STATE THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 23180, 22 April 1937, Page 16

STATE THEATRE

“WALKING ON AIR” "Walking on Air,” fully lives up to its description as being a light-hearted comedy. When a stubborn father refuses to permit his equally stubborn daughter to marry the young man of her choice things are bound to happen, and in “Walking on Air,” which is the current attraction at the State Theatre, they do happen. Ann Sothern is cast as Kit Bennett, an attractive young heiress, who, finding her father is not disposed to give his consent to her marriage, decides to enlist outside help to aid her cause. She persuades Peter Quinlan (Gene Raymond) to pose as a French count, and she brings him home. He is most insulting and objectionable, but this is all part of her scheme, - for when her father objects to the count’s presence she anticipates he will readily agree to her marrying the man of her choice. Just as everything seems to be going as she has foreseen, her father learns that the count is a fraud. So when his daughter tells him that she and the count are going to get married the count is welcomed with open arms. To Kit the situation is a thousand times worse than ever it has been, but eventually everything is straightened out. Henry Stephenson and Jessie Ralph head the supporting cast. “EAST MEETS WEST” GEORGE ARLISS STARRED Beginning at the State Theatre on Saturday is “East Meets West” starring the brilliant George Arliss. Here is melodrama of a robust nature, with George Arliss giving a characteristic performance as a crafty sultan who replenishes his exchequer by deft diplomacy involving Great Britain and a Eastern Power. Developed with great effect, ornate settings, large crowd scenes, gripping suspense, and the star’s personality have combined to make a rich offering for all lovers of spectacle and drama. George Arliss appears as the rajah of a tiny kingdom known as Renang, which by virtue of its geographical position,- is coveted by Great Britain for harbourage purposes. Another Power, however, is also intriguing for strategic advantage, and the way in which the wily rajah plays off the diplomats of the two nations gives George Arliss magnificent opportunities for 'the subtle comedy that he introduced in “Disraeli.”