AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20962, 27 February 1930, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS.

EMPIRE THEATRE. There are so many items of outstanding merit on the new programme at the Empire Theatre that it is extremely difficult to pick out one for special mention. If the attitude of the large audience which practically tilled the theatre last night may be taken as a criterion, however, Mr Leslie V. Harvey’s farewell programme on the organ and piano was the most popular portion of the entertainment. His organ items were Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, “ I'm Painting the Clouds With Sunshine,” and the Hawaiian farewell. “ Aloha Oe,” the last number, in particular, meeting with the entire approval of the audience. The same might be said of his _ piano solos, which were “Rustle of Spring” (Sinding), a medley of popular airs, and “Softly Awakes My“ Heart” (Samson and Delilah). Mr Harvey has made many frieuds and acquired a large following of admirers during his stay in Dunedin, and there will be many who will regret his going at the completion of the current season. The principal _ attraction on the picture- programme is Reginald Denny’s latest offering, “ Embarrassing Moments,” which is a uedroom farce. "Briefly, the story concerns a girl who comes to her home town after attending an art school in New. York, to be met by the whole township, including her father, her fiance ( and the latter’s mother. During the evening when her homecoming is being celebrated, her friendi Mae, whom she has brought home with her, tunes in to a New York orchestra on the wireless, and, hearing the familiar strains, she commences a modern dance. The father, the fiance, and all the villagers are thoroughly shocked at •her antics, and the result is that she hands back to the young man his ring. Her father is furious, especially when he demands an explanation, and she tells him, on the spur of the moment, that there is someone else in New York, and that she has entered into a trial marriage. Pressed for the name of her husband, she says the first- thing that enters her head—Thaddeus Cruickshank. Her father hunts for the, name in the directory, and,, curiously' enough, finds it. He immediately telegraphs to the young man to come to Fullerville and “take what is coming to him.” Nothing loath, though completely at sea as to the meaning of it all, Thaddeus duly arrives at the Fuller mansion. He finally gets an explanation from the girl, who is immediately sent to her room by her father.. When they all go to bed, she sends a note to Thaddeus saying that she will meet him downstairs, and from that there arises indescribable confusion.' Every time the young man tries to get downstairs he is foiled by someone, and is caught in the bedrooms of three different women. After the t(iird time, the girl's father orders him to sleep downstairs, and matters then begin to straighten themselves but. Though pure farce, the story is so well told tliat the thought of its being ridiculous can never enter the head of the spectator, for every member ,of the cast acts so convincingly that even the most absurd situations appear quite natural. Merna Kennedy has the leading feminine role, and she plays a difficult part to perfection. Denny is seen as the young man from the city, and those who have admired him in the s'ilent films must immediately appreciate how much better he 'is op the sound screen. Ever an excellent comedian, Denny is at his. best in “ Embarrassing Moments,” which is the type of picture which suits him. Two other members of the cast who are well known in comedy are William Austin, who takes the part of the girl’s original fiance, and Otis Harlan, who is seen as Adam Fuller, her father. Austin 5s cast in a part which fits him exactly—that of a narrow-minded, supercilious young man with no thought’ above what his neighbours will think about him, and little regard, for the welfare of anyone but himself. Harlan, almost as broad as he is long, is a comical figure in the role of the indignant father. Worthy of note is the fact that the musical synchronisation for, the picture "was arranged by Joseph Cheeriiavsky. The supporting programme is a long one. It is commenced with a Fox Movietone News reel, which depicts a number of topical items of interest'- in an entertaining fashion. This is followed by an educational film dealing with the problem of malaria and showing hqw_ infection is conveyed from a malaria victim to another person by the mosquito. “Poisoned Daggers,” as the picture is styled, shows ih a very clear fashion many interesting phases in the life of mosquitoes, and the means that are adopted for the extermination of the insects. Joe Wong, known as the “ Chinese Jazz Boy,” also lias a place,on the programme, and his song and dance numbers are of a type that is very popular at the present time.* He also has a few remarks to pass which are very much in keeping with the traditional blandness of Orientals. The old favourites, “ The Collegians ” provide the short comedy, George Lewis' and his merry men showing up to advantage on the talking screen in a picture dealing with a push ball game between the juniors and seniors at Calford. Last of the supports is “The Evolution of Dixie,” by Hie Vitaphone orchestra, which proves to be an excellent combination, .For those who fail' to take pleasure irs the blare of the saxophone, which preponderates in the average American orchestra, this film will be a real pleasure. . “ MARRIED IN HOLLYWOOD.” ■ .On Wednesday ' next the Empire Theatre will present the film “ Married in Hollywood,” in which there are nine distinctive song hits, one of which - is “Dance Away the Night,” with music by Dave Stamper and lyrics by Harlan Thompson. The same composers have evolved another tuneful number, “ Until One Comes Along,” which will run Dance Away the Night” a close race for popularity. Still a third number is Deep in Love,” with the music by Oscar Straus and lyrics by Harlan Thompson. Married in Hollywood ” is based on the operetta by Oscar Straus. Harlan Thotnp--son wrote, the story and dialogue, and Marcel Silver, who directed “ Fox Follies of 1929,” .directed this new attraction. I he cast is notable for the fact that four former starts of musical comedy and opera are featured. J. Harold Murray, for more than two, years singing star of the original “ Rio Rita,” company; Norma Terris, beautiful star for 72 weeks of “ Show Boat Walter Catlett, star of a dozen musical comedies, and Irene Palasty, beautiful and youthful Hungarian prima donna and the toast of Berlin during her long engagement in the stellar role of “ No, No, Nanette.” form the quartet of principals. John Garrick; Tom Patricola, “Douglas Gilmore, Gloria Grey, • and a score of other notables comprise the supporting cast. Not second in importance to the principals are the ensembles composed of a singing chorus of 100 and a dancing group of 60, which were managed by Edward Royce, internationally famous stage director, STRAND THEATRE. ihe Strand Theatre has an especially strong attraction in “ The Younger Generation/ which deals with the fortunes of a New lork family. Morris, the son, is the favoured member of the family, but it is with Birdie, the daughter, whom the family hardly notices, that the audienee has most sympathy. She marries a girlhood friend of hers, who is wrongfully imprisoned. Then a child is horn, and when , Birdie’s father learns that he is a grandfather he is filled with joy. It is then that the daughter receives her lull recognition, and the story works up to a very satisfactory climax. There is un exceptionally strong supporting programme. “INTERFERENCE.” At the Strand Theavte to-morrow the film “Interference” will be shown, with Clive Brook in one of the leading roles. Another featured player is William Powell. Powell has the part of a carefree rake, yet his role is one which earns tlio sympathy of the audience before the film is half over. Miss Brent is cast -as a revengeful young lady who resorts to blackmail when thwarted in the game of love. Miss Kenyon aas the difficult role of the wife of two husbands—Powell and Brook—and who is finally saved, and her happiness restored, by the workings of her first husband, Powell. Lothar Mcndes, famous European director, handled the direction of the film. OCTAGON THEATRE. The principal picture at tfic Octagon Theatre is “Flight,” a thrilling drama of the air, which tells faithfully the story of two aviators and a nurse. Jack Holt, so well known to patrons of the silent screen, is seen as “ Panama ’’ Williams, a daredevil aviator, 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 por-

trayal of outstanding merit. “ Lefty ” Phelps—the hero —is played by Ralph Graves, who Rives a most convincing and natural characterisation of the well meaning 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. There is an entertaining supporting programme. REGENT THEATRE. ' A very entertaining mystery story, cleverly produced, is “ The Unholy Night,” which is the principal picture on the current programme at the Regent Theatre. 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, ns do almost all of the many other members of the cast, he is a likeable character, and oven 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 of remarkably fine actors. 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, hwich includes a Hearst Metrotone News, a , d'evue, and an excellent comedy entitled ‘ Stepping Along.” “THE TRESPASSER.” -Tire most interesting picture wardrobe 0 i . , , la Swanson’s career—a career in which beautiful clothes have played an important part—has been assembled by the producer-star for “The Trespasser,” her new Artists talking and singing picture, which will commence at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. Favoured with a role _ which offers exceptional dramatic possibilities and an opportunity to appear again in “fine feathers,” Miss Swanson has given the matter of clothes particular attention. In “The Trespasser,”'which was written and directed by Edmund Goulding, she is called upon to make 10 complete costume changes, including exotic evening gowns and wraps, street ensembles, afternoon frocks, and negligees. These costumes have been chosen from designs which anticipate the mode months in advance.. The majority of them have been developed from French designs, all of which, including hats, jewellery, and all other accessories, were especially created for her. And for each costume she has arranged an individual coiffure. Thus, in addition to the interest centring in Miss Swanson’s talking and singing debut, feminine patrons of the theatre will find many fashion hints in the new production. “ The Trespasser ” is a drama of modern life, with Chicago’s upper social strata providing its setting. It is regarded as the most forceful story yet to come from the pen of Edmund Goulding, who has attained outstanding success as playwright, novelist, scenarist, and director. “ RIO RITA.” The Regent Theatre will be screening shortly a film which picture patrons should find of more than ordinary interest. This is “Rio Rita,” the talking film which has had a most successful season wherever it has been shown. Included in the. cast are a number of wellknown film stars. John Boles, who scored a great success in “The Desert Song," has a leading role. Another star who has long been well-known to film enthusiasts, is Bebe Daniels, who, successful as she wag in the silent pictures, is said to ' gain higher renown and brighter laurels in this production. The latter half of the films are shown in natural colour. As the dressing of the various actresses is a feature of the entertainment, this special attraction should add greatly to the entertainment value of the picture.. A feature of the production should be the musical numbers. Those who saw “ Rio Rita ’’ as a stage play will reniember the beauty of the many choruses which wero a feature of the production, and these numbers should lose nothing when heard in the “ talkie ” version. The dressing of the principals and the various Bettings of the story should all have gained by production on the screen, and altogether “ Rio Rita ” promises to be an outstanding picture. KING EDWARD THEATRE. The principal picture on the present pro--gramme at the King Edward Theatre is “ Craig’s Wife." This is supported by an exceptionally gripping film called “ The Tragic Hour.”