CINEMA PROGRAMMES

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1935, Page 3

CINEMA PROGRAMMES

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.” A good picture advertises itself and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” which is now showing twice daily at Everybody s Theatre, New Plymouth, has proved itself by continuing to draw packed houses. Dumas’ epic of the past Napoleonic days has long held a place in the halls of literary fame, so the story of Edmond Dantes, the sailor who first became a prisoner to suit the designs of a selfseeking trio, and later reappeared as the Count of Monte Cristo in search of a justice that proved almost greater than vengeance, is we}l known. However, it has been brought to life on the screen with a faithfulness to detail that gives it a freshness that cannot help but appeal to all; even to the closest students of Dumas. Certain minor liberties have been taken by the producer; as. for instance, the scene on Elba, which was relegated to a brief reference between Dantes and the owner of his ship by Dumas, is given in detail. Yet no undue liberties have been taken, and the finished production is much better than the usual semi-historical picture. The characters are well chosen, the acting is excellent throughout, and the numerous scenes are done with a magnificence rarely seen during recent years. The supporting features are all good. Screenings will be continued until Friday next. NEW PLYMOUTH OPERA HOUSE. “LOYALTIES” TO-MORROW. The picturisation of John Galsworthy s supreme human drama “Loyalties” will be presented at the New Plymouth Opera House to-morrow (Thursday) and day at daily session commencing at 2 and 8 p.m. “Loyalties” is more than a motion picture; it is a stirring chapter of real life, that comes to the screen as timely as the moment, laying bare a crisis that to-day is gripping Europe by the throat—crucifying alike, on the brazen altars of racial antagonism, the pride of men and the loving hearts of women. In poignant scenes of clashing passions, “Loyalties” relentlessly reveals the place in modern society of the Jew—that tragic figure which still remains “the unknown of history.” “Loyalties is real—it may have been written around your life or mine, for we must, all of us, remember that there are loyalties in every life ... from which none of us escape. Loyalties to race, to class, to professional ethics—Qj/en the loyalty of a wife to an erring husband. Around these loyalties that so govern human impulses Galsworthy, in his own inimitable style, has woven the most moving dama it has been the screen’s privilege to present. ?A Jew cries for justice—and a woman pays the costs. And every woman, as she sits, enthralled, living with the characters on the screen this real life story, will asked herself, “In her place should I have done the same?” A perfectly chosen cast features Basil Rathbone, Heather Thatcher, Miles Mander and Joan Wyndham The box plans are at Collier’s. THE REGENT TO-NIGHT. CHANGE OF PROGRAMME. “Desirable,” Warner Bros.’ dynamic and colourful drama of Broadway’s theatrical life and its contact with New York’s social set, commences at The Regent Theatre, New Plymouth, to-night with an all-star cast headed by Jean Muir, George Brent, Verree Teasdale and John Halliday. The picture is filled with highly, dramatic and intensely emotional situations, with ihpier-like dialogue and a climatic clash between a woman of the world and her unsophisticated daughter that fairly takes the breath. Miss Muir plays the part of a sincere and unspoiled girl who has been hidden away in a finishing school by her mother, a reigning beauty of the Broadway stage who selfishly fears the loss of her own popularity if it should become known that she had a grown daughter. Veree Teasdale has the role of the selfcentred domineering mother, who, after reluctantly admitting to the girl’s existence, tries to marry her off to the scion of a snobbish family of blue bloods whom the girl does not love. A varied associate programme includes Paramount British news, “Radio Row” (novelty), “Prize Sap” (comedy) and “The Flame Song” (musical revue). “BARRETTS OF WIMFOLE STREET.” ATTRACTION AT STRATFORD. The long-awaited opportunity of enjoying the dramatic film, “The Barretts of Wimpole Street,” which has been received everywhere as one of the greatest production of the year, will commence at the Plaza Theatre, Stratford, to-day at 1.30 p.m. The story is too well known to need repeating, and all who have seen the stage play will agree that the success of the screen version will depend on the ability of the actors to make the characters live Any doubts will soon be dispelled after seeing the notable records of the three leading players — Charles Laughton, Norma Shearer and Frederic March for each has won the award for the best acting of the year Laughton will be seen in a role which plumbs the depths of his ability, and as Edward Moulton-Barrett, the half-insane and tyrannical Victorian father, he gains the unqualified plaudits of every audience, although naturally he does not win their sympathy. Miss Shearer gives a restrained yet brilliant performance as the crippled and courageous young poetess, while March makes an excellent impetuous and tender lover Even the minor rolos are filled by prominent

players, among whom Maureen O’Sullivan, Una O’Conner and Ralph Forbes give portrayals almost equal to those of the principals. Included in a brilliant supporting programme will be the first of a series of coloured cartoons, “The Discontented Canary,” which would prove a strong attraction by itself. In adidtion there will be a novelty support entitled “Roping Wild Bears,” and it will provide probably the most exciting ten minutes anyone will ever have the opportunity of sitting through. KING’S THEATRE, STRATFORD. “SUCH WOMEN ARE DANGEROUS.” A series of personal triumphs has won stardom for Warner Baxter in “Such Women Are Dangerous,” the crisp new comedy-drama, which will be finally screened at the King's Theatre, Stratford, to-day. This romantic story is intriguingly mysterious. Zane Grey’s book, “The Border Legion,” has been made into a Paramount picture entitled “The Last RoundUp,” commencing at the King’s Theatre to-morrow. Randolph Scott as the hero, Jim Cleve, turns in the best performance of his meteoric career. Barbara Adams,

making her Paramount debut as Joan Randall, is revealed as a striking new type of leading woman, while Monte Blue returns to the screen with a splendid performance in the role of Kells, hard-riding legion leader. Other cast members include Fred Kohler, Fuzzy Knight, Richard Carlt and Barton MacLane. The story is a vivid account of the raiding border bandits, with whom Scott is forced to share his lot. Miss Adams becomes a captive of the Legion and it is around the attempts of Scott to rescue her from Blue and Kohler that the climatic action revolves.