ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 10 November 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE IMPASSIVE FOOTMAN.”

THRILLING BRITISH PRODUCTION.

No better title was ever selected, for a film than “The Impassive Footman,” which opened a three-night season at the New Plymouth Opera House last night, when there was a good audience. Owen Nares, who fills the chief role, is an English stage actor with a long experience on the boards and he gives the polished rendering one would expect of him, but he in no way outshines George Curzon, who fills the name-role faultlessly. There is one thing about British productions that is always firstclass and that is the acting itself. “The impassive Footman” is no exception. “Sapper,” the author rfrom whose story the film is adapted, is perhaps one of, the best known • of the/ popular authors of the day. Few will forget his “Bull-dog Drummond.” If a good story is, to be told “Sapper” will tell it better than any and with the artistry of the practised writer. None' of the artistry has been lost by the British company which has produced the film. Thrills and drama are deftly blended. If a night’s good entertainment is wanted one should see “Tile Impassive Footman,” which,' judging by the. reception accorded its initial showing in New Plymouth, seems assured of a successful season.

Owen Nares first came to the fore by his work in “The Woman Between.” In “The Impassive Footman” he considerably enhances his reputation for convincing acting in a part which calls for many unusual qualities and adapts himself to the various situations of theingeniously contrived story as the tale unfolds. Betty Stockfeld, the charming heroine of “City of Song,” in which she appeared opposite the “modern Caruso,” Jan Kiepura, Allan Jeaves and George Curzon are admirably cast in support of Mr. Nares. The tale is woven round Mar wood, a hypochondriac, who has subdued everyone in his house except Simon, the footman. The armour of this man’s imperturbability he cannot pierce. When an operation on Mar wood is imperative, Daventry, long in love with the patient’s wif e, is called in. Marwood gives him the choice of performing a successful operation and thus losing any chance he may have of winning his wife, or being, ruined by the exposure of his unprofessional conduct in making love to a patient’s wife. It is left to the impassive footman to clear the matter up. The picture holds its secret until the final scene. . •

EVERYBODY’S.

“THE WOMAN IN ROOM 13.”

Elissa Landi, the glamorous international star who swept to permanent film fame in “The Yellow Ticket,” again proves herself a virtuoso of emotional drama with her stirring performance in “The Woman in Room 13.” Surrounded by a notable cast, Miss Landi reaches new heights in this Fox offering, which ■more than satisfied the audiences at its opening yesterday at Everybody’s Theatre. .As the woman whose second marriage is endangered through the. vindictive schemes of her first husband, and who desperately tries to save her innocent mate from prison by sacrificing her own reputation, only to see her efforts fail, Miss Landi gives what is beyond question the finest characterisation of her brilliant career. She makes the role thoroughly convincing—a difficult feat- for so dramatic a part—and in addition gives it warmth and power. Ralph Bellamy is the villain in “The Woman in Room 13,” as th© vengeful husband, while Neil Hamilton as .the luckless and trusting husband gives the type of performance that won him so many friends in “Strangers May Kiss” and “The Sin of Madelon . Claudet.” Myrna Loy and Gilbert Roland ar© two other celebrities who acquit themselves notably in the photoplay and, ’Henry King's direction maintains a high peak of interest throughout. The screen play was adapted by Guy Bolton -from the stage success of the same name by Samuel Shipman. The supporting films have many items of interest, including the Prince of Wales addressing the Welsh country farmers;. “April the Fifth,” Tom Walla’ brilliant horse is shown winning the English Derby. The Davis Cup tennis finals are particularly good, and a thrilling wrestling bout between Abe Coleman and Londos is amusing and spectacular. “Belles of Bali,” a travelogue, introduces many quaint dances and customs of the natives in Java. The programme screens again to-night and to-morrow, with matinees each afternoon.

THE REGENT THEATHE. “LOVE LIES” SUCCESS. British comedy talkies have a charm of their own, and. the British International production, “Love Lies,” which commenced a three-night season at the Regent, New Plymouth, last night, is no exception to the rule. This picture, wit'nessed by a large audience last evening, must be considered one of the most successful of British comedy productions It contains a running fire of unparalleled wit, and the enthusiastic manner in which each member of the cleverly-con-structed cast plays his part, adds to the charm of this rollicking comedy. Stanley Lupino alone could entertain the most critical audience, but associated with Dorothy Boyd, Binnie Barnes and Jack Hobbs and other talented mirth-makers, he proves himself a star among stars. Wallis Arthur playing the part of Lord. Lletgoe Jaughs ’ with his audience—and such a Jftugh. The supports, also

British, are excellent, and. all go to make an evening of. real entertainment. Deserving of special mention are “Land of the Shamrock,” a film depicting pretty Irish views, accompanied by Inish songs, rendered by a male choir, a Pathe Gazette, a nature study, ■ “Friendly Flies,” a melodramatic playlet, “The Lame Duck,” and Australian Fox News, containing some magnificent views of Mount Egm opt taken from Pukekura Park, Convent school grounds, Westown and other points of interest. A matinee will be held to-morrow at 2 p.m.

NEW THEATRE, OPUNAKE.

“ALL QUIET ON WESTERN FRONT.”

“All Quiet on the Western Front,” a picture amazing in its greatness, which is to be shown at the New Theatre, Opunake, to-night only as a -special screening in aid of the local branch of the Returned. Soldiers’ Association, is attracting very live interest in that district as it.has done wherever screened. Adapted from Erich Maria Remarque’s sensational novel which set all the world talking, the screen version makes an even more powerful appeal. Men as well as women are moved to the depth of their being •by its most gripping drama and tumultuous emotional scenes which almost lay bare • the heart and soul of humanity. It is primarily the story of youth, the youth of all nations in war, but even in the midst of the horrors of war youth does not forget romance. It is a magnificent picturisation of the fate of youth in war. There are many scenes which will remain upon the memory, scenes that are terrific in their tragedy, sublime in their heroism and touching in their simple pathos. There is a powerful cast headed by Lewis Ayres, Louis Wolheam, John Wray, Slim Somerville, Yola d’Avril, and Beryl Mercer. Patrons would be well advised to reserve their seats at L. Des Forges. On Monday and Saturday Joe E. Brown will be shown in “Local Boy Makes Good.” .