AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21694, 12 July 1932, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE

Featuring the inimitable comedian Buster Keaton in the leading role, “ The Passionate Plumber ” heads the current bill at the St. James Theatre. Keaton is cast in the part of an American plumber working in Paris. His romantic nature leads him to the rescue of a damsel in distress, on whose instructions he acts more literally than she intends, and this is the main cause of the uproarious fun which follows. His efforts on her behalf give rise to a series of remarkably funny situations, and among scenes which have been excelled in few comedies are those in which Buster Keaton has a farcical duel, is pursued through a cabaret by dozens of attendants, and has to act the part of the girl’s doctor when an aunt discovers him. in her room. Among the supports is an excellent exhibition of most of the best shots in the game of lawn tennis by William T. Tilden. Zasu Pitts and Thelma Todd appear in an excellent war-time comedy, and Sir Harry Lauder contributes another of his songs, “ Somebody’s Waiting for Me.” The box plans 'are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, and the Bristol. “ LOVERS COURAGEOUS.” Robert Montgomery is the captivating star of Frederick Lonsdale’s “ Lovers Courageous,” a charming new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer offering which will commence at the St. James Theatre on Friday. Montgomery admirers should be delighted with this dashing romance in which Madge Evans is the girl of his dreams. Together they make as pleasing a romantic team as ever appeared on the screen, and they evoke a ring of sincerity in their performances that is delightful. The story is an original one by the noted British playwright, who penned it especially for Montgomery. Robert Z. Leonard directed the new feature and may be credited with a fine piece of work. The picture is superbly mounted and the backgrounds and camera treatment are splendidly fitted to the theme. In the story Montgomery is a struggling playwright who falls in love with the daughter of an English admiral. To break up her affair with the poor youth, the girl is "hastened into a marriage with a titled barrister. However, on the eve of the wedding she elopes with the impoverished author. Tribulations prove too great and the young husband is obliged to return her to her parents. His play becomes a success later and, of course, there is a happy reunion. An excellent supporting cast includes Roland Young, Frederick Kerr, Reginald Owen and Beryl Mercer. REGENT THEATRE A picture of an unusual type and one which should make a decided impression on those who see it is this week being screened at the Regent Theatre, where “ Frankenstein ” heads the programme. The production is remarkable for its striking originality and presents a vividly real and convincing version of the widely read novel which will not be quickly forgotten by those who see it. To Boris Karloff must go most of the credit for this eerie film. Photographic, scenic, and sound effects are cleverly utilised in the creation of an uncanny atmosphere, but Karloff’s portrayal of the inarticulate monstrosity, awkward of gait and fiendish of instinct, sets the sea] of success on the whole film.’ There is an excellent supporting programme, including another chapter of the. golf series that has proved so popular. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. “ SHANGHAI EXPRESS.” “ Shanghai Express,” the much-discussed film -which will be shown at the Regent Theatre on Friday, deals with the naifweek’s journey on the Shanghai express from Pekin to Shanghai, and in its photographic accuracy it is a triumph for its producer, Sternberg, who took every inch of the picture in the Paramount studios. Nothing short of genius could have caught, in these circumstances, the atmosphere of the East as does this picture. Even the holding-up of the express by the troops of the rebellion is said to be as convincing as if it were a “ cut ” from a newsreel. Marlene Dietrich and Clave Brook play the principal parts, and it ends happily, with Marlene Dietrich being embraced by Clive Brook on the platform of the Shanghai station, while 2,500,000 Chinese’ hurry by unseeing. EMPIRE THEATRE A story which, although based on an age-old problem, is dealt with in an entertaining manner, is told in “Husbands Holiday,” the principal attraction on this week’s programme at the Empire Theatre. Clive Brook has the leading role, and as the somewhat sentimental husband who is inclined to be a little weak where women' arc concerned, he gives one of his best characterisations. Vivienne Osborne handles the principal feminine role, and she presents an intelligent study of the wife with a wealth of understanding that stamps her as an actress of more than usual merit. Charles Ruggles. as a henpecked young Benedict, is responsible for some acceptable light comedy. Three interesting gazettes and an hilarious farce, “Sold at Auction,” comprise the,first half of the programme. Mr Paul Cullen presents an attractive programme of organ music. The box plans are at the theatre, and the Bristol. “THE MISSING REMBRANT.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous fiction detective, Sherlock Holmes, will be seen at work on a new case at the Empire Theatre on Friday, when “The Missing Rembrandt ” will have its New Zealand premiere. The celebrated English actor, Arthur Wontnef (ho appeared in person here with Maud Jeffries many years ago), who was so successful as the great sleuth in “The Sleeping Cardinal,” is said to give another impressive performance in this new drama, which gives life to the exploits of Holmes, and retains all those qualities which have made the author’s detective fiction so eminently popular. All admirers of the famous Sherlock Holmes stories, and these are legion, are certain to enjoy this engaging effort. Limehouse sequences, the famous Baker street consulting rooms, and other adequate interiors, contribute a good atmosphere, while lighting and photography arc very good OCTAGON THEATRE Two pictures which, although widely different in type, both provide first-class entertainment, comprise the double bill at the Octagon Theatre this week. The first feature, “ The Fourth Alarm,” deals with the fire brigade of a large American city and the most important roles are taken by Nick Stuart, as a young fireman,. Dorothy Christy. Ralph Lewis, and Jack M'Donald. The story is one of the most thrilling seen on a Dunedin screen for some time, containing, as it does, incidents which are well-calculated to keep the audience on the tip-toe of excitement from beginning to end. The other picture is “Nice Women,” in which the leading roles, are taken by Sydney Fox and other very well-known players. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. “ NOT.EXACTLY GENTLEMEN.’ In “ Not Exactly Gentlemen,” widen will be shown on Friday at the Octagon Theatre, Victor M'Laglen is very colourful in Ids latest role of “Bull Stanley,“ wanted for breaking a few laws he should not have broken. He makes adequate use of his fists and strength, and he gets in some real character acting. Aiding him in his role of bad man are his two cronies in evil, Lew Cody and Eddie Gribbon, who more than sufficiently fid their comic roles. Fay Wray turns in a delightful performance as Lee Carleton, over whom the three “gentlemen” assume a protectory interest, “ Not Exactly Gentlemen ” is a pleasant romance built on a background of the historic Dakota land rush in the seventies, one of the most interesting periods in the history of the United States. STRAND THEATRE A picture in which the attention of the audience is never allowed to flag is shown on this week’s programme at the Strand Theatre. In “ She Wanted a Millionaire” Joan Bennett is cast in the role of a girl who wins a world beauty contest and in order to help her family, who are in poor circumstances, marries a millionaire. Gradually it is borne in on

her that wealth does not necessarily bring happiness; her love for her husband dies, and even the thought that her marriage has brought comfort and ease to her mother cannot reconcile her to the life. Things have come to the stage when a tragedy is inevitable when a former admirer appears on the scene. Events move rapidly and a dramatic, though not unexpected, development brings the story to a close. There is a strong supporting programme.-/ The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.

“ AFTER • TO-MORROW.” “ After To-morrow,” Fox film version of the John Golden and Hugh Stango Broadway-stage success of the same name, will open at the Strand Theatre next Friday. Charles Farrell and Marian Nixon are seen as the romantic young sweethearts whose marriage is constantly frustrated by the opposition of sentimental and selfish mothers. Ratlier than to go against their parents’ wishes, they seek emotional relief in a blind trust in the future, that “ After Tomorrow ’’ life promises to be bright. Minna Gombell, as the mother of Miss Nixon, gives what is described as the greatest performance of her screen career, in a characterisation that calls for her to deny love for her own daughter. This conflict arises from the fact that she is married to a weak and ineffectual husband, played by William Collier, sen,, who has never been able to supply her with the things demanded by her vanity. KING EDWARD THEATRE A film which should appeal to young and old alike is at present being shown at the King Edward Theatre, this being the picture version of Mark Twain’s “ Huckleberry Finn.” Jackie Coogan is east in the role of Tom Sawyer, and Junior Durkin continues his portrayal of Huck Finn. Mitzie Green and Jackie Searl are just as enjoyable as they were in “Tom Sawyer,” and fat and jolly Euguene Palette heads the cast of adults as one of the desperadoes ■who lead Tom and Huck into mischief. “ Huckleberry Finn ” carries on the adventures of the boys Mark Twain wrote about in “ Tom Sawyer.” The story of their scrapes makes a delightful picture. The other picture on the programme is “The Sin of Madelon Claudet,” in which Helen Hayes gives an unforgettable performance.