AMUSEMENTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18584, 19 December 1934, Page 3

AMUSEMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE “DAMAGED LIVES,” A STRIKING FILM More than a decade has passed since the well-known play by Eugene Brieux, “Damaged Goods,’' was performed in New Zealand and circulated widely in printed form. Hence it is not unfitting that the same theme, the havoc wrought by the so-called social diseases, should be again presented to an even larger public through the medium of the talking pictures. This has been done in an American film, “Damaged Lives,” which commenced to-day. Included in this programme will be an instructional picture giving specific information. Needless to say, the programme, is not for children, and by the. censor’s order admission is barred to persons under 16. The story unfolded is a simple one of present-day American life. A shipowner's young son. about tto be married, makes a false step under the influence of bright, lights, jazz, and liquor. When lie and his wife are expecting a child, the family physician makes a discovery and the terrible truth is .revealed to them. Good fortune saves the distracted wife from taking both their lives, and the play ends on a note of hope. There will he four sessions to-morrow, at 10.50 a.m.. 1.30 p.m.. 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. The .1.00 p.m. session will conclude in time to allow patrons to witness the arrival of the Duke of Gloucester at 4 p.m.

REGENT THEATRE “MURDER AT THE VANTIES”: MUSIC, MYSTERY & SPECTACLE For the first time mystery and musical comedy are combined in the same filnq Paramount’s “Murder at the Vanities,” the spectacular feature at the Regent Theatre. This brings a refreshing novelty to the film. The “Vanities” is tin animal play produced in New York by Earl Carroll, and is noted for its abundance of spectacular scenes. The story deals with two murders which are committed behind thp stage. There are several beautiful scenes which are elaborately produced. Of these, “The Sea of Mermaids” and “The Human Powder Box” are outstanding. “Cocktails for Two,” “Ebony Rhapsody,” live and Love To-night,” and “Lovely One” are among the tuneful songs in which the film abounds. Carl Brisson, the Continental player, makes his debut in American pictures, and gives a pleasing performance. The role of the detective is portrayed by Victor McLaglen. Jack Oakie, the popular comedian, is cast as an enthusiastic press agent. Kitty Carlisle, Gertrude Michael, and Duke Ellington and his band also appear in the picture. There are excellent supports, and on the stage the “Two Tots” and the “Vanity pony ballot” do a graceful song and dance number arranged by Miss Maureen Keauy. There will lie four sessions to-morrow, at 10.39 a.m., 1.30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. 'The 1.30 session will conclude in plenty of time for patrons to witness the arrival of the Duko of Gloucester at 4 p.m.

OPERA HOUSE EDDIE CANTOR IN “WHOOPEE” “Whoopee,” the film in which Eddie Cantor made his screen reputation, has returned to the Opera House. Those googoo eyes, catchy songs, snappy music and beautiful girls, for which every Cantor film is famous, are all there in a technicolor production which for entertainment has seldom been surpassed since Ihe picture, was first shown herofour years ago. When' Eddie and Mr. Underwood are sprawled on the kitchen floor “swapping” operations, when the hero plays tho blackface singing cook after being tangled up in an oven when a. gas explosion occurs, when lie plays the mountain bandit for a couple of gallons of petrol, and when lie is created a “brave” of the Indian tribe, the audience is swept with laughter. One of Eddie's strong points is his “Garden of Eden look” —nothing said, hut a lot meant. For the last four years none of their popularity lias beeii lost h.v those happy tunes —“Making Whoopee,” “Tho Girl Friend of a Boy Friend,” “I Belong to You,” and "My Baby Just Cares For Me.” There will be a matinee to-morrow afternoon commencing at 1.30 o’clock.

KING'S THEATRE “MARIE GAL ANTE:” FINE ROLE FOR NEW STAR Few films of recent years have presented such fine and varied entertainment as “Marie Galante,” the Fox picture which opened its Gisborne season at the* King’s Theatre to-day. The story deals with the efforts- of international secret service agents to coinhat, a sinister plot to wreck the Panama Canal during the passage through it of tho United States fleet, and it would lie laird to imagine -a. more thrilling climax than this picture provides. Coupled with gripping excitement- there is clever acting and genuine humor. By her portrayal in the leading feminine role, Ketti Gallian, a French actress popular in her own country, will undoubtedly achieve fame. Her beauty and charm, combined with outstanding acting ability, made a deep- impression on this afternoon’s audience, and her next picture will be eagerly awaited. The inimitable Spencer Tracy is cast as a. United States secret service agent who masquerades as a doctor studying tropical diseases. His glib longue provides much of the humor in which the film abounds. lie is ably supported in

this direction by Ned Sparks. Other good performances arc given by Leslie Fenton, Siegfried Rinnann and Helen Morgan, while even the minor roles are excellently Ailed. The scenes of life at the Panama Cana) are well clone, and bright incidental music is another attraction. The supporting programme is of the .customary high standard. Outstanding is ail interesting record of functions celebrating the Duke of Gloucester’s visit to Australia. There will be a 5 p.m. session to-day.