AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18551, 10 November 1934, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

OPERA HOUSE “THE LOST PATROL” AND “CHEYENNE KID” Unsparing in its realism, “Tile Lost- Patrol” gives some excellent studies of men righting under mental stress, particularly those of Victor McLagleu and Boris Karloff. McLaglen is splendid as the sergeant in charge, while Karloff gives a vivid interpretation of a religious fanatic striving desperately to save the souls of his comrades. The story tells how a little band of lostsoldiers seeks refuge at- an oasis. The first night- thp sentry is slain and the horses stolen. From that time on it. is only a matter of waiting for rescue, but none comes, and day by day more men die at the hands of the unseen enemy. When only the sergeant and a private are left an aeroplane flies overhead and lands close by, hut the pilot is shot dead by the Arabs as soon as he steps from the machine. At night the sergeant crawls out. dismantles the machine-gun and sets fire to the machine, the glare attracting a party of rescuers, but by the time they arrive the sergeant- is the only one alive.. The supporting cast, is unusual, as it- contains no woman, but among the men are Wallace Ford, Reginald Denny, and J. M. Kerrigan. The second feature, “Cheyenne Kid,” is an action drama starring Torn Keene. The tenth chapter of “Danger Island” Will be screened only to-night. MAJESTIC THEATRE “PARIS INTERLUDE” AND “THE NIGHT ANGEL” “Paris Interlude,” the picture heading the double bill at the Majestic Theatre, develops a delightful blend of romance, drama, and hilarity. There is gaiety on the boulevards, in the bar of the American colony, at a bizarre masquerade ball, and in other colorful haunts of Paris. The spirit of revelry is given rein from the start. In the opening scene excitement runs high as the arrival of “Lindy” after his big hop l across the Atlantic is re-enacted, and this gives a vigorous push-off for the fun which follows. Newspaper scribes are prominent in comedy roles, and there is a motley cross-section ol American life, with Madge Evans in the very heart of it all as a girl tourist from the States. It soon becomes a. case of rivalry between two ardent admirers, Otto Kruger and Robert Young. In contrast, there is Una Merkel, as a comedienne of a type now popular at Hbllywood, who gains many a laugh by her quaint and at times almost droll touches of humor. A feature of the production is a spectacular stage setting in which beautiful gowns figure in a fashion show. Taken all round the film offers an unusual variety of entertainment. The second feature. “Night has a big cast- headed by Fredric March arid Nancy Carroll. The eleventh chapter of “Gordon of Ghost City” is also being screened.

REGENT tfHBATBE “RED WAGON”: ENGLAND’S EPIC OF CIRCUS LIFE “Red Wagon,” which is to he screened at tiie Regent Theatre this evening, is among the best films British International Pictures have made sor far, and the story is taken from the novel ot Lady Eleanor Smith, a hook which commended itself immediately not only by its treatment of the subject—a travelling circus—hut also for the graphic detail of life on the. road. The book W;is regarded as an excellent novel, and the film has captured everything in the book that.went to make- for its success. “Red Wagon” is an exciting picture, and it, is absorbingly interesting lor both the story and the faithfully detailed representation of the lives' of circus people, removed in the ordinary course of their occupation as .far from normal life as were the sailors , in the days of clipper ships. An additional attraction is that scenicaiiy the picture is well above the average.’ Through the eyes of circus performers one sees something of tile charm of rural England. The story is straightforward enough, it is the story of the rise and fall and renaissance of Joe Pririce’s circus. The three principals have all made enviable names for themselves in American productions—Charles Bickford. Greta Nisson and Rnqul Torres. Their actig in “Red Wagon” is quite the best they have dotie. The supporting programme is of the Regent’s usual good quality and includes .“Puss in Boots,’ the first of the. new British cartoons in color, “Mrs. Barnacle Bill,” a comedy, and “The Big Idea,” a musical revue.

KING’S THEATRE ‘‘OHU CHIN CHOW”: A BRITISH TRIUMPH Combining spectacle with drama, romance, comedy and the never-to-be-forgotten music of Frederic Norton, “Gnu Chin Chow,” which started to-day at the King’s Theatre, provides glittering material to appeal to every taste, its pageantry enhanced by skilful handling and acting of classic style. In its settings, tins magnificently produced Uuu-mont-Britisli picture reaches great heights, those responsible for its vivid panoramas having excelled themselves. Grouping of large crowds, costumes oi great beauty, and dance ensembles of a most original order are among other features which have been combined into a great film. The brilliant production is an enlarged version of Oscar Asche s famous musical play which licit! the stage uninterruptedly for four years, before touring the world. For many the production will revive vivid memories; nor can it fail to win the enthusiastic applause also of those to whom the unparalleled run of the original stage play is only history. It is admirably composed to compel the interest of young jitul old. T.lie music of “Chu Chin Chow,” written by Frederic Norton, has won immortality. Such melodies as “Kissing Time,” “The Cobbler’s Song” and “Robbers of the Woods” with their beautiful orchestrations are a delight to the ear. Few productions have demanded a wider range of acting ability, and so it is that the producers have selected musical artists of the calibre of John Gifrrick and Frank Cochrane, and have taken edre of the demands the stnrv also makes for accomplished comedians and dramatic actors. George Robey is excellently east as Ali Baba, lii acting honors he is followed by Fritz Fortner. Anna Mnv Wong, Malcolm' MeF.ncliern (“Jetsam” of the famous Flotsam and Jetsam duo). Laurence Hnnray, Pearl Argylo, the noted dancer, Dennis Roey, Coiistanee Godridge, Frank Vospor, Anton Doliti, rCynshi Talease. :iii(l Sydney Fail-brother. The supports are up to the high standard set by * > Clm Chin Chow.”