ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21263, 9 December 1930, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

JOHN BOLES IN “CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD.”

FINAL SCREENING TO NIGHT AT THE MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Any picture which brings John Boles’ magnificent voice to an audience is bound to be good entertainment. When, in addition, it has an appealing romance, magnificent. drama, and a theme like the “Marseillaise” song, there isn’t much left to be desired. “Captain of the Guard,” which closes to-night at the Majestic Theatre, is a dramatic musical spectacle in allsound, of the biggest episode in French history. The theme is the spirit which led to the Revolution, as typified by the birth of “La Marseillaise” itself. The song by all odds the most stirring piece of music ever written, is the glorious drama upon which the film is built. One of the longest battles of film history was waged at Universal studios during the filming of the isuper-production, “Captain of the Guard.” The action on the screen takes place in a single day, but so vast were the armies engaged and so spectacular the battle itself that it took almost a month to photograph it. The dramatic battle scene between the king’s guards and. the revolutionist troops, including the historic march of the Men of Marseilles who arrived in Paris just in time to turn the tide of victory, are the climax of the picture. Laura La Plante, as “The Torch,” the flaming girl leader of the revolutionists, and John Boles, “the golden voice of the screen,” as a captain in th'e guards, are co-starred in roles which give both of them the utmost opportunity for the greatest portrayals in their careers. “Captain of the Guard” is an all-sound super-feature,• directed by John Robertson, which features the singing of five songs by Boles. All of these songs were especially written for the picture by Charles Wakefield Cadman, and Rex Roehmeld. The supporting programme includes an extremely clever “Mickey the Mouse” cartoon, a Universal Talking News Reel and one of the ever popular "Sporting Youth” series The finest of the supports, however, is a •Pathe Magazine of World Events, a featurette which contains many surprises. Al Starita and his Piccadilly Players supply an unusually rhythmic musical score for the introduction, and one or two song and novelty dance items by British artists arc incorporated. The latter are particularly meritorious, and make one. look forwad to the day when an English revue will make its appearance on the talking screen.

THE REGENT.

LAST NIGHT OF RAMON NOVARRO IN “IN OLD MADRID”;’ COLOURTONE REVUE AND OUR GANG.

"In Gay Madrid” is Ramon Novarro’s best talkie. Oustanding in a dashing, romantic role that suits him perfectly, this picture will confirm his popularity. A bright story that goes into drama in the last reel or so, it casts him as the son of a Marquis, sent to the San Diego University after a series of night club escapades which get him into the headlines. After meeting the daughter of his father’s old friend, Novarro resigns himself to his fate happily. He falls in love with the girl. His amazing conceit receives a rude shock at her hands, however, she, unlike the others, appearing Id evince little interest in him. But her pose falls down after a time, and the wedding is arranged. An old flame then upsets the marital apple cart. She comes to San Diego to see her former lover, and while Novarro is commemorating his bethrothal with the girl and her family, she is discovered in his room. Separation between the engaged couple follows, and the girl’s brother challenges Novarro to a duel. The latter fires into the air. Though wounded ho conceals that fact, only to hear the girl he loves denounce him as a rotter. But when he collapses she realises her love will not be denied. In time Novarro recovers and the- wedding takes place. Bubbling with laughter amid the happy-go-lucky spirit of the University, “In Gay Madrid” cannot fail to register favourably. "The Pirates,” also on this programme, is a splendid example of the successful combination of colour, music, song and spectacular incident. It. is well worthy of a special visit to the theatre. An Our Gang comedy in which animals play a big part is also worth special notice.

THE CIVIC TALKIES.

JACK HOLT AND DOROTHY REVIER. IN “VENGEANCE.”

A brightly varied programme is being presented at the Civic just now, no less than seven features and short subjects being screened. “Vengeance,” which is the principal feature, has in the leading role Jack Holt, who, although he is better known to picture-goers as an exponent of wild west parts, proves his versatility bygiving one of the best characterizations of his career. The plot, which is laid against the fascinating background of life in a West African trading post, centres round John Meedham, who for several years has been manager of the post, and, becoming tired of the life, has written to his London office requesting to be relieved. His relict comes in the shape of Charles Summers, a director of the company, who, much to the amazement of the post officials, brings his wife with him. From the moment of his arrival, antagonism develops between himself and Meadham, and the result is a quarrel between the two men and a disagreement between husband and wife that eventually lends to the growth of love between Meadham and the girl. The unexpected denouement in which Meadham shows the bigness of his soul by risking his life -to save the man who has merited nothing but his contempt, is a master stroke of dramatic construction, and makes a distinctly novel but very satisfactory ending to the story. From a dramatic standpoint, Holt's handling of the part of Meadham.is unquestionably one of the most powerful and convincing portrayals he has ever given, and the role, besides giving him ample scope for his undoubted histrionic ability presents his personality in a new and altogether attractive light. The leading female part—that of .Summers’s wife—is taken bv Dorothy Revicr, who" plays the somewhat difficult role convincingly and with considerable dramatic effect. Charles .Summers is played by Philip Strange, who draws an admirable sketch of the intolerant, arrogant director, who considers that he and he alone has the secret of making the trading station pay. George Pearce, Hayden Stevenson and Irma A. Harrison are cast in the minor roles, all of which are capably handled. The short subjects include “Screen Snapshots” which takes the onlooker on a trip through Hollywood and introduces many celebrities; a Krazy Kat Komik and two musical offerings. EMPIRE PICTURES, RIVERTON. That everyone may have the opportunity of seeing “Ihision,” the management of the Empire Pictures, Riverton, has decided to screen this attraction for two nights. “Illusion” is a snappy, sparkling Paramount production featuring Nancy Carpoll and Charles Rogers and will be screened to-night and to-morrow night.