ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 30 May 1933, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. GEORGE WALLACE FINALLY. “Harmony Row,” the Australian produced comedy starring George Wallace, vzill conclude its season at Everybody’s Theatre, New Plymouth, to-day at 2 and 7.45 p.m. COMMENCING TO-MORROW. Sparkling comedy, involving an unexpected fortune coming into the hands of a faithful butler, is the basis of “Money Means Nothing,” the British production which will begin a season at Everybody’s Theatre to-morrow at 2 and 7.45 p.m. The British cast, which handles a set of most amusing circumstances with the greatest of skill, is headed by John Loder in the role of the rather helpless, but nevertheless human, 27th Earl of Massingham. His butler, Faringay, is portrayed by Gibb McLaughlin, whose deferential and austere manner is responsible for much of the lighter side of this splendid entertainment. Irene Richards, Dorothy Robinson and Kay Hammond have the major supporting roles. Faringay, whose ancestors have been butlers, continues in the service of his master with just as much attention as if the latter had been wealthy. His routine is interrupted by the news that he has inherited £20,000,000, but his unpractical master is not informed of the good fortune. Plots are hatched between Faringay, now in a dual capacity, and his solicitor, to assist the Earl of Massingham without injuring his pride, and the butler’s. daughter, Livia, features largely in their schemes. But events do not work out as they foldly hope and the plot takes many surprising turns before a satisfactory ending is reached. ‘ REGENT THEATRE TO-NIGHT. “The Love Race,” the screamingly funny All British comedy starring Stanley Lupino, will be finally screened at The Regent, New Plymouth, to-night. “ON OUR SELECTION.” "On Our Selection,” the intensely human film version of the delightfully humorous story by Steele Rudd,- will commence a return season at The Regent Theatre to-morrow night. With it. the Australian' film industry has achieved a masterpiece which proved without doubt that the Commonwealth is capable of producing films of a standard equal to anything that has come from English or American studios. Familiar to many readers, all the characters from the entrancing book by Steele Rudd seem to come to life on the screen, with hilarious results. The film deals with the rugged life of a typical family of Australian pioneers in the “out-back,” tracing their troubles and triumphs with unaffected sincerity and humour. Bert Bailey is superbly cast as “Dad,” the part he took for many years in the stage play. The box plans are now open at Collier’s. “SMILIN’ THROUGH.” REMARKABLE POPULARITY. It is a long time since a New Plymouth audience responded, to a solid drama such as “Smilin’ Through” in so decided a manner as has been noticeable during the past three nights of its screening, for again last night its popularity was shown by the large audience'attending the Opera House. Norma Shearer, famous Canadian-born star of many pictures, secures what is perhaps her greatest personal triumph in this production, and probably one of the greatest triumphs of the “talkie” era. Her acting might be described as. magnificent - without • any suggestion of unjustified use of superlatives. She portrays a dual roje in which she is called upon to introduce emotion of , every kind—sorrow, gladness, love, sympathy, anger, etc.—and she does it with all the versatility and grace of a veteran. She is beautiful as regards both face and feature. She can wear any style of clothes well. Perhaps, more than anything else, that is the reason why this Victorian story is so acceptable in a period when Victorianism is at its nadir. She has excellent support from a set of superb actors in Leslie Howard as Sir John Carteret, Fredric March in the dual role of Jeremy and Kenneth Wayne, and O. P. Heggie, the South Australian, asDr. Owen. The speaking js pleasant, and reaches a high standard of English, adding njt a little to the enjoyment of the good plot. A well-arranged supporting programme includes a metrotone news reel, a Cinesound news reel and also a slow motion study of the trapeze artists, “The Flying Caddnas,” recognised as the greatest troupe in the world. COASTAL TALKIES. THIS WEEK’S PROGRAMME. - The Cohens and Kellys are at it again! Need more be said? Again Universal brings to the screen in the Coastal talkie theatres the famous comedy team that has become a more permanent fixture in the public’s laugh-locker than such noted combinations as Weber and Fields, McIntyre and Heath or Potash and Perlmut-ter-George Sidney and Charlie Murray. Jewish George Sidney and Irish Charlie Murray, friends on the screen, and in life, until death, invade Hollywood in this chuckle-whirl of humorous situa-

tions, in which fame, wealth and luxury descend upon them in such a swoop that they both “go Hollywood” with a vengeance. Can their warm and enduring friendship, that has come through the hilarious vicissitudes of Paris, Atlantic City, Scotland and Africa —the settings for the other pictures of this funny series —can their friendship bear the strain of the world’s most volatile and eccentric city? How will Kelly act in a RollsRoyce? How will Cohen manage the intricacies of a dinner-jacket? When success comes to Kelly and passes Cohen by, .and then the tables turn, will they high-hat each other, as Hollywood goes to their heads? INGLEWOOD TALKIES. “RACKETY RAX.” Gridiron battles in the bowls and stadia of many of the most famous colleges in America are featured in “Rackety Rax,” Fox comedy satire to be shown at Inglewood to-morrow night. Featuring Victor McLaglen with Greta Nissen and Nell O’Day, it is said to be a highly humorous 'story of sporting world racketeers who try to muscle in on college football. It is when the racketeers, with their football-playing boxers and wrestlers, meet another team of muscle-busters that ■ the fun begins. While “Rackety Rax,” the football satire which features Victor McLaglen is definitely a comedy, it also has a generous contribution of fast-stepping dances, songs and a rhythmic musical score. The tneme song of the picture is by James Hanley and J. Wolfe Gilbert. The dance number which was conceived by Sammy Lee, presents an entire football game with kick-offs, tackles, huddles, touch-downs, drop kicks and a complete Rockne formation. A comedy Alma Mater song and dance are also featured in “Rackety Rax.” The number is “The Puce and Green,” the school colours, and is presented by 30 chorus girls, 34 show girls and 24 singers in the rooting section of the stadium. This is also by James Hanley and J. Wolfe Gilbert..