AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22632, 25 July 1935, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE "Living On Velvet," an attractive romantic drama, will be screened finally at the Empire Theatre to-day. The production is one which should exercise a wide appeal, not only for its unusual development of the "eternal triangle" theme, but also for its strong cast of players, headed by Kay Francis, George Brent, and Warren William. The elaborate gowning of the leading lady should also have an appeal for feminine patrons. The story tells of a young man (George Brent), who, as the result of a tragic accident, feels that life is empty. He meets and falls in love with the fiancee (Kay Francis) of his best friend (Warren William). The attraction is mutual, and William unselfishly does all he can to help the two. In spite of the new happiness, Brent falls back into his old restlessness, and his wife, feeling she has failed him, leaves him. The story nseß to a moving climax in which the shackles of the past are finally broken. All three players give characterisations which are worthy of their reputations. The supporting programme contains a variety of interesting short films. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "WINGS IN THE DARK." Cast in the role of a daredevil aviatrix who risks life and limb for the sake of the man she loves, My ma Loy heads the cast of Paramouut's "Wings in the Dark, which will come to-morrow to the Empire Theatre. Cary Grant is coupled with Miss Loy in the romantic lead of the picture as an airman'who is a scientist and adventurer. His life is devoted to making flight safe through the perfection of instruments for blind flying. On the eve of the transatlantic flight which will prove the complete success of his experiments, he is blinded by an accident. Despairing of ever recovering his sight aiTd disdaining charity, he retires to a cabin in the woods to brood. But Miss Loy, who loves him, persuades him to return to his work, and even furnishes money which he believes is coming from a series of articles on aviation which he is publishing. Just as his experiments are nearing, completion the airplane is recovered by the company from whom he bought it. Then Miss Loy, in a final desperate effort to help him, undertakes a flight from Moscow to New York for an enormous purse. In a final, gripping climax, Cary Grant goes aloft to bring Miss Loy down when she is fog-bound above the lauding field at the end of the flight. An accident restores his sight, and the two lovers are happily united. Directed by James Flood, " Wings in the Dark" features Roscoe Karns, Hobart Cavanaugh, and Dean Jagger in the supporting roles. ST. JAMES THEATRE

" Naughty Marietta," the film version of Victor Herbert's operetta, continues to attract considerable attention at the St. James Theatre. The lovely soprano voice of beautiful Jeanette MacDonald has never been heard to better advantage, while Nelson Eddy, new to films, but already famous on the concert stage and in grand opera, is an instant success, demonstrating the range and power of a great baritone. Together they sing their delightful way through the lilting Herbert score, which has been preserved in its entirety by the director, W. S. van Dyke. Two of the most beautiful voices ever recorded in a studio, stirring music, a romantic story, an astounding range of settings, some thrilling scenes, neat comedy, an excellent cast, and fine direction combine to present screen operetta at its best. Many popular songs are included in the score, of which the moving "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life" is typical. The comedy is in the capable hands of Frank Morgan and Elsa Lanchester. The supporting programme is a strong one. The box plane are at the theatre, the D.1.C,. M'Cracken and Walls's, and Jacobs's. "FORSAKING ALL, OTHERS." Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's much-talked-about filmisation of the Tallulah Bankhead stage hit "Forsaking All Others, starring Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, arid Robert Montgomery in one picture, is the special film attraction for the St. James Theatre for its season commencing to-morrow. From all reports there is a surprise in store for thousands, of film enthusiasts, for Joan Crowfard in her latest vehicle is said to have been assigned a role which presents a decided departure from her usual characterisations. Cast as a young social girl who leads in a mad whirl of gay living, Miss Crawford has been given the chance to do a comedy characterisation for which her legion of admirers have long waited. Gable playa the role of a man who returns from a distant part of the world to marry Joan, only to find that she is about to face the altar with another. To Montgomery, the rival, falls the kind of part he plays to the hilt. With a star in each corner of the romantic triangle, the plot is based largely on situations arising from the competitive tactics of the two men who are trying to win the love of the same girl. A brilliant cast supports this trio, including Billie Burke, Charles Butterworth, Frances Drake, Rosalind Russell, Tom Ricketts, Arthur Treacher, and Greta Meyer. REGENT THEATRE In "Kid Millions," which is at present being screened at the Regent Theatre, Eddie Cantor, the inimitable Jewish comedian, is seen at his best, and the picture for all-round entertainment value would be difficult to surpass. There is, of course, the usual fantastic plot—if there were not the picture would lose much of its appeal. Cantor plays the part of a boy who achieves fame. He is the heir to treasure buried in Egypt, and with Egypt as a setting it can be well imagined that full use is made of the possibilities the land of the Pharaohs opens up for him. As any audience would expect • of him, he finds the treasure, and then files back to New York, where his generosity finds expression in the establishment of an ice-cream factory, and, like the answer to a small boy's dream, the dispersing of its goods free to all. The final is in technicolour, and it is as lavish and as beautiful a piece of work as Samuel Goldwyn, famed for the magnificence of his screen presentations, has ever produced. Eddie Cantor is supported by Ann Sothern. Ethel Merman. Block and Sully, and the beautiful "Goldwyn girls," who provide an animated and attractive background for many of the scenes. In an excellent supporting programme there iB another of Walt Disney's popular Silly Symphonies, depicting in technicolour the fabled story of the Tortoise and the Hare. The box plans arc at the theatre and the D.I.C. "SWEET MUSIC." Nino catchy songs will,be heard m " Sweet Music," Warner * Bros/ latest musical spectacle which will come to the Regent Theatre to-morrow with Rudy Vallee in the stellar role. They are sung by Vallee, famous radio crooner, Ann Dvorak and Helen Morgan, also a noted singer. The songs were written by three teams of song-writers, the theme song, " Sweet _ Music," by Harry Warren and Al Dubin. This is sung by Vallee, who sings seven times altogether, four songs by himself and three with Ann Dvorak and ensemble. Besides '" Sweet Music." Vallee sings "Every Day," "There's a Diff'rent You.'' and "Good Green Acres" by himself. The last three were written by Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal. Other songs which he sings with Ann Dvorak iniclude " Svenson Theme Song," by Fain and Kahal; " Fare Thee Well, Annabelle," and " Sweet Flossie Farmer," by Mort Dixon and Allie Wrubel. Helen Morgan sings '" Winter Overnight," by Fain and Kahal, and " I See Two Lovers," by Dixon and Wrubel. The picture is a stirring musical romance with strong drama and

hilarious comedy. Vallee is supported by a large and talented cast, which includes, besides Miss Dvorak and Miss Morgan, Ned Sparks, Robert Armstrong, Allen Jenkins, Alice White, Joseph Cawthorn, Al Shean, Phillip Reed, and Russell Hicks.

STATE THEATRE Now at the end of a successful extended season at the State Theatre "Brewster's Millions," Jack Buchanan's latest comedy, is delightful entertainment. It is a whirlwind of rhythm and fun, and flawlees recording, magnificent staging and excellent photography make it a real delight. Buchanan, of course, is the soul of the piece but he is given able support by Lili Damita. Nancy O'Neill, Allan Aynesworth, and many others. The dialogue is witty, and the music has a charm all of its own. The part of Jack Brewster is admirably suited to the star, io see him unexpectedly embrace an outsized fish, or clap a fool'on the bacls with delight r because he sees a chance of losing money, or not quite propose to a girl because that would lose him his fortune, is to understand how it is that he takes an audience with him. The supports are excellent films. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. " ©IRTY WORK." A highly amusing and polished farce, abounding in the delightful witticisms of Ben Travers, is "Dirty Work,' which will be screened at the State Theatre tomorrow. The film was directed by Tom Walls, who has often appeared in similar farces himself. Most of the comedy is provided by the amiable inanity of Ralph Lynn, the church-wardenly propriety of Robertson Hare, and the Cockney shrewdness of Gordon Harker. Perhaps the most amusing scene occurs when Lynn and Harker shave off Hare's cherished moustache and compel this pillar of suburban respectability to rob his employers" safe. The story shows Lynn as a shopwalker in a jeweller's shop, who is persuaded by a criminal who poses as a detective that the simplest way to catch thieves redhanded is to do their work for them. Another hilarious scene occurs when Lynn, as a monocled policeman, and Hare, as a genteel burglar, get mixed up witn a band of criminals. The leading feminine role is taken by Lilian Bond. For those who favour witty and sophisticated dialogue the;film should prove excellent entertainment. There will be a wide variety of interesting short pictures. OCTAGON THEATRE Simple in theme, charmingly and carrying a message for all, " Lest We Forget" is the current feature at the Octagon Theatre. Four men—an Englishman, Irishman, Scotsman, and Welshman —are lost in a shell hole in "No Mans Land" on Empire Day, 1018. They decide to make individual bids to reach their own lines, but before doing so agree that they will, if possible, meet at the residence of Captain Rayner (Stewart Rome) on Empire Day. 1934. The scene then shifts to the day in question, where Captain Rayner awaits his guests. Mow the years have dealt with the men and how thev keep their pact form the background for a simple but powerful story. Stewart Rome is ideally cast as the linglien captain. He makes the perfect host and gentleman, loving his fellows and ever ready to forgive any little weakness. George Carney as 'Jock.' the Scotsman, and Roddy Hughes, as latty, the Welshman, supply much ot tbe humour. Several excellent short pictures are also shown. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's.

DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. Depicting the search of a lovely young girl for happiness, " Sisters Under the Skin" featuring Elissa Landi, will be presented at the Octagon Theatre to-morrow. Based pn an origina story " Sisters Under the Skin moves swiftly from Park avenue mansions to bare Parisian garrets,, from great industrial centres to theatres and concert halls, from shabby hall-bedrooms to luxury-laden boudoirs. Co-featured with Miss Landi are Frank Morgan and Joseph Schildkraut. Morgan, who ranks with Lionel Barrymore, Walter Connolly, and Wallace Beery as one of the great character actors of the screen, enacts the role of the multi-millionaire industrial magnate who wearies of his tremendous responsibilities and seeks to recapture glamour and romance of youth. Miss Landi is the epitome of his dream. Schildkraut returns to the screen after an absence of nearly four years as the brilliant young composer who believes the world well lost for love. In the supporting feature, " Shadows of Sing Sing," the " perfect" crime is attempted—except that it is not entirely perfect—and the slip the criminal made leads to the gallows. The cast is headed by Mary

Brian, Bruce Cabot, and Harry Woods. Mary is the sister of the gangster, Rossi, played by Woods. Cabot, son of the chief of police identification bureau, falls in love with Mary, but Bossi breaks up the wedding. Cabot goes to the gangster's office,and finds him dead. Cabot's own smoking pistol is on the floor-Hind the identification bureau finds his prints upon the weapon. However, in a sensational and startling denouement, Cabot is cleared of the crime and the real perpetrator is apprehended. STRAND THEATRE

"You Said a Mouthful," the entertaining comedy featuring Joe E. Brown, will have its final screening at the Strand Theatre to-night. Brown is cast as a poor shipping clerk who goes to Catalina in search of employment, and there finds himself committed to a long-distance swimming race, despite his lack of prowess in the water. Hound this theme has been built a series of laughable incidents, which keep the audience in the best of humours. Although Brown has the lion's share of acting honours he has the assistance of a capable cast, "whose ■ performances provide a suitable background for the star's peculiar type of comedy. The other picture on the programme is entitled "A Night at the Ritz," in which the leading roles are taken by William Gargan and Patricia Ellis. This story is also of a light nature, and "has to do with the dilemma of a newly-inducted director of cuisine at an expensive hotel, whose knowledge of cooking is decidedly slender. The programme also includes a newsreel. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. VARIED ENTERTAINMENT. Paramount's two great comedians, W. C. Fields and Baby Leßoy, are teamed together again in one of those rare comedy pictures for which they are noted. This "time it is "The Old-Fashioned Way," which will open at the Strand Theatre to-morrow. Presenting Fields as "the Great M'Gonigle," a sort of barnyard Barrymore, who leads his_ impoverished troupe from village to village with irate sheriffs in hot pursuit, the picture uses old-fashioned melodrama and unusually amusing situations to secure several of its best comedy moments. In the picture Fields introduces to screen lovers for the first time the famous juggling act that made him a Ziegfeld star. In response to the universal acclaim that greeted their first appearance together in "Bolero," George Raft and Carole Lombard are again co-starred in a picture based on a dance theme. It is Paramount's " Rumba," which will be shown in support of "The Old-Fashioned Way." and which is a love story centred around the popular Rumba dance and rhythms, the national favourites of Cuba for 300 years. GRAND THEATRE Beverley Nichols created a sensation when he wrote " Evensong," said to be founded on the life of Melba, and the book was banned in Australia. Produced as a talking picture in England, it was also banned in Australia, but, while this •will undoubtedly draw a curious few this week to the Grand Theatre, where the picture opened yesterday, this attraction will be as nothing compared with the real merit of- the picture. An excellent story, dramatic, romantic, and with real-life pathos, is surrounded by thq delightful s.inajng of the principal members of the cast, and the whole is set off with skilfully lavish production at the hands of Victor Saville. The story tells of the romantic rise and culmination of the career of a girl gifted with a supremely beautiful voice. As Maggie O'Neil, a young Irish colleen, she goes to Paris with a self-centred young musician whom she admires. His interest in his music is greater than in the girl, however, but in the meantime her wonderful voice has attracted the attention of Kober, an impresario, and he sets himself to of moulding her for a career as a singer. Thinking only of her voice, he persuades her to give up love, pleasure, and all that life can mean, for the cultivation of her gift. At the height of her careei\ and at the very time of being crowned Queen of Song, she falls in love with an archduke. But the war intervenes, and she again devotes herself to her singing. The years roll on and take their inevitable toll, and the pathos of the closing scenes is brought to a dramatic finale. Evelyn Laye, in the starring role, has a difficult part to interpret, but is in no sense found uantincr. while her lovely voice is given full scope. Conchita Supervia, as her ultimate rival, discloses t a fine soprano voice, and Browning Mummery contributes effective " tenor solos. The other main supporting roles are capably filled by Fritz Kortner, as the faithful manager, Carl Esmond, as the unfortunate archduke, Emlyn Williams aa the egotistical young

musician, Muriel Aked as the star's maid, and Alice Delysia as a French music, mistrees. The production is but another example of the remarkable advancement made by the British studios, so long in asserting themselves, and the statement that it is one of the finest pictures produced there is no idle boast. The other picture on this double-feature programme is " Mystery Woman," an unusual and truly interesting drama of the efforts of a wife to repatriate the husband she loves. Degraded and sentenced to Devil's Island for life, thefuture would seem to hold nothing but despairing memories, but Marguerite is determined to leave no stone unturned. To recover the fateful paper 1 she embarks on a trans-Atlantic liner with the man who has it in his possession. There she finds she is not the only one seeking the document, and her task ie at once complicated, and, by a lucky chance, simplified. A life of intrigue is not without its dangers, but she is prepared to sacrifice all to gain her end. The cast is headed by the Australian, Mona Barrie, ably supported by Gilbert Roland, John Halliday, Rod la Rocque, who returns to the screen after an absence of three years, William Faversham, Miacha Auer, and Billy Bevan. The box plans! will b« found at the theatre and at Begg's. MAYFAIR. THEATRE Charlie Chan, portrayed by Warner Oland, solves another mystery in the Fox picture, " Charlie Chan's Courage," which is now being screened at the Mayfair Theatre. Who threw the deadly knife that killed a faithful Chinese servant? Why did a pet parrot scream, "Help! Murder! " Who killed the bird, silencing that scream for ever? Who had been murdered at a milionaire's lonely desert mansion . . . and where was the body? These are the questions bristling forth from the story by Earl Derr •Biggers that have to be solved by the emtrmatic Oriental detective created on the screen by Warner Oland. It is one of his most baffling mysteries. In current literature Chan has supplanted Sherlock Holmes and even Philo Vance, and on the screen Warner Oland has become definitely identified as Charlie Chan. The leading feminine role is taken by Drue Layton, who makes her debut in a leading motion picture role in Charlie Chan's Courage." Donald Woods has the juvenile lead opposite her. "Charlie Chan's Courage" is based on Biggers's novel, "The Chinese Parrot," and was prepared for the screen by Seton h. Miller* The box plans are at the D.I.C. and the theatre.