ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 21716, 31 May 1932, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE MAJESTIC. "OVER THE HILL.” GREATEST OF ITS TYPE. At the Majestic Theatre motion picture audiences are being given the opportunity of seeing “Over the Hill,” a special production from the studios of Fox. It still remains as the greatest of this, type of story, rich in human interest, drama, sentiment and pathos—a real “heart-throbber” as the Americans say—but withal filled to the brim with action, a rather unusual quality in deeply emotional films. The photo'graphy in the talkie version is another 'point worthy of the highest praise. iThere is the wonderful old mother who 'works, herself almost to death for her (family, of three sons and daughter, and 'her lazy, weak, but still likeable husband; there is Johnny, the youngest son, the apple of his mother’s eye, who takes the blame for his father’s crime, makes good when he is released from gaol, and comes home to take his mother from the poor house and soundly thrash his hypocritical, thieving eldest brother Isaac for his caddish ways; and there is the girl who waits all the years until Johnny comes back to her. It is an intimate story of home and family life, with its small quarrels and its great loyalties; with its romances through the years; with the growing of the individual lives of children, and the mother who cannot bear to part with them. It is the story of a strong mother who grows dependent, and then finds that she has no place in the lives of her children. They nave their own battles to fight, and they look upon her as something of a burden. But there is one—one of them who is grateful, who can never forget what she has given him. “Over the Hill” brings together again those two superb young stars who have been making motion picture history in the past two months—James Dunn and Sally Eilers—for the most stirring performances of their young careers. Mae Marsh, whose dramatic powers have been absent from motion pictures for more than ten years, returns triumphantly to the screen as the mother in "Over the Hill.” James Kirkwood, Edward Crandall, Claire Maynard, Olin Howland, Joan Peers, William Pawley, and a number of other favourites all have important roles in “Over the Hill,” which was directed by Henry King. There will be a matinee this afternoon at 2 o’clock.

“SUSAN LENOX,” HER FALL AND RISE. Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, two of the screen’s most popular stars, are starred in the remarkable production “Susan Lenox,” which will start at the Majestic to-morrow. Modernized the David Graham Phillips novel makes splendid material for Greta Garbo, and as her leading man Clark Gable is more than amply romantic. He is splendid. The picture has a sweep in dramatic action that carries the story from one episode to another with a colourful atmosphere that keeps interest at top suspense. It is one of the most visually entertaining talking pictures that has been seen here. The dialogue is sparkling and pointed. And always the pace of the picture keeps its even tempo, climaxing into a powerful ending bound to dampen the eyes of the most adamant theatregoer. “Susan Lenox” is Greta Garbo’s greatest picture to date, and with the addition of Clark Gable, the production is outstanding as one of the great dramatic successes of the year. The story concerns the Swedish girl’s fight against overwhelming odds for a life of decency. Sheltered at a mountain, lodge by a young engineer, she falls in love. When he leaves to go to his home on business, intending, to return.and marry her, the girl is discovered by her uncle. Again she escapes, joining a cheap carnival troupe as a dancing girl. Here the' engineer again finds her, but, learning, she has become the mistress of the troupe's manager, he casts her aside. They meet again, when the girl, now a reigning demi-mondaine, is installed in a lavish New York penthouse provided by a political leader. From this point the action of the story is carried to San Francisco, and then to the island of Java, where the climax takes place. Miss Garbo is supported by a large cast, including Jean Hersholt, John Miljan, Alan Hale, Hale Hamilton, Hilda Vaughan, Russell Simpson, Cecil Cunningham, and lan Keith. A special support will be "Tilden’s Tennis Technique.”

THE REGENT. LAST NIGHT OF CLIVE BRook, KAY FRANCIS AND MIRIAM HOPKINS IN “24 HOURS.” Another sterling performance by Clive Brook, ably supported by Miriam Hopkins, Kay Francis and Regis Too,mey, lifts "Twenty Four Hours,” which is having its final screening at the Regent to-night, out of the realms of the underworld wherein most of the plot is laid. The story is pure melodrama, but so well directed that its situations are given reality, and "24 Hours” resembles a broad colourful canvas of the night life of New York. In the most thrilling manner, the hectic life of the city is shown through the tangled destiny of four people, Clive Brook, and Kay Francis as a sophisticated married couple, Miriam Hopkins as a night club entertainer, and Regis Toomey as a gunman. The action occupies only two rounds of the clock; but in that time, life, death, love, sorrow play their separate parts with these four pawns. The new technique of “space shots,” which eliminates any "fadeouts,” emphasizes the flow of time. It is a stirring story, throbbing with life and interest, with chances for special acting which are fully seized by Brook, Kay Francis as his wife, Regis Toomey and above all, Miriam Hopkins, who has several times shown her unusual talent lately on the screen, notably in “Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde” and "The Smiling Lieutenant.” Miss Hopkins’ role permits her to introduce two fine song numbers in the cabaret sequences, and her vigorous performance is a real asset to “24 Hours.” The supporting featurettes cover a wide range of entertaining subjects from the ever-popular Australian Cinesound News, which this time deals v.'ith the Randwick Racing Carnival and many happenings of considerable interest, down to an amusing cartoon.

EMPIRE PICTURES, RIVERTON. “UNFAITHFUL.” “Unfaithful,” an absorbing drama of the disillusioned wife of a public hero, is Ruth Chatterton’s latest Paramount dramatic sensation, and the Empire Theatre will feature this attraction tonight and to-morrow night. Miss Chatterton’s great talent is given unrestricted play in “Unfaithful.” As/a girl married to the popular hero whom she loves madly; as the disillusioned wife who finds her husband’s virtues are merely a mask for his secret philandering; as the reckless thrill-seeker, seeking desperately to drown her pride in one wild escapade after another, this brilliant actress plays a series of characterizations in which her emotional ability finds its nest expression.