AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21308, 13 April 1931, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE The Regent Theatre is living up to its reputation for being one of the chief places where an enjoyable afternoon or evening may be spent. The latest production is “ The Spoilers,” which is an adaptation of Rex Beach’s story of, the same name. The book had a great run when it was published, and has lost nothing of its interest in its transference to the screen. The principal role is taken by Gary Cooper, who is an actor well equipped for the role of Glenister, the acknowledged leader of the miners, who is the principal opponent of the scheming M'Namara (William Boyd). Kay Johnson, who has an excellent recording voice, has the leading feminine role, and Betty Compson has a part of some importance. The opening of the story is one which claims immediate interest, taking the audience immediately into the whirl of events which are to follow, and making one impatient to know what will come next. The ruch of gold-mad men to obtain berths on the steamer setting out for the Yukon and the excitement and the humour which always has its place on such occasions are well described. Glenister and his mate are returning to their mine in high spirits, and a natural thirst for adventure places them in a situation in which they find themselves the guardians of a girl. Her presence soon has an effect on the lanky miner, Glenister, and he has to admit himself in love with her. Used to the rough ways of the mining camps and 10 fighting for what he wants, the steadying effect which the girl’s presence has upon him prevents him from taking hasty action when he finds that events in Nome have taken an unexpected turn, M'Namara, the Government representative, is at the head of a conspiracy which threatens to deprive the miners of their claims, and the struggle between Glenister and M'Namara provides the remainder of the story, though a large number of people are drawn into the tangle and play a part in the ultimate solution. The fact that “ The Spoilers ” is a thrilling adventure story will be its main attraction, but it also presents an interesting picture of life during the world’s most celebrated gold rush._ “The Spoilers” is an entertainment in itself, but there are other attractions included in the new programme, apd visitors have the opportunity of seeing a comedy, “ Weak but Willings,” a news reel, and there is also a screen song. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. "CHARLEY’S AUNT.” A swift rise to prominence in high-class “ talkie ” comedy, a gift of extraordinary facial expression, the ability to amuse unfailingly, coupled with acting ability and comedy sense out of the ordinary, might be tabled as the characteristics of Charlie Ruggles,,Paramount’s star comedian, who has the title role in the farce comedy “ Charley’s Aunt," which will open at the Regent Theatre on Friday next. Brought to the screen for the first time as an alltalking production, Columbia is to be congratulated, it is claimed, on having given an entertainment which surpasses the “ Charley’s Aunt " of either the stage or the silent screen. The theme of female impersonation is one that has never failed to find favour with the motion picture public, nevertheless it is one which needs careful handling, and it is for this reason that the services of such a talented character comedian were obtained. Revolving around an amateur female impersonator and hie experiences as chaperon to two girls, the story of “ Charley’s Aunt ” ie said to embrace even more humour as an all-talking production than did the silent version some years back. Riotous situations follow hard on each other as the farcical situations of this high comedy of Oxford undergraduates who invite their sweethearts to lunch in their rooms in order to propose to them unfolds, this desperate act being made necessary by the guardian of the two girls threatening to take them to Scotland. Charley Wykeham’s Aunt, who was expected to chaperon the select luncheon, failed to arrive, and to save the situation Lord Fancourt Babberly, undergraduate, consents under persuasion to become a bogus “ Charley’s Aunt,” with dire results. For, halfway through the proceedings, the real aunt arrives, the girl’s guardian has proposed to and been accepted (against his will) by Lord Babberly as the bogus aunt, and the girls have invited Babberly into their boudoir to prepare for dinner. The title role of “ Charley’s Aunt,” which Syd Chaplin made so popular on the silent screen, is claimed to be handled just as well on the audible screen by Charles Ruggles, rapidly advancing as one of the talking screen’s best-liked comedians. He makes an excellent “Aunt,” and much credit must ensue to him for the thoroughness with which h% has handled (he part. This new talking film of the famous “Charley’s Aunt” has been acclaimed by press and public wherever it has played. The reason for the enthusiastic acceptance of this farce is that it is a long succession of laughs. The simple, hearty fun that follows on the wild students’ trick of turning a chum into an old lady so that their sweethearts should be encouraged to visit them under “ protection” convulses audiences everywhere. Great care was lavished in bringing this play by Brandon Thomas to the screen. The producer personally chose Charles Ruggles for the leading roll, and for the supporting cast picked such talented artists as Halliwell -Hobbs, Flora La. Brenon, Doris Lloyd, and Hugh Williams. June Collyer is Amy Spittigue, the remainder of the cast being English stage players specially secured for the production in order to maintain the English dialogue, surroundings, and story. Prominently cast ie an Australian actor new to Hollywood, Rodney M'Lennon, who is a native of Melbourne, Victoria. PRINCESS THEATRE Such success has attended the screening of the delightful English comedy, “The Middle Watch,” at the Princess Theatre < that the management has considered it advisable to extend the season for another week. Those two masters of comedy, lan Hay and Stephen King-Hall, collaborated _ in writing “ The Middle Watch,” which scored a tremendous success as a stage play, and these names alone should be sufficient to assure patrons that the picture is well worth seeing. Humorous situations abound throughout the story, and follow one another so quickly that the audience has scarcely recovered from one laugh before it is in the throes of another. But by no means does the comedy ever fall to the level of farce. The film represents, indeed, as high a standard of comedy as has ever been seen here, but it is doubtful if it could have been such a brilliant success if such a capable cast had not been selected to play it. The principal players are Owen Naros, Frederick Volpe, jack Rains, Dodo Watts, Jacqueline Logan, and Jack Wenman. To recapitulate the story of the play would spoil the enjoyment which can be extracted from the picture. Suffice it to say that all the trouble commences when two girls who have been visiting the warship are unable to return to the shore, and are forced to spend the night on board. The resulting complications _ make a picture which abounds in situations as humorous as they are unexpected, and which must be seen to be enjoyed. There is an entertaining supporting programme, which, among other items, includes an impressive picture showing the burial of the victims of the RlOl disaster. The box plans are at the Bristol, Hall's fruit shop, and the theatre. “OUR BLUSHING BRIDES.” That beautiful and alluring young actress, Joan Crawford, who, since the introduction of talking pictures, has gained a great place for herself in the front rank of screen stars, has a delightful role in her special Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer success, “Our Blushing Brides," which will be commenced at the Princess Theatre on Friday next. The story is described as an up-to-the-minute comedy, telling a rollicking talc, and providing first-rate amusement from start to finish. An excellent cast is featured with Miss Crawford, including Robert Montgomery, and there will be a particularly good selection of featurettes with the production.

OCTAGON THEATRE A double-feature programme of excellent merit is being provided for the entertainment of Octagon Theatre patrons this week. The principal film, *‘ Tlie Devil’s Holiday,” featuring Haney Carroll, is the story of a little manicurist who hates all men, and goes out of -ter way to cheat and defraud all with whom she comes in contact. She meets David Stone, the unsophisticated son of a rich farmer, with the result that he falls madly in love with her. His brother realises that the girl is nothing more than an adventuress, and denounces her, but the marriage ceremony takes place, the girl thinking that she will be thus enabled to secure her revenge. The old farmer asks + he girl if she really loves his son, and when she will not admit the fact he grows enraged, and offers her a large sum of money if she will leave the family alone. She accepts, but after several dramatic scenes, in which David is injured, and she realises the great mistake she is the story is brought to a satisfactory conclusion. The second picture is “ Call of the West,” featuring Dorothy Eevier and Matt Moore. Dorothy Revier is seen as a revue actress who breaks down m health and is forced to go on the country tours, but even there her health is not sufficient to carry her through, and she breaks down during a performance, hhe is taken home by a young ranch owner (Matt Moore), whoso mother nurses the young girl back to health. Love springs up between the two, but the young man unintentionally severely affronts the girl, who returns to New York, where she finds one of her old companions all too ready to welcome her back. She then discovers how much she really loves the young rancher, and she gladly leaves all her old life behind her to return to the ranch. There is a strong supporting programme. The box plans arc at the theatre and the Bristol. EMPIRE THEATRE Excellent entertainment of the fastaction type is presented in “ The Big House,” the current attraction at the Empire Theatre. The “ big house ”is a term used to describe a convict prison, and the story deals with such an institution which, originally constructed to accommodate 1800 men, contains 3000 convicts. The arrival at the prison of Kent (Robert Montgomery), who has been sentenced to 10 years’ penal servitude for manslaughter, the charge resulting from a motor eccident in which a man was killed, is_the opening scene of the production, Kent is placed in the same cell as Butch (Wallace Beery), and John Morgan (Chester Morris), whose crimes are murder and forgery respectively. Butch is the proud possessor of a knife, and the “screws,” as the wardens are called, get to know of the matter. For creating a disturbance at meal time Butch is consigned to the dungeon for 30 days, and he has perforce to get rid of the knife before he is searched. It falls into Kent’s hands, and when Wallace, the chief warder, is making a round of the cells, Kent hides it in the most handy place, which happens to be Morgan’s bed. It is found there, and Morgan, who is due to go out an parole the next day, is rewarded by being sent to the dungeon and by losing his parole. For this, Morgan swears to “get ” K en L Time goes on, and Morgan sees Kent’s sister in the visitor’s room. At the same time, a man visits him and shows him how he can make his escape. This he accomplishes successfully, and he sets out to have his revenge on Kent by means of the latter’s sister. Events so shape themselves, however, that he abandons his intentions and decides to make a fresh start in life in another country. At this stage he is arrested and haled 011 to prison once more for a further seven years. His return to prison is greeted with enthusiasm by Butch, and a plot to create a riot and break out of the prison is set on foot. The story rhen sweeps on through stirring sequences to a thrilling climax, in which matters are eventually straightened out. There is a splendid supporting programme, whilst Mr Leslie V. Harvey provides several entertaining selections from his repertoire. The box plans arc at the theatre and the Bristol.

“THE MAN WHO CAME BACK.” Asked point blank the name of her favourite screen actor. Janet Gaynor promptly answered: “Charles Farrell.” Similarly Farrell names Miss Gaynor as his favourite actress. That probably accounts for the fact that they are regarded as the most perfect screen pair ever brought together. Each has a wholesome respect for the other as a performer. But both have very decided ideas about being teamed together too often. “It’s not good for either of us, nor is it good for our pictures,” says Janet emphatically. “I’d rather play opposite Charles than any other actor. There is a bond of sympathy and friendship between us, but I think studio executives arc wise in not teaming us together more than once or twice a year.” Farrell feels the same way about it, and explains it in this manner; “ The more actresses I play opposite in my pictures the more experience I gain. I think if any two people constantly appear together in pictures they are apt to get into a rut, and will soon be giving stereotyped performances. From every new leading lady I learn something about the art of acting. _ I know the same is true with Janet.” This famous team of screen sweethearts is again united for the first time in nearly a year in Raoul Walsh’s Fox Movietone production of “The Man Who Came Back,” which will be shown at the Empire Theatre commencing next Friday. Others prominent in the cast include Kenneth Mac Kenna, William Holden, Mary Forbes, Ulrich Haupt, William Worthington, and Peter Gawthorne. STRAND THEATRE The management of the Strand Theatre is catering well for moving picture patrons during the current week. There is a most diverting comedy entitled “ Big Boy,” with A 1 Jolson in the lead, and very efficient support. Moat of the entertainment is, however, provided by "The Way of All Men,” with Noah Beery, Douglas Fairbanks, jun., Dorothy Revier, Robert Edeson, and other noted artists in the cast. There are about half a dozen characters that stand out prominently, and all arc* most capably presented. “The Way of All Men ” commences with the romance of a young broker’s clerk and an actress. The girl has faith in the boy in spite of the fact that he has just been discharged from his position, and she decides to leave her show in order to avoid having to leave for another part of the country. It is not long, however, before she discovers that she has been deceived and that Bill, having found the knowledge of his previous employer’s business of value to a rival broker, has become prosperous and is engaged to the daughter of his new chief. A great storm breaks over the town, which is situated on the banks of a large river, and the water breaks through the levees, the town being threatened with a disastrous flood. Just before the storm, Bill, his employer, Fraser, his previous employer, Swift, and several other people, induing Poppy the actress, who had been deserted by Bill, and a crazy evangelist, arc all in Stratton’s cafe, which is below the level of the street and under a bank. When the flood comes the proprietor, played by Beery, shuts the waterproof doors, and the people inside, though they cannot get out, are safe for the time being. Among the people is a ragged mathematician, who calculates that the oxygen supply will last them only 10 hours. With death staring them in the face they are all converted by the evangelist, but directly the danger is over they slip back into their old methods of life which are scarcely of a lofty order. With the reunion of the two lovers the story ends. The box plans arc at the theatre and the Bristol. ROXY THEATRE Visitors to the Roxy Theatre will see a cleverly written play, cleverly acted, in “ Love, Live, and Laugh,” an all-talking Fox Movietone drama of the best and most approved kind that can scarcely fail to hold the interest of all. George Jessel’s impersonation of Luigi is perfect, and the character calls for more than ordinary histrionic ability on account of the varying atmospheres that obtain. Miss Lee is very happily .cast as Margharita, and plays with that happy consciousness that tells her exactly what is required by Margharita. The story is intensely interesting, and the interest deepens as the story develops. The story in brief form is that Luigi loves Margharita, becomes smitten with the war fever, and feels constrained to go to the front. Ho is wounded, and four years pass by before he leaves the

hospital. During his absence from New York, Margharita meets Dr Price, and collapses when she reads that Luigi’s company has been annihilated. She listens to the doctor’s love pleadings, and they marry, which, of course, is most unfortunate. Luigi returns, and is induced by a little girl to come to her home to play his hurdy-gurdy. He consents, and to his consternation finds that it is the home of Margharita, now Mrs Price. With this excellent material the author has built a very fine story. There is a good supporting programme.

KING EDWARD THEATRE Cohen and Kelly can always be relied upon to provide an abundance of amusement in whatever they may appear, and the management of the King Edward Theatre has been fortunate enough to secure “ The Cohens and Kellys in Scotland.” It was placed before patrons for the first time on Saturday afternoon, and met with the hearty approval of a large audience. The two mirthmakers* without being aware of each other’s intention, decide to pay a visit > to Scotland, in company with their wives. Each has been told that-the Prince of Morania, the style dictator, intends to wear plaids that year. Cohen buys all the stock of plaids of M'Pherson, while Kelly buys all of M'Donald’s plaids. their mutual discomfort, Cohen and Kelly meet on the golf links, where Cohen has the ill fortune to insult the Prince of Morania. The hopes of both are staked on the Prince wearing plaid at the races. It rains, and the Prince never unbuttons his long raincoat. Feeling they are ruined, Cohen ami Kelly decide on suicide. Cohen jumps off a bridge and Kelly saves him. They are reconciled and go into partnership again, and a very satisfactory conclusion is reached. In a supporting direction there is “ Mickey the Mouse,” “ Barnyard Battles,” “Hi Jack and the Game,” ,r Barnum and Bailey,” a Universal News, and an Empire News.

SKATING. MURRAY’S RINK. With its spacious and well-surfaced floor, and an adequate supply of first-class skates, Murray’s Skating Rink is now firmly established as a favourite rendezvous of skating enthusiasts in Dunedin. Excellent music is supplied by an amplifying set, and the comfort and convenience of patrons is studied in every way. Ventilation of the rink has been given careful consideration, with the result that_ the atmosphere never becomes oppressively warm, another feature being the ample space that is provided for spectators. REGAL RINK. That the Regal Skating Rink is as popular as ever with its patrons is evidenced by the large attendances at every session. Alterations to the interior appointments have given it an improved appearence, a scenic background adding considerably to the general effect. In addition, the spacious floor is in perfect condition, and there are 500 pairs of first-class skates from which to chose. Beginners are fortunate in that they have the services of experienced and courteous instructors, and for those who merely wish to look on comfortable seating accommodation is provided. KING’S RINK. Centrally situated, and providing every convenience for its patrons, the King s Skating Rink continues to be well patronised, and every session sees the floor crowded with enthusiastic skaters. ihe management has left nothing to ensure the comfort of patrons, and novices have the advantage of the services of a staff of competent instructors. CONCERT AT TALBOYS HOME Miss Jimsie Fraser’s monthly concert at Talboys Home was again well patronised on Saturday evening by inmates, members of the staff, and visitors. A lengthy and varied programme was arranged, every item being w r ell received. The usual community singing of favourite songs and choruses, interspersed with appropriate stories by the leader, was thoroughly enjoyed. The programme opened with a recitation by Miss Audrey Ramsay, followed by an Irish jig by Miss Jean Freeman. Mrs Jack Barry was in good form in her singing of “ The Hills of Donegal, and responded to an encore. The comedian (Mr Charles Abbott) delighted his audience with his make-up and presentation of “ Farmer Giles ” and the recitation " The Eleven Sixty-nine.” A novelty turn in a way of a whistling solo, “ The Mocking Bird,” by Mr Richard Kelly, accompanied at the piano by Mr Axel Newton, was a feature of the programme, hie encore number being “ Auld Lang Syne.” The following items were also given:— Recitation, Mies Alma Metcalf; Scottish solos, Mrs Mary Oliver; Highland fling— Misses N. Crichton, Jean Freeman, Patricia and Josephine Wilson, A. Metcalf, and Hone Jones; vocal solos, Mr R. Wilson; recitation. “The Roman Guide,” Mrs E. J. Murray; scan triubhais. Misses Jean Freeman, I. Jones, and P. Wilson; soprano solo, _ 'Beyond the Tomb,” Mr Norman Nesbitt; violin solo, Miss Josephine Wilson; piano duet, Miss Jean Badfield and Master V. Rusbatch; vocal Scottish solos, Mre Frood; comedy, “ The Waiter,” Mr Charles Abbott; vocal baritone solo, “The March of the Cameron Men,” Mr Donald French; piano duet, Miss Billie and Master V. Rusbatch; dance, “Top Boots,” Miss Patricia Wilson; recitation, Miss Billie Burns; sailor’s hornpipe, Miss Jean Freeman; vocal soprano solos. Miss Ivie Reekie; Irish jig, Misses Patricia Wilson and Ilcne Jones; instnimental selection —Mrs p. Jones, Miss H. Smaill, Mr Jeffery Phelan, and Mr Albert Lawson; vocal solos, Mr H. Freeman; instrumental trio —Miss H. Smaill and Messrs L. Peterson and A. Lawson.

During the evening members of the party entertained the patients in the various hospital wards. Mr Sutherland (manager of the home) thanked Miss Fraser and party for the pleasure they had given the inmates, expressing grateful appreciation to those who entertained the sick. Mr Axel Newton (official pianist) rvas assisted at the piano by Misses Hazel Smaill and Lena Fraser, and Piper Gordon Crichton sup plied the bagpipe music.