AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22907, 15 June 1936, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS

OCTAGON THEATRE " Millions in the Air " is the feature of the double programme at the Octagon theatre this week, and it is well worth a visit. There is no real reason at all why " Millions in the Air " should not be an appalling film.' But somehow it manages to be extremely good. Everything has been done before, including the heiress, who does not reveal the dollars to her impecunious lover until it is almost too late, the talent spotting competition that make 6 everything all right, and the angry "millionaire papa. But, why then does it succeed in being first-class entertainment? It must be because of the cast, all players of long and varied experience, and tlie dialgfcue which has the brevity and laconism that only Hollywood can produce. There are so many excellent cameos by. small actors that one wonders why stars should ever have their names up in lights. One other factor that helps is the radio studio, where most of the action takes place. To most people broadcasting still carries sufficient glamour and romance to permit almost any extravagance or impossibility. , Wendy Barric shows again how vastly her acting has improved since her arrival in America. She retains a charmingly soft English accent, but she has now learnt to use it with effect rather than affectation. Opposite her is John Howard, as_ an ice cream man. with his soul in his saxophone. Again, one might say " how horrible." Yet he succeeds in making the young hero human, likeable, and real. The second film is "It's a Great Life, more or less of a propaganda production dealing with one of America's methods of coping with the army of unemployed youth. Chic Sale. Paul Kelly, Joe Morrison, and Rosalind Keith have the leading roles. The box plans will be found at the theatre and at Begg's. >

GRAND THEATRE The droll comedian Edward Everett Horton is seen at his best in "Your Uncle Dudley," a.delightful comedy which is the principal attraction on the current programme at the Grand Theatre. He is the central figure in the film, and his antics cause, as usual, prolonged roars of laughter. Horton is ideally cast as a typical American small town prominent personage, so wrapped up in civic worries that he has no time left to attend to his personal affairs. Among his many worries are a troublesome family, continually making fresh demands on him, and a not very flourishing business that is declining fast. Horton's sudden awakening and his methods of dealing with the family provide a most amusing climax to a thoroughly enjoyable production. " Your Uncle Dudley " is another of those realistic little comedies of small-town life which give foreigners a probably authentic glimpse of the real America, in place of the American dreamland of soft-hearted gangsters, crooners, whimsical millionaires and girls like Jean Harlow. The design of this film is verv simple. Uncle Dudley presides at a luncheon club and at a singinc contest, and makes a tour of the town trying in vain to borrow £IOOO from one or another of the prosperous business men who slap his back so heartily at each meeting of each luncheon club. Three women faint: but the second time Dudlev's sister, Mabel, faints Dudley refuses to acknowledge the gesture, and she strikes the floor with a thump. Little more than this happens; but each character and each incident seems to have been drawn from life. At the end, when one has finished laughing, one feels admiration for a people who can see themselves so elearlv and make fun so pointedly of their customs and characters. In support is shown a thrilling drama of the" railroad, "Whispering Smith Speaks," which features George O'Brien in the principal role.

EMPIRE THEATRE Part of the attractiveness of "Escapade," the current feature at the Empire Theatre, is the fact that it introduces to the screen a new and charming player in Luise Rainer, who comes from Vienna. Miss Rainei's performance in her first American picture is delightful, and her ingenuous fascination is perfectly suited to the light-hearted gaiety with which the story is enacted. She varies her expression with marvellous effect to show her different moods, and acts with outstanding subtlety and appreciation of the art of interpreting character and portraying emotion without over-acting. Moreover, she is supported bv William Powell, whose suave nonchalance makes an enjoyable contrast with Miss Rainer's Viennese charm. "Escapade" is one of those delightful sophisticated plays in which romance ends by triumphing irresistibly anil charmingly over sophistication. It is a new version of the Austrian production. "Maskerade," in which Paula Wessely achieved fame, and seems likely to repeat the success of the original film. William Powell plays the part of a_ successful artist who becomes involved in a mild scandal, the outcome of a trifling escapade. He uses the wife of a prominent doctor as his model, and by an unfortunate mischance the drawing gets into the newspapers, and all Vienna is intrigued bv the portrait of the masked lady. Complications and amusing interludes follow as a result of mistaken identification, ine picture becomes even more hilarious when the artist gives a fictitious name to his model to avoid trouble, and a girl bearing it is discovered. Powell falls in love with her, and the story takes a dramatic turn, but everything ends happily. Powell and Miss Rainer are supported by an excellent cast, which includes Mady Christians and Virginia Bruce as the model, Frank Morgan as the doctor, and Reginald Owen as his dreamy brother. An especially attractive feature of the: supporting programme is a Laurel and Hardy eomedv. " Tit for Tat." The box plans arc at the theatre and the D-.1.C.

STRAND THEATRE An ambitious film, "This Day and Age." which is the principal attraction on the new programme at the Strand llieatro, is cleverly conceived and capably executed. It provides a striking commentary on the maladministration of justice in the United States. Realism is one of the predominant features of the picture, and there are many thrilling moments, the audience being kept in suspense until the last stage in this drama of the sordid side of American life. Kefreshingly dramatic is the eventual triumph of the youth of the community, but this conclusion is only reached after many sacrifices on the part of a body of young students who have banded themselves together in an endeavour to bring a gang of bandits to justice. A featuie of this picture is the remarkably tine performance of Charles Bickford in the leading role, and there are several other well-known players in the cast, Judith Allen filling the only important feminine role. " Green Eyes," an exciting mystery film, is shown in support, and a bright Walt Disney cartoon in, colour completes the programme. 'Die box plans arc at the theatre and the 0.1 .C.

STATE THEATRE The remarkable popularity of the child actress Shirley Temple is being demonstrated by the attendances at the State Theatre, where she is seen in "The Littlest Rebel," a delightful story set in the times of the American Civil War. Recent films in which the child has appeared have tended to exploit her obvious charm and given her little opportunity for displaying her acting ability. But in this latest production she is given such scope for her talent that the resulting production will almost certainly be regarded as the most successful film she has yet made. The versatility of a child who'acts feelingly, sings delightfully and performs intricate tap-dances with surprising success may only be desciibed as remarkable. Moreover, Shirley is so natural with it all that one never feels she is a mere child prodigy made to show off by a designing director. Whether pleading with President Lincoln for her father's life or singing such songs as "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and " Polly Wolly Doodle," she is wholly captivating. The storv tells how Shirley, as the " littlest rebel," saved her father (John Boles), an officer in the Conferedate Armv during the American Civil War, from ignominious death. Boles is captured as he attempts to carry his child through the lines of the Union Army to safety. Released bv a kindly officer, the father is rccapturedand botli he and his conniving friend are sentenced to death. But Shirley pleads with President Lincoln, and the story ends on a happy note. An outstanding performance is Riven by Bill

Robinson as a faithful negro family servant. Robinson, who has won renown on the variety stage for his exceptional tap-dancing, was last seen with Shirley Temple in "The Little Colonel." Some of the most enjoyable scenes of "The Littlest Rebel " are those in which Shirley and Robinson dance together. A strong supporting cast includes Jack Holt, Karen Morley and Willie Best. The supporting programme contains several items of special interest, one of them being a description of a visit to a strange island. In addition, one of the newsreels gives some views of the play in the last test match between England and New Zealand, showing Obolensky scoring his two famous tries. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg's.

REGENT THEATRE ■ . «■ "Anything Goes " is the intriguing title of the current attraction at the Regent Theatre, and, judging by the reception accorded the film over the week-end, it is a picture of more than ordinary merit. The original stage production of Anything Goes" was notable lor three sensational musical numbers by Cole Sorter, "You're the Top," " I Get a kick Out of You," and the title melody Anything Goes." The screen production is even more notable, for. in addition to these three tunes, it includes a brand new Cole Porter number. "There Always By a Lady Fair," and four other new tunes by equallv famous composers, ine story presents Bins Crosby aboard an oceangoing liner with the borrowed passport of a prominent criminal in his pocket He must elude the ship's officers, who take him to be Public Enemy No. 1, while searching for a beautiful stranger whom he believes to be in distress. Charles Ruggles assists him in his various disguises, in order to keep out of the clutches of the law. and within speaking distance of his charmer, played by Ida Lup no. Tumbling out of his various disguises while he eludes the ship's officers, the whole ship becofnes a madhouse offum The wrongful possession of the passport which he is carrying is respons ble 01 many humorous interludes, and gives Crosby ample scope to display his acting and comedy ability. Bing Crosby is the featured performer, appearing in a role which furnishes him with plenty of the vocal opportunity that he likes. He gjves - trnod character study as Billy and finds in Charles Ruggles a very valuable assistant, the popular comedian acquitting himself with his usual distinction. "Anvthina Goes" introduces one ot tne nfosfadva'nced steps in recording of sound during the past two years. Ihe new device is the nearest; -approachi natural ear yet invented, and the result k perfect recording both in speech and he P music in which the play p abpunds. A well-known band supplies the atmospheric music which is mostly of the rea not the theatre and at the U.L.^.

"THE GHOST GOES WEST." Queen Mary was present at the world nreniiere of "The Ghost Goes West, preSd It the London Pavilior.on December 17, 1935. The entire proceeds iron ffi premiere were handed; over to the Pamvorth Village Settlement. The Ghost GoeWest," which will be screcned at the Regent Theatre on l 'ridgy. «» to be directed in England by Renei Uair for London Film Productions Ihe cast headed bv Robert Donat includes Jean Parker Eugene Pallette. Elsa Lancaster, Morton Seften, Ralph Bunker-and Hay Pptrie The script is written alter a short story of Erie Keown by Robert E. fcwood? Robert Donat plays a double rde in this United Artists picture, and is seen as a Scottish laud of the 18th century, and later as his penniless descendant^of to-day " a H^ Dn ut S SdWest" is said to be one of the outstand ine' pictures of the year.

ST. JAMES THEATRE "The Bride Comes Home," a Paramount picture which is this weeks principal attraction at the St James Theatre, £'a sparkling comedy replete with divertinn situations and witty dialogue. Jixceflently performed and shrewdly directed, the production attains a very high standard. Every detail of acting script and direction is so precisely calculated that the Picture appears to be almost without fault.' The leading role is taken by Claudette Colbert, whose charm and ability did rnuih toward making "It Happened One Night" and " She Married Her Boss two of The most successful of recent screen comedies. In " The Bride Comes Home, Miss Colbert has two keen suitors—J act Bristow (Robert Young) and Cyrus Anderson (Fred Mac Murray). The former■ M a millionaire, the latter-penniless-When Jeanette (Miss Colbert) hears that her father has lost all his money she resolves to CO to work. and. taking advantage of her friendship with Bristow, position as " assistant editor on his new magazine, the editor of which is Anderson. Ignoring Br Mow's Sequent requests to marry him, Jeanette falls in love with Anderson, but their romance is punctuated by a series of quarrels, and the principal action of the film is concerned with whether Jeanette will marry for love or for money. Claudette Colbert gives a captivating performance. Her vivacitv and acting grace lend distinction to a role which few present-day actresses would find any ease in portraying, .bred Mac Murray frives an excellent character study as Anderson, a man who attempts to conceal very human feelings beneath a hrusque exterior. A well-chosen selection of supporting items includes a Grantland Rice Sportlieht. "Broadway Highlights, n variety item, and a " Popeye cartoon. The box. plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C.. Jncobs's and M'Cracken and Walls's.

"NEXT TIME WE LOVE." Margaret Sullavan, who is noted for her outstanding performances, takes the leading part in "Next Time We Love, the film which will be the next change at the St. James Theatre. There is a large supporting cast comprised almost entirely of players of proved ability. Miss bmiavan has the role of the wife of a struggling author. Her characterisation is said to be always interesting, and she dominates the story. The tale tells how she is forced to go abroad in order to help with the family finances. Ihe prolonged separation from her husband leads the pair to become estranged, and there ie a dramatic climax.

MAYFAIR THEATRE Laurel and Hardy in "Bonnie Scotland " bead the current double-feature programme at the Mayfair Theatre. These two popular comedians more than fulfil expectations in an uproarious farce of a most attractive kind. Laurel, as Stanley M'Laurel, is notified that he is mentioned in the will of a wealthy uncle in Scotland, so. accompanied by his grandiose friend, Oliver Hardy, he arrives in the heatherland to take over,the magnificent estate of the late relative. But the estate, so far as Stan, ie concerned, consists of some valueless heirlooms. After his disillusionment the pair become involved in an hilarious situation, which ends with them being recruited in the Scottish Highlanders and assigned for foreign duty in India in his Majesty's service. Prom this point on the two, attired in kilts, romp through a series of exciting adventures. The second attraction is "■ Living on Velvet," in which the leading role is taken by Kay Francis, ably supported by Warren William and George Brent.