AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23691, 24 December 1938, Page 9

AMUSEMENTS

THE NEW PROGRAMMES ST. JAMES THEATRE "A LORD MAYOR'S BANQUET" In thorough keeping with holiday spirits is the entertainment being screened at the St. James Theatre. In fact, the Warner Bros, production "Hollywood Hotel,' can be described as a Lord Mayor's banquet of musical comedy fare. The sumptuous repast includes music of all types, by swing bands and individual artists, among whom is Dick Powell; comedy by the late Ted Healy, Alan Mowbray, Hugh Herbert and Edgar Kennedy; glimpses of such Hollywood show-places as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Brown Derby, the Hollywood Bowl Theatre, and the Orchid Room. There is satire against Hollywood idiosyncrasies, a personal appearance by Louella O. Parsons, the " high priestess of screen journalism," and a local-boy-makes-good story. There is, in fact, something of everything, plenty of it—almost enough to send one away from the banquet with a slight sense of surfeit. There are many sparkling highlights, however. The story is slight enough, built round Dick Powell's visit to Hollywood, and the ignoring of him by the studio until he rescues it from difficulties by " doubling" his singing voice for one of its biggest stars. In the meantime he has fallen in love with a girl who has also " doubled " for one of the stars, and ultimately both become celebrities in their own right. " Hollywood Hotel " gives scope for much piquant legpulling at the expense of temperamental stars and muddle-headed production methods, and its foolery is all excellent. The acting of Rosemary Lane and Ted Healy is among the attractions of the show, along with lavish settings and some good songs. "Hollywood Hotel" is a right cheerful business altogether. It is well supported by featurettes, outstanding among which is a very fine sports thrill, " Ski Flight." The box plans are at the theatre, Jacobs's and the D.I.C. STRAND THEATRE A FAMILY PROGRAMME The Christmas fare at the Strand Theatre is an excellent selection of pictures, headed by "Judge Hardy's Children," a picture with a universal appeal. "A Family Affair" was the first of the " Judge Hardy " series, and it was followed by " You're Only Young Once," the new picture being the latest about this family which has captured the imagination of audiences wherever the films have been shown. Lewis Stone, that most popular of character actors, whose name has been well known to motion picture patrons for many years, is the judge, and he presents the character in a way which must win general admiration. Young Andrew is played by Mickey Rooney, and Cecilia Parker is Marian Hardy, while Fay Holden sympathetically upholds the role of Mrs Hardy. "Judge Hardy's Children" is entertainment for the whole family, though the picture has, to a grea extent, been made as a vehicle for Mickey Rooney, who is the central figure throughout. His performance is one which wins much favourable comment. Judge Hardy receives a Federal appointment, and *akes his family to Washington, where the social whirl bedazzles his daughter Marian to such an extent that she wants to forget all about her home-town sweetheart, Wayne. Marian's gossip involves the judge in a predicament that threatens disgrace, but he gets an idea from his son that enables him to deal properly with those who threaten him. The family goes back home, where the son and daughter resume their old-time romances. The other film, "The Invisible Enemy," is a very different type of entertainment. It is dramatic to a degree, and an absorbing story is capably presented by Alan Marshall and Tala Birrel, with a strong supporting cast. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. OCTAGON THEATRE MASTERPIECE OF A GENIUS Surely no leading lady has aroused so much interest as has Snow White. For weeks the town has been hearing of her and her seven dwarfs. Her story has been creating fresh interest, and children everywhere—as well as a good many parents—have been brushing up their acquaintance with her hisi tory. Now, arrayed ir the glorious ' apparel of youthful romance, she has arrived with her her handsome prince, and her wicked guardian, the Queen, as well as all her shy friends of the forest. They captured the imagination of the audience which saw the presentation oi "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at the Octagon Theatre last night, and they will go on doing so for each audience that sees the film while it remains inDunedin. A more beautiful and fascinating picture could not be visualised, and its music is as magical and enchanting as its fantasy. A great fairy romance has been lifted from its colourful setting, and without the least loss of atmosphere, has been transferred to the screen by one of the outstanding geniuses of the film world, with all its universal and imaginative appeal. It is a picture which not only fascinates, but mesmerises, with its beauty. "Snow White" is the first featurelength picture made by Walt Disney, and the result of this effort is a brilliant piece of technical ingenuity by artists who have infused their cardboard creations not only with life itself, but with wit and beauty. The grotesque has been made human and lovable. The woodland denizens have been depicted with such charm and imagination that their antics _ and peregrinations almost steal the picture from Snow White. But the little princess of the raven locks has never looked more beautiful" the forest through which she runs to escape the Wicked Queen was never more enchanted; nor ever did the gnarled arms of its eerie-looking trees appear more fearsome and alive. The opening scenes hoici one spellbound, for here are the characters of a great fairy tale come really to life, just in the way one would wish them to, in their original atmosphere. All the joy and thrill of thi story is retained, and there is no modern touch to destroy the illusion. Throughout the picture fantasy reigns supreme, seated on the high throne of delicious comedy or wrapped in the dark cloak of drama. Here, indeed, is something revolutionary in films. Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies have afforded picture patrons some idea of his methods, but they have not seen anything until they have seen " Snow White." If one has never imagined a dove in humorous mood, forest animals as one harmonious family, nor believed that willy-wagtails could assist in the making of an apple pie, " Snow White" will provide happy disillusionment. That the picture should have been banned in London to children under a certain age, unless accompanied by adults, seems to be carrying censorship into very unimaginative channels. There are necessarily, tense and exciting passages in "Snow White "—passages of that shivery delight which is in all great fairly tales—their lurid melodrama springs from fantasy alone. Again, it is the emphasis necessary in depicting evil. To assume that such a production could produce ill effects even in the very young appears to be far-fetched, to say the least. A fine selection of short films serves as an introduction to the main item of the evening. There are two excellent Pathe newsreels which deal with a variety of topical subjects, as well as a sports feature entitled "Windward Way," and a musical production, "Under a Gipsy Moon." The box plans are at the theatre and Begg's.

EMPIRE THEATRE LAUREL AND HARDY AGAIN Ever since the day;, when the comedy team of Laurel and Hardy made its first ippearance in two-reel farces, the pair have built up a reputation that is, possibly, only bettered by that of Charlie Chaplain, and their advent some little time ago into fulllength pictures placed them in the very front rank of screen comedians. They have a type of humour that is all their own, and they can always be relied on to entertain and amuse any audience, however sceptical it may.be of the merits of any full-length comedy that i£ sheer farce. Laurel and Hardy have really xcelled themselves in "Swiss Miss," which is the Christmas attraction at the Empire Theatre, and to those present at the Dunedin premiere yesterday it was undoubtedly a popular local even'.. Together these two are an outstanding example of how the utmost possibilities of slapstick comedy can be exploited by twin souls with a common fund of uncommon grotesqueries; the overbearing and dominating nature of Oliver Hardy acts as an admirable foil for the weak and totally delightful indecision of Stan Laurel and their nonsensical patter, their stupid actions, and generally impossible carryings-on, combine to make a film that is really out of the ordinary. In the past they have relied practica: wholly on their own efforts to carry them through, but on this occasion the production has a wider appeal in that i* is a musical comedy and romance with an alpine setting, in which the comedy of the two stars is mingled with and supported by that of oiher comedians such as Eric Blore. who has on several previous occasions nearly stolen the pictures from his more prominent and popular principals. The musical numbers with which " Swiss Miss" abounds are particularly attractive and tuneful, and the presence of the Viennese beauty and prima donna, Delia Lind. in a romantic and vocal role, is yet another feature which lends distinction to the entertainment. Miss Lind has a really good musical comedy i voice, which is heard to a '.vantage in a number of songs, and in addition she has a distinct flair for comedy work, so that her part in this Hal Roach production is a notable one. She is ably assisted in her vocal worl. by Walter Woolf King, a tenor with an outstanding voice. As the locality of ' the film is the Swiss Alps, elaborate scenery and colourful costumes add their part towards making the baclci ground authentic and picturesque. Chief interest centres in the Alpine hotel, an attractive inn in the Tyrol, which forms the stage for a large cart of the action. In its courtyard the villagers—singers, gymnasts, yodellers. dancers and musicians—gather for their gossip, with the result that •* Swiss Miss " becomes almost a variety show with the display of diversified talent. The chalet is run on extraordinary lines for the benefit of a musicay composer in the throes of producing an operatic score, who insists on the general life of the hotel being conducted in song. Laurel and Hardy, mouse-trap salesmen extraordinary, attracted to Switzerland as a land of cheese and inferentially of mice, make a sensational sale of their goods. With the idea of having a good time on the proceeds they put up at the singing chalet, but the cash that had been paid to them turns out to be counterfeit, and they are put to the shift of working in the kitchen to pay for their board. Their antics are performed in a typical Laurel and Hardy fashion, and their eccentricities, combined with those of Eric Blore, Ludovico Tomarchio, and Adie Kuznetzoff, the singing of Miss Lind and Walter Woolf King, and the all-round tuneful- ; ness of the picture keep patrons continuously amused and entertained. The supporting programme is well in keeping with the high standard set by the principal feature. An " Our Gang" comedy entitled "The Awful Tooth," is included in the shorts. The box plans for the season are at the theatre and the D.I.C. GRAND THEATRE ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE; Two pictures, widely different in type, but both affording first-class entertainment, comprise the attractive double bill which is now being screened at the Grand Theatre. "Painted Desert," an exciting and cleverly directed film of the outdoors, is the principal feature, and much of its success is due to the skilful manner in which the producers have incorporated the spectacular background of the Mojave Desert, in California, into the action. Some of the scenes in the desert are startlingly beautiful, and the vast expanse of the sandy waste forms a fitting setting for the story, which is essentially one demanding for its utmost effectiveness space and distance. George O'Brien, virile as ever, is seen in the leading role, that of a cavalryman who has been assigned to the duty of patrolling the telegraph lines which cross the desert. It is a part which allows him every opportunity of giving one of the dynamic portrayals which have made him such a favourite with picturegoers, and the adventures which befall him when he becomes involved in a struggle for a mine in the "Painted Desert" are exciting to a degree. Laraine Johnson makes an appealing heroine. The supporting feature is "Fugitives for a Night," the plot of which is centred around a mysterious murder and the efforts made to find the murderer. The leading parts are played by Frank Albertson, Eleanor Lynn and Ardienne Ames. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg's. STATE THEATRE SPARKLING MUSICAL COMEDY That the Astaire-Rogers partnership is as popular and appealing as ever was amply demonstrated at the State Theatre yesterday, when "Carefree," the latest feature to start that inimitable duo. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, had its Dunedin premiere. As a whole, "Carefree" will probably rank ahead of any of their previous successes, because it is better balanced. In this film is revealed a ripening of the co-star's talents. Astaire is as debonaire, Miss Rogers as graceful as ever and the acting of both has, if anything, improved. Irving Berlin was responsible for the musical side of the production, and his name should serve as a guarantee of the songs' excellence. The story, too, has a freshness and cohesion Jacking in many films of the musical comedy type. Brightly modern in its theme and treatment, the story concerns the triangular romance between a popular actress, a distinguished psychiatrist and a successful lawyer. Fred Astaire is seen as the medical man, and Ralph Bellamy follows up his magnificent performance in "The Awful Truth" with another delightful characterisation as the lawyer, whose uncertain love affair with Miss Rogers leads him to call on Astaire for help. From this innocent beginning rise the joyous complications of the story. Ginger Rjgers reveals a talent for comedy acting of which she ha s previously given only a hint. Her performance when she runs amok under hypnotic influence is one of the highlights of the show. " Carefree" is filled with charming melodies and arresting dances. The two stars do one of their dances in slow motion a device employed to

show that it happens in a dream. "The Yam" is a fast routine which contrasts with some of the other numbers—delicate sentimentalities written just Delow chamber music standard. Astaire, in a trick golf dance, shows what a really efficient psychiatrist can do in the way of keeping his mind on several things at once. Outstanding among the lesser players is Jar': Carson. An entertaining programme of featuretter includes a comedy, a swimming " sportlight," and comprehensive news items. The box plans are at the theatre and Berg's. REGENT THEATRE ANOTHER DEANNA DURBIN SUCCESS Deanna Durbin is not only box office; she is quality on the screen, and her latest production, "That Certain Age." which is the holiday attraction at the Regent Theatre, demonstrates that, not only are her films growing up with her, but she is developing from a mere juvenile voice into an actress who may yet have to be reckoned with by the titans of Hollywood. "That Certain Age" is diverting entertainment, presented at an excellent pace, with no lack of brightness in its background and all the-sprightly gaiety of youth to keep things moving. This talented young lady will be good news to picturegoers for a long time to come, and for one so tender in years she has an amazing record of success behind her. She began her screen career with the role of a young girl whose interest in life was brightness and music; she progressed until, with the making of "Mad About Music." there was a hint of a sentimental interest (though not on her side), and she has now reached "That Certain Age." That certain age. it should be revealed for the benefit of those who do not follow precisely, is the age at which romance for the young, the age of the "crush." And in "That Certain Age " we see Deanna. for the first time, in the midst of romance. It is only a diary romance, of course, and the real thing, as presented to her by Jackie Cooper, is serenely ignored. Bui its complications, swift, smoothly produced and ingenious, are possessed of as many laughs as a diamond has sparkles. The situation is simplicity itself. A famous foreign correspondent comes home, tired, recovering from wounds, after a period of service in Spain. He is taken down to the home of his newspaper owner for a period of rest, while (in between times) dashing off a series of articles on the European situation which are to be " the biggest thing in years." Famous, sick, experienced, markedly what better target could be found for a young girl's affections? And Deanna, the newspaper owner's daughter, falls in love, hopelessly, but not without guile. The clever, development of the situation created when she at last finds her mission in life needs no comment beyond the statement that it makes this the nest of all the Deanna Durbin films, that the tradition of brightness is continued, that the comedy is of character as well as of situation, and that it shows the continued growth of the talents of the young star. There is this to be added, that it is not primarily a musical film. There are pleasant songs, well sung, not perhaps as Jjeatry tailored to her voice as those in Mad About Music," but showing her progress as a singer. But the chief aim seems to have been to reveal her development as an actress, and she acquits herself with the seriousness appropriate to her age, with a rich unconsciousness of her humour, and with that spontaneity and freshness which are always present with her. In the progress of the film, of course, there is great strength gained from the forethought which cast Melvyn Douglass as the object of her unsuspected affections. He is triumphantly successful, and his forceful performance is just what is wanted to make Deanna's fluttering credible. The developments of the film are sometimes extraordinarily funny, and a private screening recently was punctuated with explosive laughter, a tribute to the clever writing which has given such excellent material to the young star. This film creates a new Deanna Durbin. After each picture one' wonders whether they can go on doing it—giving her material which is bright enough and good enough. The answer in the case of "That Certain Age" is that they can do it, arid have done it In a crowded theatre, during the period that the film will be here, it is likely to be a riot. Direction, acting, casting are excellent. Jackie Cooper is Deanna's loyal boy friend, Irene Rich plays the part of her mother, and other roles are capably filled by John Haliiday, as her father, Nancy Carroll, bade again after a long absence, Juanita Quigley, and Peggy Stewart. An excellent supporting programme concludes an attractvie and enjoyable evening's entertainment. The box plans are at the theatre and at the D.I.C. MAYFAIR THEATRE WILL HAY COMEDY " Oh, Mr Porter!" the hilarious new Will Hay starring vehicle, commencing to-day at the Mayfair Theatre, presents this popular comedian in bis most brilliant screen role. Directed for Gainsborough by Marcel Varnel, the film abounds in rich, spontaneous humour and moves in lightning tempo through side-splitting situations and uproarious complications to a magnificent climax as suspense-filled as it is mirth-provoking. The star is cast as William Porter—railway employee—the bane of the company's existence, who causes as many vagaries on the railway as the famous Mr Porter in the old song. Unable to fire him. on account of his high-placed relations, the company finds a solution to the problem by shanghai-ing the unfortunate man as station master to an obscure off-the-map town in Northern Ireland. One of the year's outsanding spectacles is "The Bad Man of Brimstone," the second film, starring Wallace Beery in an epic saga of the lawless west. Staged against the grim background of the west's most rugged panoramas. "The Bad Man of Brimstone " presents a saga of the unregenerate town of Brimstone, ruled by Wallace Beery. Bringing to the screen all the talents which have endeared him to the hearts of America's picture-going millions, Beery is assisted by Dennis O'Keefe and by Virginia Bruce. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.