AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22561, 3 May 1935, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “ The Royal Cavalcade,” which commences its Dunedin season at the Regent Theatre to-day, is the film ,which was made to commemorate the reign of King George V, who will go down to history as the King who was also the great English gentleman, for with all the regal dignity of the monarch he combines the sterling qualities of the well-bred Englishman. In making this stirring cavalcade of Empire events during the past 25 years British International Films have contributed a magnificent monument of loyal and loving tribute to his Majesty. In sending this picture by air mail the producers have made it possible for this film to be screened in the most distant parts of the Empire during the silver Jubilee celebrations’ week, and it is safe to say that it will do much to impress all Britons with what the nation has done in the world of progress during the last quarter of a century. “ The Royal Cavalcade ” is a full-length feature of 8000 ft, traversing the whole length of King George V’s reign, from his first Privy Council to the present day. All the outstanding scenes and happenings of this eventful regime have been reconstructed and the characters portrayed by a cast which numbers over 100 of the most outstanding players on the British stage and screen. It must not be thought that “The Royal Cavalcade” is just a series of newsreel items. On the contrary, it is a thoughtfully constructed production which can be described as an epic drama. The nations’ progress in scientific fields, their prowess in the realms of sport, the heroism of such men as Captain Scott, the Great War, and the j presynt-day economic problems all form part’ of the pattern of this outstanding screen offering. In gay relief are such scenes as the first command performances of their Majesties at which such artists as Pavlova and other notabilities in the realm of entertainment performed, the gay scenes of festivity at the time of the King’s coronation, the famous Victory ball, scenes at Goodwood and Cowes, and in the background the current tunes, catchwords, and dances which have marked each phase of this eventful period. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.

STATE THEATRE Described as a thrilling and spectacular story of desperate war in the air, the latest Fox film starring vehicle for Warner Baxter opens to-day at the State Theatre. “ Hell in the Heavens ” is the title of the new film, and it is said to offer one of the most absorbing and romantic war dramas yet produced in Hollywood. It tells a story of daring men —not death but afraid of fear; desperate for’ life, yet each day braving destruction in the skies. John Blystoue, famous for many a screen success, directed “Hell in the Heavens.” It is his sixty-third picture for Fox. He is a director who never fails to deliver a punch production. Conchita Montenegro, who appeared with Warner Baxter in the memorable Fox film, “The Cisco Kid,” is once more his leading woman in “ Hell in the Heavens.” Other notable members of a large cast are Russell Hardie, Herbert Mundin, Andy Devine, William Stalling, " and Ralph Morgan. Vince Barnett has an outstanding comedy role, it is said. He and Mundin are seen as a pair of orderlies attached to the American escadrille ,'and quartered at a French chateau. J. Carrol Naisli and Johnny Arthur are other well-known screen “names” who have roles in the picture. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s.

EMPIRE THEATRE The first public screening of the Nenf Zealand talking film “ Down on the Farm ” was held at a midnight session at the Empire Theatre last evening. A large audience enjoyed its burlesque and farce in spite of the inclement weather conditions, and the season of the first locally-produced sound film may be said, to have been launched very effectively. “ Down on the Farm ” was produced wholly in Otago, and all the settings and backgrounds used are local scenes,, and localities. In addition it engages an entirely local cast, who interpret a locallywritten scenario. Technically, “ Down on the Farm” has much to commend it, and much of the photographic work is of a high standard of quality. It is the child of the combined geniuses of Messrs Stewart Pitt and Lee Hill, who had the expert assistance of Mr J. Welsh in a supervisory capacity with respect /to sound. Both producer and cameraman have done well with the material at their disposal, but they suffered from the same handicap as the players, who found their achievement seriously circumscribed as a result of the dubious quality of the scenario. The story is not worthy of the •work put into the film, but notwithstanding this lack the producers and the cast have succeeded in making a very impressive job of their first attempt—particularly when it is remembered that this is a genuine first attempt. The settings will be familiar to all local people who see them. The picturesque Woodside property of Mr B. S. Irwin is the scene of much of the action of the film, but there are a great many other sights and sounds characteristic of Otago which serve not only to bring the beauty and fertility of their own province before the people, but also to illustrate some of the major pastoral pursuits. of this part of the Dominion. The cast is headed by Miss Daphne Murdoch, who proves a very engaging star. She has the happy knack of photographing well at all times, and consequently is one of the most decorative personalities of the film. Miss Gwenda Burt has more opportunities than most of the players, and she makes good use of them in an effective way. Mr Sidney Lock as Sir Henry is responsible for a good study, marred only by occasional inconsistencies of style. Mr Stuart Dick and Miss Erana Newbold carry the chief burden of the comedy, and altogether keep the story moving very well. Mr Dick has the most convincing style of all the players, and proves himself an unusually good farce comedian. Mr Ernest Griffon appears as Farmer Petrie, and does very well, and a good account of themselves is given by four juveniles headed by young Ra Hould. The others are Joy Gray, Eron Reed, and Leila Murdoch, all of whom achieve an engaging naturalness which is very refreshing. Bert Nelson is responsible for a lot of good burlesque from time to time, but he does nothing better than his wrestling match with Mr Stuart Dick, which is one of thlb highlights of the performance. Others in the cast who achieve prominence are Miss Roma Gair. Mr Angus Gorrie, Mr Joe Lee, Mr R. H. Simpson, Miss Elsie M'Peak. Miss Audrey Watson, and Mr A. Claridge. The film is dedicated to “the man on the land, the backbone of the country,” and naturally deals very largely .with farming pursuits and livestock raising, one of the most effective series of “ shots ” in this respect being those taken at the Summer Show of the Taieri Agricultural Society, which was attended in full force by the members of the cast. Before the screening was commenced the members of . the east made a personal appearance on the stage, each one being introduced to the audience by the producer, Mr Stewart Pitt. Judging by the reception the film was accorded last evening it should attract a lot of attention during the coming week. The box plans are at the , theatre and at the D.I.C.

GRAND THEATRE “ My Old Dutch,” which has been described ns a cross-section of Cockney life, is the current attraction at the Grand 1 Theatre. The story opens at Hampstead Heath on a bank holiday, with catchloads of costers, “ pearlies,” and donkey carts, quaint music and joyous dancing and a tandem bicycle which plays an im-' portant part in deciding Lil to enter upon 1 a life-partnership ns Ernie’s “Old Dutch.” Their wedding and proud entry into the home which possessed a “ four-pound-ten mahogany dressing table, picked up cheap,” are the foundation scenes which in later life recur fo them on the harp strings of memory. Their poignant memories include the loss of their only 1 son as an adventurous flying officer in the early stages of the war, the lose also ' of his charming young wife on the birth I of her son, a dramatic court scene in 1 which they succeed in retaining possession ’ of their grandson, an epic event of heroism in which Bert is instrumental in saving the little fellow and other lads when trapped in a petrol-dump (ire at the time of the general strike, and other stirring events which sustain interest to the very end. Much of the picture’s ] charm is due to Betty Balfour, remcm- ( bered as a silent screen actress, and in j

“ Evergreen,” who ably interprets Lib’s transient span from charming youth to graceful age. Michael Hogan’s simple, straightforward acting invests the role of Bert with the quiet dignity of a man who never fails to “ do his bit,” and the drollery of Gordon Barker, as Ernie, a life-long pal, invests the story with a good deal of its humour. Other excellent portrayals are those of Mickey Brantford, as the aviator son, Glennis Lorimer as his beautiful young wife, and a gay company in the coster parts. The supporting programme is of a high standard. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s.

OCTAGON THEATRE “Glamour,” Edna Berber's intriguing exposition of the eternal triangle, will commence at the Octagon Theatre to-day. Constance Cummings and Paul Lukas play the featured roles in this Universal drama of wandering hearts, with its colourful background of theatrical folk in New York and London. Musical romance fs supplied by Phillip Reed, who sings several numbers. Reid is one of the newest musical comedy recruits to Hollywood. He and Constance Cummings dance the “ Rumba Exotic ” with specially-com-posed music. There are solo song numbers which Reed sings in convincing style. “ Glamour ” was adapted for the screen, from the story by Edna Berber, and directed by William Wyler. “ The Human Side," one of the most delightful comedydramas of the season, starring Adolphe Menjou and featuring Doris Kenyon, Betty Lawford, Charlotte Henry, and Joseph Cawthron, is the second film. Wholesome, extremely funny, and punctuated with some of the most humanly dramatic moments seen on the screen in a long time, the picture can well be regarded as one of the outstanding, films. The plot is beautifully constructed, tAvisting from situation to situation in surprising fashion. Just when one dramatic episode is ended Menjou finds himself involved in another and more serious one. At the end, just as everyone’s happiness seems hopelessly entangled with no one getting . what they want, the children straighten the entire affair out. The picture has charm and a great deal of humour which submerges from time to time as the tender and dramatic moments of the piece assert themselves. Its wholesomeness and its hilarious humour are among its'outstanding traits, and the acting of every member of the cast. The box plans are at the theatre, Begg’s, and M'Cracken and Walls’s.

ST. JAMES THEATRE “ The Barretts of Wirapole Street,” one of the outstanding motion pictures of the year, is being shown to crowded audiences at St. James Theatre. The picture is now in the third week of its Dunedin'season. The main appeal is the polished acting of the entire cast, and even the minor roles are taken by talented players. Heading the cast are three well-known and outstanding figures of the screen. These are Norma Shearer, Charles Laughton and Eredric March, and the performance of each is of a very high order. The film is a great triumph for the actors, producer, writer and t'echniciaps. The screen version of the play of a subtle study of family life is an incredibly effective translation, and although every player gives a finished performance, Laughton’s portrayal of a portentous hypocrite dominates the picture. Norma Shearer takes the part of his daughter, and acts with great ability, her performance being sincere and emotional, her every action brilliantly executed. Eredric March plays the part of the impetuous Browning to the life. The supporting players include Maureen O’Sullivan and Una O’Connor. In addition to the feature attraction, an excellent array of supporting subjects are screened. These include an entertaining newsreel, a coloured cartoon entitled “ The Discontented Canary,” and other interesting features. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., M’Crackcn and Walls’s, and Jacobs’s.

STRAND THEATRE A first-class comedy film, “Six-day Bike Rider,” will have its first screening at the Strand Theatre this afternoon. The first scene shows choir practice in “ The

First Church of Mildew,” the peaceful town in ' which Joe E. Brown, myopic , hero of the story, lives and loves in his' own simple and inimitable way. Until the unscrupulous trick cyclist’ (Gordon Weetcott) comes into their lives, Wilfred Simpson (Joe Brown) and his Phyllis (Maxine Doyle) suffer only “the fallings-out that all the more endear.” But from the.moment the theatrical stunt artist appears the wheels of love no longer run smoothly, and Wilfred, the, country fool, in whom the stirrings of greatness are recognised at least by himself, sets out on a course as uncomfortable as his own bicycle seat. It is the great Six-day Bike Race, where once again his rival confronts him. The honest misunderstanding provides most of the comedy of a film which in humorous situations gets Wilfred into gaol and makes him four hours late for the start of the classic event. How he fits out, and how he wins by unorthodox but hilarious means both the race and the girl of his heart; brings the film to an entertaining climax. The second feature, “Lots of Fun,” provides excellent entertainment, and contains many new and tuneful musical numbers, sung by famous American artists in the broadcasting world. The box plans are at the D.I.C. and the theatre.

MAYFAIR THEATRE The popular musical »extravaganza, “ Faotlight Parade,” will have its final screening at the Mayfair Theatre tonight. It is a lavish spectacle, containing as it does a number of elaborate and beautiful dance ensembles. The unusually catchy song numbers that are featured were written by two song writing teams, Sammy Fain and Irving Kahl, and Harry Warren and A 1 Dubin. and < they include “By a Waterfall,” “ Honeymoon Hotel,” and “ Shanghai Lil.” Four popular stars —James Cagney, Joan Blondell. Ruby Keeler, and Dick Powell —head the long list of players, and 15 other well-known performer's are featured in support, while 250 of the most talented and beautiful girls in Hollywood take part in the various choruses and dance numbers. The picture contains its full quota of comedy, drama and romance. There is a good supporting programme,'and the box plans are at the theatre. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. A different, but extremely fascinating Sylvia Sidney, free for the time of the necessity of appearing morbid, unhappy, or frustrated, may be seen in Paramount’s delicious comedy satire, “Thirtyday Princess,” which opens at the Mayfair Theatre to-morrow. As the little actress who was hired to impersonate a princess, and wound up wishing that she. were a real princess, so that she could hold the love of the handsome newspaper publisher. Miss Sydney is beautifully garbed, and refreshingly witty. Heading the supporting cast are Cary Grant, Lucici) Littlefield, and Vince Barnett. “ Murder in the Private Car,” the second film, has Charles Ruggles in the leading role, supported by Mary Carlisle. Una Merkel, Russell Hardie, Porter Hall, Willard Robertson, Berton Churchill, Cliff Shompson, and Snowflake. Most of the action takes place in a private car attached to the rear of a trans-cpntinental limited roaring through the night from Los Angeles to New York. Ruggles appears as a humorous deflector of crime , who considers it is hie especial duty to watch over the passengers, but is almost killed in carrying out this self-appointed task. The picture moves rapidly to an unexpected conclusion. .