MAYFAIR THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22518, 12 March 1935, Page 5

MAYFAIR THEATRE

A double-feature programme of more than usual merit is at present being shown at the Mayfair Theatre. The first film is "Murder in Trinidad,"' a thrilling murder mystery in eerie tropical surroundings. It is • from the pen of the well-known novelist, John Vandercock, and it contains many exciting episodes. The story deals with the efforts of Detective Lynch, of Scotland Yard, to solve the mystery of the origin of the flood of diamonds that are pouring on to the world markets from Trinidad. Lynch is not a man to jump to conclusions, but he works methodically to his goal, although the mystery becomes more confused and the criminals have no scruples in resorting to murder. Suspicion points to a number of people, but it is not until the thrilling climax in the robbers' den in the centre of an impenetrable swamp that the real criminal is unmasked. Heather Angel and Douglas Walton provide the romantic element in the story. The second film is " Men in White," with Clark Gable and Myrna Loy. It is an adaptation of a sensationally successful play, and it provides the stars with one of their best vehicles. It ia a story of hospital life, and the background is exceptionally real. The box plans are at the D.I.C. and at the theatre. STRAND THEATRE Two pictures of more than usual merit, " Come On, Marines," and " The Witching Hour," comprise the entertaining double bill which is now being shown at the Strand Theatre. "Come On, Marines," is a rollicking comedy which tells of the vicissitudes of a young marine petty officer, who, through an over-fond-ness* for the societv of ladies, is degraded and sent to the jungles of the Philippines to give him an opportunity of rehabilitating himself. Word is received of a wrecked party from an exclusive children's school, and, racing to the jungle coast, find the " children'" to be grownup blondes. From this stage the story runs smoothly and laughably to a happy climax —a series of riotous bandit battles on the on e hand and blonde battle on the other. But the stranded beauties keep the situation well in hand, amid laughs and thrills. How a gambler, by means of hypnosis, makes a murderer of his daughter's fiance, and callg in the aid of a retired advocate to save the boy, forms the theme of "The Witching Hour." The interesting p'roblem whether a man is responsible for a crime if he commits it in a hypnotised condition is propounded, the strange plot being handled soberly and effectively, and the eerie atmosphere which it conveyo is entirely original. An excellent east includes Sir Guv Standing, famous English actor, John Ha'lliday, Judith Allen, and Tom Brown. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.