ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21038, 21 March 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC. LAST NIGHT OF CLARA BOW IN "THE SATURDAY NIGHT KID." Y'outh has its fling in Clara Bow's newest Paramount picture, “The Saturday Night Kid,” for as usual the dazzling little bonfire from Brooklyn is supported by a cast of popular young players. There are James Hall, who played with her in “The Fleet’s In”; Jean Arthur, who was seen most recently in “The Greene Murder Case,” Frank Ross, youthful young Long Island realtor, Eddie Dunn, also seen with Miss Bow in “The Fleet’s In," Leone Lane, Jean Harlow and others. The play was written by George Abbott and John V. A. Weaver, famous Broadway playwrights. It concerns the lives of the boys and girls who work in the big department stores. Miss Bow is the hard-working little shop-girl, seriousminded, but glowing with “pep,” who falls in love with James Hall, young clerk who is advanced to an enviable position—that of floorwalker. Clara’s younger sister, Jean Arthur, observes Hall’s apparent abiilty to advance to high positions in the firm, and decides to win him for herself. There follows a series of stirring sequences in which the love-boat barely escapes, the perils of rocky villainies many times. But the finale is one that satisfies the millions of ardent Bow fans. The more mature members of the cast include Charles Sellon,. the dourfaced comedian; Edna May Oliver, noted character comedienne of the American stage, Ethel Wales and Hyman Meyer. Miss Wales is a. screen and stage veteran. Hyman Meyer was for nine years a dialect comedian in vaudeville, and has been in legitimate on Broadway. “The Saturday Night Kid” closes at the Majestic to-night. _ The accompanying short all-talking-singing subjects include Ernie Lotinga, the irresistible London comedian in another of his farcical comedies entitled “Acci-Dental Treatment,” a two reel comedy entitled “That Red-Haired Hussy," Rodgers and YVitt “Makers of Melodies," "Raising the Roof" featuring Lillian Roth, and the funniest Sound Cartoon seen or heard for a long time, “The Barnyard War.” THE REGENT. BEBE DANIELS AND JOHN BOLES IN “RIO RITA.” ELABORATE TALKIE SPECTACLE. Literally staggering in its immensity of conception, and its boldness of treatment, “Riot Rita,” which is to be shown at the Regent Theatre to-night easily assumes first place in the ranks of the talking films which have been shown in Invercargill. Mere words cannot possibly describe the astonishing wealth of detail and the lavishness of the production, which gradually works .up to a pitch of gorgeousness such as has never before been seen on any stage or screen in Invercargill. The final scenes, presented in technicolour, are positively amazing in their magnificence, the eye being so filled with wonders that much of the finer detail is unavoidably overlooked. The plot adheres closely to the stage presentation, but there the resemblance ceases, for on no stage in the world would it be possible to produce the luxurious settings and general atmosphere of spaciousness which place the film on a plane far removed from the legitimate stage production. Nor does the worth of the film rely entirely upon the spectacular nature of its scenery and ensemble, for the singing and orchestral work are of a quality greatly superior to those incorporated in ordinary productions, and give an indication of the success which it can be expected will in the future attend the adaptation of musical comedies and operas to the screen. Spectacular ballets, both in colour and otherwise striking pageants, and an indescribable profusion of scenes conceived in the richest and most effective manner imaginable combine to make this production one which will live long in the memories of those who see it. The principal feminine role, that of the vivacious Mexican girl, Rita Ferguson, is played by Bebe Daniels, whose performance of the part leaves little to be desired, her grace and charm of manner and her abilities as a vocalist placing her in the first flight of successful talking film artists. She is the possessor of a very pleasing voice, which is heard to advantage in the wide variety of song numbers which the production affords her. John Boles, who firmly established his popularity with picture audiences in “The Desert Song,” assumes the principal male role, and his outstanding worth as a singer in addition to his fine acting, places him high in the favour of the audience. The comedy work of Dorothy Lee, Bert Wheeler, and Robert Woolsey, is irresistible, the first-named, a charming soubrette type, also attaining great success with her piquant singing and clever dancing. As Lovett, the lawyer, Woolsey gives a portrayal which is conspicuous for its polish and balance, a considerable amount of the value of the part being created by the actor himself. Plans for the season are now open at the Bristol. To-morrow there will be a special matinee for country folks commencing at 1.45 sharp to enable patrons to see the whole show and catch their trains and buses.