AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23365, 3 December 1937, Page 17

AMUSEMENTS

STRAND THEATRE “Armoured Car,” which will be shown at the Strand Theatre to-day, vividly portrays the endless struggle between the law and the lawless. An organised criminal band led by a cunning, scientific mind, fights the forces of law in a desperate battle of wits, with millions as the stake. Robert Wilcox, Judith Barrett, Cesar Romero, Tom Kennedy, Irving Pichel and Inez Courtney are featured in this novel and exciting Universal production. In “ Radio, Lover," the associate feature, Jack Melford and Wylie Watson play the “looks” and “voice” respectively of a radio singer, it being understood by all that Jack Melford is the " Radio Lover” and that Wylie Watson is his manager. Romantic interest is introduced by Betty Ann Davies and Ann Penn, the former a pretty society girl, and the latter a typist in Radio House. Elma Dangerfield, who wrote the original story, has introduced many amusing scenes in the picture, culminating with one wherein Wylie Watson, drunk but happy, “ doubles ” over the microphone for Jack Melford, who is supposed to be singing before a large audience. The resulting song is interspersed with violent hiccoughs, a matter for considerable amusement on the part of the audience. Supporting roles in the picture are filled by Cynthia Stock. Gerald Barry and Max Faber, while Austin Melford was in charge of the directorial baton. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. EMPIRE THEATRE “For Valour,” which will be shown to-day at the Empire Theatre, re-unites the popular comedy combination of Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, and in celebration of the occasion Ben Travers, that prince of comedy authors, wrote “ For Valour ” especially for them. The resultant screen production is a riot of laughter, with Walls and Lynn both playing dual roles, that allow full play for some amazing character acting and make-ups. “ For Valour” is one of the most Intriguing comedies in which these two stars have ever appeared, for not only does it provide them with splendid opportunities for some brilliant character acting, but also boasts a plot, the qualities of which have rarely been surpassed. Tom Walls was responsible for the direction of the picture, the action of which switches with rapidity from Boer War scenes to the Brighton front in 1937, and in and out of gaol in rollicking adventure and thrilling denouements. Many well-known players take supporting roles in “For Valour." Veronica Rose and Joan Marion supply the feminine interest in charming fashion, while Hubert Harben, Gordon James, Henry Longhurst, Reginald Tate, Romilly Lunge and Walter Lindsay supply interesting characterisations. The six finalists in the Utopia Club’s search for "Miss Otago of 1937 ” will parade on the stage at each evening performance of “For Valour,” and the audiences will be given the opportunity of selecting the winner. The six finalists who will be appearing are Misse Irene Bramwell. Cora Duff, Elma Burden, Dell Devanney, Jean Callick and Eileen Rowe. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. GRAND THEATRE One of the most amusing comedies brought to the screen for some time is “ When’s Your Birthday? ” which is the current attraction at the Grand Theatre. The successful screen entertainer, Joe E. Brown, has the part of a prize-fighter who through lack of fortune in the ring decides to become a professional astrologer. He shows great talent for this work, and his accurate forecasts of the results of sporting events soon obtain him a position in this capacity. The film is brought to a highly-successful climax when the horoscope of a prize-fighter, the Salvador Slayer, is confused with that pf the astrologer himself. The story contains an appealing romantic interest and some of the scenes have been photographed in technicolour. A second attraction is the film “ The Lady Escapes,” a diverting tale of marital differences, in which the principal roles are played by Michael Whalen and Gloria Stuart. The box plans are at the theatre and Begg’s. STATE THEATRE The stage of “Wake Up and Live,”which will be commenced to-day at the State Theatre, is set with the hilarious background of the WinchellBernie feud, and the story begins with the failure of Jack Haley at a radio audition, where he is seized with “ mike fright.” His stage partner, Grace Bradley, deserts him for Walter Catlett. Thorugh the influence of his sister, Patsy Kelly, Haley gets aJob as a uniformed guide at Radio Centre, and constantly annoys the artists. His principal target is Ben Bernie, who sometimes buys his gags. Still anxious to sing, Haley meets Alice Faye, and she tries to help him overcome his mike fright. Listening to Bernie’s programme one night, Haley is inspired by the music, steps to a microphone in a deserted control room, and sings. The song is broadcast, and fan mail deluges the station. No one knows the identity of the sensational “ Phantom Troubadour,” for even Jack Haley does not know his song was broadcast. Bernie’s manager attempts to palm off a voice impersonator on the next programme as the Phantom, but is exposed by Winchell By accident Alice discovers Jack is Phantom, and gets an offer from Bernie. Bernie is gloating, but then Winchell learns who the Phantom is, and promises to have the mysterious singer before Bernie gets him. In the meantime. Jack is abducted by Gracr Bradley and Walter Catlett, who suspect his secret. By a ruse of playing a recording over the air Alice obtains Jack’s release. Winchell, in a rapidfire news broadcast, announces the romantic tie-ups of the story’s couples. Box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s. REGENT THEATRE Modern war-stricken Madrid is the locale for a new motion picture woven from the newspaper headlines. The film is “ The Last Train From Madrid, a “ Grand Hotel ” type of story dealing with 10 persons, all strangers, caught in the city during its heaviest, bombardment. and how their lives and destinies were suddenly made one by a common peril. It will be screened today at the Regent Theatre, The main theme is built around Dorothy Lamour Gilbert Roland, and Anthony Qumn The latter. Miss Lamour’s sweetheart, arranges for her to escape from the besieged city on the last train out. He also secures a pass for his friend. Roland, only to realise that the two are old sweethearts. Unable to leave the city himself, he permits the two to depart for Valencia, hoping that the girl will choose between himself and Roland later. Aboard the same train is Karen Morley. an adventuress who loves Roland. Wound up in the plot are the destinies of Lew Ayres, an American newspaper man. and Olympe Bradna. Robert Cummings, a deserter. Helen Mack, Lionel Atwill, commander of the city, and many others. ST JAMES THEATRE In the idyllic setting of Ireland's green hills and lovely country lanes, Phi) Regan, latest singing recruit to the films, finds perfect background for gems of old Irish songs in “Laughing Irish Eyes.” Combining a fast-moving story with the slow lilt of the Irish voice, “ Laughing Irish Eyes ” makes for excellent entertainment. Regan is presented as an athletic young blacksmith who sings as he pounds his anvil. Walter C. Kelly, vaudeville veteran and in the film as an American prizefight promoter, and his daughter, Evelyn Knapp, pick Regan for their choice—but both for different reasons. Working through a long list, of wouldbe champions. Regan eventually attains the pinnacle of the boxing world, but is then slyly led from the manly art to the more gentle vocation of singing. Such old Irish favourites, seldom heard on the screen, as “Londonderry Air,” "Bless You, Darlin Mother.” and “All My Life.” not for-

getting the theme song, “Laughing Irish Eyes,” are sung by Regan. Supporting players include such wellknown artists as Betty Compson, Herman Bing (in a delightful comedy role), Raymond Hutton, Russell Hicks, Warren Hymer and Ray Walker. Joseph Santley, himself an Irishman and former musical comedy song and dance star, who, in his first three years in Hollywood has rapidly risen to top rank, directed “ Laughing Irish Eyes.” Featured in an excellent supporting programme will be a delightful miniature gem. “A Day in the Life of the Quintuplets.” Intimate scenes in the domestic life of the famous five are depicted on the screen for the first time from the moment they rise in the morning until bedtime. OCTAGON THEATRE In “White Bondage,” Warner Brothers’ dramatic story of Southern U.S.A. cotton share-croppers, their struggle with the soil, the meagre living it offers them in return for virtual slavery, and their eventual emergence into a happier and fuller life, Miss, Muir has a powerful role. The picture is the feature attraction on the Octagon Theatre’s new programme. The part is rich in its opportunities for characterisation, and gives a chance for interpretation that every real actress must recognise as being of inestimable value The role is a challenge because contrary to what may be the general impression, it is much easier to walk across a modern drawing room than it is completely to absorb and sink oneself into the character of a girl whose forbears are people who have been tricked and cheated all their lives. “White Bondage” is a stirring melodrama portraying the struggles and romances of the share-croppers who grow and pick cotton in the Deep South’s remote regions. Miss Muir is starred, with Gordon Oliver as her leading man. Other notables in the cast include Virginia Brissac. Gordon Hart. Howard Phillips. Harry Davenport, Joseph King, Addison Richards, Vic Potel, and Eddie Anderson. The associate feature is “ Fly Away. Baby,” with Glenda Farrell and Barton MacLane in the leading roles. The box plans for the season will be found at the theatre and at Begg’s. MAYFAIR THEATRE George Formby, the English screen comedian, appears in one of his best roles to date in the Mayfair Theatre’s first attraction, “No Limit.” Florence Desmond is his able support in this amusing story of a young “ Tourist Trophy” Race rider. The associate attraction on this amusing programme is " Breezing Home,” a mixture of music, horse racing, and romance. In the leading roles are William Gargan, Wendv Barrie, and Binnie Barnes. The box plans are at the theatre sweet shop and the D.I.C “THE GORGEOUS HUSSY” With brilliant acting performances from such stars as Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore. Franchot Tone, Melvyn Douglas and James Stewart, “The Gorgeous Hussy” will be shown to-day at the Mayfair Theatre. No little of the credit of this kinema masterpiece falls to its director, Clarence Brown, who, with his latest production, repeats such of his earlier triumphs as “Ah. Wilderness!” “Anna Karenina” and “A Free Soul.” Perhaps the most notable highlight of the picture, however, is the teaming of Miss Crawford with the sensational Robert Taylor, the most-talked-about film discovery since the first appearance of Clark Gable. The romantic pair set a new standard in love teams, and their acting together gives the story its most poignant and unforgettable moments. William Boyd appears as Hopalong Cassidy for the eighth time in Paramount’s “ Trail Dust,” the new Clarence E. Mulford western, which will be the associate feature. Jimmy Ellison and George Hayes, as Johnny and Windy, his inseparable saddle-mates, head a herd of badly-needed beeves through droughtparched territory, to the consternation of unscrupulous profiteers who wish to create a shortage through the drought and force up prices.