AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21982, 17 June 1933, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS

GRAND THEATRE The song and dance novelty film, “Marry Me,” which is now showing at the Grand Theatre after a highly successful first week at the same theatre, is a film that no one should miss. It is in many ways unique, and all who visit this popular playhouse during the coming week will have no reason to regret the hour or two spent there. Renate Muller will be remembered as the popular and talented star of “ Sunshine Susie,” the film which contributed so notably to the successful opening of the Grand Theatre a t the commencement of the present year. That film was a marked success, and it was only to be expected that -when the Grand Theatre management announced the arrival of Renate Muller’s second starring vehicle that picture goers generally should exhibit far more than the usual interest ' in the fare provided. ‘ Marry Me ” has all the qualities of Sunshine Susie,” and has the advantage of having been produced long after British films began to find their feet in their stern competition with the best that the Ameriacn studios could produce. American films and standards of quality have in the past more or less daunted British producers, but lately the industry in Great Britain has made such rapid strides that the English director has now sufficient confidence and ability to meet the American on his own ground. And the result is a type of film of the quality of “Marry Me.” The direction of this film indicates a great future for British pictures, and in that respect alone it is worthy of the special attention and inspection of New Zealand audiences. “Marry Me” is a film that will be universally enjoyed, and it is doubtful whether a better comedy and romantic cast has yet been assembled in one film. The chief laurels for a vei’y fine performance undoubtedly go to Renate Muller in the role, but there will be a keen attraction in the film for many who will bo curious to see how the great British comedian, George Robey, stands up to the acid test of screen performance. In “ Marry Me ” he acquits himself with the distinction and merit which have characterised his appearances on the music hall stage over a long period of years, and he brings / with him to the public eye a performer of special quality in Harry Green. These two carry the larger portion of the burden of entertainment from the comedy point of view, and they give a peculiar air of novelty and originality to the whole story. The tale of “ Marry Me ” is interesting from start to finish, and the numerous spectacular and rhythmic effects have been admirably moulded to suit the demands of the story. “ Marry Me ” has many attractions, but none greater than its musical hits, all of which are full of appeal. They are tuneful melodies, catchy and lilting, and already they are on everybody’s lips. "Will Somebody, Somebody Marry Me,” and “ Early Bird ” are the most generally popular, but there is a large body of opinion which favours such numbers as “ You’re So Good to Me ” and “ A Little Sunshine.” All the musical numbers are excellently rendered, and they fit in perfectly with the very well-balanced and highly absorbing character of the story. The Gainsborough studios have certainly turned out a production that does every credit to the British film industry, and if may be said that nothing will enhance the reputation of British films more than a succession of films of the type represented by “Marry Me.” This picture is one of the attractions of the current week which should not be missed on any account. The supporting programme comprises one film, a very interesting and absorbing film dealing with the Arctic Circle. It covers a full range of the activities and operations of the British Arctic Air Expedition which recently carried out such valuable scientific and meteorological research in various parts of the Arctic Circle, and notably in Greenland. The whole programme at the Grand Theatre this week is worthy of special notice, and those in search of well-balanced entertainment could not do better than spend an evening at this theatre during the coming week. The box plans are at the theatre and at Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s. EMPIRE THEATRE Something strikingly novel and arrestting in screen entertainment is most successfully introduced in the spectacular Paramount production, “ The Big Broadcast,” which had its first screenings at the Empire Theatre yesterday. Filmed in an atmosphere of radio, the film reveals life behind the scenes in a great broadcasting station. It is a giant revue which has the unusual distinction of having a well thought out and cleverly presented story as a background, and it has the additional attraction of gathering together in its remarkable cast all the best-known and most'-popular radio performers of America. Bing Crosby has a place of prominence which he more than deserves, the Boswell Sisters make a profound impression, and Leila. Hyams and Stuart Erwin have interesting leading roles which they handle effectively. Kate Smith, Cab Calloway, and his wonderful orchestra. Burns and Allen, Vincent Lopez, and many others contribute to this highly delightful and entertaining programme of variety and music and song, “ The Big Broadcast” is without'doubt the song, and dance success of the year, and those who miss its sportive gaiety and swiftly changing scenes will miss an entertainment winch has far more merit than the usual run of screen attractions. There is an excellent supporting programme, all of which comes from the Paramount studios, and the box plans for the season may be seen at the theatre aqd at the Bristol. "STATE FAIR.” Presenting Janet Gaynpr, Will Rogers, Lew Ayers, Sally Filers, Norman Foster, Louise Dresser, Frank Craven, Victor Jory, and other members of an all-star cast in a prize-winning story, Fox Film’s “ State Fair ” will be shown next Friday at the,Empire Theatre to prove every advance claim made for it. Based upon the best selling novel by Phil, Stong, whicn relates the adventures of a middle-western family at a state fair, the film combines double romance with grand comedy in an intimate story of human people. Two new love combinations, Janet Gaynor and Lew Ayres and Sally Filers and Norman Foster, carry the double romance which is balanced by the inimitable comedy of Will Rogers. Rogers is aided in his fun making by those f noted stars of stage comedy, Louise Dresser, Craven and Jory. OCTAGON THEATRE Featuring the dainty and vivacious comedienne, Irene; Bordoni and Jack Buchanan in the leading roles, the bright and spectacular revue, “Paris,” commenced a season yesterday at the Octagon Theatre.. If only on account of the lavishness of its staging and the delightful musical sequences with which it abounds, “ Paris ” would be well worth witnessing, but with the capable acting of the principals who are entrusted with the handling of a somewhat slender plot, it becomes a sheer delight, and from beginning to end it moves with a merry swing that rqisea it far above the level of the average musical comedy. The story centres round the adventures of a staid society matron who descends on Paris to save her son from the wiles of an actress, and with such material, to work on it is little wonder that the stars score such a triumphant success. The revue itself is gorgeously staged, many of the acts being produced in full tecimicolour. and not the least of its attractions is a very efficient ballet which presents several dance numbers with admirable grace and precision. The supporting programme includes an hilarious Bert Roach farce, entitled “A Quiet Night.” The box plans are at the theatre and at the Bristol., STRAND THEATRE Those who made the acquaintance of Flagg and Quirt in “ What Price Glory ” and “The Cross-eyed World” will welcome the reappearance of these delightful characters in “ Hot Pepper,” which is the new attraction at the Strand Theatre. Victor M'Laglen is as good as ever in his role as Flagg, and Edmund Lowe is as entertaining a Quirt in dress shirt ns in the uniform he wore when the character was first seen. “ Hot Pepper ” takes the wrangling pair into the ranks of the rumrunners and “ racketeers ” of New York, and throughout the story the two old associates are at daggers drawn as Quirt successfully robs Flagg of his ill-gotten gains. Lnpe Velez is as charming as ever

in the role of a South American dancer, who smuggles herself into New York on Flagg’s rnm-running ship, and El Brendel adds to the entertainment in the role of Flagg’s chauffeur. Though the two men are more or less at each other’s throats the whole time, they are ever ready to join forces when the need arises. There is an excellent supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. ST. JAMES THEATRE The historic story of the mutiny of the Bounty, one of the most amazing maritime dramas of the last century, is presented with striking fidelity in the Universal Films production “In the Wake of the Bounty,” a picture which embraces the activities of the original mutineers until their disappearance from the ken of the world and the subsequent discovery of the descendants of the survivors on the lonely and precipitous shores of Pitcairn Island. This unusual film, which constitutes the principal attraction at the St. James Theatre for the coming week, opens with an enthralling reproduction of the trials and sufferings of the crew of the Bounty under the harsh command of Lieutenant Bligh, whose treatment of the crew brought on himself and a dozen or more of the men who were loyal to him a terrible fate, and continues with an extremely interesting pictorial account of the activities of the descendants of the mutineers, who, after a long period of years, were found on Pitcairn Island. As a reproduction of the tragic story of the ill-fated Bounty, the picture is a triumph of imaginative reconstruction, based on historic fact, while the scenes on Pitcairn Island amongst the descendants of the original mutineers and the natives whom they took with them from Tahiti are photographically perfect. There is a strong supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, and the Bristol. REGENT THEATRE Constance Bennett, is called upon for some very emotional acting in “ Rockabye,” which was screened for the first time at the Regent Theatre yesterday. This story of the mother-love of an actress is cleverly handled by a capable cast, at the head of which, in addition to Miss Bennett, are Paul Lukas as the actress’s manager, and Joel M'Crea as Pell, her lover. Judy Carroll’s mother is addicted to secret drinking. Judy loves all children and she adopts a little girl, but her connection with a sensationm trial causes the orphanage officials to take the child away from her, and Judy decides to go to Europe. There she meets an author and makes arrangements to’ play in a story_ he has written which deals with a situation, similar to that through which she has just passed. On her return to America, however, Judy discovers that a child is responsible for in_ the way of her happiness. Despite his jealousy of Pell, Judy’s manager stands by her and .his unselfishness leads to the happy ending. The acting throughout the picture is of an unusually high standard and too much praise can scarcely be given to the manner in which Miss Bennett handles the highly dramatic portions of her role. There is an admirable supporting programme, including a laughable comedy. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol. KING EDWARD THEATRE The principal attraction at the King Edward Theatre to-day will be “ Side Show.” Here is a story of circus sideshow life that has distinctly different and novel features. The teaming of Winnie Lightner with Charles Butterworth for comedy results is one of its highlights. Either one of these alone would be enough to make the picture an hilarious evening’s fun. It all lies in the vast difference between the Lightner and Butterworth brands of humour, which produce the most intoxicating mixture known. Cook gives a splendid performance as the young barker, the lover of Winnie Lightner, until her sister, Evalyn Knapp, stops into the picture. A more poignant love story, has seldom been brought to the screen. Between her moments of clowning, in which she substitutes her humorous side-show freaks—such as hula girl, fire diver and cannibal —Winnie Lightner demonstrates her. versatility. The large supporting cast includes, beside the well-known circus freaks, several players who contribute much to heighten both the comedy and dramatic interest. The other film is “ Igloo,” a story of the Eskimos, in which there is some wonderful gnow photography, as well as a welltold and highly dramatic tale. SKATING j _ MURRAY’S RINK. Fun and thrills for all are assured at Murray’s Skating Rink. Skating is seen at its best at Murrays, and all who attend can look forward to a night of thrills. Whether proficient skater. or learner the best of attention is given by the staff. Special reduction is made to beginners for the first six attendances and those wishing to learn this popular pastime should take full advantage of this reduction. The first series of hockey matches of the season will commence this evening and should prove a very exciting game. REGAL RINK. The Old Timers’ Club at the Regal Rink is gaining members every week, and its next gathering will be held on Tuesday night. The words Old Timers may be slightly misleading, as any early skater at the Regal Rink is eligible for membership. The ordinary sessions are advertised in this issue.