AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23201, 27 May 1937, Page 6

AMUSEMENTS

ST. JAMES THEATRE "The Magnificent Brute," which is now being shown at the St. James Theatre, is proving a strong attraction. The story is taken from Owen Francis's "Big." Victor M'Laglen, winner of the last Academy award for his outstanding screen performance, is the star of this Universal film, in which he is seen as "Big" Steve Andrews, a swaggering maker of steel. In the steel mills Big Steve finds the towering Bill Morgan, his bitterest enemy, ' already installed as "top" workman. Their hatred flames anew when he defeats Morgan in a test of strength. The plot is carried to a convincing climax. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., M'Cracken and Walls's, and Jacobs':;. " THE WIDOW FROM MONTE CARLO" " Well cast, brilliantly produced, and full of amusing situations, the film is one of the best of its type," wrote a prominent critic of "The Widow from Monte Carlo," which opens at the St. James Theatre to-morrow. Based on the gay romance by lan Hay and A. E. W. Mason, the story centres about the unusual adventures of a debonair major and a South American beauty, the widow of an English duke. Through the importunities of her former husband's relatives, she becomes engaged to a stuffed-shirt diplomat who is about as romantic as an iceberg. Terribly bored, the young lady slips out one night to the casino, where she meets the irrepressible major, who literally sweeps the duchess off her feet and into his arms. The part of the duchess is played by the exotic Dolores Del Rio, a warm-hearted although somewhat impetuous and unconventional character. Louise Fazenda has the role of the wife of a marmalade king who is trying to crash society. Her attempts to meet the duchess are responsible for much of the laughter, while Herbert Mundin, as her husband, is his usual humorous self. Warren William, as the major, takes the part with perfection, and in a" new type of role to his customary appearances, adds further to his long list of successes. Others in the cast include Warren Hymer (as the crook), Olin Howland. Ely Melyon, E. E. Clive, and Mary Forbes. OCTAGON THEATRE " The Charge of the Light Brigade," one of the most widely-discussed films of recent weeks, will conclude its Dunedin season at the Octagon Theatre tonight. The leading roles are in 'the capable hands of Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland. C. Henry Gordon, Patric Knowles, Nigel Bruce, and Henry Stephenson. A large part of the action takes place on the Indian frontier, the 27th Lancers being stationed at Chukoti. The scene later shifts to the Crimea, where the thrilling charge that has gone down in history is dramatically staged. The box plans are at the "theatre and Begg's. "ONCE A DOCTOR" Dealing with the heroic efforts of a young physician to rehabilitate himself after he has been unjustly stripped of his reputation and driven from practice, "Once a Doctor." announced as one of the most thrilling melodramas of the year, comes from the First National studios to the Octagon Theatre to-morrow. Donald Woods, who was so excellent in "Anthony Adverse," plays the doctor. Jean Muir, for the first time in a dramatic role, is the feminine influence that helps him in his struggle and crowns Ins victory. The climax of "Once a Doctor" is the transfer from a tramp steamer to a yacht in mid-ocean at the height of a terrific storm of the young surgeon, so that he may perform an operation that saves the life of his benefactor. These scenes are said to be thrilling in the extreme. "The King's People" is a Coronation epic of Britain's history over 37 years and the five reigns of that period. The late John Drinkwater interviews such famous people as George Bernard Shaw, the late Sir Austen Chamberlain and Lady Astor, each of whom voices inspiring confidence in the future of the British countries. GRAND THEATRE Portraying very different roles from anything either has previously done on the screen. Ralph Bellamy and Mae Clarke appear for the first time in their careers in an outdoor action film. This is Harold Bell Wright's "Wild Brian Kent." which is now at the Grand Theatre. These actors have been identified previously with screen dramas requiring a good deal of histrionic ability, such as "Nana.' "Waterloo Bridge." and "The Wedding Night." Now they have changed the type of their films, and appear in a modern Western story, shorn of its guns but still glowing with hard-hit-ting cowboys, drama and feverish activity. Bellamy has the part of a rich young man who is stranded penniless in the little desert town of Horrville. He becomes interested in the pretty owner of the Circle V ranch, and helps her in the financial difficulties troubling her. He arranges a 30-day mortgage on the ranch with Andrews, an unscrupulous real estate promoter who covets the Circle V ranch, and then finds that Andrews is doing all in his power to prevent the money being repaid, so that he may obtain possession of the ranch. Miss Clarke manages to win the necessary money in a cross-country race, however, and staves off the threatened ruin. The huge wheat crop is now readv to harvest, and Bellamy buys a harvester and is proceeding with the work when Andrev/s, in a last attempt t>* bring disaster on the ranch, sets fire to the wheat lands. His plan nearly succeeds, but the use of an old fire pump and the efforts of volunteer firebeaters overcome the fire and the wheat is saved. Andrews is arrested on a charge of arson, and Bellamy and Miss Clarke are free to complete thei'romance. "The Holy Terror." the associate feature on the programme, has been continued from last season. Jane Withers is the star of this entertaining film, and the juvenile actress displays her competence in dance, sons and drama to a remarkable degree Jane is a little girl living at a naval air base in this production, and her pranks among the " gobs" provide plenty of humour. The box plans are at Begg's and the theatre. EMPIRE THEATRE Clever comedy and a good story are contained in " Three Smart Girls," which is the current attraction at the Empire Theatre. Deanna -Durban, Universal's new discovery, is a distinct success in the leading role, her rich singing being outstandingly remarkable for a 14-year-old girl, while her frank and impetuous manner delights all. She is heard in several varied songs ranging from romantic numbers to grand opera, and gives the same effortless performance in each, assuring her a front place in the ranks of the stars. The story concerns the attempts of three daughters who, indignant at I he heart-broken state of their mother, set out from the quiet mountain lakes ol Switzerland to travel to busy New York to rescue their father from a gold digging beauty and her shrewd mothoi and win him back to their family fold The struggles of the trio become both amusing and tearful when an English nobleman and an energetic young American business man are enlisted in the fight. However, after many trying and hectic adventures, the trio finally obtain their objective, and in the reconciliation of the estranged husband and wife the film moves to a pleasing and happv conclusion. Binnie Barnes as the gilded " snake in the grass," and her scheming mother (AHcp Brady) give realistic performances The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. : STRAND THEATRE "North" of Nome" and "Sunset Range " are* the two films which will conclude their season at the Strand Theatre to-night. Jack Holt is the featured player in the first attraction, and "he gives an outstanding performance .in. the role of a seal poacher who. during a storm, rescues several people

from a wrecked ship. A charming romance is associated with the picture. In the second film Hoot Gibson, hero of many Western stories, is again seen in one of his dashing roles. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "THE SEA SPOILERS" John Wayne now comes to the screen in what is for him an entirely different kind of story. He plays the part of a boatswain in the United States Coastguard in Universal's "The Sea Spoilers." which arrives at the Strand Theatre on Friday. As Bo'sun Bob Randall, in temporary command of the Government cutter Niobe, Wayne is on the trail of a gang of rascally seal poachers, who have also kidnapped his sweetheart. Wrecks and storms, secret wireless messages, conflicts in the seal pirate leader's dungeon, all enter into the proceedings before Bob gets his man and his girl, amid bursting shells from the coastguard fleet. With Nancy Carroll and George Murphy in the featured roles, Columbia's "I'll Love You Always," the associate feature, will present an interesting study of a young married couple trying to weather financial storms in their marital ship. STATE THEATRE A delightfully human story of a talented waif and her irrepressible and irresponsible guardian is unfolded in "Dimples," which is attracting large audiences to the State Theatre. "Dimples" is the latest production of that popular little star Shirley Temple, and, playing in support of her, is the inimitable comedian, Frank Morgan. Adding to the delights of the story, Shirley contributes several new songs and dances, and, generally, gives ample evidence that there is no sign that her talent is in danger of losing its fresh ingenuousness. She is a capable little actress, and is genuinely moving in the crises of the drama. When the story opens, Shirley, with some companions, is giving an impromptu concert on a street corner, and, as it concludes, her guardian, pretending to be a casual spectator, pushes to the front and tosses a coin to the children, thus starting off a profitable collection. These street performances win for Shirley the friendship of a wealthy woman and her son, who is a theatrical producer, and, after a series of vicissitudes, Shirley and her guardian find happiness and success. There is a good supporting programme. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. REGENT THEATRE Hilarious comedy, tuneful song numbers, and a delightful romance are the chief ingredients of "Come Up Smiling," which will have its final screenings at the Regent Theatre to-day. The production has been picturised as " Sing Me a Love Song," and is adapted from the story by Harry Sauber. The story is a simple one concerning the adventures of a wealthy but somewhat irresponsible youth who decides to go to work in his own department store in order to find out why things are not running as smoothly as they should. Working incognito, he falls in love with one of the girls in the store, and their harmless but amusing adventures form the basis of the plot. The leading roles are in the capable hands of James Melton, the well-known radio singer, and Patricia Ellis, while excellent support is given by Zasu Pitts, Hugh Herbert, Allen Jenkins, and Nat Pendleton. There is an excellent supporting programme, and the box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "MEN ARE NOT GODS" Her performances in successful films, such as "Becky Sharp" and "These Three," brought Miriam Hopkins into prominence as one of the foremost dramatic actresses on the screen. Her latest role, the leading part in the London Films production, "Men Are Not Gods," which will be screened at the Regent Theatre to-morrow, fully maintains her reputation. Miriam Hopkins fits so naturally into her role that the remainder of the cast, brilliant as it admittedly is, is subservient to her throughout. Considerable demands are made upon her powers as a dramatic actress, particularly in the final scenes, but she responds to them unfalteringly. In the difficult role of Ann Williams, secretary to a famous London theatrical critic, Miriam Hopkins is at one moment a great comedienne, while the next she is a queen of tragedy. The trouble starts when the blonde secretary meets the wife of a Shakespearian actor a few mintues before the Daily Post goes to press. The stenographer is about to give the criticism of " Othello," written by her employer, to the printer. when " Othello's" wife comes to the office in tears and wants to know if the review is favourable. She pleads with the secretary to keep the bad notice out of the paper, and Ann Williams promises to see what she can do. What she does gets her the sack the next morning, because she alters the copy and makes the actor the greatest Othello London has ever seen instead of the worst. Thinking the criticism comes from the famous critic, all London flocks to see "Othello." The actor, gaining confidence from the criticism, acts his part magnificently from then on; and becomes all the rage. What happens to Ann when she meets Othello in the flesh and falls madly in love with him provides the complications of the story. Miriam Hopkins is the central figure, but Gertrude Lawrence, as the wife in the case, puts up a fine performance, as also does the brilliant newcomer, Sebastian Shaw, cast as the actor whom the reviewer's secretary raises to fame. MAYFAIR THEATRE Fresh from operatic triumphs at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, Grace Moore and Lawrence Tibbett are co-starred in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's film version of the famous stage success, " New Moon," which opened at the Mayfair Theatre yesterday. Lawrence Tibbett presenls an outstanding portrayal of a fiery lieutenant in the Russian Army who falls in love with Grace Moore, a Russian princess, on a steamer bound for a Russian port. After several charming scenes on the ship, in which both are given opportunities to sing some delightful numbers, they realise their love for each other. Lawrence Tibbett, as the lieutenant, gives a powerful performance, and impresses with the great vigour of his voice and fine acting capabilities. Grace Moore deepens the impression made in " One Night of Love" with her beautiful voice, and acts with rare poise and artistry. Roland Young rives a sound performance as a young court official, and Adolph Menjou acts in his usual polished manner. The second feature. " Three on the Trail," is based on the popular Clarence E Mulford stories, and brings William Boyd back in his role of " Hopalong Cassidy." and Jimmy Ellison as his faithful companion, Johnny Nelson. The story shows " Hoppy's " efforts to free himself and Johnny from a false charge of robbery and murder fastened on them by Pecos Kane, crooked gambler, and their thrilling adventures in ridding the country of Kane and his desperadoes. The box plans are at the D.I.C.