AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18500, 12 September 1934, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE

ENTHRALLING MYSTERY DRAMA: “THE KENNEL MURDER CARE”

Lovers of murder mysteries will welcome the return of Undo Vance (William Powell), who sets about to unravel the tangled crime in S. S. Van Dine’s story, “The Kennel Murder Case,” which opened at the Regent Theatre today. How can a corpse walk? How can a man be murdered twice? How can a ghost commit suicide? These are the problems which" confront the cultured and resourceful Philo Vance. The tenseness of “The Kennel Minder Case” never slackens. A dead man sitting in an armchair in his bedroom, the door, a,nd windows locked, a revolver in iris hand, a bullet in his temple, his skull battered, and a stiletto wound in his back. That was precisely how the authorities discovered Archer Coe. The police consider it a case of suicide, until Pbiio Vance proves that it is a murder and not a suicide. -Seven people are. shown to have had both the opportunity! and the necessary motive for killing Archer Coe. The manner in which Vance eliminates the people under suspicion. proving the murderer’s guilt and identity, makes “The Kennel Murder Case” the most baffling murder mystery seen here for some time. Hilda Hake, Coe’s niece, is played by Mary Astor; Eugene Pallette plays his favorite role ns a police sergeant; Paul Cavanogh is east ns Sir Bruce MacDonald. Miss Aster’s lover: and Ralph Morgan appeals as Wredc Coe’s secretary. The programme is further enhanced by an excellent burlesque, in up-to-date American slang, of “The Double Crossing of Columbus,” a picture notable for i lip dancing of a boneless solo dancer, and the acrobatics of a male troupe, not to mention a ballet of beautiful girls. Samoa is treated in a travel picture, and the news reels are full of moment.

—Saturday: “Tarzan and his Mate’’— The box plans are now open for “Tarzan and His Mate,” which commences next Saturday. Seldom in the history of the screen lias there been a lln ill picture to equal Edgar Bice Burrough’s new story. “Tarzan and lis Mate.” Romance, thrills, drama and action arc all blended into the film. In addition Walt Disney’s famous creation. “Three Lillie Pigs.” and a funny “Our Gang” comedy will be screened

MAJESTIC THEATRE DAME SYBIL THORNDIKE IN “HINDLE WAKES” The strength of the east of ‘ I II in die Waites,” which forms the current attraction .at the Majestic Theatre, is of itself sufficient indication of the merit of the performance that may be expected. The picture is of interest, if only for the reason that Dame Sybil Thorndike, who will be remembered for the magnificent interpretations which she gave on the stage in New Zealand a little over a year ago, makes her screen debut insofar as local audiences are concerned. The other members of the cast include Edmund Gwenn, John Stuart, Norman M'Kinnel and Belle Chrystal. The story is set in the industrial area of the north of England. After allowing for a momentary glance into a weaving mill in 'Lancashire, the story shifts to Blackpool. It i., in such an atmosphere, far removed from the realities of everyday life, that Jenny Hawthorn falls in love with the sQu of the man who is her employer. Their relationship ends in tragedy. It is at this stage that the old mill owner rises to real heights, and although he realises that it is the end of his hopes for liis son, ho. insists on marriage. The supporting programme is a good one. —Saturday: "Alice in Wonderland” — The box plans are now available for Alice in Wonderland,” which commences next Saturday at 10.30 -a.m. To those who have, been captivated by the brilliant imagery ahd subtlety of Lewis Gnrroll, the delightfully .ingenuous picture, “Alice in Wonderland,” is sure to appeal. All tno childlike naivete and melodrama of the inimitable autnor nave boon maintained in this excellent film. To giotip in the one production all those quaint figures which, delight child and grown-u'p alike in reading Lewis Garroll is a task which requires no small -technical ability. The powerful parts are Alice (Charlotte Henry), the Cheshire Cat (Richard Alien), the -Fish (itoscoe At.es), the White Queen (Louise Fazenda), Humpty Ditmpty (W. 0. Fields), and the Mad Hatter (Edward Everett Horton). The whimsical story is a masterpiece, and -the film version of it has done excellent justice to the author.

OPERA HOUSE JOYOUS RETURN OF “SUNSHINE SUSIE” lu response to hundreds of requests from music lovers, “Sunshine Susie,” the sparkling British musical comedy success, opens a return season at the Opera House to-night. “Sunshine Susie” is a tale of a German typist who finds employment in a large bank in Vienna. On her first day at the bank she succeeds in humiliating the manager, Herr Klapper, and winning his everlasting disfavor. He forces her to work late at night, and while she is typing alone the director walks in. He offers to take her to dinner, giving her the impression that he is a clerk in the bank. Then follow hilarious scenes in a beer garden, where an old employee of the firm (played by Jack Hulbert) is conductor of a choir. The efforts of the director to prevent Hulbert from giving linn away keep the audience in fits of laughter, as do a comic tap dance performed by Hulbert. Soon the manager finds himself in love with Hie girl, Susie. Throughout, the picture is punctuated with lilting music and excellent singing, the outstanding number being the popular “To-day 1 Feel So Happy.” sung by Renate Muller, who is excellent in the role of Susie. Jack Hulbert gives several entertaining songs and dances, Owen Nares acts well in the role of hank director.

The supporting films include “Northern Lights,” nn aerial survey of Oi'penIniifl. and “Wonderful Westminster,” a British scenic. There will he n matinee on Thursday afternoon.