AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21430, 3 September 1931, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

lift EMPIRE THEATRE- ■ |#-V / - ' " ■ ': - The final-screening of/■ “ New Moon,” which has held,pride of place son /the; bill at the Empire Theatre dufin’g. the' past •week,’will be'given to-dayi,-:Twp eminent artists—Lawrence Tibbetts ■ and ; Grace Moore—play the leadihg/rolqs. and; their ; richly • melodious the jhest-of the musical mumbers with' which; the production abounds.; r-r.'The supporting; pio-' gramme includes some yhiy-fibe ■.shoi't'shbjeets. The the,.theatre and the Bristol. . "RESURRECTION.” “ Resurrection,”-- Tolstoy’s- immortal story, is to be 'offered" as a film-produc-tion at the Empire Theatre commencing at'the matinee tomorrow;//Edwin Carewe, the famous motion, fpictare--director, has made the great hovel; into a talking picture, which, according to reviews _ from critics who have already seen it, is one of the biggest productions in screen histppy. './The, gamut of emotions . through whiehhßlhnche 1 /Walsh, bn /the/ stagfe/i ahH opera, have ?of{/Katueha Maslova, is. newVthe • cpufK -bf■ Lupe Velez, while-Johm /Bbles assumes' the character of Prince, Dmithi, whfoh’Bir Herbert, Beerbohm Tree: created in 19()3;- The joyous, 'carefree epirih/bf youth is /to/ be. found/ id> the opening episodes, wherein the'/princh falia ih/ iove with the peasant ward/ of./'hia aunts. Before" the first reel is over-that white love has turned ,to purple. passion. Thbh,', in rapid-fire succession, come despair, abandonment: buoyant humour, 1 and utter indulgence/life, death, , and, n spirituftl; -rebirth following / degradation, .dihptisohment,. exile, bitterness,! and . jrearnihg,; sacrifice, • and, resurrection. itself. Cni’ewfi.’s i-reason, for wanting . to/, make “Resurrection” wad/giyen'by the director- himself:, Dmitri and Katusha traverse the entire. emotional scale, and it;is, one/ great; story whereinmam and woman alike /suffer and triumph;in: sacrifice:” All the . resources of the great Universal studios in _ California,were called into play in the making of “ Resurrection.’ ■■ Some of the biggest sets-ever, ’seen on the screen, were built for'the film,'which was produced under the personal supervision of Carl Laemmlej’ juh. John Boles plays the part of Prince Dmitri with romantic realism. r -He= is - dashing as a lover, sinister as a soldier,- eloquent in his final resurrection.- As Katusha Maslova, the peasant girl in. love with Prince Dmitri, Lupe Velez invests her role with deep understanding,' poignant emotion, and artistic conception. ' The’ love? scenes of Prince Dmitri and the pretty little peasant, Katusha—the.,/farewell; q| .the Ibyers/when ,the/;cb.unlTy,,tp bnter / the ‘'lmperial' the dissipation and amours of the young prince in the military life at St. Petersburg—the singing of the l troops on the march to-Turkey—the . prince’s betrayal and desertion of Katusha—Katusha’s despair when, she learns,of Dmitri’s perfidy at the railroad station .in a blinding storm —the trial and (mpYjatibn'.'of Katusha for mur-der-r-the pleV-.ibfDmitri, one- of the jurors, for beir/aequittal—the meeting of the lovers. ; in/the' grim old: prison— Katusha’s,/. bitter;-'; cynical refusal of Dmitri’s, aid- and plea for forgiveness—the long mqrch. of prisoners through snow and ice—all these are shown with realism on the screen. The. box plans for "Resurrection’.’ are at the Bristol and at- the theatre. ,V:/V OCTAGON THEATRE t .'/•T.r') v* r - V ;. *. / ‘ • ' ■ • ' • ■ • ' Helen Twelvctrees has an unusually attractive role in “Millie,”, wbicli;.is the main feature on the prograrame/at the Qetfigon Theatre, and her acting-reaches a-'Very' high'standard. The story- commences with*/Millie’s, marriage to Jack Maitland, and tells of the violation of. her trust in,him. She, sets out to begin life again as a working girl, and her experiences lead to many dramatic situations, working up to a striking climax when her daughter grows to Womanhood. There is a strong supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “THE SANTA FE TRAIL.” - The chief picture on the next Octagon Theatre programme will he “ The Santa Fe Trail,” and. Paramount in this film introduces one of the most notable collection of stars which has ever been assembled for one picture. The leading role is taken by Richard Arlen, who is far too well known to need any further introduction. Playing opposite Arien will be the beautiful and talented Mexican ‘ actress, Rosif a Moreno,- who will be seen in her first talking picture. Then there is Mitzi Green, who has romped away with all the honours in several recent pictures, and who is the most popular girl actress on the picture screen to-day. Junior Durkin (who was so successful in “ Tom Sawyer ”) has a very good part in this film, and there is Eugene Pallette in the chief comedy role. “The Santa Fe Trail” is an adaptation of Hal G. Evai-t’s novel, “ Spanish Acres.” Perfectly■ cast in roles that do justice to their ■ respective; talents,, all /the aforementioned stars are seen to advantage in a picture that successfully combines thrilling; a dyenture~;,in. t h g pp en ■ .a i r and -easy fitwing''COTh : edy, ; with* a romance that is at once charming and delightful. A novel touch is lent to the whole story by the introduction of some full-blooded Indians in the supporting roles. The story of the “Santa Fe Trail” deals with Stan;Hollister (played by Richard Arlen), who with his huge flock of over 10,000. sheep has been driven from the open range by cattlemen. With “Doc Brady (Eugene Pallette) and “ Old Timer,” their quaint little pal (Junior Durkin), Hollister seeks new pastures. Indians tell him of Juan Gastinado’s rich ranch, and agree to work as herders if_ he can arrange to run tbe flock on Csstinado s land. Castinado lives on the ranch with his daughter Maria (Eosita Moreno) and Ins harum-scarum nine-year-old ward Emily (Mitzi Green). Mark Goulard is responsible for Castin ado’s misfortunes, but is trusted by Castinado implicitly. Hollister and his friends * arrive at the ranch during a fiesta and are invited to participate. " Hollister and Maria fall in love, and Brady recognises Goulard as a “ crook.” Arrangements are completed to pasture Hollister’s sheep. The Indians later become mistrustful through Goulard s villainy, and eventually swoop down on the ranch to avenge their imaginary wrong. Friendly Indians warn Hollister in -time -for his party, to make a fight oi it . Hollister eventually offers himself, in return for the' guaranteed safety of others. Coolard% vihajeft however

is discovered in’the-nick of time ; tm save Hollister’s death,, Goulard is captured after a most, exciting chase and. struggle,; and Hollister; and Maria find happiness together. In. “'No Limit,”’ which ip the supporting feature, f flurry ; Green /is : the comedian in chief, being.aided and abetted by Stuart Erwin and Clara Bow, the “ it ” girl, in' a magnificently acted and gorgeously gowned personality role which suits her,well. , PRINCESS THEATRE •/ “ Within the Law.” which has proved a popular draw at the Princess Theatre during the last week, will be screened fqr the final time to-day. Joan Crawford has the leading role in the production, which has as its theme the story, of.the struggle of a young woman, who has been unjustly sentenced to a term of - imprisonment,' to avenge herself on the man who has. caused her downfall. An excellent supporting programme is also shown. The box plans are at the theatre, Hall’s fruit shop,; and the Bristol. ■/ ~ T ; ' , , • “ DOCTORS’ WIVES.” The public can take it from a perfectly honest critic that they will be foolish to miss'‘Doctors’-Wives.’ It is a great show,’’ wrote the reviewer of the Wellington Dominion, after the opening performance of the remarkable drama of the medical profession that hasicaused such widespread < discussion, and \vhich will be the new feature at the Princess Theatre to-morrow. “Doctors’ Wives ” is a departure from the usual screen fare' and both from the point of view of subject and that of treatment the production opens up unique avenues of entertainment.. The’ story delves into the private lifeof doctors and their wives, and the result is an entertaining and novel picture. The story revolves around the marriage of a successful New York surgeon with an assistant; in his. research laboratory. After six months of marital, happiness conflict enters the drama in the form of doubts and. suspicions in the bride’s heart, which are corroborated in her mind when she inadvertently discovers what" she thinks is an affair between her husband and one of his patients. Without explanation to her husband, she- leaves her home and goes to that of Dr Kane Ruyter, her lifelong friend.. She, however, tires of this, and takes up nursing under an assumed name. Her life in the new sphere transforms her previous opinions, of her husband, his work, and his strength, and the drama'moves; thence to a fitting climax. Warner Baxter, who plays the role of Dr Jude Denning; the surgeon, has. added another,..distinguished success to his. Already long .list.. He portrays his ■ appeal to the audience. His subject is versatile, and he brings all hls'Mtt'into'play. Joan Bennett, who . plays, opposite him,- ..is especially appealing, both as the idealistic young bride and then as the emotional wife who runs the gamut of experiences before she,comes to the realisation that her husband’s sacrifices are greater than personal relations between man and wife could ever be. Helene Millard heads a supporting cast,- which includes Paul Porcasi, Nancy Gardner, John St. Polls, and Cecelia Loftus. The box, plans are at the Bristol. ‘ i -- REGENT; THEATRE ‘ Two outstanding players, Tallulah Bankhead and Clive Brook, have the principal roles in “ The Tarnished Lady,”’ which is being screened, at the Regent Theatre. The picture tells an old story from a new angle. A poor girl marries a wealthy stockbroker, expecting that money will bring her happiness. She is, however, really in love with an artist.. When she seeks to gain her freedom from her husband the story takes a dramatic turn and holds the interest of. the audience

until the end. Strong supports are shown. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.'. ‘‘FOLLOW THRU.” 'The salient features .of ■ the'delightful musical comedy “ Follow Thru,” which is to be shown at the'Regent Theatre tomorrow,- are the tuneful melodies;"beautiful .'girls,' golfing atmosphere, delightful comedy, and the gorgeous technicolpur throughout; " The popular stars, Nancy Cax‘r.bli : and Charles Rogers,’ are again united as artists 6n tlie screen. “ Follow Thru ” was produced- under the showmanship, eye of Schwab and Mandel, makers of dozens of stage successes. It is essentially a comedy, but the entertainment value is>-considerably .heightened- by ■ the introduction of several song, numbers. They are “ Button Up Your. Overcoat, arid"'“ It Must ;Be .You,” sung by ; Zehna O’Neal and Jack Haley; “A Peach of a Pair,” sung by Charles, -Rogers and Nancy Carroll; “ Then Tfl! Have Time: for You,” sung by Margaret. Lee and .Don -Tomkins; “I Want to Be Bad,”.;the, one song in the -entire picture that brings in a chorus. Supporting the work of -the stars. are Zelma O’Neal and Jack- Haley.- Together this quartet-proves'a delightful fpursomp,. mixing love and- golf . in a, manner, that'is a i joy to behold. In “Follow Thru, Nancy Carroll plays .the role of a golf champion. Charles .Rogers, is a famous golf “ pro.” Rogers takes • orie fleeting glance at Nancy and. decides, that he.must help, her with her golf. And -Nancy, knowing a good ■ man ridien she, sees one, accepts his proposal, although it may be suspected that putting and driving are, far from, her. mind. .However, there, is’ a, blonde in the case —a beautiful blonde who knows how to handle ‘ men. But after all is said and done, Nancy has. the bluest eyes and softest red hair he had ever seen. And Rogers, besides'’ being ’a fine golfer, is hardly : unappreciativeof the adorable, Nancy., Zelma, O’Neal, also : a red-head, plays the rple of’Nancy's wildromantic r caddy."'YJacß-Haley ; 'iscast, as .a girl-shy millionaire whom Rogers teaches golfiJack is the apple’ of • Zelma’s’ eye.' And’ she makes'rio secret’about-'it.’ “'Follow Thrh,’’ beautifully photographed throughout by the newly-perfected techni-.. colour process,; was directed- by Laurence Schwab and Lloyd'Corrigan. !

STRAND THEATRE -; . “Men Call.it Lpye,’’ ? featuring Adolphe Menjou and Leila flyams,' heads the current programme at; the /Strand- ,(Theatre. The clever dialogue, 'conibined-with the excellent performances of the principals, makes this 1 ' production- very - enjoyable, whilst .splendid .support is provided by a large cSst'f The theme Y-onCeriis a' young married; Couple, who appear,-tq‘spend the greater.-part of their time dealing. with dilemmas of the most ludicrous character. Though the plot is by no means hew: there is a wealth of bright -material which has been used by the producers to the very best advantage, ■ and the experience of the two principalsyko aids greatly in the success of the picture, horman Foster, Mary: Duncan, and. Robert Keane are cast in important roles, and thgir work is ‘ on, the same level as. that of the featured players. There/is an entettainihg programme of supporting pictures. Thebox platss arer.at the theatre : afid the Bristol; ' ' ■/■ ■/•/■' ix

: :■//■■ ■/“‘LITTLE.ACCIDENT/;’ A _ Seldom indeed has’such'a.'distinguisiied list of screen names been 'assembled:-tor. a single picture as appears in,Littk/Accident,”. described as “ the laughter, hit of the season,” which will be commenced at the Strand Theatre to-morrow. Douglas Fairbanks, jun., Slim Summerville, Zasu Pitts, Anita-Page, Joan Marsh, Sally Blaue, Roscoe Karns, Albert Gran, Henry 4rmetta, Dot Farley,'and a host of other popular artists take part in the screamingly- funny, story that, has been a, huge success wherever/ it has been screened, and

which, was., specially secured for the Strand' Theatre. after , considerable negotiation with. Universal : Filins. When, right on’the eve of'his wedding a young man learns that he has just become, a father ,it■ is not’ hard to imagine what hilarious consequences may follow.' That is the situation in this sparkling comedydrama. “ Little Accident ” is 'replete with laughs from start to finish. The plight of the hero,, .with a three-weeks-old baby on hie hands and entanglements with three prospective wives in the offing, furnishes the motif for what is described as the funniest farce of the season. “Little Accident” was directed by William James'Craft; who has produced many of the screen’s most, popular comedies. The picture is based .on the sensationally successful stage play of the same name, written by Thomas Mitchell and Floyd Dell. “ Little Accident ”isof , the type of play admirably adapted, to the talking screen.. Its hilar,ious complications ;and, : crisp and amusing dialogue blend ideally, in a production that should set a new mark for film comedy. A Graham M'Namee talking newsreel and a comedy, “ Rolling Along,” starring Charlie Murray and George Sidney, will be included among the supporting features. The bos plans are/at the Bristol. -'' : VV?' -

KING EDWARD. THEATRE A dquble-feature programme ,of excellent merit commenced, its season at the King Edward Theatre yesterday, the principal production being “ For the Defence,” ’with .William Powell and Kay Francis in the "featured roles. In the opening sequence of the story the New,York police, and Law Society are - investigating ■ Powell’s methods of conducting his- cases, and in this they, have the. wholehearted, support of a shrewd detective, who desires particularly to see Powell behind The bars. He pursues his-way, however, and wins case after case,, until at length he is called upon to, defend a friend of the girl he loves against a charge of manslaughter. Although he does not know it at the time, it is ;; 'the girl herself, who is guilty, and a turn in -the evidence is the first intimation he has that - such is the case. Shocked beyond measure, he goes on a drinking bout, which continues until he is spurred into action by a friend, who advises him that all will not go. well with the girl unless he is, at hand to defend her. , He manages to save the girl, but a Tittle matter of a bribed juror brings him into the clutches of the law, and he is convicted and sentenced to a term of,;imprisonment. His incarceration, however, hasTts compensa-; .'tiohs, for the girl promises to, meet' him on his release. The second picture is, “ Billy the Kid,” a western story of the survival of the. fittest, when 1 life was cheap, and the. expert-with small arms lived the longest. It is: a thrilling story of misunderstood ideals, of love, .bate, and primitive passions. A Fox Movietone Gazette, comprising Australian and New Zealand subjects, completes, an entertaining programme. •