AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21773, 12 October 1932, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE Featuring Barbara Stanwyck in the leading role, “So Big,” a screen version of Edna Berber's novel, forms the principal attraction on the current bill at the Empire Theatre. Miss Stanwyck’s part is easily the most important in the picture, and to her, in a large measure, the success of the production is due. George Brent, in the most noteworthy of the male roles, acquits himself with distinction, while mention must also be made of the acting of the child, Dickie Moore, “So Big” is definitely a picture to be enjoyed. The supporting programme, which includes musical numbers by Paul Cullen, is a strong one. The box' plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. “THIS IS THE NIGHT.” Since Continental films are almost unknown in Dunedin, the_ public has had no opportunity of judging the work of the French producer Bene Clair, Hollywood, with its more efficient distributing organisation, has now released a film which shows that the. Rene Clair influence has yery definitely _ invaded America. This film is “This Is the Night,” which commences its Dunedin season at the Empire>Theatre at a special midnight matinee to-morrow. The cast includes Roland Young, Lily Damita, Charles Ruggles, Thelma Todd, and Cary Grant. Late trams and buses to all suburbs have been arranged for, ST. JAMES THEATRE With Edmund Lowe and Claudette Colbert in the leading roles, “ The Misleading Lady ” holds pride of place on this week’s programme at the St. James Theatre. The production is a strange one of spphisticaied comedy and genuinely original humour, ,and is possessed of a theme as unusual as it is striking. Moreover, a number of assisting artists find plenty to do in roles that are both varied and amusing. “ The Misleading Lady is excellent entertainment, and should not be missed during the coming week. The supporting programme includes a talkartoon, which is highly diverting, some excellent news reels, and a colour specialty. The box plans for the week are at Jacobs s, at the Bristol, and at the theatre. “ HIGH PRESSURE.” A new William Powell —a smooth and delightful comedian —is revealed in “ High Pressure,” the feature film for next Friday at the St. James Theatre. It is a story of stock promoters and their Indies, and presents Powell jn one of the most dynamic characterisations of his screen career. He has some of the attributes of a Ponzi and of tl Get-Rich-Quick-Wallingford,” but is more of an irrepressible and irresponsible nature, boyish, fun-loving, and altogether lovable himself, despite his many delinquencies, It is a role that reveals the poised and villainous Powell as a high-elaea comedian. The story deals with characters who ate generous and good-hearted, but so irresponsible and so anxious to get rich quickly, that they scale pretty close to the border line of the law. The picture is realistic, as it is a slice of hfe_ taken from the heart of Manhattan with its luxury-loving promotgps, and its vast horde of “ suckers ” taken from every walk of life; the rich and the wise and the gullible alike. OCTAGON THEATRE This week’s bill at the Octagon Theatre comprises two pictures of more than ordinary merit —“Almost Married and “ The Command Performance.” In the former picture Alexander Kirkland gives an extraordinary characterisation as Capristi, a demented musician imbued with the motive of murdering the woman he loves. The portrayals by an exceptional cast of players, carefully handled by the director, give a decided touch of the genuine to a theme which is distinctly out of the ordinary. The second feature. “ The Command Performance, is a delightfully amusiug story of the courtship which a young actor is called upon to go through in place of a prince whom he very closely resembles. “CORSAIR” AND “THE WICKHAM MYSTERY.” As star of Roland West’s screen adaptation of the Walton Green novel. Corgair,” which comes to the Theatre on Friday, Chester Morris is called upon to face the problem. It is often said that most football heroes end up as bond salesmen, and the Chester Morris of United Artists’ picture ‘ Corsair,” is no exception. Many footballers are faced with the choice between poverty and marrying a millionaire’s daughter. Chester Morris is confronted with that

choice, too. But the hero of “ Corsair refuses to play the game that way. An ingenious story of the struggle for possession of valuable ■ helicopter plans forms the theme of a mystery melodrama entitled “ The Wickham Mystery. _ Eve Gray and John Longden appear in the leading roles. •. STRAND THEATRE “ Letters of Fire,” a story full of exciting incidents, is being screened at the Strand Theatre. The film is notable for the performance of Edward G. Robinson, as the unscrupulous editor, pursuing scandal and publishing it against his better nature. Goaded by the demands of the proprietor, the editor decides to revive the story of Nancy Vohees, who, many years before, had been declared innocent of murdering the man who betrayed her. Into their midst, bursts the ghastly newspaper revelation of the past. An excellent, supporting programme is also screened. The box plans are at the theatre and the; Bristol. ; ;' ) " “ BACHELORS’ AFFAIRS.” “Bachelors’ Affairs,” a comedy depicting the misadventures of a rich man who, on impulse, marries a young girl and then, in order to find peace, decides to get rid of her, will be shown at'the Strand Theatre for a season commencing on Friday. Adolphe Menjou, in the role of the wealthy bachelor who marries, not wisely but too well, has a part that suits him to perfection, and it is not too much to say that ho has never been seen previously to such good advantage. Supporting him are Minna Gombell, Joan Marsh, and Herbert Mundin, who will be remembered as the very witty cabman in the Silent Witness.” ' _ REGENT THEATRE A beautiful story through which runs a vein of rich humopr is told in * Mr Bill the Conqueror,” which is beitlg screened at the Regent. Theatre. It tells a simple story of how a young society man, who admits that he has never done anything worth while in his life, makes good in the face of difficulties. The story, in which Henry Kendall and Heather Angel are the principal players, is excellently told, and its numerous dramatic developments are handled with the skill which audiences now expect from British producers. The supporting programme is one of special interest. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. “—BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK.” Based on the play, “The Truth Game,” by Ivor Novello, Robert Montgomery s new picture is “ —But the Flesh is Weak,” which will be at the Regent Theatre next Friday. In this new production, Montgomery is said to combine all the laughs of “Private Lives, the tender romance of “Lovers Courageous and the humanness of The Man in Possession," and making it his very best effort for the talking screen. Nora Gregor and Heather Thatcher, two newcomers to the talking screen, share the feminine leads. KING EDWARD THEATRE The feature picture at the King Edward Theatre to-day will be “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” in which Fredric March plays the dual role. Jekyll concentrates on his experiments, hoping to convince his friend, Dr Lanyon (Holmes Herbert), of the truth of his theory. Jekyll is in his laboratory, determined to find the drug that will eliminate evil. After mixing several liquid chemicals he becomes greatly interested in the cpmpound. Nervously lie jots down a few notes, then drains the glass. Convulsed with pain, he is immediately transformed into a hideous being, with the ugly, sneering face of Mr Hyde. The climax is a most exciting one.