AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21688, 5 July 1932, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE The famous Greta Garbo is the principal player in “Mata Hari,”, which is proving a strong attraction at the St. James Theatre. “Mata Hari” provides her with a part unlike anything she has hitherto attempted, and in it she exhibits a versatility and originality which are striking in the extreme. There is much to marvel at in the completeness of her portrayal of the dancer who combines espionage with art. Ramon Novarro makes a most attractively effective romantic lead, but he has to share the laurels of the male portion of the cast with the inimitable and versatile Lionel Barrymore, who presents a vigorously life-like and realistic picture of the Russian general, slave to brandy bottle and a dancer’s charms. His sketch of this sinister figure is a magnificent piece of work. Admirable, too, are the characterisations given by Lewis Stone as a German agent, and Alec B. Francis as an pld lawyer. The film has been exceptionally produced, the stage settings and lighting effects being unusually novel and effective. Some of the costumes which are depicted strike as bizarre a note as has been seen in almost any other recent film. The graphic scene in which the dancer-spy pays tor her spying at the hands of a French firing squad is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a film that can produce a great many stirring and thrilling moments. In almost every way the film sets new standards, and for that reason it should not be missed. The supporting programme has several excellent features, chief among which are “ Pearls and Devil Fish ” and a verv amusing “ Flip the Frog ” cartoon. The box plans are at Jacob's, at the Bristol, and at the theatre. “THE PASSIONATE PLUMBER.” Those who have on previous occasions enjoyed the eccentricities of Buster Keaton, the “ frozen-faced comedian,” will not wish to mies his latest hilarious comedy, “ The Passionate Plumber,” which will open at the St. James Theatre on Friday next. Other stars who go to make the fun fast and furious are Jimmy Durante, Polly Moran (one of the most popular comediennes on the screen), and Irenee Purcell, whose success in “ The Man in Possession ” brought her into the limelight. The lady of the house engages Buster Keaton to do a plumbing job, and then uses him as a foil to protect herself against the advances of an overimpetuous lover, who has already undertaken marital responsibilities, and has other entanglements with the fair sex. " The Passionate Plumber,” in carrying through his contract, finds himself involved in endless duels, and creates compromising situations galore with a dry humour that rocks the house, and his fun is well supported by Polly Moran., To escape from an awkward situation he pretends to be a doctor, and the result is comical. The supports include “ Volley Smash,” another Tilden tennis lesson of great interest, a comedy, “ War-time Mammies,” and two news films of world interest.

OCTAGON THEATRE At the Octagon Theatre another bright double-feature programme is being shown. It is headed by “The Romantic Vagabond,” in which the featured player is the popular and able Reginald Denny. The story is based on the novel, “ The Dark Chapter,” and has many amusing ing complications and dramatic turns to it which keep the interest well sustained throughout. Denny appears in the role of an ex-service officer who has fallen on lean days. After becoming a " swagger ’’ he enters upon life as a servant in a family where his presence is resented by everyone from the master of the house to the housemaid, the only exception being his mistress. How he changes antagonism into friendliness and, in respect of one member of the family, something more, makes an absorbingly interesting and wety told tale. The second picture is “ Hello, Sister,” a film version of the novel “ Clipped Wings,” in which the featured player is Olive Borden. It is an excellent film, and makes a suitable support for the main feature. The box plans are at the theatre and at the Bristol. “THE FOURTH ALARM” AND “NICE WOMEN.” In “The Fourth Alarm,” which will be shown at the Octagon Theatre on Friday, there are scenes that hold the spectator enthralled by their close approach to horror, and there are some that cause a gasp of amazement. Nick Stuart, that widely-known and popular hero of the screen, is starred, and Ann Christy, a very attractive brunette, plays opposite with spirit and grace. As one would surmise from the title, the story of “The Fourth Alarm ” concerns itself with the life and adventures of a hero fireman who must decide between love and duty. Stuart, of course, has the role of Nick Turner, the dare-devil hero of “ Hook and Ladder No. 4.” The other picture is “Nice Women,” in which Sidney Fox has the leading role. EMPIRE THEATRE The principal picture at the Empire Theatre is “Lady With a Past,” in which the beautiful Constance Bennett #s the featured player. She is cast as a wealthy American girl, who, though she possesses remarkable beauty, has no other social attractions, and is regarded by men as a bore. It is only when she gods to Paris and meets Guy Bryson, who, by his ingenuity, brings her almost too conspicuously into the limelight, that she overcomes the shyness that has previously caused her so much unhappiness. There is a vein of rich humour running through the 'picture, the dialogue of which is marked by wit and brilliance. The picture is produced on lavish lines, and the romantic story which it unfolds is presented by a strong cast including Ben Lyon and David Manners. The supporting programme includes an excellent Slim Somerville comedy and other items of considerable interest, Mr Paul Cullen at the organ nrovides a very acceptable programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol, “HUSBAND’S HOLIDAY.” Clive Brook, Vivienne Osborne, Charlie Ruggl.es, and Juliette Compton are the principal players in the new Paramount drama, “ Husband’s Holiday,” which will open at the Empire Theatre on Friday. “ Husband’s Holiday ” is an intelligent, provocative, entertaining story of a husband who becomes infatuated with another woman and plans to divorce his wife. But the wife, a courageous woman who has helped her husband in his climb to success, refuses to take his “ wanderings ” too seriously. She believes he is merely infatuated, and hopes that he will eventually return to her and their two adorable children. Her surprising attitude and her desperate struggle to hold her happiness, family, and love as if nothing had happened makes for thoughtful drama to strike deep into the hearts of men and women. STRAND THEATRE An excellent comedy entitled “ Stepping Sisters,” is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre. . In story, artists, and direction’ the film has everything it is possible for a director to give for most enjoyable entertainment. Besides . its lively dialogue and its ludicrous situations. several musical novelty numbers are introduced. Louise Dresser. Minna Gombell, and Jobyna Howland, easily three of the foremost comediennes ever to have been assembled in one picture, portray the leading roles of old-time burlesque queens. thrown together after years of retirement. Quite by accident they meet at a social function, and then the fun begins, to continue until the final scenes The supporting programme is up to the usual high standard, and includes a travelogue entitled “ Zanzibar.” three news reels, and a comedy. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. MICKEY MOUSE BIRTHDAY. On Saturday morning next, at 10.30, a Mickey Mouse birthday party will be celebrated at the Strand Theatre. For the occasion a huge cake, which Js at present on view at M'Cracken and Walls, has been made, and a piece will be given to each child attending the matinee. In addition to a Mickey Mouse cartoon, there will be screened Buck Jones in his best Western feature. “Men Without Law,” and also a comedy, gazettes, and a novelty. The same programme will be screened on Saturday afternoon. The new fea-

ture to commence on Friday will be “ She Wanted a Millionaire," starring Joan Bennett, James. Kirkwood, and Spencer Tracy. REGENT THEATRE Ralph Lypn and Tom Walls score one of their greatest successes in “ A Night Like This,” the Ben Travers comedy which is being screened at the Regent Theatre. As might be expected when two such comedians as Lynn and Walls are provided with the wealth of opportunity always to-, be found in a Ben Travers play, “ A Night Like This ” is one of the most enjoyable comedies seen in Dunedin for a very long time. Ralph Lynn gives another finished exhibition of competent fooling and burlesque, and Tom Walls attacks his part in that quietly _irrestible and effective manner which has always been his. while Winifred Shotter fulfils every expectation of her that the most exacting could entertain. The supporting programme is an excellent one, and includes a new Mickey the House cartoon and a further chapter on “ How I Play Golf.” The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “ FRANKENSTEIN.” “ Frankenstein,” which will be shown at the Regent Theatre on Friday, was built on an old-time legend Frankenstein was the man who made a monster. He was filled with ambition to create a creature which would walk and talk, breathe and eat like human beings. It was scientific zeal with him. So great was his absorption in this scientific task that he locked himself away from -his friends, tiis family, and even his fiancee, the beautiful Elizabeth. But, in spite of them all, he actually galvanised this eightfoot monster into life. But, alas, the monster had the strength bf 20 men and the shrewd, cunning, ruthless brain of a criminal, and Frankenstein could not control it. James Whale directed the picture, with a oast including Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, Boris Karloff. Edward Van Sloan, Dwight Frye, and Frederick Kerr. KING EDWARD THEATRE The programme at the King Edward Theatre consists of “ River’s End,” the film version of James Oliver Curwood’s story, featuring Charles Bickford and Evelyn Knapp, and “ Monkey Business,” in which the Marx Brothers are the principal players. The first film is an intriguing and convincing story of life in the great Canadian wilderness. “ Monkey Business ” is unbridled farce, with the Marx Brothers at their funniest. Groucho, the leader of the four, is as full of smart quips and jests and innumerable puns as ever before, while Chico, at intervale in his nonsense:finds time to indulge in some eccentric piano playing. Harpo, complete with glassy stare and motor horn, also intersperses his" pursuits after terrified members of the fair sex with harmonious moments at his harp. The supporting cast includes Thelma Todd. Ruth Hall, Tom Kennedy, and Rockliffe Fellowes.