ST. JAMES THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22098, 31 October 1933, Page 16

ST. JAMES THEATRE

"Yes, Mr Brown,” attracted such appreciative audiences to the St. James Theatre last week that the season has been extended, and those who have not so tar seen this bright English comedy will have further opportunities of doing so this week. The success which it has achieved is fully deserved, for it is in every respect a satisfying entertainment. The cast is headed by Jack Buchanan, who is supported by Vera Pearce, Ann Lee. Margot Graham, and Elsie Randolph. The opening scenes of the story show the manager of a Continental branch of an American firm making arrangements for a visit from the proprietor. _ What happens when the owner arrives makes excellent comedy. The supporting items are of a very interesting type. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, Messrs M’Cracken and Walls, and the D.I.C. “UP FOR THE DERBY.” Sydney Howard has the principal role in “Up for the Derby,” which will be screened at the St. James Theatre on Friday. The performance that is rendered by the comedian in this production is said to exceed any of his previous vehicles. Sydney Howard has a naturally funny face which wears a naturally funny expression, and although one of the jollies! funsters off stage, he has mastered the art of making his audiences helpless with laughter, yet the while retaining that unsmiling profile which lends truth to the adage that “ his face is his fortune.” Supporting him in this comedy are Frank Harvey, Mark Daly, and Dorothy Bartlam. KING EDWARD THEATRE Patrons of the King Edward Theatre have a double-feature programme provided for their entertainment. The first picture is “ Pack Up Your Troubles,” in the leading roles of which are those two wellknown comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Little more need be said concerning this production than that it is fully up to the standard set by these two in their’ performances which have earned them world-wide popularity as one of the leading screen teams of Hollywood. The second picture is “Afraid to Talk,” which can hardly fail to interest if only for the reason that it exposes a side of American life of which a great deal has recently been heard. The story deals with the corruption in the municipal life of an American town, in which those who hold office are completely under the influence of what is known in the United States as “the party boss.”