AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21981, 16 June 1933, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS

GRAND THEATRE Renate Muller, the talented young player who scored such a success in the leading role of “ Sunshine Susie,” is again seen on the local screen in “ Marry Me,” the latest Gainsborough production to be presented by the management of the Grand Theatre. Striking as was her performance in “ Sunshine Susie,” the dainty and vivacious star makes even a greater impression in her latest picture,_ which is replete with incidents that provide her with every opportunity to display the artistry that is essentially her own. “ Marry Me ” is a sparkling musical comedy of the very best type, and its clean, wholesome humour and the tuneful melodies that are introduced so logically throughout the piece give it an entertainment value far above the average. With the star appear two noted English comedians, whose clever acting does much towards ensuring the success of the picture. George Robey, previously only a name to Dunedin audiences, is seen in the role of an uneducated, boorish Hungarian farmer, and after witnessing his droll mannerisms and listening to his apparently spontaneous'wit, one can readily understand why, even after many years, he is still the premier favourite with music hall patrons in the Old Country. Harry Green, another English comedian, also gives a clever characterisation in his portrayal of an eccentric and excitable Jewish marriage broker, and he draws a true and interesting sketch of a memorable character in a manner that stamps him as a comedian far above the average. The tuneful song hits which form such an attractive feature of the production, include some altogether delightful numbers, some of the best being “A Little Sunshine,” “You’re So Wonderful to Me,” Early Bird,” and “ Will Somebody, Smnebody Marry Me. ” A strong supporting cast handles the subsidiary roles competently. The first half of the programme is occupied by a remarkably fine Nature picture, “Northern Lights,” which is a graphic pictorial record of the activities of the British Arctic Air Expedition that was responsible for some outstanding pioneeri ing scientific research in the Arctic Circle. The box plans are at the theatre and at Messrs Chas. Begg and Co.’s. REGENT THEATRE A gamin of the streets raised to fame as an actress of sophisticated drawingroom comedies under the untiring tutelage of a manager who adored her; then a scandal that smeared her fame with But under the glamour, romance, and publicity—beneath her tempers and smiles —despite her morals and quarrels—she was just a woman with an unsatisfied domestic complex. This fascinating character is Judy Carroll, heroine of “ Rockabye,” the RKO Radio picture starring Constance Bennett and featuring Joel M'Crea and Paul Lukas, coming to the Regent Theatre to-day. It is small wonder that Constance Bennett had a great desire to play “Rockabye.” Rich in emotion, temperament, and human desires, it is the sort of characterisation every dramatic actress prays for and finds so seldom. By such roles talent is measured, and Miss Bennett, promises to show her admirers a new power and charm. Beautiful and more gorgeously gowned than ever. Miss Bennett moves against a background of sophistication and elegance in “ Rockabye.” ’

EMPIRE THEATRE Radio and gramophone stars are assembled in full force to make “The Big Broadcast,” coming to the Empire Theatre to-day, a picture of magnetic appeal. Apart from intimate scenes behind'- the “ mike ” of a big broadcasting station, there is the thrill of seeing these famous people actually at vtark—or play—which ever it is that makes them famous. There is a romance running through it, too, in which Bing Crosby (one of the most famous of radio performers), Leila Hyams, Sharon Lynne, and Stuart Erwin figure. Crosby sings ,in such favourite airs as “Please,” and .manipulates his voice in a manner reminiscent of a jazz band. Turns are given during the progress of the story by the three Boswell sisters, harmony experts, a charming trio at a grand piano who make of “ Crazy People” a novel number; Kate Smith, a buxom lady with a powerful voice: Burns' and Allen; the Mills brothers, a negro quartet of harmonisers and instrument imitators; Arthur Tracy,, the vagabond street singer, with his piano accordion; Cab Calloway and his Harlem Orchestra in up-to-date syncopation and steps; Vincent Lopez and his orchestra, featuring a champion “effects” man; and Bing Crosby himself in songs. OCTAGON THEATRE Piquant Irene Bordoui, French accent and all, comes to the Octagon Theatre to-day. The camera has caught the vivid personality of the actress, who began her career at the Theatre Varieties in Paris and has since become renowned in both hemispheres. “Paris” is the story of a Boston family with Mayflower ancestry who land in the French capita) to prevent the marriage of their spu to an actress. It is an all-dialogue production with musical sequences depicting the French theatre, and some of the lavishly brilliant scenes are made in technicolor. Jack Buchanan, the popular ‘English star of “Monte Carlo” and “Goodnight, Vienna,” plays the leading male role. Louise Closser Hale, who played in the footlight production of “Paris,” Jason Robards, Margaret Fielding, and Zasu Pitts are also in the cast. STRAND THEATRE Flagg and Quirt, the militant marines of “What Price Glory? ” and “The Cockeyed World,” have' exchanged their uniforms for top hats and dress clothes. They appear in the Fox comedy “ Hot ■Pepper,” which commences to-day at the Strand Theatre, dressed to the height of fashion and living, like kings in their roles as night club owners. Preserving the spirit of the, characters of Flagg and Quirt, originated by Laurence Stallings arid Maxwell Anderson, they continue to battle over women and particularly over “ Pepper,” an , impetuous and fiery little stowaway from South America found on one of Flagg’s rum-running ships. Edmund Lowe again appears as Quirt and Victor M'Laglen as Flagg. The role of “ Pepper ” is enacted by the vibrant and dynamic Lupo Velez. El Brendel, the Swedish dialect comedian, plays a featured role, and others in prominent parts are Lilian Bond, Boothe Howard, Gloria Roy, and Russ Clark. Much colour is said to be added to the night club scenes by a singing and dancing chorus, with which Miss Velez appears in a dance number. ST. JAMES THEATRE “In the Wake of the Bounty,”/the outstanding Australian production which will begin a season at the St. James Theatre to-day, is said to contain some exquisite views of the South Seas. The picture vividly depicts the glamour of irresponsible old Tahiti, its beauty, its thrilling dances, its quality of enchantment; with the driyna of the Mutiny of the Bounty just suggested sufficiently to make real Bligh, the unfortunate commander. and Fletcher Christian, the misguided leader of the mutineers. “In the Wake of the Bounty,” which is an extraordinary departure from the accepted travel picture, was a year in the making. To film the correct background and atmosphere of this most romantic and tragic saga of the seas entailed trips by Charles Chauvel (who produced the picture) and his camera staff, to Tahiti, to the. Island of Mooroa, to the Teturoa atolls, and then to lonely Pitcairn Island. A beautiful beach in the historic district of Faa was rented, with palm groves and coral reefs complete, and it was here that the scenes of olden days, when the names of Wallis, Cook, Bougainnville, and Bligh were synonymous with this exotic isle beneath the sun, were made to live again. The box plans are at the Bristol. KING EDWARD THEATRE Ruth Chatterton. who will be remembered for many outstanding performances on the talking screen within the last few years, has the leading role in “The Rich Arc Always With Us.” which is at present being shown at the King Edward Theatre. .The story concerns a woman who, de-

spite the fact that she has every advantage that wealth can buy, discovers that this docs not. bring happiness. Through the intriguing of another women, she loses the love of her husband, and the picture then tells how eventually she finds consolation in the love of a young author whom she had known long before her first marriage. Miss Chatterton gives a convincing performance, and she has the assistance of a east which includes George Brent, Bettie Davis. Mae Madison, and Robert Warwick. The supporting programme provides a diversity of entertaining subjects. The box plans are at the theatre.