AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22832, 17 March 1936, Page 15

AMUSEMENTS

STRAND THEATRE One of tlie most statisfying programmes to be screened at the Strand Theatre for some time, comprises two films, either of which could stand alone on its own merit —“ I'll Tell the World ” and “ Law Beyond the Range.” In the first production Lee Tracy gives a sound performance in the characteristic role of a “ go-getting ” newspaper correspondent.. After a brief Arctic adventure he is despatched to Central Europe, where he becomes involved in an intrigue to lure an exiled princess back to her country and there to assassinate her. Tracy falls in love with the princess and even the discovery of her identity does not cause him to lose hope. Tim M'Coy, in “Law Beyond the Range,” should increase his wide popularity by this latest performance. He appears as the editor of a small town newspaper on whom has develoved the responsiblity of pursuing a feud in which his father and the previous owner of the paper had engaged. The bos plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE With a London boarding house as a background. Conrad Veidt’s latest film success, “ The Passing of the Third Floor Back,” is attracting much attention at the State Theatre this week.- The story concerns the arrival of the *' Stranger ” at the boarding house and the extraordinary effect he has on the lives of the boarders. All were highly discontented with life, but their outlook is changed solely through the personality of the “ Stranger.” He brings about an even greater change in the life of 'Stasia, the maid, on whom the boarders all vent their nastiness and bitterness. The strong character of Wright working to bring the boarders under his influence is one of the features of the story, and it is , against him that the “Stranger” wages war to assist 'Stasia and the boarders to gain happiness. A particularly enjoyable event is the picnic the “ Stranger ” arranges to bring about a better understanding among the boarders and 'Stasia. The outing on the River Thames is a pronounced success, and a happy conclusion to the film is reached. Conrad Veldt gives a notable performance as the “ Stranger,” and Rene Ray is well-nigh perfect as 'Stasia. Others in the cast are Beatrice Lehmann and Frank Cellier. The supporting programme includes a film of “ the mile of the century,” in which the Dunedin athlete, J. E. Lovelock, gained a notable win.. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. REGENT THEATRE The many picture-goers who have admired Barbara Stanwyck’s emotional and dramatic roles will be pleasantly surprised by her first appearance as a comedienne in “ Red Salute,” which is at present being screened at the Regent Theatre. With a versatility that marks the true artist, she captures perfectly the lighthearted, challenging spirit of modern youth as a university student who kicks over the traces and has to be brought back with a firm hand to the accepted way of thinking. The young man who applies the firm hand and amusingly converts her from radical ideas is Robert Young, and he and Miss Stanwyck make a comedy combination which, it is hoped, will be seen again soon. There is more to the story of “Red Salute” than appears on the surface, but that need not worry the picture-goer who is simply looking for laughs, for he will find plenty in this film, served up with speed and intelligence, and with just that dash of unexpectedness which makes the dish doubly appetising. From the moment when Miss Stanwyck, as the general’s daughter, is hustled out of America and into Mexico to escape the influence of a young orator whose politics are deeply tinged with red, and through the adventures which follow when She and a youthful soldier (Robert Young) make a way across the border in a stolen car, with the_ authorities in close pursuit, tbe action never slackens. An outstanding supporting programme, including an excellent Walt Disney coloured cartoon, “Pluto's Judgment,” precedes the main attraction. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.

" WHEN KNIGHTS WERE BOLD." The first of the Associated Distributors’ pictures to be released, in Australia and New Zealand is the Jack Buchanan musical romantic comedy, “ When Knights Were Bold,” which will have its New Zealand premiere at the Regent Theatre on Friday next. Jack Buchanan, always popular with picture-goers, gives a performance in this production which is said to be delightfully reminiscent of “ Monte Carlo," which was perhaps his best screen performance. As a debonair and very modern young man about town Jack plays his role in the vein of light, polished high comedy which suits him so well. He gets himself involved in many intriguing and humorous situations, courting trouble and lovely ladies. The play is different to anything he has done for the screen recently, and is played in the traditionally English and Buchanan manner. The songs and dances which are presented by Mr Buchanan should please his admirers. Fay Wray, who heads the supporting cast, is beautifully poised and competent, and makes Buchanan a charming partner. ST. JAMES THEATRE Humour lurks in "The Bishop Misbehaves,” at St. James Theatre, in an unusual way, and every turn in the story brings out unexpected qualities in a most weirdly.assorted set of people drawn into thrilling adventures. The foundation of the plot is the theft of a patent from an old man, w-hose daughter (Maureen O’Sullivan) determines to steal enough from the thief to make the last days of the inventor bearable. The plans include the help of a tramping American (Norman Foster), who is doing the round of the English cathedrals with a small movie camera, studying architecture, who meets her in the same pew during a service. There is also the barmen at a “ pub " in the village of Broadminter, and several crooks chosen by the girl chiefly on account of their villainous appearance. Their daring- scheme succeeds and the jewels and wallet of the unscrupulous user of the patent, are secreted in a_ pewter pot in the pub, when a storm drives the bishop (Edmund Gwenn) and his sister Emily in there for shelter. With a passion for detective stories, the bishop, finding himself in an apparently deserted " pub" for the first time, cannot resist the opportunity of a little sleuthing, and strangely enough drops on clues which raise him to a fever of excitement. Sniffing delightedly round the place, poring over fingerprints with a huge magnifying glass, he actually falls across _ the loot, which he takes home, leaving his card in its place, with the idea of making the “crooks” visit him to their undoing. Bishopscourt sees some strange happenings. Kidnappings and double crossings leave the girl and the American tied up in a Limehouse lair of very shady characters indeed, and the bishop having resorted to fisticuffs is “coshed.” The way in which everything is straightened out is unexpected. Maureen O’Sullivan and Norman Foster are the chief plotters, and provide the love interest, but the bishop holds the eye in what becomes a delirious comedy. The box plans are at the theatre, at the D.1.C., at Jacobs’s, and at M'Cracken and Walls’s.

“.The Age of Indiscretion,” the Metro-Goldwyu-Mayer picture which will head the programme at the St. James Theatre on Friday, is a society drama, which deals with the rights of children when parents are divorced. Paul Lukas does some most convincing acting as Robert Lenhart, a highly-principled publisher, whose butterfly wife (Helen Vinson) divorces him when he tells her that they are compelled to economise for a time. After obtaining her divorce, Mrs Lenhart marries Felix Shaw (Ralph Forbes), who is under the thumb of his wealthy mother-in-law (May Robson). The highlights of “Age of Indiscretion ” are many, and include the crisis in Lukas’s publishing firm, the airplane flight, the dramatic moment in which Lukas learns of his wife’s surprise divorce, the scene in which ho breaks the news to the child. Miss Robson’s plot to gain custody of the child, and the bitter legal fight. Interspersed among the dramatic scenes are a number of comedy moments, in which the famous spaniel “Plush,” of “Barretts of Wimpole Street,” is prominent. Other featured players include Madge Evans, David Jack Jack Holt, jun., Beryl Mercer, Catharine Doucct, and Shirley Ross.

OCTAGON THEATRE If public interest and packed houses mean anything the second local talking picture production, “ Phar Lap's Son,” at the Octagon Theatre, is a success. The story round which the action is woven is slender, but no effort bas been spared to keep the ball of fun rolling merrily, and on the few occasions when one or other of the comedians is not before the camera there is a bevy of girls, chosen from all parts of New Zealand for their personal charm, to retain the attention of the audience. Mr H. V. Smith, whose name is well-known in Dunedin, has the principal role of Colonel Drinkwater, a horse owner, and gathered round him are some choice comedians. There is the Emu. a, lady whose facial contortions must be seen to be believed, an eccentric dancer who provides several minutes of extremely funny work, a Maori girl who dances expertly, and Jolly Nellie, the fat girl, who provides a couple of vocal numbers. In a cast of about 50 there are other humorists too numerous to mention. The climax is arrived at in the saving of Colonel Drinkwater’a fortunes by the victory of hia horse in the President’s -Handicap at Wingatui, for which some scenes were shot at a recent race meeting there. The main picture is supported by a number of amusing and interesting short films. The box plans are at the theatre and at the D.I.C. GRAND THEATRE Two films, each of which would make a delightful evening’s entertainment, are at present being shown at the Grand Theatre. They are “ Gay Deception,” featuring Francis Lederer and Frances Dee, and “ Break of Hearts," with Katharine Hepburn and Charles Boyer in the principal roles. In “ The Gay Deception ” a fabulously rich prince pretending to be a nobody and a young and beautiful girl enjoying a mad fling on an art union prize, provide the interest of the film. It is one of those brilliant comedies in which what might quite easily have a dramatic turn is kept constantly j glancing off into the realm of pure humour, the complete deceiving of two personl by each other providing ample material for the most hilarious of situations and dialogue. The second picture, “Break of Hearts.” is an intriguing story concerning a struggling young composer and an eminent symphony orchestra conductor, and their efforts to cling to a love that is put to a severe test. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. / “CHARLIE CHAN IN SHANGHAI.” The adventurous career of the benign detective, Charlie Chan, very nearly comes to an untimely end as Warner Gland, again playing Chan in “ Charlie Chan in Shanghai, which will commence a season at the Grand Theatre to-morrow, ventures into China’s roaring metropolis to break up a dangerous gang ot international opium smugglers. From the moment Chan sets foot in Shanghai his adventures begin with the murder of his host, an English secret service man. Chan’s own life is menaced by mysterious assailants, who shoot at him during the night, attempt to kidnap him, but fail to match his Oriental will. Joining forces with the American secret service, Chan takes up the threads of the crime. The Englishman’s secretary, Charles Locher, is suspected of the murder and held, despite the protests of his fiancee, Irene Hervey. The motives and the positions of the various members of the drama become more and more involved until finally, in a gun fight on a waterfront cafe, Chan gets his men and uncovers the forces behind the mystery. Keye Luke, prominent Chinese actor, is featured as Chan’s son, and Russell flicks and Halliwell Hobbes are'prominent in supporting roles. EMPIRE THEATRE “ Murder in the Fleet,” which combines the thrills and adventure of life in the navy and the suspense and drama of ’ a murder, is the current attraction at the Empire Theatre. The naval background is always popular, the comedy is lively, and the murders are done with a close approach to that perfection of crime which is the dream of the authors. Secret plans, mysterious foreign powers, and fights in the powder magazine, add to the thrills of “ Murder in the Fleet.” In the principal roles are Robert Taylor,- a young actor, who scores a meritorious success in this, his first big picture, and Jean Parker, whose charm was demonstrated in “ Little Wdmen ” and “ Sequoia.” Nat Pendleton, Ted Healey, and Jean Hersholt all contribute to the success of this unusual drama of murder and mystery. The action of the film takes place on a warship, and the story tells of the endeavours of a young naval lieutenant to discover a criminal among the civilian visitors, Government officials, and naval crew, who are kept on board until the man is captured. The men on the ship are endeavouring to install, a new firing control gear within a certain time, but there are opposing influences trying to halt the work. It is at this stage that the murders commence, and the naval men turn detectives, while at the same time working frantically to complete their task of installation. Amid a rapid succession of thrills, drama, and comic interludes, the secret is unfolded. There is a good supporting programme. 'The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. “HONEYMOON FOR THREE.” \ There have been few more uproarious comedies seen on the screen, it is said, than the merry Stanley Lupino comedy, “ Honeymoon for Three," which comes to the Empire Theatre next Friday. Specially written for the screen by the famous comedian, it contains a series of uproarious situations arising from misapprehensions and complications of a truly hilarious nature. Trouble begins with a party for Jack Denver when his rich uncle decides that the good-for-nothing young fellow must turn around immediately and do something—in fact, he must go to work into his bank. But at the same time it was Jack’s undoing. With all the after effects of a hectic night heavy upon him he wandered off in the direction of home, but he finished in the flat of a pretty girl whom he did not know. , He lay down and went to sleep. The next thing he knew, the occupant of the flat having just discovered him was vigorously shaking him. Naturally she was very annoyed about the whole thing. Her annoyance turned to fear and trembling when the doorbell rang. It was her fiance, Raymond Dirk and her father, M. Daumery, the famous French banker. And so, some time after he should have been entering his uncle’s famous establishment to begin his banking career, Jack Denver was stealing out of a lady’s flat window by means of several sheets carefully tied together. MAYFAIR THEATRE “Here is My Heart,” featuring Bing Crosby and Kitty Carlisle, and “ The Scoundrel,” featuring Noel Coward, are the two films which at present are being screened at the Mayfair Theatre. Considerable interest has been aroused by the screen appearance of Noel Coward, the famous English dramatist-composer, as his performance reveals another facet of his many-sided talent. As a literary Don Juan, who is killed in an accident, but cannot find peace in the hereafter until he finds someone who mourns him, Coward gives a remarkable performance in vitalising this modern adaption of a mediaeval legend. The whole picture is a brilliant satire. In the other film Crosby plays the part _of a millionaire who woos a haughty princess. In order to win her favour he masquerades as a hotel waiter, and after many amusing misadventures his ambition is realised. Julie Haydon, Stanley Rodgers, Hope Williams, and Rosita Moreno are featured in the supporting cast. The box plans are at the D.I.C. « OIL FOR THE LAMPS OP CHINA.” “Oil for the Lamps of China,” which comes l;o the Mayfair Theatre to-morrow, is heralded as both a most powerful drama and a stirring human document. The picture was more than a year in the making, for atmospheric shots were taken in Manchuria a year before a camera crank was turned at the studio, and Director Mervyn Leßoy spent several months in the Orient studying China and Chinese customs before beginning work. Pat O’Brien has the leading role, that of an American fired with enthusiasm to make good with his company, a great oil concern, and to bring light to China by the way of lamps and oil. Josephine Hutchinson portrays the girl Pat marries and who, in the end, saves him from being cast aside by the company in whose service he had spent a lifetime of work. Jean Muir and John Eldredge play the roles of friends of Pat and Miss Hutchinson, who, failing to understand Chinese methods, are broken on the wheel of adversity. ’ Lyle Talbot also is broken by the life. v