AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21774, 13 October 1932, Page 7

AMUSEMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE

Edmund Lowe and Claudette Colbert have the principal roles in “ The Misleading Lady,” which is being screened at the St. James Theatre. The production is a strange one of sophisticated 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. 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.” William Powell has a new type of role in “ High Pressure,” a comedy-drama which will start at the St. James Theatre to-morrow. Advance reports from previewers hail this film as a new departure for the popular star, an entirely different type of role which should win him many followers. On hjs Inst appearances Powell has played the part of a ladies’ man or gigolo. Before that he specialised in playing Philo Vance, the famous detective, or other characters mixed up in underworld doings. At all times he has been suave, debonair, and polished. In “High Pressure,” however, he is. reported to be a man of action, a fast-talking, fast-work-ing, super-salesman, a sort of combination of “Get-Rich-Quick” Wallingford and Raffles. He shifts from Wall street stock rooms to Park avenue boudoirs without changing his pace. Supporting Powell are Evelyn Brent, who play r ed opposite him in “ Interference,” one of the first "talkies”; George Sidney', the popular comedian returning to the screen after a long absence; Guy Kibbee, Evelyn Knapp, Maurice Black, Bobby Watson, Frank M'Hugh, Polly Walters. -Ben Alexander, John Wray, and several others. . .; a_ OCTAGON THEATRE “Almost Married. ” and “ The Command Performance” are the two pictures which form the programme at the Octagon Theatre. 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 amusing story of the courtship which a young actor is called upon to go through in place of a prince whom ho very closely resembles. “ CORSAIR ” AND THE WYCKHAM MYSTERY.” The story of. “ Corsair,” which will be screened at the Octagon Theatre to-mor-' row, concerns an all-American football half-back who starts-his -business career in Wall street only to encounter the ruthleseness of a certain financier. In order to circumvent the powerful multi-million-aire he turns hijacker upon the high seas and thus not only brings him to his knees, but wins his arrogant daughter. An ingenious story of the struggle for possession of valuable helicopter plans forms the theme of a mystery melodrama entitled “ The Wyckham Mystery,” Eve Gray and John Longden appear, in the leading roles. STRAND THEATRE There are many exciting incidents in “ Letters of Fire,” which forms the main attraction 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 de•clared innocent of murdering the man who betrayed her. Into their midst burets the ghastly newspaper revelation of the past. An excellent supporting programme is also screenedr The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.

“ BACHELORS’ AFFAIRS.” Something highly diverting in a “ newlywed ” comedy is promised to picture-goers in " Bachelor’s Affairs,” which commences at the Strand Theatre to-morrow. Adolphe Menjou plays the role of a sedate batchelor who marries in haste and repents in a still greater hurry. In this role he is really likeable and thoroughly amusing. He is supported by Minna Gombcll as the bride’s sister, and John Marsh, beautiful platinum blonde, as the bride. Herbert Mundin, the very clever Cockney comedian, has a _ humorous role. “ Bachelor’s Affairs ” is discreetly racy and delightful spring fare. The action takes place on board a smart ocean liner, around the high spots of New York, and on the Long Island estates of the wealthy, plus, of course, a lot of beautiful clothes that will bring appreciative murmurs from the ladies. • ) REGENT THEATRE “Mr Bill the Conqueror,” a British picture, notable for the beauty of its settings, a powerful story, and rich humour, is being screened at the Regent Theatre. It 'tells how a young society man, who admits that he has never done anything worth while in hie 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 develop: ments 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.” Robert Montgomery has the leading role in "—But the Flesh is Weak,” which opens at the Regent Theatre to-morrow. In his new role as Max Clement, Montgomery is said to surpass his efforts in both “ Private Lives ” and " Lovers Courageous,” whilst an exceptionally brilliant cast contributes to the entertainment. Nora Gregor -and Heather Thatcher, two newcomers to the screen, share the leading feminine roles, whilst C. Aubrey Smith, Nils Asther, Edward Everett Horton, and Frederick Kerr are also prominently cast. EMPIRE THEATRE "So Big.” the screen version of the novel by Edna Fcrber, is the current attraction at the Empire Theatre, the principal role being taken by Barbara Stanwyck. 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 herself 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 Mr Paul Cullen, is a strong one. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. . “ THIS IS THE NIGHT.” “This is the Night” will open its season at the Empire Theatre at a midnight matinee to-night. _An overseas critic says: “‘ This is the Night ’ is bright, saucy, and sophisticated. Charming Roland Young, amusiiig Charlie Ruggles, decorative Lily Damita, a personable actor named Gary Grant, and Thelma Todd’s legs, are the principals. For the first time since lured from the stage to the .screen Roland Young has a part suited to his talents. Here he does more than just pop in and out of the story. One sequence, when he and Ruggles are drunk, is alone worth the admission money.” " KING EDWARD THEATRE The film version of the famous “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ” is being screened at the King Edward Theatre, Fredric March playing the dual role with great success. 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 compound. Nervously he 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 events which follow lead up to an exciting climax.