AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21940, 29 April 1933, Page 12

AMUSEMENTS

V GRAND THEATRE

In screening the British comedy, “Love on Wheels,” the management of the Grand Theatre has this week given its patrons a picture that is distinctly out of the ordinary, and that is vrell up to the standard already set by productions from' the Elstree studios. This hilarious farce provides first-class entertainment throughout, iand from beginning to end so swiftly doesv incident follow incident, there is noi a- dull- moment. Jack Hulbert, who has already established himself as a warm favourite with picture-goers, is -seen - in. the principal role, , and hie whimsical drollery and inimitable sense of comedy go far towards making the production the success that it is. Gordon Harker is an able lieutenant as a funmaker, and in their own way his mannerisms, gestures, and" apparently spontaneous witticisms are no less amusing than those of the principal. Leonora Corbet, a, dainty and vivacious .comedienne, plays opposite ■; to. Hulbert, and with .her delightful singing i and altogether i, charming stage presence she makes her . performance one to ■ be remembered by all who witness it. Tuneful and catchy, songs form some of the ■most entertaining features of .“ Love On Wheels,” and although all the music is attractive, perhaps the songs that appeal most are “Shall We Wear Pyjamas or the Old-fashioned Nighties,” “ The Flies 'Crawled Up the Window,” and “ Two in a Bar,” the attractiveness of which is considerably enhanced by the clever sceniceffects employed. An entertaining programme of short subjects is. shown, and especially worthy of note is another of the delightful Irish song scenas, ‘.'The Hills of Donegal,’” in which Joseph M'Cafferty provides a vocal accompaniment.- There is also a scientific ,studv showing fungus in , various stages of development, and two news gazettes. The box plans are at the theatre and Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s. j ■ _ | REGENT THEATRE

One of the few to weather successfully the transition from silont to sound pictures, Ronald Col-map must, now be-re-garded as almost a veteran among him actors. This is proof enough of outstanding popularity, but there is little doubt;, that, his already high reputation will be f enhanced to. a marked degree by his performance in “ Cynara, the dramatic, production, which commenced a season to large audiences at the Regent Theatre yesterday. Treating an age-old situation with a dramatic power which makes the film one of the outstanding offerings in Dunedin during.recent months, “ Cynara” strikingly depicts the conflict of emotion which may follow a momentary affair entered into in. a spirit more 01 less of carelessness. Although a large part of the action is necessarily in the hands of Column, a great deal of the success of the picture is due to the polished and restrained performance given by R.ay Francis, whose role in this film contrasts very favourably with others she has been allotted in the past. In addition, there is an exceedingly capable supporting cast, which does its duty well in providing -a suitable background for the movements of the principals. The title of Cynara is taken from the refrain of Ernest Dowson’s well-known poem, “ I Have Been Faithful to. Thee,. Cynara—in my Fashion.” At the opening of the story James Warlock’s wife leaves for Italy, and this separates the pair for the hrst time in their, married life. During her absence Warlock is unwillingly dragged into a flirtation with two shop girls by a friend, "and. the result is that one or the girls, Doris Lea, becomes infatuated with Warlock. He attempts to dissuade her and to dismiss her from his mind, but owing' to the actions of his friend, John Tring, the two are-brought together again, and this time Warlock succumbs to the girl’s allurement. He gives her to understand, however, that their atfair can

be nothing more than an interlude, and that they must part abruptly on the return of his wife. Although their little romance is little more than a passing fancy to Warlock,- the girl falls deeply in love, and after he has resumed his qui'et and happy life she pleads with him to continue seeing her, but he tells her that that is impossible, as the affair must be ended. He does see her once or twice, however, in spite of the fact that his wife suspects that all is not well, but finally writes to tell her that their, relationship must cease. As Warndck. is ; settling down again he is shocked: to hear that Doris has committed suicide,. 1 and it the ■inquest which the evidence called forth is such that it l completely ruins his reputation as a • prominent young bar-' rister. The remainder of the picture is devoted to the process of reconciliation between husband and wife. Although Colman is as debonair as ever in his role in “ Cynara,” he is frequently called upon for deeply emotional acting, and it is in these scenes that he is at his best.* Always convincing, he brings the part to life with a portrayal that is remarkable for its fidelity and distinction. Kay Fran-, cis, is, ag ever, graceful and appealing in the role of the wife, and an equally good performance is given -by Phyllis Barry, who shares a large part •of the picture., It is interesting to note that Miss Barry was formerly well known in musical comedy in Australia and New Zealand as Phyllis Du Barry. “ Cynara ’’ is a drama that should certainly not be missed during the coming week lat the Regent Theatre. The most attractive item on the supporting programme is without doubt the first of the longawaited Silly Symphony cartoons in colour. "Walt Disney, who made his name in motion picture circles with “Mickey the Mouse,” has launched forth in a new direction here, and the | result is one that cannot fail to captivate audiences of any age. Disney has fashioned a host of attractive under-water creatures in “ King Neptune,” and the en- ; trancing colours in which they are brought out make this cartoon something really out of the ordinary. There is also a highly diverting comedy featuring Louise Fazenda, entitled “ Hesitating Love,” in which this popular actress - is as droll and amusing as ever,' and a fine programme is rounded off with the usual interesting gazettes, which present an attractive review of modern affairs. The box plans for the production are at the theatre and the Bristol. EMPIRE THEATRE

The personality of ini actress of the first quality makes “ Frisco Jenny,” the new film at the Empire Theatre, a picture to be reiiiembered. The performance of Ruth Chatterton is such that it will linger in the, memory of those who witness it for a long time after th® actual production is forgotten in the rush of succeeding attractions. “ Frisco Jenny ” is a triumph of personality, a striking instance of the degree to which art and talent can dominate a whole story, flavour a whole production, and give to a picture a flavour of convincing and moving realism. Ruth Chatterton registtjrs a signal success in “Frisco Jenny,” discovers for her audience new dramatic) and emotional qualities, and sets a standard of straight acting which only players of the first importance can hope to equal, Thu story ' around which the film has been built, the picturesque atmosphere in which it is set and the host of emotions anijl excitements which it contains —all ish- sc combine to make entertainment of-- unusual interest and appeal, but without the all-pervading genius of the star it must fail to catch and hold the absorbed, almost fascinated, interest which the,'film caught last evening. Ruth Chattifrton has mannerisms of speech, gesture, , and facial expression all her , own. Somp of her contemporaries have tried to fallow her, some even to ape her, but none ■ can quite catch the spirit and sympathy of her delineations. She stands to-day an actress of her own oarticiilar school, and in such films as “ Charming Sinners ” she

showed her public a genuine and effective flair for comedy. In succeeding productions: she immersed herself in straight drama, on occasions even sophisticated pathos, but never before has she plumbed such emotional depths as are left to her portrayal in “Frisco Jenny;” She is faced with a formidable task in the title role of this film, but-she acquits herself always with quiet ’ and arresting distinction; avoiding the pitfalls of exaggeration in which the story abounds, drawing out the full dramatic and tragic possibilities of the film, working slowly and effectively from a striking opening to the height of the climax, weaving the tangled skein of the plot deftly and firmly and gradually extricating herself and' the story until the tale fades out on a highly appropriate and in every way satisfying conclusion. She has been well directed, and the film has been admirably produced and the result is unusually _ good entertainment. Donald Cook, Louis Calhern, and James Murray have .prominent parts in the film, but they all appear merely as incidentals to the central figure of the film, the woman who preferred any penalty and suffering to the exposure of her son’s shameful origins. The supporting roles are more than effectively handled but the discriminating audience will agree that there can be no laurels to spare from the more than deserving brow of the actress who surpasses in striking fashion < the performance which she gave in what was regarded by many as her finest film—•“ Madame X.” There are many remarkable examples of clever filmcraft in “Frisco Jenny,” but nothing more realistic nor more graphic is offered than the picturisation of the great San Fradcisco earthquake. Every known device and artifice inust have been brought to bear on the task of presenting this truly remarkable sight, and the audience cannot , help but be held, spellbound by the vividness and reality of the display. The supporting programme fits in admirably with the character and content ot the main film. It is suitably varied and covers a wide range of subjects, including news gazettes, a Cinesonnd Magazine depicting topical Australian events, and a very diverting comedy production. Ihe entire programme is well worth a visit. For the children a special matinee attraction has been provided in the form of a Buck Jones film entitled High Speed, and all juvenile patrons this afternoon will receive a gift of chocolate. The box plans for the season are at the theatre and at the Bristol. ST. JAMES THEATRE •

go great has been the popularity enjoved by Lupino Lane on both stage and screen that it is only to be expected that his latest production, “ Sleepless Nights, which hu s been attracting large audiences to the St. James Theatre during the past week, should have attained such a degree of patronage that its Dunedin season has been extended for another week. In this irresistible comedy Lane is ably assisted by Folly Walker, and the combination oi clever comedy, -sparkling, wit, and bright humour on the one hand, and tuneful; catchy melodies on the other; provides a

perfect background for the antics and frolics of the principals. “ Sleepless Nights,” which is an hilarious and delightful tale, has been produced on a truly magnificent scale, and one of the features of the production ig undoubtedly the fine work by a highly-trained and exceedingly competent- ballet. The supporting programme is an unusually interesting one, and includes news gazettes, a travelogue, and a Nature study: The box plans are at the 'theatre, the Bristol, and Jacobs’S. OCTAGON THEATRE George MV Cohen, who has a reputation as a playwright and producer, also proves himself a talented actor in “ The Phantom President,” which heads the new programme ht the Octagon Theatre. The picture provides highly-diverting entertainment, for it has been designed chiefly to prov'oke merriment, and in this respect Jimmy Durante is outstanding. Cohen, who has a.dual, role, which he plays with great success,-does his best work as a candidate for the American presidency, ahd Durante has the part of a medicine vendor who is the candidate’s* majordomo. Another popular player who has •in important role is Claudette Coloert. A charming romance runs through the story. “ The Secret Call,” in which Richard Arlen and Peggy Shannon have the principal parts, is also shown. . It is the story of a girl’s attempt to avenge the death of her father. The box plans are at the Bristol. ; STRAND THEATRE V ' ' : Wheeler and Woolsey, two of the. most popular American comedians, are. cast as gaol-birds in “Hold ’em Jail,” which, is the main attraction at the Strand Theatre, and their efforts, combined with those of Edna May Oliver and other well-known comedy players, make the picture one. which should please all> who appreciate the fast-moving type of comedy which- the Hollywood studios are so well qualified to produce. The two comedians, who profess a knowledge of football, are “ framed ” so that they can be placed in the prison team, and their doings in the gaol, culminating in a delightfully absurd match at the end of which they gain their freedom, keep the audience in the happiest of moods. There is an excellent comedy among the supporting pictures. The box plans are at the Bristol and the theatre. ' KING EDWARD THEATRE The new programme which will be screened at the King Edward Theatre today will inchidfe “ Murder on the Second Floor,” an English mystery film, and Maurice : Chevalier’s successful picture, “ Love Me To-night.” In the latter, Chevalier has the role of a debonaire Paris tailoi-, who descends upon the chateau, of the Vicomte Gilbert de Vareze to collect a large bill, and remains to play Prince Charming to the beautiful and lonely Princess Jeanette, cousin of Gil-

bert. For Gilbert (Charlie Haggles) cannot pay his bill and doesn’t want his irate uncle, the Duke (C. Aubrey Smith) to learn of it. So he passes Maurice off as the Baron Courteline and has- him included in the house party at the chateau.

. V MOSGIEL PICTURES George Arliss will be,, seen in “ The 'Man Who Played God ” at the Mosgiel Theatre to-night in a portrayal of genius which evidences in every way the genius possessed by this star. The story of « The Man Who Played God” concerns itself with a great musician whose humanity and kindness is turned to bitterness against the world as a result of the deafness which suddenly afflicts him after a shock. In time and through the good offices of his faithful servant, he is brought back to his former state of humaness. He learns lip-reading, and in the end-returns to the. music which he has forsaken. There ,is an unusual treatment of the love interest in - The Man Who Played God.”

t SKATING MURRAY’S RINK. Murray’s Skating Rink lias entered into the spirit of Industries’ Week, and special arrangements have been made to cater for large attendances. Skates to fit all feet may be procured, the floor is in good order, and special music will-be provided. Learners may receive private tuition by appointment. ; ■ : : , REGAL RINK. At the Regal'Skating Rink an extended session will be held to-night, and a special jazz orchestra has been engaged. A feature of the entertainment will be community singing on wheels. Several new novelty events for prizes , will also be held. .