ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 30 November 1932, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME. A programme, of exceptional merit, In that two feature attractions, both of which are highly commendable, will be screened, provides the New Plymouth Opera House entertainment for to-morrow and Friday. The first attraction is Howard Hughes’ sensational comedy extravanganza, “Cock of the Air,” a laugh-provoking satire, involving the reckless and romantic episodes of an aviator during the world war, and culmmating in a torrid and hectic love match with the queen siren of Paris. Chester Morris plays the title role of the gay cavalier of the air, supported by Billie Dove in a,seductive portrayal of a Parisian vampire. It is the first time that Morris has essayed a characterisation of this type, but it is admittedly the most delightful performance of his career. Miss Dove, likewise, is seen at her best in a distinctly original characterisation. “Cock of the Air” is Producer Hughes’ first comedy presentation since his famous “Two Arabian Knights.” It is an ultra-smart and racy farce, brilliantly mounted in settings lavish and spectacular, and strictly minus the slapstick which characterises most Hollywood comedies. The second feature, “The Silver Lining,” is an entertaining picture containing everything that holds interest. It is a picture that has punch, laughs and a thrill or two beside a real insight into the lives of the extremely poor and the very rich. The cast is headed by Maureen O’Sullivan and Betty Compson. The production has been lavishly mounted and presents altogether a rather'interesting departure from the general run of pictures we have had this season. THE REGENT TO-NIGHT. THRILLING AERIAL FILM. All the factors which the public seek in entertainment, thrills, pathos and an ample measure ,of comedy are contained in “Sky Bride,” the Paramount special commencing a three-night season at The Regent Theatre, New Plymouth, to-night (Wednesday). While during recent years there have been a number .of air . pictures most of which have, had as their background the war years, there have been none that have possessed such dramatic interest, chiefly because the story runs true to human nature and the characterisation is remarkably fine. Richard Arlen, Virginia Bruce, Jack Oakie, Charles Starrett and Robert Coogan play the leading roles. Arlen, as a stunt flyer for an air circus, loses his nerve after a crash killed his partner. He is taunted by another flyer as being “yellow.” This stings him into a desperate effort in which he saves the life of Robert Coogan, and also wins the admiration and love of his sweetheart, Virginia Bruce. The shorts will include Paramount British news, “Chess Nuts” (talkartoon), Universal news and “His Week-End” (comedy). EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “MAN ABOUT TOWN.” Warner Baxter, whose latest picture, “Man About Town,” opens this afternoon and to-night at Everybody’s Theatre, New Plymouth, is one actor who has never been “typed.” His film activities have been wide in scope. He has played a series of roles- of diversified stamp since he hit the top through his performance in “In Old They range from the serious professional man in “Doctors’ Wives” to the suave prisoner of war in “Surrender” and from the kindly benefactor in “Daddy .Long Legs” to the lovable “Amateur Daddy.” In “Man About Town” Baxter enacts the, role of a gambler, joins the Department of Justice and distinguishes himself by getting his man. It is a highly dramatic story, depicting the unusual friendship of two men who become enemies when they fall in love with one woman. Circumstance brings them together again and the climax finds them united in an effort to save the woman who has become involved in the shooting of a man who turns out to. have been ah international spy. Karen Morley, who scored successes in “Arsene Lupin,’ 1 “Scarface” and other films,, portrays the leading feminine role and others in the cast are Conway Tearle, Lilian Bond, Alan Mowbray, Lawrence Grant, Leni Stengel and Halliwell Hobbes. Denison Clift wrote the story, Leon Gordon prepared it for the screen and John Francis Dillon directed the picture. There will be an attractive supporting programme.