AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22824, 7 March 1936, Page 21

AMUSEMENTS

EMPIRE THEATRE With three such capable players as Ann Harding, Herbert Marshall, and Henry Stephenson heading the- cast in a modern drama so admirably suited to their talents as "The Flame Within," there is every reason to believe that this production, which is the feature on the new programme at the Empire Theatre should be very popular with local audiences. The story is one of strong emotions, but, based a« it is on psychological realities, it cannot fail to leave those who «ee it with an impression which is mora than superficial. It deals with a peculiarly difficult problem, and it has the courage to carry the analysis through to its true solution. Ann Harding has the part of Mary White, a noted psychiatrist, who, for many years has been in love with Dr Gordon Phillips (Herbert Harehall), but whose ambition has always led her to refuse to mari-y him. The attempted suicide of a spoiled rich girl—a patient of Phillips's—is the commencement of a period in which Mary White handles her most difficult case and, in so doing, is compelled to face up to the reality of the love in her own life. The girl's act was caused through her despairing love, for a young Wastrel, and the psychiatrist, becoming interested in the case, undertakes to reform him. She does so after a hard struggle, jind the two are united, but by this time the healer has become so obsessed in the young fellow that she believes she is in love with him. Soon after his marriage he realises why it is that the doctor had been able to help him, and, in a mad whirl of emotion, both patient and healer are swept into danger. It is at this stage that Dr Phillips becomes the dominating figure of the story. Ho compels them both to face the situa-i (ion. Mary White realises that she has been caught in one of the pitfalls which lie in wait for those who. through the force of their own personalities, endeavour to cure the emotional troubles of others, and, in the time of stress, the rich girl also obtains a glimpse of realities, thereby opening the way for the final reconciliation of the four lovers. Ann Harding'* classic beauty is well suited to the portrayal of the calm and clear-sighted psy chartrist, and it should be unnecessary to state that Marshall suits the part of Dr Phillips in a completely convincing manner. As the rich girl, Maureen O'Sullivan has one of the best opportunities to prove her worth that she has over had. and she reveals talent of a high order. Louis Hayward also shows himself to be an actor of considerable pro- j misc. Henry Stevenson has a sympathetic role as Dr Phillips's friend. The supporting programme is unusually entertaining, a coloured short dealing with an incident in the life of Stephen Foster and a "Goofy Movie" being prominent. \ film of the funeral of His Majesty Kim; George V is nfeo shown. The box plans are at the theatre and the U.I.C. STRAND THEATRE Seldom before has so much exciting action been packed into two hours' kinema entertainment than at the Strand Theatre, where an excellent double-feature programme, comprising " Deception" and "The Fighting Codf." had its initial screening yesterday. Those who are interested in wrestling will see in " Deception " probably the best displays of the "mat game'' that have ever been witnessed locally. The bouts are devoid of showmanship and many of America's best wrestlers are engaged in the contests. Leo Carrillo, Dickie Moore. Nat Pendleton, Barbara Weeks and Thelma Todd play the leading roles 'n creditable style. Pendleton, who, incidentally, wrote the story, is cast as a brilliant young footballer who enters the wrestling ring to make his fortune. Carrillo, as an unscrupulous promoter of the bouts, arranges matters so that Pendleton wins contest after contest until the title bout, when he is ignominously beaten. With the assistance of his old trainer, Pendleton trains assiduously to win the championship and to show his charming fiancee that he is not a quitter. In a thrilling contest with the champion he wins through, despite the schemes of Carrillo and his men. " Deception" makes excellent entertainment that will appeal to adults and children alike. Having its premier screening In New Zealand, "The Fighting Code"

brings a former favourite back to the screen—Buck Jones. It is a stirring Western story of the most exciting type. Quick thinking, clever gun play and thrilling action are the keynotes of the film, but romance also plays an important part in the story. Buck Jones is seen as a stranger in the prairie town of Whitewater where the residents display a deep hatred for the name of Cameron James, who, it was believed, had stolen the bank funds and then committed suicide. A victim of this hatred is his daughter, Helen James, who is left to carry on the ranch. The advent of Buck posing as her long-missing brother brings assistance to her, and it is through him that the mystery surrounding the death of Cameron James is solved. Buck succeeds in bringing to justice the real thieves of the bank's money and the murderer ot Cameron James. The climax naturally brings about a happy ending to the film. Diane Sinclair makes a charming heroine, and the supporting cast includes Ward Bond, Alf James, Erville Alderson and Dick Alexander. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE Such has been the popularity of Shirley Temple's latest film, " Curly Top," that its season at the State Theatre has been extended for a third week. The picture has been built round the child star, who sings and dances her way through the film in the manner that has won her millions of admirers throughout the world. She has a universal appeal that is probably not matched in the history of the screen 01 stage, and those responsible for the production of " Curly Top " are to be complimented on the manner in which they have employed the child's charm and ability, without leading her into paths of precocity. The story is admirably arranged, and tells of the life of a tiny tot who. with her sister, is left an orphan and consigned to the care of an institution for parentless children. It needs little imagination to conjure up the possibilities of strict and rigid discipline on a high-spirited child like Shirley Temple, and there are extraordinary complications over a pet pony and a pet duck, all that have been saved from a previous life. There are many amusing scenes in the production, including those when the pony is found in a bed in the dormitory, and when Shirley is in the middle of a prohibited entertainment of the orphans and the trustees burst into the room. Then she and her sister are adopted into a fabulously wealthy family, and the tuition for her entry into society commences. Her adventures and the situations that develop around her arc cleverly conceived and executed, and in the midst of it all the lovable, smiling, sunny nature of the world's cleverest juvenile dominates the stage. The supporting cast includes John Boles, Rochelle Hudson, and Jean Parwell. There is an interesting selection of short subjects. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. REGENT THEATRE One of the largest Friday night houses seen in Dunedin for a lengthy period witnessed the Dunedin premiere of " HopAlong Cassidy," the film version of Clarence E. Mulford's best-known Western story, at the Regent Theatre last night. Time was when this class of picture was the best of box office " draws," but in recent years, indeed, since the coming of the talkies, there have been comparatively few Western films. Whether the novelty of the programme, or the popularity of Mulford's novels or an inherent liking on the part of audiences for stories of the great outdoors was the reason, the fact remains that the Regent Theatre management has reason to congratulate itself on an exceptional first night. The story of Bill Cassidy, Johnny Nelson and Red Connors is known to all readers of Western fiction. The incident of the taming of the handsome but wild young Johnny by the "salty" Cassidy is graphically presented in the picture and the plot of the story—the machinations of Anthony, Jim Meeker's foreman, whereby he keeps Meeker and Peters, owner of the Bar 20, at loggerheads while he and his gang steal from both ranchesis in the hands of capable actors who provide thrilling entertainment whether one knows the story or not. William Boyd, that blond veteran of outdoor roles, is seen in the title role. Perhaps he is not just as one might have pictured HopAlong Cassidy while engrossed in the

pages of the book, but that is the only fault that can be found. He is the embodiment of the West as he fights his way through the stirring times on the Bar 20 range to vindicate his employer in the eyes of his neighbour and bring the rustlers to the end they deserve. As Johnny Nelson, Jimmy Ellison cannot fail to appeal. He is the cock-sure boy, confident of his ability to take care of himself and later the man whom Bill Cassidy is proud to work beside. Paula Stone, as Mary Meeker, presents the romantic side of the story with every success and incidentally provides some excellent riding. There is everything to recommend '' Hop-Along Cassidy " to Dunedin audiences, and it is extremely probable that the success of the first night's session will be continued through the season. The supporting programme is a long one with, something of interest in every foot. There are a Paramount newsreel, a Cinesound budget from Australia, a musical entertainment featuring a wellknown orchestra, an interesting " inside " story of a Hollywood " extra" girl, a Grantland Rice Sportlight and a Popeye cartoon. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ST. JAMES THEATRE Whether Elisabeth Bergner is the greatest living actress is a question about which those who see her in " Escape Me Never," at the St. James Theatre will probably not concern themselves a great deal, but it is certain that they will receive a lasting impression of the remarkable ability of the little Austrian player. It has been said that in this picture, which returned to Dunedin yesterday for a further season, Miss Bergner has given a performance that has never been excelled on the talking screen. No one who sees the film will fail to realise the difficulties of her role or to appreciate the sheer brilliance of the characterisation. The picture has been magnificently conceived, and the story moves steadily forward without a single period during which there is the slightest suggestion of dragging. The backgrounds of the first half of the film are particularly beautiful, and they have the merit that they are also authentic, for they are the result of a visit by the company to Venice and the Austrian Tyrol. It is in Venice that the story opens with the introduction of Gemma Jones, a waif of a girl whose father was a Russian and whose mother was English. She has been wandering more or less at large in Italy until she obtains shelter with Sebastian Sanger, the wayward and brilliant son of a famous composer. Owing to a misunderstanding the parents of the girl whom Sebastian's brother Caryl is to marry forbid the match, for they believe that it is Caryl vho has been associating with Gemma. Hoping to convince the parents of their mistake Caryl Sebastian and Gemma set off for the Dolomites and gradually the rceiie shifts to London where Sebastian and Gemma are married. She already 1 as a baby as the result of an experience with a man now dead and for a time she finds real hapiness in her new surroundings. But there is a strong element of instability in the character of Sebastian who commences for a second time to fall under the spell of Caryl's fiancee. Meanwhile he is writing the music for a ballet which is to make him famous and Gemma goes out to work to keep them. In the final scenes there is the strange contrast of the tragic unhappincss of Gemma and the triumph of her husband culminating nevertheless in eircumstancPs which promise greater happiness for them both. It is an intensely human story from which the great actress draws out all the pathos and the laughter in such a way as to hold the audience spellbound. Aiding Miss Berpmer in the presentation of a remarkable characterisation are Hugh Sinclair as Sebastian and Griffith Jones as Caryl, while Miss Penelope Dudley Ward is cast as the fiancee of Caryl, postered of a pampered nature that contrasts with the self-sacrifice of Gemma. An interesting supporting programme includes a diverting musical comedy in colour, a series of Gaumont novelties, and a film showing in all its sadness and impressiveness the funeral of King George. The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs'o, M'Cracken and Walls's, and the P.T.C.

OCTAGON THEATRE George Formby, a well-known English stage comedian, was introduced to Dunedin theatregoers yesterday in the exceedingly amusing comedy " No Limit," which heads this week's programme at the Octagon Theatre. Judging by the reception accorded him at yesterday's sessions, it appears highly probable that he will attain the same eminence on the screen that he has already won for himself on the stage. In the role of a chimney Bweep's help, whose one ambition is to win the famous Isle of Man Tourist Trophy Race, Formby is excellent in every respect. His. amusing antics as he makes his way to the scene of the great race are just a gay prelude to the hilarious events that follow. He is greatly assisted by the charming Florence Desmond, with whose co-operation he at last lines up for the trial race. Through the throttle remaining open on his homemade cycle, Formby creates a record and is presented with a new machine for the famous race. After one of the most amusingly spectacular races filmed, Formby pushes his machine over the finishing line to win the coveted trophy and the love of his charming assistant. Besides the gay comedy and exciting racing sequences, some very tuneful song numbers are attractively introduced. Jack Hobbs, Alf Goddard, Peter Gawthorne and Florence Gregson head a notable supporting cast. The other film, "Ship Cafe," also provides enjoyable entertainment with its novel settings, catchy tunes and romantic interest. Carl Brisson, the well-known Continental actor, is featured opposite the attractive Arline Judge. The story deals with a stoker (Brisson) who is engaged as a cabaret singer and later is taken in hand by a countess, who promises him a huge salary to sing in a city night club and, incidentally, to become her gigolo. Many amusing happenings take place when Brisson renounces his society benefactress and returns to the girl he loves. A highly unusual climax brings the film to a happy conclusion for all concerned. The box plans are at Begg's, M'Cracken and Walls's, and the theatre. "PHAR LAP'S SON?" "Phar Lap's Son?" the Dunedin-made feature comedy talkie which will be shown at the Octagon Theatre on Friday next, was highly complimented in this week's issue of the New Zealand Free Lance, after its film critic had previewed Dr Lewis's first New Zealand production for International distribution. A wide assortment, of representative photographic stills covering this interesting film are being exhibited in front of and in the lobby of the Octagon Theatre, and they have attracted much favourable attention. A close scrutiny reveals the fact that a variety of unusual types were included in the cast and a goodly number of striking girls are also present. There seems to be plenty of action according to the photographic record, which substantiates the claim that "Phar Lap's Son?" has proved to be a very fast-moving comedy, and funnier than most humorous films. GRAND THEATRE The screen has many notable achievements to its credit, and. in " Dante's Inferno," which is now being shown at the Grand Theatre, it has added another, and one of the most outstanding of them all. It is notable, in the first place, by virtue of the remarkable manner in which it givcij photographic reality to the picture conceived and described by the poet. Those who have read Dante's " Inferno " can realise what a feat this is, and there is no doubt that any audience will be impressed and moved by the shadowy immensity of the scenes, which transcend even the imagination of Dante's most fanciful illustrator, Gustavo Dore, whose works have given ninny readers a background to the " Inferno." These scenes are, however, merely incidental to a dramatic story, though they have a direct bearing on its underlying theme. It opens, appropriately enough, in the stokehold of a liner, where Spencer Tracy, in the role of a stoker, is thrown out of a job for practising a small fraud on his superior officer. He is next seen at a cheap amusement bazaar, where ultimately he secures employment with an old man who runs a side-show with scenes from Dante's "Inferno." By unscrupulous means Tracy makes a great success of the business, which he ultimately takes over, and his success continues unchecked until the in-

evitable disaster overtakes him. Tracy, always an able actor, has the honours in this film. It is a difficult role to play, with its mixture of selfish ambition and genuine affection for a wife and child. Claire Trevor gives him able support. The supporting picture is "Hot Tip," an amusing comedy featuring James Gleason and Zasu Pitts. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. MAYFAIR THEATRE Based on the celebrated stage hit, "Order, Please," by Edward Childs Carpenter, "One New York Night" will be screened to-day at the Mayfair Theatre. The story deals with several guests in a cosmopolitan hotel who become directly involved in a murder mystery. A cowman from Wyoming who is in the big city looking for a brunette to marry, joins a blonde telephone operator, and together they solve the crime and find romance. The entire story transpires in the hotel lobby and in the various rooms, and the entire action of the story takes place in the exact length of time required to show the production on the screen. Franchot Tone, Una Merkel, and Conrad Nagel have the leading roles. The cast of "In Caliente," the second film, is headed by Dolores Del Rio, Pat O'Brien, Leo Carrillo, and Edward Everett Horton. Scores of beautiful Hollywood chorus girls appear in numbers created and directed by Busby Berkeley, who staged " Gold Diggers of 1935," " Wonder Bar," and "42nd Street." Two famous song writing teams, Warren and Dubin and Dixon and Wrubel. wrote the songs for the Berkeley production numbers. They include "Muchacha." "Lady in Red." and the title song, "In Caliente." Phil Regan, the radio cop, sings the "Muchacha." which features Dolores in a dance review, and "To Call You My Own," a ballad. Winifred Shaw sings the " Lady m Red," and "In Caliente " is sung by a group of entertainers. Others in the cast include the DeMarcos, who do some specialty dancing. Dorothy Dare, Luis Alberni, George Humbert, William Davidson, Harry Holman. Soledad J»minez. Herman Binar. and Florence Fair. GREEN ISLAND KINEMA William Powell and Myrna Loy, who have won immense popularity in varied forms of mystery drama, are reunited in one entirely different from anything they have ever done in the past in " Eveiyn Prentice," which will be screened to-day at the Green Island Kinema. As in "The Thin Man," they again play husband nnd wife, but this time both are enmeshed in an amazing problem, worked out in a dramatic courtroom scene. _lt is the drama of the work of a great criminal attorney, who, through an amazing trick of fate, finds his own wife entangled in the maze of motives nnd evidence in which he is struggling to save a woman's life. Powell plays the amazingly clever criminal attorney whose feats before a jury and whose brilliant coups make him a legal sensation. Miss Loy plays the society wife, who, through a mistake, finds herself linked to a murder case in which her husband is defending another woman. Suspense runs high, and an amazing denouement solves the mystery with a surprise to the audidence, as a twist of evidence gives the sensational case an entirely new aspect. "THE MARCH OF TIME" Tlip J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation. Ltd., by a special arrangement with RKO Radio Pictures, has secured a new series of short features entitled "The March of Time" for screening in its theatres throughout New Zealand during the coming year. " The March of Time is said to mark a radical departure in film journalism, for it presents, concisely and impartially, topics of world interest as they have never been depicted before. Eight of these films will be released during the year, one every six weeks, and as they become known to the public they should prove almost as great an attraction on any programme as the main feature. "The March of Time" is entirely different from the ordinary newsreeL Whereas the ordinary newsreel simply records interesting events as they happen, this new form of screen journalism takes on the functions of an editor as well as of a reporter—in other _ words, it not only reports, but also explains and comments. In doing this, it borrows its technique from the journal Time.

The New Zealand public to-day is worldconscious, and international happenings are in everyone's mind and on everyone's lips. Although it is interesting enough to see an important event happening on the screen, the average person wants to know why it happened and what its ultimate ofieet is likely to be. And that is the purpose of "The March of Time"— to go, as it were, behind the scenes of world history in the making and bring to light the complex forces that are at work, interpreting, commenting, and sometimes prophesying. To take one example from one of the early issues of "The March of Time ": There are shown thrilling scenes of the war in Abyssinia. It will be both interesting and surprising to see how the camera goes on to the very heart of the event and discloses why so many countries besides Ttaly and Abyssinia are vitally interested in this trouble spot on the world's surface.

Courageously conceived, and clearly and racily presented, "The March of Time" is a new idea in motion pictures, and the J. 0. Williamson Picture Corporation has shown foresight and acumen in securing (lie New Zealand rights to the series. Deperihed as pirtovi.nl journalism, this innovation armroarhes closer to dramatised history. It is history in the making, with the audience at the Tingside. The first onisode will be released at the Regent Theatre shortly.