AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22025, 7 August 1933, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

GRAND THEATRE “ Rich and Strange ” is the attraction at the Grand Theatre for the present week, and it should prove very popular for the remainder of its short season on account of the fact that it presents entertainment of a highly original and unusual type. Dialogue plays a very small part in “ Rich and Strange," although it is in all respects a very excellent type of talking film. It depends upon action and incident to carry the burden of its tale, and contrives to make its point with remarkable effect with an absolute minimum of dialogue. The story has its origin in a letter received by a young couple in London who are consumed with a passion for travel. The epistle informs them that they have been left a large sum of money which will enable them to indulge in whatever inclinations they might have. The pair set out thoroughly _ convinced that their one purpose in life is globe trotting and seeing everything they can of the world. Disillusionment follows disillusionment as they make their way from Britain to Europe, from Europe to Asia, the Levant, the East, and they finally get back to London sadder and wiser, and very much reconciled to what they had always regarded as the humdrum monotony of everyday life in one place. The leading female role is taken by Joan Barry, who gives an exceedingly good account of herself in a very interesting part. Playing opposite her is Harry Kendall, who appears as the young husband who sets out on his conquest of time and distance with his equally discontented young wife. One of the most interesting characters in the story is Commander Gordon, the man with whom the young wife commences a violent love affair during a cruise in the Mediterranean. This part is played by Percy Marmont, who for the time being shakes himself out of his usual seemingly tragic preoccupation and draws a bright and interesting portrait. Elsie Randolph is another prominent player who does very well. There is an excellent supporting programme of interesting and informative short subjects, including one film dealing in detail with the cultivation of the opium poppy and its preparation for smoking. The box plans for the season are at the theatre and at Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s.

ST. JAMES THEATRE Jack Payne and his famous jazz band occupy the principal place of interest in “ Say it With Music,” which is at present being shown at the St. James Theatre, The story concerns the adventures of a young composer whose music is not of the ts'pe that appeals to the masses, and who, therefore, is in danger of being overlooked by the publishers. By a stroke of good fortune he meets Jack Payne, who is his debtor by reason of the fact that the latter owes him some royalties on a war-time musical fragment upon which was based the melody, “ Say it With Music,” which made Payne's name known all over the world. The situation is complicated owing to the fact that the composer has lost his memory, and the manner in which this is restored forms the climax of the picture. Apart altogether from the story interest, the picture is well worth a visit, if only to hear the splendid rendering accorded a number of popular compositions by Payne’s band. The reproduction of the sound leaves very little to be desired, and the production of the film generally is such that it is almost certain to appeal to theatre-goers. “Say it With Music” is undoubtedly something out of the usual in moving picture entertainment. _ The supporting programme this week is well up to the standard which has been set for a long time past by the management of the St. James Theatre, and includes among others a continuation of the “This England” series and a short film dealing with one of the greatest achievements in aerial enterprise—the development of the New air transport service to the goldfields in the interior. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, and the Bristol.

REGENT THEATRE A story which exercises a remarkable appeal by reason of its exquisite beauty and the perfection of its presentation is contained in “ Smilin’ Through,” the current attraction at the Regent Theatre, where it was witnessed by a capacity house on Saturday evening. In this production the romances and sorrows of two generations are woven together with singular deftness, and the performances of the principal players give an accentuated value to a story which is already one of the most moving works in the literature of the stage. In the leading feminine role Norma Shearer is responsible for an exceptionally charming characterisation. Her Moonyeen Clare, and later Moonyeen’g niece, Katherine, are. strikingly graceful character studies, and there is a depth of beauty about the lives she portrays which is extremely attractive. Fredric March, playing opposite Norma Shearer, contributes largely towards the success of the production, hie acting always bearing the stamp of conviction, but the honours of the film must go to Leslie Howard as Sir John Cartaret, whose tragic experience in his youth when his bride is killed at the altar by a frantically jealous suitor embitters his whole life. Howard’s poise, perfect polish, and striking personality make him the outstanding character in the production, and his wide circle of admirers will undoubtedly be greatly increased by this, bis latest effort. Included in the cast are 0. P. Heggie and Beryl Mercer, both

of whom give highly effective performances. There is a strong supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.

STRAND THEATRE

George Raft, who has sprung into pro* mience recently by reason of his fine work in roles of the sinister' type, plays the principal role in “ Under-cover Man,” which is at present being shown at the Strand Theatre. This production is an engrossing drama of plot and counterplot in which a man and a young girl carry out a relentless search in the underworld of a great city for the persons who are responsible for the murders of their friends. Raft has one of his best roles to date as Nick Darrow, the crook and under-cover man who makes an unholy alliance with the police in order to assist his search, and he is given admirable support by Nancy Carroll. Prominent roles are also capably handled by Lew Cody and Gregory _ Ratoff. There is an unusually entertaining programme of supporting short subjects, including an hilarious comedy, news gazettes, and an animated cartoon. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.

EMPIRE THEATRE ,

A well-known and popular screen pair in James Dunn and Sally Eilers have the leading roles in “ Sailor’s Luck.” which is the principal attraction this week at the Empire Theatre. The picture has been produced with a full eye to the comedy value ‘of the story, and those who see the film during the present week are assured of a laugh. The story is concerned with the romantic adventures of a sailor with the Atlantic fleet, who falls in love with a girl ashore but for whom the course of love does not run smoothly; Among the scenes included are those dealing with a gang fight in the streets and the final of a dance marathon, in which the opportunity for introducing a laugh has not been overlooked. The supporting programme is interesting and well varied, and Mr Knight Barnett provides several enjoyable items at the Christie organ. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.

OCTAGON THEATRE An excellent double-feature programme is being shown at the Octagon Theatre this week. The bill is headed by “The World, the Flesh, and the Devil,” a fine English drama in which Harold Huth assumes the principal role. As an unscrupulous lawyer who commits a murder to further his designs on a fortune, Huth gives an extremely convincing portrayal. The story is set against the background of the London Docks, with the ever-pres-ent menace of the Thames at the peak of the flood season, and a thrilling climax is reached when the river breaks its banks while, in a tavern below water level, two men engage in a desperate struggle for a valuable document. The second feature is a virile Western story, entitled “The Cheyenne Kid,” featuring Tom Keene. Fast action, combined with clever comedy and a charming romance, make this an exceedingly entertaining film. There is a strone supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the Bristol.

KING EDWARD THEATRE A popular revival at the King Edward Theatre at the present time is the recent production of Marlene Dietrich’s “The Blonde Venus,” which enjoyed a highly successful season on its first appearance in Dunedin some time ago. Directed by von Sternberg, it is one of the most interesting and striking films seen for many months, and it should not be missed now by those who failed to see it during its first season. Playing opposite the talented German actress is Herbert Marshall, one of the most popular and skilful dramatic actors on the British sound screen at the present time.