AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21734, 27 August 1932, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS

OCTAGON THEATRE Picture theatre patrons will welcome the return to Dunedin of “Daddy Longlegs,” the delightful film version of the famous book, which is now being shown at the Octagon Theatre. Janet Gaynor plays what is considered by critics to be her most appealing role in her characterisation of the little orphan waif, a part which suits this attractive artist as’ though it were created for her. Playing opposite Mies Gaynor is Warner Baxter, who gives a thor- “ oughly satisfying and altogether attractive performance in the title role. Una Merkel, John Arledge, and Claude Gillingvvater head a strong supporting cast. The second picture on the programme is the film version of Zane Grey’s wellknown novel “ The Last of the Duanes,” in which George O’Brien, in the featured rolg, gives a stirring characterisation of the young hero of the story. The bos plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. EMPIRE THEATRE A more appropriate feature picture for the school holidays than that which is being screened at the Empire Theatre at present would have been hard to find.In “ Destry Rides Again ” Tom Mix has a story which suits his talents to perfection and, with the invaluable assistance of his famous horse, Tony, he makes, of Max Brand’s novel a picture which > must appeal to all who admire virility in man and beast. The story is romantic' enough in itself, telling of a man, criminally accused by his trusted partner, who comes back from prison for his revenge, but Mix succeeds in making it more ro-', mantie than any novel could be. “ Destry Rides Again ” is undoubtedly one of the finest outdoor pictures screened in Dunedin for a very long time. On the supporting programme, there is a large variety of novelties, the chief of which is a laughable fantasy showing wh'at would happen if children and their parents were to change places. Mr Paul Cullen provides some welcome music at the organ. The box plans .are at the theatre and the Bristol. STRAND THEATRE A picture which must have an influence for good on all who see it was shown for the first time at the Strand Theatre yesterday under the title of “ Dangerous Years.” It is a film about the boy, and particularly what is known as the delinquent boy, and the popular misunderstanding concerning , him. The youthful hero of the film is known as the bad boy of the town, always getting into scrapes and a subject for the attentions of the police and the Juvenile Court. He shows, however, that the child who constantly gets into trouble may. in many cases be actuated by the highest motives, .and be the victim of intolerance, lack of understanding and sympathy, and ignorance of the child himself on the part of older people. The supporting programme - includes news reels, a comedy, and a travelogue. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. REGENT THEATRE Funnier than ever, and cast in roles that suit them to perfection, those two irrepressible {unmakers Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey.'are the featured players in “Caught Plastered,” the hilarious comedy that opened its Dunedin season yesterday at the Regent Theatre. As with the majority of Wheeler and Woolsey pictures, the action abounds in ludicrous situations with which the pair deal in their own inimitable fashion. Dorothy. Lee makes a winsome heroine, and plays her part with an artistry-that is entirely pleasing. Bootleggers who supply lemonade that is considerably overproof, the efforts of the police to catch them, and the subsequent triumph of law and order, all combine to invest the production with a wild thrill, not the least intriguing feature being the usual broadcast from the Sunshine drug store. An unusually interesting and varied supporting programme includes a further instalment of the “Bobby Jones” golfing series, a travelogue, two gazettes, and a dramatic detective film. . The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. ST. JAMES THEATRE What's in a name ? The answer is to. be found in the packed house which thronged the St. James Theatre last evening for the screening of Noel Coward’s clever, amusing, and brilliant play, “Private Lives.” It was the name which filled the house to' the doors —there was not a seat to spare in the theatre —and it is impossible to believe that one member of that-large audience left - lied. Although he acts, composes music,--and paints in addition to writing plays, Noel Coward never exhibits his electric personality, his near-genius, better than in his plays. He sees through things perfectly, and is doubly blessed with the faculty of being cynical and genuinely amused at the same time. The result is the kind of sparkling comedy which may be seen, at the St. James Theatre any night, during the coming week. Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery, players of rare and attractive personality, keen perception, and admirable restraint, in% terpret this entertaining story almost to perfection. The supporting programme is a good one, and covers a wide range of subjects. The box plans are at the Bristol, the theatre, and Jacobs’s. KING EDWARD THEATRE . One huge ballroom scene for Nancy Carroll’s new starring Paramount picture, “Stolen Heaven," the King Edward Theatre attraction for to-day, required the services of ■ more than 175 extra players in addition to the regular large cast. Miss_ Carroll, Phillips Holmes in the leading male part, and Louis Calhern, playing the principal roles were before the cameras steadily during this scene. The other film on the programme is “ Morocco,” in which the leading roles are taken by Gary Cooper, Marlene Dietrich, and Adolphe Menjou. “ Morocco ” is a story of ~a turbulent, fierce, all-consuming love of a man and a woman swept into a maelstrom of emotions which neither of them desires and neither can resist. Love is wrung from their hearts, and the compelling dramatic direction of this production sweeps all \yho see it along with the master theme. SKATING REGAL RINK. Much enthusiasm is still manifested in the popular sessions at the Regal Skating Rink, a favourite rendezvous of roller skaters. Every night the management endeavours to make a point of providing a programme that can be entered into wholeheartedly by all patrons. Competitions of all descriptions are decided, and many novelties add considerably to the enjoyment of the evening. The excellent surface of the floor is causing much favourable comment among skating_ enthusiasts. Other particulars are advertised. MURRAY’S RINK. -During the school vacation special facilities will bo provided at Murray’s Skating Rink for school children to learn to skate. Here during the school holidays special competitions will be arranged for boys and girls. To-nigbt the usual Saturday session will be held, and a bright programme, with novelties and competitions, has been arranged! Variety and plenty of excitement are always to be found, and every session sees a large crowd on thefloor. Beginners are assisted by professional instructors, who also teach the advanced skaters fancy and _ trick skating. Everyone attending the rink is assured of pleasant and exciting entertainment.