ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 22013, 12 May 1933, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

THE MAJESTIC. BRILLIANT BRITISH ACTING. “LORD CAMBER’S LADIES.” If Sir Gerald du Maurier were to come to Invercargill in the flesh the prices would be ten shillings, six shillings and four shillings. And the theatre would be packed. For a quarter of these prices the great English actor may be seen at the Majestic Theatre this evening; and so technically perfect are the sound films of to-day that there is scarcely any difference between seeing him on the screen and on the stage. Associated with him is Gertrude Lawrence, an actress so charming that she would draw overflowing houses if starring alone. “Lord Camber’s Ladies is the title of the play in which these two popular and distinguished artists score so convincingly. It is a dramatic masterpiece which tells the story of a woman accused by the man she loves of poisoning her quondam lover’s wife. Lord Camber, who has fallen in love with Janet King, conceals from her his true identity at the same time providing her with a comfortable income by placing extensive orders with . her flower shop in his own name. Shirley Neville, a popular musical comedy actress has also succumbed to Camber’s charms and ensnares him into a marriage. Janet, heartbroken when her lover leaves her without any explanation, takes up nursing in order to forget the past. Lady Camber returning from a world tour, with her husband and suffering from an overstrained heart comes to the nursing home where Janet is an assistant and it is not until Camber calls on his wife that the unfortunate girl discovers her former lover’s identity. For dramatic intensity the superb and unexpected climax of this film has never been surpassed. In addition to Gerald du Maurier and Gertrude Lawrence, an outstanding cast also includes Benita Hume, Nigel Bruce and A. Bromley Davenport. An outstanding support is “Denizens of the Zoo” which is both instructive and entertaining. A Rathe Pictorial is replete with interest and of unusual length. To-night is the last session of this rich offering. “HIS WIFE’S MOTHER.” HILARIOUS BRITISH FARCE. When a man, in order to convince his mother-in-law that he was in a different place from where she. saw him, impersonates a non-existent double, aided and abetted by his friend’s valet —a one-time actor trouble is sure to be in the brewing, and in “His Wife’s Mother,” the hilarious farce to be presented at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow, the trouble is “double” trouble for Henry Hagen, the man in the case. The mother-in-law is so hard to convince that the valet, Joy—by name and nature—is forced to impersonate a fiery old colonel, a German crook, and an American detective, not to .mention Henry’s father-in-law, who is overcome by “doubles” of a different sort. A very human problem, ever before us, is dealt with in a joyfully humorous and competent manner in “His Wife’s Mother.” The mother-in-law is faced with almost undeniable proof that her son-in-law was elsewhere than where she saw him, but remains adamant until an American detective, a German crook, and a deaf colonel have all conspired to prove otherwise. 'The star of this hilarious show is Gus McNaughton, who made such a hit in “Lucky Girl,” and as the general in “The Maid of the Mountains.” Gus McNaughton is really one of the funniest actors on the English screen. His humour is infectious, and he is an asset to any show. A strong supporting cast includes Molly Lamont, as the unsuspecting wife; Jimmy Godden, the father-in-law, whose troubles are also “doubles”—of a different, sort; Jack Hobbs, as the other man; and Renee Gadd as the other woman and Hal Gordon. “His Wife’s Mother” will be screened at the Saturday matinee. CIVIC THEATRE. LAST DAY OF RUTH CHATTERTON. This afternoon and evening will see the last two screenings of Ruth Chatterton in “Frisco Jenny,” in which one of the most dramatic court scenes ever showed upon the screen takes place.

Here it is that Ruth Chatterton, as “Frisco Jenny,” is pilloried on the by her own son, who is ignorant of the fact that she is his mother. She sits silent as he accuses her of being the evil genius of the Barbary Coast, notorious for its evil dives and its illicit traffic in women. Nor does she open her lips when she is convicted of murder and sentenced to be hanged, for, paragon of evil that she is, mother love withholds her from making known the facts she knows will destroy him. R u \h Chatterton’s role in “Frisco Jenny is by far the most emotional one she has had since “Madame X.” The picture affords her a rare opportunity to display that great histrionic ability which has elevated her to her present mgh estate. This is a stirring tale of ban Francisco’s water front along the Mbarcadero in the days when temples of pleasure and gambling dens flourished unmolested in all their gilded evil. “LOVE ON WHEELS.” COMMENCES TO-MORROW. Proof beyond doubt that the studios of England produce the best screen comedy of the present day is furnished by “Love on Wheels,” the rollicking farce which is having such a successful run everywhere in New Zealand. Jack Hulbert, Leonora Corbett and Gordon Harker are featured, and they combine to present one of the most genuinely acceptable entertainments that has been seen on a local screen for many a day. The events and incidents which are used to make up the story of “Love on Wheels,” practically all take place in a bus or in the large department store of Gallops, Ltd., although there are a few digressions to night clubs and bars which add a good deal of variety to the performance. Perhaps the greatest share of the action is in the hands of the popular Jack Hulbert, whose attractive personality and overwhelming enthusiasm do much towards making the picture the success that it is. Gordon Harker, the Cockney comedian, also has a prominent part, and with his innumerable mannerisms of speech and gesture he creates a part that will remain long in the memory of those who see “Love on Wheels.” Although Miss Corbett is not so well known to local theatre audiences as the others, she is certain to become popular as the result of her work in this picture. She is a charming and personable type of actress and proves an admirable partner in nonsense and romance for Jack Hulbert. One of the most attractive features of “Love on Wheels” is the music that has been introduced and this includes such song hits as “Shall We Wear Pyjamas or the Old-fashioned Nightie? “The Same Old Bus,” “I Can t Be Hungry When I’m Hungering For You, and “Two in a Bar.” All of these are of the most catchy kind, and all manner of novel and attractive effects are employed in their rendering. “Love on Wheels” is certainly one of the film successes of the year, and should on no account be missed. In conjunction with the principal feature a very attractive supporting programme is presented. One of the short subjects which will be enjoyed very much is another of the Irish song scena features, The Hills of Donegal,” in which Joseph McCafferty provides a vocal accompaniment to the picturesque scenes of Donegal which are shown. The box plans are at the theatre and at Messrs Charles Begg and Co.’s. THE REGENT. GEORGE ARLISS IN “THE MILLIONAIRE.” TO-DAY AND TO-NIGHT. It is quite unnecessary’ to tell the Invercargill public that “The Millionaire,” which brings a most successful week of “Revivals” to a happy conclusion at the Regent Theatre is a picture of pictures because George Arliss’ name places the hall quality on. any picture. “Disraeli still stands out in the minds of many as a picture not easily forgotten and The Millionaire” will do the same. The two pictures cannot be compared; they are entirely different, but “The' Millionaire” appeals just as strongly to the elders and will eclipse “Disraeli completely in the opinion of the younger folk. Judged from that viewpoint “The Millionaire” is the greater picture; it has a wider appeal. At 60 years of age James Alden (George Arliss) a millionaire motor builder, is ordered to take a rest cure by his physician, Dr Harvey (Ivan Simpson), and agrees because of the persuasions of his wife (Florence Arliss) and his daughter Barbara (Evalyn Knapp). Alden rests for six months without improving in health and is becoming moody and desperate when an insurance agent (James Gagney) warns him against inactivity and suggests that he inteiest himself in some small business. He goes out and, together with young Bill Merrick (David Manners), buys a petrol station which proves a failure. Merrick is spurred to further efforts because he believes Alden, whom he knows as Charles Martin, is at the end of his resources. He meets Barbara Alden and she discovers what her father is doing. Many humorous and charming incidents follow in rapid success and the keen business instincts of the millionaire leads his partner to prosperity and the young man’s love for the millionaire's lovely daughter to smooth out many difficulties. There are other well known actors in the cast, Noah Beery appearing as the dishonest garage proprietor who attempts to cheat the two partners. Sam Hardy and J. Farrell MacDonald are • joint managers of Alden’s motor works. Tully Marshall is a tricky lawyer and Bramwell Fletcher is an idle young man about town who wants to. marry Barbara. “The Millionaire” with its supporting programme will be shown at both matinee and night sessions. EMPIRE PICTURES, RIVERTON. “MAN ABOUT TOWN.” “Man About Town,” the Fox production in. which Warner Baxter portrays the role of a lover involved in the international intrigue of the nation s capital, comes to the Empire Theatre, Riverton to-day and to-morrow. The story deals with the friendship of two men, the ties of which are broken when a woman comes into their lives. It leads to jealousy, hatred, romance and tragedy, but, in the end, the men again become friends and both defend the woman when she becomes involved in a murder. The action is said to maintain the spirit of the national capital with a tempo that is swift and sensational. The supports are excellent, and include a Magic Carpet, Cinesound Review, a Travelogue and Fox News. REGENT THEATRE, GORE. EXCELLENT BRITISH ATTRACTION. Julian Rose the popular British vaudeville star who recently gave a command performance before his Majesty the King and who is loved throughout the world for his gramophone, and radio character performances as “Levinsky,” 'is featured in the British International Pictures’ attraction “Money Talks” which will be shown at the Regent Theatre, Gore to-morrow and Monday. 1 The film has been a . great success in all centres in which it has been screened and its record for gopd business is a certain recommendation for its quality. The cast is an excellent one, including such popular stars as Gus McNaughton, Judy Kelly, Jimmy Godden (well-known to New Zealand theatre patrons for his performances in the flesh), Kid Berg, Gladdy Sewell and Mary Charles. Also included on the programme is an excellent collection of shorts of unusually high entertainment value.