AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22807, 17 February 1936, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre” has been translated to the screen in a film o£ first quality which is now to be seen at the St. James Theatre. Such pictures are rare and should not be missed when ■ they do happen along. “Jane Eyre” is 1 a typically Victorian book. With the scene laid in one of “ the stately homes of England,” it gives an admirable picture of English country life of the period. There is something very characteristic, too, in the presence of a mad woman, kept under guard in the west wing, and periodically frightening the house with her screams. All this makes excellent material for a novel, and, better still, for a film. The plot of “ Jane Eyre,” hinging on the position of this demented woman, Rochester’s wife, who causes the breach between him and the heroine, makes excellent use of this highly dramatic figure. His great difficulty in securing a divorce, or rather in having the marriage “ annulled ” by a “ legal document,” adds a further interest to the story which would be impossible under modern conditions. There is an excellent collection of characters, and they are in the hands of very capable actors in the film. Jane Eyre herself is played by Virginia Bruce, who is most attractive and fills the part in a way that leaves nothing to be desired. Colin Clive makes a very fine Rochester, and Beryl Mercer, always popular, is a most convincing Mrs Fairfax. The little girl who takes the part of Adele must not be forgotten. One of the most pleasing things in the picture is the way in which she falls head first into the large porcelain vase. The minor characters are very well acted indeed. So, too, are the scenes with Jane Eyre as a child, especially those at the orphanage. There is ah excellent supporting programme, and the box plans will be found at the theatre, at Jacobs’s, at the D.1.C., and at M'Cracken and Walls’s. OCTAGON THEATRE There is something very fascinating about the English actress Jessie Matthews which instantly makes her films successes with the public, and her latest production, “ Evergreen,” which heads the current programme at the Octagon Theatre, is no exception. The actress is at her best in a clever story of a girl who masquerades as her mother, a former stage favourite of Edwardian days. Miss Mathews sings delightfully, dances gracefully and provides gay comedy, all in a manner that is as entertaining ag it is distinctive. The scenes on the stage of 30 y(fars ago are charmingly done, the old songs being presented delightfully by Miss Matthews. As the story advances the songs assume modern styles, and the numbers on and off the stage are tuneful and gay. Sonnie Hale is responsible for a large portion of the comedy, and others in the cast are Betty Balfour and Barry Mackay. The second film, “Phantom Light,” is an exciting mystery film, in which Gordon Barker. and Binnie Hale are admirably cast. The programme provides entertainment of a diversified nature that cannot fail to appeal to alltypes of audiences. The box plans will be found at Begg’s, M'Crackeu and Walls’s, and the theatre. GRAND THEATRE H. Rider Haggard’s well-known story “She” isHhe principal attraction at the Grand Theatre this week. Helen Ganaghan has the title role, which she presents with restraint and artistry, and the role of the scientist, Holly, is excellently presented by Nigel Bruce. Randolph Scott appears as Leo Vincey, and Helen Mack makes a decided success of the part of Tanya.. The story tells how Leo Vincey, impressed by the story of his dying uncle, sets off for an unknown land which his ancestors are supposed to have visited five centuries ago. With a man named Dugmore and Tanya, they penetrate to the land of Kor, where they seek for the flame that gives eternal life—the flame which yearly rejuvenates “ She ” —but on this occasion, for some reason, the flame does not work as usual, and “ She,” who has grown no older for the past 500 years, withers and dies. One scene in particular deserves special mention. It is that in which “ She ” enters the flame. As she raises her arms, the flame shoots up then dyes away, and when it is gone she appears to have grown older. Again she raises her arms and again the flame envelopes her, but its effect is only to produce wrinkles and sunken cheeks. Again the process goes on, and finally the woman emerges an ancient hag. The photography and make-up in this portion of the fllm are outstanding. The main picture is supported by “ Spring Tonic,” in which Zasu Pitts, Claire Trevor and Lew Ayres are featured. It is an hilarious comedy which should meet with universal approval. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. EMPIRE THEATRE What a brilliant east of popular principal players can accomplish with a delightfully polished story, full of bright witticisms, is demonstrated in “No More Ladies,” which is now showing at the Empire Theatre. A sprightly, sophisticated and often very humorous story of a philanderer’s marriage and ultimate reformation is told by a cast headed by Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, and Franc-hot Tone. From the very start the artists assume a carefree holiday mood and frolic their way through a production which i s all too short. Judging by the verve and energy of the players one would almost be safe in saying that they enjoyed the film as much as the audience. Sti'ongly resembling “ Forsaking All Others,” the plot need not be taken seriously, for everyone seems to live spaciously and elegantly and life seems just one pleasant drifting from one pleasure to another. When the film opens, Marcia, a very sane girl, played by Miss Crawford, is the latest victim of an irresponsible heartbreaker, Robert Montgomery. They tell each other vehemently how futile their marriage would be, and their arguments are so convincing that they agree to get married in order to prove to their mutual satisfaction how right they are. The husband soon makes a mistake, and to carry out a spectacular revenge Marcia plans a party and invites ’all her husband’s previous lady friends. From this point the story reaches a. highly-amusing climax. In the leading role Joan Crawford is as beautiful as ever, and once more demonstrates ihac she is more at home jn light-hearted comedy. and Tone give typical performances which by their sheer smoothness and charm rise from the usuM level. The note of comedy is also ably maintained by Charles Ruggles, as a joyous inebriate, and Edna May Oliver, a* a modern grandmother, who provide some splendid touches while the principals are indulging in recriminations. There is an adequate supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. “THE RAVEN.” Edgar Allan Poe’s masterful poem, “ The Raven,” supplied the inspiration for the motion picture of the same name that has been booked to commence at the Empire theatre on Friday., Seeking an outstanding vehicle 'for Karloff and Bela Lugosi, Universal, the creators of “ Frankenstein ” and “ Dracula ” chose Poe’s immortal classic as the medium for their talents. Here, the “monster” and “the vampire” clash on wings of tear and mystery, bringing forth thrill after thrill. The story was prepared for the screen by David Boehm, who has retained in it the mystic influence that marked Poe’s genius. The picture is laid in modern settings and in the present period. The supporting cast of featured players includes Irene Ware, Lester Matthews. Samuel Hinds, Inez Courtney, Arthur Hoyt, Spencer Charters, Maidel Turner, and lan Wolfe. STRAND THEATRE A skilful reconstruction of a picturesque period, with constant action Against a convincing historical background, is provided in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feature “ Colonel Blood,” which is the principal feature on the current bill at the Strand Theatre. It is a film which should appeal to all tastes. The plot moves swiftly, the dialogue is full-blooded, the humour is robust and the scenes and dresses have been presented with fine attention to detail. Colonel Blood himself is a most striking and dangerous-living fellow in whom romance and realism blend with sparkling effect. He is an Irish adventurer who comes to London, by his daring and impudence soon wins his way to the side of King Charles 11, and as quickly falls from his high position. Frank

Cellier in the title role shows oS Colonel! Blood's flamboyant and persuasive personality to the life. .Allan Jeayes, playing the part of Charles 11, gives an excellent portrayal. The part of Susan, confidante to Colonel Blood and servant of Pepys, the famous diarist, is well taken by Mary Lawson. Anne Grey makes a very beautiful Lady _ Castlemaine. For all their occasional improbability the incidents are based on historical fact. The stealing of the Crown jewels from the Tower of London is a dramatic highlight. A calculating wife who makes the astounding offer to give up her husband to the other woman if she is guaranteed another husband just ns good provides the interest in the highly sophisticated comedy-drama “ Uncertain Lady” (Universal Pictures), which is the supporting feature. Edward Everett Horton, the brilliant comedian, gives a sterling performance. Renee Gadd makes her screen debut in Myra, and if this performance is any indication she is assured of a future. Paul Cavanagh plays admirably the part of the young millionaire. Other favourites in the supporting cast are George Meeker, Dorothy Peterson, Arthur Hoyt, Herbert Corthell and Gay Seabrook. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE The inanity of Ralph Lynn and the suave worldliness of Tom Walls have been featured in many merry mix-ups and ridiculous farces. However, there are others who, with the two stars, provide a team that must be unique in the history of the theatre. As a foil to their foolery the pathetically innocuous Robertson Hare is a valuable acquisition, and the always righteous but brilliant Yvonne Arnaud makes an ideal fourth member of this strangely-assorted quartet. But in their pictures there is often a fifth element that makes the ensemble perfect. That is the inimitable Ben Travers, and the knack he has of writing just the lines and plot to suit the quartet of actors has been the deciding factor in their success. His latest _ farce, “ Stormy Weather,” which is being screened at the State Theatre, eclipses anything he has ever done. The picture is funny even before one has seen it. The keen anticipation that one feels at seeing again the Four Funny People at play is fully justified, and in fact it is exceeded. Only they could make fun in a sinister Chinese dive and become involved in every possible variety of piquant situation and extricate themselves after a chapter of errors and laughter. “ Stormy Weather ” shows the artists at their best. There are excellent supports, and the box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. • REGENT THEATRE “ The Dark Angel,” which is at present being screened at the Regent Theatre, is an intensely moving and sincere picture, sensitively directed, and splendidly acted. The silent version of Giiy Bolton’s play, made in 1925, was acknowledged as one of the most notable films of the year, and the current production is entirely deserv; ing of similar success. The story tells ofthe hesitation of a war-blinded man to saddle big helplessness 4n the girl he loves; his pretence of death; and hia eventual reunion with the girl. The picc is not new and depends for the success entirely on how far the players make the ir parts live, and how far they succeed in enlisting the sympathy of the audience. It is acted with such naturalness that it becomes one of the most moving of recent screen plays. Skill and genius have been devoted to establishing charming and suitable atmosphere for the story and to making the characters veritably real. Though made, in Hollywood, the production has a fidelity to British settings and sentiment that is completely satisfying. Acting honours are shared by' three famous players, Merle Oberon, Fredric March, and Herbert Marshall. After witnessing Merle Oberon’a performance it is easy to understand why she has been judged in the United States one of the first actresses of the screen. Miss Oberon’s beauty has been somewhat marred in recent films by make-up which has rendered her looks more Oriental than British, and it is pleasing to see what an attractive and winsome actress she really is. In “ The Dark Angel ” Miss Oberon has an animation which adds greatly to her charm. Fredric March gives a fine study of the afflicted war hero, while Herbert Marshall fills a difficult role with assured restraint. The story hag been brilliantly handled by Sidney Franklin, whose inspired direction always prevents the film from descending into maudlin sentimentality. The photography ig excellent and the scenes of the English countryside are reproduced with real beauty. An excellent supporting programme, including a coloured cartoon, “ Mickey s Garden,” . U shown. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. MAYFAIR THEATRE The double-feature programme at the Mayfair Theatre at the present time comprises two very entertaining films. . Those who enjoy entertainment strongly flavoured with mystic and uncanny events will find much to interest' them in “ Mark of the Vampire.” The story breaks away from the conventional vampire theme. The principal issue is the murder of a nobleman, and the audience is startled to find at the end that astute scientists and detectives have merely developed a mystic atmosphere with bogus vampires inhabiting graveyards and ruins, and attacking the living for the purpose of ensnaring the murderer. The unusual treatment ol: this film cannot fail to appeal, while there is an excellent cast, including Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allen, Jean Hersholt, and Bela Lugosi. On the same programme is. the brilliant musical spectacle, “ Flirtation Walk,” which stars Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler. The story is a romance of glorious youth, and is filled with thrilling adventure and dramatic situations.