ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21650, 11 March 1932, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE MAJESTIC. “RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE.” A ZANE GREY EPIC. Those who saw Zane Grey’s famous story, “Riders of the Purple Sage,” in the days of the silent picture will without doubt rank it among the finest outdoor films that have ever been made. The nature of the novel itself and the memory of the silent film were probably responsible for the fact that the Majestic Theatre was packed again last evening, when “Riders of the’Purple Sage” made its second appearance in Invercargill as a talking picture. Full of thrills, with plenty of shooting, marvellous horsemanship, wonderful scenery and a strong love interest, the picture is one tliat must inevitably make a strong appeal to those in whom -the love of adventure has not yet died. No more accomplished actor could have been chosen for the part of Lassiter than George O’Brien, who has few peers in rugged characterization. Moreover, he is an excellent horseman and a marksman of unwavering accuracy. Marguerite Churchill, as Jane Withersteen, the girl who fights single-handed against cattle rustlers and land grabbers, until Lassiter arrives and helps her, plays her part with a natural charm that adds considerably 'to the atmosphere of the story, and .another important part, that of the treacherous Judge Dyer, is played by that master Of sinister roles, Noah Beery. One of the most spectacular scenes in the picture takes place when Lassiter outraces a herd of 500 stampeding cattle and, plunging from his horse, seizes a steer and throws it, thus deflecting the living tide and causing it to steady up. Lassiter is a man whom Dyer and his confederates are desperately anxious to murder, but time and again Lassiter demonstrates, much to their chagrin, that “the best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley.” The story mounts to a thrilling climax, in which Dyer is shot in a duel with Lassiter, who rides with Jane to their secret hiding place. Surprise Valley, hotly pursued by the gang who are out for blood. Lassiter's niece, Bess, who has been- brought up in the gang’s mountain fastness, is already sheltered in the valley with Judkins, who has fallen in love with her, ami mistaking the burning of Jane’s ranch for a smoke signal, they descend to meet the pursued couple. Lassiter and Jane hand their mounts over to Bess and Judkins, who gallop away, and head for the valley, at the entrance of which is poised a great stone. With the pursuit close behind Lassiter dislodges the stone and the subsequent avalanche engulfs the desperadoes, but losks Lassiter and Jane in the valtev, which, happily, is a sort of Garden of \en. Interesting supports round off an excellently-varied programme which will be shown this evening for the last time. TIIE REGENT. “COMI’ROMISING D API INE.” SPARKLING, ENGLISH FARCE. Again at the Regent Theatre , last night, “Compromising Daphne,” another of those sparkling, thoroughly enjoyable comedies from the British studios, found instant favour with the large audience and it must undoubtedly be ranked as a delightful production from start to finish. The scintillating comedy was alone sufficient to rouse the ungrudging appreciation of those who witnessed it, but the gooil fortune of the audience was bettered by the excellent, clever characterizations of the principal players who invested the brilliant farce with a vivacity and variety that lifted it high above the ordinary- level. The dialogue of “Compromising Daphne” is from the pen of the writer of “Tons of Money,” and the film positively sparkles with clever wit and shrewdly pointed satire while it glitters with bon mots of the most searching type, delightfully amusing interludes and quick and subtle dialogue. The mixing £t>f these ingredients produces a highly intelligent farce of mistaken meanings and cross purposes—a brilliant comedy with effervescent dialogue ripping gaily- along with fluency and ease. The plot is to a large extent sophisticated to an ultra degree, but the treatment is such of the many piquant situations, especially those which arise in a girl’s bedroom, that the entertainment throughout is thoroughly wholesome. The dialogue, too, is at times daring, but it so sparkles with brilliance that it cannot possibly give offence; it, in short, radiates its infectious gaiety and wit. Briefly, the story centres around a scheme hatched by a beautiful young girl who. with her fiance, determines tliat her father’s mandate that they cannot marry for at least another 12 months must not stand. Daphne, the heroine, conceives the brilliant idea that George (her lover) must “compromise” her by being found in her bedroom at night. Which, of course, carries out as originally planned, might have persuaded father to alter his views, but, unfortunately, Daphne’s friend arrives and occupies Daphne’s room. She becomes the unwitting victim of the plot, and her father, too, then appears on the scene angrily demanding that George must make retribution for the dishonour he (the father) believes the lover has brought to the second girl. 'The story, from this point, moves on quickly through amusing situations and strange complications, and ; accompanied by shrewdly clever dialogue, right to the final denouement when everything is at last explained to the satisfaction (and happiness) of all concerned. The principals handle the theme well and create a veritable gem of sound, delightful entertainment which must be enjoyed by all tastes. The production is one that undoubtedly advertises itself and large audiences at the matinee and the last evening performance to-night can he anticipated. The supporting programme is of the usual high Regent standard, and, in addition to an always popular news reel; includes an English musical fantasia, a cartoon .and an Ufa spotlight.

“TELL ENGTAND.” AN EPIC OF GALLIPOLI. COMES TO THE REGENT TO-MORROW. Of “Tell England,” which comes lo the Regent to-morrow and ' will be shown at both matinee and night sessions, English reviewers pass the following comments: “ Tell England,.’ with its epic grandeur, its recreation of one of the great adventures of our era, and its imaginative treatment—enters the lists as a champion of British, production quality. It will do more for the good name of the British film than any feature for some time back.” “A sincere and moving tribute to the glorious failure of the Gallipoli campaign—its inspiring theme, realism and human interest provide food for though and make it an unusual proposition for all ( who possess a spark of patriotism in their make-up. 'Fine story, good acting, amazing spectactles.” “There is nothing better in the picture than the splendid heroism of the Australian troops as they land from the "River Clyde,” and fall under the terrible gunfire of the Turks, while in the background the big warships attempt to cover their landing.” “Tell England” is a conscientious effort, directed with skill, and must appeal to all New Zealanders. The young people, without exception, should be encouraged, even forced, to see this historical record of an event so linked up with the history of our own country. THE PALAIS, GORE. OPENING ON SATURDAY. Something new for the Gore district and, as a matter of fact the hugest dance, hall in Southland, will be opened on Saturday night next when The Palais, Gore, tlirows open its doors for the first time to the public. Formerly the Theatre Royal, the place has been entirely altered and decorated and will come as a pleasant surprise to those who have not seen it. The official opening ceremony will be at 11 p.m. and will be per-

formed by Mrs J. Mackellar Giles. During the evening a big Monte Carlo will be held, the winning couple receiving a season pass. General admission to the building (including supper, but not dancing) is only 1/and the new social centre should, therefora be popular. REGENT THEATRE, GORE, TWO SATURDAY SPECIALS. The programme to be presented at the Regent Theatre. Gore, to-morrow evening is an outstanding one and either of the two big pictures to be shown would make an excellent entertainment by themselves. In Paramount’s twentieth birthday jubilee hit “These Charming People,” the cast will include such well-known and popular stars as Cyril Maude, Godfrey Tearle anti Nora Swinburne. The picture which is an unusually interesting one is a satire on the society of Mayfair. In addition the programme will include the picturization of Zane Grey’s greatest outdoor romance “Riders of the Purple Sage.” EMPIRE PICTURES, RIVERTON. “WHITE SHOULDERS.” From the pages of a Rex Beach novel comes a story packed with power,- jammed with drama and driven through with a motivation that is as fast moving as life itself. Such a story has been transferred to the talking motion picture screen in a Radio Picture production that is said to be better than the novel in its scope and in its strong human appeal. “White Shoulders” will be shown Friday and Saturday with Mary Astor, Jack Holt, and Ricardo Cortez heading a distinguished cast of featured players. The sweep of its locales is far-reaching with scenes lad in South American gold mines, Monte Carlo gaming houses, Monaco villas, Parisian fashion salons and New York penthouse apartments. In each of these places, the story receives heart-smashing dramatic impetus which carries it through to a vigorous climax. “White Shoulders” is recommended by the censor as being more suitable for adult audiences.