AMUSEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21267, 23 February 1931, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS.

PRINCESS THEATRE. The Princess Theatre lias become noted for providing the best of the moving pictures available, and at present “ Lightnin’ ” is the main attraction. “ Lightnin’ ” is not altogether unrelated to a stage play of a similar name, played with great success at His Majesty’s Theatre many years ago. One can readily realise why “ Lightnin’ ” was so enthusiastically received when it was first played on the American stage. Its story is essentially American, but all the world enjoys a good character study, and it is Will Rogers’s performance in this picture which makes the production all that it is. He is not yet well known to Dunedin audiences, but this portrayal will increase his fame, for he possesses that quality of originality which is the hall mark of a true actor. This picture has the pathos which is inseparable from the American film, but one remembers it for the fun that it provides, particularly because its wit has a sharper edge than one usually finds in an American comedy. Only a good actor can play the simpleton without appearing a fool, but, perhaps, simpleton is too strong a term to apply to “ Lightnin’” Bill Jones, for the very essence of his character is the shrewdness which underlies the apparent simplicity. Bill Jones is a sluggard and a tippler, but he is a lovable character, kindly and honest. He is seldom off the screen, and while he is before the audience he keeps it in a continual state of merriment with his dry witticisms. There are many situations packed full of good fun. The picture provides romance, a clever commentary on divorce, a well-constructed story, but,, above all, bright, wholesome comedy. The supports are ample. The box plans are at the Bristol. STRAND THEATRE. No one can go very far wrong in visiting the Strand Theatre at the present time, taste being taken into consideration. “Up the River” is a really good story and exceptionally well illustrated. The picture simply discloses the lighter side of life in “ the pen,” and, indeed, it is gratifying, from a humanitarian point of view, to learn that mirth can find its way behind “ the cold prison i»rs” where, as a one-time popular song assured us, the convict’s head reposed on a pillow of stone. Prom beginning to end the picture maintains its standard of highclass comedy, with here and there a delightful touch of farce. The incorporation of a women’s penitentiary with a men’s prison may, perhaps, strain the credulity of a New Zealand audienoe, but it certainly does present all the elements for a touching prison- romance. The love interest is introduced by the advent of Judy to the female institution, where she finds a sweetheart in the form of a' young prisoner who is given responsible duties. A noted gaol breaker appears on the scene, but that does not eliminate the happy comedy. The story is a long one, and the interest is sustained throughout. “ Up the River ” is a first-class comedy, and can safely be commended. In a supporting direction there are Fox features, a news reel, and a song cartoon. The box plans are open at the Bristol. EMPIRE THEATRE. A big programme is being screened at the Empire Theatre for the next few days, and at the head of it is “ Sweethearts and Wives,” with “ Courage ” as a support. Both pictures are representative of the talking picture at the height of its present-day advancement, and the field exploited by the producers is undoubtedly that to which the talking films are ideally suited. “ Sweethearts and Wives,” a First National production, has Clive Brook in the leading role, that of a society divorce detective, Reginald De Brett, whose wits are pitted against an astute young mystery woman (Billie Dove). Bi;ook is admirably suited ’ to the part, his supercilious eyebrow and his expressive cigarette holder all combining to produce an electrifying effect in the tense atmosphere of the whole play. His duel of brains with Miss Dove, wdiom he suspects of complicity in an intrigue in which he is professionally interested, is a brilliant contest, and even although the lady does win in the end one must doff one’s hat (figuratively speaking) to the man who is so great in defeat. The scene opens, somewhat melodramatically, in a lonely French inn to which Anthony Peel (Sidney Blackmer) has brought another man’s wife. Their motor car disabled, they are compelled to seek the protection of the inn, and its air of mystery terrifies the woman. Screams and the sound of somebody being done to death in an adjacent room verify their suspicions that the inn is no place for them, and just as they decide to retire their car is stolen. Much more follows that is of great interest. There is a contest of wits between the principals, and the contest has to be seen to be appreciated. “ Courage ” deals with what has been called that most sublime human characteristic, the love of a mother for her children, the mother in this case having seven children. There is also screened a Fox Movietone news with music of the best kind. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. “ YOUNG WOODLEY.” It is announced by the management of the Empire Theatre that the services of the popular organist, Mr Leslie V. Harvey, have again been secured, and that he will once more preside at the console of the Empire’s Christie Unit organ, commencing next Friday at the matinee. When Mr Harvey was first introduced to the Dunedin public he at once became a favourite in the field of instrumental entertainers. His choice of programmes was always a credit to his knowledge of public appreciation, there being so many tastes to satisfy. His playing was extremely enjoyable at all times, and when he said good-bye to this city some time ago there were not a few who' were sorry to see him go. However, Mr Harvey will again be present at the Empire Theatre on Friday. The programmes will again be composed of both popular and classical types of music, in which classes, especially the former, Mr Harvey excells. Banned by -the Film Censorship Board, which action created one of the most spectacular of protesting outcries from press and public, “Young Woodley” was passed “for adults only,” and at its premiere at the State Theatre, Sydney, proved one of the finest films screened in that city.*, “ Young Woodley ” is the film that hgs been selected as the principal attraction for next Friday at the Empire Theatre. The situations of the schoolboy in love with the schoolmaster’s wife are handled delicately and could not be an offence. Whilst the handling of the theme is artistic, the story of the boy who is .awakening to life, and the wife married to a man who can play only schoolmasters and never become man and a lover for a moment —is clearly and perfectly related in flawless English. The charm of its people, the beauty of jts settings, the smoothness of its action, added to perfect photography and brilliant dialogue, are claimed to make this picture a British masterpiece. There is a brilliant east of English artists, headed by Madelene Carroll, Frank Lawton, and Sam Livesey. All the voices are of the cultured, pleasant type of the educated English. The “Daily Mail” says: “ ‘ Young Woodley ’ contains all that charm of innocence cast into the uneasy waters of adolescence which made the play so admirable. It is most entertaining and should prove even a bigger success than the stage play.” The box plans are at the Bristol and at the theatre. OCTAGON THEATRE. “Common Clay” has outlived most pictures in popularity and, though in its second week, is still a big attraction for patrons of moving pictures at the Octagon, Theatre. The story gets a bit away from the worn pathway, and is additionally attractive because it is a “ talkie,” ■ The theme is a fairly strong one—not altogether for th 6 young—but at no stage does the story betray any “ heaviness.” The thread of the tale is unbroken, and there are no inconsistencies, so that the film is artistically satisfying. Playing opposite Miss Bennett is Lew Ayres, who was given his first featured role in “All Quiet on the Western Front,” and in his latest part he infuses such an ingenuousness and freshness that his performance has an instant appeal. Beryl Mercer, of “ Seven Days’ Leave,” and “ Three Live Ghosts” fame, is again seen in a role which gives her every opportunity of displaying her talents as a character actress. Tally Marshall and Halo Hamilton are also strongly cast. The action of the film is fust set in a “ speakeasy,” which is raided by the police. Amongst those captured is an 18-ycar-old girl, and when

the trial is heard the judge sees that she is of a different stamp from the others. He advises her to lead a new life, and in an effort to do this she obtains a post as a housemaid. She is employed by a wealthy family, the son and heir of which begins to take an embarrassing interest in her. She rejects big advances for a time, and then, believing that he is genuine, she gives way, only to find that she has been deceived. From this point the story works up to a poignant climax, in which the dramatic nature of the situations calls for the best acting of which the players are capable. “Social Sinners ”is the supporting picture. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. REGENT THEATRE. The Regent Theatre is well up to the mark with its newest offering, “ Queen High,” which stands at the head of a most attractive programme. Not a word is lost to the listener owing to distinct and clear enunciation on the part of those actively engaged in the production. Charles Rugglee plays the part of the second partner in the firm of Nettlefold and Johns, women’s outfitters, who cannot agree, and eventually decide upon the dissolution of the partnership. Nothing could be better than his demeanour when the fatal hand of show poker is being dealt, unless it was the manner in winch he picked up his cards and sorted out the hand. It was true comedy, and his audience appreciated the fact. would adorn the best of comedy. Stanley Smith plays the romantic part of the the niece of one of the partners in naive fashion, never, convincing, but quite satisfactory. Ginger Rogers is a personable and very fascinating little lady, with a brogue that savours quaintly of Ireland, and a smile that always pleases. As the niece of one of the quarrelling partners, she is especially good, but the romantic issue of the whole tale hangs upon her every action and word. Frank Morton in the role of George Nettleton, the partner who wins the poker game, is excellent. He also is an actor with a most expressive face, but at no time is ho half as effective or one-quar-ter as amusing as Charles Ruggles. The supporting programme is a very fine one, and includes Rathe News Gazettes, song selections at the piano, a screen song novelty (“On a Sunday Afternoon”), and a great deal of good music by an unseen orchestra. ,“ ANIMAL CRACKERS.” The fact that “Animal Crackers” features the Four Marx Brothers will no doubt be sufficient incentive for many patrons to attend the Regent Theatre next week. They will be remembered for their sterling comedy work in “ The Cocoanuts,” and “ Animal Crackers ” will see the merry stars in a hilarious new show. The “ Marx Men” are practically the whole show, which includes Lilian Roth as the leading lady. She will be well remembered for her delightful work in “The Vagabond King ” and more recently in “ Honey ” and “ The Love Parade.” Reverting to the Marx comedians, Groucho plays the role of an alleged big game hunter, bounding from the dark wilds of Africa’s jungle into society. Harpo is a harp-playing vagabond, with an excellent taste in blondes. Chico is an Italian “ rough neck,” who wiil commit bigamy or murder for a cent. Zeppo is Groucho’s grinning “secretary.” The scene is laid in a lavish country house. A valuable picture is stolen, through what Groucho calls an “ inside outside job,” and the boys romp through the woods and boudoirs in what they laughingly call an attempt to find the picture. An interesting “happening” during the casting for ‘‘Animal Crackers ” was the fact that 15 girls were required to make up the background of the production. So the casting director, desiring to out-Ziegfeld Ziegfeld, let it be known at the theatres that the prettiest girl chosen from each chorus could have a part with the Marx Brothers in this production and still continue their stage work. Since to work with the Marx Brothers is said to be- one of the ambitions entertained by every chorine, many came, but few were chosen. The 15 eventually selected worked at the New York studio in the daytime and at their particular theatre at night. After reviewing “ Animal Crackers, a Sydney contemporary remarked that the Four Marx Brothers were “ funnier than any four men had a right to be.” ROXY THEATRE. Ken Maynard is the prominent figure in “Parade of the West,” and he contributes wonderfully to the success of a picture of just the quality the public of Dunedin loves. The story, which has to do with the days when the Western States of America were ns yet in the making, differs to no very great extent from others of the type which have been seen before in Dunedin. There is the small travelling show and the great “ wild-west ” entertainment, with its trick riding, knifethrowing, and straight shooting, and running through it all a simple love story, without which no such film would be complete. Comparatively easy as these western roles may seem, they/ call for ability of a special kind allied with no email measure of courage and resolution, and it must be admitted that Maynard meets these requirements with more than ordinary distinction. He gives a display of riding which is nothing short of wonderful, and caps it with a spectacular fall beneath the feet of Man-killer, the vicious buck-jumper. Gladys M'Connel! makes an excellent heroine. There are several supporting subjects, such as gazettes, shorts, and comedies. * KING EDWARD THEATRE. Many attractive programmes have been offered for the enjoyment of the public at the King Edward Theatre, and the latest, presented for the first time on Saturday, will be as much appreciated as any of its predecessors. The prominent picture is “ Slightly Scarlet,” with Evelyn Brent and Clive Brook in the two principal roles. The subsidiary characters are admirably filled, and there is a freshness about the story that is very appealing. Of course, there is a love story attached —no picture could be complete without one. The heroine is interested in a mysterious Englishman known as the Hon. Courtenay Parkes (Clive Brook). Then a man, apparently of Russian extraction by his name (Malatroff) appears upon the scene. Lucy Is selected to steal a valuable pearl necklace trom an Indian prince, and she poses as the Countess Stavrin. How she succeeds in her mission, and whether she gete the necklace out of the Indian prince, must be seen to be appreciated. Lucy is not reaNy a thief —she is only a plaything in the hands of an unscrupulous villain, and after many vicissitudes Parkes comes out of it all quite happy with Lucy. SKATING. KING’S RINK. The King’s Skating Rink, which has become a very popular rendezvous with entertainment seekers in the city, was the scene of a highly successful carnival on Saturday night. There was a large attendance, and various interesting competitions were held, the results being as follow: —Trio: Miss Aitken and Messrs Scales and Robertson. Couples; Miss Brydie and Mr Grant. Most graceful lady skater: Miss Black. Most graceful man: Mr Lennon.