AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22744, 3 December 1935, Page 14

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE Bright, fast-moving entertainment is provided by “ Dance Band,” the new musical production which is at. present being shown at the Empire Theatre. Charles “ Buddy ” Rogers makes his British debut as a dance band leader, in which part he is thoroughly at home, as it represents hie actual occupation since his withdrawal from American films. The, story concerns the advent >res of Buddy Morgan, famous dance band leader, who falls in love with Pat Shelley, herself the leader of a ladies’ band. She is at first inclined to repel his advances, but being a determined lover, he pursues her with a determination which is not to be ignored, and is at times too much for her sense of humour, although she resists him with a determination equal to his own. He is at last given his chance when he is able to take the place of her pianist who has met with an accident, and generously supplies her hand with a dance number which he had intended to utilise for his own. Pat is unaware of Buddy’s real identity, and when she is acquainted with the fact that he is the famous Buddy Milton, she is inclined to distrust him, seeing a sinister motive in his previous secrecy. A dance band competition is announced, and Pat’s agent plans to kidnap Buddy’s instruments in order to put him out of action and destroy his chance of winning the competition. His plans are, however, unconsciously ruined by Pat herself in an ingenious episode which causes much amusement, and the result is that Pat’s costumes and instruments are lost instead. The tangle is sorted out by Buddy himself, who, comes to the rescue at the critical moment, and the denouement is a delightful one, arranged to the satisfaction of everyone concerned. It is a really unique story, with plenty of good laughs, and there are several catchy numbers, notably one entitled “ The Valparaiso,” written by Mabel Wayne, who has won fame with such popular numbers as “ Ramona,” “ It Hapened in Monterey,” and “Little Man, You’ve Had a Busy Day.” There is a varied and interesting supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D. “THE KEEPER OF THE BEES.” The magic spell of Gene StrattonPorter’s novels has never lost its appeal, and, even though the great writer is dead, her public is just as large as ever. After giving to the world a notable collection of works she perhaps eclipses everything she had written in her last novel, “The Keeper of the Bees,” the film version of which will commence at the Empire Theatre on Friday. Although the story is simple and straight-forward in its plot and characters, there is, nevertheless, an appeal about it that holds the interest throughout. The film is said to retain all the delightful human touches of the story, whicli is refreshingly unsophisticated, and is marked by the absence of theatrical heroics. Neil Hamilton, as the wounded returned soldier, who finds romance and hope in the domain of the bee-master, gives a good interpretation of the role. Hobart Bosworth as the beemaster, Edith Fellowes as Little Scout, Emma Dunn as Margaret, and Betty Furness as Molly, are the embodiment of the characters the book conjured 1 up. ST. JAMES THEATRE Exellent variety, with comedy to the forefront, is provided in “ Bright Lights,” the principal picture at the St. James Theatre, in which that inimitable comedian, Joe E. Brown, is the featured artist. In this, his latest picture, he proves himself to be something more than a clever comedian, for he appears as a dancer, a comic singer, a mimic, an acrobat, and to some extent a dramatic player. It is bright entertainment from beginning to end, the romantic complications which exist not being allowed to pass without some element of hlmour. It is the story of a vaudeville artist who suddenly finds himself a success on Broadway, and proceeds to neglect his charming wife for an heiress who has gone on the stage to gain notoriety. The manner in which he falls into the situation and manages to extract himself gives Joe E. Brown excellent scope for the wide variety of acting of which he is capable. In “Bright Lights” he is in his element, for there are situations by the dozen in which his facial expressions, upon which he relies to a large extent for his comedy, are an asset. He shows himself to be a clever acrobat, and particularly amusing are his antics when he becomes involved in an act by the Maxellos, one of the greatest troupes of tumblers in the world. Their act alone is a revelation, and the addition of comedy situations makes it something out of the ordinary. The part of the neglected wife is played' by Ann Dvorak with much charm, and Patricia Ellis, as the heiress, gives a bright performance. There are new songs in the picture, and Joe E. Brown brings many a laugh witli his singing of “She Was An Acrobat’s Daughter.” The whole picture is a genuine comedy, into which exciting action, romance, and just a little pathos have been introduced. Other artists appearing in the cast are William Gargan and Joseph Cawthorn. There is an entertaining supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, M'Cracken and Walls’s, and the DJ.U. FINE FAMILY STORY. One of the most wholesome pictures of the year, deriving its sparkling, buoyant humour from the counterplay in a typical American home, is to be the St. James Theatre’s headline attraction next Friday. Entitled “ There’s Always Tomorrow,” it brings together two of today’s most outstanding players, who head what has been hailed as “ the year’s perfect cast.” It features Prank Morgan, polished serio-comic, who is said to have a brilliant foil in the charming Binuie Barnes, the fascinating second wife of “Private Life of Henry VIII,” playing'her first role in an American film. She is now under a long-term contract in Hollywood. Jn addition to Mr Morgan' and Miss Barnes, the cast reunites three of the memorable family of “ Seed ” Lois Wilson, Helen Parrish (a clever child actress), and Dick Winslow. Others of note in the large cast of players include Louise Latimer, of Broadway, Elizabeth Young, who won distinction with Greta Garbo in “ Queen - Christina,” Robert Taylor. Alan Hale, Maurice Murphy, and Margaret Hamilton. The story by Ursula Parrott pictures two years in the life of a typical American father of five children whose sole function seems to be that of a “ meal ticket.” The existence of the family is tranquil until a girl who understands the husbandfather re-enters his,life. Gay and hilarious in its earlier reels the filmplay is reported to roach one of the most tense situations created on the screen for some time. REGENT THEATRE The ever-popular Graeie Fields is seen in the leading role of “ Look Up and Laugh,” the bright and amusing musical comedy which is now being shown at the Regent Theatre. The screen play was written specially for her by J. B. Priestley, and racy dialogue, incongruous situations, and catchv tunes give her ample opportunity to display her many talents to the full. The market of the small town of Plumborough was threatened with being closed by the town council owing to the machinations of the owner of a large departmental store when Graeie arrived on the scene and took things in hand. She decided that, rather than submit, she and all the stallholders in the market place would defend their rights by locking themselves in, which they did. A few of them made a sortie on the afternoon that a new wing of the department store was being opened with some ceremony, locked up the prima donna who had been engaged to sing, "and dressed Graeie up to impersonate her, which she did to the riotous amusement of the whole audience—except the owner. At last, after several days of siege in the market with their gas, power, and water out off, Graeie brought the affair to a triumphant conclusion by descending on the council meeting in an autogyro and proving her point It is Graeie Fields’s abounding vitality and effervescent personality that carries the film along with such a swing. She seems to have the gift of transmitting her joy of living to other people, and this largely accounts for her immense popularity. In this film, too, she gives a very line rendering of a straight sentimental number. “Love is Everywhere.” Apart from liio humour provided by the star herself, there is an excellent comedy team composed of Douglas Wakefield. Billy Nelson, Harry Tate, and Tommy Fields, while

Robb Wilton, .as the Mayor, plays a small part with conspicuous ability and refreshing sincerity. A particularly attractive feature is an admirably presented programme of incidental music which is presented by M. Be Hose and an orchestra of 14 instrumentalists. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE Made by the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation in co-operation with the Admiralty for all naval scenes, “ Sons of the Sea ” is attracting considerable interest at the State Theatre at present. It is a spectacular and highly entertaining story of the heroism of Able Seaman Albert Brown on the Island of Resolution, showing how, single-handed, he compassed the destruction of an enemy cruiser. The stars who interpret the epic story of a young man’s superb courage include John Mills, as Brown. Barry Mackay, Betty Balfour, Percy Walsh, and a number of other featured British players. Brown is the love child of a young naval lieutenant, who, on leave, meets a charming girl, and the story tells of the mother’s strong love for her child; his training in a naval college, and his extreme bravery during his term of imprisonment on an enemy warship that sent his ship to the bottom. Brown makes his escape from the enemy boat to the Island of Resolution and by persistent sniping from a hiding-place on the island, prevents the replacing of new plates on the damaged enemy cruiser, giving sufficient time for a British boat to arrive and avenge the sinking of hie ship. That the commander of the rescuing ship is the lad’s own father is a dramatic denouement, for Brown dies of wounds and his belongings, including a keepsake watch, fall into his father’s hands. On Resolution Island a cross is all that marks the brave passing of Able Seaman Brown, but in a British commander's heart and a mother’s memory he typifies all that is beet of British manhood. The supporting programme is up to the high State Theatre standard and is likewise all-British. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s.

OCTAGON THEATRE Ralph Bellamy and Tala Birrell are featured in» the leading roles of “Air which is now showing at the Octagon Theatre. The picture concerns the bitter rivalry which exists between two large air lines which are struggling to obtain an important transcontinental air mail contract. Ralph Bellamy is seen as the owner of one company which depends for its supremacy on a special stratosphere plane in which it is intended to establish a record for the flight across the continent. His firm is opposed by a. group which will -stop at nothing in its efforts to gain control of the air and to secure the contracts. Its principal method of fighting is to discredit its opponents, and for this purpose it employs a mad scientist, -whose invention of a terrible death ray is calculated to achieve the end in view by forcing down Bellamy’s planes, with the result that the Government and the public will lose confidence in the efficiency of the company’s service. How Bellamy engages in a desperate conflict with his enemies makes an exciting story, and a romantic thread is introduced into the action, Tala Birrell appearing as the girl who wins Bellamy’s love. An interesting figure in the picture is the late'Wiley Post, who appears as a pilot of one of Bellamy’s planes, and the other minor roles are also well filled. The supporting programme includes an amusing comedy. The box plans are at the theatre, Begg’s and M'Cracken and Walls’s. ■' STRAND THEATRE Two pictures which, although, widely different in type, both afford first-class entertainment, comprise the double bill now being sci'eened at the Strand Theatre. The principal feature, “The Glass Key,” which has been adapted for the screen from the story by Dashiell Hammett, is based on an engrossing murder mystery, and deals with the doings behind the scenes of New York’s politics. The plot is logical and well connected, and through an exciting series of incidents thrill follows thrill, until the narrative is brought to a more or less satisfactory ending. A fine piece, of character acting is given by George Raft, who is cast as the righthand man of one of the men wdio controls the destinies of the city from the background. Some interesting sidelights are thrown on the methods adopted by aspirants for political honours in a big American city, and throughout the film is presented convincingly and well. Edward Arnold plays the part of the genial but despotic ward politician, and Rosalind Keith, as his daughter, makes an appealing heroine. “ People Will Talk,” the supporting feature, stare the popular comedy team Mary Boland and Charles RuggJes, who, in their own inimitable manner, make the best of the many comedy situations that arise. Leila Hyams and Dean daggers capably handle the more important of the subsidiary roles. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. GRAND THEATRE “A Passport to Fame ” is the principal attraction at the Grand Theatre at present. Edward G. Robinson is cast in the starring role of Arthur Jones, the harassed bookkeeper whose life is transformed by his resemblance to “ Killer ” Mannion. Also affected by this resemblance is Jean Arthur, who supplies the romantic interest in “A Passport to Fame.” As the inconspicuous little clerk, Robinson was afraid to “ pop the question,but he gets the necessary courage from the notoriety that clutters up his life -when the desperado escapes from prison. On this occasion Robinson proves himself a humorist of talent, for in the person of a meek little clerk he takes full advantage of the hilarious situations which are offered. On the other hand he takes the part of a notorious criminal whose resemblance to the clerk leads to many surprises. Such a story gives full scope to capable directing and equally capable acting, and in neither particular is the production lacking. Playing opposite Robinson is Jean Arthur, who is featured as a young stenographer who has been the clerk’s ideal for years: but he never dared tell her so. Heading the supports is “ Heat Wave,” featuring Cyril Maude. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. /

MAYFAIR THEATRE Clark Gable and Constance Bennett make a delightful pair in “After Office Hours,” the film which heads the current programme at the Mayfair Theatre. These two accomplished and deservedly popular players give the performances filmgoers have learned to expect from themi While they are perhaps at their best in the comedy scenes, in which the production abounds, they interpret the more dramatic monieuts with a practised restraint, and the romantic interest is strong and not overdone. Set against the colourful background of a New York daily newspaper, the story deals with the efforts of a news editor (Clark Gable) to solve the mystery of a murder, conceived with ingenuity by a plausible “ man-about-town.” It detracts nothing from the intense interest of the film that the audience sees the commission of the crime, and although the newspaper man almost loses his job and wrecks his romance by the prosecution of his inquiries, there is a delightful ending, satisfactory to all concerned, except, of course, the guilty party. In the supporting picture, “ You’re Telling Mo,” W. F. Fields is featured in an enjoyable comedy, and ho has the support of a competent cast. The box plans arc at the D.I.C. “ DEVIL DOGS OF THE AIR” “Devil Dogs of the Air,” a romance of the flying marines, is scheduled as the feature attraction at the Mayfair Theatre to-morrow. The picture again brings together the inimitable trio who appeared in “ Here Comes the Navy,” James Cagney, Pat O’Brien, and Frank M'Hugh. Margaret Lindsay has the leading feminine role. There are claimed to lie any number of dare-devil flying stunts, with planes crashing and men leaping from their blazing ships in parachutes. Spectacular manoeuvres of the Marine Corps, with the U.S.S. Macon, as well as scores of aeroplanes in battle formation and a dozen warships participating, are said to add to the many thrills in the picture. James Cagney has the role of a fresh, conceited “ kid ” who is a natural born "flyer, but who does not know what the word discipline means. Jimmy pets himself in bad odour from the time he starts by flying over a corps during manoeuvres, and makes it worse by slapping an officer from his home town on the back. He is a boaster, makes love to his friend’s best girl, and is a general nuisance until one day there is n thrilling accident which is said to bring a smashing climax to the story and opens the young recruit’s eyes

to what tho service means. Pstf O’Brien has the role of a hard-boiled devil dog officer who befriends Jimmy and then becomes disgusted with his swaggering egotism. Margaret Lindsay is the girl for whose love Cagney and O’Briesn fight a bittter battle, while Frank M'Hngh has a droll comedy role as an .-smbulance driver with John Arlcdge as his assistant and chum.