ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21648, 9 March 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE MAJESTIC. "RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE.” Filmed in the picturesque valley of Arizona, where Zane Grey placed the characters of his widely read novel, "Riders of The Purple Sage,” the audible screen version of the same story, will be shown for the first time at the Majestic Theatre this evening with George O’Brien as the famed Lassiter heading the featured cast, which consists of Marguerite Churchill, Noah Beery, and Yvonne Pelletier. “Riders of the Purple Sage” is the dramatic story of a man’s single-handed fight to protect the life and interests of a beautiful girl, who is threatened by an organized band of claim-jumpers, cattle thieves, and outlaws. The story is replete with romance —in fact, the love theme is the principal motivating force. A mountain avalanche, a cattle stampede, and a breath-taking race of relayed horses are typital of the many spectacular moments of the picture. It presents also one of the most ambitious and costly exterior settings ever built by a Hollywood motion picture company miles away from the home studio. This setting is a complete ranch house of the period of 1870 with barns, granaries, corrals, carriage sheds and stockades. This ranch house is destroyed by fire in one of the most amazing scenes ever brought to the screen. George O’Brien and his fellow-players, during the filming of the picture, made their homes in a camp that was a miniature city under canvas. "Riders of the Purple Sage” is one of Zane Grey’s few real romances, a love story spiced with thrills and, spectacle. One important scene shows the stampede of 500 fear-crazed cattle being turned, single-handed by George O'Brien, who outraces the herd down a narrow gorge. Another thrilling moment is provided by a mighty avalanche, in which hundreds of tones of rock plunge down a mountain side on a group of pursuing riders. Delightful short units will be added to the main attraction. The box plans are at the Bristol.

THE REGENT. ANOTHER BRIGHT ENGLISH FARCE. "COMPROMISING DAPHNE.” It is a generally accepted fact that the most entertaining pictures which have forlowed the introduction of the “talkies” have been British comedies, and the Elstrec producers have wisely concentrated on this type of film. Another success is added to a growing list of remarkably good comedies in “Compromising Daphne,” which is to have its initial screening at the Regent this evening. It is sheer comedy of a type which can always be relied upon to leave a satisfied audience, and although tt is farcical in the extreme it never descends to the level of absurdity. -So long as the British producers are able to draw upon the London stage for the material for their pictures success must follow success, and the fact that “Compromising Daphne” had an unusually appreciative reception when it was played in London may be accepted as a guarantee that the screen version is worth seeing. It is not the type of picture in which one may expect any strict regard to logic, and the author has shown a fine disregard of possibilities and probabilities. The picture was never meant to bo anything but a farce, and its purpose is only to amuse. The success of the author’s efforts was amply proved when the play was staged in London, and Invercargill’s verdict as far as the film is concerned is bound to be just as favourable. From the opening scene to the final curtain the picture abounds in delightfully funny situations , following upon one another so speedily as to keep the audience laughtng almost continually. The desire of two young people to marry without delay in spite of a doting father’s demand that they should wait for a year is the starting point of the story. It is the young lady who decides that, as a means of gaining her wish, she must be compromised, and the details are very carefully planned. Without the knowledge of the conspirators the father has overheard the conversation. While the young people see an opportunity of bluffing the father rather badly he sees a glorious chance to play a practical joke. Naturally, the lovers’ plan fails, but their efforts are renewed. No matter what they do, however, the stern parent keeps coming on the scene at the wrong moment. There is, of course, all kinds of trouble and the developments are both amazing and exasperating. Finally when twin babies are brought into the tangle the audience is treated to as delightfully funny a situation as one could imagine. The picture is presented by a strong cast. Miss Jean Colin is Daphne, and she enters into the spirit of her part, giving a portrayal that is entirely satisfactory. The central figure, however, is George, played by Charles Hickman. He has a heavy task, but is always equal to the occasion, and proves to be an extremely likeable comedian. The role of a rich young man of a type made popular in fiction by Wodehouse is one which suits him to perfection. There is a good supporting programme, including a comedy, a cartoon, sportlight and news reels.