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ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC. VAUDEVILLE AND PICTURES. SAM STERN AND SADIE PEPPER ON THE STAGE. LAST NIGHT OF “WATERFRONT,” “THE WIFE’S RELATIONS” AND “THE COLLEGIANS.” Jack Mulhall is al his best as the oiler on a tramp steamer who falls in love- with a tugboat captain’s daughter in “Waterfront,” which closes at the Majestic tonight. Mulhall and Dorothy Mackaill are both ideally suited for the roles they portray in this picture, which is hailed as one of the outstanding farce comedies of the year, and one that will eclipse all previous efforts of the co-starring team. In the supporting -cast are Frances Hamilton, Ben Hendricks, James Bradbury, Sr., Knute Ericson, Pat Harmon and a number of others. If you want a good old-fashioned laugh don’t miss “The Wife’s Relations,” which also finishes to-night. It is uproarious comedy of a man who borrowed a mansion, married the girl to whom the owner was engaged and then held up his father-in-law for a hundred thousand dollars. There’s a surprise and hearty roar of laughter in every foot of this farce comedy “The Wife’s Relations.” It will appeal to all types. The cast is one of the strongest ever assembled for a single picture. Each member of the support has a large following. The names of Ben Turpin, Flora Finch, Gaston Glass and Arthur Rankin are known to every picture-goer throughout the country. Sam Stern and his dainty partner, Sadie Pepper, will be heard again in their clever and versatile vaudeville act. The rush for seats is certain to be as big as both Saturday and Monday night, so intending patrons are strongly advised to book their seats early. THE REGENT. BIG COMEDY PROGRAMME. Karl Dane and George K. Arthur score a touchdown of laughs in their new co-star-ring comedy, “Brotherly Love,” with its penitentiary football game as the bigger-than-ever scream. The great comedy team out-distance their previous successes and bring to the screen new characterizations that will delight their world of fans. The story Is a broad satire on “reform” prisons where convicts are coddled so much by an idealistic gaol governor that they fight to get in, but could’nt be bribed to leave “dear old Newberry.” Novel settings which introduce the unusual with telling effect, a good look at prison sports which are not what they might be, a romance between the daughter of the goal governor and a prisoner. despite the most ruthless —and hilarious —attempts of a 16-stone warder to marry her himself, are all part of this pot pourri of laughs, screams and shrieks. Charles F. “Chuck” Reisner, who filmed Buster Keaton’s “Steamboat Bill” and other screen laugh triumphs, was at the megaphone in this M-G-M feature, and under his direction Dane and Arthur have given perhaps the most rollicking performances of their costarring career. Jean Arthur is the governor’s daughter for whose affections the rivals disrupt the peacefulness of the prison, while Edward Connelly, Richard Carlyle and Marcia Harass are also in the cast. “The Bushranger” has the great distinction of being the first Australian picture faithfully produced in America. To motion picture patrons generally the picture will be a very striking commentary of the painstaking fidelity to history of all Tim McCoy attractions. Chet Whitney, director of “The Bushranger,” has brought a chapter of early Australian history to the screen with remarkably vivid and convincing effect. Aided by a selected group of wellknown Australians, headed by Reg. L. “Snowy” Baker, as technical directors, Whitney has combed the romantic history of Ballarat, Victoria, and the highly adventurous bushranging days, for material for “The Bushranger,” and this story, chocked with romance, thrills and adventure, he has unfolded -with fast action thrilling in scenes typically Australian. Madeline Ruthven, an accomplished scenarist and an Australian born, wrote the story; and, to crown the effect to make the picture as Australian as possible, the two feminine leading roles ar"e filled most capably by two Australasian girls. Marion Douglas, better known to picturegoers as Ena Gregory, a Manly girl, plays the principal feminine role; Dale Austin, “Miss New Zealand, 1927,” fills the other feminine role; and Frank Baker, brother of Reg. L. “Snowy” Baker, also appears in the cast, with that fine old trooper, Russell Simpson. There will also be screened a two-reel feature comedy—- " Two Tars” which is said to be the most outstanding two-reeler ever produced. CIVIC PICTURES. LAST NIGHT OF PETER B. KYNE’S “FREEDOM OF THE PRESS” (LEWIS STONE, HENRY B. WALTHALL) AND “ROMANCE OF THE UNDERWORLD” (MARY ASTOR). Those who have not yet seen “Freedom of the Press” at the Civic should not miss the final screening to-night. Lewis Stone heads the capable cast and he gives a splendid portrayal of the difficult role of the power behind the underworld in a large city. Henry B. Walthall Is equally good as the newspaper proprietor who is pledged to give the city clean government. Malcolm McGregor is the youthful hero and opposite him is Marceline Day, ward of the corrupt politician. Both are well cast and do some effective work. The direction is all that could be desired. George Melford has not spoiled the effectiveness of the story by permitting any over-acting. All of the roles are played in dignified manner, those of Stone anil Walthall being particularly commendable. Had theybeen otherwise a' good story could easily have been ruined. There is not a dull moment throughout the progress of the feature and there are some thrilling ones that have made it a picture much talked about. The Fox picture “Romance of the Underworld” is also excellent entertainment. Mary Astor is the heroine, but this time she is a girl who Is forced to eke out a livelihood as an entertainer in a speakeasy. She sickens of it all, decides to regenerate herself and becomes, after hardships, a secretary, but she is handicapped by a former acquaintance, played by Ben Bard, a good-for-nothing. Eventually she marries her employer, becomes a mother and is saved from Derby Dan,” the blackmailer, by a friendly detective in a most surprising manner. Robert Elliott, who won fame as the detective in “Broadway” on the stage, is super-excel-lent in this production in a similar role. “Romance of the Underworld” is without a flaw and is another feather in the cap of Fox Films. EMIL JANNINGS AND ADOLPHE MENJOU. AT THE CIVIC TO-MORROW. An extraordinary treat is promised at the Civic to-morrow when the great Continental actor, Emil .Tannings, will be featured with Phvliss Haver and a strong supporting cast in’“The Way of All Flesh,” one of Jannings’ strongest roles to date and a very powerful picture. The other star attraction will be “Marquis Preferred.” a sophisticated drama starring Adolphe Menjou in a type of role that he knows so well how to portray. .

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ST19290604.2.21

Bibliographic details

Southland Times, Issue 20791, 4 June 1929, Page 3

Word Count
1,127

ENTERTAINMENTS Southland Times, Issue 20791, 4 June 1929, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS Southland Times, Issue 20791, 4 June 1929, Page 3