AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22826, 10 March 1936, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

STATE THEATRE Striking testimony to the popularity of Shirley Temple is found in the large audiences which continue to patronise the State Theatre where . her latest film, "Curly Top,”, is now in the third week of its season, and by the fact that many have seen the film on two and even more occasions. In this production she presents in a manner which reveals her natural, artistry the reaction of a lovely, mischievous, but grateful child to the different environments and circumstances with which she comes in contact. There is such a surprising spontaneity about her acting that one wonders whether she realises she is facing the camera at all. The Him also shows the puzzled way in which a child looks on the doings of the " grown up.” But she is also a very knowing little girl, and her own interpretation of the ways of her elders would delight any member of an adult audience fastidious in its tastes. There is, besides Shirley, an adult cast which includes some of the names,of the beat-known film actors and actresses on the American screen, but they are rightly given subsidiary parts in a story which is most obviously suited to the child actor. Chief among these is John Boles as the rich man who adopts Shirley and her beautiful, sister from an orphanage, without allowing them to know that he is their benefactor. As the sister, Kochelle Hudson is vdry young and charming Of topical interest on the supporting programme is a film of the rescue of Lincoln Ellsworth and his companion at Little America after their trans-Antarctic flight. The box plans arc at the theatre and at Begg’s, REGENT THEATRE Recent reports from ' the film studios state that the directors will be making more wild west films in the near future. If the large audiences which have been witnessing “ Hop-along Cassidy” at the Regent Theatre during the past few days I are any criterion, this policy should be a j most successful one When the “ talkie .lime into being a few years ago, the old fowboy stories of the silent days seemed .0 be forgotten in the wealth of new material that came forward and on which the directors had all their time occupied in sorting out. Now, however, that this industry has reached such a high standard, j,;lie directors naturally look for a wider field of plots to satisfy a public which is daily growing more discriminating in its choice. The film has been adapted from tite famous novel by Clarence Mnlford, and, in addition to Cassidy himself, all the other well-known characters appear, including Red Connors, Buck Peters, Johnny Nelson and Uncle. Ben. The story fells of a feud between the Bar 20 ranch rind its neighbour/chiefly caused by the caitle-rustling proclivities of the latter. The romance of one of the cowboys with the daughter of the owner of the rival ranch adds interest to the exciting action. William Boyd, already a favourite with theatre patrons, gives a performance in the title role which should greatly increase his reputation.and he is ably supported by Jimmy Allison, Paula Stone and a large cast. A feature of the production is the musical number “ I'm Following the Stars.” The interesting supporting programme includes a cartoon, a nature film and a, Sportlight. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. ■ “ RED SALUTE.” Something new in the field of , film comedy is said to be presented in the Reliance production “ Red Salute, released through United Artists,-which will stare on Friday at the Regent Theatre. An American critic has described it as “ a perfect blending’ of romance, action, suspense, and uproarious fun.” In her first comedy role, Barbara Stanwyck is co-starred with Robert Young, and assisted by a plot that is said to be unusually strong for a film of thie type, a capable supporting cast, witty dialogue, and beautiful scenic backgrounds, thfev produce an entertainment that has a - ready found wide support in America and other countries. “Red Salute' tells the story of Drue Van Allen, a pretty, headstrong young university • student whose socially and politically-pfominent family is embarrassed by the publicity which follows her madcap escapades. When she is expelled from the college because of her radical leanings, acquired from her association with a young man named Arner, with whom she fancies herself in love, her father, a colonel in the army, coerces the girl into leaving the country. Drue settles in a town.near the Mexican border, but plans to return ae soon as possible to her revolutionary sweetheart She inveigles Jeff, a young private in the American army, into stealing a motor car, and they drive across the Mexican border with the police in hot pursuit. By the time they reach home, the girl has had her lesson, and has learnt that the world docs not need changing as much •v she and her radical colleagues thought it did. She has also transferred her ■ affections to the worthy young soldier. Hardie Albright is cast as Arner, the •idical student, and Ruth Donnelly'and Cliff Edwards have the comedy roles as a nagging wife and henpecked husband. ST. JAMES THEATRE The magnificent performance of. Elisabeth Bergner in “• Escape Me Never continues to attract large audiences to the fcjt. James Theatre, The story ot the illni is full of tragedy, and yet its ending is ojne of hope for the future happiness ot the four main characters, so that the audience is not left with a note of sa_dness but with only admiration for the film and for Miss Bergner. The story is taken from the well-known play by Margaret Kennedy. It opens in an unusual manner with, a beautiful background m Venice, and deals with a woman who devoted her life to an unworthy selfish, man and who suffered all his failings with a fortitude that only supreme loyalty can give. Elisabeth Bergner is the young wife. Gemma, whose connection with two musical brothers, Sebastian and Caryl, brings about an estrangement between The latter and his (flyer, Fenella M'Lean. Ihe trio and Gemma’s baby set oft to the Dolomites in search of Caryl’s fiancee to smooth away the misunderstanding. The disloyal, easy-going Sebastian is tnfatuated by Fenella, and she is swept off her feet by the romantic young composer. When the four are established in London the love affair between Sebastian and Fenella continues unknown to Caryl and Gemma. Even when the devoted Gemma discovers her husband's disloyalty to her and to the brother who had helped him she is confident that Sebastian will ajways love her. A great tragedy occurs when Gemma's beloved baby dies and Sebastian ignores her appeal for his sympathy and help, so busy is be with bis ballet. The story develops quickly, and the ending conies with the return of Gemnia to the flat—an entry full of great dramatic force. A penitent Sebastian seeks Gemma’s forgiveness, and Fenella returns to the loyal Caryl. Supporting Miss Bergnor the acting is of a very high standard. Hugh Sinclair gives a brilliant portrayal of Sebastian, and others who figure prominently in the cast are Griffiths Jones, Penelope Dudley Ward and Irene Vanbrugh. An interesting supporting programme is being screened. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., M’Cracken and Walls’s and Jacobs’s. OCTAGON THEATRE The hilarious , English comedy, “ No Limit,” heads the current double-feature programme at the Octagon Theatre, and brings to the screen for the first time a brilliant new comedy team in George Formby and Florence Desmond. Formby has long been recognised as one of the greatest stage comedians in England, and those who see him in his first film, “ No Limit,” will readily understand why he has been so well received as an actor. Florence Desmond has a style of comedy all her own, and is one of the greatest impersonators of the present time. In “No Limit" she gives a brilliant performance as a comedy actress. The locale of the film is the beautiful Isle of Man, and the story is written around the famous Tourist Trophy Motor Cycle Race, which is run there annually. Formby is seen as an amusing amateur who brings fame to himself by winning the Trial Race in record time. In a thrilling climax he goes on to win the coveted trophy, and the love of the charming Miss Desmond. The film abounds in gay comedy, exciting motor cycle races, and tuneful song numbers. The other film, “ Ship Cafe. ’ also provides excellent entertainment in which

Carl Brlason and Arlino Judge are featured. The storv is an interesting one, and well handled by the large cast. Bnsaon is heard in many attractive songs, and the dance ensembles are also a feature of the production. The box plans will be found at Begg’s, M'Cracken and Walls's, and the theatre. “PHAR LAP’S SON?” ’ The success of “Phar Lap’s Son? ” was the result of much well-planned hard work. I’ictnre audiences would be surprised to learn how much intelligent effort is required to produce a creditable talkie, and Mr R. Shepard, general manager of the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation, stated that Dr Lewis must have had the heart of a lion to go through with such a venture, considering the lack of studio facilities. First, Dr Lewis made an intensive search throughout the Dominion for satisfactory screen types, which took many months. Then he wrote a suitable original story, limiting the dialogue and action so that no one individual would have to shoulder too much unaccustomed responsibility. Most of the 50 characters were also given a chance to speak lines. This was a most difficult situation to handle. Then, too, the humorous situations had to be funny without being silly or far-fetched. After the story came the selection of a location, the definite choice of cast members, the assignment of parts and the training of individuals, the securing of equipment and technicians, and the housing and transport of the oast and the animals required. The actual production work started on September 10, but, due to intervals of unsatisfactory weather, many of the scenes were not completely shot until January. Following the photographic and sound-recording work, there followed a substantial amount of laboratory work —developing, movieola testing, printing, editing, cutting and projecting. 'lhe “ rush print ” was then taken to Wellington for censorship and criticism. Upon its return, further cutting, interjection shots and reprints were carried out, with the result that “Phar Laps Son? is now ready for its screen debut at the Octagon Theatre on Friday next. All the participants in the picture are to be complimented on the way they co-operated in the production of the film, and thanks are due to the Dunedin Jockey Club for its great help in connection with the racing shots. It was a large contract, but the result should be pleasing to every New Zealander who feels pride in the achievements of his own townsfolk. GRAND THEATRE Still attracting large attendances to the Grand Thqatre. “ Dante’s Interne has earned for itself the reputation of being one of the most spectacular films ever screened. It is a combination ot what film producers have attempted for many years—romance, humour, philosophy and ambition—all built on a theme of regeneration. Splendidly portrayed by Spencer Tracy,, the principal figure is first seen as a stoker. He rapidly rises to wealth, and, affluence and is finally depicted as a ruling power in the amusement world. His fortune is largely made by the outstanding success of a chamber depicting the horrors of the ‘ inferno. Unscrupulous in his grasp foj- money and power his career is one long succession of betrayals and deceptions. When finally his elaborate “inferno” building collapses. causing a ghastly catastrophe and injuring bis father-in-law, who was first responsible for setting him on the road to success, lie is brought to realise the true significance of Dante’s The scenes which the old man depicts in his mind are vividly reproduced’ on the screen and form one of the most striking collections ever seen in any one film. The picture then proceeds with great power to the conclusion, in which the audience is relieved to find that Tracy at last received hie desserts. Claire Trevor, Henry Walthall and Alan Dinehart all give very sound performances in the supporting parts. , .The. supporting .film, “Hot Tip,” starring Zasn Pitts and James Gleason, is an enjoyable comedy entertainment. The box plans arc at the theatre and Begg’s. “BREAK OF HEARTS.” For the first time in her meteoric screen career Katharine Hepburn is said to be cast in. a role which definitely brings out every side of her vibrant personality. The star’s characterisation in “ Break of Hearts,” which will commence a season at the Grand Theatre to-morrow, combines the light. comedy highlights of “Morning Glory” with the human qualities of “ Little Women ” and the tenderness of “The Little Minister.” And it presents Miss Hepburn also in modern, fashionable gowns, designed by Bernard Newman, RKO-Radio’s internationally known stylist. The part which brings out the “ Complete Hepburn ’ is that of a struggling young composer who becomes a. dominant force in shaping the career of a musical genius when love conies to them. She marries a great orchestra leader, but leaves him through pride when she believes her love is only an incident in bis career. Later they both come to the realisation that their love for each other is the only worthwhile thing in their lives. The man’s inspiration leaves him with the loss of her,, and she foregoes wealth, position andsecurity to join him in poverty and hardship, and help him win back his high place in the world. The second film on the programme is “ The Gay Deception, a clever modern comedy, featuring rancis Lederer, Frances Lee and Bcnita Hume. EMPIRE THEATRE An outstanding dramatic entertainment and an intense psychological study are combined In “ The Flame Within, whicn heads the current programme at the umpire Theatre. This production is modern in theme, brilliant in acting, and admirable in dramatic contrivance. Its people are a selected group, but they are human, with an appealing quality of . reserve—a reserve that shows all the more plainly the vitality below the surface. lu a way it is a story with a moral —that even a doctor should beware of being imected by the patient—but it is always a story and never a sermon. It is modern, for its doctor is a psychiatrist, and a woman, dealing with the cure of the minds and not the bodies of her patients. ihe doctor, incidentally, is Ann Harding, ine story is a maze of personal complications. It begins with two lovers in trouble, and ends up with four, simply because, apparently, it is dangerous for a woman to work closely in association with a man in circumstances which call out her sympathy for him. Briefly, it is about Mary White, a woman psychiatrist, who is loved by Gordon Phillips (Herbert. Marshall), but does not really love him. In her professional capacity she meets Jack Kerry (Louie Hayward), a ne er-do-wcll and drunkard, who is loved by Lillian Belton (Maureen O’Sullivan). She cures Kerrv of his trouble, but comes to take a rather more than professional interest in him. However, Kerry and Lillian arc married and go to Lngland, not returning for a year. Then Kerry and Mary meet again, and before long eaui has admitted the love that exists between them. In the end they recognise that it is beet not to upset the marriage, and Kerry discovers that he can love his wile, while Mary finds comfort with Phillips. Such a story naturally gives many opportunities for dramatic and emotional situations, and these four main actors appear at their best in them. There is an entertaining supporting programme. The box plans arc at the theatre and the D.I.C “MURDER IN THE FLEET.” Thrills and mystery against the quicklyshifting panorama of life aboard a warship are said to provide gripping entertainment in “Murder in the Meet, which comes to the Empire Theatre on Jniday. The new Mctro-Goldwyn-Maycr pi eduction uses a cruiser during nianceuvres as the locale for a series of baffling crimes and the work of a young naval lieutenant in ferreting out a criminal amid the civilian visitors, Government ofhcia s, and naval crew marooned on the vessel until the murderer is brought to light in the final scones of the engrossing story. The cruiser is installing a new bring control gear against time. Certain influences are established trying to halt the work, then the murder* commence, and the na\y men turn detectives, while at the same time working frantically to complete their task of installation. Jean Parker plays the feminine lead opposite Robert Taylor. Taylor plays the detective lieutenant. Jean Hersbolt plays the principal character role as Hanson, the civilian Government inspector. The comedy interludes are in Ihe bands of Ted TTealy and , Nat Pendleton, Una Merkel, and Mary Doran. 1

STRAND THEATRE Featuring the noted Western star, Buck Jones, and his no less famous horse, “ The Fighting Code,” which is the principal attraction on this week's bill at the Strand Theatre, is a first-class outdoor picture, abounding in action and replete with thrills. Jones ie seen as a roving cowboy who. finding a girl being persecuted by the residents of a western town, takes it on himself to act as her protector. To carry out his self-imposed task successfully he poses as her brother, and by doing so, finds himself involved in a whirl of adventure. How, after a struggle with a gang of outlaws, he succeeds in reinstating the girl in her rightful place in the community makes a gripping story in which the interest is sustained from beginning to end. The supporting feature, “ Deception,” a romance, is cleverly built up around the sport of wrestling, and as incidentals the audience is shown some thrilling bouts between the world’s best-known wrestlers. A logical story, which tells of the struggles of a young footballer to make his name and fortune in the wrestling ring, links the various incidents together. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. MAYFAIR THEATRE To-day will afford the fiual_ opportunity of witnessing “One New York Night ’ and “In Calicnlc,” which, during the past few days, have proved a popular attraction at the Mayfair Theatre. Adapted for the screen from the story by the popular American magazine writer, Edward Childs Carpenter, the story tells of life in a huge tourist hotel, where several of the guests become involved in a murder mystery. A young farmer from the west, who has come to town in search of a girl who must be a brunette, gets himself out to solve the mystery, and in doing so becomes enamoured of a young telephone girl who, while she has not the colouring which suits him, gives every indication that she will make him an ideal wife. How his romance progresses, and how he eventually finds happiness make an engrossing and amusing narrative. Francnot Tone and Una Merkel have the leading roles, and Conrad Nagel also has an important part. Set against the glamorous background of old Mexico, “In Calicnte ” is a spectacular musical feature replete with catchy melodies and sparkling dance numbers. Dolores del Rio, Edward Everett Horton, and Luis Alberni bead the cast. “ANNE OF GREEN GABLES.” “Anno of Green Gables,” which enjoyed a successful season in Dunedin nearly a year ago, will bo screened at the Mayfair Theatre to-morrow. It is a simple talc of childhood and early youth, and the charm of L. M. Montgomery’s beloved novel has been well captured. Anne Shirley and Tom Brown have the leading roles, the former’s talents being strikingly in evidence in her portrayal of the orphan heroine whom Mark Twain once described as the “ dearest and most moving and delightful child of fiction since the days of the immortal Alice.” Tom Brown is happily cast as Gilbert Blythe, the boy whose schoolboy infatuation for Anno grows into adult love. O. P. Ileggie and Helen Westley are cast as the lonely, middle-aged folk who adopt Anne. Others in the cast are Sara Haden, Gertrude Messinger, Charlie Grapowin, and Murray Kinnell.