CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 8 March 1935, Page 2

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

THE REGENT. MATINEE TO-DAY. “The Old Fashioned Way,” starring the inimitable W. C. Fields, will be finally presented at The Regent to-day at 2 p.m. and to-night at 8. Constance Bennett, who recently created a fine impression with her acting in “Outcast Lady,” is the star of “After To-night,” which screens first on the big double programme at The Regent tomorrow at 2 and 8 p.m. The story, which is full of suspense, is about a beautiful Russian spy who operates behind the Austrian lines during the World War. “One Man’s Journey,” the second feature, boasts a cast including Lionel Barrymore, May Robson, Dorothy Jordan, Frances Dee and Joel McCrea. Lionel Barrymore gives an outstanding characterisation as a country doctor, in a simple story, rich in romantic interest and delightful comedy. The other members of the cast give excellent support in their respective roles.

EVERYBODY’S TO-DAY.

“BLOSSOM TIME” FINALLY.

“Blossom Time,” which lias been drawing remarkable crowds to Everybody’s, will conclude its season to-day at 2 and 8 p.m. Starring Richard Tauber, it has been acclaimed as the greatest musical treat yet presented on the audible screen. The film story of “The Count of Monte Cristo” will commence its eagerly awaited season at Everybody’s to-morrow at 2 and 8 p.m. The thousands who have enjoyed the famous story by Alexandre Dumas will be gladdened by its sympathetic treatment in the talkie version, which may be described as an improvement on the book—a thing that cannot, be said of every picture. With a wealth of careful detail “The Count of Monte Cristo” shows the deliberate “frame-up” of Edmond Dantes almost on the eve of his wedding, his incarceration in the terrible Chateau d’lf, his meeting there with the old Abbe, and his incredibly exciting escape, his finding of the Spada treasure and his subsequent inquiries into the fives of the three men who conspired to send him to the oblivion of prison. How Edmond Dantes, no longer a poor and friendless sailor, but the all-powerful Count of Monte Cristo, deals with his enemies is graphically rfelated, and after many' minor climaxes the picture ends with Edmund once again happy with his beloved Mercedes. Robert Donat plays the title role to perfection, identifying himself completely with circumstances that change him from a carefree youth to a man with a passion for justice. Opposite him dainty Elissa Landi has the oart of Mercedes, his sweetheart. Completing the programme are a Mickey Mouse cartoon, an organlogue and a newsreel. The box plans are at Collier’s Music House.

NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE.

WARNER BAXTER TO-MORROW.

“20 Million Sweethearts,” Warner Bros, bright and tuneful musical romance, will be finally screened at the New Plymouth Opera House to-day at 2 and 8 p.m. Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers head the cast. “Grand Canary,” which commences at the New Plymouth Opera House to-mor-row at 2 and 8 p.m., concerns a brilliant young doctor who is hounded out of England by a misled public and an antagonistic fraternity. In a trip to the tropical Canary Islands he seeks forgetfulness and finds both love and fame. With this appealing lead are associated some other excellent artists, some good to look upon, and others not so good, but all displaying a talent in keeping with Baxter’s reputation. 41 pleasing feature of the production is that each of the principal players has a fair proportion of work, giving good balance to the entertainment. Opposite Baxter is refreshing Made Evans in a piquant role, torn between duty and love with nothing lacking in her interpretation. Of the rest, there are two particularly fine characterisations. Marjorie Hemingway keeps what she calls a “place where you can get bed and breakfast ani things,” and for all her Cockney coarseness proves to have a heart of gold. She provides liberal dashes of wit and is helped by the rotund Roger Imhof as Jimmie Corcoran, the philosophical, life-scarred Irishman who helps Baxter back on his feet. KING’S THEATRE, “FREEDOM OF THE SEAS.” “Freedom of the Seas,” a British nautical romance, which was screened to a large audience at the King’s last evening, will be finally screened to-night. Clifford Mollison and Wendy Barrie are the principal players. Commencing to-morrow at the King’s Theatre is the double feature attraction, “Three-Cornered Moon” and “The Thundering Herd.” In “Three-Cornered Moon,” the spectacular “carryings-on” of a wild, madcap family, members of the idle rich, who suddenly become the “nouveau poor,” are told in a gay, light-headed manner. Claudette Colbert, Richard Arlen and Mary Boland are the three principal players. “The Thundering Herd,” the second feature, is notable if only for the fact that it was written by Zane Grey and played by Randolph Scott, the latest addition to the Western screen, who has won such success with his second picture, “The Last Round-up.” “The Thundering Herd” is thrilling and exciting and will complete an excellent evening’s entertainment. PLAZA THEATRE. “BLOSSOM TIME.” Laurel and Hardy’s latest comedy, “Babes in Toyland,” will be finally screened to-night. Acclaimed as one of the most delightful lyrical romances ever produced on stage or screen, the outstanding picture “Blossom Time” will commence a season at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. To those who appreciate high-class operatic singing, as well as to those who demand a really entertaining film, “Blossom Time” should be a sheer joy.. The story is based on the colourful life of Franz Schubert, the famous composer, and the celebrated German tenor, Richard Tauber, ably fills this difficult role. A notable feature of the film is the fact that it marks the first time that Tauber has sung in English on the screen. He sings eight of Schubert’s best-known songs, including “Hark, Hark, the Lark, “Thine Is My Heart.” “Red Roses” and “March Militaire.” There are many excellent scenes of Vienna at the height of its splendour, and the film should prove a rare treat for all types of audiences. A splendid supporting programme includes "Brave Tin Soldier” (a corni-col-our cartoon), Pa the Pictorial (novelty), Universal News and scenic. INGLEWOOD TALKIES. “I AM SUZANNE!” FILM. The stage at the Fox Studio, where Jesse L. Lasky made “I Am Suzanne! ’, was the most popular spot on the Fox lot

during the production of the film, which is to be screened at Inglewood to-night and to-morrow night. For a week, secretary and star, producer and prop boy stopped on their way to and from lunch to watch the Teatro dei Piccoli puppets perform their scenes in the new Lilian Harvey film. Then there was a new atraction, the first indoor bob-sled course. One of the elaborate revue numbers was designed to represent St. Moritz, and a unique winding slide was built of plaster of paris. More than 300 yards long, the slide shot down from on high in the wings of a corner of the stage, around a miniature chalet and out on to a rink of ice. Thirty canvas sleds were built for use by the chorus in the number. Parker designed the set, which was the first of its kind to be seen at Hollywood.