AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18528, 15 October 1934, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS

REGENT THEATRE “HOLLYWOOD PARTY”: SPARKLING ENTERTAINMENT “Hollywood Party,” which delighted huge crowds qu Saturday, is as last and funny as a. three-ring circus. Such a party there never was before, l.aurel and Hardy are there ; so are. Lupe Velez, Polly Moran, Eddy Quillan, a really big jazz band, and many more stars. This is not to mention Mickey Mouse and his “Hot Chocolate. Soldiers,” whose presence in person is an hilarious camera joke. And there are something over a thousand Hollywood girls, and also hall a dojren new burlesqued songs. From the welter of the story there, are some main points winch one cannot resist untangling. There is the Jaguar Woman (Lupe Velez), Schnarzan’s lending lady ; he refuses to .invite her her an sc plie is too rough, at parties. The rival producer’s leading lady crashes the party on a commission to bandit the lions. Schnarzan goes into the library to discyss reincarnation with some learned friends. Laurel and Hardy's arrival, and the arrival of Mickey Mouse and his troop, and the invasion of the Baron and his lions, create some of the best of tbe fnn. The Jaguar Woman chases Schnarzan with a knife. After all this it may not he. believed that the film is essentially “straight” drama, but it is, with a logical story, even though into it is incorporated almost every ’concei vable form of entertainment. Together with the lion deal theme, there is a love story between June Clyde and Eddy Qnillan, and: a burlesque love affair between Durante and Polly Moran. Laurel and Hardy’s roles run through the picture. The first part of the programme is the strongest and most enjoyable seen at the Regent for months. MAJESTIC THEATRE fredric march in “death TAKES A HOLIDAY” Seldom before has a production been so excellently east ris is “Death Takes a Holiday, which opened at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday, before crowded audiences, which Were united in their applause for this truly magnificent production. The frankly'provocative theme of “Death Takes a Holiday” concerns the problem of Death taking a three-dav holiday that he mav study life, and learn why men love living and fear the etefnal parting. He comes to earth as a gay, dashing,- romantic lover, enthusiastically taking part in, all of life’s pastimes and games. Hut nothing intrigues him. Frederic March gives his best performance since “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” He is supported by a notable cast, including Evelyn Venable. Sir Guy Standing, Kent Taylor, and Henry Travers. The second feature is a drama of the lives of rodeo riders and features Tom Keene. The seventh chapter of Duck Jofies in “Gordon of Ghost City” also is being screened.

OPERA HOUSE “I’LL TELL THE WORLD” AND “STRICTLY PERSONAL” Two big attractions are being screened at the Opera House. “I’ll Tell the World,” starring Lee Tracy and Gloria Stiiart, has to do with the loves and adventures of the staff correspondents of World-Wide news-gathering agencies cs they race from continent to continent in searclf of comedy, tragedy, thrills and triumphs. Tracy and Roger Pryor, playing the role of rival news-gatherers, first clash when they “cover” the crash of a disabled naval dirigible in northern Canada. Their rivalry continues in Europe when they try to find out why attempts are being made oil the life of art undent grartd dtike. Tracy meets a girl he thinks is a young American and falls in love. The Cole is played by Gloria Stuart. The girl turns out to be a royalist. The second feature, “.Strictly Personal,” pfesents an entertaining account of the vicissitudes of a matrix menial bateau and of a confidence than who fell into his own trap. Theta is a big cast, headed by Matjotie Raftilenh, Eddie Ouiilart and Dofothy Jotrlan. There will be a matihed to-ftioffort at 2 p.rti. - . aaaaaasßi - fcING’S THEATRE LIONEL BARRYMORE’S ARTISTRY IN “ONE MAN'S JOURNEY” He can look like a saint or a sinner. ... He can speak with the trembling accents of a timid old man, or thunder with the roar of an angry Jove. . . . He can portray, hero or villain, kindly character or satyr, robust life or senile decay. . . . Such is the range of artistry of Lionel Barrymore, eldest member of Ujo stage and screen royal family, and one of the supreme characterisation masters of the generation. The fato of nine out of 10 actors and actresses has been to fall into some particular type or mould. Barrymore's genius has been too versatile for conventional restrictions. The lot of an even greater percentage of players who have attained tile heights in youth is to sink into obscurity with tlie passing of years, or to lie relegated to supporting roles for the, newer generation of luminaries. Not so P.arrymore. Youth must serve, and not be served, in his pictures. Four of the screen’s most popular young -players, Dorothy Jordau, Joel McCrca, Frances Dee and James Hush, appear in his support in "One Man’s Journey,” now attracting large audiences to the King’s Theatre They carry the youthful romance of the story, but Barrymore’s characterisation is dominant throughout.

lii this iiltn, the star plays a sympathetic character with great humanitarian qualities. Following shortly after his ■portrayal of the sinister Rasputin, it exemplifies iu striking fashion his amazing versatility. TJift new role is that of a country doctor who returns to the community wliei'e he was*horh, to practice. Through the years lie becomes a patient, plodding healer, whose whole life is devoted to the service of others. Through dramatic circumstances, he wins the chance to realise his owrt ambitions by advanced study, hut he sacrifices the opportunity, rather than forsake , those who hare come to depend upon him. At the time when lip considers hithself a failure, cotneS spectaciilnv recognition of his true gtentriesS, and an ufiexpected rewahl. In addition to the. young players, a group of talented veterans support Barrymore in "One Man’s Journey. *’ these include May Robson, a favorite of stage and screen’audiences for FO years, David Landau and Oscar Apt'cl. A number of child players, headed by Buster Phelps, also have important, roles,