AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22102, 4 November 1933, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS

GRAND THEATRE The Grand Theatre is fortunate this week in having on its programme two pictures either of which might well form a feature for the season. It is probably not too, much to say that not for a very long time have theatre-goers in Dunedin seen a film which can be compared with the first which is shown on the current programme at the Grand Theatre. Taking asits subject the life of Mussolini, the dictator of Italy, the film shows in - marvellous detail and with an amazing clearness the progress which has been made in the land of the Caesars under the guidance of Mussolini. The picture, which must form a composite of many earlier ones of the news-reel variety in addition to much that is new, in its opening scenes shows something of the early life of the Italian leader, and of the events which led up to the now famous march upon Rome, which culminated in the triumph of Fascism as a party and the personal triumph of Mussolini as its director. The remainder of the film is devoted to the speech made by_ II Duce in Naples before a crowd which must have been numbered in hundreds of thousands on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the great march. Mussolini reviews events in Italy since that tune, and the successes to which the party can justly lay claim. As he deals with the national life,' section by section, the picture is interrupted to take in scenes dealing with the subject under review, and the result is an epic of Italian progress in industry, in national health, in maritime resources, and in military and naval strength, which cannot fail to leave a profound impression upon any thinking individual. In order to see the njm, “ Mussolini Speaks ” alone intending patrons would be well advised to see this week’s programme at this theatre. The other picture, in which the leading roles are taken by that old favourite of “silent” days, Jack Holt, and Evalyn Knapp, has to do mainly with polo, and during the course of the story some particularly exciting scenes are _ shown of this fascinating game. The picture culminates in a great struggle between two rival American teams, which is played at furious pace throughout, and a spectacular fall, in which Holt is involved, brings a not unmerited fate on the villain of the piece, and provides a satisfactory conclusion,, “This Sporting Age” is well east, the story moves rapidly throughout, and the interest is maintained until the final foot of the film. The'box plans for the season are at the theatre and at Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s, REGENT THEATRE Produced on a lavish scale 1 , with the brilliance of technicolour to augment its other very considerable attractions, “Kiss Me Again,” the film version of Victor Herbert’s operetta “ Mile. Modiste,” which commenced its season at the Regent Theatre yesterday, is assured of a highly successful season. The colourful character of the settings which abound in this production are by no means its sole claim to public appreciation, however, for it embodies a delightful romance, with which are blended subtle comedy and an appealing musical score presented by artists whose high qualifications are immediately apparent. The individual triumph undoubtedly belongs to Bernice Claire, for not only is her acting of an exceedingly competent nature throughout, but her lovely soprano voice, heard in several songs, notably the theme number, “Kiss Me Again,” also carries special charm. In the leading male role Walter Pudgeon as the soldier son of a proud aristocrat acquits himself with distinction, and the male cast is further strengthened by the inclusion of Edward Everett Horton, well known for his dry wit and delightful whimsicalities, Frank M'Hugh and Claude Gillingwater,. who supply the more obvious humour of the production, and who are heard in several amusing songs. Bernice Claire,_ as Fifi, a pretty milliner, with aspirations towards a career as a singer, falls deeply in love with Paul (Walter Pudgeon), whose father, played by Claude Gilnngwater, strongly disfavours the match. Kee turning from military service in Africa some time later, Paul finds that although his love for Fifi had not waned, he is handicapped by the fact that, unknown to him, she has changed her name to Madame Bellini, having achieved her ambition in the world of music. The climax to the story is a happy.one. There is an excellent supporting programme, which includes an interesting newsreel, an amusing novelty number, and an absorbing travelogue. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST. JAMES THEATRE Sydney Howard can always be relied upon to cram the maximum of hilarious farce and broad comedy into his productions, and in “ Up For the Derby,” which had ite first screenings at the St. James Theatre yesterday, he registers a particularly attractive and amusing performance. The story tells of the shady practices of an unscrupulous trainer who compasses the financial ruin of his employer. The story, however, is more or less of a minor consideration, and comprises, in effect, a background for the irresistible comedy of Sydney Howard and for the delightful little romance which centres round the charming performance of Dorothy Bartlam in the leading feminine role. Others in the cast are Mark Daly, Frank Harvey, Tom Helmore, and Frederick Lloyd. There js an excellent supporting programme, and the box plans for the season will be found at the theatre, at Jacobs’s tobacconist shop, at M'Cracken and Walls’s, and at the D.I.C. “TELL ME TO-NIGHT.” ' , British Dominion Films will present Gainsborough’s talking entertainment, “Tell Me To-night,” for the first time in Dunedin at the St. James Theatre next Friday. The world-wide fame of this great film has preceded it, and “Tell Me To-night ” ia confidently expected to repeat at Dunedin the success it has achieved elsewhere. In Melbourne it has been screening for seven months, in Sydney five months, and is at present showing to large audiences in Auckland and Wellington. No picture can boast a more brilliant cast of famous' players. Included are the celebrated artists, Jan Kiepura, the entrancing tenor singer, clever actor, and engaging personality; Sonny JHale, the leading singing comedian of the London stage; Edmund Gwenu, doyen of character-come-dians; Magda Schneider, with an audacious smile, dimple, and beautiful singing voice; Athene Seyler, pianist, singer, and comedienne; and Betty Chester, “the live-wire of the London stage.” The vocal numbers, which include the popular melody, " Tell Me To-night,” are said to be far above the standard one has associated in the past with a picture production. Filmed in Switzerland, the beautiful scenery makes' a glorious background for most of the incident in this sparkling comedy romance. OCTAGON THEATRE The famous Kingdom of the Amazons, where women were, said to have been the warriors and workers, and where the men had to stay at home and attend to household matters, forms the background of “The Warrior’s Husband,” the bright satirical comedy that is the principal feature on the current double bill at the Octagon Theatre. All the humorous anomalies inherent in the situation are fully exploited, and a rich vein of humour is also topped by the incongruous mingling of modern colloquialisms with the elaborate costumes and stately settings of the picture. In the role of one of the warrior princesses Elissa Landi is cast in a part that suits her to perfection, while Marjorie Rambeau, in her own exuberant fashion, presents a convincing portrayal of the Amazon queen. David Manners, as the young leader of the Greek forces, brings romance into the life of the warrior princess, and Ernest Truex. a s the queen’s husband, is also responsible for excellent work. The supporting picture is “ Those We Love," a sophisticated story, based on the eternal triangle. Lilyan Tashman, Mary Astor, and Kenneth MTvenna are the leading players. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.1.C.. ; EMPIRE THEATRE Adapted from W. Somerset Maugham’s story, “Rain,” the leading feature on the new programme at the Empire Theatre, has Joan Crawford in the main role. The story is striking in its originality and, is told with such sincerity that the interest of the audience never flags.

though the turning point of the plot is not reached until the screening of the film nears its end. Only a few characters play important parts m the chain of events, and the bulk of the acting falls on the shoulders of Miss Crawford, who has the role of a wayward girl compelled to spend a fortnight on a South _ Sea Island, and Walter Huston, who is cast as the reformer who, by his force of character, brings about a change in the girl only to wreck his work by yielding to a human impulse. The performances of both of these players are marked by sincere and finished acting. Outstanding in the supporting programme is a Walt Disney cartoon in colour. It is a remarkable production. compelling the warmest admiration. There are also a New Zealand news reel and other attractions. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.

STRAND THEATRE

Those two highly diverting comedians, Wheeler and Woolsey, have another opportunity of demonstrating their finished artistry' in “ Diploraaniacs,” the main feature in the new programme at the Strand Theatre. The pair, in their respective characters, have been commissioned by the American Indians to represent them at Geneva, and they set out in high spirits, armed with a million dollars each and a bundle of highly important documents. Before they reach Geneva, however, they have many weird and laughable experiences. When they do arrive at their destination they find that the members of the Peace Conference are about at blows, and they 'at once proceed in their own inimitable fashion to produce order and harmony. The film ends on a note fully in keeping with the delightful nature of the whole production. Of special interest is a reissue of one of Charlie Chaplin’s early comedies, “The Rink,” the fun in which shows no signs of ageing, while the clever synchronisation adds to the humour of the ridiculous incidents. The other subjects are well selected, and altogether a most interesting new programme is presented.

KING EDWARD THEATRE

Many who were unable to see “ Smilin’ Through ” when it was shown in Dunedin some little time ago will welcome its return season at the King Edward Theatre, commencing to-day. Besides Norman Shearer there are Fredric March, borrowed from Paramount to play opposite the star; Leslie Howard, than whom there is no more charming and sensitive character delineator; O. P. Heggie, Ralph Forbes, Beryl Mercer, David Torrence, Margaret Seddon, and Forrester Harvey. Miss Shearer and March have dual roles in this haunting and unusual story, which is fraught with moments of poignant drama. Audiences wept and smiled alternately when first it was presented as a stage play, and it is to be recorded that the emotional effect through transition to the talking screen is just as strong.