CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 21 January 1935, Page 2

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

“ONE MORE RIVER.” NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. “One More River,” adapted from John Galsworthy’s novel “Over the River,” opened at the New Plymouth Opera House on Saturday night to a capacity ' house. In this film a strong all English cast gave a splendid rendering of Clare Corveh’s unhappy married life. The story as depicted on the screen is a very small part of Galsworthy’s novel, but nevertheless is a realistic portrayal of the dramatic events in Lady Corven’s life which lead to a divorce case in the High Court. Diana Wynyard as Clare rises to great heights, and reveals to the full the wide range of emotion of which this talented actress is capable. To lovers of Galsworthy’s novels the small part that Dinny plays is rather disappointing—a disappointment which is rapidly lost in Miss Wynyard’s wonderful acting. The picture begins with Clare’s return from Ceylon, where she has left her husband (Colin Clive), driven away by his intense cruelty and never, she vows, to return again. A delightful glimpse of country life is given in the family reunion at Condaford Grange, the home of the Cherrells. The return of Sir Gerald Cowen gives rise to severe dramatic scenes, during one of which, a drawing room scene, Clare stubbornly refuses to return to Ceylon with him. In the court case which follows later there is some splendid acting and bright and witty repartee. Unfortunately Clare cannot bring herself to give an account of her husband’s cruelty, and the action that led to her flight. This refusal involves her almost certain conviction. Frank Lawton, cited as co-respondent, plays his part excellently, and the case comes to a dramatic close. Other wellknown characters ably played are Aunt Ev, Generrl CheiTell and Blore. The supporting programme is well up to the standard required for such a star picture, and includes a Universal News, “Fads and Fancies” (a bright musical show) and a travelogue.

THE REGENT THEATRE. ACTION AND HUMOUR. Tropical nights, stranded beauties, ban-dit-fighting marines turned into chaperones, and budding love in the jungles intermingled with laughs and action make Paramount’s “Come On Marines!” which opened at the Regent Theatre, New Plymouth, on Saturday, an exceptional entertainment. The story, which deals with a marine sergeant’s redemption through his heroic rescue of a group of girls shipwrecked in the tropics, offers an excellent vehicle for a large cast of players who give splendid portrayals. Richard Arlen, Ida Lupino, Monte Blue and Roscoe Karns play the principal roles. The movie fan who likes laughs and thrills presented in a plausible, convincing manner, will enjoy “Come On, Marines!” The shorts include Paramount British News, Talkartoon, Paramount Varieties, and “Sea You To-night,” a really funny comedy. Screenings will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. MADAME ELSA STRALIA. The large audience at Everybody’s Theatre, New Plymouth, on Saturday night was afforded the opportunity of hearing the celebrated Australian soprano, Madame Elsa Stralia, who has just concluded a remarkably successful tour of England, America and the Continent. Her singing was a revelation, her wellchosen repertoire giving full range to a voice of. remarkable beauty and emo-

tional power. Madame Stralia’s songs were sung with an artistry that entirely captivated the audience. Miss Constance Leatham’s accompaniments were played with sympathy and understanding. Madame Elsa Stralia will make further appearances at the evening sessions today and to-morrOw. The picture programme, which is being screened daily at 2 and 8 p.m., is headed by “Regimental Lady,” a merry, melodious and romantic musical comedy. Into a scene is ushered the Duke of Nottington, a young English diplomat of flirtatious habits, whose reputation has already awakened the interest of the fair colony, but his elderly ambassador wheezily demands strict decorum to facilitate the completion of an important treaty, the fate of which hangs on slender threads. Two reluctant foreign Ministers have charming wives and the worried ambassador warns Nottington that both husbands are jealous. As a ball is to be held, it is agreed that Nottington should be given a signal if he is seen lingering in the presence of any woman whose husband is connected with matters of state. Realising that Nottington must always be within hearing of the orchestra, the playing of his regimental march is decided upon. Nottington’s behaviour is excellent, but his amorous reputation attracts the fair sex, and his warning march is frequently played, with most amusing results. Tamara Desni and Harold French head the all-star cast.

. PLAZA, STRATFORD. i “THE GREAT DEFENDER.” “Treasure Island,” which stars Wallace Beery, Jackie Cooper, Lewis Stone, Lionel Barrymore and Otto Kruger, is claimed by all who have seen it to be one of the finest productions seen for j many a long day. It will be finally screened at the Plaza to-night. “The Great Defender,” which will be shown at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow, is said to be genuinely exciting screen entertainment, cleverly directed and brilliantly acted by Britain’s greatest dramatic star, Matheson Lang, as Sir Douglas Rolls, K'.C., fighting the biggest case of his career against the odds of circumstantial evidence for the life of an artist charged with the murder of his beautiful model. Sir Douglas knew that his client’s alibi was a pack of lies. Why he accepted the case and the story of his brilliant victory against seemingly insuperable difficulties is delightfully told. Heading the supporting cast is Margaret Bannerman, one of London’s most celebrated stage beauties who appeared in New Zealand a few years ago with great success. The rest of the cast has been specially selected. KING’S THEATRE, STRATFORD. “NO MORE WOMEN.” . Not since Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen leaped to stardom as a team in “What Price Glory?” and “The CockEyed World,” have they had the opportunities for boisterous clowning that they have in “No More Women,” which will be finally shown at the King’s Theatre, Stratford, to-day. “No More Women” presents the famous fighting funsters aS deep Sea divers on rival salvage tugs. Things become peaceful until Sally Blane appears as the owner of a tug. They both jump at the chance to work with her and fight for her. When, however, a rival diver attempts to drown one of them, they go into a fighting huddle that furnishes no end of amusement and thrills to an entertaining climax.