AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22257, 9 May 1934, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT. THEATRE Without doubt one of the smartest plays of the past few years, Noel Coward s " Design For Living," which created a furore when played on the New York stage last year, has now come to Dunedin in its screen translation, and is having a successful run at the Regent Theatre. It is the eternal triangle from an entirely fresh point of view—none of the age-old, musty situations with which motion pictures are so often failed, but something altogether new, the complete and simultaneous love of a woman for two men. It is Coward at his best, his most provocative, and most original, and should not be missed by anyone who takes his entertainment seriously. Ihe first meeting of the three on whom the action of the story is centred takes place in a railway carriage, where the two friends, Tom and George, playwright and artist respectively, meet Gilda, who is,to have such an influence on their hyes. They are all bound for Paris, and when they are settled down to work Gilda sets herself up as 1 the critic of the two mens work. Constantly she bullies them, into better efforts, and the first success comes when Tom's play is accepted and immediately becomes a success. This necessitates his leaving for London, and while he is away the bargain of no sentiment" that has been made by the three is broken by the two remaining. Months later Tom returns to Paris to find George away, and he immediately turns to Gilda, with the result that when George returns there is a quarrel between the two former friends. An unusual twist is given to the situation when Gilda unexpectedly marries a wealthy manufacturer, leaving the two former lovers to their own devices, but the final turn of the. story is the most amazing of all, and brings» a most entertaining story to a. triumphant conclusion. In connection with • Design For Living" an excellent supporting programme is shown. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU." "You Made Me Love You," the.merry musical comedy version of the tamnig of a very modern and equally beautitui shrew, comes to the Regent Theatre on Friday. The sparkling success of You Made Me Love You" is the refreshing absence of pretence; it sets nut in a slapstick, vein to make one laugh heartily, and remains in the same lively, boisterous, and exhilarating key throughout, crammine every foot with joyous laughter and romance. Stanley Lupino is right at the top of his fun form as a comic Petruchio, and Thelma Todd brings all her wide Hollywood experience to bear in her happy and clever interpretation ot a- bewitching, if completely shrewish, Kathcrine. This riotous farce concerns a happy-go-lucky song writers tribulations in endeavouring to win the love ot his ravishing and turbulent wife. -Bewitching in all but temper, the fair Thelma made life impossible for her family, who welcome Stanley with open arms" as the solution of their problems, and do all they cart to further his schemes for marryine her. GRAND THEATRE One of the best efforts to the popular comedians, Wheeler and Woolsey, is "Hips, Hips Horray," which is at present attracting large, audiences to the Grand Theatre. In this picture, which has all the wit and humour of their former productions, Wheeler and .Woolsey move against a much more imposing background than usual, and have the assistance_of a large cast- headed by Thelma Todd, Dorothy Lee, and Ruth .Etting, while a graceful ballet lends an added attraction to the film. The two comedians are seen at the outset as cosmeticians and salesmen of flavoured lipsticks, who draw attention to themselves by attracting custom away from a demonstration arranged by the proprietors of a beauty salon. Find- , ing that the salesmen are seriously interfering with her business, the manageress of the salon takes them into partnership, and in a short time they arc merrily running the business, paying particular attention to the manageress and her assistant, Daisy. All goes well for a time until the position becomes known to Armand Beauchamp the proprietor of the salon, who, being more than interested in Daisy himself, decides that he must rid himself ot his unwelcome assistants. He finds an excellent opportunity when he becomes aware that the partners have unwittingly stolen 10.000 dollars, and immediately puts, the detectives on their trail. Wheeler and Woolsey are not so easily caught as that, however, and after dodging the detectives about the city they steal a racing car, and join in a transcontinental race. It is here that most of the fun occurs. They find themselves hampered by the curves of the mountain roads, so they leave out the curves altogether and run down sheer slopes; later they are obstructed by snow, but they overcome that difficulty by fitting the car with skis, and carry merrily on to win the race by the narrowest of margins. Throughout the story, which is as usual of a wildly improbable nature, there runs a delightful double romance, and there are introduced several charming song numbers, including "Just. "Keep on Doing What You're Doing" and "Keep Romance Alive," the latter sung by Ruth Etting. There is also an entertaining supporting programme, including a Charlie Chaplin Comedy, "The Count/' The box plans are at the theatre and at Messrs Charles Begg and Co.'s. "ORIENT EXPRESS." "Orient Express," Fox Film's latest production with a cast that features seven stars, will make its appearance at the Grand Theatre on Friday. Based upon Graham Greene's best selling novel, the film is reported as being a tense, dramatic characterisation of seven people who are swept together from the far corners of the earth to find the course of their lives changed through* their journey aboard the Orient Express as it speeds from Ostend to Constantinople. The story concerns itself with a dancer, hungry and looking for work; a wealthyyoung merchant, who falls in love with the dancer; a Cockney Englishman, under the thumb of his domineering wife; a thief, fleeing from justice; a beautiful girl, thirsting for love; and a. woman reporter, seeking to uncover the plans of a powerful Communist leader. All are

OCTAGON THEATRE * A wide variety of entertainment is being offered patrons .of the Octagon Theatre this week. The main feature or the programme is "Above the Clouds,' with Richard Cromwell,: Robert Armstrong, and Dorothy, Wilson in the Principal roles. The story concerns the Globe Newsreel Company and its cameramen, chief of whom is "Scoop" Adams, who seems never at a loss to; secure-the. best pictures. The secret of his success- is his young -assistant, Dick Robertson, .who is a youthful hero-worshipper, and risks his. neck and his liberty every day getting pictures for which Adams secures all trig credit. The opening scenes show an aerial pageant. The cameramen are all grumbling because, they are on the ground, and they . know>that "Scoop's" helper is perched on the wing of one of the chines getting pictures, which will eclipse anything they are able to secure, picks reason for endangering his life is bis belief that Adams is working to secure him a place on the staff of the Globe. Stunt after stunt is performed by Dick, who does not realise that he is being made a fool of, and he does not even see it when -" Scoop " steals his. girl. When, in the closing ecenes, Dick finally wakes up to the position, be takes the sort of action that is indicated, and the story comes to a happy conclusion. The supporting programme is undoubtedly, one of the best seen in Dunedin• for some time. The box; plans are at the theatre and •Begg's. ■ ;■' V ■"'(:■>•■' "LADY FOR V Distinctly in a class'by,: itselfas regards motion picture entertainment and possessing a story which- should be unl ,; versally .appealing, "Lady, for a Day, ; the Columbia production, starring May •Robson with Warren -William, starts its local run on Friday at the Octagon Theatre. "Lady for a Day" is like a fantastic fairy tale, yet it is ret 1. and human. Its < appealing humour and touching dramatic scenes make the laughs and tears blend wholesomely with an emotionally agitating effect that is at once overpowering. A revelation to picture audiences will be the performance of May Robson as "Apple Annie." The complete cast, from-the star down, is said to deserve the highest praise for their performance. Frank Capra, the director, again reveals his genius in comedy and S-ama. He has taken the' story, by amon Ruhyon, which appeared in the Cosmopolitan magazine as " Madame La Gimp," and has transcribed it to the screen as aneven more brilliant screen dranj.a. , -. " ■'" - ■ ■ ; EMPIRE THEATRE The adventures -of a youug society lawyer in the underworld of an American city are revealed in " Penthouse," featuring Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy, which is being screened at the Empire Theatre this week. The picture tells a vivid story of life in the unsavoury atmosphere of what might be termed the better class of New York racketeering, with a background of night clubs and chorus girls. Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy give a. polished interpretation of the behaviour of those who profit from the demand for night life in New York. Baxter as Durant is responsible for one of his finest screen portrayals and Myrna Loy as the night club - habituee,- Gertie Waxted, brings: to the play a charm that relieves it of much of its sordidness. As the neat and whimsical valet Charles Butterworth also brightens the story.; The part of the gangster leader, Tony, is portrayed by Nat Pendleton, who reveals that the 'underworld has at least some of the finer feelings.. As the leader of the rival gang C. Henry Gordon ". acts with force. The lawyer is brought into a particularly, dangerous case in order t 0... save the man who lias just taken away his sweetheart. The case is one in which the dangerous leader of a band of racketeers has taken revenge, and the first thing which the 'lawyer receives is a warning to keep out. Paradoxically," the defence also asks him to retire from the field, his association with unsavoury cases not being to their liking, but he refuses: to withdraw, and before the end ha ß succeeded in winning, his case and in winning'a bride. The supporting pictures are of a high standard. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. .' "VOLTAIRE." Admirers of George. Arliss will revel in his masterly characterisation of _ the great French philosopher in "Voltaire," the Warner Brothers production which opens at the Empire Theatre on Friday. Tn dealing with a man whose life and activities were 50 many-sided, the producers can be excused for presenting a portrait of only one aspect of his great fight against intolerance. In the out-; wardly-brilliant yet. insecure court of Louis XV, Voltaire is able to sti-nd out as the champion of the people and yet retain his favour with the King through his wit and through the influence of Madame Pompadour. In his anger over the injustice of the famous Calas sentence, he oversteps himself, however, and the King, incited by Voltaire's enemies, one of whom is the Comte de Sarnac, orders all his writings to be burned and threatens him with the Bastille, Voltaire's known friendship with Frederick the Great of Prussia makes him suspected also of selling military information-to Prussia, and Voltaire determines to stake all on a desperate throw. He prepares a play m which the actions of the King and the court are only thinly veiled and, tbiough Madame Pompadour, arranges for its presentation. Louis sees the allusions and in a rage orders Voltaire's arrest and dismisses Madame Pompadour from favour. 411 of Voltaire's brilliance is required to save himself and his dependants _ from ruin, but the ingenious plan, by which he turns the tables on his rivals and incidentally secures the King's ear for his plan of reforms, and temporarily at least placates the tide of public opinion which i in less than a generation was destined ! to overthrow the royal throne, forms a powerful climax.

aboard the Orient Express, each heading for his own particular destination. Ae the train reaches the Jugoslavian border, and the Communist leader is about to be arrested, he gives- an incriminating letter to the dancer. This leads to her arrest. The thief, the Communist leader and the dancer are removed from the train and are held as prisoners. While in prison, the thief plans an escape, sends the other two out into the night, and remains behind with the hope of securing a pardon. The film is said to end in a climax of whirlwind action and tender romance. Heather Angel and Norman Foster play the romantic leads. The other members of the cast are Ralph Morgan, Herbert Mundin, Una O'Connor, Irene Ware, Dorothy Burgess, Lisa Gora, William Irving, Roy D'Arcy, Perry Ivins, Fredrik Vogeding, and Mare Lobell. ST. JAMES THEATRE Magda Schneider, the charming young Continental actress of " Tell Me To-night fame, makes a thorough success of the leading role in "Going Gay," the British comedy which is attracting entnusiastic audiences to the St. James ThcLtre this week. Playing opposite Miss Schneider are two new-comers to > the screen m Arthur Riscoe and Naunton Wayne, who are sure to attract a great many followers as the result of their work in this picture. They are first seen as two young Englishmen flying from London to Vienna with the object of seeing life in the Austrian capital. They are not long without adventure, for on the first night in their Viennese hotel they meet a charming girl, who, after an evening of merriment, confides to them that her parents will have to give up their beautiful home if they cannot .find lodgers to occupy the spare room. In a very, short time the visitors are installed in the spare room, and within the next few days both have become highly impressed with the attractions of their host's daughter. One, for whom the beauty of her voice holds a great appeal, immediately interviews th« .director of the opera on her behalf, while the other, for whom the joys of musical comedy ar.e more alluring, decides that a musical comedy career is what she must have. Greta, however, favours the opera, and after the director has heard her sing she is immediately accepted for a role in "The Daughter of the Regiment." Good music of the most: enjoyable kind ib constantly heard throughout "Going Gay, which is a film thtt must appeal to any audience, and should not be missed. An interesting supporting programme is also shown. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs's, M'Cracken and Walls's, and the D.I.C. "THIS IS THE LIFE." When a comedy like " This is the Life " is produced there is no need to urge theatre-goers to " see British." This British Dominions release, which will commence a season on Friday at the St. James Theatre, is said to prove that British comedies lead the world. _ By no means its least distinction is its discovery of Binnie Hale as a real comedy find, and after watching this artist's versatile creation of a Cockney nouveau ncbe one is nonplussed why she should have been permitted for so long to have hidden her obvious screen talent under the stage bushel. Miss Hale has now definitely arrived, however, as a first-rate screen comedienne. She is co-starred with Gor"don Harker in a role ideally suited to her own opulent drollery, and which blends hilariously with the ripe comicalities of her partner. They are seen as the Tuttles, proprietors of a country tea garden, who become the Tuttelles when they come into an unexpected fortune and launch heartily into the social whirl. The adventures of the Tuttles are such as one would expect of a pair doomed to a champagne dietary whilst longing for the humble four-ale. They suffer tonsonal and sartorial agonies in addition to the tortures of their Rumba achievements, but their main grievance is the attention of a couple of thugs who claim a share in their inheritance; hence the hiring of a prize-fighter as personal escort. It is around the social faux pas of this precious pair, plus their amiable brawlihgs with the thugs and their tiltings with opera, that the fun revolves. STATE THEATRE One of the most popular comedy teams on the British screen to-day is.that of Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge, and/ the two have never been seen to greater advantage than in "Falling For You." which is being shown this week at the State Theatre, They have the roles of rival journalists in search of a story about a missing heiress, and one of the first complications in a plot that is never without action occurs when Jack falls in love with the heiress when she solves a noughts and crosses problem that has been baffling him for some time. From Switzerland he follows her to England, with Cicely always hot on the trail, wnd in an effort to dodge his competitor Jack disguises himself as a porter and then as a chimney sweep, only to find himself in a haunted house when the ghost, impersonated by Cicely, walks with terrifying effect. The climax takes the principals to the Swiss Alps agf>in. whore the final scene shows Jack with his heiress.

and Cicely dashing off m search of another story- Apart from the delightful comedy of the picture and the catchy songs introduced into it, the beauty of , the alpine scenery is one of the features j of the production. ,Ski-ing, tobogganing, and ice-skating are brought in with the most striking effect, and Hulbert provides a surprise with his agility on skates. The work of the principals is outstanding, but they could not have been so successful were it not for the of a capable supporting cast, headed by Tamara Desni, who gives a delightful performance as the heiress for whom Hulbert "falls." "Falling For You" is undoubtedly entertainment of the most enjoyable kind, and is well worthy of a visit during the next few days. In addition to the principal picture there is shown a fine supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and at Messrs Charles Begg and Co.'s. STRAND THEATRE " From Headquarters" is the feature attraction at the Strand Theatre this week. It is an outstanding production, and as the theme deals with American police methods when trying to solve a murder mystery, there is plenty of excitement and many tense moments throughout the length of the film. George Brent has the leading role, and Margaret Lindsay, a young actress who has. come into prominence in recent years, giveg a fine performance in the principal feminine part. George Brent is seen as a successful detective who employs the latest scientific methods in the solution of crime. The story, deals with the murder of a wealthy "play-boy" in his fashionable New York flat and the murder of a crack safe-breaker at police headquarters. The complications that arise from all manner of clues are most, baffling to the detectives assigned to the task of finding the murderers. The manner in which the clues are finally sifted and the murdar mysteries solved gives a true insight into the methods used by the American police organisations. A feature of the story is the fact that romance plays a more important part than is usual in such productions. The young detective, whilst determined to do his duty, makes every effort to save the girl he loves from being dragged into the police net on an accusation of murder. "From Headquarters'" is an entertaining and gripping narrative. A varied and interesting programme of short films is shown in support of the feature picture. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.

"LOVE, HONOUR, AND OH, BABY! "

Two innovations are, offered in the laughable coniody, " Love, Honour, and Oh, Baby! " which comes to the Strand Theatre next Friday. The first is the work of Slim Summerville, who, co-starred with Zasis, Pitts, emerges as a dominating; fast-talking young man, in contrast to his roles as the easy-going, bashful, and always slouching comedian. The second is the direction of Eddie Buzzell, the Broadway comedian who has turned director. Through a definite technique, he makes the audience feel that they are on the screen, sharing in the fun with the players. Zasu is a filing clerk who, to get business for Slim Summei'ville, her lawyer lover, tries compromising herself with a vegetarian banker who fancies himself something of a Don Juan. How Summerville, with the aid of his newly-acquired dynamic manner, gets even with the banker and wins Miss Pitts as his bride is hilarious in the extreme. Supporting the stars in "Love, Honour, and Oh, Baby! "are George Barbier, Lucille Gleason, Verree Teasdale, Donald Meek, Purnell Pratt, and Adrienne Dore. ': KING EDWARD THEATRE A swift-paced picture, R.K.O. Radio Pictures' " Emergency Call," which will be shown to-day at the King Edward Theatre, is notable for the splendid acting by Bill Boyd, Wynne Gibson, and William Gargan. Trapped in an abandoned warehouse, where they have been lured by a fake emergency' call, Bradley and Brennan engage in a savage hand-to-hand fight with murderous ruffians. Police come to their aid, but not before Brennan has been stabbed in the encounter and an operation is necessary to save his life. Bradley performs the delicate surgery. The action reaches a sensational climax when Bradley, thirsting to avenge his friend, tracks down and corners the racketeering chief. The climax is the death of the gangster at the hands of Brennan's sweetheartnurse, portrayed by Wynne Gibson. Boyd, who may always be counted upon for a convincing characterisation as a rugged hero, garners additional laurels by his role in "Emergency Call." Gargan makes a bid for stardom with his remarkable performance as the recklessly gallant ambulance driver. Miss Gibson displays unusual versatility, and Betty Furness is good in a brief- but important part.

Zees Sher Sh tbl outstanding times that have recently been registered by Jarvis in competihve and .trial swxmmmg afford an SStiofS tStion of the Otajo Swimming Centre in advocating his inclusion in the team winch as to represent New Zealand at ■ the Empire Games.