CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 20 February 1935, Page 2

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. MATINEE AT 2 P.M. TO-DAY. “Chained,” the latest co-starring vehicle for Joan Crawford and Clark Gable commences at the New Plymouth Opera House to-day at 2 and 8 p.m. Mounted in lavish Metro-Gold wynMayer style, beautifully photographed and replete with a series of well-knit, fast-moving scenes, it is one of the best pictures to be offered for many a month. A shipping magnate (Otto Kruger), whose wife spends most of her time travelling or mingling with the society of New York, finds himself in love with his secretary (Joan Crawford). The three discuss the matter, and the wife refuses to think of a divorce. Whilst on a sea voyage which has been forced upon her to enable a calmer consideration of the matter, the secretary meets and falls in love with a young South American rancher (Clark Gable), ’who is travelling back to his ranch with his friend (Stuart Erwin). She promises to marry him, and then returns to New York to explain to the shipping magnate. When she arrives, however, she discovers that the magnate has sacrificed his family for a divorce, and feels that the only course is to marry him. What happens to . bring about a happy ending is material for some very fine dramatic acting by a small but excellent cast. Joan Crawford handles her difficult role with her usual aplomb. Clark Gable carries his part splendidly. As the magnate Otto Kruger has a part such as he delights in. A splendid supporting programme includes “The Spectacle Maker” (musical revue in Technicolour), “Goofy Movies” (novelty), “Jungle Jitters” (cartoon) and Metrotone and Paramount British News Reels.

EVERYBODY’S TO-NIGHT. “CONVENTION CITY.” Abounding in clever comedy and admirably staged, “Convention City,” the principal attraction on the new programme at Everybody’s Theatre to-night, is an unusually entertaining film that by reason of its deft construction, lifts it far out of the everyday run of screen comedies. The production assembles A fine cast, which includes Joan Blondell, Adophe Menjou, Dick Powell, Mary Astor, Guy Kibbee, Frank McHugh, Ruth Donnelly and Hugh Herbert. It is a merry marital mix-up, in which all sorts of things happen with disastrously funny results. Watchful wives and wide-awake “gold diggers” vie for their men, and the plot goes with a swing that never slows for a moment. Joan Blondell is cast as a super gold digger, who disrupts two homes and practically wrecks a convention of salesmen with her flirtations. Adolphe Menjou is in the masculine lead, and gives his usual fine performance. He provides one of the romantic themes with Mary Astor, another old favourite. Dick Powell and Patricia Ellis, a rising young actress, are the junior leads, and the others of the cast fit hi perfectly with their characterisations. Altogether “Convention City,” with its rollicking episodes, is a film to be laughed over for weeks. An entertaining and varied programme of short subjects includes Cinesound News, featuring the Duke of Gloucester’s arrival at Auckland. “Parades of Yesterday” (old-time novelty), “Phil Spitalny” (melody master), “High Spots Far East” (interest), “Story Conference” (musical), and “Very Close Veins” (two-reel comedy).

THE REGENT.

MAY ROBSON TO-NIGHT.

May Robson, who captivated audiences with her sterling character portrayals in ‘Mother's Millions,” “Lady For a Day,” ind “You Can’t Buy Everything,” has die principal role in “Lady by Choice,” which begins at The Regent to-night. Filled with humour, drama and audience appeal the story tells of two women 'ar different in appearance and station, out really sisters under the skin. When Vliss Robson, as Patsy Patterson, is -arrested for assault and battery, being irunk and diorderly and disturbing the ieace, she is given a suspended sentence m condition that she go to the old adies’ home. In court at the same time s Alabam, the fan dancer, arrested for whatever fan dancers are arrested. She sees and feels sorry for the aged dereict. Some time later, as a publicity itunt, Alabam decides to adop. a “moth>r,” and it is Patsy whom she selects. The two women grow attached to one mother. Patsy has lived a hard life, md she gives to the younger woman he advantage of her experience with nen and the world. The climax is filled with pleasant surprises. Carole Lombard plays the part of the fan dancer and other important roles are filled by Roger Pryor and Walter Connolly. A splendid first half includes “With Medbury in Abyssinia” (travel), “Scrappy’s Theme Song” (cartoon), “Bowery Days” (novelty) and “Hollywood, Here We Come” (two-reel comedy). PLAZA THEATRE. GEORGE WHITE’S “SCANDALS.” Setting a new standard for musical production, Fox Film’s latest release, George White’s “Scandals” will be finally Screened to-night at the Plaza Theatre. White himself enacts a part in the film, and he has recruited a galaxy of radio, stage and screen stars. Among the many notables in the film are Rudy Vallee and Jimmy Durante. The film brims over with spectacular reviews, dazzling dances, hit songs and comedy. What is considered to be one of the most hilarious entertainments to have been produced during 1934 is “The Old Fashioned Way,” which has been offered for release in New Zealand during 1935. The principal players include W. C. Fields, who is said to excel all his past performances, Judith Allen and Baby Le

Roy. “The Old Fashioned Way” is a comedy-drama, which will simply convulse any audience and it is almost certain that very few of even the most ardent critics will leave the theatre without a smiling face. It is a picture well worth seeing.

KING’S THEATRE. “AFTER THE BALL” TO-MORROW. “Hi! Nellie,” the Paul Muni starring vehicle which was screened at the King’s Theatre last evening will be finally screened to-night. It is an interesting story with an exciting theme and will be thoroughly appreciated by all who see it. When looking at “After the Ball,” the new British film which commences at the King's Theatre to-morrow evening, one should cast the mind back to the hot spell that affected England in the summer of 1932. For all the outdoor scenes were taken in this fierce sunshine. Real Geneva weather favoured badweathered England as if by providence designed. “After the Ball” is a sparkling comedy of diplomats’ doings at Geneva. As a satire it is a brilliant piece of work, although it cannot, by any means, be called vindictive. Splendidly produced, “After the Ball” is a lightsome piece of work, full of bright and witty dialogue, comic situations brought about by a well-cohceived story and a cast that includes Esther Ralston, Basil Rathbone, Marie Burke, Jean Adrienne and Clifford Heatherley.