THE CIVIC

Southland Times, Issue 25314, 18 June 1935, Page 5

THE CIVIC

Now Showing: "Stingaree" (Irene Dunne. Richard Dix, Mary Boland, Conway Tearle. Henry Stephenson, Una 0 Connor). Saturday: "Jew Suss" (Conrad. Veldt, Benita Hume. Sir Gerald Du Maurler, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Frank Vosper). Coming: "Music in the Air" (G. Swanson. John Boles. Douglas M°n aomerv. Reginald Owen. Joseph caw E) ;• “Bright Eyes” (Shirley Temple, James Dunne, Judith Allen. Lois Wilson, Jane Darwell); The County C man” (Will Rogers. Kent Taylor, Evelyn Venable, Louise Dresser); Anne or Green Gables" (Anne Shirley, lom Brown. O. P. Heggie, Helen Westley).

R.K.O’s. melodrama “Stingaree” in which Richard Dix and Irene Dunne are reunited as stars is playing a season at the Civic Theatre. Remembered for a sensational success in Cimarron,” this is the first occasion since on which these two have appeared together. “Stingaree” is a dashing and sympathetic Australian bandit who spends his spare time composing music, me role gives Dix an. opportunity to return to the adventurous, twmklingeyed roles he enacted in the days ot his early successes. Miss Dunne, opposite, has her first opportunity to exploit thoroughly her beautiful voice. In “Stingaree” she sings both popular and operatic songs. Costumes of the seventies in Australia together with the appearance of historic characters of the period in London, where latter scenes in the story are laid, lend spectacular interest to the production.

Comencing on Saturday at the Civic theatre, “Jew Suss,” described as a great film of a great story is certainly one of the most brilliant offerings to come from i British studio. It is stated that £125,000 was spent on this filming of a story of great dramatic entertainment. Conrad Veidt, acknowledged as one of the screen’s greatest character actors, graces the title-role, ft is his greatest part. Veidt’s sensitive and flawless playing of a role as difficult as anj that could be found, calls for the highest praise. In some scenes the audience will be caught by the flood of his emotions, and in others, repelled by the sheer ferocity of the man bent on vengeance, and filled with an

inexorable hate for his enemy. The tragic final scenes where the drama of his life ebbs out, are perfectly played by this master craftsman. The grasping and calculating Jew and the tender and loving father are two such diverse characterizations that it is difficult to reconcile the fact that they are played by the same actor. Karl Alexander of Wurtemburg, at first the Jew’s tool and later the object of his vengeance, is well played by Frank Vosper, whose performance as the dissolute and revolting duke is almost as praiseworthy as that given by the star. Sir Cedric Hardwicke (who played King Charles so successfully in “Nell Gwynne”) is another fine actor who lends his ability to “Jew Suss,” taking the part of Rabbi Gabriel.

Sparkling musical \ comedy always has a great appeal and “Music in the Air” which is coming to the Civic theatre is likely to attract interest a little above the ordinary. A vein of refreshing humour and gay romance runs throughout the film, which is reminiscent of the enchanting “Sunshine Susie,” which was also screened at this theatre. It is an adaptation of the well-known stage play of the’ same name which ran for two and a half years in London and for two years in New York. So full is the picture of clever comedy, glorious romance, and magnificent settings that it cannot fail to make a strbng appeal to every type of audience. There are several spectacular scenes and elaborate dances, but they do not break the continuity of an interesting and well-balanced story. Among the numerous songs are several which have the advantage of being known to Invercargill audiences, a fact which must always be considered. for once the tune is recog-

nized listeners may concentrate on enjoying to the full the various inflections and tonal qualities of the singer’s voice. The leading male role is taken by John Boles, who made his screen debut in “The Desert Song,” when his beautiful tenor voice made him an instant success. Opposite him is Gloria Swanson, who is returning to the screen after ; long absence. “Music in the Air” deals with the life and loves of a prima donna in romantic Bavaria, and there is at least one other subsidiary love affair for good measure.