ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1931, Page 4

ENTERTAINMENTS

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE.

MONSTER MATINEE TO-DAY 2 P.M.

The undying memory of a glorious page in the history of the British Army is stirred by “Balaclava,”, tlie British special attraction coming to Everybody’s Theatre, New Plymouth, to-day at a monster matinee at 2 p,m. and to-night a' 8. The charge of the Light Brigade, oiie of those tragic errors which make military history live long, is reconstructed with a wealth of'detail and actuality only possible in a country with such traditions as England. Moreover, such a picture could not have -been successfully produced without the active cooperation of the War Office. The Military Authorities afforded the producers' every, assistance, and Maurice Elvey, who directed the picture, was able, with the troops placed at his disposal, in the Long Valley at Aidershot, to re-enact the stirring charge of October, 1854, as well as “the Thin Red Line” episode, which was another glorious feature of the Crimean campaign. An all star cast includes Cyril MacKaglon, Benita Hume and Alf. Goddard. “Balaclava” does not : entirely rely upon the masterly reconstruction of the Charge of the Light Brigade for' its entertainment. This feature is, of course, the high, light of the production, but a. pleasing romance leads right up to the historic “Charge.” The supporting programme will include Paramount sound news, Pete Mondel’s band (British orchestra) and “Toot ■Sweet” (all talking comedy).

THE REGENT.

MATINEE TO-DAY AT 2 P.M.

Sparkling witticisms in ultra-sniait dialogue, woven into a vivid glimpse of modern society, a side-trip into the showworld, and, through itj a tense dramatic situation of a woman who- sacrifices her lover to the woman who needs him more than she does—these are the elements of “The Lady of Scandal,” adapted from Frederick Lonsdale’s stage hit, “The High Rond,” and produced as a talking picture by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It will commence at The Regent, New Plymouth, to-day,at 2 and 8 p.m. The picture stars Ruth 'Chatterton, and is built around an entirely different idea, but is marked by the same polished artistry of “The Last of Mrs. Cheyney,” by the same author. Sidney Franklin directed it, as he did the other Lonsdale play, with a deft artistry that brings out its rapier-like wit. “The Lady of Scandal” is the story of a London actress who becomes engaged to the son of a peer, and is taken, into high society to be “educated.”' Instead/ she “educates” high society, in a series of hilarious comedy incidents, and then suddenly faces an intensely dramatic problem, when torn between love and. duty. Light comedy and tremendous drama are woven together skilfully arid, as on the stage, the film drama .is a powerful vehicle for an actress. Miss Chatterton gives it a remarkable rendition. Basil Ruthbone and Ralph Forbes play the leading supporting roles. Special added attractions will include “The Dogway Melody” (starring amazing talking , “Cuckoo Murder Case.” (“Flip the Frog” cai'toon) and Metrotone news. THE OPERA HOUSE. ' BIG. SPECIAL TO-NIGIIT. The “Legion of the Condemned,” showing at the New Plymouth Opera House to-night, .is a story of a youth who wanted to die, and then who didn’t want to die. It is a story of a youth so desperately in love with a girl, that he sought a way out when he discovered —or thought he discovered —that she had betrayed him. It is a story of a youth who joined a group of self-con-demned men. who chose an honourable death upon the field of battle rather than yield to the inglorious fate which hounded each of them. The “Legion of the Condemned” was formed in the shadow of Verdun by' men who wanted to die. They felt by light trig personal duels in the air, and' 'meeting death eventually, was the only honourable way to expiate their, sins. These.were the types of the men who composed the wildest, maddest, most devil-may-care' group' of pilots along the French front. And it is into this group that young- Gale Price (Gary Cooper.) flung himself embittered after his first love affair. He was a Washington newspaperman, but no one knew what became of him after that night of the Embassy Ball. • He had loved Christine (Fay AVray) with all his heart, but after what he had seen, . . -However you must see the picture to learn the sequel. The supports will include Overseas news, “Wired and Fired” (Krazy Kat cartoon), Australian gazette and “Tight Places” (two. reel comedy),

WAITARA TALKIES.

“ADVENTURES OF 813.”

Drama of a unique nature is furnished in thrilling quantities in “The Adventures of 815,” an absorbing story, of

life aboard a ' submarine, Which screens at the Theatre Royal, Waitara, this afternoon and evening, John Ford directed the picture for Fok Movietone, with Kehneth Mac Kenna, Frank Albertson, Paul Page, Farrell MacDonald, Warren Hymer and Stuart Erwin in the cast. EARTHQUAKE benefit.

On Monday evening, next at the Theatre Royal, Wkitara, an exciting drama of the underworld, featuring Edmund Lowe, will be screened. As. the entire proceeds of this entertainment are to be handed to the earthquake relief fund it. is hoped that the. public will generously respond to tljis most deserving cause. Admission prices will remain as usuaL