TOWN HALL TALKIES

Patea Mail, 27 March 1936, Page 1

TOWN HALL TALKIES

TWO BIG PICTUEES —TO-NIGHT AND TO-MOEEOW. "Devil Dogs of the Air” presents dare-devil stunts by flying marines that beggar description. A dozen battleships participate ia naval manoeuvres ■ directed by the mighty U.S.S. Macoa. Countless aeroplanes zipp amd zoom through tho picture, fearless fliers crash their planes in mid air and leap in parachutes froju burning ships. As a thrill spectacle it is unsurpassed. The picture, however, which was produced with the active co-oporatiou of the U.fci. military authorities, is far more than, a record of some of tho most spectacular aerial and marine stunts ever filmed. It is a rollicking comedy through which runs a clever romance, and tho all star cast includes more than 1,000 U.y. marines, who enact small parts as well as provide a background for a cleverly told tale. Cagney has nevpr given a better performance than his portrayal of a fresh youth' who joins the marines beeauise he can’t keep ovrt of airships. Ho gets into the aviation corps through the kindness of a marine officer from his hoiu'e town, and rewards that officer by stealing his girl and generally keeping him in hot water. With Pat O’Brien playing the part of the marine officer and Cagney portraying tlffi "smart Alick” rookie, it is inevitable that the scenes would resound with wisecracks, battles, breath-taking adventures and pathos, iu which both stars are past masters. Margaret Lindsay is the heart interest, and in the role of a pretty waitress who is the darling of the Marine Corps, she is constantly called upon to prove her artistry. Frank McHugh is an ambulance driver who constantly bemoans the fact that no one. gets hurt. His is a thoroughly enjoyable performance, and, aided and abetted by John Arlodgc, he furnishes most of the laughter. "Baby Face Harrington,” the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer comedy opening on Friday bt tho Town Hall, introduces a brand new comedy team. This is the first time Uua Merkel aiid Charles Butteinvorth have played leading roles together. They were tested as a team in 'The Night Is Young 1 with such success that tho new feature, written especially for them, was rushed into production. They play a small town couple who inadvertently become embroiled with the law, Harvey Stephens, Eugene Pallette, Nat Pendleton, Kuth Sclwyn, ami others are iu support. -