AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20959, 24 February 1930, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

REGENT THEATRE. It would be difficult to imagine a more intriguing and thrilling mystery story than that now showing at the Regent Theatre under the title of “The, Unholy Night.” The production is a film adaptation of Ben Decht’s story, “ The Doomed Regiment,” and it is unfortunate, perhaps, that the original title has not been retained, for the new title suggests cheapness where in reality there is none. The story 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 of 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. 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 admire him. 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 or remarkably fine acto.rs. Dorothy Sebastian gives a fine interpretation of a difficult and trying part, and for the part of Sir James Rumsey no better choice could have been made than Claude Fleming, There is a. strong supporting programme, which includes a Hearst Metrotone News, a bright revue, and an excellent comedy entitled ", Stepping Along.” , EMPIRE THEATRE. "Why Bring That Up? ” the first talking picture made by \ the Two Black Crows, Moran and Mack, continues to draw crowded houses at the Empire Theatre. 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 tha/n 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 days of obscurity to the time when they are "headliners” on Broadway. Their own particular. quarrel, a vitriolic and caustic affair as, to who shall be head man of the show, provides untold amusement, but it leads ito the drama with which this remarkable picture is filled. It must 1 not be imagined that because the “Two Black Crows” are ■ starring in this'production that it is devoted entirely to broad comedy and burlesque. It is altogether too good'a film for 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 " touched-up ” jokes from the gramophone. -Evelyn Brent and Harry Green are two other wellknown players‘in support. There.is also an excellent selection of qhsrt films, headed by a. very bright comedy, “Her Husband’s Women,” which shows how a wife’s savoir fair.e enables her to retain the affection of her husband, who is inclined to wander from the straight and narrow path A Fox Movietone News, a local gazette, a cartoon song novelty complete this part of the entertainment. Mr Leslie V. Harvey, whose engagement at the Empire Theatre is drawing to a close, is heard in two delightful numbers —“Serenade,” fom “The Student Prince,” and “Roses in June.” “EMBARRASSING MOMENTS.” Reginald Denny, who plays the lead in Embarrassing Moments,” the all-talking production coming to the Empire Theatre on Wednesday, is admirably suited fortalkie roles, nis personality beirig of the type which rivets attention fromliis first appearance. Denny scores an undoubted triumph in “Embarrassing Moments." Supporting him. are Mima Kennedy, as the lady in the case, Otis. Harlan, William Austin, and Virginia Sale. Marion Fuller, fresh from a select school in the East, announces to her startled parents that, she has contracted a “ trial ” marriage in New York, and gives as' the maii. Thaddens Cruickshank, an, author. Her father telegraphs to the astonished author. More out of curiosity than anything else Cruickshank journeys to Fullerville, and, finding the girl is pleasing to look upon, promptly falls in love with her. The night he spends at the Fullers is one long scream, as in his anxiety to have a word with Marion, Denny blunders into every woman’s room in the place. Next morning, however, the pair are married, and all ends well. “Embarrassing Moments” is principally a bedroom comedy, and it .is not hard to imagine its hilarious nature when it is remembered that it is an alltalking show, ‘The action takes place in the home of Amos Fuller. When the new bill is ushered in Mr Leslie V, Harvey will commence his tnal week as Empire organist, and those who have fully appreciated his efforts in the last few months will surely want to see and hear their favourite,before he leaves Dunedin. A collection of sound featurettes. will also be screened on this programme. STRAND THEATRE. , Heading a particularly attrative bill at the Strand Thedtre this week is “The Younger Generation,” which, tells in entertaining fashion of an East Side New York family—the Goldfishes, father, mother, daughter, and son. Morris, the son, is considered by his mother to have all _ the business ability of the family, whilst 'the daughter. Birdie, is hardly noticed, and when she becomes enamoured of one of her girlhood’s playmates she becomes more ont of touch with the family than ever. They marry, and the young fellow is wrongfully imprisoned. By the time he is released there has come an addition to the family, but Birdie’s fathei does not know that he is a grandfather. When the news comes to him he is overwhelmed with joy. He goes to look for Birdie, but fails to find her. Thun illness overtakes him, and he calls for his daughter. Morris finally relents and brings her to him. The story works up to a wonderful climax, and a satisfactory ending. The supporting films include two news reels, and a comedy featuring Sthn Laurel and Oliver Hardy. OCTAGON THEATRE. Produced oh a magnificent scale, abounding in thrills, and acted by a firstclass east, “ Flight," which is the principal attraction bn the current bill at the Octagon Theatre, is a picture which, is undoubtedly worthy to be classed amongst the outstanding screen features of the , year. So wide are the ramifications of : the story, and so vast is the field it covers that one is at first staggered with the “bigness” of the conception; but notwithstanding this, everything is in such true proportion, and the theme is so deftly woven into the general action of the picture, that one can follow the story without difficulty. Thrills there are in abundance, but so carefully has the producer done his work that one is impressed with the absolute realism of the action, and never does any suspicion of impossibility creep in. Jack Holt, so well known to patrons of the silent screen, is seen as “ Panama" Williams, a daredevil aviator, and it must. be said that 'the part could hardly have been more capably filled. Apart from considerable histrionic ability, be 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-meaning but blundering “Lefty,” who after many vicissitudes eventually attains happiness. Lila Leo is also well cast as Elinor, and makes a winsome and very lovable nurse, who ultimately brings to “Lefty” bis heart’s desire. The subsidiary parts are capably filled. One account of the 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 thousand and one. sounds incidental to the action are reproduced perfectly. An entertaining supporting programme is also shown. KING EDWARD THEATRE, btark Love, ’ with Helen Monday and Forrest James in the leading roles, is the principal attraction now being screened at the King Edward Theatre! Supporting the main picture is “ Midnight Madness,’ featuring Jacqueline Logan and Clive Brook,