AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22827, 11 March 1936, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE With its exciting story adapted frc#n, Clarence B. Muiford’s well-known novbl, “Hop-Along Cassidy” heads the bill of fare at the Regent Theatre this wewk and provides entertainment of a faistraoving, exciting type. The story deals with a feud between the Bar 20 anti a neighbouring ranch, which is encouraged by a rascally foreman in order to mask his cattle-stealing from both ranches. When Hop-Along Casidy and bis men of Bar 20 sot about solving the mystery, fast-moving action develops and majiy exciting events are witnessed. The Ear 20 men and their neighbours comhinfe in a great effort to capture the thieves, and an assault on the rustlers’ stisonghold brings the film to a satisfactory climax. In addition to Cassidy, such w rill-known figures appear in the film as I3ed Connors. Buck Peters and Unde "Ben, and the large cast, including Willii&n Boyd, Jimmy Allison and Paula Stone, portrays the characters very ably. An attractive song, “I’m Following the Stars,’* is introduced effectively, and romance plays an important part in the story. A feature of the supporting programme 1 is another of the popular Popeye the Sailor cartoons, "You Gotta Be a Football Hero.” A Grantland Rice Sportlight rind a nature film are included in the shorter films. The box plans arc at the theatre and the D.T.C. “RED SALUEE.” There is a full measure of exciting action in “Red Salute,” the new picture released by United Artists, which will be screened at the Regent Theatre on Friday. From the moment when the headstrong heroine is coerced by her father, a colonel in the American Army, into going across the Mexican border in order to break her association with a radical young student, the story moves swiftly from one adventure to another. In her efforts to get back into American territory, the girl not only a breezy young soldier, but algo a henpecked husband (Cliff Edwards), his pursuing wife (Ruth Donnelly), Mexican Border Patrol, and even thei Federal authorities. Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Young are cast as the heroine and the young soldier who makes her see the error of her revolutionary ways. Robert Young has already made his name as an actor of comic and romanttc roles. Hitherto, Barbara Stanwyck has been confined to serious portrayals, but here she breaks away from drama. Although concerned primarily with the romance of the two stars and their wild transcontinental dash in a motor caravan, the story of “ Red Salute” contains an angle, that of a patriotic uprising of students against the invasion of “ new thought ” ideas that is fresh and absorbing. The supporting programme includes “ Snapshots,” a Mickey Mouse cartoon titled “Pluto’s Judgment Day,” an dtrganlogue, and “ Bridge Wives” (educational comedy). ST. JAMES THEATRE' j ■ 4 The noted; Continental actress Elisabeth Bcrgner is seen in what is considered by many to hie • one of her most powerful roles ns Gemma Jones, the principal character iu “Escape Me Never,” which is now hieing shown at the St, James Theatre. The part was, indeed, especially written to suit Bergner’s style and temperament by Margaret Kennedy, whose “ Constant Nymph ” also provided her with an outstanding role as Tessa when she appeared in the play on the Continent. Gemma, however, calls for more versatile acting, and is more arduous even than that of Tessa. In fact, the entire film of “Escape Me Never” is built roaind this character of Gemma, who moves 5n a crescendo of emotional climaxes to the final sequence of the death of her child, at the moment when her husband is enjoying the triumph of his life with the production of his ballet. It is a. character which achieves intense reality through its very contradictions. Gemma, wanders through Venice, through the Dolomites of North Italy and through the streets of London, pathetic, and yet full of high spirits—a naive, loving creature who yet has all the amusing tricks and cunning of the alleyways, and, above all. a mother with an unswering devotion for her child. A strong supporting programme is shown. The box nl«ns are at the theatre, Jacobs’s, the DXC.. and M'Crackcn and Walls’s. “THE BISHOP MISBEHAVES.” , “ The Bishop Misbehaves,” Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s new production edming to tffie St. James Theatre on Friday, is an adaptation from one of the year’s brightest comedy stage hits, written by Fredtrick Jackson and adapted to the stage by fLeon Gordon. On the stage it was Jhe starring vehicle for Walter Connolly, on the screen for Edmund Gv/enn, celebrated English actor, who will bo remembered by many picturegoers for his roles in “The Skin Game,” “Tell Me To-night,” and “ The Good Companions.” The story concerns the amusing mishaps of the kindly old bishop who becomes, involved in a crime. Maureen O’Sullivan and Norman Foster are featured in the romantic leadis. The cast also includes Lucile Watson, Dudley Digges, Lilian Bond and others. The story of an English girl, who revenges herself on a detestable old vulture who has embezzled her father’s money, has many moments of humour. Reginald Owen, who won fame on, the London and New York stage, plays the role of the embezzler. There will be supporting programmes of interest and variety. OCTAGON THEATRE A wealth of entertainment is provided in the current double-feature programme at the Octagon Theatre, the two films being an hilarious English comedy “No Limit,” and an American musical comedy drama, “ Ship Cafe.” In the first picture a brilliant new comedy team, Florence Desmond, the famous impersonator, and George Formby, a popular stage comedian, is presented for the first time. Both give delightful characterisations in this film, the locale of which is the Isle of Man. The story is centred around the famous Tourist Trophy Motor Cycle Race Formby, of course, wins the Trial Race, and subsequently the great race itself, this triumph bringing about the happy ending. Carl Brisson is featured opposite Arline Judge in “ Ship Cafe.” Brisson has the role of a stoker who becomes a boxer and a singing star, and makes the cafe where he is employed a society rendezvous. What happens when his benefactress, the owner of the club, falls in love with him makes an hilarious conclusion to the production. The box plans are at the theatre, M'Crackcn and Walls s. and Begg’s. “PHAR LAP’S SON.” The production of “ Phar Lap’s Son ” in Dunedin by 50 New Zealanders under the direction of Dr A. L. Lewis, of Hollywood, is the first really serious attempt, properly organised, financed, and administered, to establish comedy “ talkiemaking” in this Dominion. The South Seas Films, Ltd., is composed of Dunedin business men who see great possibilities in the operation of a portable comedy unit in this country. Their intention is to distribute internationally, negotiations now pending with Australia. England, Canada, and the United States. They arc confident that their first 7000-foot feature comedy release, “ Phar Lap s Son, will bo accorded a hearty welcome in its homo city, especially in view of the fact that they offer a cleverly-executed film, brimful' of laugh-provoking and interest-sus-taining episodes. Some favourable comments" followed their recent Wellington and Christchurch previews, which would indicate that the public is to bo provided with some worth-while entertainment as proof of what can be done in this country. Mr Cecil . Haig, with the Christchurch Kiuemas, was most enthusiastic; “Great entertainment! Will screen ‘ Phar Lap’s Sou ’ at the Majestic, and nock out for two weeks.” Mr W. R. Ketnball, jun., of Keraball’s _ Theatres, declared: “Agreeably surprised!_ _A good nicture! The manager of British Film Exchange said: “Two of your cast have a definite future. Several might do well in England or Hollywood.” Mr O. N. Gillespie, former manager of Warner Bros.’ First National Pictures, F. 8.0. Productions, stated; “Much better than (lie Australian-made 'Hayseeds’ or ‘On Our Selection. ’ ” “ Phar Lap’s Son? ” wi l ! be commenced at the Octagon Theatre on Friday.

GRAND THEATRE , Katharine Hepburn steps from period pictures and definite type characterisations to modern romance in “ Break of Hearts,” which will be screened at the Grand Theatre to-day. The new production presents the star as a girl of to-day who wears fashionable gowns that are as new as to-morrow. It also presents her with a co-star as leading man, Charles Boyer, who was seen in " Private World’s.” John Beal, Miss Hepburn’s leading man in "The Little Minister,” again appeals with her. This time, however, he is the third figure in a romantic triangle. “ Break of Hearts ” is an original screen story by Lester Cohen, novelist and film author. It concerns a struggling young composer and an eminent symphony orchestra conductor and their efforts to cling to a love which is put to a most severe test. Brought together by their mutual delight in music, they feel that they can shut out the world and always be alone together in their hearts. But the world will not be excluded, and the demands of fame exact their inevitable penalty. The nature of the central characterisations in the new picture permits the logical introduction of symphonic music in the story. Boyer, as the conductor, is shown leading an 85piece orchestra in excerpts from Tschaikowsky’s Fifth Symphony, Bach’s Toccata and Fugue, and the Prelude to Wagner’s “The Mastersinger.” All of the music is said to be so woven into the action that it plays a definite part in plot advancement. The second film on the programme is a romantic comedy entitled “ The Gay Deception.” The leading roles are taken by Francis Lederer and Frances Dee. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. EMPIRE THEATRE Essentially a modern story, brilliantly acted by Ann Harding and Herbert Marshall. “ The Flame Within ” is at present proving popular at the Empire Theatre. For those looking for something definitely new in story, treatment and stirring dialogue the production is an engrossing piece of photoplay entertainment. Ann Harding portrays the highly emotional part of a noted woman psychiatrist. Sharing the star honours is Herbert Marshall. who is seen with her for the first time. Marshall is the handsome, capable doctor who seemingly always has been in love with the youthful psycho-analyst. Maureen O’Sullivan, as a neurotic girl, proves that her fine dramatic performance in “ Barrets of Wiinpole Street ” was no accident. A newcomer of great promise, Louis Hayward, makes his motion picture debut as the likeable ne’er-do-well who becomes involved in two love affairs. Henry Stephenson, as the boisterous “Dr Jock,” friend and confidant of Herbert Marshall, gives a flawless characterisation. _ The story tells how the psycho-analyst, in endeavouring to bring happiness to the neurotic young people, becomes herself involved in an emotional whirl which threatens to wreck her own hope of happiness as well as that which she has brought to her two patients. With restraint and dignity Marshall intervenes at the time qf crisis and restores sanity to the parties, and at last wins happiness for himself. The supporting programme includes an admirable coloured film dealing with an incident in the life of the composer Stephen Foster. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "MURDER IN THE FLEET." Thrills and mystery against the quickly shifting panorama of Hie aboard a warship are said to provide gripping entertainment in “ Murder in the Fleet,” which comes to the Empire Theatre on Friday. The new Metro-Goldwyn-Mgyer production uses a cruiser during manoeuvres 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 officials, and naval crew marooned on the vessel until the murderer is brought to light in the final scenes of the story. The cruiser is installing a new firing control gear against time. Certain influences are established trying to halt the work, then the murders commence, and the navy men turn detectives, while at the same time working frantically to complete their task of installation. Amid successions of thrills, suspense, and drama, comical interludes are deftly inserted. Jean Parker, heroine of “Sequoia,” plays the feminine lead opposite Robert Taylor, Taylor plays the detective lieutenant. Jean Hersholt, the kindly surgeon of “Men in White” plays the principal character role as Hanson, the civilian Government inspector. The comedy interludes are in the hands of Ted Healy and Nat Pendleton, Una Merkel and Mary Doran. STRAND THEATRE An entertaining double-feature programme comprising “ Deception ” and “ The Fighting Code,” is at present being shown at the Strand Theatre. In the first-named production Leo Carillo, Dickie Moore, Nat Pendleton and Barbara Weeks are featured in a story which followers of the sport of wrestling will find very much to their taste. Pendleton is cast as a brilliant young footballer who decides to try big fortunes jn the wrestling ring. His bouts are promoted by Carrillo. who plays the part of an unscrupulous fight promoter, and fie wins his contests with case until the bout for the championship, when ,he is ignominiously defeated. He is determined to prove that his activities, at least, have been genuine, and after strenuous preparation again meets the champion and, after a tremendous struggle, defeats him. The second picture, “The Fighting Code,” is a stirring Western story with Buck Jones in one of his favourite roles. Fast action, excitement, plenty of gun play, and an attractive romance are the principal features of this production. The box plana are at the theatre and the D.I.C. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME. The story of news correspondents in their quest for “ red hot copy ” is told in “ I’ll Tell the World,” starring Lee Tracy, which will be shown for the first time at the Strand Theatre on Friday, Tracy is in his glory aa Stanley Brown, staff reporter for the Allied Press, as he dashes to northern Canada to get the story of a disabled dirigible at the expense of his rival, played by Roger Pryor, and races to Europe to “ cover " a revolution. The screen play was written by two men, once internationally known for their work on the United Press. These men, Lincoln Quarberk and Dale Van Every, crowded many of their experiences into the production, While eulogising the men who forget their own safety, their love-prob-lems and their personal comfort to rush after a news story, the picture is said to have plenty of suspense, thrills, laughs, and an exciting courtship with a royal princess as the prize. In the cast with Tracy pnd Pryor are Gloria Stuart, Onslow Stevens, Alec. B. Francis, Lawrence Grant Herman Bing, Willard Robertson, Hugh Enfield, and Dorothy Granger. The second film is “ Law Beyond the Range,” a Western drama. In the le&diug role is Tim M'Coy, who is cast as a newspaper editor, who, when necessary, backs up his arguments with a gun. STATE THEATRE Although Shirley Temple’s latest screen success. “ Curly Top,” has already been shown in Dunedin for three weeks, it continues to attract large attendances to the State Theatre, and theatre-goers who have not already seen this charming production should not fail to attend one of the remaining sessions. The story is a simple one tolling of Shirley’s life in an orphanage whcTe she and her sister _ (Rochelle Hudson) arc placed after their parents are killed in a motor accident. John Boles, a wealthy lawyer, visits the orphanage and is attracted by Shirley. Himself an amateur composer, be is impressed by the musical talents of Rochelle. His interest takes the form of inviting them to come and live in bis mansion, in the name of nn imaginary friend. Life is rainbowed now for Curly Top, but the romance for which she hopes between her sister and Boles is not progressing—until she takes a forceful hand. No fewer than five cheery songs are introduced in the course of the picture, two of them sung by Shirley Temple in her own inimitable way. There is an entertaining supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s “THE PASSING OF THE THIRD FLOOR BACK.” In “The Passing of the Third Floor Back.” which will be the next change nt (be Slate Theatre, commencing on Friday, the story of the troubled and horrid lives that are being led in Mrs Sharpe’s boarding bouse, and of the transformation that takes place when the Stranger

pays a call,.is well brought out by Bertnold Viertel, the director, by Conrad Yeidt, and by the strong cast of distinguished artists supporting him. For more than a generation thousands of people have seen the play—it has been revived on several occasions—and it is certain that these, and many more, will want to see the film, particularly when they hear that it has clung so faithfully to the author’s intentions. Apart from the quiet but impressive acting of Mr Yeidt, Mary Clare (Mrs Sharpe), Frank Cellier (Wright), Anna Lee (Vivian), John Turnbull and Cathleen Nesbitt (Mr and Mrs Torapkin), and Sara Aligood (Mrs dc Hooley) are said to be outstanding; while Rene Kay is excellent as the browbeaten ’Stasia, the only person to perceive the true goodness of the Stranger. The settings are claimed to be accurate and realistic, and the photography is particularly good. MAYFAIR THEATRE “Anne of Green Gables,” which will commence a season at the Mayfair Theatre to-day, is a simple, wholly delightful tale of childhood and Carly youth. Anne Shit ley, Gilbert Blythp, Matthew and Marilia Cuthbert, and the other central figures of the novel are depicted faithfully. And the film introduces as the principal player the appealing IG-year-old Anne Shirley, who has taken the name of the character she portrays. Tom Brown is happily cast as Gilbert Blythe, the boy whose schoolboy infatuation for Anne grew into a more mature love. 0. P. Heggie, as Matthew, and Helen Westley, as Marilln, the lonely middle-aged folk who adopted Anne, again prove their worth, for their characterisations are one of the features of the film. Other fine performances arc contributed by Sara Haden, Gertrude Meseinger, Charley Grapewin, and Murray Kinnell. The picture is the story of an orphan girl who is sent to a farm home in place of the boy who had been expected. Whimsical, imaginative, and fiery tempered withal, she wins the hearts of the old bachelor and spinster who take her in. Her conquest of Matthew is easy; that of the sister, the bitter Manila, not so easy. The romance between Anne and Gilbert is launched in a schoolroom quarrel, and its development demonstrates that true love nevedid have a smooth course. There is a good supporting —-'"ramme, and the box plans are at the D.I.C.