ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 22052, 27 June 1933, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE. “ON OUR SELECTION.” COMMENCES TO-DAY. Invercargill theatregoers will have the opportunity of renewing acquaintances with that sterling Australian comedy “On Our Selection” at the Majestic Theatre for two nights commencing to-day.. The picture has proved such a success that its rescreening requires no apology. Ken Hall, as director, and Bert Bailey, as producer, made an ideal combination for “The Selection.” Ken has made an intensive study of the technical side of the business and knows the faults and virtues of every talkie—or silent also, as far as that goes—which has clamoured for the admiration of picture patrons in this country since the day of the first “flicker.” And he has been in on the ground floor at Hollywood. On the other hand, “The Selection” breathes the very spirit of Australia—especially in the modern treatment accorded it in the talkie version—and who is there in the entertainment business of to-day who knows his Australian better than Bert Bailey? No matter in what setting or in what set of circumstances Ken Hall decided to place Mum, Dad, Kate, Lil, Joe and Uncle and the rest of the Rudd family, Bert Bailey could tell him in a flash just how each character would re-act—what each would do or say. Is he not Dad, and are they not his own family and life-time friends ? Bert gathered about him most of the old original cast which has travelled with him for a score of years to every township of Australia which car. boast a hall and a bill-poster. From director to smallest extra each man and woman on the job is an Australian. He had with him, too, his old manager, Jack Soutar, who thorou rt hly enjoyed himself scouring the countryside seeking the hire of irascible bulls to wreck Dave’s humpy and chase his mother-in-law, a herd of steers, frisky kangaroos, kookaburras who wilt laugh at the right moment, and such ”’-e extras. Retaining all the laughs of the grand old play and revealing to the world the Australian of to-day. “On Our Selection,” which comes to the Majestic Theatre this afternoon is just the type of picture dearest to the hearts of New Zealanders. It was made to make you laugh, and how you’ll laugh' Of course, there’s a few tears to punctuate the laughs, and the rest is more laughs. Really, it’s the real scream of screen ent rtainment! The supporting films are as is usual with 'Majestic Theatre programmes, really high-class. “A Symphony In Steel” is an Australian travel subject which is assisted bv a running commentary by the intrepid adventurer, Mr Frank Hurley. “Mickey Steps Out” is the latest of Mickey’s famous cartoon comedies, whilst the Cinesound news will be found full of topical incidents. A matinee will be held this afternoon.

REGENT THEATRE. “FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE.” COMEDY OF COMPLICATIONS. There could hardly be anything funnier than the British International farce “For the Love of Mike” which has had audiences at the Regent shrieking with laughter over the week-end. Unfortunately the season must end to-night. “For the Love of Mike” is a rollicking affair of love, larceny and laughter, with the whimsical little Bobby Howes heading an outstanding cast, which is composed of six or seven of England’s best comedians. It tells the story of Bob Seymour, who, “for the love of Mike,” laughs at locksmiths and attempts to burgle a safe. The whole of the action takes place at the country residence of Henry J iller (Jimmy Godden), a self-made man who desires to break into society, and engages Seymour (Bobby Howes) as iis secretary and adviser. Seymour is in love with his employer’s ward, Mike (Constance Shotter), and the latter has a grudge against her guardian because he has taken power of attorney over her possessions. She wishes to obtain from her guardian’s safe the document giving him title to his rights, and enlists the aid of Seymour, whose efforts as an amateur burglar are extremely funny. A private inquiry agent in the shape of an old school chum, Paton, surprises him, and on learning the real reason for the theft, stages a burglary with surprising results. The household is aroused to discover the place in a state of chaos and the detective gagged and bound. The arrival of a policeman on the look-out for evidence complicates matters, the two partners in crime describing for his benefit a purely imaginative intruder, whose appearance unfortunately tallies with that of the gardener, who is arrested. The arm of the law departs accompanied by his prisoner and a gold vase which is purported to bear finger-prints, but in reality is the hiding-place of Mike’s power of attorney—the cause of all the trouble. Arthur Riscoe, as the inquiry agent, makes a notable and comic screen debut and Constance Shotter (sister of the famous Winifred), a charming film “discovery,” appears as Mike. The cleverly interpolated musical numbers which include the popular “Sing, Brothers, Sing,” number are one of the chief highlight- of the film. Reference should also be made to the splendid selection of British varieties being shown in support of the big feature, but space will not permit. It is a programme which should not be missed.