AMUSEMENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23946, 23 October 1939, Page 11

AMUSEMENTS

THE CURRENT PROGRAMMES ST. , JAMES THEATRE English players are seen on the screen after a long absence in “ Jane Steps Out,” an Associated British production which is now showing at the St. James Theatre. Diana Churchill, who takes the title role, is cast as a girl whose lot is to serve as unpaid housekeeper to the rest of family. Eventually she rebels, forsakes the dustcap and apron for more gorgeous and becoming apparel, and carries out a threat to steal her sister’s beau. Jean Muir, playing sister to Jane, plays the rather catty member of the Wilton family The second film is " King of the Underworld.” in which Humphrey Bogart gives a remarkable portrayal in one of the gangster roles which have made him famous. This is his first vehicle as a fully-fledged star. Kay Francis is his leading lady. The box plans are at the theatre, the D.1.C., and Jacobs’s. ‘ STRAND THEATRE ” Service De Luxe,” a gay, sparkling comedy, is now showing at the Strand Theatre. The Madison Service in New York does everything for its clients from tying a dress tie to buying steam rollers, and supplies working minds for those not possessed of them. Lost necklaces, decamped flappers, mislaid passports, and a host of other annoyances are dealt with expeditiously and satisfactorily: but it is not until a young man from the country arrives with plans for a three-way tractor that things start to move. He appears to be the one male out of captivity with a mind of his own, but when he meets and falls in love with the senior Madison partner (Constance Bennett) he is unconsciously drawn in the clutches of the service. The second feature is “ The Singing Outlaw.” which introduces a new “ hill-billy singer,” Bob Baker. Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. STATE THEATRE The hazardous career of a man who was embittered against society by the relentless demands made on his personal happiness by the unsympathetic builders of a railroad which cut across his farm and so broke his spirit and made naught of his ambitions is unfolded in the stirring dramatic film, “ Jesse James,” which continues to attract large audiences to the State Theatre. The part of the notorious American outlaw is played with sincerity and dynamic force by Tyrone Power, who is ideally cast in the role of the grim and romantic figure. He is seen degenerating into a ruthless “ hold-up man, who shoots without compunction. He is however, devoted to his wife, who is the only restraining Influence in his lonely career of revenge, and is at his side in his last tragic hour. This role is very capably handled by Nancy Kelly, while as the outlaw’s laconic, but determined, brother, Henry Fonda also gives an outstanding performance. The box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s. EMPIRE THEATRE George Formby has rarely been so well suited by a part as in leadhig role of “Trouble Brewing,” which is being received with enthusiasm by audiences at the Empire Theatre. Throughout the film the comedian pursues his merry way as a compositor who turns detective in an effort to track down a gang of counterfeiters. This leads him into remarkable troubles at times, especially when he unwittingly finds himself engaged in a wrestling contest, but the film is brought to a happy conclusion in a brewery. The principal is given ample opportunity to dis. play his delightful personality, and an unending stream of humour and burlesque keeps the audience in a happy mood throughout the production. In spite of the breathless rush of events, time is found for the principal to sing three new songs in his Inimitable style, these being “ I Can Tell It By My Horoscope.” ” Hitting the High Spots," and “Fanlight Fanny." There is an excellent suportmg cast in the film, including Googie Withers and Gus McNaughton. The main feature of the suporting programme is a review of Britain’s defences entitled ” The Warning.” Box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. REGENT THEATRE The outstanding feature of " The Great Waltz,” which is enjoying great popularity at the Regent Theatre, is the music of Johann Strauss, the younger. So completely has his music captured the traditionally gay spirit of the old Vienna, that it is not hard to overlook the gossamer nature of the plot, and that some of the events in Strauss's life have been telescoped and the facts, in cases, mutilated. But, such criticism has been anticipated, a foreword stating that “ The Great Waltz ’’ is more concerned with the spirit of Strauss, as revealed in his music, than with his actual biography. Fernand Gravet, French star, plays Strauss, appearing throughout the story as a young man till the final scenes, where he appears during old age—the Strauss best known to the world. Luise Rainer is appealing and powerfully dramatic as Poldi, his wife. Miliza Korjus makes Carla Donner. the opera singer with whom Strauss became infatuated, a glamorous figure. There is an excellent supporting programme and box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C. GRAND THEATRE Ralph Bellamy has the leading role in Blind Alley," a powerful drama heading the programme at the Grand Theatre. He has the part of a young psychiatrist to whom the opportunity is offered of probing into the mind of a killer when a group of gangsters descends upon his household in the course of their flight from justice. The picture develops into a verbal battle between the psychologist and the leader of the fugitives, and great heights of drama are readied in its progress. The climax, in the face of such sensational events leading up to it, needs to be of great power, and it is, with the added advantages of being logical and giving a satisfactory ending to the film. “ Outside These Walls,” starring Michael Whalen, is the second attraction. Whalen takes the part of an ex-convict who takes up journalism in order to fight political corruption. He has many enemies, but after they have failed to implicate him in a payroll robbery he sees his campaign meet with success. Box plans are at the theatre and at Begg’s. MAYFAIR THEATRE The main attraction at the Mayfair Theatre is “ You Can’t Take It With You,” the screen adaption by Frank Capra of the sensational American play. The artistry of Capra’s touch is evident throughout the film, and his job of making the film a success was made easier by the work of a cast which includes some of the best-known players in Hollywood. James Stewart, Jean Arthur and Lionel Barrymore are the principals, and all members of the featured cast are right up to the standard of the leads. Stewart is cast as the son of a big business magnate, in love with Miss Arthur, the daughter of a retired business man who is easy going to the point of eccentricity. The incidents that occur when Stewart i takes his people to meet his sweetheart’s family make up the body of the sfory. The supporting film is “ While New York Sleeps,” with Michael Whalen and Jean Rogers. The box plans are at the theatre and the D.I.C.