ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21362, 7 April 1931, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE REGENT. [ ■ • :■ —: “A WARM CORNER”—THE ALL-BRITISH ; UPROARIOUS FARCE. Excellence of production, convincing acting and bright and witty dialogue form the high lights of "A Warm Corner,” which again served as an invigorating tonic to the crowded audiences at the Regent Theatre yesterday. Although some remarkable films,' Especially in the realm of farces, have recently been produced in the British studios, it is doubtful if a stronger challenge to the American director has ever been launched than this offering which is undoubtedly in the first flight of screen presentations. One, of course, remembers the sparkling “Alf’s Button” and “Rookery Nook” and several other clever farces abounding in rollicking hilarity, but “A Warm Corner,” in which a famous London comedian, Leslie Henson, heads an admirable cast, surpasses even these popular offerings in its high entertainment value. Sophisticated and brilliant, the production abounds in dialogue which positively scintillates and a steady flow of witty crosstalk, coupled with intriguing situations frequently arising, keep the audience in a continual state of boisterous merriment. But there is nothing forced abou| the humour —-it is too spontaneous for that — and the picture moves along with a delightful ease and freedom. Henson scores a distinct triumph in the role of Mr Corner (who has made his fortune from corn plasters) and his extraordinary mobile features, his marvellously impressive face and generally humorous demeanour are’ assets of the value of which he is fully aware and which he exploits to the very best advantage. His speaking voice is a sheer delight and every joke and quip comes across the screen with pure and unmistakable clarity. In the daringly complicated situations which arise during the progress of the clever story Henson’s portrayal of the embarrassed Mr Corner, solely determined to conceal from his wife his shortcomings while holidaying alone on the Lido, is excellent comedy work and oven his perfect naturalness evokes helpless laughter. Associated with the Londoners’ "idol” in this uproarious farce are several other experienced players from the legitimate stage who aid Henson right loyally in moving from one entanglement to another in astonishing style until it would seem impossible for an extrication to be effected. Crisp and witty repartee is recruited for the numerous emergencies which abound and all the mannerisms and artifices of born entertainers are brought to the fore to provide humour of a most irresistible type. To divulge the clearly defined plot would tend to spoil the enjoyment of tho entertainment but suffice it is that for sheer originality in conception and execution the production has few peers. Invercargill film devotees, it is well known, are, as a rule, quick to appreciate a performance which has real merit' to commend it and no doubt the last screening *bf this rollicking farce will be enjoyed to the full to night by an audience as large and as happy as. those which have sung its praises earlier in the week. In addition to this outstanding feature, the management offers an excellent array of short subjects, all of which are an entertainment in themselves. A popular sound news reel provides capital entertainment, while an AEsop’s Fables cartoon abounds in uproarious comedy work. THE CIVIC TALKIES. ENGLISH SECRET SERVICE DRAMA “THE LAST HOUR.” FINAL SCREENING TO-NIGHT. That the Americans no longer hold the monopoly in screendom is evident by Briish Dominions Films’ latest production, entitled “The Last Hour,” which was greeted by a large and enthusiastic house at the Civic on Saturday evening. ‘The Last Hour” is a triumph of what might be termed British workmanship. It has everything to commend it, and in selecting a drama of the Secret Service, backed up by a distinguished cast, the producers have correctly gauged the public . taste. In many respects the plot is reminiscent of an Edgar Wallace thriller. It has suspense, plenty of it, action too, criss-crossed with plot and counter-plot, working up to a nerve-tingling climax. The whole production is excellently staged and is a tribute to British genius. The story concerns British plans of a death ray which is capable of destroying aircraft. These plans have been stolen by a gang of international spies, headed by astute Prince Nicola de Kovatch, who has arranged that an accomplice (an English Cockney) should leave at midnight on a foreign air liner with the precious plans. The Cockney fails to appear and, urged by Tregellus, an innkeeper, the Prince agrees to let an escaped convict carry out the mission. Everything succeeds according to plan—up to a certain point. The Prince receives first one and then another checkmate. He is trapped by a clever secret service agent who is in turn trapped,. Then the escaped convict rather adroitly turns the tables on the Prince, and is on the point of regaining the coveted plans, when the Prince finds the village constable an unexpected ally. The Prince finally succeeds in boarding the air liner—so does the secret service agent. Events work up to a satisfactory climax. Cupid rather appropriately figures in the finale. Stewart Rome, who handles the main role, looks and acts his part to perfection, and is aided by pretty Kathleen Vaughan, Richard Cooper, James Raglan, etc. The supporting items provided plenty of thrills and entertainment. One that will particularly appeal is a New Zealand film showing a lady and her guide climbing “Sebastopol,” a peak near Mount Cook. Watching the perilous ascent, one realises something of the thrill and fascination of alpine climbing. The photography was remarkably clear and further interest was lent by the running comment of the cinematographer. In addition to an interesting news reel, another featurette introduced a pot pourri of musical sketches and remarkable closeups of historic gems, such as the Hope diamond, necklaces of lapis-lazuli, agate, etc. The entire programme supplies ideal holiday entertainment, and should attract another packed house for the final screening to-night. THE MAJESTIC. RUTH CHATTERTON “THE LADY OF SCANDAL." Ruth Chatterton scores another hit in “The Lady of Scandal” which will receive the final screening at the Majestic Theatre this evening. “The Lady of Scandal” is an all-talking adaptation of Frederick Lonsdale’s stage success, “The High Road.” As Elsie Hillary, the actress who forces her way into snobbish London society, Miss Chatterton gives a penetrating characterization which moves between laughter and tears. First-rate work is also done by the supporting cast, which includes Basil Rathbone, Ralph Forbes, Fred Kerr, MacKenzie Ward, Nance O’Neil, Cyril Chadwick, Robert Bolder, Moon Carroll and Effie Ellsler. The picture brims wijh sparkling dialogue and includes a catchy song entitled “Say it with a Smile,” sung by Miss

Chatterton and a male chorus. The supporting programme is excellent and inclunes “Dogway Melody” played entirely by clever dog actors, Mickey the Mouse in “The Fire Fighters,” Flip the Frog and the Metrotone News. “GOOD NEWS.’’ COMMENCING TO-MORROW. Judging by advance reports from the northern cities, there can be no doubt, whatever about the success of “Good News,” which commences at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow .(Wednesday). The picture hits the public taste right at the outset, and there is never a moment throughout the screening where interest flags. It is a story of college life and reproduces word for word the dialogue of the original stage success. Like all snappy modern comedies, "Good News” requires to be brilliantly played by competent artists and in the present instance the directors have attended to that admirably, No better cast could have been secured. Bessie Love achieves the best work of her career in “talkies.” Gus Shy, a very fine comedian from the orginial cast, works in conjunction with Miss Love, and the art of the two click together with splendid results. An outstanding success in this sparkling musical comedy is scored by Dorothy McNulty, her equal as an acrobatic dancer has not been seen in New Zealand. The contortionist dancer who assists her is also amazing. Sixteen song hits and a record musical score are included in “Good News.” Anyone who likes bright entertainment should see this rollicking musical show.