ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 25314, 18 June 1935, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE ‘MURDER IN THE CLOUDS’ - » Fast action in the air and on the ground characterizes “Murder in the Clouds,” now screening at the Majestic. The plot concerns the adventures of a reckless young air mail pilot, Bob Halsey (whose part is played by Lyle Talbot), and his fiancee Judy Wagner (Ann Dvorak), who is employed as hostess in one of the air line’s transport monoplanes. As the foremost pilot in the company’s service, Halsey, with Miss Wagner’s brother Tom (Robert Light) as co-pilot, is instructed to fly a cylinder containing a newly-in-vented explosive to another airport Before taking off, however, he is decoyed into a fight and rendered unconscious. Wexley, another pilot (Gordon Westcott), takes the passenger aeroplane away before anyone is aware of the accident. Wexley, however, is working in conjunction with the secretary to the manager of the field (Arthur Pierson) and others in a plot to capture and sell.the explosive. When the aeroplane is well aloft, he puts the secret service operatives aboard out of action with a gas bomb, knocks out young Wagner, sets a time-bomb in the fuselage, and jumps clear by parachute with the precious cargo. On the news of the explosion reaching the field, Halsey, who is in disgrace, flies down to the scene with .the field manager, and Judy Wagner goes down by car. She falls into the hands of the gang, which is in hiding nearby. Halsey tracks them down from the air with the aid of a mechanic (George Cooper). There follows a long running fight in the air between the escaping aeroplane owned by the gang, which is armed with a synchronized machinegun and has the girl on board, the air patrol in the vicinity, and Halsey’s machine, which is unarmed. After shooting down a patrol aeroplane in flames, the gang’s aeroplane, piloted by Wexley, is brought to bay near the border by Halsey, and a splendid battle . ensues. Filmed as it was on one of the greatest airports in the United States, the picture is full of aviation appeal, and is also well worth seeing because of the acting of the principals. The supports include Paramount’s film of the King’s Jubilee celebrations in London. Their Majesties are shown driving from Buckingham Palace to the thanksgiving service in St. Paul’s, and at Westminster Hall during the presentation' of loyal addresses from the House of Lords and the House of Commons. THE REGENT. “MRS WIGGS OF THE CABBAGE PATCH." HIGHLY POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT. There is a simple, direct charm inthe screen version of Alice Hegan Rice’s novel which makes it first-class entertainment. It is a great picture for the family and for all audiences, and is notable in that it introduces to screen audiences Pauline Lord, a foremost American stage actress. Her delineation of the Mrs Wiggs role is excellent. Courageous and cheerful, despite the cruelty of life to herself and her children, she has the ability to twist easily from tragedy to comedy, while she expounds the philosophy of the character with brilliant conviction. Her defence of a ne’er-do-well husband, and her effort to find a husband for a lovestarved neighbour, are cameos of personality which make a deep impression. While she undoubtedly makes the picture the outstanding entertainment that it is, mention must also be given others who work to the standard she sets. Jimmy Butler, who is cast as the venturesome member of the impoverished family, gives a great performance. W. C. Fields also makes his brief appearance occasions for hearty humour. George Breakston contributes an impressive dramatic study as the weak but understanding child whose death is the major grief shouldered by Mrs Wiggs. Kent Taylor and Evelyn Venable inject a touch of romance to the action. Briefly, the story centres on Mrs Wiggs and her five children, who patiently await the return of Mr Wiggs from the Klondyke. He is away three years, and the family drifts into poverty and suffering. Despite it all, Mrs Wiggs keeps a cheerful outlook; she has implicit trust in her husband, and is confident he will eventually return loaded with Klondyke gold. Mr Wiggs left owing a sum of money on the shack in the Cabbage Patch, and the owner threatens to foreclose. Mrs Wiggs receives help from the local newspaper man, who not only restores her husband to her, but also gets the money in time to prevent the foreclosure. “Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" will be screened for the last times this afternoon and evening, together with excellent presentation of the Jubilee Celebrations in London, a real gem of its kind. The other supports, too, are splendid. “MADAME SPY.” SECRET EXPLOITS OF “824.” “Madame Spy” which plays at the Regent Theatre to-morrow, will hold the onlooker spellbound with its daring intrigue. It discloses the machinations and inner workings of an international espionage system. Two powerful countries, pitted against each other, grasping at every advantage, and both fates in the seductive palm of a beautiful woman! Love! Honour! Duty! These three underlying motives rule and sway the emotions of Madame Spy, a girl who thought she could forget that she was but a woman! It packs a punch as great as any howitzer. Can a woman place love of country over that of a man and get away with it? Is duty greater than love? These and other searing questions coursing through the| hot veins of the young and beautiful Russian girl, whom destiny doublecrossed, are answered with blood and fire! Headed by an exceptionally strong | cast, with Fay Wray and Nils Asther, topping, the list, the supporting play-' era include such established and sterling screen names as Edward Arnold, John Miljan, Noah Beery, David Torrence, Vince Barr.ett and Rollo Lloyd.