AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18256, 27 November 1933, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE. For cleverness and novelty, “Melody Cruise,” now at the Regent Theatre, is one of the most notable picture-comedies seen lately. It is “something different” —a comedy full of rhyme, some of which is sung; and all the various operations of the luxury liner on which the cruise is made are brought into the rhythm. As a husband with a wife at home m America, Charlie Buggies on the liner gets into a heap of suspicion that he never intended to get into, and spends his time trying to prevent news reaching his wife of his relationship with some girl stowaways (who were tuo drowsy to get off the ship after a cocktail party in port). Phil Harris fs the handsome young man whom Buggies tries to chaperone, but all tho girls giet at Harris, and the final is fought between Greta Nissen and Helen Mack. Helen lands the handsome brute. A lot ©f praise is due to the comedy of Buggies, and there is probably no film actor who could have done his part better and cleaner. Chicle Chandler's steward (a. magician with a tray) is also a bright spot. Anyone wanting to see a melodious comedy, one with a touch of lyrical romance, and adorned with feminine beauty and pretty scenes, should see and hear “Meldoy Cruise.” It finishes with a real gem—the skaters' ballet. The China travel picture is in itself worth the money. Tho cartoon “Silvery Moon” is original, and Laura La Plante is leading lady in a quaint comedy. Remarkable air stunts are among bright items in the gazettes. MAJESTIC THEATRE ‘‘'The Stranger’s Return,” which is at tho Majestic Theatre, is a picture far removed from the sophisticated films of rnodeni life. It is a simple title of simple people, which goes straight to the heart because of its simplicity. Tito story centres around an ancestral farm in America, to which the prodigal granddaughter returns from New York. Site is welcomed by her grandfather, hut is resented by his relations-in-law, and around these circumstances the whole story is delicately woven. Lionel Barrymore rises to great: heights in his characterisation of Grandpa Storr, who prefers, against doctor’s orders, bacon and eggs for breakfast rather than ‘‘them earboard foods,” and who conceals a sympathetic and understanding heart beneath a mask of irascibility. Miriam Hopkins handles the difficult part with .credit, and forms an attractive background for the routine life on the farm. The supports include a Charlie Chase comedy and scenes from the American women’s tennis championship, showing Miss Jacobs beating Mrs WillsMood v.