ENTERTAINMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1934, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “THE FIRE RAISERS.” Recent fire scandals in London, involving conspiracy and other charges against brigade officials and business men operating in fire insurance, lend topical interest to “The Fire Raisers,” the exciting drama which will open at Everybody's to-day at 2 and 7.45 p.m. Commercial villainy is not a new inspiration for screen writers, British or otherwise, but the story of “The Fire Raisers” gives the theme a very unusual setting, while the strength of the plot lies in its simplicity and the forth-rightness of the swift action with which it is packed. It is first-rate drama, fast moving, splendidly mounted and brilliantly acted. From its vivid opening, at the moment of a fire-call, with the crews manning their engines and getting them away to a big outbreak, to the climax of heroism and sacrifice on the part of the principal character, there is no slowing of the action and not a dull moment. The construction is artistically balanced with occasional passages of smart comedy dialogue, interludes which, far from interrupting, have a direct bearing on the story and serve the further dual purpose of intensifying the realism and, by contrast, heightening the dramatic force of the main action. The major roles are capably handled by Leslie Banks, Anne Grey and Carol Goodner. Excellent shorts ’include British Sound News, “Upstream” (scenic) and “Menu Should Know” (Ideal Cinemagazine).

REGENT THEATRE. .“YOU CAN’T BUY EVERYTHING.” Wall Street, high finance, romance and mother-love all blend in “You Can t Buy Everything,” which brings May Robson to the talking screen in one of the most amazing vehicles .ever provided for her. The new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer championship picture, which commences at The Regent to-night shows her as a money-mad woman financier, battling against financial giants, toying with the fate of banks and other institutions, and, between Wall Street coups, depicts her other side as a mother. Reminiscent perhaps of Hetty Green, Miss Robson portrays a woman who, jilted by a young banker in her youth, has two thoughts—to become the richest woman in the world and to get revenge. She pinches pennies, sends her crippled son to a free clinic, all to have for the great day. She finally has her chance, through stock manipulation, to wreck the lover of her youth, only to find that her son and the daughter of the banker are in love. In an intense dramatic scene she learns that mother-love comes above the love of money, and a gripping climax solves her problem. The associate programme includes Metrotone News, “Crooks Tours” (two reel comedy) and “Goofytone Movies” (novelty).

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. “MISS ME AGAIN.” Produced on a lavish scale, with the brilliance of technicolour to augment its other very considerable attractions, Kiss Me Again,” the film version of Victor Herbert’s operetta “Mlle. Modiste,’ commences at the New Plymouth Opera House to-night at 8. The colourful character of the settings which abound in this production are by no means its sole claim to public appreciation, however, for it embodies a delightful romance, with which are blended subtle comedy and an appealing musical score presented by artists whose high qualifications are immediately apparent. The individual triumph undoubtedly belongs to Bernice Claire, for not only is her acting of an exceedingly competent nature throughout, but her lovely soprano voice, heard in several songs, notably the theme number, “Miss Me Again,” also carries special charm. In the leading male role Walter Pidgeon as the soldier son of a proud aristocrat acquits himself with distinction, and the male cast is further strengthened by the inclusion of Edward Everett Horton, well known for his dry wit and delightful whimsicalities, Frank McHugh and Claude Gillingwater, who supply the more obvious humour of the production, and who are beard in several amusing songs. Bernice Claire, is cast as Fifi, a pretty milliner whose ambition is to become a great singer. The story of how the milliner achieves her ambition, how her lover returns from service abroad without knowing of her success, and how the romance develops from the stage is excellently told. There is an excellent strong supporting programme. X