AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21300, 2 April 1931, Page 8

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE One of the most famous of English comedians, Leslie Henson, is the principal player in “A Warm Corner,” which is being screened at the Regent Theatre, and the cast as a whole is practically fhe same as that which played for a record season in London. The picture is a comedy of an exceptionally entertaining kind, and the audience is kept in the merriest of moods throughout. The supports are of a high standard. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “ RAFFLES.” Ronald Colman plays the part of a smooth and polished English gentleman, a society favourite and popular athlete, in his third and latest talking picture, “ Raffles,” the mystery thriller which will commence at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. Refined and suave though he may be. Raffles finds the lure of criminal adventure more than he can resist. In consequence, his many distinguished associates are victimised time and again without the faintest suspicion of who the malefactor can be. Being parallel in theme, “ Raffles ” is a fit successor to Colman's two previous talking successes, “ Bulldog Drummond ” and “ Condemned! " A new force has come into Raffles’e life at the time this modernised version of the famous melodrama opens. The famous amateur cracksman has given up his crimes in favour of love. But his resolution to reform is short-lived, and again he is pushed into his last and greatest adventure, for this time the stakes are the honour of his best friend and the heart of the girl ho adores. Sidney Howard has adapted the short stories of E. W. Hornung and the play by Hornung and Eugene W. Presbrey. In one form or another, it has been seen in almost every language and every country of the world during the past 25 years. So complicated and diverse was the ownership of “ Raffles ” that Samuel Goldwyn announced recently that he purchased the first right to this before “ Bulldog Drummond ” was begun. It took two years before the last rights were acquired, and more than 60 documents had to be lodged in the Goldwyn archives. It is in this great role, made famous on the stage in America by Kyrle Bellow and in England by Sir Gerald Du Maurier, and in silent pictures by John Barrymore and House Peters, that Colman is to be seen. Goldwyn claims that even though the part has come to be rigidly set by tradition, Colman gives a startingly original interpretation that not only differs from any earlier portrayal of the role, but also from anything Colman has yet attempted. Kay Francis, who gave so fine a performance opposite Colman’s friend, William Powell, in “ Street of Chance,'’ is the Gwen of the story. She and Colman play out a touching romance that is an essential part of the play’s high adventure. Miss Francis is the first brunette to have played opposite Colman since Agnes Ayres. She is the successor to a long line of blondes that includes Ann Harding, Joan Bennett, Lily Damita, Yilma Banky, Constance Talmadge, and Lillian Gish. Two newcomers make their first screen appearance in support of Colman —Bramwell Fletcher, a young stage player already a favourite with Hollywood casting directors, and Frances Dade, the 19-year-old Philadelphia girl whom Mr Goldwyn placed under contract. Since “ Raffles ” was completed, Miss Dade played with Lowell Sherman in “ He Knew Women ” and with Cyril Maude in “ Grumpy.” To counterbalance this young talent, Goldwyn has the stage veterans, Alison Skipworth and Frederick Kerr. Wilson Benge, who was valet to Bulldog Drummond, serves Raffles in a similar capacity. David Torrance, who gave a notable performance in “Disraeli,” is the Scotland Yard opponent of Raffles. Because Raffles was known to his friends as a great cricketer, the director has provided the first big cricket sequence ever to be seen in a feature picture. Every known player in the picture colony was mustered in for a part in the exciting sequences that represent the famous English game at its best. A full-size replica of the Embassy Club in London, perhaps the world’s best known night club, is to be seen, peopled by hundreds of gor-geously-gowned women and immaculately groomed men. Pictorially, the film is always distinguished by the brilliant photography of George Barnes and Gregg Toland. In addition to “ Raffles,” the management of the Regent Theatre has hooked what is claimed to be a remarkable supporting programme, including a comedy, with George Sidney and Charles Murray—who are world- famous by reason of their “ Cohen and Kelly" pictures. Then there will be the first of a series of freaks of the world photographed in colour, and called “ Strange As It Seems the Berlin State Orchestra of 75 musicians, photographed in sound for the first time, and rendering Lizst’s Hungarian Rhapsody as it has never been done before, and the usual Paramount News, etc. With this programme on Saturday the management of the Regent Theatre is inaugurating new hooking facilities whereby front stalls and rear stalls, at Is and Is 6d, may be reserved at no extra cost, and it also announces that Saturday night prices in future will be reduced to those prevailing on other week nights. Particulars can be obtained from the advertisement columns. There will be morning matinees on Easter Saturday and Monday at 10.30, when children will be admitted for sixpence to all parts. EMPIRE THEATRE William Haines’s latest talking comedy, “ Way Out West,” is reputed to be easily the most enjoyable picture he has ever made. It will open to-day at the Empire Theatre with a cast which includes Leila Hyame, Polly Moran, Cliff Edwards, Frances X. Bushman, jun., Vera Marsh, Charles Middleton, Jack Pennick, Buddy Roosevelt, and Jay Wilsey. The story was directed by Fred Niblo, and is this veteran director’s first comedy in seven years. The picture is adroitly named, part of it having been filmed in famous cattle country and the remainder in the Indian desert country near Gallup, New Mexico. Considerable negotiating was necessary before Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was able to secure permission to film on the Indian reservation, but what proved an even greater difficulty was to induce a number of the Indians, none of whom had ever seen a motion picture, to act as extras and furnish “ atmosphere,” However, before the picture had been completed, the cast had made warm friends among the Indians, been initiated into the tribe, and even learned to make themselves understood in the Hopi language. .In “Way Out West” Haines serves as the target for jokes of a group of cowboys who are repaying him for tricking them with a roulette wheel while working with a circus carnival. Riotous results follow upon their attempts to teach the “ dude ” such tricks of the cowpuncher trade as rounding up cattle and breaking in bronchos. The townsman’s blunders reach such an absurd stage that even the cattle will not have anything to do with him, as is painfully shown in the final scenes, in which a bull scornfully tosses Haines into a drinking trough. The picture is remarkable as being the first to have been filmed by a sound studio on wheels, a special train having been equipped with a laboratory car, camera car, and sound recording car, exclusive of the passenger section, which served as a hotel for members of the company. Another novelty is the fact that many of the scenes were filmed atop the ancient Indian pueblos, the players having to climb 300-feet ladders in order to reach the “ location ” grounds. This William Haines picture is said to be genuinely funny besides being novel in treatment, the Indian sequences after Leila Hyams is bitten by a snake being particularly gripping and interesting. Then there is the real two-fisted fight between Haines and Francis X. Bushman, jun., the terrible desert storm, and a wealth of other incidents. An excellent supporting programme has been arranged, including the latest Metrotone News, a Burton Holmes travelogue, entitled “ Tbe Glories of Nikko,” and another hilarious comedy, “ The High C’s,” featuring Charley Chase. The fourth episode of the serial “ The Indians Are Coming ” will also be screened at the matinees. Special morning sessions will be held on Saturday and Monday next. PRINCESS THEATRE Musical comedy in its most attractive form is presented to patrons of the Princess Theatre. “ Good News ” is marked by originality and a spirit of enthusiasm, and it presents dancing, singing, and good fun in a manner which leaves the audience

well satisfied. Bessie Love and Gus Shy have the support of a good cast. The picture is introduced with an excellent supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “THE MIDDLE WATCH.” That brilliant British comedy, described as the high-water mark of England’s picture productions, “ The Middle Watch, will commence its special Easter season at the Princess Theatre with a morning session on Saturday at 10.30. Adapted from the play by those English masters of modern merriment, lan Hay and Stephen King-Hall, “The Middle Watch has established a remarkable record everywhere, and it has to its credit the distinction of being the only British picture ever to play an extended season in a Broadway theatre. In its original form “The Middle Watch” ran for over a year at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, but as a talking picture it promises to shatter all records. A wonderful cast waa specially selected to interpret the farce. Owen Nares, idol of the British stage, has the leading role as the innocent captain, Jacqueline Logan and Dodo Watts play the parts of the two bright young girls who are responsible for most of the comical complications, Jack Raine is the very-much-in-love commander, Jack Wenman playa the harassed Marine Ogg, whose burden it is to bear the weight of the wrongdoings of his superiors, and Frederick Volpe gives a finished performance as the burly, boisterous admiral. Briefly, the story concerns two girls who are the guests at an afternoon dance on board a British battleship in a China station. They are asked to remain for dinner by the commander. Unfortunately, tbe last boat ashore breaks down, and the captain, a woman-hater, is informed of the plight of the girls. He sets out to chastise the young ladies and the officers responsible, and is about to send a message to his admiral’s flagship, explaining what has happened and asking that a picket boat be sent to remove his fair intruders, when he falls suddenly in love with one of them. Putting their heads together in conspiracy, the captain and his commander decide to allow the girls to spend the night on the ship, and Marine Ogg is told off to guard them. From that point the fun begins in earnest. In the middle watch, which is at a very late hour, the ship is ordered to put to sea to aid a distressed vessel on board which is the wife and daughter of the admiral, and the admiral decides to accompany the rescue party. The efforts of the captain and commander, with the aid of Marine Ogg, to keep the “ old man ” from discovering the girls, are described ns being hilarious to a degree. In any case, the discovery is made, and things promise to be very black for all concerned, but, by a ruse, the admiral is compromised, and the complications are added to when his wife and daughter attach themselves to the merry mix-up. It is said that there is laughter in every scene of this clever, original British farce, and, as the Daily Mail critic wrote, “ it is the best picture of them all. There is convulsing merriment from the very beginning to the very end.” A special supporting programme will also be shown. There will be three sessions on Saturday—at 10.30 a.m., 2.15 and 8 p.m. The box plans are at the Bristol to-day, and will be available at Hall’s shop on Saturday. STRAND THEATRE “ The Dancers,” which is a screen version of the play of the same name, will have its final screening at the Strand Theatre to-day. The picture, which is a drama leavened with a delightful touch of comedy, is played by a first-class cast, headed by Lois Moran, and supporting her are such well-known players as Phillips Holmes, Walter Byron, and Mae Clarke. Mrs Patrick Campbell, who is also included in the cast, gives a convincing portrayal of her part. The supports include an hilarious comedy, a news reel, and one of the amusing ‘ ASsop’s Fables” series. “PRINCESS AND PLUMBER.” Commencing with a special morning session on Saturday, the new Fox success, “ Princess and Plumber,” starring that great favourite, Charles Farrell, will be screened at the Strand Theatre. Charles Farrell, whose performance with Janet Gaynor in “ Sunny Side Up ” will be recalled, has the good fortune to have as his leading lady little Maureen O’Sullivan, the delightful Irish girl, who made such an adorable colleen in “ Song of My Heart.” With a mythical little principality in the Balkans as its setting, and an irresistible romance sparkling with humour and unexpected situations, as its theme, “ The Princess and Plumber ” offers first-rate entertainment. The film is a faithful adaptation of Alice Duer Miller’s recent story, and deals with the love affair between the lonely little princess of Daritzia and the young engineer who comes to look over the heating plant in her royal father’s castle. Not knowing the girl is a real princess, the engineer gravely tells her he is the Duke of Mamaroneck, and when each discovers the other’s real identity the basis is laid for a series of hilarious misunderstandings. Farrell as the engineer and Miss O’Sullivan as the princess make a thoroughly delightful pair, and their work presages many reappearances together. H. B. Warner is perfect as the impetuous Prince Conrad, and Joseph Cawthorn adds to the comedy of the film as the all-in-one official of the little village. In the notable supporting cast Bert Roach enacts the part of the millionaire, and Lumen Prival that of the unwelcome baron, with Murray Kinnell as the sympathetic friend of the young couple. Louise Glosser Hale does excellently as the princess’s chaperon and governess, and Arnold Lucy plays the role of the prince’s loyal servant. A full supporting programme will include another of the popular ASaop’s Fables cartoons, a Fox News, and a comedy. There will be three sessions on Saturday—at 10.30 a.m., 2.15 and 8 p.m. The box plans are at the Bristol. OCTAGON THEATRE “Grumpy,” the unusually fine picture which has been screened at the Octagon Theatre for the past two weeks, will be shown for the last time to-night. Its particular attraction is the brilliant performance of Cyril Maude in the title role. He proves to be an artist of exceptional ability, and his acting in this picture will remain a pleasant memory. There is a strong supporting east. The supporting programme contains a variety of entertaining items. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. # “THE BORDER LEGION.” Richard Arlen and Jack Holt have two of the leading roles in “ The Border Legion,’ ’the film adaptation of one of Zane Grey’s stories which will be screened at the Octagon Theatre on Saturday. “ The Border Legion,” it is said, is Zane Grey at his best. It has swift, breath-taking action, hard-riding, shooting from the hip, and romance that brings a lump into the throat and a tear to the eyes. There is great suspense as Arlen, Holt, and Stanley Field face each other with guns in their hands and fight it out, man to main, for the love of Fay Wray. There is comedy with that droll character of the S. S. Van Dine murder mysteries and “The Virginian.” Eugene Pallette leading the fun. There are magnificent vistas, gorgeous backgrounds, vast herds of cattle, horses by the hundreds—and always “The Border Legion,” riding, joking, fighting, terrorising. “ The Border Legion,” with its stellar cast of lead and character players is, without doubt, one of the most ambitious and best of the western outdoor talking films produced to date. “ The Virginian,” Paramount’s first audible action drama of the outdoors, initiated a great series of westerns, filled with entertainment and true to the old and new traditions of the screen. This picture is particularly noteworthy because it brings back to Zane Grey dramas, the outstanding portrayer of Zane Grey roles of silent picture days, Jack Holt. His speaking voice is as virile as his action has always been. This combination of Paramount, Zane Grey, Richard Arlen, Jack Holt, and Fay Wray means virile, vivid, thrilling outdoor action. Well-varied supports include Lupino Lane in a bright comedy, entitled “ Fireproof,” a Fox Movietone News, “ Screen Snapshots,” and “ Alaskan Nights.” The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. ROXY THEATRE To-day will be the final opportunity of witnessing “ The Vagabond King,” -which has been screened for the past week at the Roxv Theatre. The name part is played by Dennis King, who played the same role when the original operetta was produced in New York, and the famous soprano, Jeanette M'Donald, is also cast

in a prominent role. Mention must also be made of O. P. Heggie, who, as King Louis XI, gives a remarkably convincing character sketch. An entertaining supporting programme is also screened. “SONG OF THE CABALLERO.” Ken Maynard’s latest Western talking picture, “ Song of the Caballero,” will be tbe Easter attraction at the Roxy Theatre, and will commence with a special morning session on Saturday, when all children attending will receive an Easter gift from the management. Ken Maynard is easily the most . popular “ outdoors ” star in motion pictures, and m “ The Song of the Caballero ” he gives what the critics have declared to be his best performance to date. Thrills, excitement, action, and humour abound, and Maynard, with the aid of his wonderful horse, comes through a remarkable adventure in typical style, to find romance awaiting him. The story is laid in most picturesque settings. Included among tbe short features will be another episode of the entertaining “ Collegians ” senes, entitled “ The Rivals,” also a comedy, “ Seeing Stars,” and a Talking Newsreel. KING EDWARD * THEATRE “ They Had to See Paris,” which is the principal attraction on the current bill at the King Edward Theatre, is noteworthy in that it. has in the leading roie the famous comedian. Will Rogers, whose droll wit and dry philosophy are now familiar to thousands of picture-goers. The story tells of a newly-rich American family, which takes a trip to Pans, and the adventures that befell them there. Apart from the wholesome and uproarious comedy which is a feature of the production, the catchy songs, spectacular ballets, and rich settings with which the production abounds are well worth seeing. Playing \vith the star is a number of weUknown screen players, all of whom handle their parts capably. A strong supporting programme is also added. SKATING REGAL RINK. A large number of patrons continue to patronise tbe Regal Skating Rink. This clearly demonstrates that roller skating has become vary popular with pleasureseekers. The alterations which have been carried out to the interior appointments of the rink have given it an improved appearance. A scenic background adds considerably to the general effect. The floor is in perfect order, and no effort is spared by the management to cater for patrons. MURRAY’S RINK. ■ Large crowds continue to patronise Murrays Skating Rink at every session. There are several factors responsible for this patronage. In the first instance the rink has every advantage in its large floor space, and tbe surface makes skating a real pleasure. There are first-class skates and suitable accompanying music. Patrons can rely on spending a very . enjoyable time at the rink, where everything is carried out to ensure the comfort and convenience of those who attend the various sessions. KING’S RINK. Possessing a number of very commendable features, and being centrally situated, the King’s Skating Rink retains its popularity with skaters. The rink has an excellent floor and first-class skates, while the courtesy and assistance of. the attendants are features of the. sessions. It is announced that a reduction has been made in the admission charges.