AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22963, 19 August 1936, Page 13

AMUSEMENTS

OCTAGON THEATRE One of the most popular actors on the modern screen, Ronald Colman, is cast in the leading role of “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo,” the entertaining film which heads the current programme at the Octagon Theatre. Cast as a Russian prince who puts all the savings of the employees of a restaurant on the roulette wheel at the casino and wins a fortune, Colman is seen in a role that suits his style of acting perfectly. When he leaves the casino he announces that gamblers are fools and that nothing will induce him to enter the building again. The management tries to lure him back to retract his statements, and uses a pretty woman (Joan Bennett) in its attempt She succeeds, and Colman loses his fortune. It is only after an absence from one another that they discover they are in love, and the picture ends happily. Colin Clive, Montague Love and Nigel Bruce occupy prominent roles. A refreshingly true-to-life story, “Every Saturday Night,’' makes up the programme, this film featuring Spring Byington, Jed Prouty and June Levy. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. GRAND THEATRE Climaxing her rapid film advance during the past year, Rochelle Hudson has been awarded the only feminine role of importance in 20th Century's gripping anti-crime picture, “ Show Them No Mercy! ” which will be commenced this afternoon at the Grand Theatre. Miss Rochelle and Edward Norris enact the young couple trapped in the cabin of a gang of murderous abductors, while a nation-wide search is being carried on for their captors. The picture, produced under the personal supervision of Darryl F. Zanuck, is a searing, enthralling indictment of crime, a visual argument to the effect that those who live by violence must come to a violent ending. The principal gangster roles are enacted by Cesar Romero and Bruce Cabot, who made his debut as a “ heavy ” in “ Let ’Em Have It.” Kubec Glasmon’s original story served as the model for “ Show Them No Mercy! ” which was directed by George Marshall, noted for his direction of Will Rogers pictures. Edward Brophy, Warren Hymer, and Herbert Rawlinson are among those prominent in the supporting cast. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. EMPIRE THEATRE One of the best comedies seen in Dunedin for a long time is “A Night at the Opera,” which is at present being shown at the Empire Theatre. It is a picture that not only gives the screamingly funny comedy fllmgoers expect from the Marx brothers, but one that is built around an interesting story and some truly brilliant singing by two Broadway stage favourites, Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones. The action romps along at a sprightly pace as Groucho, Chico, and Harpo go into the grand opera business in Italy, dash across the Atlantic and stage an opera in New York. It is opera such as has never been seen before, as the Marxes become matchmakers to further the romance of two unknown opera singers. Supporting the Marxes, in addition to Jones and Miss Carlisle, who are perfectly cast as the young'lovers, are Walter King, who also has a fine singing role, Siegfried Rumann. Margaret Dumont, Edward Keane, and Robert Emmet O’Connor. Sam Wood, who has directed more than 40 feature films, must be credited with a job well done The story was written by George S. Kaufman and Morris Ryskind. Kaufman was the author of _ " Cocqanuts,’ and again has outdone himself in producing a sparkling comedy for the three merry madcaps. There is a varied supporting programme of short features. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "I FOUND STELLA PARISH” Based on the thrilling and dramatic story by John Monk Saunders, “ I Found Stella Parish,” the screen version of which will be seen at the Empire Theatre on Friday, has Kay Francis at the head of a talented cast, which includes lan Hunter, Paul Lukas, Sybil Jason, Jessie Ralph and Barton Mac Lane. Miss Francis has the role of a beautiful and talented actress who is beseiged by suitors, including her theatrical producer, but who rejects aL offers of marriage. The publicity attending her success reaches the ears of her husband and father of her small daughter, who tries to blackmail her. Terrified lest he betray her secret and ruin both her life and that of her child, she flees from London the very night she has made a sensational hit. Her strange disappearance intrigues a rising young journalist, a part played by lan Hunter. He discovers she is sailing for America in disguise and follows her aboard the ship. Making the acquaintance of her daughter, and finally o' 0 the actress herself, he worms his v/ay into her confidence and obtains enough information to discover her secret, which he reveals in a sensational despatch to his newspaper. STRAND THEATRE An excellent double-feature programme is at present being shown at the Strand Theatre. Wilkie CoL liris’s famous detective story, “ The Moonstone,” has been transferred to the screen, the leading roles having been given to David Manners and Phyllis Barry. The story Concerns a brilliant stone, originally stolen from a Hindu temple, which takes on all manner of scintillating colours under the light of the moon. The stone has been bought for an English girl, Anne Verinder, and in the opening scenes of the story Franklin Blake, her lover, accompanied by his Hindu servant, are seen on their way to give her the jewel. There are many exciting incidents before the stone is delivered to its rightful owner, and an unexpected twist to the plot leads up to a stirring climax. The second picture is “ Personal Maid’s Secret,” which abound? in novel situations. Margaret Lindsay, Warren Hull. Anita Louise and Ruth Donnelly head the cast, each player giving an excellent portrayal. There is plenty of highly acceptable comedy, and an attractive romance adds to the anneal of the production. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME The Warner Bros.’ production, “ Boulder Dam,” which colourfully exploits the exciting incidents connected with the construction of the mighty power project, will be the main attraction in the programme to be opened at the Strand Theatre on Friday, with Ross Alexander, Patricia Ellis and Lyle Talbot in the leading roles. Alexander and Miss Ellis have the romantic roles, with Talbot portraying the “ heavy role ” of rival for lave of the pretty dance hall singer, played by Miss Ellis. The picture is crammed with dynamic drama, daredevil action, heroic deeds and thrilling incidents in addition to its romance Miss Eilis also adds a colourful touch to the picture by singing two songs specially written for the production by the noted song team of Mort Dixon and Allie Wrubel. The associate feature will be “ Man Trailer.” featuring Buck Jones. STATE THEATRE The great popularity of “ The Country Doctor,” which is at present being shown to crowded houses at the State Theatre, is not surprising. In the first place, the Dionne Quintuplets appear in a film for the first time; and secondly, an unusual and brilliant comedy-drama interpreted by a strong cast is an added attraction. For some the quintuplets will be the main attraction. but for the majority the attraction will lie with the splendid acting and atractive story. Joan Hersholt, one of the finest character actors the screen has known, comes out of retirement to play the role of Dr Dafoe. Ho introduces once again all the artistry that won him general favour. and shadows every other member of the strong cast. Dorothy Peterson plays the nurse, and her characterisation is also a fine one. Deft comedy touches are introduced by the master

comedian, Slim Summerville, while the romantic angle is in the hands of pretty June Lang and Michael Whalen. The story deals with a small country community and the doctor whose chief aim in life is to administer to the many and varied wants of its members. Comedy and drama are admirably combined, with the result that the film is one of the best of its type ever screened. Without the services of Hersholt and the other members of the cast the film might well have been a poor one No chances were taken, however, and “ The Country Doctor ’ will challenge comparison with any film of recent times. There is a good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s. REGENT THEATRE Because it breaks new ground in the motion-picture industry, “Thoroughbred,” the Australian film which is now being shown at the Regent Theatre, is of particular interest to picturegoers, but added to this, it is based on an exciting and entertaining story which is essentially Australian in character. Set against the clamour and crowds of the racecourse and the sunny paddocks of Australian stud farms, it has Helen Twelvetrees, taken from America to make the film, as the chief actress, and she is supported by a cast which includes John Longden and Frank Leighton, two actors already known to many New Zealanders. The story deals principally with the development of a wonder racehorse, which, after a succession of victories, goes out favourite for the Melbourne Cup. An international gang makes desperate efforts to see that the favourite does not win, and they go to extraordinary lengths to accomplish their object. Many of the scenes in “.Thoroughbred ” were taken on the racecourse. The production and photography are both of a high standard, and make the most of the many opportunities which the story gives them. Miss Twelvetrees has a part for which he is admirably suited and she does her work with sincerity and thoroughness. The other actors with big parts do all that is required of them, and work in well with Miss Twelvetrees. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. “ LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY 1 An old friend in a new guise should be warmly welcomed at the Regent Theatre on Friday next, when little Freddie Bartholomew acquaints us with a completely modernised “ Little Lord Fauntleroy,” bereft of the traditional long curls and plush suit, but none the less lovable for that. Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story has captured the heart of everyone who has eyer read it. It will delight all manner of audiences, critical or casual, with its high comedy, effective pathos, genuine feeling and superb dramatic unfoldment. “Little Lord Fauntleroy" also marks a triumphant return to the screen after four years for the lovely Dolores Costello Barrymore, who is costarred with Freddie in the role of the little lord’s adored young mother. “Dearest.” It tells the familiar story of the little American lad who became a lord and went to England to live m a castle with his grandfather the gruff, gout-ridden old Earl of Dorincourt (C. Aubrey Smith), and was separated from the dear widowed mother whpm the stubborn earl refused to receive inside the castle gates because his son had married against his wishes. Freddie Bartholomew is even better than he was as “ Copperfield Dqloi'es Costello Barrymore is as effective as sne is beautiful as “ Dearest.” C. Aubrey Smith is perfectly cast as the old earl, and the cast, which also includes Henry Stephenson as Havisham. Guy Kibbee as Mr Hobbs, the grocer, Mickey Rooney as Dick, the bootblack, E. E. Clive, Una O’Connor. Ivan Simpson and Constance Collier, is uniformly brilliant ST. JAMES THEATRE “ Crime and Punishment,” tne film version of Feodor Dostoievsky’s drama tic novel, is at present being screened at the St. James Theatre. The two principals of the picture are Edward Arnold and Peter Lorre, who, as the police inspector and the criminal respectively enact their parts exceedingly well. They involve in their roles the slowly rising atmosphere of drama, fear, and hatred. One builds up the belief in his inexorability and the other builds up the sensation of his impending loss of nerve and exposure with the fine gradations of facial expression which only first-class actors can achieve. The story concerns itself with the causes and effects of the crime Raskolnikov commits. Haying recently graduated fi’om the university,Raskolnikov finds himself and his high ideals buffeted about. His beloved sister is about to marry an obnoxious Govern ment official just so that he, Raskolnikov, and his mother will have money Believing that, with his superior mentality, he can commit the perfect crime, he murders a wretched hag of a pawnbroker and rotas her. The remainder of the film shows why he fails to escape the long arm of the law, in the guise of the relentless yet gentle police inspector, played by Edward Arnold. Marian Marsh, a young woman who has been making decided headway against the Hollywood tides, plays the leading feminine role. Others include Tala Birell, Robert Allen, Elisabeth Risdon, Douglass Dximbrille, Gene Lockhart, and Mrs Patrick Campbell. The box plans are at the theatre. Jacobs’s, and the D.I.C. “ FRA DIAVOLO ” If you can imagine Laurel and Hardy cutting their capers in doublet and hose as two idiotic bandits in a “ Maid of the Mountains” type of story, you have some idea of the comedy contained Jn “ Fx - a Diavolo,” which will be opened at the St. James Theatre on Friday. But this is very much more than just a vehicle for the foolery of Stanley and Oliver, it is a blend of slapstick farce, musical comedy, and grand opera, and it brings to the screen once more the charming personality and glorious voice of the famous tenor, Dennis King, star of the early “ talkie success, “ The Vagabond King.’ “ Fra Diavolo” (the Devil’s Brother), is based on the opera by Auber, who wrote it in 1829, and audiences xvho hear the original music for the first time will realise that they have missed something up till now. The film has been produced on a most pretentious scale, with a cast composed almost entirely of comedy favourites. The story is based on the real life exploits of Fra Diavolo, a bandit chief who made himself notoxdous in the lawless days of Italy in the eighteenth century; but, contrary to history, he is shown in the screen as a romantic figure of the Robin Hood type. MAYFAIR THEATRE Fredric March, Charles Laughton, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke head the brilliant cast of “Les Misei'ables,” which will be commenced at the Mayfair Theatre to-day. March is seen as the hero, Jean Valjean who spends five bitter years in the galleys of a French prison ship for the theft of a loaf of bread, and finds his whole life is shadowed by this petty crime. Laughton is cast as Javert, the fanatical detective who hounds him, and Hardwicke nlays the beneficent Bishop Bienvenu, whose kindness and trust launches the brutalised convict on the road to a nobler life. Rochelle Hudson. Frances Drake. Florence Eldridge —who is Mrs Fredric March in private life —Jessie Ralph, and little Marilynne Knowlden head the feminine contingent of the supporting cast, while John Beal, who scored in the title role of “The Little Minister,” and Ferdinand Gottschalk. are prominent among the supporting males in this presentation. The hox plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.