AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23220, 18 June 1937, Page 16

AMUSEMENTS

STATE THEATRE Acclaimed by* New York's leading dramatic critics as the foremost Broadway hit of last season, "Winterset, Maxwell Anderson's tensely dramatic play, is now brought to the motion picture screen. With three leading members of the original cast, and all the suspense, appeal, and soul-gripping love interest which catapulted the play into an instantaneous hit, " Winterset will be commenced at the State Theatre today. The dramatis persons of this notable screen drama represents a eross-sectfon of contemporary talent ol stage and screen. As the sweethearts of the waterfront are Burgess Meredith and Margo, who created the roles in the footlight version. Eduardo Ciannelli, heading the support, duplicates his menace stage role in Winterset." John Carradine, memorable as Rizzio in "Mary of Scotland'; Edward Ellis, Paul Guilfoyle, Helen Jerome Eddy, Myron M'Cormick, and Maurice Moscovitch complete the cast of principal players. Anderson penned a narrative of dynamic dramatic impact and strength, which, combined with its wistful love story, earned a distinctive honour bestowed by, the New York Drama Critics' Circle. Selecting " Winterset" as the best play of last season, the organisation awarded the playwright a bronze tablet. A breath-holding, heart-pounding, poignant storv, "Winterset" revolves about the vindictive search of a young man for evidence to clear the name of his father who was innocently electrocuted 15 years ago. He comes to a waterfront district, where he discovers one of the real participants in the crime. Simultaneously, he becomes enamoured of the man's sister, and faces the violent shock of forswearing her love or his vengeance. Through a series of suspense-laden events, in which the real murderer and bis accomplices and the former judge who directed the misguided conviction are assembled beneath one roof, " Winterset " mounts to a sensational climax. An excellent supporting programme will also be screened. The box Plans for the season are at Beggs and tlie theatre. . REGENT THEATRE The distinctive qualities of Merle Oberon's acting have helped to emphasise the merit, of many fine films, such as "The Private Lite of Henry VIII." " The Dark Angel and The Scarlet Pimpernel." In "Beloved Enemy," the Samuel Goldwyn production, which will be commenced to-day at the Regent Theatre, the actress car-ries-this distinction to even greater heights. As for the picture itself, it ranks with "The Informer (that other picture which had for its plot a similar subject matter—the Irish rebellion of 1921), while the sincerity and vigour of some of the scenes in Beloved Enemy" recall some of those in that film masterpiece which brought Victor M'Laglen screen honours. The partisanship in "Beloved Enemy is more evenly balanced than in O Flaherty's grim story, and there are several releases from the tension and sombre reality of the story—ineffably tender passages and a pathos that at times hurts. " Beloved Enemy shows both sides of the conflict in those dark days of 1921. Not one spurious emotion mars the tenderness or pathos of it all, and the tragic aspects of the two characters arc nicely developed to emphasise the personal disaster that slowly envelops them. Merle Oberon s "Lady Helen Drummond" is a figure of beauty and innate courtesy, whose I loyalty and character are delicately but ! firmly defined. Her scenes with Dennis are infused with such a rare gentleness of understanding as to make her portrayal almost orchid-like in, us beauty. Brian Aherne. as usual, gives a supremely fine performance as the more or less veiled leader of the Irish. firm yet humorous, well sustaining his reputation as one nf the front-rank male stars of the screen. An interesting first half will be presented in support of the main feature. The second of Paramount's Coronation pictures shows intimate and comprehensive scenes in Westminster Abbey on May 12 A Walt Disney Mickev Mouse cartoon in colour, entitled " Mickey s Rival." and a Lindbersh Travelogue complete an outstanding programme. Box plans are at the D.I.C. and the theatre. ST. JAMES THEATRE One of the most impressive characters yet brought to the screen, Edgar Rice Burroughs's Tarzan. makes a welcome reappearance in the Metro-Goid-wyn-Mayer production, " Tarzan Escapes," which will be commenced at the St. James Theatre to-day. As before, Johnny Weissmuller, who has made a name for himself in this role, plays the role of Tarzan, while Maureen O'Sullivan again takes the part of his mate. Breath-taking adventures in the depth of the jungle pack the latest story. Plunging into the jungle with Tarzan means going on a path of high adventure. Thrills reach the highest plane of excitement when he comes upon the country of giant bats, but on top of this comes a battle between wild elephants and an army of savage warriors. Into Tarzans land comes a safari, guided by Captain Fry, an animal procurer, who decides to capture Tarzan, considering that he would be a seven days' wonder circus attraction in England. Tarzan is captured, but in a thrilling climax, the savage tribes rush to his rescue. Weissmuller, as Tarzan, swings across wild gorges, on strange vine bridges, and swims perilous rivers. Miss O Sullivan plays the same charming character as in former Tarzan pictures, and Benita Hume, English actress, plays the heroine's sister. John Buckler and William Henry complete the leading players. Remarkable photography adds to the effectiveness of its stirring action, and some gorgeous scenic details add beauty to the adventure and romance of the story. An entertaining programme of short films, including an " Our Gang " comedy, a colour cartoon, and newsreels will also be screened. Box plans for the season are at the D.I.C, Jacobs's. and the theatre. OCTAGON THEATRE " The Great O'Malley," which will be commenced at the Octagon Theatre today, gives Pat O'Brien the role of a policeman of the type known as " hardboiled," who engages in a duel with a murderer, played by Humphrey Bogart. Sybil Jason, the English child actress, has an important part, and the featured cast is completed by Mary Gordon, who plays the policeman s mother. In " The Great O'Malley the director has created, out of plain materials, an absorbing drama of modern New York. The story presents Pat O'Brien as Officer James Aloysius O'Malley, who lives by his rule book, and does not let his heart sway him towards sympathy with offenders against the rules, no matter how slight their offences may be. When his excess of zeal brings ridicule of the force from the newspapers, he is transferred to a school crossing as a punishment. There his heart uegins to be touched, first by a little lame pupil, played by Sybil Jason, and then by her charming teacher whom Ann Sheridan portrays. A screen team that promises to rise to new heights in hilarity is featured in "Mind Your Own Business, starring Charlie Ruggles and Alice Brady. Miss Brady enacts the role of a wellmeaning wife who takes it upon herselt to do her husband's job, with results that make this film one of the outstanding laugh hits of the year. Others in the cast are Lylc Talbot, who api peared with Miss Brady in Go West, Young Man." Jack La Rue, Benme Baker. Frankie Darro. and many others The box plans for the season are at the theatre and Begg's. GRAND THEATRE * The trials of the early settlers of Kentucky, who, leaving their homes, fared forth in an endeavour to establish for themselves holdings in a new part of the country, are graphically portrayed in "Daniel Boone, which heads the current programme at the Grand Theatre. This production is based upon the incidents in 1775 when a score or so of families belonging to a North Carolina frontier village, set out under one Daniel Boone to found a new settlement beyond the Cumberland Mountains. They wanted newer

and more fertile lands and had visions ! of founding a new empire in which they would be the dominant factors, and when Boone returned to the village of Yadkin, where the story opens, the people urged him to lead them to this new land of which he ,spoke. In the narrative which follows, the migrants set out with long trains of covered wagons which carry everything they possess, while they are preceded by herds of cattle and spare horses. Eternal vigilance is demanded by the activities of fierce and warlike Indians who, despite the utmost precautions, succeed in stealing cattle and horses, and in killing several of the men of the expedition. Throughout the long march the people are dependent on Daniel Boone, whose resourcefulness and skill are eventually rewarded with success when he finally guides them to their destination. There they establish the village of Boonesborough, but after their labours are completed they learn that the colony of Virginia has declared them squatters and that their hard-won lands are to pass into the hands of unscrupulous politicians and their friends. The principal role is played by George O'Brien, who succeeds in making Daniel Boone a figure of great determination and strength of character, while Heather Angel is very attractive as the pretty sweetheart. The second picure is a murder mystery entitled " Murder With Pictures." featuring Lew Ay res, Gail Patrick and Onslow Stevens. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's. EMPIRE THEATRE From past experience any film in which Irene Dunne has appeared has been acclaimed a success, and theatregoers who witness her performance in •'Theodora Goes Wild," which will commence its second week's screening at the Empire Theatre to-day, will readily understand the reason for this star's increasing popularity. In her latest production, Miss Dunne is seen in the role of a comedienne and the part she plays suits her to perfection. The spectacular musical film "Roberta" was one of Miss Dunne's best achievements, but after observing her in "Theodora Goes Wild." it is a safe assumption to say that from now on she will be more appreciated in comedy roles. At all times the humour throughout the film is irresistible and Miss Dunne quickly transfers a spirit of infectious gaiety to her audience. The chief male lead is taken by Melvyn Douglas, who also gives a delightful and refreshing performance. Theodora, who is seen as a small-town girl, finds an outlet from repression bv writing—sub-rosa novels of a racy description. When an admirer discovers her secret, the girl flings caution to" the winds and goes-wild. The story continues at a lively pace, revealing humorous episodes among various scan-dal-mongers. Romance is introduced when Theodora becomes acquainted with the designer of a cover for one of her novels. When she discovers that her lover is bound by a " convenient marriage" for at least two years, she sets about terminating the situation as quickly as she can. The concluding scenes abound with sparkling comedy situations and witty dialogue, much of which is dispensed so rapidly that many of the quips are apt to be missed through the noise of laughter. An excellent arrav of short subjects in addition to-some fine scenes of the Coronation complete a first-class programme. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "ROSE MARIE" Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, incomparable singing stars of the unforgettable "Naughty Marietta,' return again in M.-G.-M.'s lavish picturisation of "Rose Marie," the operetta soon to delight picture-goers at the Empire Theatre. STRAND THEATRE Running up the comedy scale from amusing to uproarious, and containing a tender love story with a new approach, Universal's first-rate laugh producer, "The Luckiest Girl in the World," featuring Jane Wyatt and Louise Hayward, will be commenced at the Strand Theatre to-day. " The Luckiest Girl in ■ the World" is bright, swift, modern comedy. It relates the adventures of Pat Duncan, spoiled daughter of wealthy Campbell Duncan. She is outraged because her father refuses to let her marry an insurance salesman who earns 150 dollars a month. After a stormy scene, her father relents, saying he will consent to the marriage if she can support heTself for a month on 150 dollars. The manner in which this is accomplished keeps the audience convulsed with laughter. The story of "The Secret of Stamboul," the associate feature opens in an English home where James Mason meets an attractive English girl, Diana. Among the guests is a Turkish count, who is over on business with Diana's father, who has big connections in the tobacco business in Turkey. James Mason (Larry) rescues Diana from the unwelcome attentions of the count. Not satisfied with the conditions in Turkey in regard to his tobacco business, Diana's father sends Larry to investigate the position over there. Many exciting incidents occur, and a delightful climax is effected when a friend of Larry's, Peter Haddon, and Diana arrive in Turkey and help to extricate them from the revolutibn. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. MAYFAIR THEATRE "I Married a Doctor," a stirring drama of small-town bigotry and intolerance, and "In the Soup, a delightful comedy, are the two films at present being shown at the Mayfair Theatre. Pat O'Brien and Josephine Hutchinson have the romantic leads, and they are supported by a strong cast, including Ross Alexander, Guy Kibbee and Louise Fazenda. The second attraction reveals the popular English comedian Ralph Lynn, at his funniest. The story is slight but it offers Lynn ample opportunity to create impossible but highly amusing situations. The supporting players include Judy Gunn. Morton Selten, Nelson Keys and Bertha Belmore. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. "GIRLS' DORMITORY" A brilliant new screen star—talented, glamorous, beautiful—is revealed in "Girls' Dormitory," Twentieth Cen-tury-Fox picture which will be commenced to-morrow at the Mayfair Theatre. Hailed as the most important screen discovery in years, Simone Simon made her debut in a stirring and enthralling film that stands as one of Hollywood's outstanding achievements. Herbert Marshall and Ruth Chatterton are starred in the production, and their inspired performances aid in making " Girls' Dormitory " what it j s —the most human, realistic, and revealing story of rapturous first love ever brought to the screen. Joe E. Brown is the star of the associate feature, " Earthworm Tractors." He brings to life on the screen the hero of these comedies, that blundering, and in his own egostical estimation, natural born super-salesman, Alexander Botts, who somehow always wins out in the end despite his egregious mistakes.