bigger and better every day." This feature is a‘ particularly happy conception, and, in its way,-it is a-masterpiece of clever screencraft. so much so, that‘one finds onself wondering -whether,, after all, one is _ really in- a picture theatre,-and not joining with the smalhtow'n audience in its wholehearted enjoyment of “ Doc ” and his players. The minstrels are really wonderful, and their concerted singing is a treat to listen to. especially in their subdued pff-stage vocal-accompaniment to the-principal songs. ■ With tne show, .its journeying®, its disbanding and re-estab-lishment, the audience follows the fortunes of the Rainbow Man with his supreme optimism,' his whimsical ways, his Sacrifice for the sake of those he IqveS, and. finally, hia attainment of happiness. He is hardened, indeed, to whom the lovable fellow does not make an appeal. _ Moreover, the star,, in his role, is playing a park which appears more to necessitate his being himself than any effort of acting, and in this Eddie Dowling 8 arts is very apparent. Possessed of a magnetic personality, and a winning and sympathetic voice, which reproduces perfectly, he never has to strain after the carefree, big-hearted minstrel, and one wishes for ■ nothing better. ; Without doubt, his is one of the most natural and deft character portrayals tha* has ever been seen on the 'screen. His singing voice, perhaps, would not gain him fame as a vocalist, but it is the wonderful interpretation of his songs- that make him the consummate artist he- is. Whether crooning the haunting “ Sleepy Valley ” to his sweetheart,', or joining with his email, chum. Billy, in “Little Pal,” he 1 holds his .audience, and then again convulses them with an inimitable story told with a _ delicious Hibernian .brogue, and the facial-expression of a first-class character comedian. . Those who saw “Rainbow 'Ryan ” yesterday will not easily forget him. _ Second only- to Dowling is Marion Nison, who, dainty and winsome as ever, makes an entirely fitting, sweetheart for “ the Rainbow Man.” Another clever portrayal is given by little Frankie Darro, who presents a child-like sketch of Billy without any evidence ot that tendency to over-act which is so common amongst juvenile airtists. ■ Sam Hardy fits the. role of Doc- Hardy, the bombastic leader of the minstrel troupe, to perfection, and last, but not- least, mention must be made of 1 the clever canine actor. “ Bean," who ie responsible for not a little quiet comedy. The three principal songs—“ Rainbow Man,” “ Sleepy Valley,” and'“ Little Pal ” are delightfully done, the first-named being sung by five clever artists. “ The Rounders- Quintette” makes a . tuneful and altogether attractive concerted nunv. ber. The first half of the programme acts as a worthy concomitant to the main picture: An interesting • Bathe sound news depicts the affairs of the world by sound and sight, and - Includes, amongst other eveti*i of note, a series of very, good scenes of file International Boy Scout Jamboree. A New Zeaalnd scenic picture entitled “The Summit Seekers,” which depicts the grandeur of that magnificent peak, Mount Sterling, and an alltalking comedy, “Jed’s Vacation,” with Charles Grapewen and Anna Chance in the leading roles, are also shown. One of the popular and intriguing song cartoons is screened, and as an entr’acte the unseen orchestra renders a selection from “ I Pagliacci,” in which an artisticallyplayed trombone solo is an effective feature.

BULLDOG DRUMMOND,

At the Regent Theatre ncxt Fridav, Dunedin audiences will have the opportunity of seeing a new picture. This is “Bulldog Drummond," which is the adventure story from the pen of “ Sapper." The film is said to provide .thrills in plenty, intermingled with comedy of an order -TVEueh has caused It; to be described as a ' satirical melodrama," The leading

part is taken by Ronald Colraan, who, in “Bulldog Drummond,” appears in an entirely new. type of role for the famous screen lover. He is virtually chuckling throughout every scene, a, decided change from the sombre hero of his earlier screen vehicles: Joan Bennett, youngest daughter of the famous Broadway’ actor; Richard Bennett, makes her screen bow as the heroine of the picture, while Lilyan Tashman, Montagu Love,. and Lawrence Grant furnish a trio of thorough-going villains. F, Riehar'd Jones, who directed “The- Gaucho ” for Douglas Fairbanks handled the direction, with George Barnes as cameraman, and Wallace Smith as scenarist.

RING EDWARD THEATRE,

The programme at the King Edward Theatre this week is a particularly strong one. “ Black Magic,” the principal picture, starring Josephine Dunn and John Holland, is one of the best films of its type that wc have seen for some time. There is an added attraction in the serond picture, “ The City Gone Wild,” in which Thomas Mcighan is in the principal role.

CHRISTMAS ORGAN RECITAL.

Dr V. E. Galway will, as usual, give an organ recital in First Church on Christmas Day at 7,30 p.m. An unusually interesting programme, featuring many items having special,, reference to the Christmas season, hasbeen prepared. Mr John Leech will be the soloist, and, in addition to a Recitative and Aria from “ The Messiah." will sing Garthope Martin’s setting of Luther'fe noem; “The Holy Child." In addition to these items, Mr J. W. Stewart will play a Bach Sonata for flute and organ.