AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20958, 22 February 1930, Page 24

AMUSEMENTS.

STRAND THEATRE. ' The new programme offered at the Strand Theatre yesterday is undoubtedly one of the_ finest seen there for some time. The principal attraction is “ The Younger Generation,” which is a story of an East Side New York family consisting of fAther, mother, son, and daughter. The well-known and popular Jean Hersholt has the role of Pa Goldfish, Rosa Rosanqva takes the part of his wife, and Ricardo Cortez and Lina Basquette por£ray_.fho roles of Morris Goldfish and Birdie respectively. Morris has me characteristics of his mother in that he is grasping, a keen business man, and has social aspirations, while Birdie and her lather find the simple life among their friends of the. East Side much more congenial than living on Fifth avenue-among the glitter of riches. Mama GolQfish is a hard-faced, determined woman, whoaf* love for her son Morris is out of all proportion to the affection she bears her daughter. Birdie. Morris, she says, is destined to be a great business man who will make a fortune for them all, so he must have the best—the biggest cake must be for him and Birdie must take what is left. Neither Morris nor his mother has any time for young Eddie Lesser, Birdies playmate, who is always playing tunes of his own composition on organ. - Birdie, with more spirit than her father, occasionally rebels and, on one occasion, she gives the big hprfoif 0 Fc< Jl e an d eats the smaller one herself, so that, when Morris comes in, alter Belling all his newspapers, he finds * e ii- 3 for him. He starts to Col «es in, and. in the fight which follows, an oil lamp is 2 n tbl e stove and the tenement catches _ fire. There follow some stirring nw mfnpnt fi - re en B>“es play a v part, Morns saves the household goods and everyone is happy. Then ?W h AT yea - rs pass, the mother’s prophecy }Z TIB + WI H T a 6uc cessful business ue ; He works up from a nrip?or h nf d dea l e . r to become the proprietor of an antique shop, and finally a 2ia The Goldfish family fathpr 1= F fth a T enue - but Julius, the friends h l p -P/ a . w ay from his mends Birdie and Morns quarrel over f 0 ie, E ?] whom the girl has fallen in & h °« “d. whVhet singing two’ears Birdf* *l* “^ried “A” ar: family b.f, t*?- C °T an addition “ and h e calls for 8 °7f rtakes bim, s a*.K -ses comedy featuring Q+ n cws reels, and a Hardy. Tbe La " rel and Oliver must rank witAth^be^whipR 8 !, & Wtolescreened in Dunedin. thh have becn

OCTAGON THEATRE, and produce,! with’ . ca pabiy acted, wßhoi?? Aim I°i? e oa £ foJlow the story without difficulty. Thrills there are in abundance, but so carefully has the nro ducer done his work that one is Pimactfon d the a j eolute realism of the action, and never does any suspicion of oali held, where “ Lefty ” Phelns earns fi Ce a blunder which costs his sidl “ i r “P° rtan t match, the audience is trana“T ofHr a to , a flymg school, where tafinn y, n detemj ?, ed J to Grieve his repu,h.as enrolled as a pupil. Untlle s i°f y °J his mistake has preceded him, and he finds that his new associates, are, inclined to be anything but sympathetic towards him. To add to his troubles, hie tutor proves to be none other than “ Panama' r Williams, a fcievU pdot in the United States Air JJorce, with whom Lefty is already at £< ? r was Williams who was i esponsible for the rumour that hia blunder on the football field was made with the deliberate intention of losing the match tor his side. Williams proves a hard taskmaster, and, never misses an opportunity of impressing oil “Lefty” hia general usefulness, and the fact that he will never become a pilot. In the meantime, i ,( ?i? ance ’ the shape of Elinor, a dainty little nurse attached to the station, comes into the story, and “Lefty" promptly loses his (heart to her, not knowing that his tutor also has aspirations in the same direction. It is “ Lefty,” however, whom Elinor favours. As time goes on “Lefty" gradually becomes more proficient, until there comes a day when he is to take his initial flight. With the chaffing of his mates and contemptuous references to his prowess on the football field ringing in his ears, he fails in his trial' and crashes, to be, saved from the burning plane by Williams, and eventually admitted to hospital. Williams, suffering trom severe burns,, also becomes a patient in the same hospital. Constant contact with Elinor strengthens Williams’s love for her, but when the time comes he cannot pluck up courage to-propose to her, and he asks “ Lefty ’ to put the question, which “Lefty,” after considerable hesitation, agrees to do. His interview with Elinor, however, whilst proving favourable to himself, is anything but satisfactory as far ns Williams is concerned, for he learns from her that it is he, and not,Williams, whom she loves. As may he imagined, the result of the interview does not please the instructor, who is convinced that “ Lefty ” has betrayed his trust, and a quarrel arises. Just as it is reaching its height, however, instant mobilisation is ordered, and the scene changes to Nicaragua, whither the planes have been sent to quell a bandit rising Tbe ensuing scenes are the most impressive, and present wjth startling realism a thrilling aerial battle. “Lefty,” who has -been acting as observer for one of the airmen, sees hie pilot down, and the piloting of the plane devolves on him. He again fails, and crashes. From then on the picture moves to an exciting but satisfactory conclusion. Jack Holt, so well known . to patrons of the silent screen, is seen as " Panama ’ Williams, and it must bo said that the part could hardly have been more capably filled. , Apart, from considerable histrionic ability, he is possessed of a resonant speaking voice which reproduces perfectly, and altogether, he gives a portrayal of outstanding merit . “Lefty” Phelps—the hero —is played by Ralph Graves, who gives a most convincing and natural characterisation of the well-mean-ing but blundering “Lefty,” who after many vicissitudes eventually attains happiness. Lila Lee is also well cast as Elinor, and makes a winsome and very lovable nurse, who ultimately brings to “Lefty” his heart’s desire. The subsidiary parts are capably filled. On account of tbe photography alone—the unique “ shots ” of hair-raising stunting, the thrilling battle between the bandits and the airmen, or some of the magnificent scenic effects, the picture is well worth seeing, and to add to its interest, the voices in the dialogue and the thouand one sounds incidental to the action are reproduced perfectly. The supporting programme includes a Fox Movietone News, an entertaining Australian Gazette, and a tour through Hollywood, in which one meets many noted screen stars in their homes. REGENT THEATRE. There could have been few, if, indeed, there were any, among the large audience which saw the first evening screening of “The Unholy Night” at the Regent Theatre last night who expected such a remarkably fine entertainment as was presented. The picture is taken from Ben Heeht’s story “The Doomed Regiment,” and it is a pity that the same title could not have been retained for the picture. The title under which it is presented is a somewhat cheap one, and is by no means in keeping with the picture, which is surely as fine a mystery storv as has yet been seen in Dunedin, There is certainly nothing savouring of cheapness in the production, which is a, dignified British story, and the fact that it has a British setting and that the actors speak perfect and clear English makes it doubly attractive. The story is a remarkable one, and the stands out as a genius among the many who have recently devoted their attention to the writing of mystery stories. The plea made by the management before the

screening of the picture is commenced that those who see it should not divulge any of the story to their friends is one which should, and must, be heeded if others are to obtain the full enjoyment from the production, because it is only in the last few moments that the solution of a remarkable series of events is unfolded. In that respect “ The Unholy Night ” is a triumph, for it is impossible even by the wildest guess to forsee what happens to clear up this astonishing tangle. The story is one which compels the closest attention from the audience, and so much is crammed into the one hour and a-half which the screening occupies that a small detail lost may mean a great deal in the end. A mystery story -which it would be difficult to surpass, exceptionally fine acting, and clever photography are combined to make a picture which must stand out in the memories of those who are fortunate enough to see it, and it may be added that it is deserving of much higher praise than a great many pictures of which very much more has been heard. So gripping is the story and so important is it that nothing should be disclosed, that it is difficult to convey an idea ot its worth, and those who enjoy it most will be those who know least regarding the actual events which are related. There is some humour in the story, but it is clever and skilfully introduced, and there is also some excellent singing which helps to give the story its appeal and to make it more realistic. Indeed it is the realism of the production which is one of its outstanding features, and the high standard'reached in the story itself has been maintained in the creation of the whole flj m - It stands out as a masterly example of the producer’s art. The acting, as has been previously stated, is exceptional, and the producers have made happy choices for the various roles. Ronald Young, as Lord Montague, proves himself a remarkably accomplished actor, and although he comes under suspicion, as do almost all of the many other members of the cast, he is a likeable character, and even when it seems proved almost to the point of certainty that he is the culprit, one cannot but a din ire bim. Ernest Torrance, as _Dr Ballou, gives a performance of which one would not have thought him capable, and he is one of the outstanding members of a cast of remarkably fine actors. Dorothy Sebastian gives a fine interpretation of a difficult and Irvin** part, and for the part of Sir James Ruim sey no better choice could have been made than Claude Fleming. Every player has an excellent voice, aud there is not the slightest hint of anything but the best English accent. There are many excellent scenes, and those showing London in the thick fog which plays such an important part in the story, are outstanding. They help considerably in obtaining the atmosphere of mystery wnich is_ never lost until the very end of the picture. The picture is one which must leave every member of the audience enthusiastic. 1 The supporting programme is" opened with an interesting news reel, one of tne most arresting portions of which shows 15 people equipped with parachutes dropping trom an aeroplane in 13 seconds, and the sight of them all drifting along in the wind is a remarkable one! A Metro Movietone revue, provides a variety of light entertainment, and in addition there is an excellent comedy entitled “Steppinvdiich Charlie Chase provides, and, indeed, compels, plenty of hearty laughter. The musical items include selections from "Rio Rita,” and the entr act is the beautiful “ Orpheus in the Underworld” (Offenbach). “THE TRESPASSER.” The Trespasser ” will be the attraction aL the Regent Theatre next Friday. Its setting is Chicago; its environment the smart set. . And through its intimate study of a girl who becomes a trespasser in this restricted social sphere and m .the lives ’of its people, the story delv.es into vital affairs of life. ’ Miss Dnnn®?! U ’ ? n ha r portrayal of Marion Saveri'nf 1 ! J up P° rted by established playeis of both stage and-screen. The leading man m Robert Ames, who has been extremely popular on Broadway. He ?om\ r nL S the M? 0{ - Jack Merrick, whose romance with Marion Donnell indelibly noli 11 p S fa® r ‘ T fae Trespasser.” Purnell Pratt who has appeared on the talkHAntn Cre |’ n ln Aibi >” kas the role of Hector Ferguson, a wealthy corporation awyer and.the other man” in Marion Donnells involved scheme of things. earliest one of the screen’s eailiest figures, has a strong .character ?T ally , Albr^ht - three and a haif jqars old, who appears a s Marion Donnells son. is regarded as one of the most promising oi all the child actors in dialogue pictures. 'Blanche Friderici who appeared so successfully with Miss Swanson in “Sadie Thompson,” ■ again Phiys in her Support. Other assisting mm^\r ar(! William Holden, Kay Hammond. Mary Forbes, and Marcella Corday. "RIO RITA.” will shortly present the film “ Rio Rita,” in which the priu«ptrL=° Vl tak^ a fay the well-known film f Q ct^®, 3 , Bab ? Camels. Bebe Daniels ■m r l vc J - p entirely new glory, provlt \^ iA ’ tobe a veritable dramnt? +° f th . e Bcreen * as' well as a dramatic actress of outstanding ability—uow U ti’ Bebe ’ al Poplar, perhaps not now the same wildcat, bundle of mischief tv.? w as, proves herself a real genius. Tolee. the famous tenor, excels his in The Desert Song.” “Rio fire? 19 ahmight show. It is the first complete operetta to be presented ™ scre , e L n - Commencing with its own overture, the curtain drops on the first part for a short interval., Then comes its wild, fascinating, thrilling entr’acte, and as tho curtain rises one gasps at the dazzling, glittering, beauty of the colouring, for the whole of the second half is photographed in natural colour. EMPIRE THEATRE, Moran and . Mack, the two comedians Who have made a world-wide reputation for themselves aa “The Two Black Grows of gramophone fame, have at last been induced to adopt the talking him as a medium for the expression of their peculiar type of humour, and they are at present drawing excellent houses at the Empire Theatre in a thoroughly enjoyable and altogether commendable production entitled “Why Bring That Up.” The show simply bristles with clever repartee and really humorous cross talk, and those in search of an hour’s uproarious amusement could not do better than spend an evening at the Empire Theatre. The story of the picture practically functions as a background for the jokes of the principals—something to provide a continuity. Those who are familiar with the gramophone reproductions of the Two Black Crows” will see their favourites in a new and more entertaining sphere. The story of “Why Bring That Up is the story of two comedians, from their clays of obscurity to the time when they are “ headliners ” on Broadway. I heir own particular quarrel, a vitriolic and caustic affair as to who shall be head man of the show, provides untold amusement hut it leads to the drama with which this remarkable picture is nil eel. It must not be imagined that because the Two Black Crows ” are starring in this production that it is demoted entirely to broad comedy and burlesque It is altogether too good a filpi tor that, and there are times when it is very emotional and tense. For all that, it is vastly humorous. The jokes, the quips, the typical “ mots ” are all there—original ones, not just “ touchodup jokes from the gramophone. Evelyn Brent and Harry Green are two other well-known players in support. There is also an excellent selection of short films, headed by. a very bright comedy, Her Husband’s Women,” which shows how a wife’s savoir faire enables her to retain the affections of her husband, who is inclined to wander from the strai-ht and narrow path. A Fox Movietone .Nows, a local gazette, and a cartoon song novelty complete this part of the .entertainment. Mr Leslie V. Harvey, whose engagement at the Empire Theatre is Mrawnig to a close, is heard in two dcL 1 ™ 1 ' numbers—" Serenade.” from The Student Prince,” and “Roses in June.

“ EMBARRASSING MOMENTS.” Reginald Denny’s English voice, characteristically typical of English comedians, wiH.bo heard for the first time on the talking screen in “Embarrassing Moments, ’ an all-talking comedy-drama which will commence at the Empire Theatre next Wednesday. “Embarrassing Moments ” relates the adventures of a young maiden who, on her return from a New York art school, scandalises the inhabitants of her little country home town bv h.r modern “big city” ways. Her fiance remonstrates with her, and, in a fit of pique, she returns to him her engagement ring. To free herself of the entanglement she invents a story of a trial marriage. The name of the “ trial husband ” is demanded, and, caught unawares, the girl gives, as she thinks, a fictitious name. Unfortunately a man of the same name is located, and then the fun beftmics fast and furious,' Needless to say, Reginald Denny is seen in the role of the “trial

husband,” with Merna Kenrifedy as the girl, and such players as Otis Harlen, Virginia Sale, and Greta Granstedt in important roles. One of the principal attractions at the Empire Theatre every session for the last 10 months has been the appearance of Mr Leslie V. Harvey at the console of the Christie Unit Organ When he was introduced to his first local audience on May 10, 1929, he immediately created a good impression. Now the time is_ drawing near when he will relinquish liis ’ position as the Empire organist to go to Christchurch as city organist. Next week s programme will be the last which he will offer, and, his final nights should be the signal for capacity houses.