AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21411, 12 August 1931, Page 10

AMUSEMENTS

OCTAGON THEATRE Excellent entertainment is be:a& offered at the Octagon Theatre in “ The Royal Bed/’ in -which the featured players are Lowell Sherman and Nance O’Neill. “ The Royal Bed ” is a searching and witty satire on the lives of constitutional monarchs, and, up to a point, the story is apparently based on the recent travels of a certain European queen who toured through America in order to raise money to support the impoverished treasury of her State. Throughout the picture is clean, wholesome entertainment, which must be appreciated by all who admire clever stagecraft. The bulk of the credit for the success of the pi-oduction must go to Sherman, who carries through a difficult part without the slightest semblance of a mistake. In addition, there is a comedy, starring Louise Fazenda. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “THE LAST HOUR.” Mystery has always had a strong attraction for kinema patrons. Many of the most successful films throughout the year have had the mystery element as their basis. “ The Last Hour,’’ the film which will be shown at the Octagon Theatre on Friday, perhaps boasts one of the most complicated plots ever featured in a talking picture. This intriguing drama, with its fascinating mystery, is directed by Walter Forde, the wizard of the megaphone. The story deals with the exploits of a band of international spies who endeavour by every conceivable means to obtain a deadly and mysterious ray known as the “ death ray,” for the political power that possesses the ray immediately can command the world to do its bidding. One of the most brilliant screen stars in Britain to-day, the master actor, Stewart Rome, is supported by an exceptionally talented cast of all-British stars, who render brilliant interpretations of their various roles. “ The Last Hour ” is an adaptation of Charles Bennett’s successful play of the same name which ran for an extended season in London. Thoroughly modern is “ YoungMan of Manhattan,” the Paramount version of Katharine Brush’s big-selling novel, which also will be shown at the Octagon Theatre on Friday. Here is a romance-drama of newspaper life that runs along at a high tempo, with, never a moment’s break in comedy, attion, or heart-interest. Those who read the book, or its earlier form, the serial, in the Saturday Evening Post, will recall the big moments when Toby meets Ann at the Dempsey-Tunney fight in Philadelphia, when Toby and Ann have their first battle over who shall pay the rent; when Toby meets the “It’’-toting Puff Randolph; when Toby learns that Ann has been blinded by drinking supposed whisky which he had left in their apartment. STRAND THEATRE The principal feature of the present programme at the Strand Theatre is “ The Spy,” a remarkable picture, which is claimed to be a true narrative of conditions of life in Russia under the Soviet regime. Certainly it is a gripping story, and one which may be calculated to keep the most blase of audiences in suspense till the final scene. It deals with the machinations of the Tcheka, the secret service of the country, and many are the stirring incidents which are presented as the adventures of this force, and those with -whom it has to deal. Both the light side of life in modern Moscow and the more sordid conditions of parts of the city are shown in the picture, and the, director has succeeded in weaving an intriguing romance into the complicated plot. Kay Johnson, Neil Hamilton, and John Halliday have the principal roles. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. \ ‘ A GENTLEMAN’S FATE.” The strange story of a society man who is transformed by circumstances into a most notorious gangster, is told in “ A Gentleman’s Fate,” the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer success, that will be screened at the Strand Theatre on Friday. , A special cast is headed by Louis Wolheim, who gave such a wonderful performance as the hardest-looking but kindest-hearted German sergeant in “All Quiet on the Western Front,” John Gib bert, in a splendid part, Leila Hyams, Anita Page, Marie Prevost, John Miljan, George Cooper, and Ralph Ince. Interest is immediately arrested by the unusual opening of the story in which Gilbert, as the society clubman, is informed that he is the son of a notorious New Jersey criminal. How he attempts to explain the circumstances to the society woman to whom he is engaged to be married, and the subsequent rapid events which takes place, make this a picture which sets a new standard for fast action and suspense. The production teems with realism throughout, and the picture is said to abound with many gripping episodes. It will be screened with a full supporting programme. The box plan is at the Bristol. CHILDREN’S MORNING MATINEE. A treat for the children, to take place next Saturday morning at 10.30, has been arranged. A special production, “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” has been secured, to be shown with the first episode of the new serial, 1 ‘ Finger Prints.” In “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” the young folk will be introduced to all their favourites of their most popular story—Topsy. Eva, Uncle Tom, the nigger boys, and others who made up the characters in this evergreen tale. “ Finger Prints ” is an all-talking serial of the adventures of the master detective, Craig Kennedy. REGENT THEATRE One of the outstanding features of this 'week’s programme at the Regent Theatre is the daring skating act of Joy and Lazzeroni, who perform on roller skates the. most hair-raising evolutions. They appear to be entirely without fear, and the dizzy speed at which they whirl round the small platform keeps the audience breathless until the act is finished. They have wonderful control over their skates, and at no time lack grace of movement. The principal picture on the programme is “ Scandal Sheet,” featuring George Bancroft. It is the story of a newspaper editor who follows the policy of printing everything that it news, regardless of whom his startling revelations may affect or injure, and when his ruthless methods finally recoil upon himself he does not lack the courage to carry them through. Bancroft is given very efficient support by Clive Brook and Kay Francis, who are always perfectly at home in their parts. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “ONE HEAVENLY NIGHT.” Evelyn Laye, the popular light opera star, has the leading role in “ One Heaveajy Night,” which will be shown at the Regent Theatre on Friday. In all her professional work Evelyn Laye has but one rule; always to be at her best and to giye her best. She admits this was not difficult while working in “ One Heavenly Night,” and she admits being delighted with her role and the opportunity it gives her to show her ability as an actress of the first rank; of extracting the last bit of comedy from witty, sparkling lines; ot thrilling an audience with her solo numbers, ami of singing with that master of melodious rendition, John Boles, her lover and hero in tire romantic picture. “ One Heavenly Night,” on its completion, proved to be a typically fine Goldwyn production. Handsomely mounted, and lavishly staged, its direction had been entrusted to the brilliant George Fitzmaurice, who is said to have exceeded his former best efforts. In addition to John Boles, Miss Laye is supported by Leon Errol, a first rank comedy star, who has ample opportunity to display his gifts as a funny man. Lilyau Tashman, who, in the picture, uses Evelyn to further her own ends, which proves all to the advantage of that lovely songstress, was never more fittingly cast than as Fritzi, the somewhat scandalous though extremely popular “ daughter of Budapest.” Of the huge supporting cast it is only necessary to say that it was chosen under the personal supervision of Mr Goldwyn. A modern romantic comedy drama with song, “ One Heavenly Night ” was written by the famous novelist, Louis Brorafield, and adapted for the screen by the distinguished playwright, Sydney Howard. It includes a realistic presentation of the cabaret and night life of Budapest, where love-making is zestful, and tiie joys of life are an incentive to live fully.” It deals with an unusual and

charming Jove affair which is both romantic and dramatic. Under such ausEicious circumstances Evelyn Laye makes er first bow to picture lovers, That they will demand her return in other productions seems a foregone conclusion. PRINCESS THEATRE EI Brendel and Fifi Dorsay are the principal players in “Mr Lemon, of Orange,” which is being screened with success at the Princess Theatre. Although the theme of the production embodies both comedy and tragedy, the heavier element is subjected to the strong thread of humour which binds the story together, and a striking feature of the film is. the witty and amusing dialogue which is maintained almost without a break throughout the story. The changing circumstances of the plot provide excellent opportunities for delightful ambiguities in the spoken linos, with the result that even in the most tense situations there is an underlying' vein of humour which cannot fail to exercise an unusual appeal. There is a strong supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre, Hall’s fruit shop, and the Bristol. “ REDUCING.” Never, it is said, have Marie Dressier and Polly Moran, known as the funniest pair of comediennes on the screen, appeared in a more hilarious film than “ Reducing,” which will be commenced at the Princess Theatre on Friday. Fresh from her triumphs in “ Let Us Be Gay ” and “Min and Bill,” Marie Dressier excels herself as the buzom country sister of a fashionable beauty specialist who, out of sheer good nature, sends for her poorer relation and regrets it from the moment Marie puts her foot in the salon. Those who remember “Caught Short,” will realise the entertainment value of “ Reducing ” when they are told that this latest farce is claimed to be even funnier than its predecessor. “In 1 Reducing ’ Marie Dressier and Polly Moran reduce everything but the laughs, which are bigger and better than ever before,” said one critic. The fun begins when the inexperienced Marie becomes an employee in Polly’s beauty establishment. Tampering with the various devices, she has the place in an uproar when she pulls the wrong levers and almost kills customers by blundering manipulation of the various reducing machines. The laugh episodes reach their climax when in Polly's absence Marie tries to show the place to two inspectors from the Health Departihent. Polly returns to find chaos in her beauty parlour, while her efforts to unravel the tangle only make it worse, and the sequence ends uproariously. A particularly fine supporting cast includes beautiful Sally Filers (of “ Let Us Be Gay”), Anita Page, Buster Collier, jun., and that strong character comedian, Lucien Littlefield. The box plans are at the Bristol. EMPIRE THEATRE Two pictures which give further demonstrations of the powers of British producers are being shown at the Empire Theatre. They are “Children of Chance,” in which the talented Elissa L’andi is the principal player, and “ Old Soldiers Never Die,” which features Leslie Fuller. The story of “ Children of Chance ” is excellently told, and has just the right proportion of bewidering mystery at the commencement to whet the interest for the final denouement. Elissa Landi’s handling of the difficult task of portraying two characters is a revelation, and will do much to increase her already high reputation. Mabel Poulton, John Stuart, John Longden, Gus M’Naughton, Wallace Lupino, and many other English players fill the supporting roles to excellent effect. “ Old Soldiers Never Die ” is an admirable vehicle for that type of slapstick comedy that will never fade from public favour, and Leslie Fuller, who takes the leading role, gives a performance that has everything to commend it. Mr Leslie V. Harvey Contributes very acceptable musical items. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “HIS FATHER’S SON.” “ His Father’s Son,” which President Hoover has written of as “ my favourite talkie—the most delightful play I have seen,” will be shown for the first time in Dunedin on Friday at the Empire Theatre. It is said to be a true adaptation, most skilfully done, of Booth Tarkinton’s widely read novel, “ Old Fathers and Young Sons.” In its title role is Leon Janney, the 13-year-old boy who made a sensational success for one of his years in “ Courage,” ajid as a result was signed up on a five years’ contract with Warner Brothers. His work in “ His Father’s Son ” is claimed to be an eyeopening performance, which has raised the lad to film fame. The father who misunderstands his lad is admirably acted by that sterling player, Louis Stone, and the loving and understanding mother, who stands up for her boy through all his mischievous escapades, is said to be “ played to perfection ” by Itene Rich. Other important roles are enacted by, John Halliday, Mickey Bennett, Robert Dandridge. George Reed. Gertrude Howard, Bertha Mann, and Grover Liggon. An additional attract tion is announced in a presentation on the stage of The Crystal! ones, a novel clnb-sWinging act set in a cameo of colours. The box plans are now open' at the Bristol and the theatre. V KING EDWARD THEATRE v “The Hot Heiress,” a First National comedy-drama, will bo one of the two principal attractions on the programme which will receive its initial screening at the King Edward Theatre to-day. The story tells of a Park Avenue society girl who falls in love with a burly riveter, and of the manner in which she manages to capture his affections. It is the ancient story of love that laughs at locksmiths, in a modern setting—with overtones of the life of the magical city, which 0. Henry called “Bagdad on the Subway.” The other picture is entitled “A Devil With Womeri,” in which the story is stold how en route to Central America, Tom Standish is intrigued by Alicia. Detained at a seaport by Customs guards in charge of Jerry Maxton, a reckless soldier of fortune, for attempting to smuggle machine guns to the revolutionists, she accepts Tom’s aid, but once having rid' herself of the contraband she gives him .the “ cold shoulder ” On his way up-country to capture Morloff, the revolutionist’s leader, Jerry again encounters Tom and Alicia, who have apparently made it up. Great rivalry springs up between the two men. At Del Rio, Alicia meets Dolores, also serving Morloff. They plan to detain Jerry until Morloff arrives. Doloi’es vamps Jerry, ignoring Tom. Jerry accepts her invitation to her apartment. At the apartment Jerry encounters Morloff and his gang. He is overpowered and thrown into gaol. Later Tom is also captured, thrown in gaol, and held for ransom. By a ruse, Jerry and Tom trap the gaoler and escape. They rescue Rosita and her dnanna, who have been kidnapped by Morloff’s men. Returning the women to their home they receive the heartfelt thanks of Rosita’s father. Both men fall in love with Rosita, who returns Tom’s affection. Her father believes it is Jerry she loves and betrothes her to him. The story works up to a satisfactory climax. ROLLER SKATING KING’S RINK. There is no diminution of the steady patronage which has been accorded the King’s "Skating Rink throughout the winter months. It is becoming increasingly evident that more and more of the entertainment —seeking citizens of Dunedin are finding relaxation in the pleasure of skating, in which the easy, almost effortless motion is the principal attraction. The appointments at the King’s Rink are of the most up-to-date kind, and the service which is offered to patrons by the efficient attendants and instructors is a feature of an evening spent’ in this healthy and exhilarating pastime.