AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22964, 20 August 1936, Page 19

AMUSEMENTS

GRAND THEATRE It is doubtful if there has been seen in Dunedin for several years such a perfectly realistic and terribly dramatic film of the "gangster" type as "Show Them No Mercy," which commenced a season at the Grand Theatre yesterday. This film epitomises the series of films which has lately been shown, seemingly to educate the American public in the science, subtlety, and sureness of Government men in the detection and suppression of crime. There is a kidnapping, and immediately the G-Men appear followed by Bureau of Investigation officers from Washington, where Edgar G. Hoover, the most prominent criminologist in America to-day, takes a hand in the operations. The ransom money paid to the kidnappers is not marked, but it can be identified by the combination of serial numbers and letters. The kidnappers accept the money and release the youth. Now there is a new aspect to the story, one that relieves the grimness, and sometimes horror, of the chase, and gives the charming love interest. Edward Norris and Rochelle Hudson and their baby are forced, when their car becomes immovable, to take shelter in an old house. Armed, grim men burst in on them, and here is the kidnap gang—Cesar Romero, Bruce Cabot, Warren Hymer, and Edward Brophy—come to its "hide-out" to divide the money. The two young people are locked in a room, and in the morning Norris is forced to go to nearby towns and change some of the ransom money Over the radio later the gang is dismayed to hear that the notes were traced, and the whole of their booty is useless. Cabot, as the blood-lust-ing killer of the gang, tries to break through a police barricade to escape with Brophy. The latter is killed a« he runs off in the dark when a police spotlight picks him out and maahine gunners sight him. Hymer, in the sympathetic role of the tough gangster who tries to protect the young couple, is shot down as he tries to shoot his way clear in a railway station. Cabot manages to return to the old house, where Romero and the young couple remain. Coolly and viciously he kills Romero, and then turns his attention to killing the prisoners. It is an intensely thrilling sequence. Suddenly Norris and Miss Hudson trick the terrible killer for a moment, and while he pursues and wounds Norris the young wife goes into action with a sub-machine gun belonging to the gang. Few films have ever shown such a dramatic climax as this, where the streaming bullets spatter across the bare chest of the gangster, but it must at least show the public that the gangster no longer mows down the policeman. It is an excellent film, and the fine acting of the principals, the stranded couple, and the four gangsters, is faultless. There is a good supporting programme of short films. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. EMPIRE THEATRE The inimitable trio of comedians, the Marx Brothers, have the leading roles in "A Night at the Opera," which will have its final Dunedin screening to-day at the Empire Theatre. Here is a picture that is not only noteworthy for the screamingly funny comedy one would expect from the Marx Brothers, but one that is built around an intriguing plot, 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 that has the city on its ear. It is opera such as has never been seen before, as the Marxes become matchmakers to further the romance of two unknown opera singers. All assist in making this the most delightful film they have made. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "I FOUND STELLA PARISH" Emphasis' on stars, or on a star, is apt to standardise production; but Kay Francis must be classed as a notable exception. She succeeds in each succeeding film in bringing a freshness and beauty to her dramatic acting that entitles her to be classed as one of the greatest dramatic actresses in film work; and "I Found Stella Parish," which will be shown at the Empire Theatre to-morrow, provides her with one of the greatest roles of her distinguished career. Kay Francis is supported by a very talented cast and honours must be divided among several. The film produces a six-year-old star, Sybil Jason, the simplicity and sincerity of whose acting is a delight This little girl made her debut last year in a film which made a popular appeal in the United States, and in this film she triumphs in a much more difficult part. In her understanding of character she is wise beyond her years. She romps through the most exacting scenes with perfect naturalness and skilfully acts many emotional sequences. lan Hunter, an English stage and screen star, has the role of the journalist who betrayed Stella Parish, and Paul Lukas is the actress's theatrical manager and suitor. STRAND THEATRE Tense drama and amusing comedy are to be found in the two pictures at present being screened at the Strand Theatre. " The Moonstone." which has been adapted from the well-known novel by Wilkie Collins, is a thrilling mystery story concerning the theft of a famous yellow diamond. Suspicion falls on a number of people before a solution is discovered. David Manners and Phyllis Barry have the two principal roles. The second film is s Personal Maid's Secret." featuring Margaret Lindsay Warren Hull, Anita Louise and Ruth Donnelly. It is a fast-moving comedy of a maid who helps a young couple on the road to success, both financially and socially. The box plans are at. the theatre and the D.I.C. "BOULDER DAM " The story of "Boulder Dam," the picture to be commenced at the Strand Theatre to-morrow, carries a glamorous romance in which a pretty singer in a dance hall inspires a shirker, disgruntled with the world, to do heroic deeds and to make something of his life. There are scenes showing the construction of the dam including the wrecking of a runaway dynamite car and the saving of a man hanging from a boom hundreds of feet above the river bed, an actual happening The picture starts with the shirker accidentally killing his boss in a brawl. He flees and finally wanders to the Boulder Dam then under construction He meets the pretty singer falls in love with her and is regenerated But there is a rival for her love who nearly upsets the apple cart when he discovers the other's past and orders him to quit the town on penalty of betas exposed. A strange and unusual incident takes place, however, which changes the course of events and brings the picture to an amazing climax STATE THEATRE The five most celebrated children in the world, the Dionne quintuplets, make their appearance in "The Country Doctor," which is now being shown at the State Theatre. It is a story in which comedy, drama, pathos, and adventure are deftly woven in a manner which will entertain even the st jaded film-goer. The comedy, in particular, is excellent, and crops up in the most unexpected places. The plot concerns the efforts of a simple backwoods doctor to secure adequate medical facilities for his settlement, and gives a splendid opportunity for the talents of Jean Hersholt His portrait of the plain, earnest doctor who suddenly finds himself world renowned is one of the best pieces of character drawing presented in recent i< ars Then there are the quintuplets In spite of their youth, their performance is excellent, and will bring Measure not only to every woman who °es them, but to most men as well In a perfectly natural manner they frolic round their nursery and play with Hersholt, while, in addition, the audience is given a remarkable insight into the daily routine at the hospital which

was specially constructed for them. Much of the comedy is provided by Slim Summerville, who is admirably cast as a country policeman, and he is well supported by John Qualen, as the proud, then apprehensive, then scared, and finally dumbfounded, father. A charming romance, with June Lang and Michael Whalen as the principals, is skilfully woven into the story. There is a good supporting programme. The box plans arc at the theatre and at Begg's. REGENT THEATRE Local picture-goers should find particular interest in " Thoroughbred,' the latest Australian film which is now showing at the Regent Theatre, as one of its principal features is a victory in the Melbourne Cup by a New Zea-land-bred horse. "Thoroughbred" is neither a purely Australian story expressed by typical characters in typical dialogue, nor the more or less stereotyped Hollywood " thriller." but a judicious compromise of both. The American Helen Twelvetrees is the heroine, and among the others are Elame Hamill, John Longden, Frank Leighton, and the horse Stormalong. The acting is good and the photography sound, much of it vividly bringing to the audience the racecourse atmosphere of Randwick and Flemington, equal to the best of more experienced film-pro-ducing countries. Supporting the main picture are interesting short subjects. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY" Although Frances Hodgson Burnett's story is well known to an older generation, there are probably many younger people who are not familiar with this famous work, and for the benefit of those a brief outline of the tale which has charmed thousands of readers is given:—"The year is 1885. Havisham, lawyer of the Earl of Dorincourt, arrives at the Brooklyn home of the lovely young widow, Mrs Errol ('Dearest'),, to announce that the death of the Earl's third son, Bevis, makes her small son, Ceddie, the heir. He is prepared to take Ceddie to Dorincourt Castle, and explains that the gruff old Earl will provide a home for ' Dearest' at Court Lodge, but will not have her inside the park gates, as his second son had incurred his displeasure by marrying this penniless American girl. Ceddie bids good-bye to his dear friends, Dick, the bootblack; Mr Hobbs, the grocer; and the Apple Woman, and he and ' Dearest' sail for England. Arrived at Court Lodge. 'Dearest* asks the kindly Havisham to inform the earl that she cannot accept the income he wishes to provide for her." From here on the picture unfurls in delightful fashion and tells how Ceddie ultimately establishes his right to the title of Lord Fauntleroy. Great interest has been shown in the casting of "Little Lord Fauntleroy," to be commenced at the Regent Theatre to-morrow, and the artists enact their roles with such sincerity that one follows the progress of the story enthralled at its realism. ST. JAMES THEATRE Few pictures have such a dramatic intensity as Columbia's "Crime and Punishment," the current attraction at the St. James Theatre. It does not concern itself with brutality and ruthlessness, as its name might suggest, but rather deals with the human emotions and their reactions to a series of dramatic events. "Crime and Punishment" also tells of a great love existing among the members of a poor, friendless family. To the players the picture gives ample scope for ability, and without exception they handle their parts extremely well. Peter Lorre is cast as Raskolikov, a murderer, and his powerful playing compels the utmost attention as the causes and effects of his crime are portrayed. Edward Arnold cleverly plays Inspector Porfiry. The leading feminine role is taken by Marian Marsh. The box plans are at the theatre, at the D.1.C., and at Jacobs's. "FRA DIAVOLO" "Babes in Toyland" and "Bonnie Scotland," although both outstanding productions, cannot compare with Laurel and HaKdy's "Fra Diavolo," which will commence a return season at the St. James Theatre to-morrow. This film bears not only the stamp of individual, inimitable humour, which these two comedians are noted for, but has been supplied also with a colourful musical background. Laid in a picturesque era of nobility, courtly ladies, and highway bandits, the plot gives Laurel and Hardy every opportunity to make fools of themselves, and to become involved in a series of sidesplitting adventures which almost lead them to the gallows. The film is based on the comic opera written by Auber in 1830. The fun begins when the pair are robbed of their life savings by a bandit, and seeking revenge, hit upon the bright idea of becoming bandits themselves. Hardy pretends he is Diavolo, a notorious bandit chief, known throughout the country. Laurel becomes his trusted henchman. Eventually they encounter the dangerous Diavolo himself, and are made his prisoners. Their attempts to escape, their blunders in trying to prevent the bandit chief from robbing the lovelv Lady Pamela, and their interference in a romantic liasion between a young officer and an- innkeeper's daughter, supply the situations which will keep the audience thoroughly amused. An excellent supporting cast includes Dennis King who smgs a number of rollicking ballads, and proves himself equally expert at dramatic work. Thelma Todd is an engaging Lady Pamela, and others in the cast are James Finlayson, Lucille Brown, Arthur Pierson, Henry Armetta, and Matt M'Hugh. OCTAGON THEATRE "The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo," which is the principal film on the current programme at the Octagon Theatre, has Ronald Colman in the leading role. He takes the part of a Russian prince who gambles the life savings of the employees of a restaurant on a roulette wheel at the casino and wins a fortune. He 1 loses it again, however and falls in love with a beautiful girl who has been employed by the management of the casino to lure Colman i ick Joan Bennett, who is cast opposite ;olman. gives an excellent performance, and others in the cast are Colin Clive Montagu Love and Nigel Bruce. The supporting film is 'Every Saturdav Night," with Spring Byington. Jed Sprouty and June Levy in the chief roles. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME The famed Montmartre section of Paris, haven of struggling and aspiring artists and writers from all over the world, furnishes the v romantic background for the major portion of Paramount's film adaptation of Noel Coward's "Design for Living." to be commenced at the Octagon Theatre to-morrow. London and New York settings also figure in the film, which was directed by Ernst Lubitsch, with Fredric March, Gary Cooper. Miriam Hopkins and Edward Everett Horton playing the principal roles. Del Henderson, formei director, is now a character and appears with Gertrude Michael and Paul Cavanadi in Paramount's "The Notorious Sophie Lang." the accompanying attraction in the programme. The picture isia story of a beautiful girl who steals diamonds and hearts in two continents until she falls in love with her rival, who teaches her the tricks of the trade. MAYFAIR THEATRE Victor Hugo's lmmorta) story "Les Miserables," the graphic and moving tale of the injustices perpetrated under the French law in the earlypart of the nineteenth century, is now being showr at the Mayfair Theatre. The two leading roles, those of Jean Valjean. the man whom th theft of a loaf of bread brought a lifetime of suffering, and Javert, the implacable police officer who refuses to giv? up the pursuit of the man who. having once been a galley slave, is still a criminal in the eyes of the law, are magnificently portrayed by Fredric March and Charles Laughton respectively, each player reaching remarkable' heights in his characterisation.

Valjean, after his release from 10 years' servitude in the galleys, returns to such ar. existence as the French police will allow him, and, harried from town to town, he is at last shown that there is still some kindliness in the world by a benevolent bishop, who shelters him in his hour of need. Valjean then devotes his life to the service of others, but the relentless Javert. who had once been his guard on the galleys, recognises him. and the persecution is renewed. Years pass as Valjean remains undiscovered in Paris, but once again Javert tracks him down, and, although his persecutor is placed in his power, it is not in the nature of the man who has suffered the tortures of the galleys to do him harm, and the climax comes as a relieving touch to a life of sacrifice. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.