ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 20662, 18 April 1929, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC TO-NIGHT.

“BUSINESS OF LOVE” AND “SECRET ORDERS.”

A good, clean, wholesome picture, well balanced in comedy, romance and thrills, and particularly excellent as an insight into keen business competition was the verdict awarded by a crowded house to “Business of Love,” which opened at the Majestic Theatre last night. “Business of Love” is the film narration of a young college graduate who has his own ideals and proceeds to carry them out despite the exhortations of a rich old uncle. The latter pictures the youth as an eminent barrister, but the law has no great appeal for Edward Burgess, enacted by Edward Horton, noted screen star. There is a steady and thrilling suspense worked up all through this feature, terminating it, after many odds for both sides, with young Burgess coming high on top and marrying the inventor’s daughter as well as securing the hand of the haughtly lawyer for the latter’s office clerk. Za Su Pitts, well-known screen comedienne, furnishes many hilarious moments with her gum chewing episodes at the typewriter in Scarborough’s office. The romance and mystery’ which always surrounds the Secret Service and Army Intelligence bureau is capitalized in scintillating fashion in “Secret Orders,” Evelyn Brent’s latest starring vehicle. “Secret Orders,” which also had its premiere at this theatre last night, does not fall in the category of “war” plays as such, but it is crowded with the drama, the atmosphere and the suspense of war. Robert Frazer takes the principal part in support of Miss Brent, and a less capable actress might have found herself- taking a poor second place when the acting honours were being passed around. As a matter of record there is plenty of glory for them both, and the whole personnel of the company shows how carefully the cast was selected. John Gough, who has supported Miss Brent often before, delivers some of his inimitable comedy and Frank Leigh also throws in some good laughs. Marjorie Bonner, Brandon Hurst and Harold Goodwin are all excellent. - THE REGENT.

FINAL SCREENING OF "THE CROWD.” To-night will be the last opportunity for local theatregoers to see the much lauded film “The Crowd,” which has been consistently praised during its short season here. Commencing to-morrow the management will present an all-comedy programme which is said to be something out of the ordinary. -Franklyn Panghorn has been featured in many comedy successes including “Getting Gertie’s Garter,” "The Cradle Snatchers” and others, but it is safe to say that he has never been seen to better advantage than in this farce. The picture commences with a whirlwind of fun which continues right through to the final fadeout, and concerns the farcical adventures of a wealthy young bachelor who rescues a young lady from a street accident, and then spends his time searching for her. The ludicrous situations he finds himself in are funny in the extreme, and when he finally does discover the girl for whom he is search, ing he is, through no fault of his own, in the guise of an Indian Prince. An excellent cast supports Franklyn Panghorn including Elinor Faire, Ethel Wales, Louis Natheau and Ben Hendricks Junior. In “Love Overnight” Rod la Rocque is given ample opportunity to display his comedy trend which he does with great ability ably assisted by Jeanette Loff and Tom Kennedy. The picture is straightout farce comedy with a good mystery running through the story. La Rocque is a ticket seller in a subway station, and while the girl (Jeanette Loff) is purchasing a ticket the place is held up by a bandit who uses the girl as a cover. La Rocque imagines that she is in league with the bandit, follows her to her home and enters through a window to keep watch on her. In the mean, time the detective (Tom Kennedy) who has been put in charge of the case in turn suspects La Rocque, and is following him. Seeing him enter the house through the window, the detective’s suspicions seem justified, and he enters to make an arrest. Finding that the police are trailing him La Rocque jumps into a bed to hide, and then discovers that he is in the girl’s bed. The situations from here on are one succession of laughs and thrills. However it is all squared out in the end, but not before several hours of hearty laughter has been provided for the audience. A Regent Review and comedy will complete the programme while the Regent Orchestra can be depended on to provide something out of the ordinary as far as the musical side of the programme is concerned. CIVIC PICTURES. LAST TWO NIGHTS OF "SUNRISE” (GEORGE O’BRIEN, JANET GAYNOR) AND "SOMEONE TO LOVE” (CHARLES ROGERS AND MARY BRIAN). Many of those who neglected to take the precaution of reserving seats for last night had reluctantly to be turned away for accommodation was at a premium very early in the evening. Those who wish to see a splendid programme should make sure of seats early for to-night. “Sunrise” is one of the most remarkable pictures ever seen on the local screen. Director Murnati has taken two people from a type that is limited to elementary thinking and limits itself more to action. Into a farmhouse where the head of the family is happy in the possession of an adoring wife and baby, Murnau drops a city girl who brings tragedy with her. Margaret Livingston has tnc difficult part of breaking up this happy home, planting in the man’s mind the conviction that he should drown his wife and go with her to the city. The wife, knowing nothing of this evil plot, accompanies her husband in his boat, but the criminal thought is not as strong as his conscience and he fails to kill her. He takes her to shore and she is pursued by him on a trolley to the city, where a fashionable wedding party awakens romance in this crude pair. They have a happy honeymoon of a few hours and in this part of the picture some of Murnau’s best works shows itself. On the return trip home a storm arises and as the husband tries to save the wife their boat turns over and she is swept away. Thinking she is dead, the man resolves to kill his temptress. This time his conscience does not interfere

with his intentions, but he is interrupted by word that his wife has been found, still living. In renewed happiness the pair again face the sunrise. In execution and dramatic depth it is indeed an amazing picture. The supporting picture, “Someone to Love,” is one of those pictures everyone loves to see. It has kick, pep and heart interest. Mary Brian is a best-looker,*and buddy Rodgers is not only an ornament, but knows how to entertain his audience. Buddy Rodgers is a sheet music salesman with bright ideas, and his room mates have formed a company to catch a wealthy widow. Buddy falls in love with a millionaire’s daughter, Mary Brian, and she makes him think she is poor. When the heroine's father hears about the proposed match he is not exactly pleased, but when the hero meets him he knows a thoroughbred. Things become involved when the fortune-hunting tactics of Buddy’s roommates are learned and the three of them ; are thrown out of work. In addition the ; hero and heroine frown on them. Later i the heroine hears Buddy denouncing his friends’ methods and she knows he is not in league with them. After a car smash, in which the millionaire, his daughter, and the hero are injured, wedding bells are arranged and all is well. The usual prices will be charged for this monster programme. Plans are at the Bristol, or ring 380 for seats.