AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22709, 23 October 1935, Page 17

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE Claude Rains, Douglas Montgomery, Heather Angel, and David Manners handle the principal roles in " The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which heads the current programme at the Empire Theatre. The story is that of John Jasper, psalm-sing-ing choirmaster in an English village cathedral, who, unknown to his church friends, is a victim of the opium habit. He' has a nephew, Edwin Drood, who is engaged to marry the beautiful young Rosa Bud. Jasper is madly in love with the girl, but he also has a tremendous love for his nephew, and is undergoing a terrible mental struggle as a result. Into the story conies another young man, Neville Landless, who falls in love with Rosa at first sight. Neville is a very hot-headed fellow and almost immediately upon meeting Edwin gets into a violent argument with him, draws a knife, and threatens to kill him. And then young Edwin disappears. It is then discovered that Neville has also left, the village. Jasper and many of the citizens cry for vengeance and demand the arrest of Neville as the murderer. Neville is caught, and explains he only left on a walking trip and has .not seen Edwin since the previous evening when he and Edwin spent the evening with Jasper. The body of Edwin cannot be located, but some of his clothing and jewellery is found in the river. About this time a mysterious old chap named' J)atchery arrives in the village. And it is here that the 6tory was left when the author died. It was a problem as to whether Drood was dead, kidnapped, or had gone away of his own accord. The answer has been cleverly worked out by four authors iu the scenario. There is an excellent supporting programme, and the box plans are at the theatre and the D.1.C.. " OIL FOR LAMPS OP CHINA." " Oil for the Lamps of China," the latest Cosmopolitan production released by First National Pictures, which will be piesented at the Empire Theatre on Friday, is heralded as both a most powerful drama and a stirring human document. The novel by Alice Tisdale Hobart, upon which the picture is based, and which was a best seller, is a most colourful delineation of the life of American pioneers in China, who fought flood, fire and famine, as well as pestilence and banditry, to carry on for the American firms whose business they carried. Mrs Hobart spent years in China, as the wife ot an American business man, and got her information first hand. She spent many years in collecting her data and five years in writing her vivid story. The scenes for the most part are laid in the Orient, including the snow-swept plains of Manchuria, Peking, Shanghai, and the torrid interior. The picture was more than a year in the making, for atmospheric shots were taken in Manchuria, a year before a camera crank was turned at the studio. Director Mervyn Leßoy spent several mouths in the Orient, studying China and Chinese customs, before beginning work. A replica of a Chinese village was erected on the Warner Bros; lot, where hundreds of Chinese from Los Angeles and San Francisco collected in picturesque streets and houses. Pat O'Brien has the leading role, that of an American fired with enthusiasm to make good with his company, a great oil concern, and to bring light to China by the way of lamps and oil. Josephine Hutchinson portrays the girl Pat marries and who, in the end, saves him from being east aside by the company in whose service he had spent a life-time of work. Jean Muir and John Eldredge play the roles of friends of Pat and Miss Hutchinson, who, failing to understand Chinese methods, are broken on the wheel of adversity. Lyle Talbot also is broken by the life. Arthur Byron has the role of No. 1 Boss, who ends his life when ordered to a minor position. Donald Crisp is one of the officials who dies in a swamp. Henry O'Neill is the new boss. ST. JAMES THEATRE Bright entertainment is offered by the film "Biography of a Bachelor Girl," which is at present being screened at the St. James Theatre. Ann Harding, Robert Montgomery, Edward Everett Horton, Edward Arnold and Una Merkel all figure prominently in the cast, and their appearance in the one picture will give theatregoers some idea of the excellence of the acting. Both Miss Harding and Montgomery appear in roles that are very, different from their usual characterisations. The plot is concerned with an attempt of Richard Kurt (Robert Montgomery) to prevail on Marion Forsythe (Ann Harding) a girl of wide experience, to publish her biography. Kurt is stern and dogmatic. He has no feeling for the scandal which will possibly attach to the name of many as the result of the revelations of the biography. That Nolan (Horton), now a candidate for the Senate, is involved, means nothing to him. He does all possible to secure quiet for the writer of the biography, but while the composition is proceeding they find themselves in love with each other. A fundamental conflict is then revealed —that between Kurt's intolerance, his inability to see anv side but the bad, and the greater understanding and wider love of mankind of the experienced woman. After much delightfully entertaining action, a happy ending is brought about. The supporting programme is an outstanding one, and forms excellent entertainment in itself. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., M'Cracken and Walls's and Jacobs's. "THE CASINO MURDER CASE." Mystery films have provided one of the most popular forms of screen entertainment, and an outstanding example of this type of film, " The Casino Murder Case," will be shown for a season at the St. James Theatre, commencing on Friday. This picture is claimed to be the only rival to a film which has become a classic among mystery productions. " The Thin Man" and was written by one of America's foremost authors of detective fiction, S. S. Van Dine. Following ths popular taste in these films, the producer has skilfully blended into the thrilling story a great deal of excellent humour, with the pleasing result that laughs follow thrills in quick succession, but in such a way as to accentuate the dramatic effect rather than to cause the slightest suspicion of anti-climax. There is a very satisfying romantic interest. The mystery is calculated to baffle the sharpest audiences, and provides some very exciting incidents. Paul Lukas, Alison Skipworth, and Louise Fazenda have the principal roles, and there is a strong supporting cast. A brilliant associate programme will also be shown. REGENT THEATRE Although in the second week of its Dunediu season, " The Scarlet Pimpernel," the powerful screen version of Baroness Orczy's famous srory, continues to prove a popular attraction at the Regent Theatre. A well-knit sequence has been assembled from the romantic and dramatic story and it is impossible to imagine better acting than Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, Raymond Massey, and Anthony Bushell give the audience. The settings, the period backgrounds, and the costumes are lavish and authentic, and above all, there is a wealth of. amusing dialogue, fortunately in the diction of cultured English actors and actresses. As the foppish Sir Percy Blakeney who assumes innumerable guises as the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine, Leslie Howard is superb. Nothing could be better than the interpretation of this difficult dual role. Both in England and America he has shown his ability to give character studies of the first order. But here he has been given his first veal opportunity to show his wide and subtle ability. Merle Oberon, always an attraction in any film, gives admirable support to Leslie Howard in the role of Lady Blakeney. On the programme is shown a colour symphony by Walt Disney, dealing with the old- Greek legend of Proserpine in a very pleaaunt interpretation. Thi box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "THE SCOUNDREL." Paramount's latest release, " The Scoundrel," is a brilliant and extraordinary film drama, a fact which should be no cause for astonishment when it is considered that it is the product of the combined efforts of three of the most original and talented figures in the field of drama to-day. Written, directed and produced !iy Ben Hecht and Charles Mac Arthur, a partnership without a peer in the film industry, the picture stars Noel Coward, that most versatile genius of the stage, in his first film effort. " The Scoundrel " fulfils a promise that motion pictures have

long failed to satisfy. It is sharp, astringent, clear in its intentions, superlatively handled in execution, and is said to be the most remarkable entertainment the screen hag offered. Ilecht and MacArthur have selected the striking personalities of New York's smart literary set for their barbed characterisations in this film, and blend humour, satire and grippine drama with skill and mastery. Coward, in the role of Anthony Mallare, is the leading personality of this society of unprincipled parasites, fie is a man of great charm to women, but one incapable of a lasting attachment. When Julie Haydon as Cora Moore joins the group. Coward is drawn to her by her freshness, honesty and ingenuousness. But even she is incapable of holding his love. Finally, to escape her importunities, he takes passage in an aeroplane. The aeroplane is reported wrecked and Coward killed. While his erstwhile friends are discussing his demise, Coward- suddenly reappears on the scene. Ho has returned to atone to Julie Haydon. From this point to the climax, when Coward reveals his grim and terrible secret, the picture moves with vivid intensity and force. Coward, in his first appearance before the cameras, is amazingly effective and gives promise cf a screen career equal to his extraordinary achievements on the stage. Julie Haydon brings sensitive beauty and intelligence to the interpretation of the chief feminine role. Hecht and MacArthur have endowed the picture with a fine cast, which includes Hope Williams, Stanley Ridges, Martha Aleeper, Rosita Mareno and Lionel Stander. The box plans are now open at the D.I.C. and the theatre. STATE THEATRE A gay and colourful musical romance, " Roberta," which continues to attract considerable attention at the State Theatre, where it is being screened this week, has Irene Dunne, Ginger Rogers, and Fred Astaire in the leading roles. Featuring'the singing of Miss Dunne, the dancing and singing of Astaire and Miss Rogers, and a brilliant display of feminine fashions by a regiment of beautiful manikins, the production offers a sparkling entertainment. Melody and dance numbers and lavish fashion displays are woven logically into a fast-moving, thoroughly plausible story which combines tender romance with gay comedy. Love interest centres about Miss Dunne and Randolph Scott, although there is more than a suggestion of romance in the battle of wits between Astaire and Miss Rogers and their teaming of dance wizardry. The story revolves about the comedy-rich situation of an American falling heir to a fashionable Paris gown shop. The hero and his band leader pal set the world of fashion agog, the hearts of the mademoiselles a-twitter, and the feet of the Parisians aflame during the course of their hectic adventures. Jerome Kern wrote the music for the screen production. In addition to the original songs, among them " Smoke Gets in Your Eyes/' from the stage show, new Kern songs written especially for the film are presented. The cast includes Helen West--ley, Victor Varconi. Claire Dodd, Ferdinand Munier, and Adrian Rosley. The supporting programme includes a beautiful coloured featurette, "Japanese Lanterns." The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. OCTAGON THEATRE The numerous admirers of Grace Moore, who scored such notable successes in her recent films, " One Night of Love" And " Love Me Forever," will welcome her return to Dunedin in "A Lady's Morals," which is at present being shown at the Octagon Theatre. The film tells the somewhat tragic story of the great soprano—" the Swedish Nightingale " from the time of her great triumphs until the moment when her voice fails, and she can sing no more. The most outstanding feature of the film is a scene from " Norma," when Grace Moore, as Norma, the Druidess, sings to a crowded audience. With her retinue of priestesses, the soprano is heard to great effect as she cuts the sacred mistletoe, and calls on the Goddess of the Moon to give peace to the Romans. A superb performance is also given by Reginald Denny in the part of Paul Brandt, the blind musician, who is seen at first as an arrogant composer confident of winning the heart of even the great Jenny Lind. Later, his attitude changes, and he forsakes his hopes in order that he may not be a burden on the woman he loves. Wallace Beery appears in the film as the great Barnum, and gives a notable characterisation. Gus Sly is convincing as Olaf. the friend and partner of Brandt in the days of his affliction. The film provides very fine entertainment, and the singing, of course, is particularly good. A bright supporting programme, including a Thelma ToddPatsy Kelly comedy, precedes the main picture. The box plans will be found at the theatre, Begg's, and M'Cracken and Walls's. " THE HOUSE OF ROTHSCHILD." The sudden revival of interest in historic characters, whose colourful personalities have left a lasting impression on the world's events, is directly traceable to the international success that attended the recent release of two British pictures —" Henry VIII " and " Catherine the Great." Tho3e who have but a hearsay knowledge of the way Hollywood does things might have guessed what would happen. Having made up their minds to concentrate on historic pictures, nothing less than a production of gigantic panoramic scope—a film of truly epic quality —would satisfy the American producers. It remained for the youngest producing company in the business—2oth Century Pictures, organised but one year ago—to capture the honours in complete, clearcut fashion with a production that is now being hailed as " the finest film yet to come out of Hollywood." " The House of Rothschild ' is its name, and in it that distinguished actor, George Arliss, registers his greatest triumph. A fortune went into its production. From the viewpoint of sheer entertainment and dramatic interest, it stands out as a great achievement. This striking production wiTl be presented at the Octagon Theatre for a return season commencing on Friday. STRAND THEATRE Heading the attractive double oill which is being shown at the Strand Theatre this wsek is " She Loves a Uniform," a bright and fast-moving production featuring Patricia Ellis and Larry Crabbe in the leading roles. The story deals with a beautiful young heiress whose passionate admiration for anyone wearing a uniform leads her into all manner of bizarre adventures Despite the strict oversight of her purse-proud father, and the devoted attention of her somewhat complacent fiance, she manages to form an attachment for a uniformed gigolo, and follows him to New York. Her latest fancy, however, is on the point of leaving on a journey, and he puts her in the care of four gangster friends. Her efforts to refine this tough quartet and turn them into what she imagines they should be provides gome uproarious comedy. How she eventually comes to her senses and marries according to her father's wishes brings the story to a satisfactory climax. The second feature, " Stolen Harmony," is an entertaining medley of comedy, song and drama, with George Raft in the leading role. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. "It Happened in New York" and " Front Page Woman" will constitute the new double-feature programme which will be presented at the Strand Theatre on Friday. The best in light entertainment is offered in " It Happened in New York," a fast-moving, romantic comedy. The story, which blossoms out on original lines, is smartly planned, and its 'bright satire is clearly interpreted by an attractive cast headed by Gertrude Michael, Lyle Talbot, and Heather Angel. Fun, excitement, and romance are expertly blended in a story which touches on the " etffrnal triangle " theme, and then races skilfully away. Lyle Talbot has the role of a taxinian who is forced to choose between a glamorous movie star and a shop girl, However, while he is making up his mind, there is plenty of time tor smart repartee and exciting situations to develop. Painstaking direction is apparent throughout, and much of the charm of a good film lies in the way the sequences are varied. Comedy predominates, however, and the lighter side is introduced at the most unexpected moments. " Front Page Woman "is a thrilling drama of newspaper life in a great, city.

GRAND THEATRE Entertainment of an unusually high standard and spectacle of exceptional beauty are promised by the sophisticated romance, "Under the Pampas Moon, which will commence a season at the Grand Theatre to-day. In the leading role the popular actor Warner Baxter has what has been freely described abroad as the finest part of his career. The film is set in the romantic Argentine and deans with the love affairs of a character ot the Don Juan type, and although it is presented against a gay background, there is a serious undercurrent which should make wide appeal. In the mam feminine role appears the fascinating 1< rencn actress. Ketti Gallian, who scored great success'in "Marie Galante," and a strong supporting cast is headed by John MHjan. An outstanding feature of this film is said to be the artistry shown by veloz and Yolanda in their exhibitions (< of the latest dance success, the " Cobra Tango." The action of the story is fast throughout and moves from tense ■drama to hilarity with smooth precision. The photograph also is said to be parti-, cularly good and the colourful atmosphere of Argentina is noticeable throughout. MAYFAIR THEATRE Nearly three months of production, following months of preparation and .research; great symphony orchestras with musicians hand-picked from all parts ot the country; some of the biggest sets ever built for a talking picture; hundreds of gorgeous costumes and elaborate ballet numbers, are among the massive details that went into the filming of the world s most popular musical romance, Ihc Merry Widow," Ernst Lubitsch's spectacular production which will be shown at the Mayfair Theatre to-morrow. Its filming was regarded in Hollywood as one of' the hnghest production tasks since the inception of talking pictures. Its hundreds of people, its amazing locales, the musical and ballet ensembles, the marvellous special recording, all serve as a glamorour Continental background for the love story of Danilo and Sonia. The reunion of Ernst Lubitsch, Maurice Chevalier, and Jeanette MacDonald under the production banner of Irving G. Thalberg has been well received by screen patrons, and the whole picture presents delightful entertainment.